Bob Scott
- Bangkok News
EXAT digs deep but hits financial roadblock on N1 Expressway
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) seems set to abandon its plans for an underground route in the controversial N1 Expressway development, citing financial concerns. EXAT Governor Surachet Laophulsuk revealed that the board has decided to delay the project after a study raised serious doubts about its financial viability. Despite a promising equity internal rate of return (EIRR) projected at…
- Pattaya News
Tropical Trami Storm alert: Pattaya sets sail on safety measures
Pattaya City Tourist Police and the Marine Department of Thailand are stepping up safety measures in response to the looming threat of Tropical Storm Trami. Although the storm is currently positioned about 400 kilometres southeast of Hainan, China, its effects are already making waves along Thailand’s eastern coastline, including the Gulf of Thailand. In Pattaya Bay, the waves have surged…
- Thailand News
Honda Wave goodbye: CafĂ© worker’s motorbike snatched in Pattaya
A motorbike theft has rocked Central Pattaya, with a 28 year old cafĂ© worker left distraught after his red and black Honda Wave was snatched. The incident occurred yesterday, October 27, at around 1.48pm in the Soi Yume area, and CCTV footage captured the moment the thief made off with Surapong Trakulphon’s bike. In the shocking video, a man in…
- Thailand News
Explosion at Thai zinc factory kills 2 Burmese workers, injures 28
A devastating explosion at a zinc production facility in Kabin Buri district, Prachinburi, has left two Burmese workers dead and 28 others injured. The shocking incident unfolded yesterday, October 27, with Thai national media reporting that around 70 employees were on-site at the time, out of a total workforce of 232. Local officials from the Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation…
- Pattaya News
Fake grenade: Landlord’s explosive find sends Pattaya into panic
Panic erupted in Pattaya yesterday when a landlord stumbled upon a fake grenade that sent shivers through the rental community. The alarm bells rang at 2.36pm, yesterday, October 27, as Pattaya City Police rushed to the scene on Soi Naklua 27 after receiving a frantic call. Upon arrival, a team of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) officers, police, and reporters discovered…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s auto industry brakes as production target stalls
Thailand’s auto industry is stuck in first gear, with car production now expected to fall short of the 1.7 million target for 2024 as sales and exports hit a serious slump. The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) warns that car manufacturing could face another downgrade this year, with officials predicting a sharp drop from the original target of 1.7 million…
- Pattaya News
Thai’d and tested: Pattaya’s 30-baht wonder serves up tasty treats
A humble Pattaya diner is taking the seaside resort by storm with its lip-smacking Thai dishes at just 30 baht a plate, proving that great taste doesn’t need to break the bank. At the heart of this culinary buzz is Krua Khun Nai Kiew, a small eatery run by its passionate owner Rattanaporn Chueachuchat. While most restaurant owners might fret…
- Thailand News
Budget-friendly noodle shop serves a 20-baht treat in Chon Buri
A budget-friendly noodle shop in Chon Buri, Jay Da Ta Tui, is back and serving up quite a treat. Famous for its wallet-friendly chicken noodles priced at just 20 baht a bowl, this local gem is helping city slickers beat the rising cost of living one delicious bowl at a time. Spearheaded by Thida Keskaew, affectionately known as “Jay Da,” and…
- Thailand News
Golden glow fades: Thailand’s gold prices take a baht-tle dive
After a dazzling run, gold prices have taken a nosedive in Thailand, with gold ornaments now pegged at 44,100 baht per baht weight. The Gold Traders Association (GTA) reports a 300 baht drop from yesterday, October 23, putting an end to the recent upward streak. As of 9.06am today, gold bullion is fetching 43,500 baht to buy and 43,600 baht…
- Thailand News
Forging chaos: Blacksmith turns village night into tail of terror
A tranquil Thai village turned into a night of horror as a local blacksmith, identified as Adirek, unleashed mayhem in Cha-uat, Nakhon Si Thammarat, by poisoning three loyal dogs and savagely attacking a father and son duo. Police were alerted to the bloody clash late last night, rushing to a home in Moo 2, Tha Samet, only to find pools…
- Thailand News
MRT 20-baht bonanza: MRT hits the jackpot for commuters
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) has hit the jackpot with its new 20-baht maximum fare policy, hailed as a major triumph in public transport. Launched as part of the Ministry of Transport’s Quick Win programme, Transportation for Public Prosperity, the initiative aims to lighten the commuting costs for everyone. Starting with the MRT Purple Line last week,…
- Chiang Mai News
Chiang Mai condo fraud victims seek justice over 300m baht losses
Frustrated victims of a condominium fraud scandal in Chiang Mai are seeking help from the Foundation Campaigning to Reclaim Social Justice, having seen little progress since they first raised their concerns back in 2022. Ronnarong Kaewpet, the foundation’s chairman and a seasoned lawyer, has received distressing evidence from those affected. Among them is Narumon Simons, who invested in a luxury…
- Business News
True Corporation amps up for royal spectacle along Chao Phraya
True Corporation supercharged its 5G, 4G, and WiFi networks ahead of the grand Royal Barge Procession sailing down the Chao Phraya River. This dazzling event journeys from Rama VIII Bridge to Wat Arun, promising top-notch connectivity for everyone eager to catch a glimpse. With extensive network testing already complete, True Corporation ensures they’re ready not just for the recent rehearsal…
- Business News
Banking on gains: Thai banks ‘interest’ed in profit uptick for 2024
Thai banking sector profits have seen a modest uptick for the first nine months of 2024, buoyed by rising interest and fee incomes. Yet, the backdrop of swirling economic uncertainties has kept banks on their toes, continuing to stash away hefty reserves for potential loan losses. The pack of 10 Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) listed banks and their subsidiaries…
- Thailand News
Port progress ‘pier’-fectly on track: Laem Chabang sailing ahead
Laem Chabang Port’s third development phase is sailing ahead, now reaching around 45% completion, with Pier F poised to debut by late 2027, Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri confirmed. This ambitious project forms a cornerstone of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Development Plan and is among the top 15 infrastructure priorities under the Paetongtarn Shinawatra administration. However, the latest report…
- Chiang Mai News
Chiang Mai cleans up: Sweeping success after the flood
Local government officials in Chiang Mai are shouting from the rooftops about their stellar post-flood recovery, claiming they’ve already swept through 90% of the streets and cleared 40% of the waste. Governor Nirat Pongsitthithaworn couldn’t be prouder, crediting a dynamic duo effort between the public and private sectors for tackling the flooded chaos with gusto. With the bustling high season…
- Politics News
PM Paetongtarn’s political shrug: Dodging EC probe bombshell
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra shrugged off the Election Commission’s (EC) bombshell probe into allegations that could see her Pheu Thai Party and five political allies dissolved. Accusations are flying that the parties let an outsider pull the strings, and that outsider is none other than former PM, and Paetongtarn’s kin, Thaksin Shinawatra. The drama kicked off when key figures from…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s smog showdown: Clearing the air with a bold 30% cut
In a bid to wipe the smog off the map, Thailand’s Pollution Control Department (PCD) is gearing up for a 2024 blitz on air pollution, aiming to slash hotspots by a daring 30%. PCD Chief Preeyaporn Suwanaked held court at a buzzing press conference, revealing the National Environment Board’s stamp of approval on an ambitious blueprint to combat haze. This…
- Thailand News
Pattaya Beach cops crack down on nighttime mischief
In a dramatic crackdown on mischief by moonlight, a battalion of law enforcement officers swept Pattaya Beach last night. This bold move came hot on the heels of a shocking knife incident involving a rebellious beach chair vendor who went rogue on a city official after being slapped with a warning for peddling booze and kratom juice on the sands…
- Thailand News
Sisaket beauty sets Facebook afire with search for Mr Right criteria
An open audition for love has captivated the virtual world as one Sisaket beauty took to Facebook Live, laying down eight non-negotiable criteria in her hunt for Mr Right. Despite overwhelming social media buzz, Sayamon Unkam, known affectionately as Alice, is resolutely sticking to her structured love list, having learned the lessons of heartbreak by simply following her heart. Gone…
- Thailand News
Gold fever prices gleam with a 200 baht boost in Bangkok bonanza
In a dazzling display of gold rush fever, prices have shot up today, with gold ornaments trading at a sparkling 43,250 baht per baht weight—a 200 baht leap from yesterday’s close. The Gold Traders Association (GTA) dropped these glittering gems earlier, underscoring a trend that’s got both investors and consumers on high alert. As of the morning’s sparkle update at…
- Business News
Thai SMEs boxed in by debt and dwindling demand
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Thailand are on the ropes, grappling with crippling debt and plummeting sales as the country’s economic engine sputters, warns the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). The financial plight of these crucial businesses is worsening, says the FTI, with government support measures arriving too little, too late. Yet, the federation, the voice of Thailand’s SMEs,…
- Business News
Banking stocks set to cash in as BoT preps for another cut
Stock market sleuths are buzzing as banking stocks look set to surge with global interest rates on the slide. All eyes are on the Bank of Thailand (BoT), expected to slash its policy rate again this December. Last week’s unexpected chop of 25 basis points to 2.25% marked the first cut in more than four years, echoing similar moves by…
- Thailand News
Time’s up: House Speaker warns of ticking tensions in Tak Bai turmoil
House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha sounded the alarm over the simmering unrest in Thailand’s volatile Deep South. With the clock ticking down to the looming deadline for the 2004 Tak Bai massacre case, police are under pressure to seize suspects or risk letting them slip away forever. Wan Muhamad has thrown down the gauntlet, insisting security forces must snag…
- Thailand News
Royal Forest Department investigates land nibbling in Chiang Rai
The Royal Forest Department zeroed in on the Cherntawan International Meditation Centre, amidst claims that they’ve illegally nibbled away at prime forest land in Chiang Rai’s Mueang district. The centre, helmed by the famed Phra Maha Vudhijaya Vajiramedhi, is under scrutiny for reportedly occupying more land than legally allowed. The Royal Forest boss, Surachai Achalaboon, stormed into action, directing the…
- Thailand News
Scam cable: Mukdahan officials cut off illegal Internet link to Laos
Mukdahan officials have blown the lid off a daring cross-border scam operation, dismantling illegal Internet cables stretching from Thailand into Laos across the Second Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge. In a move straight out of a thriller, these covert cables, buried around 5 kilometres deep into Laos, were reportedly fuelling deceitful scam rings, making Thai victims believe they were dealing with local…
- Thailand News
Labour of love: Thailand scrambles to clean up its fishy business
The Labour Ministry of Thailand is racing against the clock to scrub fishmeal, fish oil, and animal feed off the notorious US 2024 List of Goods Produced by Child Labour or Forced Labour. The urgency comes straight from the top, with Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn cracking the whip for swift action to safeguard Thailand’s international reputation. As Labour Ministry spokesperson…
- Business News
Economic waters rise: Thai business sector flooded with challenges
The business sector is facing a stormy crisis this monsoon season as severe flooding batters key economic regions across Thailand. Provinces like Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai have been hit hard, with water levels reaching devastating heights—marking the first time in decades that such catastrophic flooding has occurred. Officials are closely monitoring the Chao Phraya River, issuing early warnings in…
- Politics News
Phew! Thai party faces petition peril over Thaksin ties
A dramatic political twist erupted as a petition emerged demanding the dissolution of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, with claims of undue influence from former premier Thaksin Shinawatra. The party itself has made the explosive allegations. The Election Commission (EC) confirmed it is merging four petitions against Pheu Thai, alleging that the party is under Thaksin’s sway, despite him not…