- Business News
Thai rice faces sticky situation as Vietnamese rice steals the show
Rice exporters are sounding the alarm over the possible disappearance of local Thai rice varieties, as farmers increasingly switch to a Vietnamese strain celebrated for its soft texture. Charoen Laothamatas, President of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, raised concerns about the dire state of the industry. Production of beloved Thai varieties like Pathum Thani fragrant rice and KB 79 has…
- Business News
Thailand aims to be global tech talent hub by 2030
Thailand is on the brink of becoming a global hub hotspot, thanks to its strategic location, abundant resources, and savvy policies aimed at drawing in young professionals, according to industry bigwigs. The strategy, highlighted at the Techsauce Global Summit 2024 Home for Tech Talent panel, seeks to boost knowledge transfer and export future talent. Karndee Leopairote, chief of foresight and…
- Thailand News
Support floods in for social activist battling costly illness in Thailand
Residents in Kanchanaburi, West Thailand, have rallied to help aid a social activist suffering from severe illness due to a lack of protein caused by a stomach disease. The activist, Mint, appealed for help as her medical expenses reached 4,000 baht per day. Mint, the owner of the Facebook page “ชื่อ’อ มิ้น’น,” posted a heartfelt plea for donations to cover…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya rolls out the red carpet: Aiming for film-tastic UNESCO spot
The seaside resort of Pattaya is gearing up to host the Pattaya Film Festival 2024 in a bid to establish itself as a UNESCO Creative City of Film. The festival seeks to boost tourism through film-related activities and position Pattaya as a central hub in the film industry as part of its development plan for 2023-2030. A press conference was…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Don’t let Thailand’s smiles rain on your parade: Brace for floods
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) forecasted increased rainfall and potential flash floods over the next ten days, urging vigilance from residents in the Land of Smiles. The TMD released its updated ten-day rainfall accumulation forecast, predicting increased rainfall and potential flash floods from today to ten days ahead. This forecast, based on data from the European Centre for Medium-Range…
- Politics News
People’s Party confirmed legal despite petition threat
The People’s Party (PP), emerging from the recently disbanded Move Forward Party (MFP), has been confirmed by the Election Commission (EC) as having established the necessary party branches legally. The announcement followed a statement by Warong Dechgitvigrom, leader of the Thai Pakdee Party, who indicated his intention to file a petition against the PP. His contention revolves around the predecessor,…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s ‘call’ for scam help at Mekong meeting
The Government of Thailand will leverage the upcoming Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) meeting to seek regional support in tackling call centre scam gangs. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin tasked Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa with addressing this issue during the meeting and exploring effective strategies to combat cross-border crimes, including these scams. The 9th MLC meeting is set for Thursday and Friday in…
- Bangkok News
Billion baht boatloads: Bangkok’s big splash in water transport
Thailand’s Office of Transport and Traffic Policy Planning (OTP) announced an ambitious plan to invest 8.87 billion baht to enhance water transport networks in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces. This comprehensive development plan aims to bolster public transport by boat, spanning from 2024 to 2032. Panya Chupanich, Director-General of the OTP, confirmed that the Transport Ministry approved the project, which…
- Thailand News
MPs demand answers from PM over delayed financial bills
The House Committee on Political Development, Mass Communications, and Public Participation is seeking answers from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin after his delayed endorsement of 16 financial legislation bills. The committee, led by People’s Party (PP) list-MP Parit Wacharasindhu, has called on the Thai premier, his Secretary-General Prommin Lertsuridej, and Acting Pol. Sub. Lt. Arphat Sukanan, the House of Representatives Secretary-General,…
- Bangkok News
Student activists campaign against judges at Thai universities
Student activists at Thammasat and Chulalongkorn universities launched campaigns targeting two Constitutional Court judges who also serve as guest lecturers at their institutions. This action follows the court’s recent ruling that led to the disbandment of the Move Forward Party (MFP). Thammasat University Student Council Rangsit Campus and the committee of students from the Faculty of Law posted an open…
- Krabi News
Dugong to the rescue: Calf gets a nursery boost after Krabi solo act
A young dugong calf, found alone near Koh Poda in Krabi, has been transferred to a nursery in Trang for care and medical attention. Tourists discovered the calf yesterday and promptly notified officials from the Andaman Sea Lower Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre. Pinsak Suraswadi, Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, confirmed the incident and detailed…
- Phuket News
Thai PM calls for tourist safety in Phuket ahead of high season
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin insists tourist safety in Phuket must be prioritised ahead of the upcoming high season. The Thai premier made these remarks during a meeting with tourism-related agencies in Phuket yesterday, August 12, to prepare for the high tourist season from September to February. The meeting was attended by representatives from the Royal Thai Police, Provincial Police Region…
- Thailand News
Thailand lawyers to sue over invasive blackchin tilapia damage
The Lawyers Council of Thailand is gearing up to file a lawsuit against private companies and state agencies responsible for the proliferation of blackchin tilapia, an invasive fish species from West Africa that is rapidly overtaking the country’s waterways. A council team yesterday, August 10, established a booth at Wat Khao Yi San in Samut Songkhram’s Amphawa district. This initiative…
- Phuket News
Self-harming woman hospitalised after rent dispute in Phuket
A 35 year old woman has been hospitalised after being found with self-inflicted knife wounds at a small guest accommodation in Patong, Phuket. Police responded to the incident at a hotel on Phra Mettha Road at 6.56am yesterday, August 11. Upon arrival, officers and rescue workers discovered the woman on a bed with stab wounds to her abdomen and a…
- Thailand News
High stakes in Thailand: Rolling the dice on casino legalisation
Thailand is moving forward with plans to legalise casinos within entertainment complexes. The Finance Ministry has completed a draft of the Entertainment Complex Act, which will soon be subjected to a public hearing in accordance with Section 77 of the constitution. This hearing aims to incorporate public feedback before the bill is presented to the Cabinet for further consideration. Deputy…
- Thailand News
Thailand on alert as WHO considers mpox emergency declaration
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health is on high alert as the World Health Organisation (WHO) considers declaring a monkeypox (mpox) outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Permanent Secretary Dr Opas Karnkawinpong of the Ministry of Public Health revealed that the WHO’s recent report highlighted an increase in mpox cases in Africa. This year, 15 countries have reported…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s cross-border trade hits 912 billion baht, up 3.6%
Thailand’s cross-border and transit trade reached a significant milestone, totalling over 912 billion baht in the first half of the year, marking a 3.6% increase compared to the same period last year. The government attributed this growth to enhanced promotion of cross-border trade in recent months. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke referencing data from the Department of Foreign Trade, noted that…
- Thailand News
Housekeeper finds dead newborn in Chatuchak hotel locker
A housekeeper at a prominent hotel in Chatuchak was shocked to discover the body of a newborn baby girl inside a locker. The discovery was made after a foul smell had been noticed emanating from the locker for about a week. The baby’s mother, a 21 year old woman, was found nearby in a weakened state. At 12.15am yesterday, August…
- Crime News
Postal worker killed in machete attack at chumphon post office
An ex-postal worker attacked his former manager with a machete, leading to a struggle where the attacker was fatally injured. The incident, which occurred inside a post office in Pathio District, Chumphon Province, left many questions unanswered. The tragic event took place on the afternoon of August 8. The former employee, who had been dismissed from his job, entered the…
- Transport News
Hyundai’s 1-billion-baht ‘charge’ lights up Thailand’s electric future
Hyundai Mobility Manufacturing (Thailand) is set to produce battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and batteries in Thailand by 2026, following the approval of its 1-billion-baht project by the Board of Investment (BoI). The announcement came after the project received approval under the second-phase electric vehicle (EV) incentive package, known as EV3.5, which was confirmed yesterday, August 8. The Thai government offers…
- Thailand News
Car crash in Ratchaburi after women swerve to avoid dog
A shocking car crash occurred in Ratchaburi when two young women swerved to avoid a dog, causing their vehicle to crash into a tree and burst into flames. The incident, today, August 9, left the car destroyed. At 3am, Pak Tho Police Station in Ratchaburi received a report about a car fire on Phetkasem Road, heading southward in Moo 5, Pa…
- Thailand News
Fungi frenzy: Termite mound sprouts local ‘mushroom’ for interest
A large number of mushrooms sprouting from a termite mound behind a monk’s quarters today attracted a significant amount of local interest. Two elderly women plan to cook the mushrooms and offer them to the monks as alms. Termite mushrooms, known locally as “hed plouk,” were discovered sprouting on a termite mound behind the quarters of a monk named Sumet…
- Thailand News
Rayong woman scoops lottery 19 times, credits monk’s blessing
A multi-winning Rayong woman, who has scooped the national lottery in Thailand 19 consecutive times, is preparing for the next draw on August 16 after crediting her luck to a monk’s blessing. At 3pm yesterday, August 8, the 51 year old woman, known for owning several popular plant shops in Rayong, opened a free food stall serving som tam to…
- South Thailand News
Teen shot dead in Yala amid rising gang violence
Yala witnessed a tragic incident when two teenagers on a motorcycle shot at another group of youths, resulting in one fatality and one severe injury. The police have been struggling to control frequent gang-related violence in the area. Yala City Police Station yesterday, August 8, received a report of a shooting at the entrance of Banogo Tuen Ngor Alley in…
- Pattaya News
Motorcyclist critically injured by drink driver in Pattaya car collision
A motorcyclist suffered critical injuries in Pattaya following a collision with a car. The incident occurred at 1am yesterday, August 8, on Sukhumvit Road near the Chaiyaphruek intersection, heading towards Sattahip, in the Nongprue sub-district of the Bang Llamung district, Chon Buri province. Rescue volunteers swiftly responded to the scene. Police discovered a grey Honda Jazz with severe front-end damage…
- Thailand News
Bang Lamung makes aquatic splash for Queen Sirikit’s birthday
Bang Lamung saw a wave of environmental activity yesterday as a joint venture spearheaded a significant release of aquatic animals into the sea. This initiative was organised in honour of Her Royal Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother’s soon-to-be 92nd birthday on Monday, August 12. The event unfolded at the Banglamung Municipal Fisheries Group Office, with District Chief Porachai Sang-iet…
- Pattaya News
Cops ‘call’ it quits on Sri Racha call centre scam operation
Police in Sri Racha dismantled a call centre scam operation that had recently relocated from neighbouring countries to a secret base within the Chon Buri province. This action, executed yesterday, August 8, was part of a concerted effort by Thai law enforcement to combat fraudulent activities targeting Internet users. The crackdown followed the disruption of the scammers’ underground internet cables…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya vendors fined for causing a ‘jam’ on Pattaya-Naklua road
Vendors operating along Pattaya-Naklua Road have come under scrutiny for causing traffic congestion with their sidecars while selling goods and food. This issue prompted numerous complaints from both residents and tourists, urging the city to take action. In response, Pattaya municipal officers inspected the area. During their visit, officials informed the vendors about their violations, highlighting how their roadside stalls…
- Technology News
AI and supply chain attacks top cyber threats, warns Kaspersky
Supply chain attacks, vulnerabilities in artificial intelligence (AI), and the infiltration of trusted communities are emerging as significant cyber threat trends, according to Russian security firm Kaspersky. Ransomware remains the most prevalent form of cybercrime globally, with perpetrators operating it as a business model known as ransomware as a service. Igor Kuznetsov, Director of Kaspersky’s Global Research & Analysis Team,…
- Thailand News
Rayong governor assesses delayed U-Tapao Airport progress
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, along with Vice Minister for the Office of the Prime Minister Nahathai Tiwphaingam and Rayong Governor Traipob Wongtrairat, visited the delayed U-Tapao Airport and Eastern Aviation City development project sites yesterday to assess ongoing progress. Tharit Issarayangyun, Deputy Secretary-General of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), provided a comprehensive progress update on the project, which is…
