Posts published by “Editorial Team”

Phantawat “Nott” Nakwisut, a renowned CEO, found himself amongst 41 individuals indicted on money laundering charges last Friday. The case revolves around an incident where Phantawat purportedly provided winning lottery tickets worth 53 million baht to Atthakarn, whose last name remains withheld. Atthakarn then allegedly deposited these winnings into Phantawat’s bank account. Interestingly, the so-called lottery winner remains at large. Phantawat, together with 16 other defendants, appeared in court on Friday to face these serious accusations. However, 20 individuals connected to the case are still unaccounted for, while four others are in custody. During the court proceedings, Phantawat informed the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) that he had only encountered Atthakarn once. This meeting occurred through an agency and involved Atthakarn claiming winnings from the Government Lottery Office on Phantawat’s behalf for unspecified “business reasons.” According to Phantawat, this transaction transpired when the online lottery platform was initially established. In…

Visitors seeking a refreshing escape from the blazing summer heat in Bangkok can now indulge in a delightful winter wonderland at ‘Ice Magic: Fantasy on Ice,’ located on Floor G of The Market on Ratchadamri Road. This much-anticipated indoor snow park opened its doors on April 18 and will continue to enchant guests until July 16. However, as the city revels in this frosty attraction, energy activists and politicians are expressing concern over a decision by an Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) subcommittee to reduce electricity rates from May to August. They argue that this temporary solution does not address the real cause of skyrocketing power bills. On Friday, the subcommittee approved the fuel tariff (Ft) rate adjustment, which reflects changes in fuel costs and other variables. The full ERC board will vote on the proposal on Monday. If accepted, the adjustment would reduce household electricity bills by 1.5% to 4.70…

Escape to a winter wonderland in the heart of Bangkok with “Ice Magic: Fantasy on Ice”, an exciting indoor snow park experience. Located on Floor G at The Market on Ratchadamri Road, this snowy paradise has been delighting visitors since its arrival on April 18 and will continue to do so until July 16. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb) Energy activists and politicians are voicing their concerns over a decision made by an Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) subcommittee to reduce electricity rates from May to August. They argue that this action does not address the real reasons behind the high power bills that citizens are facing. On Friday, the subcommittee approved the fuel tariff (Ft) rate adjustment, reflecting changes in fuel costs and other variables. The full ERC board is expected to vote on the proposal on Monday. The recommended adjustment would result in a 1.5% reduction in household electricity bills, lowering…

Two individuals have been apprehended in Pathum Thani’s Khlong Luang district for operating unlawful money lending services with excessively high interest rates, reaching a staggering 304% annually. After receiving complaints regarding their financial activities, the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) conducted a raid on a residential property, resulting in the arrest of Thanachai Ruangphueng, 43, and Natthajaree Muangthong, 42. The pair face charges of colluding to offer private loans without the proper authorization and operating illegal money lending services with interest rates beyond legal limits. The ECD, under the command of Pol Maj Gen Phutthidet Boonkraphue, discovered the duo’s unlawful business practices through an investigation sparked by complaints filed against them. According to reports, the suspects allegedly advertised their services on a Facebook page, enticing customers to borrow money to buy gold jewelry and high-end products with installment plans carrying exceedingly high-interest rates. Yearly interest rates for debtors were alarmingly…

The Kaeng Lawa reservoir in Ban Phai district of Khon Kaen experienced severe drought in 2019, resulting in the reservoir drying up completely. Now, as summer is predicted to end by mid-May, the impact of El Niño, including drought, is forecasted to hit Thailand around mid-June, according to the Meteorological Department. This has prompted Saturday authorities to warn residents in various parts of the country, including Bangkok, to avoid going outdoors due to extreme heat. Initially, the maximum temperature was expected to peak at 43°C this summer. However, the highest temperatures are now predicted to remain above 40°C for the rest of the season, as explained by Somkhwan Tanchan, director of the department’s Meteorological Observations Division. He further added that this year’s drought severity could be worse than those in 2019 and 2020, potentially resulting in another series of high temperatures in Thailand. The persistent high heat has sparked concerns…

In a recent crackdown on illegal money lending services, authorities arrested two individuals during a raid on a residence in Pathum Thani’s Khlong Luang district. The suspects, Thanachai Ruangphueng, 43, and Natthajaree Muangthong, 42, were apprehended by the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) at their home in tambon Khlong Nueng. The duo now faces charges related to operating a personal loan business without the necessary authorization, and for charging interest rates surpassing the legal limit. Pol Maj Gen Phutthidet Boonkraphue, commander of the ECD, shared that complaints concerning the suspects’ activities prompted the police investigation which ultimately led to their arrest. It has been alleged that the suspects advertised their money lending services on a Facebook page, enticing potential clients with offers to buy gold ornaments and branded products through high-interest installment plans. These clients were then reportedly burdened with exorbitant interest rates, reaching up to 304% per year. According…

Residents and emergency personnel in Song district of Phrae province recently faced the tragic task of removing a fallen tree that resulted in the death of a six-year-old girl. The unfortunate event occurred as a series of summer storms battered the district on Friday. The extreme weather conditions prompted the Meteorological Department to issue a warning for upper Thailand, predicting thunderstorms, gusty winds, isolated hail, and lightning strikes from Sunday through Wednesday. Furthermore, the department stated that a moderate high pressure system from China will cover the northeastern regions of Thailand and the South China Sea from Monday to Thursday. The country can expect hot to very hot temperatures coupled with southwesterly and southeasterly winds blowing over the upper regions during this period. These unstable weather conditions can result in summer storms, thunderstorms, strong gusts, and lightning across northeastern and eastern regions, eventually impacting other areas. Authorities are urging residents…

In a recent warning issued by the Meteorological Department, residents in upper Thailand should brace for summer storms, thunderstorms, gusty winds, isolated hail, and lightning strikes expected to take place from Sunday to Wednesday. A moderate high-pressure system from China will affect the Northeast of Thailand and the South China Sea from Monday to Thursday, bringing hot to very hot weather conditions to the entire country. As southwesterly and southeasterly winds prevail over the upper regions, it is crucial that people be cautious of impending severe weather. Areas such as the Northeast and the East are predicted to experience the brunt of the summer storms and thunderstorms. People are advised to avoid risky outdoor areas and stay away from big trees, large billboards, and unsecured structures. Farmers are encouraged to seek ways to protect their crops from potential damage. The stormy weather is expected to affect other regions later on.…

In an impressive display of athleticism, Prime Minister candidate General Prayut of the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party, took to Lumpini Park in downtown Bangkok to engage in a spirited game of rattan ball. The 69-year-old politician energetically participated in the match for about 10 minutes, alongside PM Office Minister Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana and local joggers, leaving the crowd in awe of his vigor. Lumpini Park, located in the bustling district of Pathum Wan, is a popular destination for Bangkok residents looking to stay active and fit. Seizing the opportunity to socialize, General Prayut and UTN members conversed with exercising park-goers after the lively sporting session. Seeking a third term in office after initially gaining power through his 2014 coup, General Prayut’s energetic appearances may aid in boosting his popularity among the citizens. Paddling across Lumpini pond in a pedalboat, the prime minister continued to greet park attendees on the opposite…

On April 21, 1782, King Rama I, the inaugural sovereign of the Chakri dynasty, founded the Rattanakosin Kingdom and shifted the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok. To commemorate the establishment of the city, a shrine and city pillar, or lak muang, was erected in the present-day Phra Nakhon district. In a recent ceremony, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha paid tribute to the city pillar, accompanied by acting Deputy Defence Minister General Chaichan Changmongkol and Defence Permanent Secretary General Sanitchanok Sangkhachan. The Prime Minister also paid homage to numerous sacred items surrounding the shrine, including a revered Buddha statue. The religious proceedings were led by nine monks, with Somdet Phra Maha Weerawong, secretary of the Supreme Patriarch, at the helm. Following the ceremony, Prayut informed the media of his wish for a peaceful Thailand when inquired about his solemn demeanor during the event. The Prime Minister attributed his somber appearance to the…