The solar rooftop market in Thailand is hurtling towards an electrifying future, with fierce competition brewing amidst the falling prices and an ever-expanding supply from enthusiastic manufacturers. This charge towards renewable energy has been sparked by a series of innovative governmental pushes. Among the frontrunners is EnergyLIB, a nimble solar energy solutions provider that has proudly unveiled a snazzy new solar system tailored for townhouses. Not to be left out of this sunlit race, a powerhouse consortium has risen, comprised of the esteemed German cable manufacturer Lapp Holding Asia, the dynamic Hong Kong conglomerate Jebsen and Jessen Group, and the charismatic Chinese solar panel virtuosos, Deye. JJ-Lapp’s general manager, Chatchai Wajakiet, wagers that as prices tumble and the Thai government graciously relaxes regulations around solar installations, the demand for solar rooftop panels will soar to new heights. The enterprising trendsetters leading the charge are, unsurprisingly, the office owners and factory…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
In a plot worthy of a movie script, an Australian man has been dramatically apprehended in Pattaya over his alleged involvement in a series of high-stakes robberies in Thailand’s sun-kissed locales of Phuket and Koh Samui. The twist? His lavish hideout was shared with two majestic lions pacing the grounds, seemingly guarding the secrets of this brazen tale of theft and intrigue. The suspect, known as Vasilios, but often referred to by his alias “Billy,” was scooped up by a joint operation led by the officers from Provincial Police Region 8 and Chon Buri’s finest. These forces descended upon a sprawling luxury villa nestled in the Bang Lamung district. The setting was dramatic—a compound encompassing two rai of land, with its opulence punctuated by the presence of Vasilios’s unusual pets. These were no ordinary pets. Vasilios, who flaunted body art that spoke of histories untold, boasted about acquiring the lions.…
It was a typical Friday in bustling Bangkok when a group of stern-faced officials moved through the city like a well-rehearsed flash mob, delivering summonses that had the potential to send ripples through the Senate itself. These summonses were crafted by the Election Commission (EC) and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to address the murky allegations of vote-rigging in last year’s Senate election. Among the bedlam and the buzz, six senators found themselves in the storm’s eye, encircled by suspicion and scrutiny. The names on the lips of every political junkie in town were Alongkot Vorakee, Chokchai Kittithanesuan, Jirasak Chookhwamdee, Pibulat Haruehanprakan, Wuttichart Kalyanamitra, and Phisut Rattanawong. They were the chosen half-dozen, the political focus of relentless eyeballs and accusatory whispers. It was a mix of high politics and low intrigue, with posters slapped on gates and under surrounding gazes. When DSI officers stopped by Sen Jirasak’s abode in…
Yesterday, the usually vibrant streets of Pattaya Beach witnessed an unexpected surge of activity, not from holidaymakers or sunbathers, but from over 50 vigilant officers conducting a decisive crackdown on illegal activities. In an undercover operation worthy of a Hollywood thriller, officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station, alongside the Tourist Police and the Immigration Bureau, donned the guise of domestic tourists and set out on a mission to nab foreign sex workers who were unlawfully plying their trade to unsuspecting travelers. As the clock struck 7 PM, the operation swung into full gear, zeroing in on individuals who approached pedestrians with enticing offers of illicit services. When the dust settled, 13 foreign prostitutes found themselves in handcuffs, their beachside ventures brought to an abrupt end. Among them were seven nationals from Uzbekistan and six from Uganda, each journey having led them to this picturesque — but now legally tenuous —…
As the weekend approaches, ominous storm clouds gather over Thailand, but that hasn’t deterred hordes of eager tourists from flocking to the sun-kissed beaches of Pattaya. With a thrilling four-day holiday unfolding from May 9 to 12, courtesy of the Royal Ploughing Ceremony and Visakha Bucha Day substitution, Pattaya is set to welcome an influx of holidaymakers, despite the unpredictable weather forecast. The Thailand Meteorological Department (TMD) has sounded the alarm, attributing the thunderous conditions to an entanglement of a moderate high-pressure system drifting from China with Thailand’s sizzling heat. The result? A cacophony of summer storms poised to sweep across the land, primarily targeting the northern and northeastern regions. However, the eastern expanses, particularly Chon Buri province where Pattaya lies in wait, are bracing for wild weather too. ‘Thunderstorms, gusty winds, and even hail are on the cards between May 9 and 12,’ the TMD ominously declared in its…
Ah, the durian! The king of fruits, surrounded by a regal crown of spikes, is taking center stage once again as it rolls out in glorious abundance this season. Just in time, too, to cater to China’s ever-increasing craving for this intriguing delicacy with its unforgettable aroma. However, beneath this delicious surface, a flurry of activity is happening behind the scenes. Thai officials are diligently working to smooth out the export process and address safety concerns, striving to ensure that the durian business continues to flourish. As the durian season reaches its zenith, Thailand’s Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has loudly declared their readiness to meet the soaring demand from Chinese consumers. After all, they are the largest foreign admirers of this peculiar fruit. Agriculture Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat has assured that Thai authorities are collaborating closely with China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) to maintain seamless trade movements between the…
PATTAYA—In the lively coastal hub known for its sun-kissed beaches and bustling nightlife, a rather different kind of evening unfolded recently, painting the town under an unforeseen spotlight. On a typical Thursday night, just as the neon lights began flickering to life and the crowd swelled with excitement, a tactical operation by the local authorities led to the arrest of thirteen foreign nationals amidst this beachside revelry. The reason? Allegations of prostitution and immigration infractions, sparking a conversation about Pattaya’s tourism image. The operation was spearheaded by a concerted team comprising tourist police, immigration officials, and local authorities. With an unwavering focus, they weaved through the picturesque chaos of Pattaya, all the while donning the guise of average patrons, their undercover mission clear: to gather concrete evidence against those suspected of engaging in activities that might tarnish the city’s sparkling reputation. The evening unfolded with meticulous observation. The undercover officers…
Imagine stepping into a serene sanctuary where the stresses of daily life melt away, leaving you rejuvenated and refreshed. That dream becomes a reality with the enchanting “Summer Escape” treatment at Chi, The Spa, nestled within the exquisite Shangri-La Bangkok. Designed to be a seasonal rejuvenation ritual, this unique experience promises to invigorate both body and spirit, setting the stage for a summer filled with tranquility and bliss. This exclusive treatment begins with a 30-minute body exfoliation—a delightful procedure meticulously devised to unveil your skin’s natural radiance. As the gentle exfoliation sloughs away dull, tired cells, your skin emerges luminous and summer-ready, eager to soak in the sun’s gentle embrace. The zen-like journey continues with a soothing 45-minute aromatic massage that transcends the simple act of relaxation. Using Chi’s signature blend of essential oils, the massage is an olfactory delight, designed to both relax the muscles and awaken the mind.…
In its first-quarter results for 2025, Thai Union Group PCL finds itself navigating the turbulent seas of a financially challenging year. With sales clocking in at THB 29.8 billion, the numbers indicate a dip of 10.3% compared to the same period last year. The slide is attributed to a 6.9% lull in organic sales growth, compounded by a 3.4% unfavorable foreign exchange impact due to a robust Thai baht that flexed its monetary muscles. However, amid these financial tempests, there shines a silver lining: the Group reached an unprecedented milestone with a Q1 gross profit margin (GPM) soaring to 18.8%. Adjusted net profits, which skillfully omitted transformation costs linked to the ambitious Strategy 2030, saw an 8.9% year-on-year uptick, comfortably resting at THB 1.3 billion. Post-transformation adjustments, the reported net profit was THB 1 billion, securing a solid 1.0x net-debt-to-equity ratio—testing the waters of fiscal fitness. CEO Thiraphong Chansiri, the…
In a startling turn of events that could easily be ripped from the pages of a thrilling crime novel, a Thai couple has made jaw-dropping accusations against their own relatives. Tong and Au, a couple not unlike any other, found themselves entangled in a web of financial deceit and potential danger that far surpassed their wildest nightmares. Back in 2022, Tong narrowly escaped what he believed was a devious murder attempt, leading them to enlist the aid of Be One, a diligent non-profit organization. Their suspicions were not unfounded; they later stumbled upon a bewildering cache of over 50 life insurance policies amounting to a whopping 120 million baht. Shock waves rippled through their world as they realized these policies were clandestinely acquired while they were behind bars—an ironic twist, given they hadn’t endorsed a single one. Au, in an emotionally charged interview on Channel 3’s gripping news program Hone…