- Tourism News
Visa-lah! Thailand and China ink deal to waive visas, turbocharging tourism
After much anticipation and months of talks, Thailand and China yesterday officially sealed the deal on a reciprocal visa-waiver agreement, aimed at ramping up tourism between the two nations when it kicks into gear come March. Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara and his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, solidified the pact at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok. Dubbed the Agreement…
- Thailand News
Thailand plans Philippines tie-up for 75th anniversary bash
Thailand’s Deputy Director General for East Asian Affairs Department of the Foreign Affairs Ministry is gearing up to boost social, cultural and economic ties with the Philippines to celebrate three quarters of a century of bilateral relations. Both Thailand and the Philippines outlined a series of initiatives, including high-level visits, business-to-business collaborations, cultural showcases, and community engagements, to mark 75…
- Thailand News
Shocking escape: Aussie woman zaps back to life after electrifying encounter with deadly jellyfish near Koh Pha Ngan
An Aussie woman declared she is thankful to be alive after a bolt of “electricity had shot through her body” following a horrifying attack by some box Jellyfish near Koh Pha Ngan. The 23 year old woman from Queensland in Australia was left hospitalised for over a month after the attack and issued a cautionary message to fellow holidaymakers about the…
- Environment News
Reef-rescue ripples: Marine department dives deep to tackle 338kg ghost net near Rin Island
In a splash of environmental heroism, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, along with volunteer divers, dove into action to tackle a colossal problem near Rin Island in Chon Buri’s Sattahip district. On Wednesday, January 17, the team embarked on a mission to untangle a whopping 338kg ghost net that had ensnared a coral reef. Prompted by concerned divers,…
- Crime News
Hells Angels chief’s wings clipped in Bangkok bust: Fleeing Australia on fake wings
The Thailand Immigration Bureau (IB) swooped to arrest Hells Angels chief Rodrigo Elices who fled Australia on a false passport on charges of drug trafficking, smuggling and firearms at a luxury apartment in Bangkok. Thai officials revealed that Elices entered the country last month using an Italian passport with a suspected false identity. Fingerprints associated with the Italian passport were…
- Tourism News
Air Canada flight revival: Bangkok to Vancouver route takes off for a holiday high
Great news for holidaymakers in North America and Thailand, as Air Canada today announced the reinstatement of direct flights between Bangkok and Vancouver. H E Ping Kitnikone, the Ambassador of Canada to the Kingdom of Thailand, extended invitations to esteemed guests and partners for Air Canada’s Agency Reception at the Ambassador’s Official Residence. Air Canada has officially reinstated direct flights…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s nightlife gets green light: Entertainment venues now open until 6am
The Interior Ministry today gave the green light for entertainment venues across Thailand to remain open until 6am in a move to bolster tourism and add extra sparkle to new year celebrations. Interior Ministry Spokesperson Traisuree Taisaranakul said the temporary extension of the closing time at entertainment venues across Thailand was aimed at promoting tourism and new year celebrations. Traisuree…
- Crime News
Certainties of life: Death, taxes, and ladyboys robbing Indian men of gold in Pattaya
There are several certainties guaranteed in life, death and taxes, US interference in other countries’ foreign policies, and ladyboys in Pattaya robbing Indian men ostentatiously flaunting their gold. In the vibrant streets of Pattaya, where the night unfolds with many unexpected tales, a recent incident involving a pickpocketing ladyboy added another chapter to ladyboys in Pattaya robbing Indian men of…
- Transport News
All aboard the history express: Hua Hin Train Station gears up for inaugural joyride
It’s full steam ahead for historic Hua Hin Train Station as it readies itself for its inaugural journey next month. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) announced it’s all aboard the ticketing express at the opening of the new elevated station which is on track for partial operations on Monday, December 11. As outlined in the State Railway of Thailand…
- Crime News
Wild West wow: British tourist takes a tumble in notorious Pattaya Go-Go girlie showdown (video)
In a scene reminiscent of a Wild West bar brawl, a British tourist got knocked out as over a dozen Thai girls fought for the young traveller’s attention in a notorious Pattaya Go-Go bar. British tourist Jack Fitzmaurice was having a drink and chatting with some scantily-clad ladies in the Paradise Agogo in the early hours of Sunday morning when…
- Tourism News
Thailand PM temps European tourists with longer visa incentive
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is making bold moves to boost the nation’s economy by unveiling plans to waive visa requirements for European tourists. Thailand also plans to attract more tourists to the Land of Smiles by lining up hundreds of cultural and sporting events, to encourage visitors to stay longer and spend more. The Bangkok-born Thailand PM sees tourism…
- World News
Circus chaos: Lion’s great escape leaves Italian residents in a ‘purr-suit’ of safety (video)
“The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” so the 1982 pop classic by Tight Fit goes but that wasn’t the case for a lion in Italy named Kimba who escaped from the Ronnie Roller Circus troupe and roamed the streets of Ladispoli, causing the local authorities to urge residents to stay indoors for their safety. A video of the eight-year-old lion ambling past…
- Economy News
NIDA poll unveils Thailand’s digital wallet desires
The National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) conducted a poll regarding the upcoming digital wallet handout scheme, gauging the sentiment of 1,310 respondents aged 18 and older from a wide variety of social backgrounds between October 31 and November 2. The results revealed a widespread belief that the government’s 10,000-baht digital cash handout should be extended to all Thais, regardless…
- Crime News
Drive-by drama: Gunman targets hospital in Japanese shootout
A doctor and a patient were shot this afternoon by a gunman on a motorcycle at a Japanese hospital in Toda, Saitama Prefecture. Police reported that the suspect gunman was holed up in a post office in the neighbouring city of Warabi. The suspect gunman entered the post office at approximately 2.15pm. The police have confirmed that both victims, a…
- Thailand News
Spirits high: Thai nightlife gets a boost with potential two-hour extension for venues
Thai nightlife enthusiasts have a reason to raise a glass in celebration as the Ministry of Interior has rung the bell to a two-hour extension for entertainment venues. Previously closing at 2am, these nightspots can now keep their doors open until 4am. The decision was announced by Traisulee Traisornkul, the Secretary-General of the Ministry, yesterday, October 25. The move is seen…
- Thailand News
Teenage Thai thief caught in Udon Thani despite his ‘invisibility talismans’
A teenage Thai thief, who believed he could evade capture because he possessed invisibility skills, was arrested in the Ban Dung district of Udon Thani today. Contrarily to his past successful conquests, the teenage Thai thief’s attempt to steal a local’s motorbike was abruptly brought to a halt by alert villagers who managed to catch him after a chase ensued.…
- Thailand News
Scam targets Thai overseas workers’ financial data amid Israel-Palestine conflict
The Thai Department of Employment raised the alarm on a new scam targeting the financial data of overseas workers amidst the ongoing Israel-Palestinian conflict. The scam involves tricking victims into downloading a fraudulent money transfer app on their mobile devices. Sompong Kaewwandee, the head of the Chiang Rai Provincial Employment Office, issued a public warning on Thursday, cautioning people against…
- Thailand News
Prehistoric alligator’s undercover mission: 230,000 years submerged in Thailand
Alligators’ ability to remain submerged for several hours is common knowledge among herpetologists but it came as a surprise to some that one in Thailand had managed to remain buried for 230,000 years. The astonishing archaeological discovery was announced by Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, which reported the unearthing of fossilised remains belonging to an extinct alligator species,…
- Business News
Thailand’s future so bright, it’s gotta rock Ray-Bans
The future’s looking so bright for Thailand that it’s gotta wear shades, and not just any old shades, preferably Ray–Ban sunglasses. Fortunately, for residents in the Land of Smiles, EssilorLuxottica, the renowned creator of Ray-Ban sunglasses, has recently inaugurated a state-of-the-art factory in eastern Thailand, poised to serve as a prominent production centre for the Asia-Pacific region. Located in Rayong…
- Economy News
Thai economy caught in global crossfire as Israel-Hamas tensions fuel price hike fears
The Thai economy, already tested by geopolitical conflicts over the past few years, is facing potential consequences from the hostilities between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East, as governments and corporations all over the world look for excuses and justifications to hike prices to obscene heights. It’s a well-worn tactic last seen in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine…
- Thailand News
Heartbreaking twist: Thai mother identifies son in Israel-Gaza conflict via social media
Thai mother Nupha Phansa-at is grieving the heartbreaking loss of her son in the Israel-Gaza conflict that escalated on Saturday. After viewing a victim’s photo on social media, the 63 year old Thai mother recognised her son’s clothing and came to the horrifying realisation that he was among the casualties of the Israel-Gaza conflict. Nupha received the grim news from…
- Thailand News
Bangkok’s electrifying fare cap: Next week’s ’20 baht’ trial ride
The Thai Transport Minister last night revealed that an impending fare cap on Bangkok’s electric train network is set to materialise next week. The initiative, spearheaded by the government, proposes a maximum fare of 20 baht per trip and is expected to be trialled on the Red and Purple lines next Monday, as disclosed by Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit. The…
- Crime News
Breaking news: Three shot dead, five injured by teenage gunman inside Siam Paragon (video)
UPDATE: Three people have been reportedly shot dead and at least five people were injured today by a teenage gunman on the rampage at Siam Paragon Mall in Bangkok. Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) officers swiftly responded to the scene, where one officer successfully apprehended the alleged gunman, a 14 year old boy at 5.06pm inside the luxury Siam Paragon…
- Pattaya News
Tragedy on the rocks: Missing Russian tourist found dead after speedboat collision
The body of a Russian tourist who had gone missing following a collision with a speedboat was discovered today on the Haad Tian rocks near Pattaya’s Koh Larn. The tragic incident occurred on Monday, September 25, when a speedboat strayed into a restricted area, resulting in a collision that claimed the life of the Russian tourist and injured his Thai…
- Thailand News
Box office shocker: Thai trafficking thriller spooks Chinese tourists from coming to Thailand (video)
A Thai box office movie highlighting the real-life dangers of human trafficking in Thailand and Southeast Asia has been blamed for scaring Chinese tourists away from the kingdom. The movie, No More Bets, is a gripping thriller grounded in true events. It follows the harrowing journey of a computer programmer who finds himself ensnared in a violent scamming ring in…
- China News
Online infatuation leads to embezzlement: Chinese man’s web of trouble
A Chinese man’s infatuation with an Internet idol escalated to the point where he resorted to online embezzlement from his workplace to bestow lavish gifts upon the captivating young woman, ultimately ending up in prison. As reported by Chinese media, Liu, a university graduate and married father, was employed as an accountant at a company, earning a monthly salary of…
- Thailand News
Heartbroken British mother accuses Thai officials of ‘lies’ in son’s alleged suicide in Thailand
A British mother slammed the Thai authorities as “liars” after they informed her of her son’s alleged suicide in Thailand. Darnel Kimbia was reportedly found dead in a Bangkok car park on Sukhumvit Soi 50 on Thursday, September 7 with a suicide note lying by his side. The 24 year old man from Brighton had been travelling in Thailand for a…
- Tourism News
Four Thailand hotels make a ‘suite’ entrance in world’s 50 best awards
Four celebrated Thai hotels proved life is “suite” at the inaugural World’s 50 Best Hotels grand awards ceremony held at London’s Guildhall. The prestigious event, held yesterday, September 19, marked the first-ever global gathering of the hotel industry, celebrating the crème de la crème of hospitality experiences worldwide. Drawing from a diverse array of hotels spanning 35 destinations across six…
- Bangkok News
BCHF’s heartwarming mission: Nourishing bodies and souls of Bangkok’s homeless, elderly, less fortunate
The Bangkok Community Help Foundation (BCHF), a non-profit organisation committed to enhancing the lives of residents in Thailand’s capital, has undertaken a heartwarming mission aimed at offering crucial support to the homeless, elderly and less fortunate in the city. In an extraordinary display of dedication, BCHF has made a solemn pledge to distribute 500 daily meals to Bangkok’s homeless, elderly…
- Thailand News
Popstar Sam Smith’s Teletubby style TikTok sparks social media storm (video)
British pop sensation Sam Smith faced backlash yesterday after taking a break from his global Gloria tour to showcase a quirky Teletubbies fashion statement on TikTok. The 31 year old singer-songwriter shared a video on the popular social media platform, donning an eccentric ensemble featuring tight denim shorts, a form-fitting hooped t-shirt adorned with a young boy munching on an…
