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Thailand News
Thailand’s firearm frenzy: Tops ASEAN in guns, 13th in global tragedy
Thailand has the most firearms in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and lies 13th in the world for the most firearm deaths according to Switzerland’s Small Arms Survey (SAS). Following yesterday’s shooting at the Siam Paragon mall in Bangkok, questions have been raised about the ease with which Thais can access and own guns. Locals say that Thai…
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World News
Fish store shocker: Customer buys out entire stock, sets them free in Singapore river
A customer left a fish store employee astounded after spending more than 400 Singapore dollars to buy all the fish in the store, only to release them all into a river. The unusual event was reported by local media, following the account of the fish store’s worker. The male customer walked into the store and stated his intention to purchase…
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Thailand News
Critical look at emergency alert systems: Thai agencies lag behind global counterparts
The Cell Broadcast or the modern Emergency Alert System has become a crucial tool for many countries around the world in times of crises that affect public safety. This mobile phone-based warning system, compatible with 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G, is used by various governments globally to issue wide-ranging emergency alerts or disaster situations. Cell Broadcast is a method of sending…
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Thailand News
Foreign survivor criticises slow response of Thai police in Siam Paragon shooting (video)
A foreign man shared his experience of the shooting incident at Bangkok’s Siam Paragon shopping mall on October 3 with Thai media and accused the Thai police and authorities of being slow to act. The Royal Thai Police (RTP) faced substantial criticism from Thai citizens on social media in the aftermath of the mall shooting. People accused the officers of…
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World News
Malaysian woman dies after refusing to remove charm needles found throughout her body
A shocking medical case in Malaysia recently came to light, involving a severely ill 60 year old woman who was found to have charm needles embedded all over her body, including her eyes, face, neck and chest. The woman, despite medical advice to remove the needles, refused, leading to her unfortunate death. The unusual case was shared by a doctor…
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World News
Late-night hair washing a headache in more ways than one for Hanoi banker
A concerned 40 year old bank employee in Hanoi recently sought medical attention due to blurred vision and headaches. The woman, who often returned home late from work, had a late-night hair washing habit, sometimes as late as 11pm. Late-night hair washing, coupled with her work stress, led to sudden migraines, according to a local health department head. The patient noted…
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Thailand News
Siam Paragon Mall shooting survivor recounts chilling encounter
Survivors of the tragic Siam Paragon Mall shooting incident where two women were killed and five others were injured shared their harrowing experiences. One survivor, Natthaphat (surname withheld), recounted the terrifying moments she witnessed people dying in front of her, including being unable to assist a Chinese woman. She confessed to having a sleepless night following the traumatic events of…
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World News
Viral video in Vietnam: Father’s tearful farewell to daughter at wedding tugs at heartstrings
A heartrending video has gone viral in Vietnam’s online world, showing a father crying in the corner after giving his daughter away at her wedding. The video was shared on the docnhanh website, bringing tears to the eyes of many viewers. The video depicts a crowded wedding ceremony. The father of the bride is seen sitting quietly in a corner,…
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Business News
China SCE Group defaults on dollar bonds, triggers financial turmoil
China SCE Group, a Xiamen-based property developer, announced today that it defaulted on its dollar bonds following a non-payment on a syndicated loan, triggering an event of default. The company joins numerous other Chinese property developers who are undergoing a similar financial crisis, defaulting on their offshore debt and kicking off a restructuring process. In its official filing, SCE stated…
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Thailand News
Siam Paragon shooting sparks Thai probe: Teenage boy’s deadly spree stirs security measures
Following the fatal shooting incident at the Siam Paragon Mall yesterday, Thai authorities stepped up their investigation and security measures. The event saw a 14 year old boy open fire, causing the death of a tourist and injuring others. The shopping centre resumed normal operations today, despite the previous day’s tragedy. However, some stores, particularly leading clothes brands, that suffered…
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World News
Venice tourist bus tragedy: 21 lives lost in devastating crash (video)
A devastating bus crash near the tourist city of Venice, Italy, claimed at least 21 lives and left 18 injured. The bus believed to be hired for transporting tourists, collided with a bridge railing before plunging onto a railway track below, in the Mestre district yesterday. The deceased in the bus crash included the Italian driver, five Ukrainians, and one…
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Thailand News
Thai Cabinet approves panel to draft charter amendment referendum
The Thai Cabinet greenlighted the formation of a 35-member panel yesterday, tasked with drafting a prospective charter amendment referendum, as disclosed by Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Serving as the chair of the committee, Phumtham revealed that the panel will comprise representatives from both the government and opposition parties, as well as legal experts, scholars, social activists,…
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Thailand News
Video game violence: Bangkok teen’s mall shooting sparks #Don’tBlameTheGame trend
A trending hashtag, #Don’tBlameTheGame, emerged online following a violent incident involving a 14 year old boy in a Bangkok shopping mall. The teenage killer, who allegedly had a history of playing the Battle Royale-style game, sparked a debate about the link between video games and violence. However, many online users assert that blaming video games is not the solution and…
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Thailand News
Retired MP arrested for defrauding victims of money and sex
Police arrested a retired Member of Parliament for the central province of Sukhothai at his home in the Isaan province of Nong Bua Lamphu after he pretended to be a spiritual medium to defraud his cult followers, robbing their money and coercing some into having sex with him. “former mp’s cunning cult con: arrested for exploiting followers One victim filed…
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Tourism News
Thailand tourism threatened, Bangkok mall shooting deters Chinese tourists
The tragic shooting at Siam Paragon in the heart of Bangkok yesterday has potentially hampered Thailand tourism. Thousands of Chinese netizens criticised the incident on Weibo, some even stating they would never visit Thailand again. Several casualties, including Thai, Myanmar, and Chinese nationals, resulted from the incident. As soon as the unfortunate event occurred, the hashtag #Paragon started trending on Twitter. The…
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South Thailand News
Whooping cough warning: Pertussis cases surge, one fatality in southern Thailand
The Disease Control Department (DCD) in Songkhla province reported an alarming increase in the number of cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, particularly among children. The department confirmed the diagnosis of two patients in the region, with one fatality in Pattani province. The disease, caused by the bacteria B. pertussis, is highly contagious and spreads through coughing, sneezing,…
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Thailand News
National Police Commander mourns loss of mother while on duty at Siam Paragon
National Police Commander Torsak Sukwimon mourned the loss of his 104 year old mother, who passed away while being cared for at the Police Hospital. Torsak, who was informed of his mother’s declining health by a doctor, rushed to her side, whispering in her ear that he had become the National Police Commander. He had to leave shortly after due to…
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Business News
Thai motorcycle production makers ready to ‘gear’ up as sales pick up speed
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) anticipates a surge in Thai motorcycle manufacturing during this year’s final quarter, following a period of slow sales. This optimistic forecast was made earlier this year by the FTI’s Automotive Industry Club (AIC), based on an uptick in tourism and the easing of the semiconductor shortage. July saw a 12.7% year-on-year increase in local…
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Crime News
Juvenile court procedures in dealing with 14 year old Siam Paragon gunman
Juvenile Court spokesperson Sorawit Limprangsi today revealed the legal procedures in dealing with a 14 year old offender who used a 9mm gun to shoot people at the Siam Paragon shopping mall, resulting in injuries and fatalities. Sorawit stated that upon arresting a juvenile, the Juvenile Court procedures will verify the lawfulness of the arrest. The investigative officer must bring…
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Thailand News
Fire breaks out at prison in Bangkok, inmates and officials unharmed
A fire broke out at Klong Prem Central Prison in Bangkok‘s Chatuchak district at 10.40pm last night. Fortunately, no inmates or officials were injured in the incident. The fire was reported to Pracha Chuen Police Station, which later worked with Lat Yao Fire Station to bring the blaze under control. The fire originated in a single-story structure within the prison…
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Thailand News
Thai monk’s ‘soul-soothing’ fire dance ignites interest in ancient healing
A 71 year old monk from Wat Pa Theppitaks Daennabun, located in Nong Mod Daeng, Lahan Sai District, Buriram Province, uses the ancient method of fire stepping to treat various ailments and cleanse karma. This method was practised today, when a social media user posted a video showing the monk stepping on a heated iron plate or tractor blade, then…
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Crime News
3BB worker fatally injured by hidden explosive while repairing Internet line in Yala
A 3BB worker tragically lost his life at Yala Hospital after stepping on a concealed explosive while working on an Internet signal line on Sunday. Police Lieutenant Colonel Asrun Hamu, an investigative officer at Yala Police Station, was alerted to the incident by locals who reported hearing an explosion near a former insurgent target area. The scene of the incident,…
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Crime News
Bangkok’s brave trio: Police heroes steal hearts after Siam Paragon shooting
A commendable and heroic act by three dedicated police officers unfolded in the bustling heart of Bangkok, garnering widespread admiration and recognition from both the Deputy National Police Chief and an appreciative online community after the Siam Paragon shooting incident. The officers were hailed for their exceptional professionalism and valour as they apprehended the teenage perpetrator involved in a shooting…
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Business News
Thai stock market plunges amid public debt concerns and reduced GDP forecast
Following a decline of over 1.5% yesterday, the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) dropped below the 1,450 points mark. This follows mounting apprehensions concerning escalating public debt and economic growth after the World Bank scaled down its forecast for the Thai GDP. Daol Securities (Thailand) noted selling pressure from the majority of investor groups due to persisting worries about the…
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Business News
Thailand banks break the ice: Freezing loan rates to thaw financial stress
Thailand’s state-run banks have taken a bold step to counteract high interest rates by freezing their loan rates. This move has been initiated to assist low-income earners and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as disclosed by Vitai Ratanakorn, who holds dual roles as president and chief executive of the Government Savings Bank (GSB). The GSB, which currently services six million loan…
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Thailand News
Chinese and Burmese killed, 5 injured, twins rescued in shooting rampage at Siam Paragon Bangkok
The shooting rampage at Bangkok’s Siam Paragon shopping mall yesterday tragically claimed the lives of a Chinese woman and a Burmese woman, and injured five others while a brave Thai woman rescued Chinese twins after their mother was killed. The Royal Thai Police (RTP) announced that the shooting occurred at the mall yesterday afternoon, October 3, resulting in the deaths…
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Business News
Fuel fund forecast: Thai govt keeps diesel prices low, faces a billion-baht burnout
The Oil Fuel Fund Office (OFFO) projected a loss of nearly 100 billion baht due to the government’s decision to maintain domestic diesel prices below 30 baht a litre until December. This forecast assumes an increase in global diesel prices during the winter, a period typically marked by heightened energy demand. In 2022, the average global diesel prices for August…
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Pattaya News
Pattaya’s October extravaganza: A month of thrilling events to boost tourism
October promises to be an exhilarating month for Pattaya, with a plethora of intriguing events lined up to stimulate city tourism. There is a range of activities from sports tournaments to cultural festivals, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The International Beach Tennis Tournament Pattaya Open is set to kick off on Friday, October 6, and conclude on Saturday,…
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Business News
Thailand’s digital wallet project: Green light to make cash splash
The government of Thailand has given the green light for the formation of a committee for its ambitious digital money handout scheme, otherwise known as the digital wallet project. Slated for launch in February, the initiative aims to stimulate the economy by providing each Thai citizen above the age of 16 with 10,000 baht (US$269) in digital money. The project, requiring…
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Thailand Weather Updates
Severe weather warning issued for Thailand: Heavy rain forecast across 44 provinces including 80% of Bangkok
Thailand Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a severe weather warning for heavy rainfall across 44 provinces, including an 80% area of Bangkok. The public is advised to remain alert for sudden flash floods and forest runoff, particularly in low-lying and mountainous regions close to waterways. This severe weather warning comes due to the Monsoon trough passing over the central, lower northeastern,…
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Thailand News
Eighth day of search for missing mushroom picker in Khao Kho forest as new clues emerge
A desperate search for a 61 year old mushroom picker lost in the Khao Kho Forest in northern Thailand has entered its eighth day, with over 100 people, including residents and officials from various departments, joining the hunt. Tragically, the man, known locally as Khamphan Sisonkarn or Lod, disappeared on September 27 while foraging in the community forest of Jawa…
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Thailand News
Bangkok hotel launches Fifty Shades of Grey theme room
G Boutique Hotel Surawong Bangkok extends an invitation to kinky couples who desire Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey fantasies to experience its newly launched Fifty Shades of Grey-themed room, equipped with BDSM gear for those seeking an unconventional adventure. G Boutique Hotel Surawong Bangkok is a 3-star hotel in the heart of the Thai capital, just a 3-minute walk from…
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Road deaths
Train crash: Young man killed in late night accident
A BMW car was struck by a train in Chumphon province, Thailand, resulting in the vehicle being dragged approximately 500 metres from the accident scene. The train crash occurred at around 11.30pm yesterday. The vehicle, which was found wedged against a railway bridge, was severely damaged, and a male casualty was discovered inside. The rescue team faced a complicated situation…
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Economy News
Weakening baht boosts Thailand’s exports and tourism
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin pointed out yesterday that the weakening baht, despite its potential negative impact on energy import costs, is actually proving to be a boon for the country’s exports and tourism. The baht had earlier plummeted to an 11-month low against the US dollar, trading at 37.095. According to the 61 year old prime minister, who also…
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Business News
ThaiBev expansion: 7 billion baht investment includes new Cambodia factory
ThaiBev, the Singapore-listed food and beverage company, announced an investment plan of 7 billion baht for the expansion of its operations both domestically and internationally. The company’s CEO, Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi, revealed that 4 billion baht will be used to construct a new beverage factory in Cambodia, while 3 billion has been set aside for logistics facilities, a biogas factory, and…
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Thailand News
Car takes a dive, one man survives: Dramatic sea plunge at Sattahip pier caught on camera
A shocking incident occurred in the early hours of this morning when a car plunged into the sea at the Sattahip – Koh Samui ferry pier, Chuk Samet, Sattahip, Chon Buri. One man managed to escape by breaking the car window, but two women remained trapped in the submerged vehicle. The event was captured on CCTV at around 4am today.…
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Thailand News
Thai welfare department pushes for more ‘home-run’ support as homeless program stalls
The Thai Department of Social Development and Welfare is advocating for increased housing subsidies for the homeless, following a year in which fewer than 100 individuals signed up for the programme, revealed Varawut Silpa-archa, the Minister of Social Development and Human Security. This joint initiative of the department and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation allows for half of the participants’…
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