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Business News
Chinese tourism to Thailand lags despite lifted travel restrictions
The number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand continues to fall behind predictions, despite China lifting travel restrictions over eight months ago. By September 10, a total of 2.28 million Chinese arrivals had been recorded for the year, with estimates for the end of the year standing between 4 and 4.4 million. This falls short of the initial target of 5…
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Thailand News
Visa-free policy for Chinese, Kazakh tourists boosts Suvarnabhumi Airport readiness
Suvarnabhumi International Airport is preparing to welcome an influx of tourists from China and Kazakhstan following the announcement of a new visa-free policy, effective from next week. The Immigration Bureau (IB) is set to bolster its officer presence at the airport in anticipation of the increased arrivals. The visa-free policy, approved on Wednesday, September 13 and publicised in the Royal…
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China News
Woman offers body as payment for long-distance ride, sparks debate on ethical boundaries
A shocking incident occurred when a female customer attempted to pay for her ride-hailing service through an app with her body, even offering her friend’s company as an option for the driver. This peculiar negotiation was shared on Mirror Media, a Chinese social media website, sparking widespread commentary on ethical boundaries. The woman requested a long-distance journey from Guangzhou, Guangdong…
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Cafe
Best cafes in Ekkamai to check out today
Ekkamai is among the trendiest places in Bangkok. And just like the rest of the city, this neighbourhood runs on caffeine. So if you’re looking for the perfect cafe to stop in and grab a little pick me up, well, you won’t be short on options. With a wide array of cafes sprinkled across the neighbourhood, you’d be hard-pressed not…
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Phuket News
Mayor’s trash-tigation: Chalong clamps down on waste disposal after viral aerial reveal
The mayor of Chalong has enforced a swift ban on any further waste disposal at a three-rai site in Baan Khoktanod, Moo 9, Chalong, following the spread of an aerial image of the site on social media. The image, first shared by the Facebook page Monsoon Garbage Thailand, prompted immediate action from local authorities. Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew assigned Thanaporn…
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Thailand News
Govt criticised after Miss Universe Singapore sets to combat human trafficking in Thailand
Thai netizens criticised the Thai government after the newly crowned Miss Universe Singapore expressed her commitment to combatting human trafficking in Thailand. Priyanka Annuncia, who was crowned 2023 Miss Universe Singapore during the final competition at the Amber Lounge at Millenia Walk last Saturday, September 16, announced her promise to combat human trafficking in Thailand after the prestigious ceremony. With…
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Thailand News
Yangon sees surge in scam call centres amid economic depression
Scam call centres, previously primarily associated with Myanmar’s lawless border regions, are making their way into Yangon, the country’s commercial hub, as reported by Radio Free Asia (RFA). The operators are exploiting the economic depression, using the surplus of inexpensive office spaces and the considerable pool of educated, unemployed locals in Yangon. RFA’s investigation reveals that, unlike the call centres…
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Economy News
Thai student loan restructuring to begin in November, easing debt burden
The Student Loan Fund (SLF) recently announced that it will start the restructuring of student defaulters’ debts starting in November. This information was disclosed today by Chainarong Katchapanan, the manager of SLF, during a meeting with Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong. According to him, the necessary regulations required for the restructuring process will be finalised within the next month. Tawee, the…
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Thailand News
Thailand scam gang exposed: Four nationals nabbed in Poipet, face legal return
Four Thai nationals, involved with a scam gang tied to a family tragedy in Samut Prakan, were apprehended in Poipet and sent back to Thailand to face legal charges. Cambodian immigration officials informed their Thai counterparts last night, September 18, about the deportation of the four Thais: One male and three females, through the Poipet-Aranyaprathet checkpoint, according to Police Colonel…
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Thailand News
Mafia-scan: Nationwide probe into local chiefs’ ties progresses in colourful stages
A comprehensive nationwide examination into the possible mafia ties of local chiefs has reached a progression stage of 20-30%. Deputy Interior Minister, Chada Thaiset, disclosed that the gathered data will eventually be organised into zones marked by distinct colours. The impetus for this initiative stemmed from a distressing incident wherein a highway patrol officer was shot during a dinner gathering…
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Crime News
Thai Twitter tale: Woman reports soapy shower surprise as friend’s explict video resurfaces
A Thai woman filed a complaint with the police after finding an explicit video of herself showering shared on Twitter by a close friend three years ago in 2020. The victim, 23 year old Joy, told Channel 3 that her friend found an explicit video of a woman who looked like her on Twitter. The concerned friend shared the explicit…
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Thailand News
Cat-astrophe in a cup: Bangkok cat café sparks social media fur-ore
A recent social media storm erupted over a cat café in Bangkok, which stands accused of neglecting its ailing feline residents and potentially creating a haven for disease. The café’s perceived apathy towards the well-being of its cats and the potential risks to public health have ignited a wave of anger and apprehension among the online community. The controversy flared…
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Thailand News
Childcare centre director arrested for sexually abusing 3 year old girl
A Thai mother sought justice for her three year old daughter, who was sexually abused by the director of the Nong Yai Child Development Centre in the northeastern province of Buriram. The director asked for the case to be dropped for fear of losing his pension. The girl’s mother, identified as A, told Channel 3 that she had been approached…
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World News
Pedestrian’s pavement protest takes a toll on illegally parked car, driver pays the price
A major lesson was learnt when a car illegally parked on the pavement faced the wrath of a disgruntled pedestrian. In an unexpected move, the man chose to walk over the vehicle, damaging it and subsequently reporting the driver for causing him injury. The occurrence resulted in both parties filing complaints and the car owner facing a fine for his…
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World News
Malaysian Economy Minister roasted over ‘eating out’ remark amid global financial turmoil
Malaysians are expressing their frustration towards their Economy Minister, following an interview where he claimed the public’s financial struggles are due to their preference for eating out, rather than being economical. This criticism comes as various countries worldwide are grappling with economic issues, particularly income disparity and poverty. Malaysia is among those nations facing these issues, with most of its…
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Thailand News
Royal revelations: King’s son unveils his visit to ‘Faces of 112’ exhibition curated by fugitive academic
Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, the second eldest son of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and his second wife, Sujarinee Vivacharawongse, shared his experience of visiting the Faces of Victims of 112: An Exhibition, curated by Pavin Chachavalpongpun, an academic and a fugitive from a Section 112 case. The exhibition, held at Columbia University, was visited by Vacharaesorn, a Thai resident residing in New York,…
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Business News
Thailand’s ‘plastic’ ambition: Industry Ministry seeks foreign investment to mould bioplastics hub status by 2027
The Industry Ministry of Thailand is being urged to devise innovative strategies in order to attract foreign investment for the nation’s burgeoning bioplastics sector. The ultimate aim is to establish Thailand as a bio hub within the ASEAN region by 2027. Viboon Pungprasert, president of the Thai Bioplastics Industry Association (TBIA), has called upon the new government to implement measures…
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Thailand News
Sukhumvit snatch: Thai thief nabbed for stealing 40,000 baht from Ukrainian couple
Police arrested a Thai man at his home in Bangkok’s Khlong Toei district today after he stole more than 40,000 baht from a Ukrainian couple on Soi Sukhumvit 18. The Ukrainian couple reported to Thong Lor Police Station in the early hours of today, September 19, that a thief on a motorcycle rode up from behind and snatched a bag…
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Thailand News
EGAT seeks Cabinet approval for 50.8 billion baht power generation boost in Bangkok
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) anticipates approval from the Cabinet for its proposal to increase power generation at its south Bangkok gas-fired facility in Samut Prakan. The initiative recently underwent a public hearing. The proposal for additional capacity comes in response to the decommissioning of several generators. To ensure sufficient electricity for the capital’s inhabitants, EGAT deemed this…
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Thailand News
Thai gold market glistens: Prices sparkle with a 100 baht boost in a day
Gold prices in Thailand saw a significant surge today as per the Gold Traders Association. Compared to the closing price of the previous day, gold ornaments today, September 19, were sold at an increased rate of 33,100 baht (US$926) per baht weight, marking an upswing of 100 baht. At 9.28am, the Gold Traders Association’s website showed the latest data. For…
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Thailand News
Head-on collision: Thai woman’s quest for justice after construction site calamity results in skull fracture
A Thai woman embarked on a quest for justice after concrete debris from a construction site in Bangkok’s Sathon district came crashing down on her head, resulting in a skull fracture. She is now pressing for more than just the cost of her medical treatment as compensation from the owner of the under-construction building. The victim, 36 year old Ananya,…
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Thailand News
Spider senses tarantula tingling: Arachnologists spin a web of discovery in Thailand
If you go down in the Thailand woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise, but it’s almost guaranteed there’ll be no Teddy Bears’ picnic, as arachnologists found while discovering a new species of tarantula. Arachnologists discovered the new species of tarantula deep in a mangrove forest in Phang Nga province, on the southwestern coast of Thailand. They stumbled upon…
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Business News
Thailand’s new tax twist: Overseas earners spending 180 days face income tax
Thailand’s tax policy, as declared by the Revenue Department, recently stipulated that an individual spending up to 180 days a year in the country and earning income from overseas will be liable for personal income tax. This decision, governed by Section 48 of the Revenue Code, is expected to primarily influence three groups: individuals involved in foreign stock market trading…
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Thailand News
Thai woman dies after breast augmentation surgery with illegal doctor
The president of the Forensic Physicians Association of Thailand yesterday warned the public of illegal breast augmentation surgery, which recently led to the death of a Thai woman. The doctor, Smith Fa Srisont, took to Facebook yesterday, September 18, to share the story of a Thai woman who underwent breast augmentation surgery with a fake doctor and suffered tragic consequences.…
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Thailand News
Thai man dodges arrest after shooting outside Robot pub in northern Thailand
A Thai man escaped arrest last night after shooting two men outside the Robot pub in the Kud Pong sub-district in the Isaan province of Loei. The two victims were seriously injured. Officers from Mueang Loei Police Station received a report of the shooting at 1.10am yesterday, September 18. Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered a trail of bloodstains…
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Bangkok News
BCHF’s heartwarming mission: Nourishing bodies and souls of Bangkok’s homeless, elderly, less fortunate
The Bangkok Community Help Foundation (BCHF), a non-profit organisation committed to enhancing the lives of residents in Thailand’s capital, has undertaken a heartwarming mission aimed at offering crucial support to the homeless, elderly and less fortunate in the city. In an extraordinary display of dedication, BCHF has made a solemn pledge to distribute 500 daily meals to Bangkok’s homeless, elderly…
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Guides
Can expats get a loan in Thailand?
As an expat living in Thailand, you may have often wondered, “Can I get a loan as a foreigner in Thailand?” Maybe you’re eyeing that lovely condominium in the heart of Bangkok, dreaming of a shiny new car, planning your dream tropical wedding by the beach, or thinking of sprucing up your home. And naturally, you’re looking at loans to…
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Thailand News
Thai weather alert: Monsoon brings heavy rain and thunderstorms across the nation
An intense Thai weather monsoon, accompanied by low atmospheric pressure, is forecasted to sweep across the northern and upper northeastern regions of Thailand and extend its reach to the upper shores of Vietnam. The western monsoon is also expected to cover the Andaman Sea, lower northeastern region, central region, eastern region, southern region, and the Gulf of Thailand, causing continuous…
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Thailand News
Thai monk-on-the-run: Holy man in ‘fur-ocious’ trouble for abusing animals
Royal Thai Police arrested another misbehaving Thai monk for repeatedly abusing animals and using them to haul a cart laden with offerings from devout merit makers. The Watchdog Thailand Foundation (WDT) disclosed that the Thai monk had a previous run-in with the law for abusing animals, employing a goat, a donkey, a horse, and even a pig to pull his…
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Thailand News
DSI probes 20 firms over suspected collusion in Thai state construction bids
A probe by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has led to questioning representatives from 20 firms involved in bidding for state construction projects. These projects were eventually won by businesses owned by Praween Chanklai, also known as Nok. The investigation focuses on the construction of two sections of Highway 375, the first linking Don Toom and Lam Luk Bua in…
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Best Bites
Top 10 restaurants in Sathorn and Wireless Bangkok
Sathorn and Wireless’s gastronomic landscape mirrors their characters – it’s daring, adventurous, and endlessly creative. Now, if you’re someone who appreciates a bit of high-end dining, then these areas are your kind of place. After all, what’s bustling, lively neighbourhoods without their exquisite collection of upscale dining spots, right? So, if you’re looking to treat yourself to a bit of…
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Business News
Chiang Mai tourism recovery slower than expected despite visa-free policy
Despite the gradual revival of tourism, a significant number of rooms in Chiang Mai‘s hotels and the international airport remain unoccupied, with the return of travellers seemingly slower than anticipated post-pandemic. Adding to the concerns is the anticipated PM2.5 dust during the peak season. Over the weekend, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin undertook an inspection of the airport in light of…
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Thailand News
Brake failure leads to crane lorry crash into Nakhon Sawan shops
A terrifying escape from death unfolded in Nakhon Sawan province when a crane lorry’s brakes failed, causing the vehicle to veer off, hitting a roadside shop, and causing severe damage. The incident, which took place yesterday, reportedly resulted in a noodle shop owner being scalded by boiling water. The driver insisted that he hadn’t consumed alcohol prior to the incident.…
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Thailand News
Thai government plans further electricity tariff cut to 3.99 baht per unit
The Thai Energy Ministry has laid out plans to further reduce electricity tariffs by an additional 11 satang per unit, announced government spokesperson Chai Watcharong yesterday. Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga disclosed the plan during the meeting, stating that the current rate of 4.10 baht per unit is set to drop to 3.99 baht. Just last month,…
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Thailand News
Former Thai deputy minister says ‘pandamonium’ not worth it, urges ‘elefant-astic’ focus on local treasures
The former Thai Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Education voiced her opposition to the idea of importing new pandas from China, citing high rental costs and a declining interest in pandas. Instead, she suggests, the focus should be on the increasingly popular Thai elephants. Kanchana Silpa-archa, advisor and head of the Thai Nation Development Party, yesterday posted a message…
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Business News
Thailand reviews taxes and launches digital wallet to tackle income disparity
The Finance Ministry of Thailand is set to review the new land and building tax and the inheritance tax and launch the digital wallet following an order from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The move aims to mitigate income disparity in the nation. PM Srettha, who also holds the Finance Minister post, gave the directive subsequent to the appointment of a new…
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Thailand News
Ancient ice cream tempts tourists to Thai heritage park Si Thep
A unique idea of ancient ice cream moulded from artefacts found in the historic Si Thep Park has attracted a swarm of tourists. The Si Thep (SI THEP Towards World Heritage) Facebook page yesterday posted images of the ice cream, designed with various patterns matching those in the ancient site in Si Thep, Phetchabun. “Ancient ice cream of the ancient…
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