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    5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)

    Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...

  • Thai PM extinguishes ‘high’ hopes for recreational cannabis, prioritises medicinal path

    Thai PM extinguishes ‘high’ hopes for recreational cannabis, prioritises medicinal path

    Disagreeing with the notion of recreational cannabis use, the Prime Minister of Thailand indicated that his administration would instead continue to focus on the medicinal usage of the plant. Thai PM Srettha Thavisin, who additionally performs the role of the nation’s Finance Minister, shared his stance with the media today, Friday, September 15. Despite this, the cannabis industry in Thailand…

  • Bangkok Special Prison seeks ‘checkup’ on ex-PM Thaksin at police hospital

    Bangkok Special Prison seeks ‘checkup’ on ex-PM Thaksin at police hospital

    Bangkok Special Prison is set to send an inquiry to the medical team at the Police Hospital about the condition of former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who has been receiving treatment there. Thaksin has been in the hospital for almost a month, and the prison officials, led by Nasathi Thongplod, insist on following doctors’ orders above all else. Even…

  • Myanmar’s surprise cash checks: Dollars and insurance needed for entry

    Myanmar’s surprise cash checks: Dollars and insurance needed for entry

    According to the Royal Thai Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar has announced that it will randomly inspect foreign tourists on arrival. US dollars in cash and medical insurance are required for entry. The embassy yesterday, September 14, reported that the Burmese authorities urged foreigners entering the country for less than 14 days to prepare for a random inspection upon arrival. According…

  • Fatal folly: Rubbernecking motorcyclist’s abrupt stop leads to tragic crash in northern Thailand

    Fatal folly: Rubbernecking motorcyclist’s abrupt stop leads to tragic crash in northern Thailand

    A tragic fatality occurred as a result of an unforeseen incident when a motorist abruptly braked to observe an accident scene in Lamphun, northern Thailand. The incident transpired around 7.20pm yesterday when a motorcyclist lost his life due to a six-wheeled lorry failing to come to a halt in time, colliding with the back of the motorcycle. The initial accident…

  • Pedophile nabbed for rape attempt, plan thwarted by his impotence in northeast Thailand

    Pedophile nabbed for rape attempt, plan thwarted by his impotence in northeast Thailand

    Police officers arrested a 51 year old pedophile for attempting to rape an eight year old girl in the Isaan province of Ubon Ratchathani. His plan to commit the sexual assault was reportedly thwarted by his impotence. The man attempted to evade arrest by hiding in his car but his plan failed. On Tuesday, September 5, the alleged suspect, Sakda…

  • Ex-Thai Senator among five charged in Saraburi minor sexual exploitation scandal

    Ex-Thai Senator among five charged in Saraburi minor sexual exploitation scandal

    A scandal erupted in Saraburi as a former senator and four other individuals faced charges related to the sexual exploitation of a minor. The ex-senator, 57 year old Boonsong Kerdlam, along with the former director of the Saraburi branch of the National Office of Buddhism, and three other men were issued arrest warrants. A prominent politician from a major coalition…

  • Big Joke cracks the case: CCTV reveals Thai police officers caught in lie after officer’s tragic death

    Big Joke cracks the case: CCTV reveals Thai police officers caught in lie after officer’s tragic death

    Following the tragic death of Police Major Siwakorn Saibua, the Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, reviewed CCTV footage from the house of the community leader, Praween Chanklai, also known as Nok, and found that police officers at the scene lied about the circumstances of the incident. Pol. Maj. Siwakorn lost his life at a…

  • Thailand’s e-cigarette ban draws ‘smokin’ support from concerned parents

    Thailand’s e-cigarette ban draws ‘smokin’ support from concerned parents

    The ban on the import and sale of e-cigarettes in Thailand gained substantial approval, primarily from parents of students, as a recent survey conducted by the Research Centre for Social and Business Development (SAB) revealed. The majority of respondents voiced concerns over potential health risks, urging the government to keep the prohibition in place. The SAB unveiled these results during…

  • Thai government to revoke redundant NCPO directives, streamlining functions

    Thai government to revoke redundant NCPO directives, streamlining functions

    The Government of Thailand has initiated plans to consult the Council of State, its legal advisory body, on revoking certain directives and proclamations issued by the now-disbanded National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, announced this move, citing that some of the NCPO’s orders are currently redundant or seen as hindrances to the smooth operation of government…

  • Thai tourism aims sky-high: 3 trillion baht revenue target unveiled

    Thai tourism aims sky-high: 3 trillion baht revenue target unveiled

    The Thai tourism and sports minister announced an ambitious new target for foreign tourism revenue: an unprecedented 3 trillion baht. The minister, Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, revealed the goal, which marks a considerable increase from the 1.9 trillion baht recorded in 2019, is part of a broader strategy to position the nation as a leading hub for sports and entertainment. Sudawan acknowledged…

  • Unexpected twist: Chinese accident investigation unveils chilling kidnap-ransom scheme in Bangkok

    Unexpected twist: Chinese accident investigation unveils chilling kidnap-ransom scheme in Bangkok

    Royal Thai Police officers, investigating a car accident between Thai and Chinese drivers on Bangkok’s Sirat Expressway, stumbled upon a shocking twist—an unexpected link to a chilling kidnap-for-ransom scheme. ThaiRath yesterday afternoon reported that Expressway Police Station 2 was called to the scene of a car accident on the Sirat Expressway by a 33 year old Thai man, Somphong Sisod.…

  • Thai PM ‘splits’ salary option sparks debate among civil servants

    Thai PM ‘splits’ salary option sparks debate among civil servants

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday responded to criticisms surrounding the recent Cabinet resolution, which offers civil servants the option of receiving their monthly salary in two instalments instead of the usual single payment. The resolution, primarily aimed at stimulating the economy, was unveiled during the first Cabinet meeting of his administration on Wednesday and is tentatively set to start in January.…

  • Thai government improves universal healthcare scheme with digital, patient-centric measures

    Thai government improves universal healthcare scheme with digital, patient-centric measures

    Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin mandated the country’s health minister, Cholnan Srikaew, to assemble a committee aimed at improving services provided under the universal healthcare scheme. According to government spokesman, Chai Wacharonke, the prime minister’s objective is to simplify access to healthcare services for the public. An example of the impending changes to the universal healthcare scheme includes eliminating the necessity…

  • Rosewood racket busted: Task force and national park collaborate to thwart illegal loggers in northern Thailand

    Rosewood racket busted: Task force and national park collaborate to thwart illegal loggers in northern Thailand

    The Phaya Sue Task Force, in collaboration with Huai Nam Dang National Park, apprehended a network involved in the illegal logging of rosewood in the Srai Ngam forest area, Pai district, Mae Hong Son province. The operation, which resulted in the seizure of a significant amount of evidence, was conducted on September 12. Attapol Charoenchansa, who is acting on behalf…

  • Lottery caper: 4,500 tickets vanish, GLO cracks down on missing numbers

    Lottery caper: 4,500 tickets vanish, GLO cracks down on missing numbers

    Around 4,500 lottery tickets for this week’s lottery draw have been seized by the Government Lottery Office (GLO), following a report of missing tickets by an agent. If any of these tickets win, the recipients may not be able to claim their prize and will have to provide evidence before today. The GLO made this announcement on its official page.…

  • Activists demand ex-PM Thaksin’s return to prison amid health condition scepticism

    Activists demand ex-PM Thaksin’s return to prison amid health condition scepticism

    A coalition of political activists and reform campaigners, led by Pichit Chaimongkol, yesterday demanded the reinstatement of public faith in the rule of law. They have urged Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to ensure the re-incarceration of former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra. The 74 year old former PM, who recently returned from a 15-year self-imposed exile on August 22, had a…

  • Southern Thai community shaken by drug-infused gay sex scandal involving abbot

    Southern Thai community shaken by drug-infused gay sex scandal involving abbot

    A startling revelation has ruffled the robes of both locals and monks alike in the tranquil southern province of Phattalung after a sinning abbot had been dealing in more than just sermons, he was caught offering drugs to men in the community in exchange for gay sex, leaving the community in disbelief. A woman who lives near the temple told…

  • Unbelievable delivery drama: Chinese woman’s surprise birth in hospital bathroom

    Unbelievable delivery drama: Chinese woman’s surprise birth in hospital bathroom

    A Chinese woman who was experiencing abdominal pain was surprised when she unexpectedly gave birth in a hospital bathroom, despite her prior insistence that she was not pregnant. The baby fell into the toilet bowl. This surprising incident took place at a hospital in Yangzhou, located in Jiangsu Province, China, and left both the patient and medical staff astonished. On…

  • Apple’s sweet surprise: iPhone 15 lineup set to juice up Thailand’s smartphone sales

    Apple’s sweet surprise: iPhone 15 lineup set to juice up Thailand’s smartphone sales

    Apple Inc’s new line of iPhone 15 models is set to boost Thailand’s smartphone sales in the fourth quarter, say industry analysts and a mobile phone distributor. In the premium smartphone market in Thailand, Apple and Samsung devices continue to reign. Apple debuted the iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max on Tuesday. Thai consumers will be…

  • Thailand tourism shifts focus to Kazakhstan amid slow Chinese tourism recovery

    Thailand tourism shifts focus to Kazakhstan amid slow Chinese tourism recovery

    Chinese tourists aren’t expected to immediately surge to 700,000 arrivals per month, despite a prospective Thailand tourism visa–free scheme, due to safety concerns and lower flight frequencies, currently at half of their pre-pandemic 2019 levels. Phuket’s tourism operators are instead setting their sights on Kazakhstan, to be granted visa-free entries from September 25 to February 29, 2024. Travel agents see…

  • Thailand’s tourism reboot: aiming high with a 2.4 trillion baht comeback

    Thailand’s tourism reboot: aiming high with a 2.4 trillion baht comeback

    The Thai government unveiled an ambitious strategy aimed at revitalising its tourism industry, to generate revenue of 2.4 trillion baht this year. This figure equates to approximately 80% of the income recorded in the sector’s peak year of 2019. A spokesperson for the government, Chai Wacharonke, revealed the plans yesterday. The government has further goals for the domestic tourism sector,…

  • One year old survives truck collision in Sumatra, heart-wrenching video goes viral

    One year old survives truck collision in Sumatra, heart-wrenching video goes viral

    An Indonesian one year old toddler stunned the world as he crawled out of a truck wreckage following a collision on Sumatra Island. The incident occurred on September 9 in the province of Lampung. The heart-wrenching video, which went viral on social media, showed the boy crawling from the crushed vehicle and seeking his mother. The video also showed Sri…

  • Minister’s pork order: 4,300 tonnes of smuggled pork ‘trashed’ in Sa Kaeo landfill

    Minister’s pork order: 4,300 tonnes of smuggled pork ‘trashed’ in Sa Kaeo landfill

    The Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Thamanat Prompow commanded that the disposal of approximately 4,300 tonnes of unlawfully smuggled pork be carried out in a Sa Kaeo landfill. The pork was earlier seized at Laem Chabang port during a Department of the Special Investigation (DSI) probe in July. The confiscated shipment, valued at over 500 million baht, comprised 161 containers.…

  • Former provincial chief’s journey ends in tragic car crash on Rama II Road

    Former provincial chief’s journey ends in tragic car crash on Rama II Road

    A former Provincial Chief of Prachuap Khiri Khan province tragically lost his life in a car crash. The fatal incident occurred this morning, when his Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, registered in Prachuap Khiri Khan, crashed into a roadside barrier on Rama II Road, flipping the vehicle and ending fatally. The deceased, identified as 55 year old Prakit, was an esteemed figure…

  • Energizing savings: Government’s cost-cutting shock eases financial pressure

    Energizing savings: Government’s cost-cutting shock eases financial pressure

    The Employers’ Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry (EconThai) expressed approval for the Thai government’s latest move to slash both electricity and diesel costs. This initiative is aimed at alleviating the financial pressure on households and businesses. The reduction in power tariff was confirmed yesterday, following Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin‘s policy statement announcement in parliament, reports Bangkok Post. The new…

  • Firearm amnesty: Illegal Thai gun owners given 30 days to ‘trigger’ compliance

    Firearm amnesty: Illegal Thai gun owners given 30 days to ‘trigger’ compliance

    In an attempt to crackdown on illegal firearm possession, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin drafted a 30-day amnesty for gun owners without permits. They now have a month to turn in these firearms at any police station before stricter enforcement measures are applied. This initiative was implemented yesterday, September 13, following a raid where a team of 100 officials targeted 21…

  • Thai digital delights: DEPA and partners unlock future of gaming, animation, characters

    Thai digital delights: DEPA and partners unlock future of gaming, animation, characters

    The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), in collaboration with esteemed partners including the Thai Digital Content Association (DCAT), Thai Animation and Computer Graphics Association (TACGA), Thai Game Software Industry Association (TGA), Bangkok ACM SIGGRAPH, and Atwise Consulting Company, has unveiled a comprehensive survey and evaluation report on the state of the Thai digital content industry encompassing games, animation, and characters…

  • Wild west drama unfolds at Samui Airport: Minibus driver shoots Grab driver in fiery clash

    Wild west drama unfolds at Samui Airport: Minibus driver shoots Grab driver in fiery clash

    Samui International Airport in the southern province of Surat Thani turned into a scene from a Western movie after a minibus driver shot a Grab driver following a heated dispute. Bophut Police Station officers rushed to a parking area of the arrival passenger terminal in the airport to investigate the shooting scene. Officers discovered travellers were shocked by the incident…

  • Pattaya market plunder: Thief swipes 14,000 baht worth of goods from parked car

    Pattaya market plunder: Thief swipes 14,000 baht worth of goods from parked car

    A recent theft at a bustling market in South Pattaya, Banglamung district, Chon Buri, left a 26 year old woman bereft of her valuables worth over 14,000 baht. The incident unfolded under the cover of darkness on Monday, September 11, with the thief making a swift and unwelcome entry into her parked car. The market, known for its lively atmosphere…

  • Lampang girl, 9, sexually assaulted by teacher: Harrowing incident sparks outrage

    Lampang girl, 9, sexually assaulted by teacher: Harrowing incident sparks outrage

    A nine year old girl in Lampang province was reportedly sexually assaulted in a school restroom by a 28 year old male teacher from another institution. The sexual assault was brought to the attention of the police yesterday by the victim’s mother, a 28 year old Lampang resident. The mother became suspicious after noticing her daughter had started menstruating, an…