In a surprise twist of economic maneuvers, Thailand’s Finance Minister, Pichai Chunhavajira, has bumped up the timeline for the much-anticipated second phase of the 10,000-baht cash handout. Originally penciled in for later in the month, the disbursement will now hit the fast track on January 27, two days ahead of schedule. The main beneficiaries? A whopping 3.5 to 4 million elderly Thais, those who carry the wisdom of 60 years or more, who’ll soon see a boost to their bank accounts courtesy of the government’s PromptPay app. This financial stimulus is part of a grander government vision initially targeting all citizens aged 16 and above, with an ambitious budget fit for a king’s ransom—500 billion baht to be exact. However, fiscal prudence demanded a rethink, introducing income-based eligibility criteria to dodge the risks of reckless spending. Only those with an annual income below 840,000 baht and savings not surpassing 500,000…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In an astonishing turn of events that could easily rival the plot of a suspense thriller, a school director from the quaint town of Nong Song Hong in Khon Kaen province found himself handcuffed instead of shaping young minds. Police Colonel Theerathat Phongsuwan announced this jaw-dropping arrest on January 14, revealing that Naphatdol, a 40-year-old with the respectable title of school director, had indeed swapped chalk for a stash of methamphetamine tablets—a jaw-dropping 369, to be precise. The headlines spun on their axes as the backstory unraveled. The questionable career choice emerged following the apprehension of a 29-year-old named Thayakorn just days prior, on January 11. Thayakorn was attempting his very own breaking bad moment, albeit a rather modest one, with just 20 methamphetamine tablets tucked away in a field hut nestled in Village 4, Don Dang subdistrict. As any intriguing tale unfolds, threads began connecting: those tablets were traced…
The southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat in Thailand are about to witness a high-profile visit as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra prepares to step into these beautiful yet tumultuous regions. Despite fresh undercurrents of unrest marked by recent bombings, Paetongtarn is unwavering in her decision to visit these provinces. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed this bold move shortly after addressing the gravity of the bomb incidents that rocked the area just days ago. The landscape of this story bursts into action with two nerve-wracking incidents. On January 13, the quietude of the Ano Ru subdistrict in Pattani was shattered by a blast that left six paramilitary rangers injured. The chaos rippled further on January 14 in Sri Sakhon district, Narathiwat, where a devastating explosion took the lives of two courageous police officers, a stark reminder of the simmering tensions. These attacks were the central topic during a recent…
In an ambitious move aimed at breathing life back into Thailand’s lagging economy, Industry Minister Akanat Promphan is spearheading a campaign to shift the country’s manufacturing sector towards high-tech innovation. With a vision of enhancing GDP growth by a solid 1% each year, Akanat is championing the development of cutting-edge products as the nation’s strategic play. It’s a call to arms against the triple threat posed by technological upheavals, international tensions, and the ominous specter of climate change. Since the pandemic, Thailand’s economy has been running on fumes, and there’s a palpable urgency to get it revved up again. However, a constraint hangs over the government’s efforts: a stringent state budget straining under the weight of public debt, which catapulted to a substantial 64% by October 2024, as per the Fiscal Policy Office’s reports. Akanat remains undeterred and sees hope in the rise of S-curve industries. Prominently perched at the…
In the tranquil southern province of Songkhla, a vibrant night out took a grim turn for a young woman named Tar. At the tender age of 24, Tar was swept into a whirlwind of chaos and misunderstanding at a bustling nightclub near Chalathat Beach—a place usually known for its lively atmosphere and spirited nightlife. It was a seemingly ordinary night on January 4th. Tar and her friends ventured out for an evening of fun and laughter, arriving at the nightclub as the clock struck ten. Little did they know, the night would unfurl into a scene plucked straight from a thriller movie, minus the glamour. As Tar was enjoying herself, an unexpected altercation erupted. A group of nearly ten women, congregating at a nearby table, accused her of an egregious faux pas—pouring water over their table. It seemed more like a petty incident suitable for a sitcom than real life,…
As the vibrant lanterns of the Lunar New Year begin to glow, excitement fills the air, especially at Central Food Retail Co. (CFR), the ingenious force propelling the beloved Tops grocery stores. Set against the backdrop of government stimulus efforts and a surge in tourism, they’re orchestrating a symphony of seasonal cheer to entice consumers into their aisles. At the helm of this retail renaissance is Chakkit Chatupanyachotikul, CFR’s marketing virtuoso. With a twinkle of optimism, he champions the promising benefits of the government’s Easy E-receipt tax deduction promo, painting it as a serendipitous boon timed perfectly from January 16 to February 28. This clever initiative coincides with the Chinese New Year and offers a springboard for a bustling first quarter. The optimism doesn’t stop there. The government’s forthcoming cash distributions to the elderly, set to roll out as January draws to a close, is another beacon of hope. “Tourism…
What happens when a powerful high-pressure system decides it’s time to cozy up to upper Thailand and the South China Sea? Well, brace yourselves for a chilly spectacle, my friends, because the weather is pulling a fast one on the Land of Smiles! According to the trustworthy folks over at the Thai Meteorological Department, we’re in for some major goosebumps and gusts, and it’s all thanks to this robust atmospheric visitor. The northern and northeastern realms have been caught in a cold hug, with temperatures dipping down to an eye-watering 9°C. Meanwhile, Bangkokians are waking up to a brisk 18°C to 20°C, trading their typical sunny selfies for shivering snapshots! But hold on, it’s not all about donning an extra layer. While the north is busy shivering, the southern belows – courtesy of a spirited northeastern monsoon – are getting a good dousing. Heavy rains are swooshing through, particularly in…
In a tragic incident off the scenic shores of Phuket, a Chinese tourist’s journey was cut short in a jet ski accident that has sent ripples of concern throughout the bustling tourist destination. The tranquil waters off Patong Beach turned into a scene of chaos when two friends, Liu Hong Chao, aged 33, and Lyu Zhifeng, 28, found themselves at the center of a tragic mishap. Amidst the sound of the crashing waves and the hum of jet skis, a day of fun quickly spiraled into a nightmare at around 2 p.m. on January 14. As the sun shone brightly over Kathu district, three Chinese tourists, including the ill-fated duo, embarked on what was intended to be an enjoyable adventure. However, when their allotted time drew to a close, the group had yet to return. Boy, the local jet ski rental operator whose lively exterior belied his rising anxiety, set…
In a peculiar and truly barking mad drug bust, police uncovered an ingenious yet outrageous scheme orchestrated by a Bangkok-based dealer, whose devoted pitbull companions unwittingly served a dual purpose—aiding him by unwittingly disguising the notorious scent of his methamphetamine operation with their own “aromatic” contributions. Yes, you heard that right! In an effort to hoodwink the keen senses of the local law enforcement, the canines’ contributions were not mere accidents of nature but rather a tactical shield designed to cloak the potent whiffs of a hefty meth stash strategically stashed right under their unsuspecting noses. On this fine day of January 15, a fortuitous tip-off led the diligent officers to an otherwise unremarkable wooden abode located deep within the alleys of Soi Krungthep Kreetha 7, Huamark. Armed with a search warrant straight from the Criminal Court’s vaults of justice, these gallant officers braced themselves for the imminent confrontation—and oh,…
In the bustling streets of Pattaya, an intriguing tale of deception unfolds, casting shadows over the sunny Thai paradise. Picture this: it’s a typical day, tourists meandering through vibrant markets, unwinding under palm trees, and little do they know, lurking among them are two Nepalese men weaving an intricate web of deceit with counterfeit US dollars. Enter Police Major General Natthakorn Prapaiyon, the astute Commander of Immigration Bureau Division 3, who steps into the scene with a determination to catch this ‘Black Money gang.’ Local whispers and tourist tales reach his office, all pointing fingers at a gang making waves with fake currency. Their modus operandi? To target both the unsuspecting locals and the wanderlust-driven tourists. With eyes peeled and ears to the ground, the authorities launch a thorough investigation. Time-ticking till January 14th, when they finally close in on their unsuspecting prey. The suspects? Two Nepalese men, Som and…