Thailand News
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Thailand drives PromptPay QR code payments forward
The Bank of Thailand (BOT) is accelerating its efforts to expand the digital payments ecosystem, aiming to make transactions more accessible and convenient for both Thai citizens and foreign visitors. This strategic move aligns with the growing global trend toward digital financial solutions and aims to enhance financial inclusion and cross-border transactions. A key focus of the BOT‘s initiative is…
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Assange granted appeal: A Wikibreak in his extradition case (video)
Julian Assange lives to fight another day after the UK High Court ruled that the embattled, award-winning journalist could appeal against his extradition to the United States. The WikiLeaks founder, a thorn in the side of the so-called democratic Western political powers, was granted permission to challenge the order demanding his transfer to the US, where he faces charges for…
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Thailand plans Formula One circuit near U-Tapao airport by 2028
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced plans to construct a Formula One racing circuit near U-Tapao Airport in Rayong province within the next three to four years. The prime minister shared this vision after meeting with Formula One Group executives in Milan yesterday. The 62 year old prime minister emphasised the importance of international sporting events for boosting tourism, expressing the…
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Down under failure: Adult creators reveal Aussie men’s bedroom blunders
Four Australian adult video creators have shared their frustrations about common sexual misconceptions and mistakes made by men, particularly highlighting that men often rush through intimate moments. According to a report by the New York Post, these women agree that men tend to be too quick during sex. A 31 year old woman named Alicia Davis stated that Australian men…
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Thai woman seeks help as daughter’s drug threat endangers baby
A Thai woman is seeking help from the authorities after her junkie daughter made a death threat against her and forced her baby to take drugs. The 59 year old woman, Sanom, turned to social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet for help after her drug-addicted 42 year old daughter, Mod, spiralled out of control. She and locals in the area…
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Govt to boost 2024 budget by 122 billion baht for handout scheme
According to the Budget Bureau Chief, the Thai government plans to increase the 2024 fiscal budget by 122 billion baht to support its primary handout initiative. This announcement follows the recent approval of a delayed 3.48 trillion baht budget. The government is continuing to push forward with fiscal stimulus plans, aiming to distribute 500 billion baht by the fourth quarter…
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Woman discusses love and deceit in 40-year age gap
A 59 year old woman opened up about her tumultuous relationship with her former lover on a talk show. The couple had a notable 40 year age gap, which drew public attention. The woman, P’Phon, accused her former beau, Nong Wave, of deceiving her over a product review job, where the actual payment was 200,000 baht, but he told her…
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Tourism campaign in the works to promote second-tier provinces
In a bid to amplify tourism revenue from lesser-known provinces and cities, The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) unveiled a five-point campaign aimed at promoting 55 second-tier regions. The initiative marks a collaborative effort involving nine ministries, the Royal Thai Police, and two additional agencies. Deputy Governor of the TAT, Somruedee Jitjong, emphasised the necessity of diversifying tourism revenue streams…
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Stormy times: Thailand braces for thunderstorms, Bangkok to soak
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued another weather forecast, warning of thunderstorms in 53 provinces, with Bangkok expected to experience heavy rainfall in 70% of its area. The TMD today, May 20, predicts a southwest wind covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand is gaining strength, while the area continues to experience hot weather during the…
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Principal removed after child trafficking allegations in Khon Kaen
The Director of the Khon Kaen Primary Educational Service Area Office 5 issued an order for a school principal to be removed from their position, following allegations of involvement in a child trafficking ring. The principal is accused of engaging in sexual activities with a 12 year old girl. Authorities from the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division, along with the Paweena…
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Double home victory for Thai badminton players in the Toyota Open
The National Stadium in Bangkok witnessed an electrifying display of badminton prowess as Thai players clinched two titles in the prestigious Toyota Thailand Open yesterday. Supanida Katethong, ranked 16th globally, stunned spectators by defeating China’s 7th-ranked Han Yue in a thrilling final to secure the women’s singles title. In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Supanida emerged victorious over…
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Gunman surrenders after shooting municipal worker in Nontha Buri
A man involved in a shooting incident with a municipal employee in Sai Ma municipality surrendered to authorities after firing his gun at a municipal employee in his vehicle. Police have filed four charges against him and granted bail. A Sai Ma municipal employee, 42 year old Saranyut reported to the police yesterday after being shot at while driving his…
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Japanese student in agony after falling asleep in bath for 5 hours
A Japanese student shared a startling experience of falling asleep for five and a half hours while taking a bath, waking up to find his fingers in a disturbing state and severe pain. The 20 year old student, who posted about the incident on the former Twitter platform, now X, (@nattsunyan), described returning to his parent’s home and dozing off…
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Thai man with mental health issues leaps from Bangkok BTS station
A Thai man with mental health issues jumped to his death off the Royal Thai Air Force Museum BTS Station in Bangkok on Saturday. Saimai Police Station officers investigated the death of the 25 year old Thai man, Nithi Thipthep, on Pahonyothin Road in the Bang Khen district of Bangkok. Nithi was wearing a dark blue T-shirt, black shorts, and…
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Vietnam prioritises economic growth despite global challenges
Vietnam will focus on bolstering economic growth despite ongoing challenges from weak global demand, announced Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai. Addressing the National Assembly during its summer session, Khai noted that while gross domestic product (GDP) growth has improved, significant hurdles remain. Industrial activity is recovering, albeit at a slow pace. Vietnam, now a manufacturing hub benefiting from shifting…
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Lawyer arrested for alleged rape and threats against female client
A prominent lawyer and former parliamentary candidate was arrested yesterday for allegedly raping a female client and issuing multiple threats, leading to the victim’s severe emotional distress and a subsequent suicide attempt on a ship. Police Major General Thiti Saengsawang directed the arrest, carried out by Police Major General Teeradet Thamsutee and his team, including officers from various investigative units.…
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Drunk & disorderly: Chinese vandal wreaks havoc in Bangkok hotel
Police arrested a drunk Chinese vandal after he smashed up electronic devices and furniture at a hotel in the Sathorn district of Bangkok. Tungmahamek Police Station officers were alerted by a hotel manager on the Southern Sathorn Road yesterday, May 19, that the 30 year old Chinese man, whose identity remains undisclosed, went on a rampage. Upon arrival, officers found…
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Thailand bans alcohol sales nationwide for Visakha Bucha Day
Immigration and various government offices will be closed at midnight tomorrow as Thailand observes Visakha Bucha Day, a significant Buddhist holiday. As Thailand’s holy occasion, the sale of alcohol is banned nationwide for the entire day. This restriction begins at midnight tomorrow and continues until midnight on Wednesday, May 22, affecting all shops, bars, and restaurants. The only exception is…
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Labubu yantra tattoos capture spiritual community’s interest
The ongoing trend for Popmart’s Labubu art toys has now expanded beyond fashion enthusiasts to also captivate the spiritual community. The Labu Bu Phoksap Yantra, a new tattoo design, originated from AjarnAmsri Ohromyan’s Facebook post, where he shared images of the Yantra inspired by the popular Labubu character. AjarnAmsri explained that the yantra’s creation stemmed from his daughter’s love for…
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Thai PM shifts gears: Thailand aims to race onto F1 calendar
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin seized the opportunity to explore the potential for Thailand to host a Formula One race in 2027 or 2028 during his official visit to Italy from May 17 to 21. Visiting the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari circuit in Imola, near Bologna for the Emilio-Romagna Grand Prix this past weekend, he engaged in discussions with the F1 Group…
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Health risks associated with getting a tattoo
Tattoos have transitioned from ancient cultural rites to mainstream expressions of individuality. Their popularity spans continents and demographics, yet this surge in acceptance has not been without its concerns. As more individuals opt to decorate their bodies with intricate designs and meaningful symbols, an essential question arises: Are tattoos safe? Recent studies and medical reports suggest that while tattoos can…
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Thai industries launch initiatives to boost SMEs post-pandemic
New initiatives by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) aim to bolster local entrepreneurs, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) still grappling with the effects of the pandemic. The FTI is focusing on critical sectors such as agribusiness and the auto parts industry to foster resilience and growth. Efforts are being made to help SMEs become more competitive through the…
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Thai woman blames police drug search in vagina for miscarriage
A Thai woman sued the narcotics suppression unit of Samut Prakarn Provincial Police, accusing officers of causing her miscarriage by searching for drugs in her vagina. The 30 year old woman, Orranee Ruangphueng, accompanied by her lawyer, filed a complaint against the Samut Prakarn Provincial Police’s narcotics suppression unit at Bang Bor Police Station on May 18. Orranee claimed she…
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Gamecaster Fat Cat takes own life after spending 2.6 million baht
A famous 21 year old gamecaster, known as Fat Cat, tragically ended his life after spending over 2.6 million baht on his girlfriend, only to be betrayed. His sister revealed the heart-wrenching details, prompting widespread online criticism. The police have officially announced the results of their investigation into the suicide of the gamecaster known as Fat Cat. This announcement has…
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MNEs taxed to curb profit sharing, 12 billion baht revenue expected
The Revenue Department anticipates the implementation of draft legislation aimed at taxing multinational enterprises (MNEs) to curb profit shifting to low-tax jurisdictions by 2025. This move is expected to enhance tax revenue by 12 billion baht annually. Director-General Kulaya Tantitemit revealed that the draft legislation incorporates the Top-up Tax Act, which aligns with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s…
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Thailand govt to auction decade-old stash after safety check
Thailand’s government will move forward with plans to auction off rice from Yingluck Shinawatra’s pledging scheme, stored in two Surin warehouses for a decade, following a laboratory test confirming its safety for consumption. Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, currently in Italy, announced that a private laboratory’s tests on samples from the Surin warehouses revealed no aflatoxins or…
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Man murders drinking friend with concrete block after argument
A tragic murder unfolded in Surin province when 67 year old man allegedly killed his 58 year old drinking companion by hitting him with a concrete block and then dragging his body with a motorcycle before dumping it in a canal. The incident occurred at approximately 6.05pm yesterday. Police reported that the suspect Thip and the victim Wantong were drinking…
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Thai ladyboy loses cash and phone after one-night stand
A Thai ladyboy lost 2,000 baht in cash and a mobile phone after a one-night stand with a Thai man at a resort in Pattaya. A friend of the transgender victim took to social media to seek help, posting a picture of the thief’s car and urging netizens to help identify the suspect. “Please help. My friend went to a resort…
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Pattaya’s electric scooter debate sparks charged safety talks
Electric scooters have become a hot topic in Pattaya, sparking discussions among various agencies and officials about their legality and safety. The legal status of these scooters is not straightforward in Thailand, with regulations varying by region. In cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, the rules can differ significantly. The primary concern lies in the absence of firm national rules…
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Iranian president’s helicopter drama: Hard landing sparks alarm
Iranian state media reported a tragic incident involving a helicopter transporting President Ebrahim Raisi, detailing a hard landing on Sunday. The aircraft, reportedly carrying Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian as well, encountered challenging weather conditions, hampering rescue efforts, as conveyed by the Interior Minister. The status of those aboard the helicopter remains uncertain, with no contact established as of now.…
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