- Thailand News
Thai couple could face firing squad for Indonesia drug bust
Two Thai nationals face execution for drug trafficking charges in Indonesia. Rachanon Jongseeha and his girlfriend Woranawan Wongsuwan were among six people arrested in Bali last week on drug charges by Indonesian police. Four could face execution under the country’s strict drug laws. The 33 year old Rachanon and his 31 year old girlfriend were arrested upon arrival at Bali’s…
- Thailand News
Wired up: Jobless man arrested for stealing 208 metres of copper in Bangkok
Police arrested a man suspected of stealing copper wire totalling over 208 metres from the Ong Ang canal in Bangkok, valued at more than 180,000 baht. The suspect claimed he resorted to theft after losing his job. Police Major General Samart Promchat, Deputy Police Major General Narit Pratthanaporn, and Police Colonel Pawat Watsupattra from the Phra Ratchawang Police Station yesterday,…
- Thailand News
Tying the not: Wat Ratchabophit bans wedding snaps
In a striking move to maintain its sacred aura, the Wat Ratchabophit temple declared that wedding ceremonies and pre-wedding photoshoots are now strictly off-limits within its idyllic grounds. Social media had been buzzing with misleading chatter, but the temple has made it crystal clear: it’s a no-go for nuptial celebrations. On September 15, Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram made a sweeping statement,…
- Thailand News
Gold rush: Fed’s policy shift sparks record-breaking prices
Gold prices soared to an all-time high today as traders anticipate the Federal Reserve’s first shift towards easing monetary policy in over four years. The price of bullion jumped by up to 0.4%, hitting a peak of US$2,589.03 per ounce during Asian trading hours, today, September 17. This comes after a 3.2% increase last week, with eyes now on the…
- Tourism News
Thailand to revive 300-baht tourism tax to boost revenue
Tourism Minister Sorawong Thienthong reignited plans for a 300-baht tourism tax, which was put on ice by former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The move is set to help rake in a whopping 3 trillion baht in tourism revenue this year. Sorawong, who stepped into his role yesterday, September 16, believes the tax will be a game-changer for the industry. “This…
- Thailand News
Deadly denial: No sick leave for employee leads to tragic end
Tragedy struck a major company in Samut Prakan’s Bang Pu industrial estate, leaving an employee dead after being denied sick leave. The worker, who had never taken a day off, was pressured to keep working despite being unwell, and the heartbreaking outcome sparked outrage and calls for justice. Yesterday, September 15, the shocking story was shared on the popular Facebook…
- Thailand News
Golden harmony: Gold strikes a steady chord at 41,100 baht
Gold prices hit a steady chord today, with the Gold Traders Association (GTA) revealing that ornamental gold is holding firm at 41,100 baht per baht-weight. This comes as no shock to avid market watchers, as the rates remain unchanged from yesterday’s final figures. The GTA delivered their first update of the day at precisely 9.03am, today, September 16, setting the…
- Thailand News
Thai residents flooded with massive bills, demand monthly relief
Residents of Bua Yai in Nakhon Ratchasima are fuming over eye-watering water bills running into tens of thousands of baht, courtesy of a two-year billing cycle enforced by Bua Yai Municipality. Furious locals are demanding an immediate switch to monthly billing to ease their financial strain. Today, September 16, the story of 57 year old Busakorn Changkrian brought the issue…
- Thailand News
Lice to meet you: TikTok clip of girl’s hair-raising ordeal bugs social media
A TikTok video has taken social media by storm after a hairdresser in Khon Kaen noticed a young girl lingering outside the shop, too embarrassed to step inside. The heartbreaking reason? An overwhelming infestation of lice covering her scalp. The viral clip, posted by user @rattanavichasr, showcases the shocking extent of the lice and eggs crawling through the girl’s hair,…
- Thailand News
K9 hero Singto death leaves pawprints on Thailand hearts
An outpouring of love flooded social media and animal-loving communities in Thailand as tributes poured in for Singto, a gallant K9 rescue dog who served his country with unwavering dedication for 11 years. The loyal hero, part of the National Rescue Dog Organisation, passed away just three days after completing his final mission, leaving many in mourning. The sad news…
- Bangkok News
Spirit sale: Haunted bed gives netizens ghost bumps in Bangkok
A Facebook user today posted a spine-tingling advert in a second-hand furniture group, offering a “spirit-confining wooden bed” for a mere 500 baht. The bed in question, an unassuming three-foot wooden frame, is allegedly haunted, though it no longer contains the talisman that previously kept any restless spirits in check. Describing the bed as fully functional and in good condition,…
- World News
Sneaky love: Japanese woman finds hubby behind harassment calls
A Japanese woman endured daily harassment through phone calls for several weeks before discovering the culprit was her husband, who claimed he acted out of love. A 31 year old woman living in Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture, began receiving numerous calls from an unknown number several weeks ago. The calls, which occurred daily, often exceeded 100 times a day. The mysterious…
- Business News
Political payout: Listed companies to rake in the baht
Listed companies across a swath of sectors are set to cash in big, thanks to the Pheu Thai-led administration’s progressive new policies, Bualuang Securities (BLS) revealed. The brokerage is urging investors to zoom in on mid-cap stocks, particularly in retail, consumer goods, food, finance, construction, transport, tourism, and healthcare. The launch of Vayupak Fund units has already sent the Stock…
- Thailand News
Drain expectations: Water woes in Thailand get fast-tracked fix
Government officials are pulling out all the stops to accelerate water drainage in the flood-stricken northeastern provinces of Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom, and Bung Kan, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced. The 58 year old deputy PM emphasised that swift action in draining water into the Mekong River could dramatically lessen the flood impacts compared to the…
- Thailand News
Accor flies high: Premium brand expansion takes off in Thailand
Global hospitality titan Accor is firing on all cylinders as it accelerates the rollout of its premium brands in Thailand and across the globe. The move is fuelled by bullish forecasts for booming travel over the next decade, with the company setting its sights on high-potential markets such as India’s growing middle class and China’s robust outbound travel scene. Karelle…
- Thailand News
Cluck’s up: Texas Chicken to fly the coop in Thailand after 9 years
In a shock announcement, Texas Chicken has revealed that it will be shuttering all its outlets in Thailand by the end of this month, ending a nine-year run that has left fans of the crispy treat crestfallen. The bombshell was dropped on their official Facebook page, and there was no explanation for the abrupt exit. “It’s time to say goodbye…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s ‘Wellness on a Plate’ campaign serves up health benefits
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is cooking up something special! In a bold move, the TAT has launched a dazzling new campaign titled Wellness on a Plate, spotlighting the health perks of Thailand’s eclectic culinary delights. Aiming to marry the nation’s rich food culture with wellness tourism, this initiative promises a feast for both the senses and the soul.…
- Thailand News
Thai-riffic tech boom: Chinese software firms set sights on Thailand
Chinese software companies are increasingly setting their sights on Thailand, recognising it as a key market for digital growth. Many of these firms, mostly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), started by providing cloud-based solutions to Chinese online merchants in Thailand. Their offerings include sales order management, inventory control, and accounting software. In a sign of the times, Chinese food delivery…
- Transport News
Thailand’s plan to ‘track’ down train costs with 20 baht fare cap
The Government of Thailand is considering taking over seven electric train lines, worth around 500 billion baht, to fulfil a campaign promise from the Pheu Thai Party to cap fares at a mere 20 baht per route. Finance Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit revealed that the Finance Ministry has been approached by the Transport Ministry, through the State Enterprise Policy Office,…
- Tourism News
Thailand’s tourism shake-up: Private sector dives into man-made marvels
Thailand is gearing up to revamp its tourism scene with a fresh array of man-made attractions, and the private sector is already jumping on board. The government is drawing up plans for entertainment complexes that will include legal casinos, marking a bold new direction for the country’s tourism strategy. Private firms are keen to get in on the action. Asset…
- Pattaya News
Baby Shark’s new studio makes a splash with Doe A Deer debut
The Baby Shark Swimming Academy made a splash yesterday with the grand opening of its new singing and acting hub, Doe A Deer Studio, in Bang Lamung, near Pattaya. The event, which kicked off at 1.30pm, September 15, was co-chaired by Mintnicha Yarasek, Director of the Baby Shark Swimming Academy, alongside Chettha Yarasek, Phradorn Yarasek, and Pattaya City Mayor Poramese…
- Thailand News
Mekong your way to better flood control: Experts call for joint effort
The International Rivers Network issued a stark warning, calling on the government to urgently team up with neighbouring nations to manage the Mekong River more effectively. The aim? To cut economic losses and save lives when future floods hit. Pianporn Deetes, the Campaign Director for the Southeast Asia Programme at the International Rivers Network, revealed that recent devastating floods in…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Thailand braces for heavy rainfall and potential flooding
Heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected to impact Thailand over the next few days, with the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issuing warnings for 65 provinces. Residents are advised to prepare for potential flooding and flash floods, particularly in vulnerable areas. TMD released its seventh warning, indicating that from today, September 15, until tomorrow, Thailand will experience increased rainfall, with…
- Thailand News
Thailand champions game-changing tax scheme for low earners
Finance Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit has thrown his weight behind the daring negative income tax (NIT) scheme, championing welfare payments for workers when their income dips below a certain threshold. Dubbed “workfare,” this initiative is geared to incentivise employment while offering crucial financial support. Lavaron made his case clear: the NIT system encourages people to stay employed by guaranteeing state…
- Thailand News
Pet peeve turns deadly: Feud erupts in central Thailand bloodbath
A bitter, months-long dispute over pets exploded into shocking violence in Pathum Thani’s Khlong Luang district yesterday, leaving a retired army officer and his neighbour dead in a bloody confrontation. Police rushed to the scene at a housing estate in tambon Khlong Sam yesterday, September 8, around 7.30am, where they discovered the lifeless bodies of 64 year old Colonel Jaruchart…
- Pattaya News
Raining trouble: Downpour drama traps man in Pattaya elevator
Drama struck in Nongprue yesterday when heavy rain caused a power outage, leaving a man trapped in an elevator for nearly two hours. The incident unfolded yesterday, September 8, at an apartment building on Soi Krom Thidin 4, in Pattaya creating a scene of chaos and tension. At 5.56pm, an emergency call was made to the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue…
- Pattaya News
Scaffold sore: Storm lashes Pattaya, topples hotel project (video)
Pattaya City was battered by strong winds and heavy rain yesterday at around 5pm, leading to a major construction site calamity. Scaffolding at a seven-story hotel project on Pattaya Klang Road in Soi Arunotai came crashing down, smashing into power lines and causing high-voltage power poles to break, blocking the road. Miraculously, no injuries were reported. The collapse, a direct result…
- Thailand News
River runs deep: Thai minister dives into Chao Phraya water woes
Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat took centre stage yesterday as she inspected water management in the Chao Phraya River basin. In a high-stakes visit, she was joined yesterday, September 8, by her no-nonsense predecessor Thamanat Prompow, Deputy Minister Akara Prompow, and Deputy Minister Itthi Sirilattthayakorn. The power-packed team first swooped into Chai Nat, where they meticulously reviewed operations at…
- Thailand News
Thailand rice is on the rise with global GI glamour
The Thailand Rice Department is on a mission to put Thai rice in the global spotlight by promoting its distinctive strains with certified Geographical Indication (GI) labels to a wider audience. Farming communities in Phatthalung and Trang in the south, along with Phayao in the north, have crafted premium rice products that command top prices. These farmers are betting on…
- Business News
Thailand’s gold prices drop like a rock, baht’s the culprit
Gold prices in Thailand have taken a nosedive, plummeting by 2,000 baht per baht weight in just over a month. This dramatic drop is attributed to the Thai baht’s impressive 7% rise during the same period. The Gold Traders Association (GTA) warns that prices could fall further if the baht continues to strengthen. Jitti Tangsithpakdi, President of the GTA, explained…
