In the vibrant and often unpredictable realm of Thailand’s economic landscape, the steady hum of electricity has become a contentious backdrop. As we move through 2025, the electricity bills that light up the lives of millions across Thailand are stubbornly resistant to change. Not even the welcoming winds of lower fuel costs, decreased energy demand, or the invigorating strength of a reinvigorated baht could persuade them to lower. These persistent electricity tariffs are sticking their ground like a seasoned boxer, much to the chagrin of many. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), in a decision reminiscent of an immovable object, has chosen not to budge the power tariff from its steadfast position of 3.98 baht per unit. Despite economic indicators waving potential red flags of consumer relief, it’s a tough love from the ERC, which leaves consumers puzzlingly scratching their heads. “Look, nobody wanted this,” voiced Poonapat Leesombatpiboon, the Secretary General…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Batten down the hatches, Thailand! The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has unleashed a torrent of news that’s more dazzling than a tropical storm-themed roller derby. Starting tomorrow, brace yourself for a week of heavy to very heavy rainfall sweeping across the Land of Smiles. Yup, those cheeky strong winds are set to whip through the upper Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf of Thailand, courtesy of our stormy guest of honor, Tropical Storm Vipa, which is currently flexing its muscles. This raindrop rendezvous kicks off today, July 18, as TMD sounds the alarm for a monsoon takeover that promises a soggy spectacle of epic proportions. Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, and a spritz of Phrae in the north are rolling out the welcome mat for this weather extravaganza. Further south, the provinces like Tak, Nong Khai, and Bueng Kan are each prepping for their own moist embrace, while the likes of…
In a bold transnational crime crackdown, Thailand’s immigration police recently put the squeeze on two elusive fugitives, ending their unlawful escapades in the vibrant coastal city of Pattaya. These foreign nationals, one Chinese and the other South Korean, found themselves ensnared in separate high-stakes operations led by the intrepid Commissioner Panumas Boonyalak and his savvy team. The first dramatic arrest played out like a scene from an action movie. In the relatively calm neighborhood of Huai Yai, Bang Lamung, a 39-year-old Chinese national known only as Sun displayed some unexpected acrobatics. Rather than face the music quietly, he attempted to channel his inner Spider-Man by scrambling onto the roof of his rented abode hoping to elude capture. Needless to say, his high-flying antics were swiftly curtailed by the officers who brought him back down to earth. The startling revelations that followed included his involvement in drug-related offenses and the sale…
Phuket, the sun-drenched paradise of Thailand, is witnessing an intriguing transformation in its tourism dynamics as more and more Europeans are skipping the usual summer madness to embrace the offseason’s serene charm. The Phuket Tourist Association predicts a remarkable surge in tourism revenue, anticipating an increase of over 40 billion baht — approximately a whopping 10% bump this year! Leading the charge is Thanet Tantipiriyakit, the association’s president, who gleefully reports a growing fascination among Brits, Germans, and the French for what’s playfully dubbed the “green season.” And guess what? Direct flights from Europe are taking off like never before, especially from France. It’s these flights that are crucially driving the influx of footfall onto Phuket’s stunning shores. Fast forward to 2025, and Thanet forecasts a revenue boost, projecting it could soar past the 40 billion baht (US$1.23 billion) threshold, up from last year’s 498 billion baht (US$15.3 billion). Talk…
In the vibrant cultural tapestry of Thailand, there’s a spectacular display of colors and creativity making waves internationally—but it’s not traditional arts or cuisine. It is the exquisite realm of ornamental fish that now finds itself at the center of Thailand’s latest surge in global trade. The kingdom is rolling up its sleeves, determined to elevate its thriving ornamental fish industry as a linchpin for agricultural exports. Under the stewardship of Bancha Sukkaew, the Director General of the Department of Fisheries, this aquatic venture has the potential to enhance Thailand’s stature on the world stage, while simultaneously boosting local farmers’ income. As we navigate through 2024, the worldwide market for ornamental fish sparkles with promise, projected to reach a whopping 10 billion baht (which is about US$307 million). Thailand, with its picturesque landscapes and aquatic richness, dances proudly near the top of the global leaderboard, commanding an 11% market share…
A seismic shift is abuzz in Thailand, all due to the domino effects of the US tariff policy, and the hardy entrepreneurs of the Land of Smiles are being thrust into the limelight. At the heart of these changes is the Board of Investment (BoI), who have rolled out proactive measures to cushion Thai business mavens from the economic tremors caused by the trade war with the United States. Gone are the days of solar panel subsidies without thought; instead, the initiative is now laser-focused on revolutionizing technology in Thai factories, even if it means axing support for photovoltaic (PV) panel production. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, BoI’s eloquent Secretary General, elaborated on dropping the promotion of PV panel production – a move rooted in its low-tech nature and susceptibility to US trade whims. But fret not, solar aficionados! There’s solace in the sun’s brilliance as the BoI extends generous tax incentives to…
Two Russian tourists, finding themselves in quite the pickle in Pattaya, Thailand, certainly didn’t expect a duo of police officers to play the unlikely heroes. It was a morning that began routinely enough but soon descended into a light-hearted spectacle, an impromptu circus of goodwill on Sukhumvit Road that warmed the hearts of onlookers and netizens alike. The clock had just struck 9:40 AM on July 16th. Picture this: a bustling road alive with the buzz of early traffic and the boiling Thai sun glaring down. Right there, smack in the middle of it all, our hapless travelers were stranded. Their motorbike had gone on strike, its battery flat and silent. They were stuck like deer caught in headlights, unable to utter a single word of Thai. Their plight drew the sympathetic gazes of commuters zipping by, yet all seemed lost—or at least doomed to a very sunburnt day. Then,…
In the picturesque, usually serene coastal town of Hua Hin, rubbish collectors encountered a surprisingly perilous twist to their daily routine. A heap of hazardous military explosives was shockingly discovered beside a bin, leading to an explosive spectacle that has now embroiled the entire community in a gripping drama. The incident unfolded at the quiet Village 4, in the Hin Lek Fai subdistrict, transforming an ordinary day into a scene from a thriller on the morning of July 16. It was around 11:30 a.m. when an observant resident noticed an ominous presence by the bin opposite Amnat Timber Shop. Sensing danger, this eagle-eyed individual promptly contacted law enforcement, turning an otherwise mundane rubbish collection into a full-scale safety operation jarring enough to awaken the coastal town from its usual torpor. In a flash, officers from the Hua Hin Police Station commandeered the scene, cordoning off the area with the precision…
In the lively locale of Pattaya, known for its bustling nightlife and sandy beaches, there’s a brewing concern that has grabbed the attention of local authorities and citizens alike. Picture this: a serene cycling route opposite a popular eatery transforms into a curious case of pollution, with a whiff of wrongdoing in the air! It all comes down to the mysterious situation at a drainage pipe near the famous Hot Two Point junction on Phonpraphanimit Road 34. Imagine pedaling along, minding your business when you’re greeted by an unexpected, unappetizing sight—it’s not the aroma of delicious street food but rather the unpleasant stench of oil and grease oozing out. Yes, that’s right! Local officials quickly pounced on this lead, suspecting some unscrupulous behavior jeopardizing the precious water source. On July 16, an all-hands-on-deck inspection was initiated by none other than Nong Prue Municipality’s Mayor, Winai Inpitak, teaming up with Pong…
The telecommunications landscape in Thailand is set to undergo a refreshing transformation, thanks to the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). On July 16th, the NBTC, headed by acting Secretary-General Trairat Viriyasirikul, decided to take significant strides in reducing the cost of mobile phone tariffs, with a particular focus on introducing affordable Blue Flag Packages. These packages, initially capped at 240 baht per month, are slated to become even more budget-friendly to accommodate the ever-evolving needs of consumers. In an NBTC meeting that meticulously combed through 86 agenda items, 25 were thoroughly analyzed. Among these, agenda item 4.44 shone brightly, covering the crucial guidelines for setting and supervising domestic mobile phone service rates amidst today’s digital tide. As the world of telecommunications shifts gears, the NBTC is committed to ensuring fair play and improved accessibility for users across the country. The proposal is a breath of fresh air for consumers.…