- Politics News
Thaksin’s taxing plan to tackle poverty in Thailand
Thaksin Shinawatra is making more waves to shake up Thailand’s social, economic and political scene. His latest pitch? A negative income tax (NIT) to shake up Thailand’s tax system. This isn’t the first time NIT has been floated in Thailand. Over a decade ago, the Finance Ministry’s Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) proposed something similar, and it was included in the…
- Thailand News
Tourists flying high from Thailand, face cannabis crackdown in UK
Tourists jetting into the United Kingdom from Thailand, Canada, and the United States are being slapped with stern warnings from the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) about the severe penalties for smuggling cannabis. The heightened vigilance at UK airports sparked a massive surge in arrests and drug seizures, laying bare the zero-tolerance stance taken by the UK police. According to…
- Bangkok News
Methanol poisoning from homemade hooch causes 6 deaths in Bangkok
Police are investigating an alarming rise in methanol poisoning cases linked to homemade alcohol in Bangkok’s Khlong Sam Wa district. Six people have died, and several others are critically ill after consuming the contaminated liquor. Yesterday, August 28, at Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital, Pairoj Suratnawanich, the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Medical Services, confirmed that 22 patients are currently receiving…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya City launches flood relief donation points for North Thailand
Pattaya City is rallying together with Bang Lamung district, the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation, and Pattaya Police Station to launch donation points for flood relief in North Thailand. The initiative, spearheaded by Pattaya City Mayor Poramese Ngampiches, Prasert Thongthitcharoen of the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation, and Petty Officer 1st Class Pittayaphon Kokaew, Bang Lamung District Chief, aims to bring aid…
- Bangkok News
Ashton Asoke condo finds a lifeline – just in the nick of time!
The troubled Ashton Asoke condominium project, mired in legal battles for over a year, may just have found a lifeline. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is considering a retroactive construction permit application, thanks to a new interpretation from the Council of State. This latest twist could spell relief for the tenants and the luxury high-rise, which has been teetering on…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s TV turmoil calls for a channel change in AV rules
Thailand’s television landscape is in turmoil, and a new study says it’s time for a fresh set of rules to manage the booming audio-visual (AV) market, including streaming platforms, geo-satellite broadcasts, and digital terrestrial TV (DTT). The report, commissioned by the Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and carried out by SCF Associates, was made public yesterday.…
- Thailand News
Thai bus firms under siege as Chinese rivals drive them up the wall
The Thai bus industry is under siege with Chinese bus operators flooding the market with cut-rate prices and dodgy tactics, leaving Thai companies struggling to keep up. The Thai Transportation Operators Association has sounded the alarm on this cut-throat competition. Wasuchet Sophonsathien, the association’s president, laid bare the ongoing crisis. Illegal foreign bus operators are muscling in on the market,…
- Bangkok News
Thai cops ‘bud’ out Taiwanese cannabis smugglers in Bangkok bust
Immigration officials in Thailand, in collaboration with other agencies, snagged two Taiwanese nationals in a high-stakes cannabis smuggling operation. The suspects were arrested in Bangkok’s Bang Rak and Din Daeng districts and now face serious charges for planning to export a controlled drug without permission and overstaying their visas. The bust came after a tip-off from a vigilant citizen who…
- Thailand News
FDA puts the ‘test’ in ‘protest’ over mpox spread
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has swung into action, kicking off the registration process for mpox (formerly monkeypox) diagnostic test kits amid growing fears over the viral infection’s spread. In a bold move, FDA Deputy Secretary-General Lertchai Lertwut revealed the new initiative yesterday, August 22. He stressed that the FDA is cutting red tape for manufacturers and importers alike,…
- Business News
EV battery boom: Can AI help Thailand drive to the top?
Thailand is revving up for a major geopolitical boost by focusing on electric vehicle (EV) batteries and auto components, including integrated circuit packaging and testing. According to Taiwan’s Profet AI, the key to speeding up product delivery, slashing costs, and raising standards lies in adopting cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) amid ongoing economic headwinds. Jerry Huang, co-founder and CEO of Profet…
- Thailand News
Koh Pha Ngan shopkeeper’s laughing gas caper goes up in smoke
A Koh Pha Ngan shopkeeper has been caught red-handed peddling balloons stuffed with nitrous oxide, better known as laughing gas, without a licence, and it’s no laughing matter! Rangsiman Jaisamer was busted by police in his Haad Rin shop early today, August 22, where officers discovered two cylinders of the giggly gas and a stash of balloons ready for sale.…
- Thailand News
Tragedy strikes the Chao Phraya River: Two dead in jet ski collision
A devastating jet ski accident on the Chao Phraya River in Samut Prakan’s Phra Pradaeng district on Saturday night claimed the lives of two people. The jet ski, operated by 21 year old Shindanai Sae Lim, smashed into a small boat, raising serious concerns about his qualifications to handle the watercraft. The Provincial Marine Office’s Samut Prakan Branch acted promptly,…
- Northern Thailand News
Knife-wielding man causes chaos in Udon Thani over inheritance
A knife-wielding man, reportedly under the influence of drugs, caused chaos as he attacked his relatives, claiming his mother was unfairly dividing the family inheritance. The incident took place in Mueang district, Udon Thani province. Police today, August 19, were called to the scene after reports of a man acting violently at a house on Phon Phisai Road, Mak Khaeng…
- Thailand News
Passenger found dead on Bangkok to Hat Yai bus route
A grim discovery was made on a Bangkok-Hat Yai bus route when a passenger found the person seated next to them had died during the journey. The horrifying incident prompted immediate action, leading to police and medical intervention. Sarayuth Thaneerat, Deputy Inspector of Chian Yai Police Station in Nakhon Si Thammarat, at 6.30am yesterday, August 18, received a report of…
- Pattaya News
Irishman’s fatal fall leaves Pattaya hotel guests stunned
Tragedy struck a swanky 5-star hotel in Pattaya in the early hours of this morning when an Irishman plunged to his death from the 31st floor. The Irishman, Michael Browne, shocked hotel staff and patrons as he fell to his death from the 31st floor today, August 19. The shocking incident, which has left the Pattaya police baffled, raises questions…
- Thailand News
Police seize e-cigarettes disguised as toys worth 10 million baht
Police raided a warehouse belonging to the major northern Thai online e-cigarette dealer, YAI VAPE, seizing 30,000 items worth 10 million baht. The police found the e-cigarettes disguised as toys to avoid detection by parents and teachers. The Ministry of Public Health is pushing for legislative changes to close legal loopholes. Thai police conducted a press conference today to announce…
- Thailand News
Labour minister intervenes in unpaid wages of 700 migrant workers
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakan directed ministry officials to address a situation involving a Chinese company in Prachin Buri that has not paid the wages of over 700 foreign workers for the past two months. Some 700 migrant workers from Myanmar yesterday, August 18, demonstrated at the Rojana Industrial Estate due to the non-payment of their daily wages. Phiphat has tasked…
- Thailand News
Walk on wild side: Bang Kapi skywalk to open by end of September
Bangkok Deputy Governor Wissanu Sapsompol announced that the capital’s Bang Kapi area is set to see the full opening of its skywalk by the end of next month. The skywalk project has faced delays, with only a 1-kilometre section from The Mall shopping centre to Wat Si Boonruang near the MRT Yellow Line currently accessible. The remaining section, which will…
- Thailand News
DoH advises toll cuts over extension to ease Bangkok costs
The Department of Highways (DoH) urged the Government of Thailand to focus on reducing toll fees rather than extending the concession for the Don Mueang Tollway, as a strategy to lower living costs in Bangkok. Caretaker Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit recently proposed extending the current concession for Don Mueang Tollway Plc, which is set to expire in 2034. Suriya argued…
- Phuket News
Phuket or leave it: Flooded roads sink travel plans to island airport
Flooding across Phuket is wreaking havoc on travellers bound for the island’s international airport, as waterlogged roads spark major disruptions. Local officials are urging passengers to rethink their travel plans, advising them to allow an extra three to four hours to reach the airport in these treacherous conditions. Phuket International Airport officials issued a public warning, strongly recommending the additional…
- Phuket News
Helmet on TikTok: Kamala cops go viral to keep heads safe in Phuket
Kamala police have launched an innovative campaign on TikTok to promote helmet use among road users in Phuket. The initiative has quickly gained widespread attention and praise for its creative approach to enhancing road safety. Kamala Police Chief Somsak Thongkliang stated that the campaign was developed following a directive from higher government officials to improve road safety measures. Recognising the…
- Thailand News
Motorcyclist dies after crash on new coastal bridge in Chon Buri
A motorcyclist tragically lost his life yesterday after his big bike skidded off a sharp curve on a new coastal bridge in Chon Buri, crashing into a lamppost. The incident occurred at 5.30pm yesterday, August 18. Police Lieutenant Thitirattapoom Jaipinta, Deputy Inspector of Samed Police Station in Chon Buri, received a report about the accident near the descent of the…
- Thailand News
Berry big deal: over 1,000 Thai pickers to jam in Sweden, Finland
Thai workers are set for Sweden and Finland as the new berry-picking season kicks off. In a major move, the Department of Employment has given the green light to a whopping 1,129 Thai workers to pack their bags and head to the Nordic lands. Labour Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakan broke the news, revealing that the first wave of over 1,000 Thai…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Rain check: Thailand braces for a monsoon downpour and flooding
Get out the brollies and waterproofs, the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning of heavy rainfall and potential flooding in 49 provinces across Thailand due to a monsoon. The TMD forecasts rain in 70% of the affected areas, advising caution against flash floods and landslides. A weather forecast for the next 24 hours indicates that a monsoon trough…
- Aviation News
Thai Vietjet takes off: Targets nearly 8 million passengers this year
Low-cost airline Thai Vietjet aims to attract nearly eight million passengers this year by enhancing aircraft utilisation and increasing flights on existing routes, with plans to introduce new Boeing 737 Max jets next year. Thai Vietjet Chief Executive Woranate Laprabang highlighted that the visa-free scheme has significantly boosted demand on international routes, particularly to China. The airline operates flights to over…
- Business News
Thai baht rally faces threats amid political drama and bank policy
Thailand’s recent baht rally faces a rocky road as the country dives into political chaos just before the central bank’s policy meeting this week. Since July, the baht has been a star performer, climbing up the ranks as tourism bounced back from a near two-year low against the US dollar in May. But this impressive upswing could be at risk…
- Transport News
Pattaya targets traffic congestion with new management strategies
Efforts to address Pattaya’s persistent traffic congestion took a significant step forward as Bang Lamung district chief Wikit Manarojkit led a pivotal meeting with key stakeholders at Pattaya City Hall just before the weekend. The gathering included Pattaya City Mayor Poramese Ngamphiches, Police Colonel Nawin Thirawit, Superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, Police Colonel Tawi Kutthaeng, Superintendent of Nong Prue…
- Tourism News
Pattaya’s big splash: New app to make Chinese tourists feel at home
Pattaya launched a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enriching the travel experience for Chinese tourists. The Pattaya Business and Tourism Association, led by Boon-anan Pattanasin, hosted a meeting at the Sabai Sabana Hotel on Pattaya Soi 2 to unveil the “Wei Tai Guo” application. During the event, Panawika Limpaphan, Executive Chairman of Digilink (Thailand) Co., Ltd., introduced the new app. Panawika…
- Politics News
Paetongtarn’s pledge: No more Shinawatra slip-ups
Thailand’s youngest Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra pledged to avoid the political disasters plaguing her father and aunt. Addressing the media for the first time after her royal endorsement yesterday, the 37 year old Thai premier made a bold promise to dodge the fate of Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra. The Bangkok-born Thai politician made known she is keen to avoid her…
- Politics News
People’s Party to turn the electoral tide
New People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut demanded his party perform much better in the next General Election. The 37 year old was unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight as the new head of the freshly minted People’s Party (PP). This surprise appointment comes hot on the heels of the Constitutional Court’s bombshell decision to dissolve the Move Forward Party (MFP) and…
