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7-Eleven Introduces PromptPay QR/Traffic Ticket Statute of Limitations/Report Traffic Violations for Cash/Critical brain conditions/Overflowing Ping River continues/Chiang Mai Hospital Floods/Nonthaburi residents warned of flooding/Bangkok and 10 provinces face flood threat/Korat faces water shortage/Roadside bomb injures eight/Foreigners behaving badly/Economy: To eradicate poverty in two years/Bt400 wage ‘cannot be derailed’/Cash handout to boost retail sector/Phase 2 of 10,000-baht handout/’No restrictions’ on handouts/Phuket’s sea gypsies swarm ATMs/Mortgage growth to plunge/Production index to decline/Strong baht barely dents exports/Clock’s ticking for Thai auto companies/Thai-Chinese high-speed railway/To maintain Thailand trade balance/Rayong land prices pushed up/Tourism: TAT’s ‘Amazing Thailand Passport Privileges’/Thailand Experience: Elephant camps transitioning to cruelty-free future/Lee Ayu Chuepa’s coffee revolution/Thailand’s best-loved tasty treats/Perfect 4 Days in Bangkok/Surging popularity of ‘Mo Lam’/Climate Thailand: AOT paving way to green airports/Green finance to tackle climate change/Hyundai to invest in EV production/Sustainable practices by beverage makers/Protecting Thailand’s coral reefs/International/Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

7-Eleven Introduces Convenient PromptPay QR Code Payments Nationwide

7-Eleven now offers the option to scan and pay with PromptPay, making transactions more convenient by eliminating the need to carry cash. Customers can simply open the QR code on their mobile banking app and pay at any of the 480 participating branches nationwide.

With this new service, customers can easily pay for their purchases by scanning the PromptPay QR code at checkout. The system supports all major mobile banking apps. Continued …

Traffic Ticket Statute of Limitations Extended to Two Years

The Royal Thai Police have issued a reminder for all drivers regarding recent changes in traffic laws, which introduce two significant updates related to traffic fines. These changes, which took effect on Oct. 25, 2023, aim to ensure stricter enforcement of road safety regulations.

The first key change involves the extension of the statute of limitations for traffic tickets. With the new regulation, the statute of limitations has been extended to two years. The second change addresses the consequences for individuals who fail to pay their fines within the allotted time. Continued …

Report Traffic Violations for Cash Rewards, Say Thai Police

Police, alongside partner organizations, are offering cash rewards for citizens who capture traffic violations on video, as part of the “Volunteer Traffic Eyes” project. Total rewards exceed Bt50,000.

Yestersay, at the Sarasin Room of the Royal Thai Police Headquarters, Police Lt. Gen. Prachuap Wongsuk, assistant commissioner-general of the Royal Thai Police and acting deputy commissioner-general, announced the award recipients of the “Volunteer Traffic Eyes” project. Continued …

Critical brain conditions to watch out for

As we transition into an aging society, one of the biggest challenges for families with elderly members is dealing with the health issues that have accumulated over the years. While conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are well-known, many are unaware of the increasing threat of degenerative brain disorders in the elderly.

Understanding these conditions is crucial for early detection, prevention, and effective management. This article introduces you to three major brain health threats that seniors face and offers guidance on how to recognize and combat them. Continued …

Overflowing Ping River continues to affect downtown Chiang Mai

The flooding triggered by the overflowing of the Ping River in Chiang Mai’s Mueang district is even worse than in 2011, according to a report. The surge in the river flooded residences and commercial zones in the district on Wednesday night, including San Pa Khoi Market and the Charoen Prathet and Night Bazaar neighborhoods.

At least 2,000 households were expected to be affected by the flooding, especially those in and around the Night Bazaar where water levels exceeded one meter. Street vendors struggled to keep their products out of the water, while small vehicles were unable to pass the section of road from Nong Hoi to Nawarat Bridge. Continued …

Chiang Mai Hospital Floods, Halts Non-Urgent Care

A sudden surge of floodwater inundated Chiang Mai last night, severely affecting Lanna 3 Hospital. Flood levels rose to between knee and waist height in Soi Sukkasem, compelling the hospital to halt non-urgent care until Monday.

This announcement came after floodwaters breached the hospital premises, reaching shin level in the parking lot and prompting immediate relocation of staff and vital medical equipment. Continued …

Nonthaburi residents warned of flooding as water levels increase

Residents in 30 communities across Nonthaburi province have been warned to brace for possible flooding today due to the rising level of water in the Chao Phraya River.

The Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command Center cautioned that days of heavy rains in upper Thailand were necessitating the speeding up the release of water from the Chao Phraya dam. Continued …

Bangkok and 10 provinces face flood threat as dam increases water discharge

Eleven provinces in the Chao Phraya Basin, including metropolitan Bangkok, have been warned to prepare for possible flooding as the Chao Phraya Dam in Chai Nat province will increase its rate of water discharge.

The areas to be affected are communities located outside the flood levees along the banks of the Chao Phraya River in Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Suphanburi, Lopburi, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, and Bangkok provinces. Continued …

Korat faces water shortage with all its reservoirs only half full

While several provinces in the north are suffering serious flooding, especially Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima in the northeast is facing a water shortage with all of its 27 reservoirs now less than half full.

For an example, Lamtakong reservoir, which is the main source of water for Mueang, Sung Noen, Si Khio, Kham Thalae So and Chalerm Phra Kiat, now contains 92.26 million cubic meters of water, 30.6% of its capacity. Of that, only 25.2% of the water is usable. Continued …

Roadside bomb injures eight soldiers in Narathiwat

Eight soldiers sustained injuries in a roadside explosion in Rangae district, Narathiwat, believed to be orchestrated by insurgents. The incident took place when an improvised bomb, tied to a power pole along a local road in Ban Hulu Pare, tambon Tanyongmat, was detonated as a military pickup truck carrying the soldiers drove past.

The blast’s impact toppled the power pole and shattered the vehicle’s windshield and windows. The injured soldiers were promptly transported to Rangae Hospital for treatment. Continued …

Polish Passenger Threatens to Bomb Plane Mid-air on Flight to Bangkok – Continued …
Thai Woman and Taiwanese Man Rescued from Vietnamese Gang – Continued …
Chinese National Arrested for International Drug Trafficking – Continued …
Laem Chabang: Thai customs seize 1.4 tons of cannabis – Continued …
CIB nabs Chinese Starlink scammer in Bangkok condo bust – Continued …
Korean Overstayer in Thailand Revealed as $226K Fraud Fugitive – Continued …

Thailand aims to eradicate poverty in two years

Thailand aims to eradicate poverty and build a prosperous economy within the remainder of the current prime minister’s term, an adviser to PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra revealed.

With just over two years left in office, the prime minister is determined to ensure that Thais can rise above poverty, stated Surapong Suebwonglee, deputy chairman of the five-member advisory panel appointed by PM Paetongtarn. Continued …

Bt400 daily wage plan ‘cannot be derailed’

Labor Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has insisted the 400-baht daily minimum wage must take effect on Oct. 1 as planned, despite the failure of the national wage committee to endorse it yet.

Sia Champhathong, an MP with the opposition People’s Party, asked the minister on Thursday in the House whether the adjournments of two recent meetings of the committee were the government’s way to avoid addressing the issue. Continued …

Cash handout will give retail sector temporary boost

Wholesalers and retailers across Thailand say they are optimistic that the government’s 10,000-baht cash handout, part of the digital wallet scheme for vulnerable groups, will provide a short-term boost to the country’s retail sector.

Industry experts predict the initiative will stimulate consumption and increase spending by 10%-15% this year. However, concerns have been raised about the possibility of recipients spending the money on non-essential items. Continued …

Phase 2 of 10,000-baht handout may be paid in installments

Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat admitted on Thursday that it remains uncertain whether the government will have enough money to distribute the second round of the 10,000-baht handout in one go.

Julapun said that if the budget were insufficient, the payment would need to be divided into two installments of 5,000 baht each. The second phase of the spending stimulus handout will use the digital wallet system, after the first-phase payment was remitted in cash to recipients’ bank accounts. Continued …

‘No restrictions’ on handouts

Recipients of the 10,000-baht handout can spend the money on anything they see fit, including paying off their debts, according to Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.

Phumtham was responding to reports that said many people who are eligible to receive the handout in the first phase of the scheme, which officially began on Wednesday, are planning to use it to help clear their debts. Continued …

Phuket’s sea gypsies swarm ATMs for 10k baht handout

Hundreds of sea gypsies in Phuket flocked to ATMs at Laem Tukkae, Koh Sirey, Ratsada subdistrict on Wednesday as part of the Thai government’s 10,000-baht handout scheme for vulnerable citizens. The scheme, aimed at state welfare cardholders and disabled individuals, is part of a broader economic stimulus program.

A national report noted that the sea gypsies, still referred to as Thai Mai or New Thais, were seen eagerly withdrawing funds from ATMs early in the morning to cover essential expenses. The report also highlighted how Phuket Town saw a spike in ATM usage, as recipients hurried to access their cash. Continued …

Mortgage growth forecast to plunge

Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research) expects 1.2% growth in mortgages within the commercial banking sector this year, the lowest level of expansion in 23 years. The low rate is attributed to the diminished purchasing power of home buyers.

In the second quarter of 2024, commercial banks booked marginal year-on-year growth of 0.8% in mortgage loans, down from 1% the previous quarter, said Kanjana Chockpisansin, head of banking and financial sector research at K-Research. Continued …

Production index projected to decline 1% in 2024

Thailand’s Manufacturing Production Index (MPI) is likely to contract by 1% this year, given the declines recorded during the first eight months of the year, caused by a raft of economic problems and the impact of severe floods, says the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE).

The best-case scenario for MPI growth is a flat reading, said OIE Director-general Warawan Chitaroon. The office previously downgraded its MPI growth projection for 2024 from a range of 2%-3% to 0-1%. It revised down the range again on Thursday to between -1% and 0. Continued …

Strong baht barely dents Thai exports

Related strengthening of Asian currencies against the dollar has limited any adverse impact on Thailand’s exports as the baht appreciates rapidly, reducing the urgency for the Bank of Thailand to quickly adjust interest rates, say analysts.

Merchandise exports gained momentum, surging 7% year-on-year and 1.8% month-on-month to US$26.2 billion in August, beating the consensus of 5.8%, according to Kuala Lumpur-based Maybank. Continued …

Clock’s ticking for Thai auto companies in fast-changing market

Thai automotive suppliers and Japanese automakers have around four years to prepare for intense competition from Chinese auto companies, automotive manufacturer Thai Summit Group said on Thursday.

According to a news report by Nikkei Asia, sales of Japanese automaker Toyota Motor in Thailand dropped by 15% in the first half of this year despite its 38% market share in the country. On the other hand, sales of Chinese automaker BYD Auto in Thailand has risen by 32% in the first half of this year. Continued …

First phase of Thai-Chinese high-speed railway to be completed by 2028

Thailand Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit said the first phase of the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail would be completed in 2028, while asking for the Chinese government’s support to ensure smooth transportation.

He made this remark at the opening ceremony of the “Global Sustainable Transport Forum 2024” in Beijing on Wednesday. Suriya said the first phase of the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima was 35% complete, and was expected to be ready in the next four years. Continued …

China vows to maintain Thailand trade balance

China has pledged to maintain its trade balance with Thailand, reducing the latter’s trade deficit by purchasing more agricultural products and supporting Thai small businesses accessing Chinese e-commerce platforms.

Following a meeting on trade cooperation with Chinese Ambassador Han Zhiqiang yesterday at the Commerce Ministry, Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan said the Chinese embassy addressed concerns regarding the influx of cheap, substandard goods. Continued …

Rayong land prices pushed up by Chinese

Chinese investor demand for industrial land propelled Rayong’s vacant land price index to the highest growth rate among the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) provinces in the second quarter of 2024.

Vichai Viratkapan, acting director-general of the Real Estate Information Center (REIC), said many Chinese investors acquired land in Rayong’s industrial zones to build electric vehicle plants and related industries such as battery production. Continued …

TAT entices foreign tourists with ‘Amazing Thailand Passport Privileges’

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is offering visitors with experiences in shopping and enjoying tourism services in the kingdom under the “Amazing Thailand Passport Privileges” project, which will run between Nov. 1 and Dec. 16.

Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT overnor, said, “In response to the government’s tourism stimulus policy, TAT is continuously implementing strategies and promotions to stimulate tourism recovery. Emphasis is placed on boosting tourist spending, especially in the Hidden Gem Cities. In this connection, the Amazing Thailand Passport Privileges project is aimed to boost foreign arrivals to achieve this year’s target of 36.7 million visitors.” Continued …

How Thailand’s elephant camps are transitioning to a cruelty-free future

“This herb is excellent at clearing up hemorrhoids,” explains Atichart Chatpisitchaikul, or “Tong”, my guide at the ChangChill elephant camp in the hill country outside of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand.

My fellow trekkers and I glance down at the mountainous pile of poop at our feet and wrinkle our noses in unison before Tong pushes on up the hill and we follow behind, bamboo trekking poles helping to speed our ascent to the top of the slippery slope. Continued …

From hill tribe to the global stage: Lee Ayu Chuepa’s coffee revolution

In the lush hills of northern Thailand, a remarkable story of perseverance and social entrepreneurship is brewing. Lee Ayu Chuepa, once a young boy from the remote Mae Chan Tai community in Chiang Rai province, has transformed not only his own life but also the fortunes of his community through the power of coffee.

Thirty years ago, Lee’s daily routine involved a grueling 8-kilometer round trip on foot just to attend school in a neighboring village. Barely able to speak Thai, he faced challenges that would daunt most adults, let alone a child. It was precisely these hardships that forged Lee’s indomitable spirit and unwavering determination. Continued …

Thailand’s best-loved tasty treats

Specialities from Bangkok and elsewhere in Thailand were officially recognized on Thursday in a bid to preserve local foods and promote them internationally. Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsupakitkosol said the Department of Cultural Promotion, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and 76 provincial agencies had invited the public to vote for their specialities.

As many as 563 tasty treats were selected for the voting, which was held from Aug. 1-9. They included 234 savouries, 184 desserts, 143 appetizers and two other foods. “Each reflects the culture and local life of each province,” she said. Continued …

The Perfect 4 Days in Bangkok, According to Locals

Bangkok has long been as vibrant and alive as it gets — and the metropolis of almost 11 million people is always reinventing itself. “I would explain it as a revival,” says thirty-something native Mook Attakanwong, owner of multidisciplinary gallery, shop, and events space ATT 19. “I feel like this is the real beginning in terms of a lot more expansion in understanding of art, music, and food.”

Colorful Thai culture and festivals are dependably exciting here, and food seems as much a religion as the dominant Buddhism. “There’s no other place in the world that has such good food,” insists Natty Wongphanlert, owner and general manager of the plush boutique 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok. Continued …

Surging popularity of ‘Mo Lam’ offers numerous economic opportunities

The fan power of “Mo Lam” – Isaan folk singers – represents an untapped treasure for businesses, as their fans are among the most affluent and willing to spend up to 50,000 baht daily on their favorite artists, according to a survey released on Wednesday.

Conducted by over 60 staff from “MI Learn Lab” under the Media Intelligence Group, the survey explored consumer behavior related to Mo Lam fandom across five northeast provinces: Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Roi Et, Ubon Ratchathani, and Maha Sarakham, involving 614 participants aged 10 to 60. Continued …

AOT unveils 4-point strategy, paving way to green airports

The Airports of Thailand (AOT) has unveiled a strategy to transform six international airports under its management into “green” airports, in line with the country’s net zero emission policy. The AOT manages Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang, Phuket and Hat Yai airports, which account for 95% of domestic and international flights.

The strategy for green airports focuses on four main aspects: Connectivity, system integration, sustainability, and airport size, Jakkraphob Jarassri, AOT’s chief adviser for engineering and construction, said. Continued …

ADB urges Thailand to adopt green finance to tackle climate change

Thailand must accelerate its economic restructuring to effectively tackle climate change, Anuch Metha, director of the Asian Development Bank’s Thailand office in Thailand, told participants of the “Road to Net Zero 2024: The Extraordinary Green” seminar organized by Thansettakij on Wednesday.

Metha emphasized the need for a financial system that supports the green economy in light of the climate challenges facing Thailand and the broader Asia-Pacific region, including unpredictable weather patterns leading to floods and other natural disasters. Continued …

Hyundai to invest in EV production and infrastructure development

Hyundai Mobility Thailand (HMT) has announced it will invest 1 billion baht to enhance its presence and contribute to the growth of Thailand’s electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem, its CEO Jae Gyou Chung said on Thursday.

Approved by the Board of Investment for Hyundai Mobility Manufacturing (Thailand), this initiative focuses on boosting local EV production and infrastructure development. Continued …

Tetra Pak calls for sustainable practices by food and beverage makers

Tetra Pak, a global leader in processing and packaging solutions, has called on Thai companies to adopt more sustainable practices to align with international regulations.

This call to action came during a webinar on Thursday titled“Future-Ready Business with Tetra Pak Sustainable Solutions”, which aimed to highlight the necessity of sustainable practices for food and beverage manufacturers in Thailand. Continued …

Protecting Thailand’s coral reefs and ecosystem from sunscreen threat

Thailand’s stunning coral reefs are not just a national treasure but also a crucial part of the global marine ecosystem. Unfortunately, these vibrant underwater landscapes are under increasing threat.

While climate change and pollution often get the most attention, there’s another hidden danger lurking beneath the surface: chemical sunscreens. Sunscreens that include ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate are highly toxic to coral reefs. Although these chemicals have been banned in Thailand, other harmful ingredients such as avobenzone and octocrylene remain in many sunscreens. Continued …

Israel rejects cease-fire talks, keeps up attacks in Lebanon

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed the military would maintain its bombardment of Hezbollah targets in Lebanon indefinitely, undermining efforts by the United States and allies to secure a cease-fire that would ease the risk of a regional war. Continued …

Van Gogh painting auctioned for $27.6 million

There were few fireworks at the inaugural evening sale of 20th and 21st century art at Christie’s new Asia headquarters in Hong Kong on Thursday, as the economic malaise that has cast a pall over the art market in the past two years continues to make itself felt. Continued …