Bob Scott
- Pattaya News
Dead body found on beach sends shockwaves through Pattaya
A shocking discovery has sent shockwaves through the Pattaya community after a body was washed up on Dongtan Beach in Jomtien. At precisely 9.46am yesterday, October 30, police received a distress call that would lead to a grim scene. Pattaya police wasted no time responding, and they were joined by rescue teams from the Sawang Boriboon Thamasathan Foundation. Upon arrival,…
- Business News
Crime coins: SEC cracks down on crypto laundering in Thailand
In a bold move, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has thrown down the gauntlet, demanding digital asset operators report suspicious transactions as part of a crackdown on crypto money-laundering scams. This action follows hot on the heels of accusations against iCon Group, a direct sales outfit allegedly involved in laundering dirty money through the stablecoin USDT. The Department of…
- Thailand News
Gold rush fever: Prices surge, Thai buyers told to act fast
In a dazzling turn of events, gold prices shot up today, leaving potential buyers scrambling to make their move as the Gold Traders Association (GTA) reveals hefty increases. Gold ornaments are now flaunting a price tag of 44,800 baht per baht weight, leaping up by a solid 350 baht overnight. According to the GTA, bullion gold with a 96.5% purity…
- Business News
Cloud nine: Equinix boost set to reign over Thailand’s data skies
American tech giant and cloud extraordinaire Equinix is making waves in Thailand with a colossal 16 billion baht investment. This financial injection over the next decade is set to supercharge Thailand’s data centre infrastructure, targeting the surging demand from the bustling CLMVT region, according to Thailand’s Board of Investment (BoI). For those not in the know, the CLMVT region comprises…
- Business News
Starbucks stirs up Thai market with a ‘latte’ new stores brewing
Hold onto your coffee cups, folks! Starbucks Thailand is brewing up a storm with plans to roll out 30 new stores annually, even as the country’s coffee market bubbles with fierce competition. This caffeine-fuelled expansion underscores the coffee giant’s faith in Thailand’s untapped potential in Southeast Asia. Spearheading this bold venture is Starbucks Thailand’s Managing Director, Nednapa Srisamai, who’s unfazed…
- Thailand News
Thailand, Laos, Myanmar launch Clear Sky to combat pollution
In a bid to blow away the blanket of smog smothering Southeast Asia, Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar joined forces with a sparkling new initiative: the Clear Sky Strategy 2024-2030. The grand unveiling took place at Bangkok’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday, with VIPs Maris Sangiampongsa, Thailand’s top minister, and Chalermchai Sri-on, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, leading the…
- Thailand News
Phuket at the helm of Asia’s Urban Act initiative
Phuket has been handpicked as the focal point for the Urban Act initiative, an ambitious drive set to spearhead low-carbon, resilient urban growth across the Asia-Pacific. The announcement was unveiled at a meeting in Phuket Provincial Hall with Governor Sophon Suwannarat and Vice Governor Ronnarong Tipsiri among the key players present. The Urban Act Project, which kicked off in April…
- Thailand News
Phuket’s fundraising campaign hits full beam for cancer care centre
Phuket is pulling out all the stops in a monumental bid to raise a whopping 290 million baht. The cause? Building a cutting-edge cancer care centre at Vachira Phuket Hospital. This essential government-run institution is on a mission to boost cancer treatment services for Phuket’s residents and those from neighbouring provinces. Phuket’s top brass, Governor Sophon Suwannarat, announced a traditional…
- Thailand News
Nine injured in van and truck collision in Phuket
A dramatic head-on collision rocked Ao Po Pier Road in Pa Khlok, Phuket as a van and a small truck collided with a bang, leaving nine people nursing injuries. The crash unfolded around 5.30pm, yesterday, October 29, near Moo 9, prompting an immediate and swift reaction from local police and emergency crews. On the scene, rescue teams found two Thai…
- Visa Information
Thai visa woes: From easy as pie to digital fly, book before you buy
Once upon a time, jetting off for a Thai visa was as easy as pie. A quick border dash to a nearby country, pop into a consulate in Laos, Malaysia, or Vietnam, and voilĂ ! You’d be done and dusted, ready for an evening drink by the Mekong River. Ah, the good old days! But hold onto your hats, because the…
- Thailand News
Battle at Jomtien Beach: Pattaya teen left reeling in sandy scuffle
In the early hours of today, chaos descended upon Jomtien Beach in Pattaya as a vicious brawl broke out, leaving one teenager with horrific injuries. At precisely 1.46am, today, October 30, Pattaya police were urgently summoned to the scene of mayhem along Jomtien Beach Road, near Jomtien Soi 12, where a gang-related altercation involving scores of youths had erupted. Upon…
- Business News
Thai export extravaganza: Gold rush as figures set at US$290bn
In a dazzling economic twist, Thai exports are on track to shatter the 2% growth target, soaring to an unprecedented US$290 billion this year. Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) chief, credits the surge to booming demand for all things agricultural, food-related, and electronic, thanks to the economic bounce-back in powerhouses like the United States and European…
- Bangkok News
Ex-Russian mercenary hits a wall of ammunition trouble in Bangkok
An ex-Russian war dog found himself in the clutches of Bangkok police after a stash of ammunition was discovered in his swanky condo, along with explosive threats to take out rivals. Immigration police officers swooped on 25 year old Russian national, Milo Yanovich, at his Makkasan-area pad in the Ratchathewi district yesterday, October 28. Police Major General Phanthana Nuchanart, deputy…
- Business News
Golden opportunity: Prices to sparkle amid global turmoil, US policy
Gold prices are primed for a glittering rise this week, says the Gold Research Centre (GRC). Driven by a trio of global factors, the Middle East turmoil, cues from the Bank of Japan’s (BoJ) policy moves, and faltering US economic signals—this precious metal is sparking keen market interest. While most experts brace for stable or dipping gold rates, the GRC…
- Business News
Bitcoin breaks the bank: Crypto leap sends shockwaves through markets
In a dazzling leap forward, Bitcoin smashed through the US$71,000 barrier, sending shockwaves through the financial world. This crypto milestone, unmatched since June, comes on the heels of hefty inflows into exchange-traded funds and rampant election speculation. As the clock ticked past 10.45am in Singapore, the digital asset darling rocketed over 2%, peaking at an impressive US$71,310. Not to be…
- Phuket News
Mystery unbedded: Thai police dig into Canadian man’s death
Thai police are digging deep into the puzzling death of a 46 year old Canadian man discovered by a group of his friends after five days of silence. The alarm was raised in a quiet corner of Moo 8, Srisoontorn, alerting Thalang police officers to the scene at around 12.35pm, yesterday, October 28. The man’s body was found peacefully in…
- Phuket News
Bangkok cops reel in cunning Phuket light rail project con artist
The Metropolitan Police Investigation Bureau cops in Bangkok reeled in a cunning fraudster who duped victims into a sham Phuket light rail project investment scheme. The lady in question, only identified as 44 year old Ms Wongduean, was apprehended on Nawamin 70 Road in the bustling Bueng Kum district on Sunday, October 27. Ms Wongduean is accused of swindling over…
- Thailand News
Thai-panic: AirAsia flight defies disaster over denied landing in India
A Thai AirAsia flight found itself in a death-defying situation straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster when it was denied permission to land at an airport in India. Passengers were left fearing for their lives as the aircraft was forced to circle for a staggering 45 minutes with only 30 minutes of fuel remaining in the tank. The drama unfolded…
- Pattaya News
Exhausted Thai security guard tumbles off bike in Pattaya
A 42 year old Thai security guard has been rushed to hospital after collapsing from sheer exhaustion and tumbling off his motorcycle in South Pattaya. The shocking incident unfolded at around 9pm, yesterday, October 28, when the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre received frantic calls about an unconscious man sprawled on the road near Wat Thammasamakkee. Emergency responders, including medics…
- Thailand News
Revved-up reckoning: Bangkok teen bike bandits get comeuppance
In a dramatic takedown that reads like a crime thriller, a gang of young motorcycle thieves has been nabbed in Bangkok—shockingly, with a 14 year old among the culprits. This motley crew, responsible for filching over ten bikes across the capital, were flogging their ill-gotten wheels for a measly 1,000-1,500 baht apiece, spotlighting a worrying trend of young hooligans descending…
- Thailand News
DJ’s dental dilemma: Online shop ‘bites back’ leaving him toothless
In a saga that had more ups and downs than a DJ’s mixing session, Buriram’s own DJ Odd Inter, real name Rewat Wongkamchan, found himself toothless after he took a costly bite out of online shopping. Seeking a snazzy set of dentures to fix his show-stopping smile, Rewat ended up with a child’s plaything instead, paying 699 baht for the…
- Business News
AI storm: Brands brew up digital ‘spell-utions’ for savvy shoppers
In the world of marketing, there’s a storm brewing with artificial intelligence (AI) at its eye. Brands are diving into digital wizardry to craft campaigns that click with today’s choosy consumers, according to digital agencies and tech analysts. The challenge? Reaching and resonating with audiences when marketing budgets are tighter than ever amid economic uncertainty. Leading the charge is marketing…
- Business News
Potential Trump return haunts global finance leaders at IMF meeting
Amidst the typical chatter of low growth, high debt, and conflicts flaring up, the real buzz at the annual IMF and World Bank meetings was the possible political comeback of Donald Trump. This was the hot topic for finance leaders in Washington last week, overshadowing the usual suspects on the agenda. According to some sources, Trump’s alleged leap in the polls…
- Thailand News
Phuket magic spells its way into Asia’s ‘Top 10’ destinations
Phuket’s tropical charm has once again worked its magic, landing it among Asia’s Top 10 island destinations, as revealed by the esteemed CondĂ© Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. UK tabloid Daily Express also got into the act, gushing over Phuket’s recognition by CondĂ© Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. “A stunning island in Asia has been crowned one of the best…
- Phuket News
Phuket beachgoers warned of Portuguese man o’ war sting operation (video)
Phuket holidaymakers at Mai Khao Beach have been warned a trip to the sandy shores could have a sting in its tail. Beachgoers in Phuket have been given a red alert about the arrival of the notorious Portuguese man o’ war – aka bluebottles. The Phuket Lifeguard Service confirmed a sighting of these perilous sea creatures yesterday, October 27, prompting a…
- Thailand News
Casino royale: Thailand rolls the dice on mega gaming complex
In a bold move worthy of James Bond himself, the Finance Ministry of Thailand is pulling out all the stops to push forward a high-stakes casino-entertainment complex project, with Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat at the helm. This ambitious venture is straight out of the Pheu Thai Party-led government’s policy playbook. But while the ministry’s immediate focus remains on flood…
- Thailand News
Halloween drive spooks up support for Nakhon Ratchasima blood banks
Nakhon Ratchasima faces a severe blood reserve shortage, leading to a creative Halloween-themed blood donation drive. Held at Terminal 21 mall, the event encourages citizens to donate blood, crucial for emergency patients. The Happy Halloween Blood Party organised by Sirilak Pheakkhuntot, head of the National Blood Service Region 5 in Nakhon Ratchasima, aims to address the critical blood shortage in…
- Thailand News
China and Thailand tango towards BRICS with a promising economic step
In a diplomatic dance that promises to boost both economies, China’s Ambassador to Thailand pledged unwavering support for Thailand’s bid to join the exclusive BRICS club. This elite group features economic powerhouses Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Speaking at a high-profile event dubbed China’s Economy from a New Perspective, organised by the Thai Journalists Association and the Chinese…
- Thailand News
Shine Muscat scandal: Grapes of wrath as dodgy imports leave a sour taste
In a juicy scandal that’s peeling away layers of safety concerns, the Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) is demanding the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) take a bite out of dodgy importers flooding the market with tainted Shine Muscat grapes. Lab tests have unearthed a sour truth: nearly all of the samples are riddled with banned substances. Last week, 23 out…