At the TOPTHAI Cross Border E-Commerce Day 2024, the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) and Amazon Global Selling (AGS) unveiled a ground-breaking initiative to catapult Thailand’s Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) into the stratosphere of global e-commerce. By signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), these two powerhouses plan to supercharge Thailand’s e-commerce export capabilities. Under this MoU, DITP and AGS will collaborate to arm Thai businesses with a robust understanding of e-commerce exports to the US market. They aim to accomplish this by rolling out educational workshops and offering bespoke advisory services for those keen on becoming Amazon Selling partners. The numbers speak for themselves; the US was the world’s second-largest e-commerce market in 2023, generating a staggering $1.1 trillion in revenue, according to Statista. A survey commissioned by Amazon and conducted by Access Partnership found that over 65% of Thailand’s MSMEs view the US as their top e-commerce…
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The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) recently apprehended four individuals tied to a colossal 5-billion-baht gambling syndicate sprawling across Nakhon Sawan and Lop Buri. This operation aligns with the government’s ongoing initiative to foster justice and transparency by relentlessly targeting various gambling establishments and mule accounts with unwavering determination. The crackdown led DSI investigators straight to tambon Lad Tipparot in Nakhon Sawan’s Takhli district, where they nabbed two key individuals—Saksit, 38, and Ploen. Almost simultaneously, another DSI team executed arrests in Lop Buri’s Ban Mi district, capturing Somporn, 49, and Theerapong, 42. Interestingly, the authorities chose not to disclose the surnames of these suspects, a DSI source revealed yesterday. These four suspects are allegedly integral to the Mae Mont online gambling network, known for its staggering 5 billion baht cash flow. Some of them occupy pivotal positions within the network, functioning as executives or notable shareholders. The charges against them…
In a startling turn of events that has gripped the nation’s attention, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has found substantial grounds to allege that two high-ranking local officials from Suphan Buri and Samut Songkram are abnormally wealthy. Between them, a staggering 46 million baht remains suspiciously unexplained. Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, NACC’s secretary-general, has laid out some jaw-dropping details that account for this mysterious fortune. The first embroiling case circles around Raynu Phonlasen, the former mayor of tambon Plai Na in Suphan Buri’s Sri Prachan district. Mr. Niwatchai unveiled that Ms. Raynu had accumulated a rather eye-popping 21.3 million baht split between two bank accounts during her tenure. How did she come into possession of such wealth, you ask? Well, according to her, a Thai man known only by the initial “Por” entrusted her with almost 21 million baht amidst a supposed marital spat he was having. Allegedly, Ms. Raynu had merely…
Members of the Muslim Students Federation of Thailand gathered on a vibrant Skywalk in Bangkok’s bustling Pathumwan district, marking the poignant 15th anniversary of the Tak Bai massacre on October 25, 2019. This solemn assembly, vividly captured in numerous photographs, serves as a determined battle cry for justice and remembrance. In a significant and hopeful turn of events, activists are celebrating the Narathiwat Provincial Court’s decision to proceed with a lawsuit against seven officials, charged with murder and kidnapping during the 2004 Tak Bai massacre. Srisompob Jitpiromsri, esteemed director of Deep South Watch, heralded this move as a pivotal step towards achieving justice and peace in Thailand’s troubled southern regions. Mr. Srisompob voiced his thoughts during an inspiring talk held in Pattani’s Muang district on a slightly overcast Monday. The gathering aimed to dissect the court’s courageous choice to entertain the lawsuit against the seven former officials, who stand accused…
Tragedy struck Phuket last Friday as a devastating landslide claimed the lives of 13 individuals, mostly foreign nationals, in a catastrophic event that has left the community reeling. The provincial office, under the leadership of Governor Sophon Suwannarat, is taking immediate action by consulting with experts to survey the affected mountaintop area in the Nak Kerd mountain range, located in tambon Karon, to uncover the root causes of the disaster and implement measures to prevent future occurrences. The landslide, which occurred last week, tragically resulted in the deaths of two Russians and nine Myanmar nationals. The authorities have swiftly reached out to the local Russian Consular Office and the Myanmar Embassy to coordinate efforts and inform the respective families. Additionally, 19 individuals were injured in the incident, though 14 have since been discharged from the hospital, a small relief amidst the grief. Reports indicate that the relentless heavy rain, persisting…
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is on the brink of an exciting and significant decision that could redefine the future of its aerial capabilities. By the end of the week, as confirmed by Air Chief Marshal Panpakdee Pattanakul, the RTAF will reveal whether it plans to rejuvenate its ageing fleet with the Swedish-made Gripen E-model or the US-made F-16 Block 70 jets. The suspense is reaching its peak as both aerospace giants, Saab AB (the maker of Gripen) and Lockheed Martin (the manufacturer of the F-16), have put forward their final proposals. These submissions aren’t just about the aircraft but come bundled with an enticing offset policy to align with the needs and strategies of the Thai government, ACM Panpakdee added. To ensure this monumental decision is made with the utmost diligence, two specialized panels have been formed to meticulously scrutinize the proposals. The combined expertise and conclusions from…
A member of the insurgent KNDF Karenni Nationalities Defence Force bravely rescued civilians trapped amid relentless airstrikes during a fierce battle to take over Loikaw in Kayah State, Myanmar, on November 14, 2023. (Reuters photo) Thailand took a giant leap forward in providing aid by donating an additional nine million baht to fund humanitarian assistance for the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. This generous contribution follows the pledge made by Caretaker Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa at the recent 57th Asean Ministerial Meeting (AMM) held in Vientiane. On Monday, Eksiri Pintaruchi, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, stood as a representative of the Thai government, making the donation to the Asean Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre). This contribution aims to alleviate the suffering of the Myanmar populace. Ms. Eksiri shed light on the origins of this funding, indicating that it stems from Mr. Maris’s commitment during the Vientiane…
The owner of the beleaguered Ashton Asoke condominium project, which has been tangled in legal uncertainties for over a year, might now have an unexpected opportunity to re-apply retroactively for a construction permit with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), per guidance from the Council of State. This new legal interpretation could be the breakthrough tenants and the upscale condo have anxiously awaited, as it potentially averts the threat of partial demolition. The council’s opinion was relayed by Bangkok Deputy Governor Wisanu Subsompon this Monday. The root of the problem dates back to a Supreme Administrative Court order from last year, mandating the revocation of the condo’s construction permit due to a non-compliant main entrance width. Caught in the aftermath, the BMA sought legal advice from the Council of State on how best to adhere to the court’s order while mitigating the fallout for the condo’s residents and owners. In response,…
In a striking display of unity, coalition party leaders and influential figures gathered at Shinawatra Tower 3 in Bangkok on August 15. With smiles and firm handshakes, they announced their enthusiastic support for Pheu Thai Party leader, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, to take the helm as prime minister. The scene was electrifying, capturing the essence of political collaboration as envisioned by the top brass. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut) Amidst the bustling political corridors, the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) made waves by submitting a formal letter to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The content of the letter carried a clear message: the party had faith in her leadership and sought her approval to appoint Pol Gen Phatcharavat Wongsuwan as the natural resources and environment minister. Highlighting their steadfast commitment, PPRP underscored its nomination of four MPs from the previous Srettha administration to retain their positions in the new government. The formidable lineup includes Pol Gen…
In an atmosphere thick with anticipation, coalition party leaders and core figures recently congregated at Shinawatra Tower 3 in Bangkok on August 15. The congregation, a spectacle of political unity, was to throw their unwavering support behind the ruling Pheu Thai Party’s leader, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is slated to take the helm as the country’s prime minister. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut) The plot thickens as the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) has thrown a proverbial spanner in the works, submitting a formal request to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The crux of the letter? A humble petition asking her to delegate her list of appointments to the seasoned Pol Gen Phatcharavat Wongsuwan, who’s in line to be named the natural resources and environment minister. These political maneuvers are nothing if not captivating, evoking a chess game of epic proportions. The coalition partner underscored its steadfast support for Ms. Paetongpat as the prime minister.…