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Business News
LGBTQ+ tourism revenue boom fuels drive for legalised same-sex marriage in Thailand
Thailand is witnessing a surge in the burgeoning LGBTQ+ community, as diversity takes centre stage worldwide, boosting LGBTQ+ tourism in the country. As per estimates by LGBT Capital, an asset management company serving the LGBTQ community, 5 to 10% of the world’s population identifies as LGBTQ+. This demographic represented around 3.6 million residents in Thailand in 2019. During Pride Month…
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Thailand News
Thai dentist saves patient’s life discovering lethal blood condition pre-tooth extraction
A Thai dentist recently shared a patient’s near-fatal experience on Facebook after spotting abnormal blood spots on the patient’s arm before a scheduled tooth extraction. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with thrombocytopenia, a disruption in blood coagulation that can lead to uncontrolled bleeding that could potentially be lethal if not promptly treated. Shared on the Facebook page of Doctor Kluay,…
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Business News
Thai industries adjust strategies amid export downturn, eyes new markets
A recent downturn in exports has provoked 25 industry sectors to rethink their production strategies, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has revealed. Key industries affected and readjusting include steel, machinery, construction materials and furniture, all of which significantly cater to the markets in Asia, the European Union and the United States. The FTI recently unveiled the results of a…
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Thailand News
Bangkok demands 16.5 million baht fire extinguisher overhaul to promote fire safety after fatality
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) reported that almost 10,000 firewall safety units across 50 districts in Bangkok are in dire need of replacement. The fire safety inspections were ordered after a fatal incident at Rajavinit Mathayom School where a student lost his life and 10 other individuals sustained injuries due to an exploding fire extinguisher during an emergency procedure on…
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Economy News
Thai tourism surge: 25 million visitors forecasted, boosting economy
In a recent announcement, the Thailand is on track to welcome a staggering 25 million tourists by the year end, offering a much-needed booster to the economy. This follows a significant surge in Thai tourism, exceeding 12 million arrivals recorded late last month, as relayed by deputy government spokesperson Traisuree Taisaranakul. Between January and June 25 of this year, the…
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Thailand News
Thai healthcare crisis: Overworked medics spark reform debate as state hospitals struggle
In a stark representation of the nationwide Thai healthcare concern regarding overburdened medical staff in Thailand’s public hospitals, a doctor-turned-actress recently utilised her social media platform to highlight her struggle with the strenuous work environment. Ultimately, she found the situation so unmanageable that she felt compelled to leave her public service role. Amidst this, the National Public Health Ministry faces…
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Business News
Customs facilitation reform urged by Thailand’s finance minister to boost automotive sector
Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith recently issued an appeal to the Customs Department of Thailand to streamline the customs facilitation formalities for both exports and imports. His appeal is aimed especially at boosting the activity of the automotive field. Following a discussion held with a group of investors from Japan in the core of June, Arkhom instructed the department to better…
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Thailand News
Thai elephant Sak Surin safely repatriated after 22 years in Sri Lanka
The enduring odyssey of Sak Surin, an elephant initially gifted by Thailand to Sri Lanka, took a homeward trajectory as the elephant touched down in Chiang Mai yesterday, ending a 22 year long overseas sojourn. Sak Surin’s journey back to Chiang Mai was an elaborate endeavour. Encased within a specially designed cage that was placed in the cargo hold of…
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Chiang Mai Travel
City Guide: Top 5 hotels for families in Chiang Mai 2023
Chiang Mai is one of the best cities to visit in northern Thailand, and it’s no wonder why. From the beautiful nature landscapes and a cooler climate with bountiful outdoor activities, to a small town vibe full of culture (and cafes), Chiang Mai never fails to tick off all the boxes for rest, relaxation and recreation. But with so many…
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Thailand News
Technical glitches in Bangkok Bank’s mobile app continue to disrupt weekend transactions
Customers of Bangkok Bank continued to face technical glitches with their mobile banking application over the weekend. Users yesterday began voicing their concerns, reporting an inability to gain entry to their accounts. Instead of the familiar user interface, customers were met with an image of a woman courteously apologising for the disruption. This inconvenience caused significant disruptions for clients who…
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Destination Guide
What you need to know before residing in Hua Hin 2023
If you’ve heard whispers of Hua Hin, you’d be picturing pristine beach getaways enveloped in an aura of tranquillity. Unlike the bustling hubs of Pattaya and Phuket, Hua Hin retains a serene, unspoiled charm that’s truly captivating. This enchanting coastal city resides approximately 200 kilometres south of Bangkok, and not surprisingly, it’s a favoured retreat for locals and foreign visitors…
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Thailand News
Bangkok utilises AI-assisted cameras for traffic control, pedestrian safety
An intrusive blare rings out as a vehicle pulls up to the traffic lights at the Wong Sawang intersection. A Thai message reverberates in the air, courteously requesting, “Please don’t obstruct the zebra crossing. Thank you.” The alarm and its accompanying reminder will persist relentlessly until all drivers awaiting the signal’s shift from red to green have relocated their vehicles…
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Thailand News
Monkeypox outbreak: Thailand witnesses spike in cases within the LGBTQ+ community
A significant rise in monkeypox cases within Thailand was reported by health officials this week, issuing a stern warning for men within the gay community, who seemed to be at an increased risk, to exercise necessary precautions amidst the ongoing monkeypox outbreak. Dr Tares Krassanairawiwong, heading the Department of Disease Control, disclosed in today’s press conference that, following the occurrence…
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Phuket News
Thalang crash: Drunken driver miraculously survives collision despite wreckage
A roadside dwelling in Thepkrasattri, Thalang, was destroyed as the result of an out-of-control Isuzu pickup truck veering off the Don Jom Thao Road. Thalang Police have yet to announce any charges against the driver who miraculously survived unscathed in this severe Thalang crash. The Thalang crash incident occurred in the wee hours of the morning, around 2.10am, near the…
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Crime News
Dating app crimes: Bangkok police warn against predator with extensive criminal record
A public alert regarding an increase in dating app crimes has been issued by the Metropolitan Police Bureau. Vigilance has been urged due to a man capitalising on a dating application to lure in, rape, and subsequently rob women. The individual has a criminal record spanning 15 years. The man, known under the pseudonym “Tum Chonburi,” but legally named Wattana…
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Phuket News
Phuket infrastructure projects face potential delays after expo bid loss
Delays are predicted for the initiation of several significant infrastructure projects in Phuket, including the much-anticipated Patong Tunnel. Local authorities concede that these plans may not manifest as swiftly as planned following the province’s failure to secure hosting rights for the Specialised Expo 2027/28. Governor Narong Woonciew voiced this concern, despite Phuket demonstrating strong prospects during the bidding process. Governor…
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Thailand News
Taking the insurgency by storm: Southern Thailand’s military withdrawal sets off in full swing
The forthcoming military withdrawal in the southern region of Thailand, which has seen 19 years of insurgent unrest, is currently in its initial phase, according to Fourth Region Army commander, Lt. Gen. Santi Sakuntanak. The four-year plan aims to gradually decrease military presence and remove the state of emergency that has been prevalent in the area. Since 2004, Yala, Narathiwat,…
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Business News
Airport capacity at Suvarnabhumi to increase with new terminal and tech upgrades
Influential airport operator, Airports of Thailand (AoT), is set to inaugurate a new satellite passenger terminal at the famed Suvarnabhumi Airport come this September. This addition is expected to bolster the airport’s passenger handling capacity significantly, managing an impressive 15 million extra passengers annually, which effectively raises the total capacity to a staggering 60 million per annum, revealed AoT’s president.…
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Thailand News
Plant-based immunotherapy: Thai scientists derive anti cancer antibodies from tobacco
In a groundbreaking plant-based immunotherapy development in the field of oncology, a start-up pharmaceutical firm in Thailand, Baiya Phytopharm, proclaimed the successful creation of anti-cancer antibodies derived from tobacco plants. The company announced these results in the wake of effectively conducting experiential trials on lab animals. Operating under the umbrella of Chulalongkorn University, Baiya Phytopharm is recognised for its accomplishments…
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Thailand News
SRT relocation: Thai railway plans 200km move amid billion baht overhaul
The Thai State Railway (SRT) is shifting gears, planning to relocate its locomotive maintenance and production facilities closer to Bangkok, within a distance of 200 kilometres. The SRT relocation move is sparked by the forthcoming transformation of their current premises in Makkasan into a bustling, mixed-use space which will host a public park, an SRT historical exhibit, and a city…
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Thailand News
Blind ex-Thai embassy employee alleges neglect, seeks compensation
Countering accusations made by a former member of staff at the Thai embassy in Paris, the Foreign Affairs Ministry has refuted claims of embassy neglect following the irreversible loss of her eyesight. Previously employed as part of the embassy service team from 2009 until 2012, Rattanaporn Saeng-on, aged 45, was found by authorities trying to deliberately endanger herself in moving…
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Thailand News
Water crisis grapples Koh Samui as rising tourist demands amplify freshwater shortage
Koh Samui, a popular tourist resort island in Surat Thani province, is grappling with a significant water crisis as declining rainfall and amplified water demands take their toll. Many of the water reserves on the island, such as the district’s Phru Na Mueang and Phru Krajud reservoirs, along with the renowned Hin Lard waterfall, have seen their water levels drop…
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Business News
Experienced consultant analyses dramatic shift in Thai online shopping trends
In Thailand, online shopping appears to have become the desired norm, with a proportionate increase in consumer expectations, per a survey by advertising consultancy Wunderman Thompson. The data suggest that Thai patrons are willing to increase their online spending provided their experience includes faster delivery schedules among other factors, according to digital and customer relationship management director at Wunderman Thompson, Puvadon…
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Thailand News
Thailand’s Interior Ministry rolls out digital ID app in drive towards Thailand 4.0
In an effort to digitise various government-provided services and increase their accessibility, Thailand’s Interior Ministry officially rolled out a novel mobile application as part of its digital ID programme on Friday. The launch event was graced by none other than caretaker Prime Minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, who wholeheartedly endorsed the newly unveiled ‘ThaID’ mobile application. Prayut outlined the primary motive behind…
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Thailand News
Banpu eyes free power trade system amidst rising Thai electricity costs
In the face of rising electricity bills, a new opportunity is emerging for a free power trade system in Thailand, as spotted by Banpu Power Plc, the power generation arm of energy conglomerate Banpu Plc. Expecting a worldwide shift in electricity markets, the company, under Kirana Limpaphayom, its CEO, is poised to take advantage of this imminent change. The combined…
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Thailand News
Thai philanthropist honoured with Vatican’s highest accolade
A remarkably significant occasion unfolded as Somsak Leeswadtrakul, a Thai philanthropist and entrepreneur, was acknowledged by the Vatican in Rome for his unwavering commitment towards promoting peace and unity both nationally and globally. In recognition of his selfless support to socially disadvantaged communities, Leeswadtrakul was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order, the paramount accolade of the Order of St…
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Tourism News
Thailand’s tourism confidence slides amidst global economy concerns
The second quarter of this year saw the Tourism Confidence Index remaining subdued, sliding from the previous quarter. The contributor to this drop was a blend of Thailand‘s low season and decreased earnings from tourism. The president of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), Chamnan Srisawat, announced that the second quarter’s score was two points lower than the prior quarter…
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Thailand News
Thailand introduces oversight to curb lavish spending on decorative street lamps
There’s been a response to a recent scandal involving an 871 million baht procurement of solar-powered street lamps designed with mythical kinnaree figures by the local administration of Racha Thewa, in Samut Prakan. Sweeping measures are being introduced to ensure transparency and accountability in future such projects. This conspicuous procurement resulted in misconduct charges being pressed against at least 40…
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Crime News
Bangkok food shop exposed as illegal pub, arrests made during surprise raid
An unlicensed pub masquerading as a food shop was inconspicuously hiding in plain sight in the Pathum Wan district of Bangkok. After a series of complaints, officers successfully conducted a raid in the early hours of this morning. The food store, Larb Ped Yaso Jae Nim Rong Muang, enjoying a prominent location near Wat Chamni Hattakarn on Rama I Road,…
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Phuket News
Phuket’s Wichit Municipality launches free mobile rabies vaccinations for animals
Phuket‘s Wichit Municipality unveiled a series of mobile centres tailored to offer free rabies vaccinations for cats and dogs. This manoeuvre is an effort led by the Division of Public Health and Environment of Wichit Municipality. Cats and dogs can get free vaccinations from 8.30am until 12pm, starting on July 10 and concluding on July 14, The Phuket News reported.…
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Politics News
Move Forward Party MP admits to violent incident
A notable incident involving an MP from the Move Forward Party (MFP) in Bangkok raised eyebrows. The MP, Sirin Sanguansin, confirmed he was responsible for an act of violence against a woman when he was travelling between Pattaya and Sri Racha. On Thursday, Sirin wrote in a Facebook post… “I am very sorry for the incident. First, I was late…
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Phuket News
Phuket airport escalators declared safe after alarming accident at Don Mueang
Phuket International Airport recently completed safety checks on all escalators, following a disturbing accident at Don Mueang Airport. The General Manager of the Phuket branch of the Airports of Thailand (AoT Phuket), Monchai Tanode, confirmed that the airport’s 31 escalators and 27 elevators had been thoroughly inspected by certified technicians, and found to be safe for public use. In an…
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Northern Thailand News
Thailand hit by 5.0 magnitude Myanmar quake, tremors felt in north
Last night saw an earthquake of 5.0 magnitude in Myanmar, causing areas in Thailand to experience the tremors. The districts affected, as revealed by the Meteorological Department, were in Chiang Rai and some of its neighbouring areas. The information about the event was brought to light by the Earthquake Observation Division of the department. They made public today that the…
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Phuket News
US couple found dead in Phuket hotel
In a tragic turn of events in the tropical paradise of Phuket, a couple from the United States were found dead in a hotel on Thursday. Their bodies were discovered at a prominent hotel in proximity to the stunning Surin Beach on the west coast of Phuket. Local police believe it was a case of double suicide by lethal injection.…
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Phuket News
Phuket yacht sweeps ashore amid severe weather, safety warnings reiterated
In an unforeseen turn of events earlier this morning, a sailing yacht near Ao Yon in the northern part of Chalong Bay, Phuket, was reported to have been forced onto the shore due to wave action. The yacht is understood to have been detached from its mooring and was seen adrift prior to being swept ashore. This unexpected incident occurred…
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Bangkok News
Faulty suitcase wheel may have triggered Don Mueang Airport accident
A malfunctioning suitcase wheel is potentially behind an unfortunate incident that took place at Don Mueang International Airport’s moving walkways, causing a woman to lose part of her left leg, according to the Engineering Institute of Thailand (EIT). An advisor to the EIT’s mechanical engineering committee, Boonpong Kijwatanachai, recently provided an update about the ongoing investigation into the travellator system…
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Crime News
Thai ex-judge sentenced over 20 million baht bribery allegations
A recent court ruling unfurled in the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases witnessed a former appellate court judge handed a five-year prison sentence. The sentencing comes as a consequence of corruption allegations involving a whopping 20 million baht bribe request dating back to 2018. The judge had famously sought a bribe from an arrested Taiwanese individual, significantly…
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