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THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

Chao Phraya River Collision: Longtail Tour Boat Sinks After Hitting Navy Ferry, Injuring Three Tourists

The picturesque waters of the Chao Phraya River turned chaotic on Thursday afternoon when an unexpected collision occurred at the Tha Phra Chan pier in Bangkok. The bow of a longtail tour boat dramatically pierced through the roof of a navy ferry, causing an alarming scene that left three Chinese tourists injured. The incident, which took place at around 4:50 PM, involved a spirited tour boat laden with Chinese tourists. The boat, navigating along the bustling Maharaj Road waterway, crashed into a navy craft docked at the pier. The force of the impact was enough to send shivers through onlookers and left three tourists—one man and two women—nursing injuries. As the chaos unfolded, dedicated staff and officials sprang into action, rendering aid to the injured and rushing them to a nearby hospital for treatment. Thankfully, there were no reports of anyone missing in the watery commotion, offering a breath of…

Thai Pilots Association Opposes Foreign Pilot Proposal Amid Post-Pandemic Recovery Efforts

Picture this: Sleek touchscreen controls gleam under the ambient cockpit lights of a Boeing 737-9 aircraft. It was during an event in September 2021 at Boeing Field in Seattle, Washington, that showcased the many updates to this modern marvel. But back in Thailand, a crucial debate raged about flight operations and the future of local pilots. The Thai Pilots Association is vocally opposing a government proposal to temporarily lift restrictions on foreign pilots flying with Thai carriers. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin pointed out that the sluggish resumption of flights post-pandemic is a significant hurdle for the tourism sector—a sentiment shared globally by many airlines grappling with a personnel shortage. In an effort to rejuvenate tourism, the government has urged airlines to ramp up their flights and expand their fleets. This plea was made during PM Srettha’s visit to the Thai offices of Agoda, the world’s largest travel booking platform. Yet,…

Thailand Aims for Tier 1 in Human Trafficking Fight: Insights from Varawut Silpa-archa

Pol Lt Gen Surachate Hakparn, then serving as an assistant to the national police chief, was seen conversing with Thai victims rescued from scam call centres in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, April 2022. (Photo: Royal Thai Police via Reuters) Thailand has set its sights on achieving Tier 1 status in the suppression of human trafficking, as highlighted by Social Development and Human Security Minister Varawut Silpa-archa. His statement underlines an urgent need to tackle the burgeoning scam industry and the proliferation of online trafficking operations. Presently, Thailand holds a Tier 2 ranking in the Trafficking in Persons Report, which is published annually by the US State Department. The much-anticipated 2024 report is expected to be released later this month. Speaking at an event commemorating National Anti-Human Trafficking Day, Mr. Varawut emphasized that human trafficking is a serious transnational crime that gravely violates human rights. “We need to take proactive steps to…

Thailand’s Tourism Surge: 15 Million Visitors Boost Economy in Early 2023

Tourists, led by a spirited Thai guide, pedal their way through the bustling streets of Bangkok’s Chinatown and the vibrant Sampheng neighborhood. This dynamic scene from April 29 encapsulates the infectious energy sweeping through Thailand as it witnesses a tourism boom. And what a surge it is! A staggering 15 million foreign tourists have already visited the Land of Smiles in the first five months of this year, marking a robust 38% increase from the same period last year, according to government spokesman Chai Wacharonke. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is fervently championing this rise in tourism, recognizing its significant potential to turbocharge the economy. Part of his visionary “Ignite Thailand” development agenda includes enhancing the quality of human resources within the tourism sector, making it a harmonious blend of quantity and quality. In line with this ambition, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Ministry of Labour, and the Tourism…

BIG and RATCH Group Team Up for Thailand’s Green Hydrogen Revolution

BIG, a trailblazer in climate technology innovation, is leading the charge for energy transition in Thailand’s industrial sector. The company has teamed up with RATCH Group Public Company Limited—a heavyweight in the energy and infrastructure space throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Their collaboration has taken a significant step forward with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to delve into the feasibility of generating green hydrogen from renewable energy sources, both domestically and globally. This joint venture aspires to meet the impending clean energy demands of various sectors including industrial, transportation, and power generation. This partnership with RATCH Group accentuates the commitment of both companies to spearhead the energy transition through cutting-edge innovation and technology, with the ultimate goal of achieving carbon neutrality and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. Their collective aim is to nurture a low-carbon society, ensuring sustainability for future generations. Mr. Nitus Voraphonpiput, Chief Executive Officer of RATCH…

How Pongsakorn Pongsak’s IF Brand Achieved 87% Growth and Conquered the Chinese Market

Mr. Pongsakorn Pongsak, Chief Executive Officer of INNOVATIVE FOOD AND BEVERAGE PTE. LTD, the visionary behind the renowned IF and INNOCOCO brands, recently celebrated a remarkable milestone in market expansion. The year 2023 was particularly stellar, with the company raking in an impressive 3 billion THB in sales, marking an astounding 87% growth from the previous year. A standout in this success story is their 100% coconut water, which has captivated the Chinese market both online and offline with its unparalleled natural taste and sweetness. The meticulous attention to consumer preferences has propelled the IF brand to the forefront of the market. Leveraging Cold Aseptic Technology, the most advanced in the beverage industry, IF coconut water boasts a shelf life of up to 12 months without preservatives, all while maintaining the fresh, nutrient-rich qualities of freshly cracked coconut. This technological marvel has firmly established IF as a top-of-mind brand among…

Thailand’s Tourism Boom: Nearly 15 Million Visitors Boost Economy in Early 2023

The vibrant streets of Bangkok’s Chinatown and Sampheng neighborhood were a hub of activity on April 29, as tourists leisurely pedaled their way through the bustling alleys, guided by an enthusiastic Thai tour guide. Capturing the joyful scene through his lens, Apichart Jinakul showcased the rejuvenated spirit of Thailand’s tourism. Thailand’s tourism sector has experienced a remarkable resurgence, with nearly 15 million foreign tourists gracing its shores in the first five months of the year – a whopping 38% increase compared to the same period last year. Government spokesman, Chai Wacharonke, revealed this impressive statistic on Thursday, highlighting that Chinese visitors constituted the largest group of arrivals. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, recognising tourism’s vital role in bolstering the economy, is eager to advance Thailand’s standing in the global tourism arena. Under his ambitious “Ignite Thailand” vision, a key focus is enhancing the industry’s manpower quality, setting the stage for Thailand…

PlayDoge ($PLAY): Reviving 2000s Nostalgia with Play-to-Earn Crypto Gaming

PlayDoge is Exploring the Play-to-Earn Model to Create a Fun Experience for Users BUY PLAYDOGE NOW PlayDoge ($PLAY) — A New Meme Coin That Combines 2000s Nostalgia with Modern Crypto PlayDoge ($PLAY) isn’t just another meme coin; it’s a blast from the early 2000s past, fused seamlessly with cutting-edge crypto technology. Inspired by the iconic Doge meme, PlayDoge brings together elements of your favorite virtual pet games, like Tamagotchi, with the dynamic world of crypto gaming. In this engaging play-to-earn (P2E) game, players look after a virtual Doge pet, performing various tasks such as feeding, playing, and entertaining it. You have to keep a close eye on your pet because if you neglect it for too long, it will perish, and you’ll have to start from scratch. But fear not, in this version, the pet is hardier, with a longer lifespan to offer a more forgiving and enjoyable experience. Every…

Constitutional Court Reviews Disputed Senate Election Law Amidst Claims of Collusion and Political Turmoil in Thailand

Yesterday, the Constitutional Court agreed to consider petitions from Senate election candidates regarding four disputed provisions of the organic law governing the poll. However, the court did not see any immediate need for an injunction, as it did not anticipate significant repercussions from proceeding with the Senate poll. Additionally, the Election Commission (EC), which oversees the election, is authorized to intervene to avert any issues. At the heart of the debate are Sections 36, 40(3), 41(3), and 42(3) of the Senate election law. Section 36 pertains to the candidates’ self-introduction, while the other sections involve voting across the same group and professional groups at district, provincial, and national levels. In an 8:1 decision, the court chose to determine whether these provisions violate Section 107 of the charter, which details the Senate selection process. The court also directed state agencies to submit their opinions within five days of receiving the order,…

Celebrity Couple Mick Hiranyasthiti and Benz Songkhla Accused of False Advertising in Weight-Loss Product Controversy

It seems that the glamorous world of showbiz is not immune to drama, both on and off the screen, as celebrity couple Boromvudh “Mick” Hiranyasthiti and Pornchita “Benz” Na Songkhla find themselves walking the tightrope of controversy. The dazzling duo has been thrust into the spotlight, not for their radiant performances, but over accusations surrounding the advertising of their food supplement products. According to reports, their claims were tall orders, perhaps too tall for the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) to swallow. Everything began to unravel when the CPPD decided to get an expert opinion from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the couple’s audacious assertions. Allegedly, Mick and Benz touted a magical supplement capable of shedding a whopping 14 kilograms off one’s waistline. However, the FDA was less than enchanted, declaring these proclamations to be exaggerated and unfounded. As a result, Mick and Benz are expected to make…