- Business News
LH Bank targets doubling Taiwanese loan portfolio within five years
A subsidiary of the Land and House Financial Group (LHFG), LH Bank revealed its ambitious plan to double its Taiwanese loan portfolio over the next three to five years. This strategy is backed by the increasing influx of foreign businesses into the Thai market. LHFG President Shih Jing Fuh highlighted that despite moderate overall loan growth in the first half…
- Business News
Central Group, Thai banks initiate tourist QR payments
The Central Group of companies, which includes Central Retail Corporation, Central Pattana, and Centara Hotels and Resorts, has joined forces with the Bank of Thailand and six leading commercial banks to launch a cross-border QR payment service for tourists. The banks involved in this collaboration are Bangkok Bank, Kasikornbank, Krungthai Bank, Siam Commercial Bank, Bank of Ayudhya, and CIMB Thai…
- Business News
High demand for GSB soft loan scheme reaching 80 billion baht
A government-administered soft loan scheme through the Government Savings Bank (GSB) has seen significant initial interest, with demand reaching 70-80 billion baht out of a total of 100 billion baht, according to Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira. During the signing ceremony for the memorandum of understanding for the GSB Boost Up scheme aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Pichai…
- Thailand News
MFP introduces bills to reduce military power, prevent coups
The Move Forward Party (MFP) introduced three significant charter amendment bills aimed at mitigating the impact of the military regime’s orders, preventing future coups, and abolishing the junta-supported 20-year national strategy. An MFP list-MP, Parit Wacharasindhu, emphasised that although the Pheu Thai-led government has committed to rewriting a new charter, this process could take up to two years. The MFP…
- Thailand News
NACC suggests legal reforms to exonerate innocent individuals
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) resolved to address the issue of criminal records for individuals found innocent or not prosecuted, proposing legal reforms and submitting recommendations to the Cabinet for consideration. During a recent meeting, the NACC decided to enhance the management of criminal records, aiming to improve efficiency and accuracy. The recommendation came after complaints from individuals previously accused…
- Thailand News
Thai teen attacked by neighbour after unfriending on Facebook
A 14 year old girl was attacked by a neighbour at her home after unfriending them on Facebook. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of the minors involved. The attack occurred after the girl’s aunt requested help from activist Kan Chom Phalang. The neighbour, angered by the girl unfriending them on Facebook, stormed into the house…
- Thailand News
Retired Thai officer covers car in cash to aid the needy
Retired police officer Sergeant Thin has become a local hero by covering his car with money to help those in need. TikTok user arm_yimyim25 shared a heartwarming video showing Sergeant Thin sticking banknotes of various denominations on his vehicle, inviting the less fortunate to take what they need. Sergeant Thin’s philosophy is simple, if the money is taken, he will…
- Thailand News
Thailand Cabinet caps electricity at 4.18 baht, diesel at 33 baht
The Thai Cabinet approved measures to cap electricity prices at 4.18 baht per unit until the end of the year and diesel prices at 33 baht per litre until October 31. A new energy structure law is set to be introduced today, July 23. Following a Cabinet meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga announced that the government…
- Thailand News
Beat drop: Drummer’s collapse rocks live session in Khon Kaen
A drummer experienced a sudden collapse during a live music session, falling face-first to the ground while his bandmates rushed to his aid. Recalling the incident, the 54 year old drummer, Natthawut Sukkham, shared his perspective on the event, suggesting both health issues and supernatural elements might have contributed to his sudden fainting. The incident occurred during the evening of…
- Phuket News
Shellfish showdown: Tempers boil over pricey shrimp dish in Phuket
A heated debate has erupted over the pricing of a shrimp dish at a well-known restaurant in Chalong, Phuket. The controversy began when the popular Facebook page Page E So Khia Khao 3 shared a post about the stir-fried lotus lai with shrimp served by Suan Indy Seafood in Soi Kruwattana (Soi Palai 2). The post highlighted the dish’s price…
- Thailand News
Roadside bomb injures six police officers in southern Thailand
A roadside bomb detonated in Pattani yesterday, injuring six police officers and prompting the army to urge motorists to exercise caution. The explosion occurred on Road 42 in Nong Chik district as an armoured pickup truck carrying the officers was returning to base from a checkpoint. The Internal Security Operations Command’s (ISOC) southern frontline office reported that the blast caused…
- Thailand News
Speedboat collision near Koh Samui leaves one dead, two injured
Two speedboats collided near Koh Samui island last night, resulting in one fatality and two injuries. The accident occurred approximately 1 nautical mile off Bo Phut in the Koh Samui district and was reported to local authorities around 8.30pm, according to Police Lieutenant Sirachat Kamunee from Bo Phut Police Station. The incident involved the Chor Chokchanita 22, operated by Funnyday…
- Thailand News
Thai police refute claims of substandard bulletproof vests
The Royal Thai Police’s (RTP) Ordnance Division firmly denied allegations of distributing substandard bulletproof vests following the circulation of a controversial image online. The image, which showed body armour layered with plywood, sparked concerns and criticisms about the quality and safety of the vests provided to officers. The division’s commander, Police Major General Nirandon Sirisangchai, clarified yesterday that the RTP…
- Thailand News
Tilapia trouble: Thailand orders crackdown on invasive fish invasion
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin directed the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry to intensify efforts to curb the spread of blackchin tilapia, an invasive species now pervasive in Thailand’s waterways. The 62 year old prime minister tasked the ministry with investigating how this species, originally from West Africa, has managed to proliferate so widely across the country. Following these instructions, Agriculture and…
- Business News
AOI unifies schools to revolutionise Thailand’s education system
Arthit Ourairat Institution (AOI) is revolutionising Thailand’s education system by unifying its network of schools under a single governance model. This strategy aims to enhance holistic learning and optimise the use of resources, faculty, and infrastructure, thereby significantly enriching the student experience. By pooling and harmonising these essential assets, AOI ensures that its values of integrity, innovation, inclusivity, and passion…
- Thailand News
Buriram’s next act: Ex-governor poised to lead Senate as speaker
Former Buriram Governor Senator Mongkol Surasajja is anticipated to be chosen as the Senate Speaker in the upcoming session of the Upper House tomorrow. The selection of the Senate Speaker and two deputies will occur after the swearing-in ceremony. The most senior senator has been approached to preside over the inaugural meeting. A source familiar with the situation indicated that…
- Thailand News
Drunk driver kills 13 year old girl buying food for ill mother
A tragic accident occurred when a drunk driver hit and killed a 13 year old girl who was buying food for her ill mother. The incident left beer bottles scattered in the car, with the grieving mother holding her deceased daughter and repeatedly saying, “I’m sorry.” Police reported that late last night, July 21, an accident was reported to an…
- Thailand News
Senate factions prepare for speaker and deputy elections
Senate factions are gearing up for the election of the Senate Speaker and deputy roles, with three main groups emerging as contenders. The New Breed, the Blue group, and a faction representing independent Senate votes are all preparing their nominations. Each group is rallying behind its preferred candidates, though discussions about compromise candidates are also on the table. The New…
- Thailand News
Pheu Thai Party retains Chalerm Ubumrung
Pheu Thai Party will not expel list MP Chalerm Ubumrung, according to the party’s secretary-general, Sorawong Thienthong. Chalerm had expressed a desire to be expelled to freely join the Palang Prarachrath Party (PPRP), following his son Wan’s recent resignation from Pheu Thai. Wan’s departure came after he caused discontent within the party by interacting with a rival during an election…
- Thailand News
MFP remains resolute ahead of key court ruling
The Move Forward Party (MFP) remains steadfast in its mission, regardless of the Constitutional Court’s impending decision on whether to dissolve the party, according to leader Chaithawat Tulathon. Chaithawat assured that the MFP has not only grown stronger but its members are now more equipped and prepared to ensure victory in the next General Election. Confident that the court ruling…
- Thailand News
Couple killed in Chon Buri car crash, children injured
A tragic car accident in Chon Buri province on Sunday night claimed the lives of a couple and left their two children injured. The incident occurred on Suk Prayun Road in Phan Thong district when a white sedan crashed into a power pole. The accident resulted in the deaths 41 year old Siraphop and his 41 year old wife, Natchareeya.…
- Phuket News
Patong tuk tuk driver fined after aggressive road confrontation
Patong tuk tuk drivers are again under scrutiny after an alarming confrontation between a driver and a resident in traffic. The incident, captured in a 51-second video, ignited a wave of criticism and concern among Phuket residents. A resident, who has been living in Phuket for eight years, documented the encounter and posted the video on the Facebook page Driving…
- Thailand News
Bangkok plans 130 new parks, doubles tree goal by 2026
Bangkok is taking a bold step towards sustainability under the leadership of Governor Chadchart Sittipunt. Moving past the Green Bangkok 2030 initiative, the governor has set his sights on an ambitious environmental agenda. Chadchart’s vision includes creating a 15-minute city with accessible green spaces. The plan involves adding 130 parks and doubling the tree-planting goal to two million by 2026,…
- Thailand News
King donates 300-rai for new sustainable zoo in Pathum Thani
His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua has donated a 300-rai plot in the Rangsit Khlong Hok area of Pathum Thani’s Thanya Buri district for a new zoo. This new facility will replace the 80 year old Dusit Zoo in Bangkok, which closed in 2018. Attapon Srihayrun, Director of the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand, highlighted that the new zoo…
- Thailand News
Astrologer advises Pisces, Virgo to perform merit-making with light
Astrologer Tosaporn suggests that during the Buddhist Lent, two zodiac signs should perform merit-making activities involving light to mitigate the influence of Rahu in their horoscopes. Tosaporn advises those born under Pisces and Virgo to visit temples and engage in activities such as offering candles, refilling oil lamps, donating towards electricity bills, and contributing to education, which is considered the…
- Business News
Thai SME bank sees non-performing loans surge to 13%
Rising non-performing loans (NPLs) in the first seven months of this year have predominantly emerged from wholesale and retail sectors, as reported by the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank of Thailand (SME D Bank). The Managing Director of SME D Bank, Phichit Mitrawong, attributed the increase to sluggish economic conditions, which have led to a contraction in consumer purchasing…
- Business News
Stark Corporation scandal costs 14.7 billion baht
Shareholders and stock investors of Stark Corporation are reeling from an accounting and embezzlement scandal that has incurred damages estimated at a staggering 14.7 billion baht. This debacle has impacted 4,704 shareholders and led to the prosecution of the former chairman and several top executives in what is deemed one of Thailand’s largest corporate frauds in recent years. Adding to…
- Business News
Charged up: GAC Aion plugs into Thailand’s booming EV market
GAC Aion New Energy Automobile, an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer under Guangzhou Automobile Corporation (GAC), anticipates substantial benefits from the ongoing expansion of Thailand’s EV market. This comes after the recent inauguration of a 2.3-billion-baht EV assembly plant in Rayong. The company aims to produce up to 70,000 EVs annually for both domestic sales and export, according to Ma Haiyang,…
- Thailand News
Opal-Suchata Chuangsri wins Miss Universe Thailand 2024
Opal-Suchata Chuangsri has been crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2024, following an evening of intense competition and dazzling performances. The final event, held yesterday, showcased the talents and poise of 40 contestants who vied for the prestigious title. The evening began with a spectacular opening performance by all the contestants, each introduced sequentially, setting the stage for what would become a…
- Pattaya News
Govenor enforces stricter tourism rules after indecency incident
Mae Hong Son Governor Chucheep Phongchai announced immediate measures to regulate tourism activities following an incident involving a foreign tourist couple engaging in indecent behaviour after tubing and consuming alcohol at a resort in Pai District, northern Thailand. Concerned about the potential negative impact on Pai’s tourism image, the governor emphasised the need for stringent guidelines and enhanced tourism management.…
