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  • Thailand NewsMFP alleges govt embezzlement in RTN frigate procurement

    MFP alleges govt embezzlement in RTN frigate procurement

    Thailand’s leading opposition group the Move Forward Party (MFP) has levelled charges at the government for alleged embezzlement about the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) planned acquisition of a new frigate. The controversy, now infamously dubbed as the “change money” scandal, was brought into the limelight by Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, an MP from the MFP, on the final day of a general…

  • Thailand NewsWater crisis hits Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Samui, tap water rationed

    Water crisis hits Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Samui, tap water rationed

    On Koh Pha Ngan, a water crisis since late March has led to a stringent rationing of tap water which affected both locals and tourists. The rationing, operating on a rotational basis, leaves some areas parched on certain days while others savour the flow. A meagre 3,500m3 to 4,000m3 of water trickles through the pipes daily, barely meeting the island’s…

  • Thailand NewsKhon Kaen parents forced to pay ‘tea money’ for student admission

    Khon Kaen parents forced to pay ‘tea money’ for student admission

    Eight secondary schools in the northeastern province of Khon Kaen found themselves in hot water as officials from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) launched an investigation into alleged corruption practices. Parents have lodged complaints, accusing decision-makers within these schools of demanding exorbitant “tea money” sums, reaching up to 100,000 baht, from families whose children failed the entrance examination. Thirat Bangpetch,…

  • Thailand News3 Russians and Thai arrested for illegally running Phuket restaurant

    3 Russians and Thai arrested for illegally running Phuket restaurant

    Police arrested three Russian men and one Thai nominee for illegally operating a restaurant in the Thalang district of Phuket. More than 80 million baht was found circulating in their bank accounts. Provincial Police Region 8 and Phuket Provincial Police officers told Phuket Hotnews that they received a tip-off about suspicious foreigners who frequently gathered at a restaurant called Octopus.…

  • Thailand NewsMichelin Guide makes a tasty debut in Thailand culinary hotspot

    Michelin Guide makes a tasty debut in Thailand culinary hotspot

    Representatives from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), government officials, media personalities, and distinguished guests converged at the Okura Prestige Bangkok hotel yesterday for a high-profile press conference for the revelation of Chon Buri as the New City Debut for the Michelin Guide Thailand 2025 edition. Chon Buri, nestled on the eastern coast of Thailand, emerges as the perfect canvas…

  • Thailand NewsThai police suspect Russian and Thai firms in money laundering

    Thai police suspect Russian and Thai firms in money laundering

    Police in Phuket yesterday and today carried out a series of eight raids prompted by suspicions of a Russian man’s involvement in money laundering and the establishment of fraudulent companies by certain Thais. These sham firms were purportedly set up to aid foreigners in obtaining visas and work permits, as revealed by Police Major General Montree Theskhan, the commander of…

  • Thailand NewsChinese tourist asks govt when 21-day Songkran Festival begins

    Chinese tourist asks govt when 21-day Songkran Festival begins

    When does the 21-day Songkran Festival in Thailand begin? A Chinese tourist raised the question as he launched a video of himself getting ready for a water fight in Bangkok without any Songkran events, asking the Thai government when it would start. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, along with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and the National Soft…

  • Thailand NewsThai Stop Gambling Campaign criticises government’s plans

    Thai Stop Gambling Campaign criticises government’s plans

    The general secretary of the Stop Gambling Campaign Foundation responded to a recent statement by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Tuesday regarding the potential establishment of an entertainment complex to address the issue of illicit gambling activities. The Thai PM had outlined plans for the Provincial Administration and National Security Departments to oversee the situation, acknowledging the existence of covert…

  • Thailand NewsSoutheast Asia sees 130% growth in YouTube Shorts daily views

    Southeast Asia sees 130% growth in YouTube Shorts daily views

    A significant increase in daily views for YouTube Shorts has been observed in Southeast Asia, with a growth of over 130% in the year ending July 2023, according to Niharika Kapoor, the Asia-Pacific head for Shorts scaled partnerships. This format, which limits videos to a maximum of 60 seconds, has been instrumental in attracting new creators to the global YouTube…

  • Thailand TravelHow to spend your Songkran at Hua Hin 2024

    How to spend your Songkran at Hua Hin 2024

    Are you looking for your ideal getaway for the upcoming Songkran Holidays? Do you fancy an escape to the beach? Hua Hin is a fantastic destination to visit in Thailand to celebrate Songkran. It is the nearest beach to Bangkok, only 3-4 hours drive away. So, save yourself some valuable time and travel expenses. Hua Hin is also a popular…

  • Business NewsFuelling fears: Thai diesel price hike won’t ignite retail inflation

    Fuelling fears: Thai diesel price hike won’t ignite retail inflation

    The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) stated that a potential increase in domestic diesel prices, which could surpass 30 baht a litre following the termination of the Oil Fuel Fund subsidy scheme on March 31, is unlikely to prompt manufacturers to raise the prices of their goods. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin revealed on Tuesday, April 2,…

  • Thailand NewsPolice misconduct alleged at Thai festival after brawl

    Police misconduct alleged at Thai festival after brawl

    An incident at a beer garden during the Thao Suranari Victory Celebration in Nakhon Ratchasima Province turned violent, resulting in allegations of police misconduct. On the evening of April 2, a group of teenagers became embroiled in a brawl, which inadvertently implicated an innocent bystander. A 20 year old man, Na (surname withheld), reported that he was struck in the…

  • Thailand NewsWoman climbs signal pole in desperation over money woes

    Woman climbs signal pole in desperation over money woes

    Tension gripped Bo Win Subdistrict, East Pattaya on Monday when a distressed woman scaled a telephone signal pole in a bid for attention. The woman’s 56 year old husband Prasit (last name withheld) identified her as 58 year old Piew. He disclosed that the incident unfolded after he returned from work in the evening when a dispute arose over financial…

  • Business NewsThai economy forecasts growth between 2.8% and 3.3%

    Thai economy forecasts growth between 2.8% and 3.3%

    The Thai economy, driven primarily by exports, forecasts growth between 2.8% and 3.3% for this year, as reported by the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB). The committee, representing diverse sectors, has retained its initial forecast, projecting a 2.0% to 3.0% increase in exports. Following a 1.9% expansion in the previous year, Thailand’s economic growth is projected…

  • Business NewsNBTC excludes World Cup from ‘must have’ broadcast rule

    NBTC excludes World Cup from ‘must have’ broadcast rule

    The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) board yesterday unanimously decided to exclude the World Cup football tournament from its “must have” rule, effective immediately. This rule has been in place since 2012, obliging companies that own the broadcast rights to seven major sporting events to allow free TV channels to air the content. The seven events include the FIFA World…

  • Press RoomExplore the wonders of Thailand with the Big C Lucky Landing Campaign

    Explore the wonders of Thailand with the Big C Lucky Landing Campaign

    Embark on an unforgettable journey to Thailand with the Big C Lucky Landing campaign, the ultimate shopping extravaganza from April 1 to May 31, 2024. Partnering with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Big C Supercenter invites international tourists to explore Thailand’s vibrant culture and heritage while enjoying a treasure trove of rewards. Prime Destination for Authentic Thai Souvenirs Mr.…

  • Thailand NewsThailand gold prices hit record, surpass 40,000 baht

    Thailand gold prices hit record, surpass 40,000 baht

    Gold prices in Thailand soared to a new high today, breaking the 40,000 baht barrier, as reported by the Gold Traders Association (GTA). The market opened with a significant increase from the previous day’s closing rates, with gold ornaments now priced at 40,100 baht per baht-weight (a traditional Thai unit of measurement). Gold experienced a sharp climb of 350 baht…

  • Business NewsAirlines urge Thailand to take flight with airport upgrades

    Airlines urge Thailand to take flight with airport upgrades

    Several international airlines have urged Thailand to enhance its key airport facilities and improve transport links between airports and cities, to meet its ambition of becoming a regional aviation hub. The Thai government has laid out a goal of handling 150 million passengers annually by 2030. Egaluk Ngiwprom, Southeast Asia marketing manager of Spring Airlines, believes this is a challenging…

  • Thailand NewsFormer teacher arrested on forgery and trespassing charges

    Former teacher arrested on forgery and trespassing charges

    An 81 year old former teacher from a renowned school was apprehended yesterday at 6pm in Bangkok under multiple arrest warrants for document forgery and nighttime trespassing. The arrest, led by the Child and Women Welfare Division, culminated in the detainee being handed over to the investigative officers at Thung Song Hong Police Station for legal proceedings. The police operation…

  • Thailand NewsThai government considers recriminalising cannabis

    Thai government considers recriminalising cannabis

    Thai Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew conveyed his apprehension about the general public’s disagreement with the Pheu Thai Party’s plan to criminalise cannabis once again. This apprehension arose following Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s recent interview with France 24, a French state-owned news channel, where he revealed the government’s intent to control cannabis use, which has been decriminalised since 2022. In…

  • Thailand NewsForeign man asks netizens to weigh in on dowry conundrum

    Foreign man asks netizens to weigh in on dowry conundrum

    A foreign man sought opinions from netizens after paying a 230,000 baht dowry to his Thai wife‘s family. He posed the question, “Was I stupid to agree to the dowry?” Around two weeks ago, the foreigner took to Reddit to share his marriage experience, asking fellow users to weigh in on whether his decision was right or wrong. His post…

  • Thailand NewsThai govt considers sanctions against Bangkok monorail operators

    Thai govt considers sanctions against Bangkok monorail operators

    The Thai government is currently mulling over the enforcement of contractual remedies against Northern Bangkok Monorail and Eastern Bangkok Monorail, the operators of the city’s Pink and Yellow lines respectively. This move follows a series of incidents that have raised concerns over the safety standards of the monorail lines. Suriya Jungrungreangkit, the Transport Minister, pointed out that the State Railway…

  • Thailand NewsMan installs phone charger by shower, sparks safety debate

    Man installs phone charger by shower, sparks safety debate

    A quirky home improvement project captured the attention of the online world after a Facebook user shared an image of a newly installed phone charger—in the bathroom. The post, which quickly went viral, showed a man proudly displaying his handiwork: a charging station for his partner’s phone, strategically placed next to the showerhead. The social media community was immediately abuzz…

  • Business NewsThai government increases 2025 budget deficit for economic boost

    Thai government increases 2025 budget deficit for economic boost

    The Government of Thailand has sanctioned a rise in the 2025 budget deficit by an extra 153 billion baht, to instigate an economic boost. As a result, the budget will increase to 3.752 trillion baht, a significant hike from the previously planned 3.6 trillion, according to Chalermphol Pensoot, the Budget Bureau director at the Ministry of Finance. The budget deficit…

  • Business NewsGovt bets big on Thai entertainment complex, stakes high

    Govt bets big on Thai entertainment complex, stakes high

    The stakes are high for each venue within the integrated Thai entertainment complex development project by the Government of Thailand, with investments expected to reach over a staggering 100 billion baht. The chairman of the ordinary committee of the House of Representatives and Deputy Finance Minister, Julapun Amornvivat, plans to present the results of a study on entertainment complexes and…

  • Business NewsShocking surge: Thailand market sparks rise in EV loans

    Shocking surge: Thailand market sparks rise in EV loans

    The Thai market is seeing a rise in loans for electric vehicles (EVs), as they are projected to lead the expansion in auto lending this year. Krungsri Auto, a prominent auto loan provider and a Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri) unit, has projected new EV sales to climb to 100,000 units this year, a significant increase from 76,000 units the previous…

  • Thailand NewsForeign tourists flock to Thailand, boosting economy

    Foreign tourists flock to Thailand, boosting economy

    Foreign tourists in Thailand reached 9.4 million in the initial quarter of this year, pouring an estimated 454.6 billion baht (US$12.4 billion) into the national economy through their expenditure, as disclosed by the Tourism and Sports Ministry. This year, the Southeast Asian nation is setting its sights on an ambitious goal of 40 million tourists, almost equal to the pre-Covid-19 pandemic…

  • Business NewsTrue Corporation partners with TAT to boost Thailand tourism

    True Corporation partners with TAT to boost Thailand tourism

    True Corporation, in partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), has rolled out the True Nationwide, For Everyone initiative, aiming to offer benefits and privileges to both Thai and international tourists throughout their travel journey. This initiative aligns with the government’s strategy to establish Thailand as a major tourism hub by 2024, aiming to generate over 3 trillion baht…

  • Business NewsIsuzu revs up green initiative with PTT union for clean fuel trials

    Isuzu revs up green initiative with PTT union for clean fuel trials

    Tri Petch Isuzu, Thailand’s Isuzu vehicle distributor, is joining forces with PTT Plc to test vehicles powered by a novel clean fuel. This initiative is aimed at supporting efforts to reduce the high carbon dioxide emissions from Thailand’s transport sector. The transport and power generation sectors are the main contributors to over 60% of Thailand’s greenhouse gas emissions, as per…

  • Thailand NewsThailand seeks more flight routes from Laos and China

    Thailand seeks more flight routes from Laos and China

    The Government of Thailand has its sights set on elevating the country’s aviation industry, with plans in the pipeline to request additional flight routes from Laos and China within the next two years. The move is part of a broader “Ignite Thailand” vision, articulated by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, aiming to position Thailand as a hub in eight key sectors,…