The renowned US agricultural and construction equipment titan, Deere, has consented to a substantial $10 million settlement following charges from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that its Thai subsidiary engaged in bribery to secure business contracts. According to the SEC’s statement released Tuesday in Washington, the illicit activities involved offering extravagant gifts, such as massage parlour indulgences and opulent international trips, to sway government officials. Wirtgen Thailand, a wholly owned subsidiary of Deere, perpetrated these offenses from late 2017 to 2020. The recipients of these unethical favors included officials from various state agencies such as the Royal Thai Air Force, the Department of Highways, and the Department of Rural Roads. Furthermore, bribes were also extended to a significant Thai construction company referred to in the SEC summary simply as “Company A”. Despite Wirtgen Thailand’s code of conduct explicitly prohibiting any form of bribe, the SEC uncovered payments that…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
In an intriguing turn of events, Bangkok’s law enforcement recently unearthed an extensive cache of illicit smoking devices hidden within the walls of a seemingly ordinary condominium. The raid resulted in the apprehension of 30-year-old Panarak Kwangsawat, who was caught red-handed with a stash worth approximately 2 million baht. The meticulous operation unfolded in a condominium on Sathu Pradit Soi 19, nestled in the typically serene Yannawa district. Spearheaded by Pol Maj Gen Withaya Sriprasertparp, the commander of the police consumer protection division, the sting operation was the culmination of a two-month investigation following a tip-off. On Wednesday, the authorities painted a detailed picture of the clandestine operation they had uncovered. The bust revealed an eye-popping assortment of 25,352 vaping and heated tobacco devices. Imagine the sheer quantity! Officials meticulously documented rows upon rows of sleek, futuristic devices neatly tucked away in the condominium, ready to be dispatched. Pol Maj…
Police arrested a suspect on Wednesday, seizing an array of illegal smokeless devices from a condominium in Bangkok. The dramatic crackdown took place at a high-rise on Sathupradit 19 Road in the bustling Yannawa district, leading to the apprehension of Panarak Kwangsawat, a 30-year-old at the center of a two-month-long investigation. According to Pol Maj Gen Withaya Sriprasertparp, head of the consumer protection police department, the raid culminated in the confiscation of a staggering 25,352 vaping and heated tobacco devices, collectively valued at approximately 2 million baht. These figures offer a glimpse into the lucrative yet illegal trade of smokeless tobacco products in the region. Operating from the comfort of her condominium, Ms. Panarak allegedly stored a warehouse’s worth of illicit devices. The business model? Simple yet effective. Orders flowed in through online channels, and the goods were dispatched via couriers, targeting an eager customer base predominantly based in Bangkok.…
The baby pygmy hippopotamus named Moo Deng is captivating hearts and camera lenses at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri. On Wednesday, her keeper lovingly gave her a bath—a moment captured and shared by the zoo’s Facebook page “ขาหมู แอนด์เดอะแก๊ง”. This playful little bundle of joy, just two months old, has quickly become a beloved star. Videos and photos of the adorably chubby Moo Deng have gone viral across social media platforms, delighting and entertaining audiences worldwide with her endearing antics. The zoo has been keeping fans updated with daily snapshots and videos of their pygmy hippopotamus family on their Facebook pages, and Moo Deng has unquestionably stolen the spotlight. Seen splashing around during her bath with her keeper, Moo Deng’s playful enthusiasm is a delightful contrast to the laid-back demeanor of her animal companions. The charm of Moo Deng has become a magnet, drawing visitors in droves…
As Thaksin Shinawatra made his grand entrance into the Pheu Thai headquarters in March, the air was electric. Supporters swarmed him, waving banners and shouting slogans, capturing a moment that seemed both jubilant and tense. Yet, just beneath the surface lies a web of political intrigue that threatens to unravel the very fabric of the ruling party. Fast forward to the present day, and the Pheu Thai party finds itself embroiled in yet another storm of controversy. The chairman of the Thai Pakdee Party, Dr. Warong Dechgitvigrom, has lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission (EC), claiming that Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister, is pulling the strings from behind the curtain. The accusation? Allegedly, Thaksin holds an illegal sway over Pheu Thai, potentially violating the Organic Act on Political Parties, which explicitly prohibits non-members from influencing party affairs. On a Wednesday morning that buzzed with anticipation, Dr. Warong’s…
Residents in 48 provinces, including the bustling capital of Bangkok, have been put on high alert for possible heavy rain and subsequent flash floods expected from this Friday until September 18. The Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) took to Facebook to issue this stern warning, saying that the northern monsoon trough will descend upon upper Thailand during this period. Simultaneously, the southwest monsoon is predicted to intensify, bringing more rainfall—and in some areas, very heavy downpours. If you live in flood-prone areas, it’s crucial to prepare for potential flooding and runoff during this timeframe. Flash floods are anticipated to impact 13 provinces in the North, including Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, and Tak, among others. The same flooding threat looms over 13 provinces in the Northeast like Loei, Nong Khai, and Bueng Kan. Further down, 8 provinces in the Central Plain, including Bangkok and its nearby provinces,…
The serene Kok River transformed into a raging torrent, spilling over into Chiang Rai’s Muang district on a precarious Wednesday morning. (Photo: Public Relations Department) Relentless rainstorms have wreaked havoc across the upper North, triggering rivers to surge beyond their banks, unleashing devastating floods and landslides. Tragically, four souls have been lost, four have been injured, and five remain unaccounted for in the chaos. Chiang Rai, Thailand’s northernmost province, finds itself in the throes of this deluge. Disaster mitigation teams reported severe flooding in tambon Mae Sai, tambon Wiang Pang Kham, and tambon Koh Chang of Mae Sai district. With water levels swelling to about a meter high and currents running strong, the situation looks dire. Residents in the flood-ravaged zones near the engorged Sai River in Mae Sai district have been forewarned, urging them to brace for possible evacuation. Over in Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Nong National Park, still…
TOA Paint (Thailand) Public Company Limited, also known simply as TOA, has shaken up the D.I.Y. market with the launch of ‘TOA Shield Expert.’ This cutting-edge, eco-friendly paint isn’t just any ordinary splash of color; it’s a 2-in-1 water-based emulsion that makes painting a breeze while promising a longevity of over 10 years. This product is a testament to TOA’s commitment to both home safety and environmental protection. ‘TOA Shield Expert’ has been given the thumbs up by some of the top property developers and can be found in modern trade outlets across the nation, pushing the move towards a more sustainable and low-carbon society. According to Mr. Jatuphat Tangkaravakoon, the Chief Executive Officer of TOA Paint (Thailand), ‘TOA Shield Expert’ reflects the construction industry’s future direction. “This paint, which is a combination of topcoat and primer, highlights the industry’s shift towards prioritizing health and safety, especially for the ageing…
Jungceylon Shopping Center in Patong, Phuket, has rolled out an ambitious business plan designed to attract top-tier shoppers through innovative marketing strategies. By launching products, services, and activities that appeal to both local and international audiences, Jungceylon aims to set a new standard in retail. This plan is deeply rooted in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks. Prawit Janyasittikul, the CEO of Jungceylon, highlighted that for over 18 years, this shopping center has been a cornerstone in Phuket’s retail landscape. Spreading across a massive 200,000 square meters and attracting 45,000 to 50,000 visitors daily, Jungceylon is steadfastly focused on sustainability. The retail giant has adopted Circular Economy principles to steer growth and align with ESG strategies. To meet its environmental objectives, Jungceylon is implementing the 4R principles: Reduce, Reuse, Repair, and Recycle. They are also moving towards an “Upcycle” approach to magnify environmental impact. Efforts to reduce plastic bag usage…
The Thai silver jewellery industry, celebrated globally for its breathtaking craftsmanship and unparalleled quality, has long been an esteemed pillar of the export sector. Renowned for its meticulous handmade production processes, which beautifully blend creativity with traditional local skills passed down through generations, Thailand stands proudly as a frontrunner in the international silver jewellery market. According to Mr. Phusit Ratanakul Sereroengrit, the Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Thailand’s silver jewellery industry continues to sparkle brilliantly on the global economic stage. From January to June 2024, Thai silver jewellery exports soared to an impressive $842.41 million, marking a staggering 19.51% increase compared to the same period last year. Major export destinations include the USA, Germany, England, and Australia. Despite rising competition from countries like China, Italy, and Turkey, Thailand holds significant advantages thanks to its meticulous craftsmanship, exceptional production standards, and versatile designs that align perfectly with…