In the midst of breathtaking sceneries and sandy beaches, a storm of concern has brewed in Phang Nga, Thailand, where officials are moving at lightning speed to regain the trust of tourists after a heart-stopping road accident. On the afternoon of April 15, a serene day in the picturesque Khao Lak area turned grim when a speeding pickup truck violently collided with a young German family. This unfortunate event occurred on Phetkasem Road, by a zebra crossing close to the local post office, altering the lives of Phillip David Lothar, 34, Linda Raub, 32, and their 23-month-old son, Fiete. The incident, which shocked both locals and visitors alike, saw the family swept off their feet by the vehicle driven by a 60-year-old man, simply referred to as Choei. Miraculously, young Fiete walked away with mere scratches, but both Phillip and Linda sustained grave injuries and were immediately rushed to the…
Posts published in “Thailand”
This year, tourists flocking to Koh Larn for the Songkran festival received an unexpected yet impressive welcome. Rather than just the customary splash of water, they were met with high-tech patrols, an array of free gifts, and a robust show of security, all as part of Pattaya’s careful orchestration of festivities designed to ensure safety and joy for all attendees. The spotlight was on the Multi-Purpose Hall at Laem Bali Hai Pier in South Pattaya, the focal point where senior officials, including Police General Saksira Phuakam, the Commander of the Tourist Police, kicked off a grand Songkran safety initiative. Joining him in this significant endeavor were Police Lieutenant Colonel Torlap Tinamat, the Inspector of the Tourist Police Division 4, alongside dedicated teams from Pattaya Police, Chon Buri Immigration, Pattaya City Municipality, and the Marine Department. With throngs of locals and tourists eager to catch ferries to the picturesque Koh Larn,…
In today’s bustling world of Thailand’s newscast, Jay and Alex whisk us through a whirlwind of stories that range from serious governmental investigations to the ever-entertaining controversies of social media influencers. As we traverse through these riveting headlines, brace yourself for a lively ride—from questionable architectural snafus and a curious coffee confrontation to cutting-edge AI in policing and diplomatic dance-offs. Here’s a delectable scoop of today’s top happenings wrapped in intrigue and a sprinkle of humor. Parliament Probes Million-Dollar Mishap in BangkokImagine a building crumbling faster than you can say “kaffir lime leaves”! That’s the scenario in Bangkok where a prestigious government edifice collapsed post-quake, throwing lawmakers into a tizzy. Spearheading the hullabaloo is Auditor-General Monthien Charoenpol, answering for plush amenities like luxury carpets and mini-theatres made from what critics allege are about as resilient as a wet noodle. The incident rekindles the fiery debate on corruption simmering within Thailand’s…
In a world often overshadowed by tales of mishaps and misadventures, the heartwarming actions of a female security guard at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport have become a beacon of hope and integrity. On this memorable day of April 18, 2025, a hero emerged amidst the hustle and bustle of the airport’s departure terminal. Her name is Patchara Phiraphan, and her story is one that has captured the admiration of people nationwide. Patchara, keen-eyed and alert, was conducting her usual patrol near Gate 8 on the 4th floor when something unusual caught her attention—a small, seemingly inconspicuous bag lying on the floor. Curiosity piqued, she bent down to inspect the bag, and to her amazement, it revealed a treasure of gold necklaces. Such a find could have led to an array of choices for anyone, but for Patchara, there was only one—a high-speed mission to reunite the precious jewels with their…
Who needs a stage when the vibrant streets of Pattaya can serve just as well? Recently, two Indian women have taken the Internet by storm with their impromptu dance performance on a bustling Thai street, and honestly, the world can’t seem to get enough! Draped in stunning traditional Indian attire, these two spirited ladies danced their way into hearts everywhere, lighting up the atmosphere with an infectious dose of joy, rhythm, and that rare elixir—unapologetic confidence. Their energetic moves, far removed from practiced choreography, were all about celebrating freedom, fun, and pure, unadulterated living in the moment. And the digital world couldn’t help but cheer them on! The video, which has since gone viral, was first posted by Instagram user @priyareddybtiktok, capturing the essence of their performance in all its glory. Picture this: a lively duo, one elegantly dressed in a sari and the other in a vibrant salwar suit,…
Thailand’s electric vehicle (EV) market is on the brink of a seismic shift, as a leading player from China is gearing up to revolutionize the local scene. Geely, one of China’s foremost EV brands, is gearing up to infuse Thailand’s roads with a spark of innovation and ambition. At the heart of this venture is Thonburi Neustern Co, Geely’s local distributor, whose chief executive, Narong Sritalayon, has unveiled an electrifying blueprint aimed at capturing the hearts of Thai drivers. The starting point for this charge is the construction of a brand-new auto parts center. This facility is envisioned as a cornerstone to nurture trust and bolster confidence among Thai consumers, while setting the stage for even bolder investments. “We’re working closely with Geely Auto Group to set up a local parts distribution and warehousing hub. This will form part of our short-term strategy to reassure customers and support the brand’s…
Thailand is set to make a colossal leap forward in digital banking, as three new virtual banks are poised to receive the official nod by June 19, according to the Finance Ministry. In an audacious drive to revolutionize the banking sector and enhance financial inclusivity, the Bank of Thailand has whittled down five heavyweight consortia to just three candidates. Now, these potential operators await the final verdict from the Finance Ministry, which is meticulously reviewing their qualifications, shared Chayawadee Chai-anant, the Assistant Governor at the central bank. “This inaugural phase will witness the issuance of licenses to three virtual banks. This decision mirrors our supervisory capabilities and our dedication to safeguarding consumers,” remarked Chayawadee with confidence. Upon receiving approval, the chosen consortia will embark on a twelve-month preparatory period before launching their services, which are anticipated to go live in 2026. The competition is fierce, with industry titans vying for…
The winds of change have begun to swirl around the Bank of Thailand (BoT), as the Ministry of Finance kicks off the hunt for a new governor to helm the country’s central bank. The clock is ticking as Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput’s eventful five-year stint heads towards its September 30 conclusion. A selection posse—led by the very capable Sathit Limpongpan, former Finance Permanent Secretary—prepares to rendezvous and hash out requirements for aspiring governors, so says government spokesperson Pornchai Thiraveja. Under the watchful eye of Thai law, this said committee must present a duo of candidates to the finance minister at least three months before Sethaput hangs up his banking hat. Who will fill these shoes of governance? Names bandied about in the chatter of local media include Roong Mallikamas, who currently rolls up her sleeves as BoT’s deputy governor; Sutapa Amornvivat, a former IMF brainiac and orchestrator at SCB X’s fintech, Abacus…
In a shocking incident unfolding in the serene province of Ratchaburi, the tide of domestic tranquility was abruptly disrupted by an alarming episode involving a 19-year-old woman and her infant daughter. The narrative, reminiscent of a disturbing domestic drama, was shared partially by Esor News on April 17th, revealing the heart-wrenching abuse of a 10-month-old baby girl by her mother using an electric wire. The incident, sparked by what appears to be a commonplace disagreement over household chores, has left the community in a state of disbelief. The terse description accompanying the video read ominously, “This woman strangled her child after her boyfriend refused to help her clean baby bottles. Ratchaburi province.” However, to avoid unsettling viewers and ensure compliance with community guidelines, only a fragment of the video was shared. Within the alarming clip, the young mother is heard muttering through clenched teeth, “You put pressure on me. You…
In the enchanting city of Chiang Mai, a captivating chapter unfolded during the recent Songkran holiday. The city’s hotels, despite offering surprisingly reduced room rates compared to previous years, managed a commendable performance. This strategic pricing maneuver was designed with last-minute domestic travelers in mind, who found their confidence dampened by the recent earthquake that trembled through Thailand and Myanmar. As a result, bookings were somewhat slow to spike this year, casting a shadow over the bustling holiday spirit. Paisarn Sukjarean, the astute President of the Thai Hotels Association’s upper northern chapter, highlighted the lingering unease among locals. He noted that many Thais continued to feel unsettled following the quake, resulting in a modestly cautious approach to holiday booking. However, like a phoenix rising, hotels in Chiang Mai maintained an impressive occupancy rate of 85% throughout April 12-16, equal to last year’s flourishing figures. It’s a testament to the resilience…