Bob Scott
- Road deaths
Thai govt warns drivers to keep a brake on road mishaps during ‘Seven Deadly Days’ of Songkran Festival
The Thai government has issued a warning to drivers who are travelling during the Songkran Festival, urging them to be careful on the road. This warning comes after the Thailand Road Accidents Data Centre for Road Safety Culture (ThaiRSC) reported 74 fatalities and 2,322 injuries on the first day of the “Seven Deadly Days” of the Songkran Festival. As of…
- Crime News
Sergeant major-turned-cyberpunk surrenders after allegedly hacking 55 million Thais’ data
UPDATE: The sergeant major turned cyberpunk accused of hacking the personal data of 55 million Thais surrendered to police this morning. The alleged hacker, Sgt. Maj. Khemarat Boonchuay, arrived at the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) this morning with his wife for questioning. Police said the suspect remained silent and did not respond to any questions. Sgt. Maj. Khemarat was suspended…
- Crime News
Fruitless: Tourists they face jail time for bringing fruits to Thailand, govt warns
The Thai government issued a warning to tourists that it would be fruitless to bring fruits into Thailand unless they wanted to go to jail. The Department of Agriculture specifically stated that transporting fresh fruit into Thailand without a phytosanitary certificate could result in a fine of 20,000 baht or a jail sentence of one year. The director-general of the…
- Crime News
RTP warns public to be vigilant ahead of Songkran after 312 million baht stolen in online scams
The Royal Thai Police (RTP) cautioned the public to be extra vigilant ahead of the Songkran Festival after scammers last week fraudulently stole over 310 million baht in online extortion. The RTP reported over 5,300 fraud cases were reported by victims last week, with most complaints related to online shopping and bank transfer scams. Yesterday, Pol. Lt. Gen. Sompong Chingduang,…
- Crime News
RTA suspends AWOL sergeant major turned cyberpunk after hacking 55 million Thais’ personal data
The sergeant major turned cyberpunk who was accused of hacking the personal data of 55 million Thais has been suspended by the Royal Thai Army (RTA). Police on Friday reported that the suspect and his wife were detained and questioned about the alleged crime, but the couple has since disappeared. Maj. Gen. Sirichan Ngathong, the deputy spokesperson, stated that “SM2…
- Environment News
Chiang Mai residents sue govt over perpetual air pollution crisis
Residents in Chiang Mai are suing the Government of Thailand for years of neglect in failing to tackle the region’s perpetual air pollution problem. Yesterday, about 1,700 Chiang Mai residents filed a lawsuit in the Administrative Court against Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and two state agencies for their failure to address the annual dense smog that blankets the region. The…
- Songkran News
South Korean Embassy in Thailand ‘boogies’ to celebrate Songkran Festival (video)
The South Korean Embassy in Thailand got down and boogied in preparation for this week’s Songkran Festival. The embassy staff, including the South Korean Ambassador to Thailand, Moon Seoung-hyun, got into the Thai New Year festive spirit by taking part in the traditional “Ram Thai” dance. The two-minute video went viral, receiving over 400,000 views in just four days on…
- Tourism News
Airline industry blames rising costs for expensive airfares, is this true?
Expensive airfares look set to stay for the foreseeable future according to the airline industry. The industry is trotting out the usual excuses that the recent spike in expensive ticket prices is attributed to a rise in operational costs, including surging fuel prices and other factors. Nok Air CEO, Wutthiphum Jurangkool, cited a surge in prices for aviation supply chain…
- Crime News
Two more shot dead in tragic family dispute linked to southern Thailand massacre
Two more people have been found shot dead linked to the tragic family dispute which led to the killing of four people by a cop with a grudge in southern Thailand. The most recent victims identified are the wife and son of the main suspect, a police officer assigned to the Khirirat Nakhom Police Station in Surat Thani. Both individuals were…
- Thailand News
RTA threatens to prosecute draft dodging Thai activist monk
The Royal Thai Army (RTA) announced it will prosecute an activist turned monk if he fails to give a valid reason why he dodged the mandatory conscription process. Phra Netiwit Jaranasampanno faces a court trial and possible compulsory drafting into the army without the benefit of drawing a ballot because of his draft dodging exercise. RTA deputy spokesperson Maj. Gen.…
- Tourism News
Efforts doubled to preserve Koh Kradan, the Best Beach of Earth 2023
Koh Kradan took centre stage last week after being voted the “best beach” on earth. Now, Hat Chao Mai National Park made public it is doubling its effort to ensure it stays at the top of the list by preserving the beach and the surrounding area’s ecosystem. Hat Chao Mai National Park chief Prit Narasrit Koh Kradan revealed the marine…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Thailand braces for thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) urged residents in the North, East, and central regions of Thailand to be prepared for thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail over the coming days. A moderate high-pressure system from China is moving over the northeast and eastern parts of Thailand and the South China Sea, causing southerly and southeasterly winds that bring moisture from the…
- Crime News
Cyberpunk data thief allegedly an army sergeant
The cyberpunk who hacked into a government database and threatened to release the personal data of 55 million Thai people is believed to be an army sergeant. Police held the unnamed army sergeant and his wife this morning in relation to hacking the personal data of 55 million Thais and putting the information up for sale on April 5 under…
- Covid-19 News
China finally reveals results of Wuhan wet market Covid-19 investigation
China finally answered calls to reveal and publish an analysis of samples taken from animals at a wet market in Wuhan linked to the outbreak of Covid-19 and guess what? Definitive proof of how the outbreak started still remains inconclusive. The Huanan Wholesale Seafood Market in Wuhan, China has been a key focus in the search for the origin of Covid…
- Crime News
Early morning raid captures illegal foreign workers at a Pattaya market
An early morning raid at Amon Nakhon fresh market in Pattaya by Chon Buri Immigration officials and Bang Lamung Police Station led to the capture of seven illegal foreign workers. Police reported the surprise raid was conducted at 6am on Wednesday and seven illegal migrants were arrested. Officers searched the market and nearby shops which saw workers from Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam,…
- Tourism News
PM’s plan to tackle soaring cost of air ticket prices in Thailand
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has taken charge to address the soaring prices of air tickets with a comprehensive five-point plan. The plan comes after Deputy Transport Minister Atirat Ratanasate informed the ministry of the measures taken and those in the pipeline to address the substantial hikes due to the surge in demand after the Covid-19 pandemic and the recent decision…
- Crime News
Crooked trail of corruption uncovered after cops arrest bent revenue director for soliciting bribes
Royal Thai Police (RTP) yesterday uncovered a crooked trail of corruption worth 7 million baht following the arrest of an alleged bent government revenue director. RTP officers arrested, Pramual Saengkaewsri, a director in the Ratchathewi district of Bangkok on Wednesday in a hotel carpark as part of a police sting. The 57 year old was apprehended for soliciting bribes amounting to 3 million baht from a…
- Crime News
Thai woman faces life in prison for smuggling 10 million baht in cocaine at Phuket Airport
A Thai woman faces life imprisonment and a fine of up to 5 million baht for smuggling 10 million baht (US$315,000) of cocaine into Thailand yesterday. The 27 year old Thai woman was arrested on arrival at Phuket International Airport and charged with smuggling cocaine worth about 10 million baht last night. Pol. Col. Salan Tantisasanakul, who serves as the…
- Technology News
Thai-lizing industries with AI: The future is machine-made
Thailand is looking toward artificial intelligence (AI) to boost economic growth and the kingdom’s vision to become the globe’s fifth-largest economy by 2027. The government underlines AI as a major tool to boost its economy to automate processes, reduce costs, and increase productivity, all of which can help to increase economic growth. AI can be used to provide more accurate…
- World News
Thailand chips away at US trade deficit with 62% increase in chip market exports
The United States has been experiencing a growing deficit in its chipmaking trade with Asia, but the good news is that Thailand is helping to chip away at that gap. According to US Census data, US imports of chips grew 17% from last year to US$4.86 billion in February, with Asia accounting for 83% of that total. Over the past…
- Crime News
Rogue cop with gambling addiction jailed for 50 years for gun theft
A rogue cop with a gambling addiction was sentenced to 270 years in prison for theft and illegal possession of 160 firearms. He will only serve 50 years as allowed under Thai law. Senior sergeant major Chaowarit Phumkajorn, from Pak Kret Police Station in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, was arrested in October in the Isaan province of Nong Khai after reportedly selling…
- Economy News
Thailand’s billionaire trio makes Forbes’ 2023 list of world’s richest
Forbes yesterday released its annual list of the world’s billionaires, and Thailand has its hands in the till with 28 billionaires, three of whom are ranked in the top 150. The list includes Dhanin Chearavanont, Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, and Sarath Ratanavadi, whose net worths range from US$12.3 billion to US$14.9 billion. Despite this achievement, the year 2023 proved challenging for the…
- Crime News
Surviving a sinister husband and a Thai cliff fall: A Chinese woman’s incredible resilience
A Chinese woman is finally on her feet and on the road to recovery after the trauma of being pushed off a cliff in Thailand in 2019 by a sinister ex-con husband only interested in her wealth. Wang Nan spent the past four years of her life trying to survive her life-threatening ordeal and rebuilding and rehabilitating her life after…
- Songkran News
10-wheelers banned on six roads to reduce Songkran traffic and accidents
In an effort to alleviate traffic congestion and prevent accidents, the use of large vehicles with ten or more wheels has been prohibited on six roads during the Songkran holidays. The national police chief, Damrongsak Kittiprapas, announced his role as head of the traffic police after it was published in the Royal Gazette on Tuesday, reported The Nation. The restricted…
- Thailand News
Pattaya Police on the hunt for thief who stole 30,000 baht from Darul Ibadah Mosque
Pattaya Police are hunting a light-fingered Thai thief who robbed Darul Ibadah Mosque on Pattaya Central Road of 30,000 baht. At 2.25am on Sunday, April 2, the thief stole 30,000 baht from two donation boxes and took a third box with him, in addition to causing 10,000 baht in damage, reported Pattaya Mail. Mosque executives, Thawat Ratchaneekorn, Na Ayutthaya, and…
- World News
Thrilling Thailand package: A cheap holiday deal for Indian tourists
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd., (IRCTC) has launched a budget-friendly tour getaway for Indian travellers called the Thrilling Thailand package. The package includes a six-day tour of Pattaya and Bangkok, starting on April 25. The Thrilling Thailand package includes breakfast and dinner for all days, and holidaymakers will depart from Jayprakash Narayan International Airport or Patna, and…
- World News
Smuggled pork seizure in Thailand sparks fears of African swine fever
Royal Thai Police yesterday blocked a racketeer’s attempt to smuggle 779 kilograms of pork into Thailand from Cambodia. The suspect, Soroun Suot, was caught driving his white Toyota truck on Highway 359 from Sa Kaew to Khao Hin Sorn, according to police. The 42 year old Cambodian admitted to receiving the shipment from a contact at the border in the…
- Politics News
Former US National Security Adviser John Bolton calls Trump a “cancer on the Republican Party”
Former US National Security Adviser John Bolton believes former President Donald Trump is a “cancer on the Republican Party” and says that it can only be cured if he steps aside from running as its presidential nominee. Trump, who promises to “make America great again,” is facing criminal charges in New York related to hush money allegedly paid to adult…
- Automotive
Thai auto industry shows resilience in 2023 Bangkok International Motor Show
The 2023 Bangkok International Motor Show came to an end on Sunday, and the numbers show that the Thai automotive industry is making a strong comeback. Car and motorcycle bookings increased by more than 35% year-on-year to 45,983 units, a figure attributed to an improving economy and the growing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs). Jaturon Komolmit, Vice-Chairman of Grand Prix…
- Expats
Speeding concerns rise in Pattaya following motorcycle accident on Beach Road
Concerns about speeding vehicles on Beach Road in Pattaya have been raised once again following an accident involving a motorcyclist over the weekend. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning when the motorcyclist collided with a parked taxi, resulting in severe injuries. The injured motorcyclist, identified as Tatchaphonsit Jirasatirakul, was promptly transported to a nearby hospital for…
