- Bangkok News
Yellow and Pink monorails getting a ‘wheel’ new level of safety
Reinforcement of the guidewheels on all Yellow and Pink monorail trains has been announced to enhance the systems’ safety in Bangkok. The director of Eastern Bangkok Monorail Co (EBM) and Northern Bangkok Monorail (NBM), Surapong Laoha-unya, who is also the CEO of BTS Group Holdings, revealed the initiative yesterday, August 8. This decision follows an incident on January 2 when…
- Business News
Thai gear shift: BOI revs up JV incentives for global auto partners
Thailand announced incentives to encourage joint ventures (JV) between Thai and foreign companies to produce automotive parts for various propulsion systems, the Board of Investment (BOI) revealed yesterday. Recognised as Southeast Asia’s leading automotive production hub, Thailand also serves as a significant export base for prominent global car manufacturers. The government is keenly promoting investments in electric vehicles (EVs), offering…
- Thailand News
Thai-ing up: China’s industrial trade reshapes Southeast Asia
Chinese industrial products are increasingly penetrating the Southeast Asian market, significantly impacting Thailand’s trade dynamics. The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) reports that this influx has diminished Thailand’s market share and contributed to a trade deficit with China amounting to nearly US$20 billion. Chinese online retailer Temu’s recent entry into Thailand is poised to exacerbate this…
- Thailand News
Agriculture Ministry seeks Cabinet approval for state land use
The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives plans to request Cabinet approval to utilise lands from state agencies for royally initiated projects. Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thamanat Prompow announced the proposed resolution during a meeting at the Office of Agricultural Economics focused on assessing these projects. Royally initiated projects have been prioritised by the ministry as they aim to eradicate poverty…
- World News
‘Succulent Chinese meal’ meme star Jack Karlson dies at 82 (video)
Jack Karlson, the unforgettable face of the “succulent Chinese meal” meme, has died at the age of 82. The Karlson family confirmed the sad news, saying they are grieving “with heavy hearts” as Jack passed away yesterday, August 7, surrounded by his loved ones. Jack became a viral sensation back in October 1991 after his arrest outside the China Sea…
- Thailand News
Thai ministry steps in as mothers’ vape video sparks concern
The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) intervened to assist two children after a video surfaced showing their young mothers vaping next to them. The video, which gained widespread attention about a week ago, featured two young mothers, 22 year old Por, and 19 year old Nut, vaping while their children—an eight-month-old infant and a two-year-old toddler—were nearby.…
- Crime News
Inmate charged with sexual assault in Bang Kwang Central Prison
A prisoner in Bang Kwang Central Prison has been charged with drugging and sexually assaulting a fellow inmate. Despite reporting the incident to prison staff, no action was initially taken, leading to further harassment and severe emotional distress for the victim. The incident occurred in a cell at Bang Kwang Central Prison on January 7. The victim decided to seek…
- Phuket News
Man caught in Phuket after two-year hunt for selling modified guns
A 29 year old man has been apprehended in Phuket following a two-year manhunt for his involvement in modifying blank guns and selling them via live broadcasts on Facebook. The suspect, known only as Kittiphon or Tom, managed to evade capture by fleeing from Phang Nga to Phuket. Officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the Crime Suppression Division…
- Politics News
Ban-tastic wins: Political dynasties dominate PAO elections
Candidates from influential Ban Yai political families emerged victorious in the Provincial Administration Organisation (PAO) chair elections across three provinces. The PAO elections, held yesterday in Ayutthaya, Chai Nat, and Phayao, saw unofficial winners linked to the Bhumjaithai Party, the United Thai Nation Party, and the Pheu Thai Party. In Ayutthaya, Somsong Phancharoenworakul, a five-time chairwoman of the Ayutthaya PAO,…
- Thailand News
Thailand to amend domestic violence law amid rising abuse
Thailand is set to amend its anti-domestic violence law in response to rising concerns about household abuse. The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security is spearheading this revision, citing the increasing fragility of Thai society. Minister Varawut Silpa-archa announced that a primary focus of the ministry’s recent monthly meeting was the amendment of the Victims of Domestic Violence Protection…
- Road deaths
Truck driver dies after six-wheel lorry plunges into canal
A truck driver, unfamiliar with the route and driving in heavy rain, lost control of a six-wheel truck, causing it to plunge into a canal, resulting in his death. Before succumbing to the water, he desperately knocked on the window for help. Police Lieutenant Suchanan Phromma, from the Mueang Chachoengsao Police Station, yesterday, August 4, reported receiving a call at…
- Phuket News
Croc on the run finally in the net after a week of gator-aid in Phuket
A saltwater crocodile, which had been eluding capture for six days, was finally apprehended by local officials in Phuket. The reptile, discovered in an old mining pond, will undergo health and species checks at a coastal fisheries research centre. Security guards at a golf course in Pa Khlok, Thalang District, Phuket, first spotted the crocodile on July 31. The sighting…
- Thailand News
Khon Kaen shop owner scammed into buying water instead of beer
A grocery shop owner in Khon Kaen was deceived into buying a crate of what she thought was beer for 500 baht, only to find it filled with bottles of plain water. She shared a video online to warn other shop owners of the scam. The incident took place yesterday, August 4, at around 7pm. The owner, 64 year old…
- Thailand News
Snake vs. gecko battle: ‘Room’ for drama outside the bedroom
A rare and dramatic encounter between a green snake and a gecko took place right outside a bedroom, leaving a man in shock and unable to leave his room. This unusual event was captured on video and quickly went viral on social media. Chanchai Choysanoi shared a clip on Facebook, showing the intense battle between the green snake and the…
- Thailand News
Motorcycle runs red light in Khon Kaen, fatal crash ensues
A tragic accident occurred at a busy intersection in Khon Kaen, where a motorcycle ran a red light and was struck by a taxi, resulting in one fatality and serious injuries to the pillion rider. The incident was captured on CCTV. At 10am today, August 5, footage from a CCTV camera installed at the Pratu Mueang intersection in Khon Kaen…
- Thailand News
Tragedy near Khao Yai: ‘Shot’ in the dark leads to murder probe
A Thai woman was found dead with a gunshot wound to her head near Khao Yai, sparking a police investigation into potential murder. The incident occurred yesterday, August 4, with local authorities receiving a report about the body discovered in a wooded area off Thanarat Road. Police identified the victim as 34 year old Netnapa Kransut, from Mueang district, Nakhon…
- Thailand News
Lamphun University student arrested for child exploitation scheme
Royal Thai Police (RTA) arrested a third-year university student from Lamphun for luring underage girls into sexual acts and recording the encounters to sell online. Shockingly, one of the victims was only 12 years old, and the clientele included monks, government officials, students, and other university attendees. The arrest took place yesterday, August 4, with Police Lieutenant General Prachuap Wongsoog,…
- Thailand News
Thai publishing ‘chapter’ of decline amid spending woes
The Thai publishing market faces a predicted decline this year due to economic challenges affecting consumer spending, according to the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (PUBAT). However, booksellers remain optimistic, identifying potential growth in niche markets. Nattakorn Vuttichaipornkul, Vice-President of Internal Affairs at PUBAT, reported a modest decrease in book sales during the first half of the year. “The…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s labour woes: A ‘lawsuit’ of unexpected disputes
Labour disputes in Thailand have surged, contrary to the country’s generally non-litigious reputation. According to the Thai Office of the Judiciary’s Annual Statistical Report, more than 10,000 labour dispute cases have been recorded annually over the past five years. Employers in Thailand frequently face claims of unfair termination, a significant source of financial and operational issues for both local and…
- Business News
Temu enters Thai market, intensifies e-commerce competition
Temu, China’s e-commerce giant, recently entered the Thai market, stirring up competition across both online and offline sectors in Thailand. The move, according to industry experts, is set to intensify cross-border competition, challenging existing players and local businesses alike. Thailand’s e-marketplace has long been dominated by foreign giants like Lazada (owned by Alibaba), Shopee (under Singapore’s SEA), and China’s TikTok…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya rebranding as family-friendly destination to boost tourism
Pattaya’s tourism operators have put forth a proposal to the tourism minister, aiming to transform the city’s image into a family-friendly destination, distancing it from associations with sex tourism and illegal gambling. The Association of Chon Buri Tourism Federation (ACTF) recently convened with Tourism Minister Sermsak Pongpanit to discuss the initiative. The meeting also included insights from a workshop that…
- Thailand News
Rayong residents call for construction permit verification
Residents of Ban Khai district in Rayong are urging government officials to verify whether the owner of a local construction project possesses the necessary permits. Concerns were sparked after a Chinese language poster was seen at a construction site for a factory within their community. Adul Akkaraphetpaisarn, an assistant village head, expressed that the village had not been informed of…
- Pattaya News
Kuwaitis face deportation after Pattaya confrontation with Thais
Pattaya City police have initiated a detailed investigation following a violent confrontation between Thai and Kuwaiti nationals on Soi Yensabai this weekend. The Kuwaiti suspects are facing potential deportation after legal proceedings, according to police sources. The investigation is being led by Deputy Commander of Pattaya Police Station, Police Lieutenant Colonel Sirach Nuethes, along with Superintendent of Tourist Police Division…
- Thailand News
Ministry serves up a vote: Help ‘dish’ out Thailand’s best local eats
The Ministry of Culture has called upon the public to vote for Thailand’s best local food in a new initiative aimed at preserving and promoting indigenous cuisine while boosting its economic value. Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol announced yesterday, August 4, that the nation’s culinary heritage is a significant cultural asset that embodies Thai identity. The ministry launched the Thailand Best…
- Thailand News
10,000-baht scheme will go ahead: PM’s future ‘baht’ a problem
The Government of Thailand confirmed that the implementation of the 10,000-baht digital money handout scheme will proceed regardless of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s political future. This assurance comes amid concerns over the Thai premier’s potential dismissal due to a legal challenge. The 62 year old Thai PM’s position is under scrutiny due to a motion submitted by 40 senators. They…
- Thailand News
Tourist injured in Chumphon resort balcony collapse
A man sustained serious injuries after the balcony he was on collapsed at a resort in Chumphon, leading to concerns about unlicensed accommodation and unresponsive local police. Only the local tourist police offered effective help. On July 27, Yanisa, a 46 year old woman from Phetchaburi, and her husband, 44 year old Piyapol, along with friends, were staying at a…
- Business News
AIS, Oracle Alloy unveil Thailand’s first hyperscale cloud service
Advanced Info Service (AIS) announced a partnership with Oracle Alloy to introduce Thailand’s first locally owned and operated hyperscale cloud infrastructure services. This significant collaboration aims to enhance the country’s cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) landscape, currently valued at around 100 billion baht. The newly formed partnership, confirmed to involve a joint investment of up to 8 billion baht by…
- Business News
Thailand’s bike boom hits a brake with debt drag
Thailand’s motorcycle manufacturing output is expected to continue its decline in the second half of the year due to high household debt and a weak economy, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). The FTI Vice-Chairman and spokesperson for the federation’s Automotive Industry Club, Surapong Paisitpatanapong, commented on the challenging economic conditions. He noted that while the motorcycle industry…
- Technology News
Thailand invests 1 billion baht to boost AI skills and startups
Thailand is poised to harness the momentum of the global artificial intelligence (AI) trend, aiming to transition from an AI user to an AI application creator, as stated by the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC). The country’s strategy involves leveraging its robust ecosystem, which includes high-performance computing infrastructure, thriving data centres, and ongoing development of skilled employees, research…
- Politics News
Senators call for PM Srettha’s exit after ex-con Cabinet pick
Forty former senators are pushing for the dismissal of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin over his decision to appoint Pichit Chuenban, an ex-convict, as a Cabinet minister. They announced plans to submit their closing statement to the Constitutional Court by the end of the month. Somchai Swangkarn, a former Senator, revealed that the group is finalising a written closing statement for…
