Sarishti Arora
- Technology News
Thailand boosts cloud budget to 1 billion baht amid political shifts
Thailand’s cloud-first policy will remain intact, despite the recent political changes, according to the caretaker Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry. The appointment of new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has led to only minor adjustments in government policies. A significant increase in the fiscal 2025 budget for state agencies’ procurement of cloud services has been announced, rising to 1 billion baht…
- Aviation News
Thai Lion Air expands fleet, aims for 7 million passengers
Thai Lion Air is expanding its fleet and reinstating routes in response to rising tourism demand, aiming for 6-7 million passengers and achieving its first post-pandemic profit. Thai Lion Air chief Nuntaporn Komonsittivate made known that domestic and international routes have recovered by 60%, supported by an increase in operational jets to 20 from 11 in recent years. The average…
- Thailand News
Gang posing as electricity officials steals 228,700 baht via app
Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) Officers apprehended a gang posing as electricity officials, tricking victims into installing an app that drained their bank accounts. Victims were deceived into scanning their faces, resulting in a loss of over 200,000 baht. The cunning method highlights the growing sophistication of online scams. Police Lieutenant General Worawat Wattanakornbancha, CCIB Commissioner, Directed Police Major General…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s unemployment drops, but Bangkok sees increase
Thailand has experienced a notable decline in its overall unemployment rate from May to June, except Bangkok, as revealed by a recent survey conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO). The NSO reported that the number of unemployed individuals decreased to 379,000 in June, down from approximately 482,000 in May. This survey encompassed the working-age population of 59.19 million people…
- Thailand News
NHSO denies additional funds for advanced Thai treatments
The National Health Security Office (NHSO) firmly rejected a proposal from a national network of hospitals to allow patients under Thailand’s universal healthcare scheme to pay extra for enhanced treatments. A coalition of hospitals, including the university hospital network, approached Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin last month, seeking the ministry’s intervention to address the budgetary constraints of the universal healthcare…
- Environment News
PEA launches first sustainability bond worth 1 billion baht
The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) announced the successful launch of its first sustainability bond, marking a significant step towards its green finance goals and that of Thailand. PEA Governor Supachai Ek-Un, along with representatives from the Public Debt Management Office (PDMO), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Bangkok Bank, DNV (Thailand), and Thai Bond Market Association, held a press conference yesterday, August…
- Thailand News
Three pythons found in Buriram chicken coop after feast
Three pythons were discovered in a chicken coop resting after feasting on several chickens. The homeowner believes the snakes might bring good luck. Siam Ruam Jai Pu In Rescue Unit yesterday, August 15, responded to a call from residents in Talat Yae, Thanon Hak subdistrict, Nang Rong district, Buriram province, to assist in capturing several large snakes that had entered…
- Thailand News
Thailand govt addresses TEMU’s impact on local SMEs
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce raised concerns over the impact of the global e-commerce platform TEMU on Thai SMEs. Immediate protective measures are being discussed with eight agencies to curb the influx of online goods into the country. Phumtham Wechayachai shared his views on Facebook, stating that while international e-commerce platforms bring opportunities, they also present significant…
- Thailand News
Vitamin C and shrimp myth debunked by Thai authorities
Fake news about the dangers of consuming vitamin C with shrimp, claiming it causes sudden death, has caused widespread panic online. The Anti-Fake News Centre in Thailand previously debunked this myth, confirming it as false information. The online community is once again abuzz with panic over the false information that eating shrimp with vitamin C causes sudden death due to…
- Thailand News
Rubber plantation worker shot dead near home in Songkhla
A rubber plantation caretaker was fatally shot in Songkhla’s Sadao district while riding his motorcycle home, just 20 metres from his house. Police are actively investigating to apprehend the perpetrator. The Deputy Inspector at Sadao Police Station, Phongsakon Paochanarong, today, August 13, revealed the incident. The shooting occurred at about 8pm yesterday at the entrance of Ban Rai Tok Dan…
- China News
Man’s severe pain caused by swallowed plastic fork in intestines
A man suffering from severe abdominal pain for three months, prompting his family to prepare for his funeral, was found to have a surprising cause for his ailment. An unusual discovery in his intestines revealed a plastic fork. In Foshan, Guangdong Province, China, a middle-aged man named Guan sought medical treatment after enduring three months of relentless abdominal pain. A…
- China News
Taiwan netizen’s leaf mistaken for stray cat goes viral
A viral sensation has emerged online in Taiwan, where a netizen shared a humorous experience of trying to rescue what appeared to be a stray cat on the street, only to discover it was something entirely different. According to reports, the netizen recounted that at around 10pm, yesterday, August 12, while driving home after work, they noticed an orange stray…
- Environment News
Ministry tackles chemical waste crisis with 14.9 million baht cleanup
The Ministry of Industry initiated a collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and other relevant agencies to address areas recently contaminated with chemical waste. The Permanent Secretary of the Industry Ministry, Nattapol Rangsitpol, informed the media of the coordinated efforts yesterday, August 12. Nattapol acknowledged the issues arising from the illegal dumping of hazardous substances in Rayong,…
- Business News
MG to produce hybrid electric vehicles in Chon Buri next year
Thailand’s hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) market is set to witness heightened competition as automakers roll out investment plans. The Chinese-Thai joint venture SAIC Motor-CP and MG Sales (Thailand) announced their intention to produce HEVs under the MG brand in Chon Buri by next year. MG is capitalising on a burgeoning domestic market for HEVs, spurred by the Board of Investment’s…
- Thailand News
Myanmar worker feared drowned in Samut Songkhram river
A young Myanmar worker disappeared while swimming with friends near the central pillar of the Somdej Phra Sri Suriyen Bridge in Samut Songkhram. Despite rescue efforts, strong currents forced a pause in the search, which will resume today. The 24 year old Myanmar worker, Hen Min Ko Ko, was enjoying a swim with three friends to cool off when he…
- Thailand News
Thailand launches new double-track railway, enhancing logistics
Thailand’s double-track railway on the State Railway of Thailand’s southern line, spanning from Nakhon Pathom to Chumphon, has officially started operations. The announcement was made yesterday, August 12, by the agency. The head of the SRT governor’s office, Ekarat Sri-arayanpong, stated that the new track will enhance logistical operations along the 421-kilometre route. The upgrade is set to reduce journey…
- Thailand News
New law proposed for quick tech crime recovery in Thailand
A special law to protect victims of technology crimes and expedite their recovery of losses will be introduced by the government, Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong announced yesterday. The new legislation aims to address the surge in technology-related crimes and was agreed upon during a recent committee meeting focused on suppressing and preventing these offences. The committee…
- Business News
Thai central bank to cut rates as US economy slows
The US economy is anticipated to face a cyclical slowdown from late next year into 2025, prompting the Bank of Thailand to reduce its policy rate by up to 1.5 percentage points, according to KGI Securities (Thailand). KGI analysts, Rakpong Chaisuparakul and Pragrom Pathomboorn highlight in their report that this slowdown will normalise the labour market and make US consumers…
- Business News
Mc Group forecasts 4 billion baht revenue, targets Gen Y and Z
The well-known creator and distributor of Mc Jeans, Mc Group Plc, anticipates its revenue to hit 4 billion baht this year, with a strategic focus on engaging Generation Y and Z to fuel its growth. The Chief Executive James Richard Amatawiwat acknowledged the competitive nature of the market this year but expressed confidence in the company’s ability to stay ahead…
- Thailand News
Photo of tourist at Thai temple sparks online debate
A photograph posted by the well-known influencer Toffee, known as Toffee the Computer Repairing Ladyboy, sparked a heated debate online. The image, taken at the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, shows a tourist stepping on a replica of the Buddha’s footprint, leading to widespread criticism on social media. The controversy divided opinions. Some believe the foreign tourist’s behaviour is…
- Chiang Mai News
Chiang Mai woman fatally struck at zebra crossing
A tragic road accident occurred when a 56 year old woman was hit by a car while crossing a zebra crossing in Chiang Mai, resulting in her death. The incident took place yesterday near the chedi Mae Krua Market, Mae Faek Mai subdistrict in San Sai district. Police from Mae Faek Police Station received the report of the accident, which…
- Thailand News
Woman uninjured after BMW hits power pole
A dramatic car accident in Nakhon Ratchasima saw a woman escape uninjured after her new BMW veered off a curve and struck a power pole in Phimai district early yesterday morning. The incident took place on Phimai-Chumphuang Road in Tambon Rangka Yai at 6.49am, yesterday, August 11. CCTV footage revealed the white BMW, still bearing red plates, approaching the curve…
- Thailand News
Gold prices drop as Thai market sees 50 baht reduction
Gold prices saw a drop today as the Gold Traders Association (GTA) opened the market with a reduction. Compared to the last recorded prices on August 9, gold ornaments are selling at 41,000 baht per baht weight. Today, August 12, reporters highlighted that the GTA announced gold prices, showing a reduction of 50 baht from the last prices on August…
- Phuket News
Woman injured by debris from grass-cutting operation in Phuket
A woman was seriously injured when debris from a roadside grass-cutting operation hit her eye while she was riding her motorcycle in Phuket. Local government officials and the responsible company have initiated discussions regarding accountability and compensation. The incident occurred yesterday, August 10, at 9am on Phatthana Road, Soi 3, Talat Nuea subdistrict, Mueang Phuket district. A police officer from…
- Thailand News
How to detect call centre scams with two simple steps
A simple trick reveals how to check if a strange number calling you is from a call centre scam. Just follow two easy steps to know immediately if it’s a scammer. Call centre scams have become a widespread issue in Thailand, affecting people of all ages, professions, and backgrounds. Many individuals have become wary and have started avoiding answering calls…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Heavy rain, flash flood warnings in northern Thailand
Heavy rain is expected in 53 provinces across northern and northeastern Thailand, with the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) warning of potential flash floods and forest runoffs, particularly in mountainous regions and low-lying areas. In Bangkok, the rain is forecasted to hit from afternoon to evening. The TMD’s 24-hour weather forecast indicates increased rainfall across Thailand, particularly heavy to very…
- Thailand News
Jasmine flower shortage raises prices for Mother’s Day
Skyrocketing prices and a shortage of local jasmine flowers marked this Mother’s Day, driven by fluctuating weather conditions. In Khon Kaen, many florists at the Thetsabarn 1 Fresh Market have turned to imports from Indonesia due to more affordable prices. A 65 year old florist, Noorian, noted that continuous rain has hindered the blooming of local jasmine flowers this year.…
- Business News
OIC plans committee to oversee actuaries’ licences in Thailand
The Office of the Insurance Commission (OIC) is contemplating the establishment of a screening committee empowered to suspend or revoke the licences of actuarial mathematicians in a bid to mitigate risks to insurance firms and policyholders. Assistant Secretary-General of the OIC, Ayusri Kambamlue, stated that the office aims to enhance the protection of insured individuals’ benefits and elevate actuarial standards.…
- Business News
Thai banks brace for rising credit risk amid global uncertainties
Large local banks foresee their corporate clients grappling with significant challenges in the second half of the year due to global uncertainties and concerns over a potential US recession. Banks aim to manage asset quality to mitigate rising credit risk among certain customer segments. The Chief Executive of Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), Kris Chantanotoke, highlighted that some corporate customers will…