Bob Scott

Bob Scott

Bob Scott is an experienced writer and editor with a passion for travel. Born and raised in Newcastle, England, he spent more than 10 years in Asia. He worked as a sports writer in the north of England and London before relocating to Asia. Now he resides in Bangkok, Thailand, where he is the Editor-in-Chief for The Thaiger English News. With a vast amount of experience from living and writing abroad, Bob Scott is an expert on all things related to Asian culture and lifestyle.
  • Business News

    Thai employment dips: Farm job cuts sow 0.1% decline in Q1 stats

    Thailand today experienced a 0.1% decline in employment during the first quarter compared to the same period last year, primarily due to reductions in agricultural jobs, according to the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). This follows a 1.7% year-on-year increase in employment in the previous quarter. The drop in agricultural employment was significant, with a more than 5.7%…

  • Business News

    Thailand PM calls urgent meeting with economy ministers

    Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin called for an urgent meeting with economy ministers to discuss short-term economic stimulus measures to address Thailand’s sluggish economic performance in the first quarter of 2024. The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) reported that Thailand’s economy grew by only 1.5% year-on-year for the first three months of 2024. This lacklustre growth has prompted…

  • Business News

    Tax refund delays: Stricter checks put paperwork in slow lane

    Stricter document verification has led to delays in personal income tax refunds this year, the Revenue Department reported. An increase in the submission of fraudulent documents, particularly fake income certificates (50 Tawi), prompted the department to scrutinise tax refund documents more meticulously. Vinit Visessuvanapoom, Deputy Director-General and principal advisor on tax base management stated that the department’s heightened caution stems from…

  • Thailand News

    PM tunes up tourism: Bangkok’s Song Wat set to hit high notes

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin directed the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to enhance the promotion of Song Wat, one of Bangkok’s most historic trading areas, as a prime tourism destination. Following a walk along Song Wat Road and discussions with young entrepreneurs yesterday, the Thai premier expressed on his X account, formerly Twitter, that…

  • Expats

    Phuket jet ski tragedy casts shadow over British man’s holiday

    A British man’s paradise holiday in Phuket tragically turned to gloom for his family when he lost his life in a jet ski crash earlier this month. Jonathan Greene, from Stoke-on-Trent, met a tragic end during his holiday in the sun-soaked paradise of Phuket earlier this month. The 37 year old, of Church Avenue in Baddeley Green, was soaking up the…

  • Thailand News

    Bleak reefs: Coral bleaching hits Mooh Koh Surin & Phi Phi Island

    The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DMCR) revealed seven coral bleaching sites have been identified in Moo Koh Surin National Park in Phang Nga, with up to 70% of coral fields around Krabi’s Phi Phi Island also affected. An investigation into the bleaching situation, conducted over two days, revealed that seven coral reef sites in Moo Koh Surin…

  • Pattaya News

    Foreign man causes chaos at Pattaya insurance office

    Pattaya authorities yesterday were called into action when another badly behaved foreign man caused a disturbance at a local business. Around noon, May 21, concerned residents contacted Pattaya City’s 1337 hotline to report the erratic behaviour of a foreign man in front of an insurance office on Chaiyapruek 1 Road. Upon arrival, municipal officers, peacekeepers, and the Pattaya Mobile Rescue…

  • Thailand News

    Passengers recount chaos on ill-fated Singapore Airlines flight (video)

    Passengers aboard the ill-fated Singapore Airlines flight recounted harrowing scenes during an emergency landing in Bangkok yesterday, after a 73 year old British man, Geoff Kitchen, succumbed to a suspected heart attack triggered by severe turbulence that wreaked havoc in the cabin. The turbulence, which struck as a meal service was underway, left more than 30 passengers injured and plunged…

  • Politics News

    IIC chief goes after Israeli and Hamas leaders in legal showdown

    The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) lodged applications for arrest warrants against prominent Israeli and Hamas figures, in a move marking a significant escalation in legal actions against leaders of both sides. But that’s not all. Alonso Gurmendi, an international law expert at King’s College London, stated that the West must have a moral conscience and decide…

  • Crime News

    Assange granted appeal: A Wikibreak in his extradition case (video)

    Julian Assange lives to fight another day after the UK High Court ruled that the embattled, award-winning journalist could appeal against his extradition to the United States. The WikiLeaks founder, a thorn in the side of the so-called democratic Western political powers, was granted permission to challenge the order demanding his transfer to the US, where he faces charges for…

  • Politics News

    Iranian president, foreign minister killed in tragic helicopter crash

    Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister were tragically killed in a helicopter crash amidst mountainous terrain and icy weather, as reported by state media. The wreckage was located in East Azerbaijan province after search teams mobilized. State TV initially provided no immediate cause for yesterday’s crash in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province. Among the casualties was 60 year old…

  • Politics News

    Iranian president’s helicopter drama: Hard landing sparks alarm

    Iranian state media reported a tragic incident involving a helicopter transporting President Ebrahim Raisi, detailing a hard landing on Sunday. The aircraft, reportedly carrying Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian as well, encountered challenging weather conditions, hampering rescue efforts, as conveyed by the Interior Minister. The status of those aboard the helicopter remains uncertain, with no contact established as of now.…

  • Bangkok News

    Bangkok’s electrifying plan to bury cables sparks into life

    Bangkok citizens may have scoffed last year when the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) declared its grand plan to bury 1,454 kilometres of electrical cables underground over the next decade. It seemed like a shocking revelation but the sparks of doubt soon flickered away as the city geared up for the electrifying endeavour. This initiative was further illuminated by the newly…

  • Thailand News

    Engineer’s zero sperm count unveils family lineage mystery

    A 40 year old engineer recently discovered he had a zero sperm count, leading to a shocking revelation about his family’s lineage. Dr Gu Fangyu, a specialist in urology, recounted the case of his patient, who worked in the technology industry and suffered from infertility. After a thorough examination, the engineer was diagnosed with congenital absence of the Vas deferens,…

  • Thailand News

    Toll tales: Motorway myths debunked by Thailand’s collectors

    Recent online discussions sparked curiosity about the daily lives of motorway toll collectors in Thailand, leading to a wave of speculation and myth-busting by the insiders themselves. The question that set the digital sphere abuzz came from a TikTok user called ummie..28. “Has anyone ever wondered how toll booth operators get to and from work?” The query ignited a flurry…

  • Thailand News

    Gas alert: Expert warns excessive farting might stink of serious health issues

    A Taiwanese colorectal surgeon recently acknowledged farting is a natural bodily function but added that excessive or irregular flatulence could be a sign of serious health issues. Jong Yunni, a Taiwanese colorectal surgeon, stated that people typically fart between five to 25 times a day, with the average being around 15 times. This indicates a well-functioning digestive system. However, no…

  • Covid-19 News

    Thai medics warn of Covid-19 surge after 11 new deaths recorded

    The Thai Medical authorities sounded the alarm bells for an impending Covid-19 pandemic outbreak in Thailand after reporting 11 new deaths and 1,880 hospitalisations over the past seven days. Data released by the Department for Disease Control at Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health indicate that Covid hospitalisations are now averaging around 269 cases per day, with a significant portion requiring…

  • Business News

    Golden stability: Prices hold firm above US$2,300 despite brief dip

    With a steady hold above US$2,300 during the early days of May, gold prices remained relatively unchanged, following a brief dip to the lowest level since the start of April. The first half of this year is anticipated to experience intense volatility in prices owing to factors such as the US economic health, global interest rate fluctuations, and the Middle…

  • Business News

    Tensions rise over BoT’s independence amidst economic recovery

    The Bank of Thailand‘s independence has become a subject of contention, following statements by Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, which have been widely reported. This has escalated existing tensions between the central bank and the coalition government. However, many economists and policymakers assert that the central bank’s independence is crucial and suggest alternative solutions to resolve the conflict. Prasarn…

  • Thailand News

    Pro-cannabis groups to protest over govt’s narcotic reclassification

    Pro-cannabis groups are ramping up their efforts to resist the Thai government’s intent to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic drug, threatening to stage a protest outside the Ministry of Public Health. The demonstration will continue until the ministry can provide concrete scientific evidence backing its proposition. On the other hand, certain factions of farmers, who have been legally cultivating cannabis…

  • Thailand News

    Map Ta Phut fire: Company hero’s selfless act ends in tragic death

    A selfless act of bravery by a 36 year old company employee attempting to close a valve on a tank moments before a gasoline explosion has tragically cost him his life. The incident occurred during a fire at the Map Ta Phut Tank Terminal in the town of Map Ta Phut, Rayong province, resulting in one fatality and several injuries.…

  • Business News

    Thai stock market poised for upward surge after rocky start

    After a downward trend in the first half of the year, Thailand’s stock market is predicted to come back in the second half, with a 2.7% decline year-to-date making it one of the worst global performers. This potential recovery is anticipated to be driven by a combination of growing fiscal budget disbursement, a weaker baht, and a revival in tourism and…

  • Thailand News

    Phuket seaplane to take flight by year-end in tourism boost

    The holiday island of Phuket is slated to receive a seaplane service by the end of the year, a move steered by the Transport Ministry as an extension of the government’s aviation hub policy. Deputy Transport Minister, Manaporn Charoensri, revealed the development during a workshop yesterday. The aviation hub policy, Manaporn elaborated, was orchestrated by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The…

  • Thailand News

    Japanese intern shares air conditioner tips to save thousands

    A Japanese man residing in Taiwan shared an enlightening experience from his internship at an air conditioner manufacturing plant. Drawing from the wisdom of air conditioner manufacturers with over 26 years of experience, Takashi Matsuno disclosed tips for operating air conditioners efficiently, which could be unknown to many. The expert advice began with a simple yet crucial point: avoid frequently…

  • Expats

    British man lost in Thailand, family issues SOS appeal

    The family of a British man issued an SOS after he went AWOL while on holiday in Thailand. Scottish man David Goldthorpe has vanished in Thailand after booking a holiday in the Land of Smiles to celebrate his retirement. The 65 year old Edinburgh-born retiree was supposed to fly home Sunday, May 5, but never boarded his flight, leaving his…

  • Thailand News

    AoT fast-track Suvarnabhumi expansion amid soaring passenger traffic

    The Airports of Thailand (AoT) is altering the Suvarnabhumi International Airport master plan to hasten the development of terminal expansion projects, in response to the rapidly increasing demand from passenger traffic. The revised master plan, which outlines the course of action for the next decade, aims to accelerate the progression of main terminal expansion and the construction of new ones…

  • Business News

    Euro EV sales dip but Thai operators charge ahead with optimism

    Despite a recent 11% drop in electric vehicle (EV) sales in Europe, Thai business operators remain optimistic about local EV market growth. They believe that the circumstances in Thailand significantly differ from those in Europe, making direct comparisons of the two markets inappropriate. The European EV market downturn, says Bloomberg, is attributed to factors such as high insurance and repair…

  • Pattaya News

    Bangkok maintains top spot as tourist hotspot

    Thailand’s vibrant capital of Bangkok retained its crown as the top tourist hotspot for the month of March, with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports‘ data revealing an impressive 4,459,579 visitors. The city, known for its bustling markets, opulent shrines, and vibrant street life, saw international tourists making up 49.60% of the visitors, leading to a hotel occupancy rate of…

  • Pattaya News

    RTN officers sail in to save the day after baht bus-bike bust-up

    Four Royal Thai Navy (RTN) officers from the Special Affairs Unit of the Sattahip Naval Base rushed to aid the victims of a collision between a motorcyclist and a baht bus in Chon Buri. The officers, who were on a routine patrol near a local fresh market, sprang into action to assist a 48 year old Thai man who was…

  • Environment News

    Summer storm wreaks havoc in Hat Yai, southern Thailand

    The city of Hat Yai in Songkhla was hit by a severe summer storm yesterday, resulting in significant damage to public infrastructure. Billboards and electricity poles were toppled by the powerful gale. The incident occurred at 3pm, yesterday, May 5, and was covered by local media. Remarkably, despite the storm’s intensity, no injuries or fatalities were reported. The destructive storm…