Hot News
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Bank of Thailand urged to slash interest rates amid economic struggle
Pressure is mounting on the Bank of Thailand to ease the economic strain on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by slashing interest rates on commercial bank loans. Pichai Naripthaphan, deputy chairman of the Pheu Thai Party‘s strategies and politics committee and an advisor to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, argued that the central bank needs to acknowledge the real-world challenges people…
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Thai PM invites Xi Jinping to mark 50 years of Thai-Sino relations
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has invited China President Xi Jinping to visit the Land of Smiles in the upcoming year, a move set to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Thai-Sino relations. This invitation was extended following a meeting with China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, who just concluded a four-day visit to the Southeast Asian nation. The meeting between the…
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Thai government seeks interest rate cut as household debt fuels recession
Thailand’s economy is currently grappling with a recession triggered by soaring household debt, as reported by the Deputy Finance Minister, Julapun Amornvivat, today. This intensified the call for the central bank to reduce interest rates. Julapun also expressed the government’s commitment to the 500 billion baht distribution plan, which aims to allocate 10,000 baht per person to 50 million Thai…
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Extortion racket tied to anti-corruption advocate Srisuwan Janya more structured than thought
The extortion racket, previously linked to the anti-corruption advocate Srisuwan Janya, is more extensive and well-structured than initially suspected, according to reports from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB). The organised group, which is believed to have a mastermind, has targeted numerous individuals. CIB’s deputy commissioner, Charoonkiat Pankaeo, stated that the police investigation into the alleged 3 million baht extortion from…
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Thailand prime minister requests another giant panda from China
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently voiced his desire for China to send another giant panda to Thailand. This request follows the death of Lin Hui, a beloved panda who had been a significant attraction in the country. The prime minister’s request received support from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, highlighting the close diplomatic relations between the two nations that span…
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Music festivals in Thailand to look forward to in 2024 (so far)
2023 marked a significant comeback for music festivals in Thailand after a long pandemic-induced hiatus. And the enthusiasm continues into 2024! This year, music festivals are becoming a year-round affair, with numerous events lined up throughout the calendar. But of course, with so much happening, staying updated on venues, dates, and performers can be a task. That’s why we’ve compiled…
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Thai transwoman betrayed by friend and caught in Hong Kong cannabis bust
A Thai man allegedly betrayed a transwoman friend by hiding cannabis in her luggage, leading to her arrest in Hong Kong. More than 30 other victims of the Thai man came forward to expose his fraudulent behaviour. The Facebook account, Pat Catty, shared a story of her transwoman friend on January 25 and urged netizens to be aware of a…
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Thai taxi driver seeks justice after brutal axe attack and car theft (video)
A local taxi driver sought justice after a Thai man posing as a passenger attacked him with an axe before stealing his car. The taxi driver said he was seriously injured but the police gave the attacker a lenient sentence. The taxi driver, 51 year old Chinnaphat Chokchana, urged non-profit organisation Saimai Survive to help him seek justice. Chinnaphat recounted…
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Thailand’s car production hits brakes, sees 15.75% drop in December
Thailand’s car production experienced a significant drop of 15.75% in December, compared to figures from the previous year, marking the fifth consecutive month of decline, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). The downturn resulted in only 133,621 units being produced, largely due to a reduction in pickup truck output. This figure is a stark contrast to November’s year-on-year…
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Visa-lah! Thailand and China ink deal to waive visas, turbocharging tourism
After much anticipation and months of talks, Thailand and China yesterday officially sealed the deal on a reciprocal visa-waiver agreement, aimed at ramping up tourism between the two nations when it kicks into gear come March. Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara and his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, solidified the pact at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok. Dubbed the Agreement…
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Model reports sexual assault by brother-in-law in central Thailand
A model bravely stepped forward to report a harrowing series of sexual assaults and blackmail at the hands of her brother-in-law, a troubling case that has recently come to light in Samut Sakhon province. Today at 10am, the 29 year old woman, accompanied by lawyer Sittha Biabangkerd, also known as Lawyer Tum, filed a report at the Ban Phaeo Police…
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Monks’ misconduct: Temple faces complaint for dog abuse in southern Thailand
Tha Sala District Livestock Office filed a complaint against an abbot and monks at Jan Por Temple in the Tha Sala district in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat for physically abusing a dog. The dog was seriously injured and may lose its sight. Twitter user @whathappenMr shared a video of three monks and another man beating a black…
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Bangkok battles severe PM2.5 pollution, health warnings issued
Bangkok and several provinces across Thailand are currently grappling with dangerously high levels of PM2.5 particulate matter, exceeding standard pollution values and posing a significant health risk. Bangkok’s Phra Khanong district recorded the highest levels, urging the public to wear masks outdoors at all times for protection. The situation monitored hourly, is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Higher…
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Bangkok drug bust: 5 foreign drug dealers arrested, 5 others still at large
Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) officers arrested five foreign drug dealers for trading illicit narcotics in the Sukhumvit and Nana neighbourhoods of Bangkok and detained nine others for violating the Immigration Act. NSB Chief Kirisak Tantinawachai reported to PPTV HD that officers launched an investigation called Operation Mouse Hunt 1 in October last year and managed to arrest seven foreign drug…
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China’s Lunar New Year tourism surge unlikely to reach pre-pandemic levels
Anticipations are high for an increased number of Chinese tourists venturing abroad during the forthcoming Lunar New Year. However, industry analysts predict the numbers will not reach the pre-pandemic levels due to the prevailing uncertain economic situation and evolving consumer trends. A significant surge in passenger traffic during the 40-day festive travel period, known as Chun Yun, is suggested by…
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Thai woman fatally attacked with knife, secret affair suspected as motive
Police are searching for a killer who fatally attacked a Thai woman with a knife in the northern province of Sukhothai. The motive for the murder is suspected to be a secret affair and jealousy. Officers from the Ban Dan Lan Hoi Police Station dashed to the crime scene at 9.30am yesterday, January 28, and discovered the dead body of a…
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Thai baht heads for poorest January since 2020
The Thai baht, after experiencing a nearly 4% loss compared to the US dollar, is on track for its poorest January performance since 2020. The currency’s downfall signals further challenges ahead, given the significant outflows. Emerging Asia’s top-performing currency in the fourth quarter turned into this year’s biggest loser as global funds avoid Thai assets. This comes amid a dispute…
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Bus hostess killed, six injured in Phitsanulok night crash
A tragic collision between a tour bus and an 18-wheel truck at a U-turn near a gas station in Phitsanulok in lower northern Thailand resulted in the death of a bus hostess and left six passengers injured. The incident occurred at 12.15am today, January 29, when the Nakhon Chai Air bus travelling from Phrae to Bangkok was struck by the…
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Thai man rapes daughter and stepdaughter, mother turns blind eye
Police arrested a Thai father for repeatedly raping his biological daughter and stepdaughter over a 10- year period. One of the victims became pregnant while the victims’ mother chose to turn a blind eye to the sexual assaults. Officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) arrested the 38 year old alleged rapist named Ram on January 27 in the central…
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Thailand weather: Cold mornings, thunderstorms, and waves over 2 metres
The Meteorology Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a weather alert for 28 provinces across the kingdom, including Bangkok, warning of thunderstorms and cold to severe cold conditions on mountain peaks. The TMD forecasted that the northern, upper central, and northeastern regions are experiencing weather disturbances due to westerly wind streams, and the southern region is expected to see waves over…
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Thailand’s Land Bridge project eyed for boosting economy amid local concerns
Thailand’s Land Bridge project, a major infrastructure initiative resembling a proposed shortcut through Southeast Asia, dominated the recent mobile Cabinet meeting in Ranong. Residents expressed apprehensions to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, highlighting potential environmental damage and disruptions to their lifestyle. In the face of forecasted stagnant GDP growth, the government views the Land Bridge project as a promising solution for…
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Needle-ss to say: Thai teachers suspended for piercing students’ mouths
The director of a primary school in the Samut Prakarn province near Bangkok temporarily suspended two Thai teachers from duties after they punished 36 Grade 2 students by piercing their mouths with needles. A 30 year old woman, Am, filed a complaint against two female teachers at Samrongnuea Police Station on the evening of January 25 after hearing about the…
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Red sea conflicts could disrupt global trade, Thai economy at risk
The business world is on high alert as the ongoing conflicts in the Red Sea and the Israel-Hamas war pose potential risks to the global economy. The strategic planning unit of the Commerce Ministry is urging stakeholders to keep a close watch on the situation and its potential implications. The conflicts could bring both direct and indirect negative impacts on…
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Italian scientist receives Thai honour, boosting Thailand-Italy relations
The Prince Mahidol Award 2023, a distinguished Thai honour in the medical field, has been conferred upon Prof Dr Napoleone Ferrara, an Italian medical scientist. The award’s presentation underscores the over 156 year old bond between Thailand and Italy. The Italian Embassy in Thailand celebrated this honour, hosting a ceremony for Professor Dr Ferrara. Distinguished Thai figures with notable Italian…
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Delivery truck with parcels sinks in Chao Phraya River, goods lost
A delivery truck plunged into the Chao Phraya River near Wat Klang Kred pier, carrying a full load of parcels destined for customers. The incident, which caused significant damage and required several hours for vehicle recovery, has highlighted the vulnerability of goods in transit despite the increasingly common practice of insuring them against loss or damage. The rise of online…
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Swiss man’s wife missing in Thailand after inheriting 13 million baht
The search intensifies for a Swiss national’s Thai wife, who mysteriously disappeared after inheriting a fortune of over 13 million baht (US$364,861). Despite extensive efforts, there remains no trace of Orathai (surname withheld), following a domestic dispute on January 8. Her sister, Thidarat (surname withheld), disclosed financial transactions that could provide leads in the investigation. Thidarat revealed that Orathai had…
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Hazardous haze engulfs Thailand provinces with dangerous PM2.5 levels
A hazardous haze of ultra-fine dust engulfed 35 out of Thailand’s 77 provinces this morning, January 28, predominantly affecting the central plains. This information was revealed in a recent report by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, which was released at 8am. The report classified nine provinces as suffering from red-level air pollution, indicating serious harm due to the…
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Elderly Saraburi vendor dies in road accident with pickup truck
A tragic incident occurred in Saraburi when a 78 year old man was fatally injured after his motorcycle with a sidecar, loaded with fresh chicken parts, was struck by a pickup truck. The collision took place yesterday, January 27, at around 1.57pm in front of the municipal office of Phu Krang subdistrict, Phra Phutthabat district. The elderly vendor, who was…
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The Peninsula Bangkok unveils a spectacular Valentine’s Day glamping adventure for two special couples
Bangkok couples seeking an intimate Valentine’s Day retreat can now opt for a sumptuous new back-to-nature offering from The Peninsula Bangkok: A one-night glamping adventure that lets them enjoy both spectacular natural settings and personalised services of The Peninsula Bangkok. Offered for two couples only (one couple per trip) over a period between 14-18 February 2024 – the Valentine’s Glamping…
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Thailand tops ASEAN for international tourist arrivals
Thailand emerges as the top destination for international tourists in the ASEAN region, as revealed by Sudawan Wangsuphakitgosol, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, during the 27th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF 2024) in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The forum’s theme, Quality and Responsible Tourism – Sustaining ASEAN Future, reflected a collective intent among ASEAN tourism ministers to restore and…
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