There’s a fresh breeze wafting through Bangkok, and it’s not just from the city’s famous street food stalls. Thai Smile Bus is on a mission to make your daily commute as smooth as a ride in a tuk-tuk on a Sunday morning. Their latest venture? Unleashing a high-tech hurricane through the introduction of QR code payments via PromptPay across all their routes. No more fumbling for coins or queuing for change, folks. The brilliance doesn’t stop there! From March 1st, they’ve rolled out support for Digital E-Wallets, including the ultra-convenient True Money Wallet. This exciting announcement was made by the illustrious Kulpornphat Wongmacharapinya, the CEO of Thai Smile Bus Company Limited. The decision comes hot on the heels of their successful trials with electric buses on route 4-13 (75), which earned rave reviews from the trend-setting Bangkokians and, we reckon, a few envious nods from their neighbors too. By offering…
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In the early hours of March 3, a harrowing scene unfolded under the cloak of the dark sky in Mueang district, Phatthalung province, where what started as an ordinary drive spiraled into a violent tableau. A 16-year-old, referred to as A, found himself caught in an inexplicable act of aggression when an ominous pickup truck drew alongside his sedan and shattered the night with bullets. What should have been an uneventful journey turned grievous as one of those bullets pierced his cheek. The hour was 2:20am when local police, ignited by urgency, descended upon the crime scene accompanied by top investigators. There, an MG sedan stood scarred by a ruthless fusillade—bullets riddled the driver’s side window with seven uncompromising punctures, while nine more traced a chaotic pattern on the rear door. Its left front tire lay deflated, surrendering to the puncture’s swift brutality. Police meticulously scoured the area, the road…
In the vibrant corridors of Thailand’s bustling economy, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stands as a beacon of hope and confidence. She enthusiastically waved the flag of progress, rejoicing in the influx of foreign investments that have flooded Thailand’s shores to the tune of over 1.13 trillion baht last year—a record-breaking figure unmatched in the past decade. During her monthly Empowering Thais TV segment, broadcast by the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand, the charismatic 38-year-old leader shared her vision for the nation’s economic trajectory. Her optimism sparkled like a fireworks display illuminating a festival night sky, even as she acknowledged last year’s 2.5% growth spur, a record she intends to topple. “We will work tirelessly, aiming to elevate our investment prospects further. But to see this through, I must remain steadfast in my role until my term’s end,” she declared with an intensity that could power Bangkok itself. For the prime…
In a brazen heist that seems like a storyline snatched straight from a gripping thriller, an intrepid robber clad in courier attire made away with a glittering loot of gold necklaces worth an eye-popping 4.7 million baht. This jaw-dropping escapade unfolded at the bustling Orasa 5 gold shop nestled within a buzzing mall in Mae Sot district, Tak, on a seemingly uneventful Sunday evening. As twilight settled in around 7:12 PM, patrons and passersby went about their business, blissfully unaware of the upcoming drama. Suddenly, the tranquility shattered as an audacious figure, seemingly in his 30s, emerged with a swift determination. Standing at an unassuming height of around 170 centimeters, the man was enveloped in a green-and-white delivery rider’s jacket, a full-face helmet obscuring his identity, and hands cloaked in sinister black gloves. With the cool assurance of a seasoned performer, the robber upped the tension by brandishing a pistol—an…
Step right up, ladies and gentlemen, and be part of the excitement at Pattaya’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo, where the latest addition to their animal family has caused a delightful stir! Meet the newest darling of the savannah spectacle—a charming and sprightly newborn zebra foal. Making her grand entrance into the world on November 6 of last year, this black-and-white striped wonder is eagerly awaiting a name to match her captivating charm. Under the watchful gaze of her six-year-old mother and father eight years her senior, this little mare is as healthy as a horse—pun absolutely intended! In the spirit of fun and community involvement, the zoo has cleverly launched the “Stripe a Name” contest. The stakes? Two name options to choose from: Mahor or Lai Thai. Fans and visitors are invited to cast their votes and help determine the moniker that will forever be associated with this zebra darling.…
As the sun brims with exuberance, eager to share its radiant warmth, Thailand braces itself for what can only be described as a scorching symphony. Today, the Thai Meteorological Department has issued an urgent weather alert, indicating temperatures that seem keen on breaking their highest record by touching the 40 degrees Celsius mark. This intense heatwave predominantly engulfs the northern, northeastern, and central parts of the country. It’s the kind of heat that makes your favorite popsicle yearn for an air-conditioned shelter. Residents across these sizzling territories are wisely advised to arm themselves with hats, sunglasses, and a healthy dose of hydration. Avoiding prolonged outdoor endeavors might just be the smartest decision second only to finding shade under a generous tree. Meanwhile, the capricious southern and southeast winds have other plans for lower northern, northeastern, central, and eastern areas, ushering thunderstorms and whisking gusty winds as if to challenge the…
As we set our calendars towards the dazzling year of 2025, a whisper carries across the coconuts of Thailand – a tidbit of news that holds the potential to reshape your vacation fund ever so slightly. Thailand, an irresistible siren call of sun-kissed beaches and cultural wonders, is preparing to add a modest flair to its famous hospitality. Starting just in time to catch the crest of the year’s peak travel season, a 300 baht tourism fee will greet all foreign visitors eager to explore the Land of Smiles. Sorry in advance, wallets. This novel notion jingles down from none other than Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong. It might sound like a plot twist from a Southeast Asian drama, but stay seated – this new levy spins a tale far deeper than a mere means of collecting pennies. Rather, it’s envisioned as a safety net, woven out of financial…
The dazzling coastal city of Pattaya is set to become the epicenter of martial arts excitement as it plays host to the thrilling 6th World Muay Thai Championship from March 9 to 17. This prestigious event, backed by the Thai and Traditional Boxing Sports Association in collaboration with the dynamic Father Ray Foundation, promises a spectacular spectacle of athletic prowess that will captivate participants and spectators alike. Mark your calendars – the action kicks off on March 9 with the intense weigh-in, laying the groundwork for an exhilarating series of qualification rounds taking place from March 10 to 12. Every contender will unleash their skills and determination to emerge victorious, making these rounds a gripping prelude to what’s to come. As the dust settles, the adrenaline will surge once more during the semi-finals on March 13 and 14, running parallel with the captivating Muay Krading battles. Muay Krading offers a…
Imagine an electrifying tango between tradition and technology, set against the vibrant backdrop of Thailand’s ever-evolving economy! That’s precisely the dynamic dance experts believe Thailand must master to keep up with the powerhouse technological advancements pulsating from both sides of the Pacific. The pressure is on as the globalisation beat, driven by the United States and China, accelerates in an intricate choreography requiring nimble footwork and strategic foresight. In a lively seminar whimsically titled “Trump 2.0: Crisis or Opportunity for Thailand’s Science, Research and Innovation sectors?” luminaries gathered to illuminate how the encore of Donald Trump’s presidency might play a starring role in Thailand’s grand journey through the tech-savvy century. The spotlight is firmly on how the Kingdom can craft its moves to ensure it’s not left in the shadows. Bank Ngamarunchot, the charismatic director at the Science Technology and Innovation Policy Institute of King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi,…
The sun peeked through the tropical canopy as Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, the esteemed public health permanent secretary, smiled with satisfaction. The air buzzed with renewed vigor in Thailand’s public health sector, thanks to the reinstatement of cooperative health projects with the United States. Yes, the good news was finally here—the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had lifted the suspension of health initiatives that had been momentarily paused. With this, Thailand was once more ready to fortify its health battlements against diseases, making strides in communicable disease control, developing robust health systems, and enhancing the skills of its medical personnel. Now, picture this: a bustling hive of healthcare warriors working tirelessly across the country. For this fiscal year, thirty-one projects strong—all non-research in nature—are underway under this revived cooperation, each penny turning into a valuable asset, part of a generous budget amounting to a whopping 279.1 million baht.…