Bob Scott
- Thailand News
Thai-riffic tech boom: Chinese software firms set sights on Thailand
Chinese software companies are increasingly setting their sights on Thailand, recognising it as a key market for digital growth. Many of these firms, mostly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), started by providing cloud-based solutions to Chinese online merchants in Thailand. Their offerings include sales order management, inventory control, and accounting software. In a sign of the times, Chinese food delivery…
- Transport News
Thailand’s plan to ‘track’ down train costs with 20 baht fare cap
The Government of Thailand is considering taking over seven electric train lines, worth around 500 billion baht, to fulfil a campaign promise from the Pheu Thai Party to cap fares at a mere 20 baht per route. Finance Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit revealed that the Finance Ministry has been approached by the Transport Ministry, through the State Enterprise Policy Office,…
- Tourism News
Thailand’s tourism shake-up: Private sector dives into man-made marvels
Thailand is gearing up to revamp its tourism scene with a fresh array of man-made attractions, and the private sector is already jumping on board. The government is drawing up plans for entertainment complexes that will include legal casinos, marking a bold new direction for the country’s tourism strategy. Private firms are keen to get in on the action. Asset…
- Pattaya News
Stall-ing for help: Pattaya veggie thief leaves owner in a pickle
A spate of thefts at a fresh vegetable stall in Soi Khao Talo Market, Nongprue, near Pattaya, left its owner desperate for help. On September 14 at 4pm, the owner Wirasak, went public with CCTV footage in a bid to catch the thief who’s been targeting his stall. The footage reveals a man, around 160 to 170 centimetres tall and…
- Thailand News
Mekong your way to better flood control: Experts call for joint effort
The International Rivers Network issued a stark warning, calling on the government to urgently team up with neighbouring nations to manage the Mekong River more effectively. The aim? To cut economic losses and save lives when future floods hit. Pianporn Deetes, the Campaign Director for the Southeast Asia Programme at the International Rivers Network, revealed that recent devastating floods in…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Thailand braces for heavy rainfall and potential flooding
Heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected to impact Thailand over the next few days, with the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issuing warnings for 65 provinces. Residents are advised to prepare for potential flooding and flash floods, particularly in vulnerable areas. TMD released its seventh warning, indicating that from today, September 15, until tomorrow, Thailand will experience increased rainfall, with…
- Thailand News
Thailand champions game-changing tax scheme for low earners
Finance Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit has thrown his weight behind the daring negative income tax (NIT) scheme, championing welfare payments for workers when their income dips below a certain threshold. Dubbed “workfare,” this initiative is geared to incentivise employment while offering crucial financial support. Lavaron made his case clear: the NIT system encourages people to stay employed by guaranteeing state…
- Aviation News
Cathay soars again: A350 fleet back in action after fiery setback
Cathay Pacific Airways triumphantly re-launched its Airbus A350 aircraft, after a dramatic engine fire grounded the fleet and caused the cancellation of 90 flights over the past week. The fiery incident uncovered a rare issue with fuel hoses, triggering an urgent, large-scale inspection and repair operation across the airline’s A350 lineup. With 48 of these widebody jets under Cathay’s wing,…
- Pattaya News
Raining trouble: Downpour drama traps man in Pattaya elevator
Drama struck in Nongprue yesterday when heavy rain caused a power outage, leaving a man trapped in an elevator for nearly two hours. The incident unfolded yesterday, September 8, at an apartment building on Soi Krom Thidin 4, in Pattaya creating a scene of chaos and tension. At 5.56pm, an emergency call was made to the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue…
- Pattaya News
Scaffold sore: Storm lashes Pattaya, topples hotel project (video)
Pattaya City was battered by strong winds and heavy rain yesterday at around 5pm, leading to a major construction site calamity. Scaffolding at a seven-story hotel project on Pattaya Klang Road in Soi Arunotai came crashing down, smashing into power lines and causing high-voltage power poles to break, blocking the road. Miraculously, no injuries were reported. The collapse, a direct result…
- Thailand News
River runs deep: Thai minister dives into Chao Phraya water woes
Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat took centre stage yesterday as she inspected water management in the Chao Phraya River basin. In a high-stakes visit, she was joined yesterday, September 8, by her no-nonsense predecessor Thamanat Prompow, Deputy Minister Akara Prompow, and Deputy Minister Itthi Sirilattthayakorn. The power-packed team first swooped into Chai Nat, where they meticulously reviewed operations at…
- Phuket News
Phuket noodle shop fire scrambles safety after gas blunder
A blaze erupted at the ‘Reua-bai’ noodle shop on the Chalong-to-Kata road yesterday after a Myanmar worker accidentally left the gas on while cooking an egg dish. Police were alerted around 3.30pm, yesterday, September 8, prompting a swift response from officers and firefighters from Chalong Municipality. The fire caused substantial damage to the shop’s kitchen, located next to Mini Big…
- Business News
Thailand’s gold prices drop like a rock, baht’s the culprit
Gold prices in Thailand have taken a nosedive, plummeting by 2,000 baht per baht weight in just over a month. This dramatic drop is attributed to the Thai baht’s impressive 7% rise during the same period. The Gold Traders Association (GTA) warns that prices could fall further if the baht continues to strengthen. Jitti Tangsithpakdi, President of the GTA, explained…
- Thailand News
Phetchabun petrol station’s Ganesh Chaturthi tribute sparks lottery frenzy
A petrol station owner in Phetchabun lowered fuel prices to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, drawing attention from lottery enthusiasts eager to find lucky numbers in the firecracker tails. The event included discounts, free food, and a large Ganesh statue. The petrol station in Yang Ngam, Nong Phai District, owned by Chanapon, has a strong devotion to Lord Ganesha. To mark Ganesh…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok hospital’s Nazi ‘gas chambers’ plan sparks fury
The director of Mongkutwattana Hospital in Bangkok sparked a storm of controversy with a plan to punish smokers who defy his anti-smoking ban, drawing comparisons to Nazi Germany’s grim practices. Rienthong Nanna, the director of the private hospital located in the Laksi district, declared on Facebook that he would confine defiant smokers in ‘gas chambers’ made from old telephone booths…
- Business News
Thailand’s economy feels the squeeze as Q3 wraps up
Thailand’s economy is under severe strain, grappling with both internal and external pressures as the end of the third quarter looms. The kingdom is fighting to stabilise its financial footing while China, a vital trading partner, wrestles with its economic troubles. The Thai baht took a hit earlier this month, mirroring the ongoing turmoil in the world’s second-largest economy. The…
- Phuket News
Phuket on high tide alert: 49 areas in flood zone
Phuket Town is now on the flood watch radar alongside 48 other vulnerable areas, according to the Mineral Resources Department. The popular tourist hotspot is bracing itself for yet another battering from severe weather. The department has listed 49 high-risk villages, with the Old Quarter and Chartered Bank community in the Mueang district topping the list. The department used cutting-edge…
- Thailand News
Anutin’s high hopes for Thai cannabis green light
In a bold move, Anutin Charnvirakul, the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, declared he’s absolutely certain the new Government of Thailand will back his party’s pro-cannabis stance. This means the green revolution could steam ahead just as it was gaining traction under former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Back in July, Srettha struck a deal with Anutin to move forward with…
- Business News
Second-hand tsunami: Used car flood drives Thai sellers to despair
A torrent of high-quality used cars flooding the market might sound like a bargain hunter’s dream but it’s turning into a nightmare for sellers. While buyers drive off with the deals, automakers in Thailand are hitting potholes trying to move new stock, and used car dealers are struggling to keep sales engines running. The second-hand car market skidded to a…
- Phuket News
Phuket’s road to relief: Green light at the end of the traffic tunnel
Phuket’s long-awaited new road linking Kathu and Srisoonthorn is finally getting the green light, thanks to generous land donations from three of the island’s most prominent families. Local bigwigs have confirmed the long-stalled project is now full speed ahead. The Ekwanich, Kulwanich, and Saksaktawee families have handed over the land needed for the ambitious 5.6-kilometre road, designed to ease traffic…
- Thailand News
Murky waters: Shady investors dive into Koh Chang land grab
Fresh fears are bubbling up in Koh Chang, Trat province, as sneaky investors with murky ties have started to snap up land. Chaiwat Limlikhit-aksorn, National Parks Office Director, raised the red flag on these shady dealings. “Private investors are buying swathes of land from locals, and we suspect sinister connections behind these transactions. The government and local officials need to…
- Thailand News
Foreign wheeled-dealers busted: Koh Pha Ngan car crackdown
Police in Surat Thani nabbed two foreign nationals on Koh Pha Ngan for illegally renting out vehicles. The crackdown happened yesterday, September 1, with a 60 year old Russian man and an 18 year old Ukrainian man being detained. Tourist police and local officials swooped in on the Russian at an unregistered house in Moo 1 village, where they seized…
- Pattaya News
Cambodian motorcyclist killed in Chon Buri crash with Porsche
A Cambodian motorcyclist was tragically killed in a high-impact crash with a luxury Porsche in Chon Buri. The deadly collision happened at 3.06am yesterday, September 1, on Soi Chaiyapreuk 2, Huay Yai. Local police and rescue teams from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation rushed to the scene. The aftermath of the crash was dramatic, with tyre marks stretching over 10…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya eyes one-way system traffic shake-up to Soi Buakhao
Local government officials in Pattaya are considering extending their new one-way traffic system, currently operating on Soi 11 (Soi Honey) and Soi 13 (Soi Diana Inn), to Soi Buakhao. The move follows a successful trial and positive feedback from residents. Led by Anupong Phutthanavarat, the Pattaya City Council’s Committee on Administration and Public Safety recently visited these streets to evaluate…
- Thailand News
Surin teacher scoops 30 million baht lottery prize
A new millionaire has emerged in Surin after scooping a 30 million baht lottery prize in the September 1 draw. The lucky individual secured the first prize of the government lottery with five winning tickets. Surin has once again lived up to its reputation as the “first-prize province.” Almost every lottery draw sees a winner from this region, and the…
- Thailand News
Sukhothai’s big win: Local lady strikes gold with a lucky lottery ticket
A new millionaire has emerged in Sukhothai’s Ban Dan Lan Hoi district, thanks to a stroke of luck in the Thai government lottery. A local woman bagged the first prize, securing a staggering 6 million baht. The community has been buzzing with excitement over her unexpected windfall. The winning ticket, numbered 199606, was revealed yesterday, September 1, marking a notable…
- Thailand News
Hair-raising: Snip sensation wooes all with buxom charm
A barbershop in Khon Kaen has become a community sensation, attracting numerous customers with the allure of its sexy buxom barber. The shop, known as Haircut Big Breasts, has garnered a loyal following thanks to the skills and charm of Ratana Vichasri. Located in Moo 16, Ban Kut Kuang, Pracha Uthit Soi, Mueang Kao subdistrict, Mueang district, in Khon Kaen…
- Phuket News
Phuket taxi driver tussle turns streets into a brawl zone (video)
The streets of Phuket resembled more like a battle scene today than a picturesque holiday resort after a furious brawl broke out between local taxi drivers and foreign tourists, raising fresh concerns about visitor safety. What started as a squabble quickly spiralled into a full-blown fight, drawing a large crowd of shocked onlookers. Wichit Police stepped in today, August 30,…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok braces for river’s ride: Chao Phraya goes with the flow
Heavy flooding in northern Thailand is now wreaking havoc in Bangkok, with the capital bracing itself for the Chao Phraya River to burst its banks, according to the Royal Irrigation Department (RID). Floodwaters from the northern provinces are surging into Bangkok, spurred by a rushed discharge from the Chao Phraya dam in Chai Nat. This dam, crucial for regulating water…
- 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…
