Australia
- World News
Australia cracks down: Social media ban for kids in the works
Australia is set to make waves with a bold plan to keep kids off social media, citing concerns for their mental and physical wellbeing. In a sweeping move, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced his government’s intention to introduce legislation that would restrict children’s access to platforms like Instagram and TikTok by the end of the year. “I want to see…
- Thailand News
Thai woman loses 230,000 baht in money exchange scam in Australia
A Thai TikToker issued a warning to Thai people living abroad after her friend in Australia lost 10,000 Australian dollars, approximately 230,000 baht, in a money exchange scam. The TikToker, @padnarxx, shared two videos to explain the scam her friend encountered in Australia, aiming to alert Thai nationals in Australia and other foreign countries who frequently exchange money. Pad revealed…
- Thailand News
Thai Customs seize drugs headed for Australia and Germany
Thai Customs officials intercepted shipments containing illegal drugs concealed within everyday items destined for Australia and Germany, with a combined estimated value of over 14.74 million baht. Customs Advisor Phanthong Loikulnunt, acting as spokesperson for the Customs Department, announced the seizure. The first incident occurred when officials at Suvarnabhumi International Airport’s customs office scrutinised an express cargo shipment marked for…
- World News
Beloved gay penguin dies in Sydney (video)
In a tearful farewell, Sphen, the gentoo penguin who captivated the world as part of a famous same-sex power couple, has died at the age of 11. Sphen and his partner, Magic, shot to global fame in 2018 after falling in love at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium and later adopting and raising two chicks. Their heartwarming story touched millions and…
- Thailand News
South Australia governor seeks Thai partnership in food, agriculture
South Australia State Governor Frances Adamson has committed to fostering collaboration with Thailand in the food and agriculture sectors, highlighting shared economic objectives between the two regions. Adamson’s visit to Thailand spanned from July 8 to 11, where she engaged with government officials and leaders in various sectors including arts and culture, agriculture, energy, and the wine industry, aiming to…
- Thailand News
Sumptuous new Thai takeaway opens in Canberra
If you want to know what three generations of restaurant experience taste like, drop into Canberra’s brand-new Thai takeaway shop, Tuckshop Tamada. Co-owner Nat Yota stated that her family has been in the food business for a very long time. “My grandma opened one of Canberra’s first Thai restaurants when she migrated from Thailand. Later, my parents ran their restaurant…
- Business News
Thailand to explore AANZFTA ties and new economic partnerships
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has committed to strengthening collaboration under the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA), maintaining current markets, and forging new economic partnerships, government spokesman Chai Wacharonke announced yesterday. Delegates from the Commerce Ministry and the Department of Trade Negotiations (DTN) participated in the 21st AANZFTA Joint Committee Meeting held in Auckland, New Zealand, from May 26 to…
- Thailand News
Queensland’s direct flights to Bangkok resume after four years
Jetstar is launching direct flights from Queensland‘s Brisbane Airport to Bangkok this December, a route last serviced by Thai Airways (THAI) before its suspension in March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Brisbane Airport (BNE), backed by the Queensland Government, has been pivotal in restoring international connections post-pandemic. Reintroducing the Bangkok route is one of the final pieces in this…
- Thailand News
Thailand and Australia join forces to tackle human trafficking
To tackle the scourge of human trafficking, the Thai government, in partnership with Australia, has unveiled a groundbreaking training facility in Bangkok. The Counter Trafficking in Persons Center of Excellence (CTIP-COE) officially opened on May 17 by Minister of Justice Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong and Australian Ambassador to Thailand, Angela Macdonald. This centre represents a significant stride in the ASEAN-Australia…
- Thailand News
Fintech friends: Thai-Australian pact seals future prosperity
A landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been inked between the Thai Fintech Association and FinTech Australia, setting the stage for increased collaboration in the burgeoning financial technology sector. The agreement was signed this week, reflecting both nations’ commitment to enhancing their fintech industries. The Deputy Chair of FinTech Australia, Brian Collins, acknowledged the vast potential for growth in Thailand…
- Business News
Thai PM invites Aussie firms to invest in clean energy
During the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit, Srettha Thavisin, the Prime Minister of Thailand, extended an invitation to prominent Australian companies to invest in Thailand’s electric vehicle (EV) battery, clean energy, and transport logistics sectors. The summit, which marks five decades of Australia’s partnership with ASEAN, is being held in Melbourne, Australia. PM Srettha used this opportunity to meet with his…
- Thailand News
PM Srettha to stress infrastructure projects at ASEAN-Australia Summit
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to highlight the nation’s infrastructure advancements, particularly the Land Bridge and Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) projects, at the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit continuing until tomorrow, according to an official government representative. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke announced yesterday that the Thai prime minister will also seek to strengthen collaboration in logistics, capitalisation of Free…
- Thailand News
Thailand and Australia consider mutual visa exemption
In a bid to foster seamless travel and boost business ties, Thailand and Australia are contemplating a mutual visa exemption scheme. The proposition was tabled during a high-profile meeting between Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and David Hurley, the Governor-General of Australia, at Government House yesterday. Amidst a visit to Thailand, Governor-General Hurley, accompanied by his spouse Linda, is set to…
- Thailand News
Australian governor-general to visit Thailand, strengthening ties
The longstanding ties between Thailand and Australia are set to be celebrated as Governor-General of Australia David John Hurley prepares for a visit to Thailand from February 13 to 17. The visit, as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, promises to be a significant event in the annals of both nations. The itinerary of the visit includes a royal…
- Thailand News
Tragic scooter crash in Thailand leaves Queensland dad in coma with costly medical bills
A Queensland father’s life hangs in the balance after a scooter accident in Thailand left him in a coma, paralyzed, and burdened with astronomical medical expenses. The ordeal sparked a desperate plea for help as his family grapples with the overwhelming financial strain. Brenton Simmons faces a harrowing battle for survival after a fateful scooter ride in Thailand resulted in…
- China News
Chinese activist’s death sentence shatters Sino-Australian accord
Hopes of a swift reconciliation between Australia and China were shattered on Monday when a Beijing court handed down a death sentence to Australian citizen Yang Hengjun, a prominent pro-democracy activist and writer born in China. The court’s verdict, on February 5, which found Yang guilty of espionage, stunned Australia, especially considering the recent release of Australian journalist Cheng Lei…
- World News
Dramatic rescue at Warner Bros park as scarf halts top roller coaster
A dramatic incident unfolded at the Warner Bros Movie World amusement park on Australia’s Gold Coast when a scarf got caught in the wheels of one of the world’s tallest roller coasters. The quick-thinking staff, noticing the scarf, promptly halted the ride, ensuring the safety of all the visitors. The DC Rivals HyperCoaster, standing at a formidable height of 61.6…
- Crime News
Air hostess interrogated over 20 million baht cocaine parcel to Australia
A 30 year old air hostess yesterday was interrogated for over six hours following the discovery of her name on a parcel containing 7.5 kilogrammes of concealed cocaine intended for delivery to Australia. The narcotics were hidden in 15 1-metre-long cushions within the parcel, initially intended for a Thai female student residing in Australia. The student had previously posted on…
- Thailand News
Thai father saves daughter from cocaine smuggling syndicate
A Thai father rescued his daughter from an international drug smuggling syndicate after a dealer attempted to deceive her into smuggling 7.5 kilograms of cocaine, valued at over 20 million baht, into Australia. The girl’s Thai father, 53 year old Borommawat Pheeraruengrit, told ThaiRath that his 23 year old daughter, Pornratchakwan Pheeraruengrit, is currently studying in Australia and plans to…
- Economy News
Thailand urges Australia to expand trade and investment ties
The Commerce Minister of Thailand, Phumtham Wechayachai, has urged Australia to broaden their trade and investment ties, as well as discover new avenues for economic collaboration. Following his recent discussion with Australian ambassador Angela Macdonald, he revealed that Thailand views Australia as a vital ally in the Pacific and a key collaborator in devising joint economic strategies to enhance trade,…
- Phuket News
Thailand and Australia unite in fight against child sexual exploitation
Angela Macdonald, the Australian Ambassador to Thailand, and Deputy Chief of the Royal Thai Police Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn joined forces in Phuket yesterday to participate in the Countering Child Sexual Exploitation Regional Dialogue Thailand 2023. The dialogue, taking place at the SAii Laguna Phuket resort in Cherng Talay, brings together law enforcement officials and NGO representatives from nine nations,…
- World News
Croc courtship gets ‘snappier’ at Koorana Crocodile Farm as mating season leaps ahead in Queensland, Australia
In a rather ‘snappy’ turn of events, the crocodile mating season at the Koorana Crocodile Farm in Queensland, Australia, has kicked off earlier than its usual schedule this year. The farm’s owner, John Lever, is attributing this unconventional phenomenon to the frequent flyovers of military helicopters. The farm, which plays host to a colossal population of over 3,000 crocodiles, happens…
- Economy News
Australian Chevron LNG workers’ strike unsettles global gas markets
Following unsuccessful negotiations, liquefied natural gas (LNG) workers at Chevron Corp’s key sites in Australia initiated partial strikes yesterday, a move that has unsettled global gas markets. This news spurred gas futures in Europe, causing them to leap by as much as 13%, illuminating the region’s susceptibility in the aftermath of last year’s energy crisis. Spot LNG in Asia also…
- World News
International student survival: Girl trapped in bathroom escapes after six-hour ordeal using tweezers
A six-hour struggle for survival unfolded as an international student found herself trapped inside a bathroom with no one to help her. The student ingeniously used a pair of tweezers to carve a hole in the door, eventually managing to kick the door open and free herself. This incident, a stark reminder of everyday hazards, sparked intense debate when reported.…
- Crime News
3 Thais arrested in 100 million baht heroin smuggling scheme bound for Australia
Thai police arrested three people today for their alleged involvement in an international heroin smuggling operation. The operation, led by the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), seized 32 kilograms of heroin intended to be transported to Australia. The estimated street value of this sizable seizure stands at around 100 million baht. The perpetrators were arrested in three provinces across Thailand: Nakhon…
- World News
Tourists on alert as dingoes attack woman on Australia’s K’gari island
A chilling episode unfolded on Australia‘s island of K’gari, as a 24 year old woman experienced the fear and trauma of being chased and attacked by a pack of dingoes. K’gari is the world’s largest sand island, located in the state of Queensland. The unfortunate incident yesterday prompted the Australian authorities to issue warnings to tourists on the island regarding their…
- Thailand News
Thai ONCB thwarts 35 drug smuggling attempts to Australia
News reports today confirm that 35 drug smuggling operations into Australia have been successfully thwarted by the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) this year. Consequently, substantial quantities of methamphetamine and heroin, weighing 973.4 kilograms and 70.7 kilograms respectively, destined for Australia, were intercepted at various airports and seaports. The secretary-general of the ONCB, Wichai Chaimongkol, detailed that two…
- World News
Record-breaking 24-hour marriage: Aussie bride’s refusal to have sex on wedding night prompts divorce
The briefest marriage on record belongs to a couple from Australia, where the pair underwent divorce proceedings less than 24 hours after their wedding. The sudden decision was taken when the husband became angry over his wife’s refusal to have sex. A radio presenter brought up the topic of “shortest-lasting relationships” on a Hit Network programme called Hot Nights With Abbie…
- Crime News
Fraudulent employment: Fake farm jobs in Australia leave Thai victims scammed
A fraudulent employment agent lured nearly 30 Thais with enticing job opportunities on Australian cattle farms, duping them out of tens of millions of baht. The victims came forward yesterday, filing a complaint with Thai police against the alleged con artist claiming high social status. The complaint against Watsan (whose last name is withheld) was lodged yesterday by 61 year…
- World News
World’s largest crocodile celebrates 120th birthday in Australia
Australia‘s Marineland Crocodile Park celebrated the presumed 120th birthday of Cassius, the world’s largest captive crocodile. Cassius, measuring 5.48 meters in length, has been a resident of the park on Green Island in Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef since 1984, after being captured in the Northern Territory’s Finniss River for allegedly causing numerous cattle deaths. Cassius, who holds the Guinness World…
