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This Christmas, give the gift of health: essential options for expats in Thailand
The holiday season is here, bringing warmth, joy, and a chance to reflect on the year gone by. As an expat in Thailand, this Christmas is a great time to invest in something that truly matters: health. Whether for you...
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Thailand power companies to spark 112,400 megawatts in 13 years
Thailand’s electricity supply is projected to reach 112,400 megawatts in the next 13 years, with power companies anticipated to play a larger role in power generation, according to the new power development plan (PDP). The country’s power supply was 53,868MW last year, with nearly 80% sourced from fossil fuels and the rest from renewable energy. According to an anonymous source…
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Scottish ex-football player admits to child sexual assault in Thailand
A former footballer confessed to serious sexual assault and the possession of an astonishing number of indecent images of children. The ex-midfielder, who once played for Scottish clubs St Johnstone and Dunfermline Athletic in the 1980s and 90s, will now face the full force of the law. The Scotsman, 61 year old Ian Heddle, originally from Dunfermline, was initially arrested…
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Thailand boosts chip investment to power electric vehicle industry
The Board of Investment (BoI) is set to ramp up investments in computer chips to bolster the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) industry in Thailand. This initiative aligns with the state’s strategy to establish a national semiconductor board. As domestic EV manufacturing gains traction, driven by increased foreign investment, the development of related industries becomes crucial, stated Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary-general of…
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Thai monk’s high crimes: Temple trouble over explicit posts & drugs
Police arrested a Thai monk at a temple in the Isaan province of Sa Kaeo for sharing explicit content on social media platforms and using drugs. The monk admitted to having sex with many men during his monkhood and infecting them with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Twitter account Red Skull shared explicit pictures of the Thai monk, later identified…
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Seven bidders cleared for auction of 15,000 tonnes of rice
Seven potential bidders have been cleared to participate in the auction of 15,000 tonnes of rice remaining from the Yingluck Shinawatra administration’s rice-pledging scheme. Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai yesterday confirmed that the auction for this last stockpile will proceed as planned on June 17. Eight companies showed interest and submitted documentation to verify their qualifications earlier…
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Thailand investment budget hits nearly 40% in third quarter
Government investment budget disbursement in the third quarter of this fiscal year surged to almost 40%, nearly doubling the set target due to accelerated disbursement measures, according to Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira. After chairing a meeting of the Budget Disbursement and Public Spending Acceleration Committee, Pichai stated that the swift allocation of the government investment budget has facilitated a quicker…
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Thailand to unveil five-year digital nomad visa
Thailand is on the verge of launching a much-anticipated digital nomad visa, granting remote workers the golden opportunity to reside and work in the country hassle-free for up to five years. In the past, Thailand unveiled the Thailand Elite Visa to attract foreign expatriates and tourists, offering unlimited entry and exit privileges alongside membership in the esteemed Thailand Privilege programme.…
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Jealous Thai man turns himself in after setting fire to disabled wife
In a horrific scene, a Thai man set fire to his disabled wife outside her home in the central province of Nakhon Pathom yesterday. He fled the scene before turning himself in to police later that night. The Wat Chan Rescue Foundation was alerted to the brutal attack yesterday, June 12, and rushed to transport the victim from her home…
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Truck fire near gas station causes major disruption in Bangkok
A 22-wheel trailer truck carrying 15 tonnes of rubber scrap caught fire near a gas station, causing significant damage and triggering a substantial emergency response. Five fire trucks were dispatched to control the blaze, which erupted around 4.05am today. Police received a report of the fire from Apivat Sinpru, an investigator at the Thammasala Police Station. The incident occurred in…
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Police arrest drug dealer resembling Didier Drogba in Tha Yang
Police arrested a drug dealer nicknamed Drog Big of Tha Yang, who bears a striking resemblance to the famous footballer Didier Drogba while delivering methamphetamine to customers. Officers, including Police Lieutenant Colonel Arthapong Nokkhunthong, Deputy Superintendent of Investigation at Tha Yang Police Station, and Police Lieutenant Pisit Lueangpraphasiri, Deputy Inspector, yesterday, June 12, alongside a team of investigators from the…
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Car crash in Chon Buri leaves driver critically injured
A car veered off the road, crashed into a tree, and flipped over, landing upside down with its wheels in the air in Chon Buri, in the early hours of this morning. The engine was ejected from the vehicle, and a fire ensued. The driver was severely injured and thrown from the car. At 4.30am today, June 13, rescue officials…
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Thailand weather alert: thunderstorms and rain in 30 provinces
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) today issued a weather warning for 30 provinces in Thailand, predicting thunderstorms and heavy rain in some areas. Bangkok and its vicinity are expected to experience rain in 40% of the area. The TMD forecasts for the next 24 hours indicate that a moderate southwest monsoon is covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf…
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Motorcycle rider assaults passenger after fare dispute in Bangkok
A female passenger was assaulted by a motorcycle rider after refusing to pay an additional fare. The incident, captured on CCTV, occurred in an alley off On Nut 41 when the rider dismounted his motorcycle and physically attacked the woman, kicking and punching her until she fell to the ground. The woman had booked a ride from Huai Khwang to…
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Police uncover 72 illegal immigrants at Samut Sakhon factory
Royal Thai Immigration officers, along with relevant agencies, conducted a search operation at a factory in Krathum Baen, Samut Sakhon, following a report from the Damrongdhama Centre about a significant number of illegal immigrant labourers. The operation led to the discovery of over 72 illegal immigrants working at the site. Among the discovered workers, 45 had no legal documentation or…
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Robot surgeons to take over public hospitals after trial success
In a revolutionary leap for healthcare, robot-assisted surgery is set to be rolled out in more public hospitals following a triumphant trial at Rajavithi Hospital, announced the Department of Medical Services. Rajavithi Hospital began its journey with robotic surgeries in 2020, a visionary project spearheaded by the Ministry of Public Health, according to Dr Amporn Benjapolpitak, head of the department.…
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Monsoon storms causes immense erosion of Na Jomtien Beach
Severe monsoon storms and heavy rains have led to significant erosion along Na Jomtien Beach, causing safety concerns for beachgoers and tourists. Authorities from the Pattaya Harbor Office and Na Jomtien Municipality inspected the affected area and are moving quickly to address the situation. The Director of the Pattaya Harbor Office, Ekkarach Kantharo, explained that the erosion is a natural…
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Closure of two carmaker’s facilities threatens investor confidence
In a recent announcement, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) expressed concerns that the planned closures of Suzuki and Subaru production facilities in Thailand could undermine investor confidence in the auto industry. Last month, Suzuki Motor (Thailand) revealed its decision to cease all factory operations in Thailand by the end of 2025. The company cited declining sales and intense competition…
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Thailand’s glow-in-the-dark snail steals the show
A bioluminescent snail from Thailand has captured the hearts of thousands, winning the prestigious International Mollusc of the Year 2024 title. Over 50% of the more than 6,000 voters selected this mesmerising mollusc, making it a clear favourite. The annual competition, initiated in 2021 by Germany’s Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum, the LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics,…
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Man admits to paying girl to drink alcohol causing coma
A man has turned himself in to authorities after admitting to paying a young girl to drink alcohol at an ordination ceremony, resulting in her falling into a coma. The suspect, Jetsada Phongphatthanaporn, from Pak Thongchai district in Nakhon Ratchasima, surrendered to police yesterday, June 11. Police Colonel Thanaphat Phet-arun, chief of Nong Bunmak Police Station confirmed that the 26…
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Attack at 7-Eleven: Teen worker stabbed over jealous rage
A teenage convenience store worker was left bleeding and terrified after being brutally stabbed while on duty at a 7-Eleven store in Jomtien Complex. The attacker turned out to be a jealous teenager, driven by suspicion and rage. The 19 year old victim, Kritsana Charunrak, was behind the counter when the horror unfolded. “He just jumped over and stabbed me…
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Thai man loses 30,000 baht after incomplete ATM deposit
A Thai man lost 30,000 baht in cash after an incomplete deposit process at an automated teller machine (ATM) in a shopping mall in the Bang Kapi district of Bangkok. Thai tour guide Ter is seeking assistance from non-profit organisation Saimai Survive after the loss. He recounted the incident to the organisation and media, stating that he deposited 30,000 baht…
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EC ordered to present evidence against Move Forward Party
The Election Commission (EC) has been ordered by the Constitutional Court to present its list of witnesses and evidence in the high-stakes case against the Move Forward Party (MFP) before the next hearing on June 18. The nine judges of the Constitutional Court convened today to deliberate the EC’s petition to dissolve the MFP. The embattled party had already filed…
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On track: SRT proposes dual-track railway to Nakhon Ratchasima
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) proposed two options for the construction of a dual-track railway between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima, assuring locals that the Simathani Bridge will not be demolished. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Transport, aimed to finalise plans and address concerns. The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Transport Surapong Piyachote along with numerous…
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Shock fare hike on MRT Blue Line: Pay up to 45 baht from July 3
The Thai Cabinet approved a fare increase for the MRT Blue Line, effective from July 3. This means passengers will soon be paying between 17 baht and 45 baht for their journeys, up from the current maximum of 43 baht. Deputy Government Spokesperson Kenika Anudit announced the decision yesterday, June 11, confirming that the Cabinet had greenlit the draft regulations…
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Local woman honours promise in abandoned school dance ritual
A local woman in Laplae led 12 dancers to perform a ritual dance at an abandoned school to fulfil a promise she made to a local deity after her unusual wish was granted. Neighbours quickly followed, seeking blessings for themselves. The deserted Baan Huai Khamin School in Moo 5, Tung Yang Subdistrict, Laplae District, Uttaradit Province, once educated children up…
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Ruff rescue: Abandoned pit bull in Hat Yai finds new home
A pit bull was found abandoned in the heart of Hat Yai, dehydrated, weak, and unable to move. Rescuers discovered it infested with ticks and emaciated. Fortunately, a kind-hearted individual has already come forward to offer the dog a new home. Residents found the pit bull, weighing about 50 kilogrammes, left in Soi 6, Rat Uthit area, yesterday, June 11.…
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Vietnam considers ceasing decade long gold import ban
Vietnam may soon allow companies to import gold for the first time in over a decade. Aiming to bridge the gap between local prices and international benchmarks, this development comes as the Vietnam Gold Traders Association (VGTA) continues its extended discussions with the government to address the supply and demand imbalance for gold. Huynh Trung Khanh, vice chair of VGTA,…
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Thailand extends control on 57 items to protect consumers
Government spokesperson Phumtham Wechayachai announced the extension of control over 57 products and services for another year to regulate essential goods and services for consumers, effective from today, June 12 onwards. The deputy prime minister and minister of commerce reported the decision following a meeting of the Central Committee on Prices of Goods and Services (CCP) held yesterday. The meeting…
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Buddhist office to seize sex scandal monk’s 100 million baht assets
The National Office of Buddhism plans to confiscate assets worth over 100 million baht from the former monk involved in a group sex scandal case. A Thai couple accused the monk, later identified as Phra Ajarn O, of manipulating them and other followers into having group sex. The monk allegedly tricked them into sexual activity by claiming it would give…
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Phuket hosts Southern Halal Expo to boost tourism
The Southern Halal Expo & Tourism fair is currently taking place in Phuket, aiming to revitalise local tourism and enhance the incomes of local families while enhancing a sense of community for Muslims. Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat officiated the opening ceremony at the Robinson Lifestyle Shopping Center in Thalang yesterday. The event, organised by the Andaman Phuket Muslim Women’s Association in…
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