THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

In a recent update coming straight from Thailand, we’ve come to know that the Thai military is getting into active mode with plans to diplomatically approach the neighbouring country, Myanmar, over a delay. This isn’t a usual diplomatic tiff though, it’s a matter of urgency related to the repatriation of 41 Thai nationals. For those unacquainted with the situation, these individuals were rescued from illicit operations in the township of Laukkaing. And who better to reveal such heart-rending news, than Colonel Natee Thomsen? Of course, he is the steely-eyed commander of the Thap Chao Tak Taskforce of the reputable Pha Mueang Force. As a commander of repute, Colonel Natee doesn’t just identify problems, he maps out solutions. He expressed the Thai side’s readiness for full cooperation with Myanmar to potentially expedite the repatriation process. His plan is not just to question the delay, but also, discuss possible solutions with the…

In a bid to stimulate its economy and cement Thai-Chinese diplomatic ties, the Thai government is joining forces with several private sector entities, which include Thai businesses as well as Chinese associates. This partnership has given birth to the “Star For You Tour,” a novel campaign conceived to elevate Thailand’s appeal to Chinese tourists. This imaginative venture leverages Thailand’s soft influence, showcasing its celebrated artists alongside distinctive travel experiences. The brainchild of the Thai-Chinese Tourism Business Association, the Immigration Bureau, the Tourist Police, Thai Airways International Public Co., Ltd., OTOP Trader, Thai Sports, Exact Scenario Co., Ltd., and Propoliz products, the campaign is timely with the upcoming holiday season. Aimed at harnessing the allure of influencer marketing, the campaign targets Chinese followers of Thai artists. It promises them an unparalleled travel experience to a variety of Thai tourist hotspots, complete with the bonus of attending a special concert, the “Star…

A remarkable landmark in animal welfare was achieved on 16th of November in the lovely setting of the Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel. It was there that Compassion in World Farming staked its claim in Asia, by launching the inaugural Asia Good Farm Animal Welfare Awards. The main idea? To give due recognition to those Asian-based food companies that have significantly enhanced animal welfare in their supply chains, either by implementing forward-thinking policies now or by making future commitments. The message for other businesses was clear – follow this leader. In this grand assembly of champions of animal welfare, 19 awards were distributed across three Asian powerhouses: Thailand, Japan, and China. The majority of these awards, precisely 16, were focused on the critical areas of higher welfare eggs and broiler chicken production. Notably, these awards alone could potentially improve the life quality of over 25 million animals. But it didn’t stop…

EVA Air, an esteemed airline company, has been distinguished not once, but twice, by the readers of luxury travel magazines, Conde Nast Traveller and its US counterpart Conde Nast Traveler. In the annual 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards survey, EVA Air has landed a solid eighth position in the US edition’s top 10 Best International Airlines list, and ninth in the UK edition’s best airlines in the world category. Additionally, foodies have spoken, granting EVA Air eighth place in both regions for having the most delectable onboard cuisines. The awards, recognised as the most prestigious in the travel industry, are bestowed upon those who epitomise travel and tourism excellence. The results, which are now available on the respective magazine’s websites, underscore EVA’s dedication to delivering superior services. Travelers can avail of EVA’s high-quality services, discover the wealth of destinations it covers, and book tickets at www.evaair.com. The Readers’ Choice Awards surveys…

In the heart of bustling Bangkok, a longstanding dispute that has uniquely tangled the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation with Chulalongkorn University (CU) and a local technical college, might be approaching a resolution. At the epicenter of the contention is the relocation of Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok (RMUTTO) Uthenthawai campus, a process which has been punctuated with numerous hurdles. The proposal for a resolution is on the table, thanks to the Minister, Supamas Isarabhakdi. Continuing down the diplomatic road, he confirmed earlier this week about the formation of a new committee. Comprised of representatives from both educational establishments, their mandate is simple: Find a solution. Easier said than done, one might add. So what’s the pacifying proposal? They’ve come up with two possibilities! The first one being that CU could graciously offer up the disputed land to the wider public, with innovative suggestions including transforming it…

In a surprising turn of events, the final decision by the court has vindicated Thai pan importer and distributor, Wizard Solutions Co Ltd, of all deceiving accusations. The company faced a lawsuit from 74 unhappy customers claiming damages worth an astounding 1.65 billion baht. Despite the ruling, the customers, under the guidance of the Foundation of Consumers, have promised to appeal the judgment. The legal altercation unfolded back in 2017 when the Foundation for Consumers lodged a case against the company on behalf of the disgruntled clientele. Their grouse was rooted in the alleged deceptive quality of the Korea King pans, a product exclusively dealt by Wizard Solutions. As per the controversial judicial ruling, it was stated that the claims made by Wizard Solutions were not deceptive at all. The company had emphasized on having promised eight-layered coating on the Korea King pans, without any deliberate intention to violate consumer…

Just a few weeks ago, the Energy Regulatory Commission of this country green-lit a new power tariff of 3.99 baht per kilowatt-hour applicable to all residences and establishments, effective from September to December. However, the tables have turned once again, as the commission has now instigated proposed tariffs for the ensuing first quarter that might climb up to 6 baht per unit. Talk about causing a buzz! Addressing the FTI monthly’s Industry Sentiment Index conference for October, Kriengkrai couldn’t help but brand the constant fluctuating electricity prices every four months as both tiresome and a drain on the country’s resources. This frequent readjustment strategy has not only caused erosion in confidence among local Thai entrepreneurs, especially the small-to-medium enterprises, but also deterred foreign investors contemplating to invest in the promising Thai market, he warned. In fact, let’s juxtapose these rates with our neighbours – in Vietnam, the going rate is…

Beginning January 1 next year, commercial banks in Thailand are poised to impose the central bank’s directive for users to pay at least 8% of their total monthly credit card expenditure. In their present scheme, these banks only require customers to offset a mere 5% of their total monthly credit card expenditure. This new guideline – enforced by the Bank of Thailand (BOT) – means that for each credit card transaction, the minimum payment will rise to 8% of the total spent, a significant jump from the current 5%. This shift, expected to last for a period of one year, is designed to gradually readjust the credit card culture, leading up to an increase to a 10% minimum payment by January 1, 2025. Beyond the scheduled increase in installment payments, this 10% repayment rate will also be mandatory for fresh purchase commitments. During the grim times of the global Covid…

High-level discussions have taken place between Srettha and Kishida during their recent get-together in San Francisco. Both were present in the city to participate in the Economic Leaders’ Week organized by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Srettha, who also holds the Finance Minister position, reassured Kishida that Japanese automakers, who maintain a consistent production of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, will not be forsaken, contrary to Thailand’s shift towards becoming a hub for battery-Electric Vehicle production. The progressive measure encapsulated within Thailand’s “30@30” policy aims at propelling EVs so that they constitute 30% of total vehicle production by the year 2030. Srettha emphasized that, in the interim, Thailand would remain a bastion for production of ICE vehicles. He further assured the Japanese leader that Thai government agencies would persistently engage with Japanese ICE automakers to bolster support mechanisms. Kishida, on his part, inquired about the feasibility of Thailand enhancing travel…