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
Thai Airways operates new routes to Perth, Colombo, and Kochi
Come March 31, Thai Airways (THAI) will operate flights to Perth in Western Australia and Colombo in Sri Lanka. In addition, THAI’s first flight to Southwest India’s Cochin Airport will take off on April 2. Chief Commercial Officer, Korakot Chatasingha, unveiled the grand plans yesterday, promising a daily dose of connectivity between Bangkok and Perth, complementing the airline’s existing routes 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…
- Thailand News
From Thai cave hero to Aussie royalty: Dr Richard Harris set to become next Lieutenant Governor
The doctor who played a pivotal role in the Thai cave rescue in Chiang Rai is now destined to become South Australia‘s next Lieutenant Governor. Dr Harris, hailed as the linchpin of the rescue mission in 2018, undertook vital medical assessments and provided crucial advice on the safest extraction methods for 12 trapped children, aged between 11 and 16, and…
- 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,…
- Thailand News
Major drug bust in Thailand seizes 2 tonnes of meth bound for Philippines and Australia
In a major drug bust, authorities last night apprehended 13 suspects and confiscated 2 tonnes of crystal methamphetamine from a large tugboat in Chachoengsao’s Bang Pakong district. The narcotics, believed to be headed for the Philippines and Australia, were discovered during a late-night search operation by marine and narcotics suppression police. As law enforcement officers arrived, several individuals attempted to…
- 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.…
- World News
Giant carpet python’s rooftop-to-tree journey stuns Australian family
A shocking video of a 5-metre carpet python slithering across the roof of a house in Australia before moving onto a tall tree has gone viral. The footage, posted by TikTok user @iamiandyi, has amassed over 25 million views. The Australian family, amid their lunch, witnessed the colossal snake making its way from their rooftop to a nearby tree. The…
- 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…
- World News
Lottery luck turns sour: Australian man’s jackpot leads to jailhouse jackpot
Winning the lottery is a prospect that most people dream about but for one Australian man, it caused his life to spiral out of control to such an extent that he ended up in prison after scooping a lottery windfall. In 2017, Joshua John Winslet, then a 20 year old man, won approximately 350 million baht (US$9,950,000) after buying a…
- 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…
- World News
Teen fights off crocodile while fishing with siblings in Australia
A 19 year old teenager in Northern Australia has had a miraculous escape after being dragged underwater by a giant crocodile while out fishing with his relatives on Groote Eylandt. Despite his terrifying experience, Zefha Butcher managed to survive the harrowing encounter with only minor injuries. Zefha had been fishing along with his 10 year old brother and another relative…
- World News
Melissa Caddick’s death mystery unsolved, coroner rules
The mysterious case of conwoman Melissa Caddick, who vanished from her luxurious eastern Sydney home in November 2020, has captivated Australia. Her partially decomposed foot washed up on a beach months later, sparking numerous theories about her fate. Despite a long-running inquest, a coroner ruled on Thursday that the exact circumstances of her death would remain unknown. Melissa Caddick’s life…
- World News
Officer suspended after Tasering 95 year old woman in Australian care home
A 95 year old woman with dementia was critically injured after being Tasered by a police officer at a care home in Australia. The officer, a 33 year old senior constable, has been suspended with pay as an investigation into the incident continues. Clare Nowland is currently receiving end-of-life care in a hospital, and the police response has been widely…
- World News
Australia’s oldest coal-fired power plant closure and shift towards renewable energy
Australia‘s most senior coal-fired power plant is set to close today, marking a significant step towards the nation’s transition to renewable energy sources. Previously notorious for its climate inaction, Australia is now preparing for a remarkable transformation in its energy sector. The Liddell power station, located approximately a three-hour drive north of Sydney, is just one of several ageing coal-fired…
- World News
Australian media watchdog criticises Sky News
Australia’s media regulator, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), has criticised the climate coverage on Rupert Murdoch’s Sky News Australia, citing numerous inaccurate and unfair statements that led to the breach of broadcasting rules. The ACMA stated that Sky News Australia, linked to Murdoch’s US-based Fox News, aired incorrect statements in various segments of its Sunday Outsiders programme. After…
- Thailand News
Girlfriend of Australian tourist found dead in Thai police custody suspects foul play
UPDATE The girlfriend of the Australian man who was found dead inside the detention room at a police station in Phuket, southern Thailand, on Monday says her boyfriend was “not suicidal” and had every intention of returning to his family. Police arrested 31 year old Matthew Michael Winder for being drunk and disorderly at around 5.45am and detained him at…
- World News
Greg Norman’s LIV rebel tour breaks barriers, sells out in Australia
Despite facing opposition from traditionalists and sparking a civil war within the sport, the rebel LIV Golf tour has been embraced by many in Australia, evidenced by tickets selling out for the nation’s inaugural event this week. Greg Norman, the tour boss, has long desired to see top-level golf become a regular feature in his home country. Australia has experienced…
- Crime News
Australian drug trafficker breaks silence on hellish 7 years in Thai prison
An Australian woman convicted of drug trafficking has broken her silence about her hellish seven years behind bars in a maximum-security prison in Bangkok, Thailand. Holly Deane-Johns was spared the death sentence and handed 31 years in prison in 2003 after pleading guilty to attempting to post 10.6 grams of heroin from Thailand to Australia in 2000 when she was…
- World News
Independent Chinese travellers demand freedom
Independent Chinese travellers are set to shake up expectations in Thailand and across all of Southeast Asia. More than 10 million Chinese tourists visited Thailand in 2019. Almost all of them were on a strict schedule overseen by a terrifying tour guide. Almost all spent most of their money on Chinese-owned operations. Many were riding around in buses provided by…
