Hot News
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Thai widow swindled in romance scam by fake college director
A 52 year old woman from Udon Thani has been swindled out of nearly 50,000 baht (US$1,386) in a romance scam by a man who claimed to be the director of a well-known vocational college. The man, who made first contact over Facebook, charmed and deceived her into a romantic entanglement before borrowing money and vanishing without a trace. The…
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Thai man murders wife, hides her body in rubber plantation
A Thai man in Chachoengsao admitted to the brutal murder of his wife after her remains were found in a rubber plantation. Initially reporting her missing, the 33 year old man named Sirichai later disclosed the violent altercation that led to him taking 27 year old Chollada’s life yesterday, February 20, and attempting to conceal the crime by burning her…
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PM Srettha urges bank of Thailand to consider interest rate cut
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed his concerns to the Bank of Thailand’s (BoT) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), suggesting an urgent meeting to discuss a potential cut in interest rates, rather than waiting until the scheduled April meeting. Following a recent Cabinet meeting, PM Srettha clarified that he hadn’t imposed any pressure on the secretary-general of the National Economic and Social…
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High airfares dampen Songkran holiday spirit
Despite the extended Songkran holiday, a surge in outbound trips is not anticipated, mainly due to high airfares and deflation risk concerns. This perspective comes from travel agents who predict that the 21-day Water Festival campaign is more likely to entice foreign tourists than the local market. Kriangphon Piyaekchai, the vice president of the Thai Travel Agents Association, explained that…
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AI and social media search optimisation to shape trends
The forthcoming year, 2024, is poised to be an exhilarating time for both consumers and marketers, as brands embrace and exploit artificial intelligence (AI) on a larger scale, predicts Bhidak Indraduta, the managing director of Mindshare Thailand, a leading media agency. A surge in social media search optimisation, privacy marketing, and responsible AI use are tipped as the key trends…
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Burned human remains found linked to missing Prachinburi woman
Authorities in Prachinburi province are conducting a meticulous investigation after the discovery of human skeletal remains that had been burned in a rubber plantation. Nearby, a wrist with a bracelet resembling gold was found, which has led to speculation about the identity of the deceased. The coordinates of the last known location of Chollada Muthuras, commonly known as Nunn, aged…
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Thailand extends visa exemption for Kazakhstani tourists
The Thai Cabinet recently extended the visa exemption for Kazakhstani tourists by another six months. The exemption, which is now valid until August 31, is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to stimulate Thailand’s tourism sector. This move comes in the wake of an impressive surge in the number of Kazakhstani visitors, a trend that began after the government waived…
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Dutchman fined 14,000 baht by AI for scratching head whilst driving
A routine act of scratching his head while driving led to an unexpected fine for a Dutchman after an AI-powered traffic camera misinterpreted the gesture for using a mobile phone. Tim Hansen received a fine of 380 euros (14,000 baht) last November, sparking a debate on the efficacy of AI in law enforcement. Hansen was stunned to receive a traffic fine…
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Thailand extends visas to Kazakh tourists for six more months
Kazakh tourists will continue to enjoy a visa-free scheme in Thailand for an additional six months, following an extension by the Thai Cabinet. The exemption, applicable to those carrying Kazakhstani passports or equivalent documents, is now due to run from March 1 to August 31, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. “As per our records, each Kazakh tourist spends roughly…
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DSI offer 2 million baht reward for info on historic murder case
Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is offering a reward of 2 million baht in a bid to encourage anyone with any potentially helpful information to aid in the resolution of a long-standing murder case. The murder victim, Tomoko Kawashita from Japan, was only 27 years old when her life was tragically cut short in Sukhothai Thain 17 years ago.…
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Transwoman injures two women in Pattaya Beach attack
A transwoman reportedly attacked two women on Pattaya Beach at 4.36am on Saturday, February 17. The Sawang Boriboon Dhamma Sathan Rescue Foundation Radio Centre in Pattaya received distress calls on February 17, alerting authorities to a harrowing physical assault. Rushing to Soi 13, Pattaya Beach, Bang Lamuand ng, Chon Buri, rescue teams and local police uncovered a scene of horror. Two…
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Man nabbed for illegal otter trade in wildlife bust in Chachoengsao
Authorities in Chachoengsao province apprehended a 26 year old suspect for harbouring protected wildlife, including otters, in his possession. During the raid in Plaeng Yao district, law enforcement officers seized not only the carcasses of three soft-shelled turtles but also those of two pangolins from the suspect’s residence. The identity of the individual, however, remains undisclosed. The suspect is set…
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Algerian tourist nabs 20,000 baht amulet from Bangkok gold shop
An Algerian tourist has been apprehended and charged with the theft of a valuable amulet worth around 20,000 baht from a prestigious gold shop nestled in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district. The Algerian tourist was identified as Garou by Police Superintendent Police Colonel Santi Kornkasem of the Children and Women Protection Sub-Division. He was nabbed on Monday following an intense investigation triggered…
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PTTGC expands recycling operations focusing on opaque plastic containers
Thailand’s foremost petrochemical producer by capacity, PTT Global Chemical Plc (PTTGC), is broadening its recycling operations with a focus on opaque plastic containers, primarily bottles. This endeavour is part of the company’s newly introduced campaign aimed at fostering eco-friendly habits among the youth. The campaign constitutes the company’s second environmental initiative following its venture into recycling waste polyethene terephthalate (PET)…
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Phuket gears up for annual Makha Bucha national Buddhist holiday
The bustling town of Phuket is set to observe a moment of stillness as the main Phuket Immigration Office, alongside other government establishments, prepares to halt operations for the upcoming Makha Bucha national Buddhist holiday on Monday, February 26. This sacred holiday not only brings about a day of rest for public offices but also a countrywide prohibition on alcohol…
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Hua Hin: Elephant found dead in stream, intense conflict suspected
The lifeless body of an elephant was discovered in the waters in Huai Sat Yai, Hua Hin. The dead elephant is believed to have succumbed to brutal injuries inflicted during a fierce clash. Deputy Inspector Police Lieutenant Colonel Somphot Prayangam, stationed at Nong Plub Police Station in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan, received a distress call from 51 year old…
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PM Srettha inspects ’30-Baht Plus’ healthcare policy
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin spearheaded the inspection of the Phra Ajarn Mun Bhuridatto Hospital’s construction progress and closely monitored the implementation of the 30-baht Plus healthcare policy in Sakon Nakhon Province. The Phra Ajarn Mun Bhuridatto Hospital stands as a beacon of hope, catering to a vast population, including residents from neighbouring provinces. The relentless pursuit of excellence has driven…
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Minister orders CAAT to cut Bangkok-Phuket flight prices for Songkran
Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit ordered the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) to negotiate with airlines to explore ways to lower airfares following complaints from passengers about the high cost of flights from Bangkok to Phuket. He expressed confidence that reduced prices could be in effect in time for the Songkran travel period. Today, at 9.30am, Suriya Juangroongruangkit addressed the…
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PM Srettha pledges to woo back Russian tourists with revived flights
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is gearing up to welcome a surge of Russian tourists to Thailand, unveiling plans to tackle the flight shortage bottleneck yesterday. Acknowledging reports of a burgeoning number of Russian tourists eyeing Thailand for their holidays, PM Srettha highlighted the critical lack of flights to accommodate the demand. “Inadequate flights are hindering the influx of Russian…
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Burned skeleton in Khon Kaen landfill confirmed as female
Police confirmed that the burned skeleton found in the landfill in the Isaan province of Khon Kaen was a female under 35 years old. A 66 year old Thai woman came to the police station believing that the skeleton belonged to her missing granddaughter. A water delivery driver discovered the burned skeleton at a dump site in the Waeng Noi…
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Thailand’s thriving Muslim tourism boom with mosque tour
In a bid to elevate Thailand to the zenith of the Global Muslim Tourism Index (GMTI), the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) teamed up with key figures like Imam Mathanarat Vacharapisut from the Haroon Mosque and the Islamic Committee of Bangkok to revolutionise cultural tourism for Muslim travellers. Imam Mathanarat Vacharapisut recently joined forces with Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of TAT, in…
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Thailand PM calls for cut in interest rates amid economic crisis
The Prime Minister and Finance Minister of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin, urgently called upon the Bank of Thailand (BoT) to organise an unscheduled meeting of its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). The objective of this meeting is to consider a cut in interest rates, as recent data suggests that the nation’s economy is in crisis. PM Srettha’s plea for this urgent meeting…
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Thaksin denies lese majeste law violation, secures 500,000 baht bail
After being released on parole for only a day, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra turned himself into authorities again, yesterday, February 19, in connection with a lese majeste case. He successfully secured bail of 500,000 baht. The 74 year old former PM was released on parole after a six-month detention at Police General Hospital. On February 18, he returned…
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Update: NASA and South Korea join forces to crack down on air pollution
South Korea’s National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER) and NASA have embarked on a mission to unravel the secrets of winter air pollution across Asia, including Thailand. Announced by the South Korean Ministry of Environment, this joint research initiative kicked off in South Korea and will span through Malaysia and Thailand, culminating on March 25. This year’s study, conducted from…
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Thailand’s EGAT targets biomass, hydrogen to cut CO2 emissions
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) is endeavouring to combat climate change by adopting alternative fuels to replace coal in its power plants. Partnering with the Forest Industry Organisation, a study is underway to identify fast-growing plants suitable for conversion into biomass fuel. This initiative falls within EGAT’s strategy for long-term CO2 reduction, as confirmed by Chaiwut Lakmuang, the…
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Prime Minister Srettha hands over 10,000 rai of land to farmers
In a significant move to uplift the farming community, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, on a visit to the northeastern region of Udon Thani, officially handed over lease contracts to farmers for over 10,000 rai of land owned by the 3rd Field Artillery Regiment. This marked a significant day in the Nong Wua So development scheme, designed to safeguard the interests…
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Pollution turns Nonthaburi canal water pink
Reports revealed strange pink canal water in Nonthaburi on Valentine’s Day last week as scientists scrambled to uncover the truth behind the sudden rosy hue. Experts from the Department of Science Service (DSS) embarked on an investigation uncovering startling findings that could change the way we see pollution. The case, discovered in Khlong Bang Phraek near the Big C department store…
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Chinese woman escapes attempted rape and murder in Pattaya
A Chinese woman is seeking justice after she managed to escape from a Thai man who tried to rape and kill her near a roadside forest beside Siam Country Club in Pattaya. Police are currently searching for the suspect. The Chinese victim, 29 year old Meilin, and her younger brother, 19 year old Chen, called officers from the Nong Prue…
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Chaos outside passport office claims lives in Myanmar
In Myanmar’s Mandalay, a rush for escape turned fatal as two lives were lost in a stampede outside a passport office yesterday. According to an AFP report, the victims, two women aged 52 and 39, succumbed to the overwhelming surge of hundreds clamouring to secure their passage out of the country, amplifying the harrowing toll of Myanmar’s societal upheaval. A…
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Thai prosecutors threatened over online gambling scandal probe
Two leading prosecutors have allegedly been threatened by police officers implicated in a major online gambling scandal in Thailand, prompting the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) to seek their protection. The Royal Thai Police, however, have yet to offer a response to the OAG’s plea. The OAG has specifically requested the national police chief, Police General Torsak Sukvimol, to…
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