- World News
Thai tourists don’t need Covid proof to visit India from next week
Thai tourists don’t need to show a pre-departure Covid-19 test report or upload a self-health declaration form to visit India from next week. From February 13, tourists from Thailand, along with those from China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, will no longer have to provide any proof of a pre-departure Covid test or complete a self-health declaration form…
- News
European Super League a ‘wolf in granny’s clothing’
The sports development company trying to resurrect the European Super League (ESL) has been accused of being a “wolf in granny’s clothing.” European sports development company, A22 Sports Management, is trying very hard to summon a phoenix from the ashes of the ESL after the original 12-club proposal in 2021 crashed and burned after European-wide protests against it. In an…
- Tourism News
Starbucks ruins family’s dream holiday to Thailand by overcharging US$4.5k for 2 coffees
An American couple had to cancel their dream holiday to Thailand after a Tulsa Starbucks outlet charged them almost US$4,500 for two cups of coffee. The US multinational apologised for the mistake and sent them cheques to cover the cost. They bounced! The drama unfolded when the happy couple, Jesse and Deedee O’Dell, and their four kids went shopping at…
- World News
Police rescue two sex trafficked Thai women from Hong Kong flat
Police came to the rescue of two Thai women imprisoned in a Hong Kong flat after falling prey to a sex trafficking scheme. The women, aged 38 and 47 and worked as masseurs, were trapped in a Yau Ma Tei flat in Temple Street after they refused to engage in sex work. A 50 year old Hong Kong woman was…
- Expats
Khaosan Road businesses told to cut noise pollution, or else!
Businesses in the backpacker haven of Khaosan Road have been warned to cut noise pollution otherwise, they will suffer legal consequences, due to complaints received from nearby residents. City Hall says businesses have 15 days to get their houses in order and regulate noise levels, or else! After a gathering that brought together 30 members of the Khaosan Road Business…
- Sports News
LeBron James breaks scoring record to be crowned king of the court (video)
LeBron James confirmed his status as a basketball legend after passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record. The 38 year old achieved the feat in just over 1,400 appearances, compared to Abdul-Jabbar’s 1,560 games. James’ record-breaking shot was a step-back fadeaway jumper from the foul line, which he sunk over the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kenrich Williams with just 10.9 seconds remaining…
- Covid-19 News
Thailand rejects Thai princess Pfizer reaction claim as fake
A controversial claim that Thailand is abolishing its Covid-19 vaccine contract with Pfizer because it caused Thai Princess Bajrakitiyabha to fall into a coma following a booster shot has been dismissed as false. Contradictory statements made by a retired microbiology professor, Sucharit Bhakdi, have been dismissed by the Thai government as “fake news.” Professor Bhakdi claimed that the Thai government…
- World Cup
South American giants unite for joint bid to host 2030 FIFA World Cup
Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay plan to make history as they come together to submit a joint bid to host the highly-anticipated 2030 FIFA World Cup. The 2030 tournament will mark 100 years since the first World Cup was held in Montevideo, Uruguay, making it a momentous occasion for the sport of football. At the Argentine Football Association headquarters in…
- Business News
New law allows foreign talent to thrive in Thailand
The government of Thailand has taken a huge step forward in attracting highly skilled foreign workers to the country, with the release of a new law that allows foreigners to work or invest in 18 select industries. The Royal Thai Gazette website published a notice from the Ministry of Interior outlining the special permit for migrant workers, signed by Prime…
- World News
PIL launches weekly service to link key ports in Thailand, Philippines, Singapore
Pacific International Lines (PIL) is set to revolutionize Southeast Asian shipping with its new weekly direct service, the Thailand Philippines Straits Service (TPS), launching on February 15, from Manila, Philippines. This service will bring the key ports of Thailand, the Philippines, and Singapore closer together and enhance PIL’s connections in the region. A consortium of vessels with an average capacity…
- Tourism News
Pattaya records yet another unwanted suicide statistic
The popular tourist resort of Pattaya recorded yet another unwanted statistic this morning when a man plunged to his death in what some expats somewhat heartlessly refer to as the “Pattaya Flying Club.” The insensitively named Pattaya Flying Club is the term given to troubled foreigners who commit suicide by throwing themselves off a Pattaya hotel balcony and to their…
- News
Gareth Bale impresses at Pebble Beach Pro-Am as Justin Rose wins for first time in 4 years
Gareth Bale left his mark on one of the world’s most prestigious golf tournaments on his pro-am debut at Pebble Beach which saw Justin Rose secure his first win in four years. The 42 year old Rose, who led the pro event by two shots, hit three birdies to card a six-under round of 66, making him the winner by…
- Covid-19 News
Ready-to-move-in condos in Thailand attracting Chinese buyers
The Covid-19 pandemic has driven many Chinese nationals to speed up their relocation to Thailand, with the majority looking to buy ready-to-move-in condos. Kashif Ansari, the CEO of Juwai IQI Group, a real estate marketing firm in China, reckons that Chinese buyers are in a rush to make their move to Thailand right away, instead of waiting for two years.…
- Environment News
Death toll rising on 7.8 earthquake in Turkey
The 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck southeastern Turkey in the early hours of this morning has caused catastrophic destruction across both countries, leaving hundreds dead and many more injured. Some 650 people have been reported dead but the death toll is rising, with experts warning that aftershocks could continue for days or weeks. Tremors were also felt in Cyprus, Egypt,…
- Phuket News
Thailand’s tourism industry struggles to deal with chronic labour shortage
Thailand is facing a major crisis: the Land of Smiles’ tourism industry is struggling to deal with its chronic labour shortage. With over 11 million foreign tourists visiting Thailand since the country’s reopening in July 2022, the country is facing a major shortage of workers. According to data from the Labour Ministry, popular tourist destinations such as Phuket, Chiang Mai,…
- Expats
AI chatbot steers British woman out of troubled marriage and into arms of lover
Artificial intelligence is omnipresent: it is in healthcare, enables problem-solving and, in one case, helped one unhappily married British woman to decide to divorce her husband. In maybe a world first, a woman sought the advice of OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot to navigate the treacherous waters of a failing marriage and a steamy affair. Sarah, a 37 year old tech worker…
- Environment News
Earthquake rocks Turkey – buildings tumble and fear takes over (videos)
A massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southeast Turkey early this morning, sending shockwaves throughout the region and causing several buildings to crumble. The US Geological Survey reported that the earthquake was centred about 33 kilometres from Gaziantep, a major city, and had a depth of 18 kilometres. The disaster was felt in neighbouring provinces, as well as in Lebanon and…
- Expats
Thailand’s taxi troubles: Tourists slam overpriced rides and shoddy service
Thailand‘s taxi services have received a poor rating in a recent survey conducted by the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), with foreign tourists slamming the country’s taxis for overpriced fares and shoddy service. The survey, which was conducted on 200 foreign tourists during the final quarter of 2022, showed a rating of just 3.5 out of 5 for taxi services…
- News
Is Erling Haaland the new Beethoven, Shakespeare, or Rembrandt?
The superlatives for Manchester City striker Erling Haaland are endless. He’s been called a “Phenomenon,” “Freak of nature,” Robot” and Beast,” to name just a few. But will he be talked about in the same breath as another legend of the game who was liked to Beethoven, Shakespeare, and Rembrandt?” The prolific 22 year old hitman has been tipped to…
- News
Olympic Games on the brink as 40 nations threaten to pull out
Poland‘s Sport and Tourism Minister, Kamil Bortniczuk reckons that up to 40 countries could boycott the next Olympic Games. This comes after Poland, Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia jointly rejected an International Olympic Committee (IOC) plan to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Bortniczuk said… “Considering this, I don’t think we will face tough decisions…
- News
Former football star Bale shines on PGA Tour debut at Pebble Beach (video)
Former football star Gareth Bale stunned the sports world yesterday with a jaw-dropping shot Tiger Woods would have been proud of as he eased into his new life as a golfer. The 33 year old made a strong start in his PGA Tour debut at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Teaming up with professional golfer Joseph Bramlett, the duo dominated the…
- Crime News
Rape charges dropped against Man Utd star Mason Greenwood
The charges of attempted rape and assault against Manchester United footballer Mason Greenwood have been dismissed. The 21 year old Manchester United striker was arrested in January 2022 amid allegations surrounding images and videos but the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) dropped the case against him for attempted rape. The case was dropped due to the withdrawal of key witnesses and…
- World News
US to form military alliance with Philippines to check China
The United States is set to announce details of a new alliance with the Philippines and four new military bases on the island nation as it attempts to curb China’s expansion in the South China Sea. The US is keen to rekindle a former friendship with the Philippines, 30 years after they were told to leave, and plug a gap…
- Expats
Thai supremo cancels Leicester City’s 7.8 billion baht debt
Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha revealed his long-standing commitment to Leicester City Football Club by cancelling the club’s enormous debt. Aiyawatt, the Leicester chairman, yesterday announced he has cleared the £194 million (7.8 billion baht) debt the Foxes owe to its parent company King Power International (KPI). This was accomplished through a debt-to-equity transfer to KPI, freeing Leicester from its outstanding liabilities. The…
- Expats
Crazy Russian bites off British woman’s finger in Ko Pha Ngan bean bag row
A leisurely stroll on a Thai beach with two friends and a dog bizarrely evolved into a scene from a horror movie after a crazy Russian woman went berserk, chomped on a British woman’s finger and spat it out. The British woman was walking her dog with a German friend on a beach on Ko Pha Ngan Island when they…
- Transport News
Government of Thailand give green light for Eastern Aviation City takeoff
Construction on the Eastern Aviation City is ready for takeoff this year after the Government of Thailand gave the green light for work to start on the 290 billion baht (US$8.8bn) project. No official date has been confirmed but work is scheduled to start before June. The original project was officially signed in June 2020. An agreement was made between…
- World News
‘Bastard police’ chief transfered following Taiwanese actress scandal
In the latest cliff-hanging episode of the “bastard police” and the Taiwanese actress the Royal Thai Police (RTP) announced that the chief of Huai Khwang Police Station has been transferred to an inactive post pending an investigation into alleged extortion. But that’s not all. It has been alleged that the police talked the Grab car driver into lying that the…
- News
Fierce blaze destroys 14 houseboats in western Thailand
A fierce blaze at Saiyok Mantra Resort in Kaeng Pralom village caused 10 million baht worth of damage and destroyed 14 of the 16 houseboats on the Khwae Noi River in western Thailand yesterday afternoon. There were no casualties reported. Police Captain Kasan Para, a duty investigator in Sai Yok district, revealed the fire started at around 3.45pm. Firefighters from…
- Transport News
Harley-Davidson celebrates 120th birthday with new bikes
Iconic US motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson plans to enjoy the ride and celebrate its 120-year birthday in style with a range of new motorbikes for 2023. The Milwaukee-based luxury motorcycle manufacturer is celebrating its 120th anniversary by releasing six limited-edition bikes, including the CVO Road Glide Limited Anniversary, which features exclusive commemorative paint, finishes, and details. The company also announced updates…
- Expats
British Bentley plugs into Thailand’s luxury car market with record sales
British elite motor vehicle maker Bentley plugged into Thailand’s luxury car market last year and recorded record sales. Most orders (81) placed in the Land of Smiles were for hybrid vehicles. The Flying Spur Hybrid was the most sought-after model, making up 49% of orders in Thailand with 40 cars sold. The Bentayga Hybrid followed closely behind with 35 orders and…
