A tale of deception and international intrigue has unfolded with the recent arrest of a Japanese conman, who made Thailand his grounds for running a telephone scam. Daisuke Ogawa, aged 49, was whisked off to Japan after charges of fraud were levelled against him, marking another significant arrest amidst a string of similar cases where fraud groups have been found exploiting Japanese victims from various corners of Southeast Asia. The alleged conman touched down on the tarmac at Tokyo’s Haneda airport at the cool hour of 5.50 am on a Wednesday, after disentangling himself from the grips of Thai detention. The accusations lining up against him carry a weighty sentence: Ogawa apparently outfoxed a man in his mid-seventies from Gifu Prefecture in central Japan this September. Using his mendacious charm over the phone, he roped the elderly gentleman into parting with his cash card via a postal mail service by…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
Metamorphosing conventional businesses into state-of-the-art hubs offering drone-oriented agricultural services, the MDES and depa, Thailand have launched the revolutionary 1 Tambon 1 Digital (Chumchon Drone Jai) Project. This groundbreaking initiative unfolds a vision to instill understanding, knowledge, and hands-on drone skills for agricultural necessities. Sharing a spotlight on Thai communities and farmers, the project seeks to revolutionise how farming communities operate nationwide. In an endeavor to cultivate the integration of drone technology across 500 Thai communities in agriculture, the project aspires to mount an economic worth over 350 million baht. Manifesting in tune with the Growth Engine of Thailand policy, the endeavour focusses on enhancing Thailand’s competitive edge on a global frontier. It illuminates a pathway to setup 50 drone service centres countrywide within a year’s ambit. Mr. Prasert Jantararuangtong, the Minister of Digital Economy and Society (MDES), emphasised the readiness of MDES to sprint towards augmenting a digitally driven…
The panoramic view at the Asia International Hemp Expo held on the lush premises of Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Center took everyone’s breath away — an unprecedented sight of cannabis plants proudly on display. This momentous visual took place in November of the previous year, a photograph that continues to capture imaginations and spark debates around the world. (Photo credit: Somchai Poomlard) Navigating through the twists and turns of these debates, the government is currently grappling with the burgeoning cannabis industry, contemplating stricter controls to skirt potential misuse. The motivation behind this revision of the draft bill, previously floundered during the anxious times leading to the elections in May. The main spark behind the drastic changes in the text is primarily to address increasing concerns over likely cannabis addiction, as relayed by Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew’s crucial statement. “Myriad aspects related to cannabis come into play — economic…
In what could potentially shake up Thailand’s plans for GDP growth in the coming year, the nation’s proposed digital wallet and e-refund initiatives face significant legal and funding hurdles. Market analysts warn that these challenges could precipitate a drastic scaling back of these high-ticket digital stratagems that have been slated for a rollout in 2024. These obstacles are seen as critical roadblocks that could derail the successful implementation of these ambitious digital plans. The news was reported by Maybank Securities, shedding light on these ominous undercurrents. Notably, a number of legislative roadblock issues have been pointed out by opposition parties. Relevant clauses of the Constitution and the State Fiscal and Financial Responsibility Act that deal with state and emergency funding caps have been called into question. Beyond that, academia point towards possible violations of Sections 20 and 62 of the Public Debt Management Act. All in all, plenty of concerns…
In the heart of the Mae Hong Son Province in Thailand, the majestic mountain of Doi Mae U-Kor stands tall. More than just a mountain, in recent times it has become a bustling hub for tourists from around the globe, all converging to relish in the stunning spectacle of the radiant Mexican sunflower fields that blanket it. Beaming golden hues against verdant emerald greens, these vibrant blooms spread across over 500 acres of the hilly countryside, making for magnificent vistas that are truly a sight to behold. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is buzzing with anticipation, prepared to welcome an influx of no less than 100,000 visitors this winter. Besides the locals, the splendid phenomenon has garnered the attention of international tourists as well, all keen to witness the mesmerising scenery. Thara Chom-Samrong-Lert, who oversees the Mae U-Kor Subdistrict Administrative Organization in Khun Yuam District, attested to this assertion.…
Blanketed in a cool morning fog, the district of Nakhon Thai in Phitsanulok, Thailand, welcomed the official start of winter on Tuesday. Unlike the previous year’s slightly colder onset, this year’s winter season started subtly warmer, according to the Thai Meteorological Department. Marking the commencement of the chilly periods are declining temperatures in the upper provinces, dipping below 23°C alongside northeasterly or easterly winds blowing across 100 to 3,500 metres altitudes – clear signs that winter has wheeled in. Thermometers across the nation have started to record a lower temperature range of around 21-22°C. Interestingly, this is comfier than the biting chill experienced last year, which averaged at approximately 20.8°C across the upper territories. What’s even more noteworthy is that this year, winter has made a stylishly late entrance, arriving about four weeks behind its typical schedule. As suggested by meteorological projections, winter’s reign will stretch up to the end…
As the vibrant pulse of Chatuchak market hums in the backdrop of the bustling city of Bangkok, a police officer is caught in a candid moment, distributing leaflets to the patrons about the lurking danger of pickpockets. A vibrant image captured by Wichan Charoenkiatpakul, this scene sets the pace for the fluid narrative of caution and safety, intertwined with the elaborate narrative of international cooperation on security issues. The effervescent city of San Francisco witnessed the voice of calm and reassurance resonating from the Thai Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin. Evidently, in light of the recent hullabaloo stirred by the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) mentions of inviting Chinese police officers for patrolling the local tourist spots, Thavisin steps forward to clear the air. His message underlines the strategic intent of information exchange to dismantle potential criminal networks that may put down roots in Thailand. Srettha envisions boosting the confidence of…
In the twilight of a usual Saturday in the Klong Toey district, colorful floral tributes started to form a moving memorial near an innocent ATM machine, a silent witness to a tragedy caused by a stray bullet that claimed an innocent life. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) The tranquility was shattered when a hapless freshman university student became a target of a mindless act of violence carried out by alleged perpetrators hailing from a single school, both recent and long graduated. These individuals unleashed chaos that culminated in the unforeseen tragedy of the day, the demise of an innocent woman, marking a dark week for Bangkok’s Metropolitan Police Bureau. Bangkok’s Metropolitan boss, Pol Lt Gen Thiti Sangsawang, conveyed the chilling details of the event on Tuesday. The vile act was executed by a faceless perpetrator, hidden behind the mask of a full-faced helmet, trailing behind on a motorcycle, yet it was clear…
In the picturesque district of Mae Sot, Tak, a striking scene unfolds. Myanmar workers diligently file in to submit their visa applications at the Tak Immigration Office. This imagery captured last year is a testament to the changing tides of labor dynamics in Thailand. But the tide has shifted once again. On a recent Tuesday, the Ministry of Interior in Thailand sprang a revelation that sparked waves of relief among migrant workers from Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. These laborers previously granted temporary stay and work permissions have now been offered an extension of stay. And it’s not only a chance to extend their visas, but also their pursuit of ambition, as work permit applications are being processed simultaneously. The secretary to the Interior Minister, Traisuree Taisaranakul, unveiled that two new announcements were issued on this matter, introducing a special provision for the migrant workers from the aforementioned countries. This…
Envision breezing through airport immigration in a whir of efficiency. Come next month, that dream will become a reality for the majority of outbound international passengers at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, the gateway to Thailand- a land of enchanted temples, lively night markets, and serene yet vivid beaches. This development will revolutionize the airport experience creating a smooth, rapid boarding process for all and ushering in a new era of convenience, thus alleviating the often unbearable congestion. A spearheading force behind this progressive move is Pol Maj Gen Choengron Rimphadee, the esteemed commander of Immigration Division 2. Under his strategic guidance, Suvarnabhumi Airport has been offering this nimble process only to individuals with Thai, Hong Kong, or Singaporean passports. The international gateway is now mapping the blueprint to broaden this efficient avenue to a broader chunk of outbound foreigners through its automatic channels, initiating a revolution from December 15. The…