Indonesia
- Bangkok News
Court blocks Thaksin’s request to leave Thailand for Indonesia
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra faced a legal setback today after the Criminal Court denied his request to travel abroad. The court ruled that there was not sufficient reason to allow him to leave the country, blocking his planned trip to Indonesia for the upcoming ASEAN meeting. This morning, Thaksin arrived at the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road in his…
- Chiang Mai News
Treasure game chaos: Chiang Mai teens warned to stay out
Chiang Mai police issued a stern warning to teenagers playing the Jagat Coin treasure-hunting game after reports of property damage and safety risks surfaced. The popular app, developed in Indonesia, has caused disturbances in the northern province, prompting law enforcement to caution players against trespassing on private property. The warning was posted on the Chiang Mai Police Facebook page after…
- Thailand News
Phuket and Indonesia strengthen ties to support local community
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat recently welcomed Suarganana Pringganu, the Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia, to discuss strengthening cooperation and support for the Indonesian community in Phuket. This meeting, held at Phuket Provincial Hall, underscored the importance of nurturing bilateral relations and addressing significant issues such as the welfare and repatriation of Indonesian citizens. During the discussions, Pringganu acknowledged…
- Thailand News
Indonesian woman abandoned in Thai mangrove forest by German friend
An Indonesian woman sought help from Thai officials after her German male friend abandoned her in a mangrove forest in Samut Sakhon Province, near Bangkok, following an argument he had with his wife on the phone. Highway Police officers coordinated with Samut Sakhon Provincial Police after the Indonesian woman, whose name was not disclosed, requested assistance, stating that she was…
- World News
Indonesian woman’s first date sparks debate over splitting the bill
A young Indonesian woman’s first date experience sparked a heated debate online about who should pay on a first date. The story revolves around Sisil, a 25 year old woman, who shared her unexpected encounter with her date’s approach to splitting costs. In July, Sisil met a man for their first date at a restaurant in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Anticipation…
- Thailand News
Visa-free travel: Indonesia opens doors to 13 countries
Indonesia is rolling out the red carpet for citizens of 13 countries, with its latest visa-free travel policy set to shake up tourism and economic development. Announced in Presidential Regulation No. 95 of 2024, which was formally ratified on August 29, this groundbreaking move targets 11 of Indonesia’s Asian neighbours, alongside Colombia and Suriname. The lucky 13 nations—Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia,…
- Thailand News
Indonesian woman arrested for illegally working as tour guide
Police arrested an Indonesian woman at Wat Pho in Bangkok yesterday for illegally working as a tour guide. Tourist Police Bureau officers received a complaint that an Indonesian woman illegally offered a travel package in Thailand to 133 Indonesian tourists between September 19 and 22. The woman did not possess a tour guide permit and her travel package was not…
- Tourism News
TAT launches three-city roadshow in Indonesia
Thailand is turning up the heat on its tourism campaign in Indonesia with an exciting new initiative. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is bringing its Amazing Thailand Road Show to Indonesia 2024 to three Indonesian cities (Medan, Jakarta, and Bali) in a bid to solidify its spot as the top holiday destination for Indonesian travellers. Kicking off tomorrow, September…
- Thailand News
Thai nationals arrested for smuggling wildlife from Indonesia
Thai police apprehended two men yesterday for smuggling wildlife from Indonesia into Thailand. The Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division (NED), working with various agencies, detained the two suspects in Lam Thap district, Krabi. The suspects, 28 year old Thosaphon and 30 year old Somporn were found with 10 yellow tortoises, 11 Moluccan cockatoos, and other wildlife species. A…
- Business News
Indonesian motorcycle taxi drivers strike for fair pay
Over 1,000 motorcycle taxi drivers initiated a strike in various Indonesian cities today, protesting against inadequate pay and demanding greater protection from what they deem unfair practices by ride-sharing firms. The drivers, clad in their distinctive green jackets, converged outside the Communications Ministry and near the Jakarta offices of Indonesia’s largest tech company GoTo and Southeast Asia’s leading ride-hailing and…
- World News
Indonesian man killed over age-old ‘chicken or egg’ question
In a shocking twist to an age-old debate, a friendly discussion turned deadly in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. On the evening of July 24, what began as a casual argument over, “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?” escalated into a fatal altercation. The tragic incident unfolded in a village where two strangers, identified only as DR and 47 year…
- Thailand News
Indonesia seeks Thai help to capture fugitive drug lord
Indonesian police have requested Thailand’s assistance in locating and arresting a wanted drug lord believed to be hiding in the kingdom. This request follows the recent arrest of fugitive Chaowalit Thongduang by Indonesian authorities. The chief of Indonesia’s narcotics division, Police Brigader General Mukhi Juharsa, announced on Sunday that the Indonesian National Police (POLRI) are seeking the capture of Fredy…
- Thailand News
Major Thai fugitive arrested in Bali after 7 months on the run
The Thai Ministry of Justice, in coordination with Indonesian authorities, successfully arrested a major fugitive in Bali, Indonesia, after he had been on the run since October of last year. The fugitive, Chaowalit “Paeng” Thongduang, faced a sentence of 20 years and six months for aiding the escape of a gang member arrested on drug charges. He was also implicated in…
- Business News
Indonesia seeks Tesla EV battery plant with Musk’s interest
Indonesia is once again courting Elon Musk’s interest in establishing an electric vehicle (EV) battery plant within its borders. After meeting with President Joko Widodo, the CEO of Tesla, Elon Musk, is set to consider the proposal, as confirmed by Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister of Investment, Luhut Pandjaitan. Musk’s immediate response was not available following the announcement made by Luhut to…
- Thailand News
Indonesia: Airline staff plummets from Airbus A320 (video)
A jaw-dropping video has emerged showing an airline staff member’s terrifying fall from an Airbus A320 after a step ladder was prematurely retracted. The incident, caught on camera and shared by Sanjay Lazar on Twitter, now known as X, quickly went viral, leaving viewers stunned and authorities scrambling for answers. The footage, reportedly taken in Indonesia and involving Transnusa Airlines,…
- World News
Wedding woe: Indonesian groom’s big reveal – bride or bro?
An Indonesian groom’s life turned upside down just 12 days after his wedding when he discovered his bride was a man in disguise. This revelation has sent shockwaves across social media in Indonesia, highlighting the elaborate ruse that fooled not only the groom but also his family and friends. The couple met on Instagram last year when AK, a 26…
- Thailand News
Indonesian Embassy’s cash reminder for entry into Thailand
The Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok issued a reminder to citizens planning a trip to Thailand to arm themselves with a substantial amount of cash to avoid the risk of being denied entry. Minister Counsellor of the Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok, Dewi Lestari, revealed Thailand’s stringent entry requirements in an exclusive interview with the Indonesian network RRI. Lestari clarified that regardless…
- Business News
Indonesia reassures no rice shortage despite retail restrictions
The Indonesian government affirmed today that there is no shortage in the country’s rice stocks, despite increasing restrictions on sales in mini markets and supermarkets that have been in place since the close of 2023. Arief Prasetyo Adi, the Head of the National Food Agency (NFA), made this assurance following a coordination meeting with the president. He also highlighted the…
- Thailand News
Indonesian pickpocket gang nabbed at Bangkok mall after stealing 310,000 baht
An Indonesian gang specialising in pickpocketing was apprehended at a well-known shopping centre in Bangkok and swiftly brought to justice by police following a report from a Japanese victim. The culprits were caught yesterday (January 25) at around 8am, shortly after their ill-fated heist. The swift police action led to the recovery of a cache of items and the confession…
- World News
Indonesian volcano Mount Merapi erupts again, causing ash rain and evacuations
Mount Merapi, an Indonesian volcano, erupted for the second time in a month, sending a 1,300-metre high plume of ash into the sky and covering nearby homes, vehicles, and evacuation tents in volcanic ash. This latest eruption occurred on Sunday, with no reported fatalities. Mount Merapi is among over 120 active volcanoes in Indonesia, notorious for their unpredictable and sudden…
- World News
Indonesian woman discovers husband is actually a woman post-wedding
A 23 year old Indonesian woman was left stunned when she discovered her prospective husband, whom she had known for two years, was a woman. The two had met on social media and were residents of the same town. They decided to marry after dating for two years, and a ceremony was held in a village in West Java, Indonesia.…
- Thailand News
Last orangutans rescued from Thai smuggling ring set to jet back home to Indonesia
In a triumphant move for wildlife conservation, Thailand is gearing up to bid farewell to the last three orangutans smuggled into the country from Indonesia. The adorable primates, seven year olds Nobita and Shizuka, and four year old Brian will be winging their way home next Thursday, December 21, as confirmed by Narin Prathuanchai, the director-general of Thailand’s National Parks,…
- Thailand News
Chaowalit Thongduang: Thailand asserts active extradition treaty with Indonesia
Thailand‘s Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) asserted yesterday, December 5, that the country has an active extradition treaty with Indonesia. This announcement arrived in light of an unverified report suggesting that notorious fugitive Chaowalit Thongduang, also known as Sia Paeng, might have escaped to the Southeast Asian country. Prayuth Phetkhun, the OAG spokesperson, clarified that the attorney-general possesses the authority…
- Environment News
Flash floods claim one life and leave 11 missing at Indonesia’s Jewel, Lake Toba
Flash floods in Lake Toba, Indonesia wreaked havoc, claiming one life and leaving 11 missing on December 1. Lake Toba experienced a heavy downpour, triggering devastating flash floods. The heavy rain caused widespread destruction that extended beyond homes to include a church, a school, and even a hotel. The aftermath resembled a nightmare, as large stones, trees, and mud cascaded…
- Business News
El Nino-induced drought disrupts Indonesia’s rice production, hikes prices
Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest economy, is grappling with a severe disruption to its rice production due to the extreme El Nino phenomenon. This drought-induced shortage has led to a surge in rice prices, impacting small businesses and consumers. Yanto, an East Jakarta food stall owner who caters to the lower-income bracket, has seen a significant profit decline since August, unable…
- World News
Indonesian woman deceived into marrying transgender man: A 20-year ordeal unveiled
A 58 year old woman from Indonesia recently shared her harrowing experience 20 years ago of being deceived into marrying a transgender man. In 2000, Ida was introduced to a man named Nardinata Marchioni by a friend during a trip to Europe. The two kept in touch via expensive international phone calls until Nardinata returned to Indonesia. Ida was impressed…
- Events
The EU and ASEAN marked the start of Green Diplomacy Weeks 2023 through a fun run, walk, and cycling event in Jakarta
Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to ASEAN, H.E. Sujiro Seam, the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community H.E. Ekkaphab Phanthavong and the Ambassador/Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Philippines to ASEAN, H.E. Hjayceelyn Mancenido Quintana, officially launched the start of the EU-ASEAN Green Diplomacy Weeks 2023 today in Jakarta, Indonesia. Over 300 people, representing officials from ASEAN,…
- World News
Indonesian woman marries brother-in-law, causes social media storm
The viral saga of a 24 year old woman from Depok, West Java, Indonesia, has taken the social media world by storm. Surprisingly, she revealed that she married her former brother-in-law. Rafida Sonia had garnered viral attention since 2022 when she posted a heartfelt wedding video. The video featured her sister’s wedding in 2014, and it was the same brother-in-law…
- World News
Flaming love: Pre-wedding photoshoot sparks wildfire, shuts down Indonesian park (video)
A pre-wedding photoshoot gone awry in Indonesia’s Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park caused a substantial wildfire, forcing the temporary closure of the popular tourist site. The fire, which spread over 312 acres, was sparked by a flare used in the photoshoot. National park officials revealed that the fire was ignited by a flare shot during a pre-wedding photoshoot of a…
- Road deaths
One year old survives truck collision in Sumatra, heart-wrenching video goes viral
An Indonesian one year old toddler stunned the world as he crawled out of a truck wreckage following a collision on Sumatra Island. The incident occurred on September 9 in the province of Lampung. The heart-wrenching video, which went viral on social media, showed the boy crawling from the crushed vehicle and seeking his mother. The video also showed Sri…
