- 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…
- Business News
Krungthai Bank loan growth: No contraction in confidence
Krungthai Bank (KTB) remains confident in meeting its loan growth target for this year, despite a lending contraction during the initial six months. The bank focuses on achieving a 3% total loan growth throughout 2024, according to its President, Payong Srivanich. The Thai economy’s uneven recovery in the first half of the year and persistent uncertainties in the latter half…
- 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…
- Pattaya News
Severe flooding in Chanthaburi and Trat amid relentless rainfall
Severe flooding gripped Chanthaburi and Trat yesterday, as relentless rainfall continued to batter the regions. Heavy downpours, driven by the convergence of the monsoon trough over northern Thailand and upper Laos along with a moderate southwest monsoon, have caused significant water accumulation in these eastern provinces, according to Paitoon Kengkarnchang from the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR). To…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya’s sharp teens: Samurai swords land youngsters in hot water
Pattaya police arrested a group of teenagers, aged between 14 and 16 years, for possessing samurai swords and other weapons. The incident took place yesterday around 6pm near the Dongtan substation of Pattaya Police Station. Among the confiscated items were three samurai swords, each measuring between 30 and 50 centimetres, six pocket knives, and three brass knuckles. The teens, comprising…
- Thailand News
SCB X delays end of Robinhood food delivery service
Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) X PCL has made a significant decision to delay the termination of its Robinhood food delivery service, initially planned for the end of this month. The company yesterday, July 29, submitted a formal request to the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) to extend the service’s operation. Manop Sangiambut, Chief Financial Officer of SCB X, revealed the…
- Thailand News
Head-on crash between taxi and wrong-way driver goes viral
A dramatic head-on collision between a taxi and a wrong-way driver sparked a flurry of online debate. The incident, captured on a dashcam and shared widely, took place on Sunday, July 28, and has since gone viral, drawing sharp criticism and speculation from netizens. The footage reveals a taxi driving along a curved section of a road when a vehicle…
- Bangkok News
Python in Government House: Officials search to find slithery mum
A young python caused a stir at the Government House leading to a frantic search for its mother by officials. The incident occurred at 12.30pm, yesterday, July 29, following a Cabinet meeting. As ministers were leaving, the discovery of a baby python curled up in the press room sparked discussions among journalists and onlookers, one official said. “This has never…
- Thailand News
Lottery Plus battles 1,700 fake pages and scams
Noted public figure Panthawat Nakvisut, also known as Not Lottery Plus, filed a complaint with the police against fraudulent pages and gambling websites. Joined by Apaporn Hai, Mont Sit Khamsoi, and their legal team, they presented evidence at the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB). The complaint follows the discovery of scammers using photographs of their presenters to fraudulently sell mystery boxes…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Monsoon rains to hit 39 provinces in Thailand, flash flood warnings
Heavy monsoon rains are expected to lash 39 provinces across Thailand, with severe weather warnings issued for potential flash floods and runoff. Bangkok is also bracing for significant rainfall, with 70% of the area anticipated to be affected. The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) forecast for the next 24 hours indicates that a monsoon trough is moving through Myanmar and…
- Thailand News
Hospitalised boy gets final gift from dead father in northern Thailand
A tear-jerking tragic event unfolded at a hospital, where a group of nurses and volunteers surprised a four year old child with a birthday cake and a final gift from his father, who had recently died in a road accident. A motorcycle accident involving a cement truck occurred in front of a resort on Highway 2032, Sri Songkhram-Thakadokkeaw Road, in…
- Thailand News
Big D Gerrard exposes taxi driver watching pornography
Big D Gerrard encountered a taxi driver watching pornography in the car while stopped at a traffic light. The singer shared a video of the incident on TikTok, questioning how one would feel if their daughter had to ride in such a taxi. Big D Gerrard, whose real name is Brian Gerard Ukrit Willie Broad Don Gabriel, posted the video…
- Pattaya News
Heavy rain, strong winds wreak havoc in Pattaya and Na Kluea
Heavy rain and strong winds battered the coastal areas of Pattaya and Na Kluea today, causing significant damage to property and infrastructure. The Meteorological Department of Thailand predicted heavy rain in 80% of the area, focusing particularly on the Eastern region and Bangkok. Additionally, the Southern Andaman coast and the Gulf of Thailand were expected to experience waves up to…
- Pattaya News
Thief caught on camera breaking into Pattaya apartments
A daring thief was caught on security cameras sneaking into an apartment building in Pattaya’s Soi Buakhao and breaking into unlocked rooms to steal valuables. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of July 20, was documented on security footage later released by the apartment owner to alert the public. Local reporters visited S.B. Apartments in Soi Buakhao after…
- Thailand News
Prime minister fears for Trat amid worsening floods
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin voiced serious concern about the ongoing flooding in Trat, which has persisted since it was first reported last week. The government is closely monitoring the situation in the eastern province, according to a Facebook post by the Thai premier yesterday, July 29. The 62 year old Thai prime minister expressed gratitude to the Royal Thai Armed…
- Bangkok News
MFP to lift the curtain: Bangkok gym gear scandal in the spotlight
The Move Forward Party (MFP) called for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to disclose the results of its investigations into alleged corruption within a procurement programme for gym equipment. Suphanat Meenchainan, MFP MP for Chatuchak, Bang Khen, and Lak Si, announced the procurement irregularities came to public attention online in June. The BMA reportedly faced procurement issues at nine of…
- Bangkok News
Thai-ing up loose ends: Fake prosecutor’s fraud case grows
An investigation into a Thai man accused of posing as a prosecutor and engaging in fraudulent activities is expanding, according to a source from the prosecution. Thai police are delving deeper into the actions of Mongkol Preesukkasem, who was apprehended last Thursday, July 25, while delivering a law enforcement lecture at a high school in Nonthaburi. Taling Chan police in…
- Tourism News
Bad Apple: Thailand ad blunder sparks boycott fury (video)
A condescending new advertisement by US giant Apple sparked outrage in Thailand, with locals threatening to ditch Apple and their iPhones for Samsung. Thai resident and English teacher David William, who boasts 1.6 million Facebook followers and 2.9 million TikTok followers, slammed the ad on his TikTok account @davidwilliamdw. His critique of the ad, The Underdogs: OOO (Out Of Office)…
- Pattaya News
High crimes: Pattaya police arrest drug-dealing monk
In the latest news of monks behaving badly, another member of the Buddhist faith has been arrested by local police in Pattaya on allegations of selling illegal drugs. This arrest also led to the capture of his supplier. The operation took place yesterday under the direction of Police Colonel Nawin Sinthurat, Chief of the Bang Lamung Police Station. Acting on…
- Thailand News
Thailand to ASEAN: Let’s get digital for ‘byte-sized’ unity
Thailand urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to enhance integration by adopting a unified digital economy system, supporting sustainable development, and ensuring regional security through existing mechanisms. Speaking at the 57th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Vientiane yesterday, July 28, Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa emphasised the growing interest of many countries and international organisations in engaging with ASEAN.…
- Thailand News
Thailand PM faces ousting over controversial appointment
Debate is intensifying over whether Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin should be ousted from office following his controversial decision to appoint Pichit Chuenban, a former convict, as a PM’s Office Minister in the latest Cabinet reshuffle. Former senator Wanchai Sornsiri expressed confidence that the Constitutional Court will likely dismiss the case against PM Srettha, pointing out that no court ruling has…
- Thailand News
Thai Senate to cut standing committees amid reduced membership
The Senate is poised to reduce the number of its standing committees to align with the decreased number of senators in the Upper House. Concerns have been raised that this reduction could affect the chamber’s functionality in government. The Senate will debate this issue in its second meeting tomorrow, July 30. Mongkol Surasajja, recently elected as Senate speaker, confirmed that…
- Thailand News
Bhumjaithai Party allies dominate new Thai Senate
The new Senate is poised to play a crucial role in the forthcoming political power dynamics and efforts to amend the Thai constitution. Observers note that the Upper House is now heavily influenced by senators with connections to the Bhumjaithai Party, the third-largest political faction in Thailand. The newly elected Senate Speaker and one of his deputies are perceived to…
- Thailand News
Strategist shares HIV journey from Thailand at AIDS 2024
A 39 year old strategist working with Hiv-Sverige/HIV-Sweden, a national organisation dedicated to the welfare of people living with HIV, revealed he contracted the virus in Thailand in 2012. Emanuel Karlstrom expressed gratitude to the Thai Red Cross Society’s Anonymous Clinic for providing him with HIV medication and essential guidance on maintaining a healthy life while living with the virus.…
- Thailand News
High hopes: Anutin’s green light for cannabis bill in Thailand
Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed confidence yesterday that the cannabis control bill will be enacted within the tenure of the current coalition government. Meanwhile, a health advocacy group has pushed for a complete ban on recreational cannabis use. The Bhumjaithai Party submitted an initial version of the bill to the House last September. The Ministry of…
- Thailand News
Thailand eases visa rules to attract long-term visitors
New visa regulations issued by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs have made it significantly easier to visit and stay in the country long-term. The number of countries eligible for visa-free entry has increased from 57 to 93, now including India and China. Visitors from these countries will receive a 60-day entry stamp, which can be extended for another 30 days…
- Business News
SCG Décor forecasts 10% rise to 30 billion baht in ASEAN market
SCG Décor (SCGD), a key player in the decor surface and bathroom business, projects a 10% year-on-year revenue increase to 30 billion baht, largely fuelled by heightened sales in the ASEAN market, including a significant push for green products. The company anticipates its revenue will double by 2030. Numpol Malichai, Chief Executive and Managing Director of SCGD, revealed the company’s intention…
- Business News
Thailand car production hits brakes amid finance woes
Thailand’s car production has skidded to a 20.11% drop in June compared to last year, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). This decline accelerates from May’s 16.19% downturn, driven by stricter financing rules and soaring consumer debt levels. In the first half of this year, car production tumbled by 17.39%, totalling 761,240 units. The FTI attributes this slump…
- Tourism News
Indonesia launches golden visa with 10-year residency for investors
Indonesia has introduced a long-term visa scheme aimed at attracting rich, “good-quality” foreign investors, President Joko Widodo announced. The new Golden Visa offers a 10-year residency permit to those rich enough to invest up to US$10 million in Southeast Asia’s largest economy. The scheme includes a five-year visa option, requiring an individual to set up a company worth US$2.5 million,…
