Author: Wadi
Local Businesses Sound Alarm Phuket’s thriving cannabis scene, with 1,495 weed shops dotting the island, is driving away family tourists, local businesses warned on June 19, 2025. The issue, discussed at a Phuket City Hall meeting chaired by deputy governor Adul Chuthong, has prompted calls for stricter controls. The widespread recreational use of cannabis, legalized in 2022, is tarnishing the island’s appeal as a family-friendly destination. Public Outcry in Tourist Hotspots Patong Faces Family Exodus Residents and officials reported that cannabis smoke and sales of cannabis-infused foods, like brownies and jelly, are deterring families from areas like Patong. Senator Parinya…
Three Consortia Win Licenses Thailand’s financial landscape is set for transformation as the Ministry of Finance greenlit three virtual banking licenses on June 19, 2025, the Bank of Thailand revealed. These branchless, online-only banks, led by SCB X, Krungthai Bank (KTB), and Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group’s ACM Holding, aim to modernize the sector. The decision marks a pivotal step toward enhancing digital financial access, with operations expected to begin by mid-2026. SCB X Consortium’s Vision Technology-Driven Innovation The SCB X consortium, comprising Siam Commercial Bank’s holding company, South Korea’s KakaoBank, and China’s WeBank, secured one license. Known for cutting-edge technology,…
Operation Targets Illegal Labor Thai authorities apprehended seven Cambodian nationals in Pattaya, Chon Buri province, on June 19, 2025, in a major crackdown on human trafficking and illegal employment. The operation, launched after reports of child exploitation, underscores Thailand’s ongoing efforts to combat cross-border crime. The arrests took place in the bustling tourist hub, known for its vibrant nightlife, highlighting the darker issue of trafficking in popular destinations. Rescue of Vulnerable Children Nine Minors Freed from Exploitation The raid rescued nine children, including six Cambodian minors suspected of being trafficking victims and three Thai children at risk of human rights…
Bhumjaithai’s Exit Rocks Government Thailand’s ruling coalition, led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, faced a severe crisis on June 19, 2025, as the Bhumjaithai Party withdrew, citing a leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen that damaged national pride. The move, announced late June 18, 2025, has left Paetongtarn’s Pheu Thai-led government with a razor-thin majority, intensifying calls for her resignation after just 10 months in office. Leaked Call Sparks Outrage Paetongtarn Apologizes for Remarks During a June 15, 2025, call, Paetongtarn urged Hun Sen to seek peace in a Thai-Cambodian border dispute, dismissing an army commander’s rhetoric…
Oil Fuel Fund Absorbs Global Hike Thailand’s diesel price will remain fixed at 32 baht per litre despite soaring global oil prices driven by the Israel-Iran conflict, the Oil Fuel Fund Office (Offo) announced on June 17, 2025. Effective June 18, 2025, the office reduced motorist contributions to the Oil Fuel Fund by 0.5 baht per litre to offset the impact, ensuring stability for a fuel that accounts for half of the nation’s consumption, as reported on June 18, 2025. Critical Role of Diesel in Economy Transport and Agriculture Rely Heavily Diesel’s dominance in Thailand’s fuel market, powering transport and…
Worst Performer in Asia Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) has seen its stock value plummet by over 50% in 2025, marking the steepest decline among global airport operators valued at $100 million or more, as reported on June 17, 2025. The crash erased 460.7 billion baht ($14.2 billion) from AoT’s market capitalization, making it the MSCI Asia Pacific Index’s biggest loser. The downturn reflects a struggling tourism sector and operational challenges at Thailand’s key airports. Tourism Slowdown Hits Revenue Chinese Visitors Drop Sharply A significant reduction in Chinese tourists, down 30% in the first four months of 2025, has crippled…
Economic Hurdles Persist Thailand’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face dim prospects for the second half of 2025, driven by domestic and global economic pressures, as reported on June 17, 2025. The Federation of Thai SMEs highlighted the Israel-Iran conflict’s ripple effects, alongside a sluggish recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, as key factors stifling growth for the nation’s 3 million SMEs, which employ 2.76 million workers. Geopolitical Tensions Impact Economy Rising Oil Prices Add Strain Escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, marked by airstrikes targeting Tehran’s alleged nuclear sites, have spiked global oil prices, disrupting fuel transport in the Middle…
Paetongtarn Faces Leadership Crisis The Bhumjaithai Party, Thailand’s second-largest coalition partner, withdrew from Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s government on June 18, 2025, citing a leaked phone call with former Cambodian PM Hun Sen that sparked national outrage. The decision, announced after a tumultuous day, has plunged the Pheu Thai-led coalition into uncertainty, with Bhumjaithai demanding accountability for remarks they claim tarnished Thailand’s dignity. Bhumjaithai’s Resignation Details Ministers Quit En Masse Bhumjaithai’s executive committee unanimously resolved to exit, with all eight cabinet ministers submitting resignations effective July 19, 2025. The party pledged to support Thailand’s military and officials in defending national…
Audio Clip Sparks Diplomatic Row Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra faced intense scrutiny on June 18, 2025, after a leaked nine-minute phone call with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen surfaced, exposing sensitive discussions about a border dispute. Speaking at Government House, Paetongtarn confirmed her voice in the clip, recorded on June 15, 2025, and accused Hun Sen of breaching trust by allowing the leak, vowing to end personal conversations with him. Details of the Leaked Conversation Border Tensions Take Center Stage The audio, featuring Paetongtarn and Hun Sen speaking via interpreters in Thai and Khmer, began with cordial exchanges…
Accusations of Sovereignty Breach Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence accused Thai forces of violating its territory by digging trenches and deploying troops along the Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey borders, as reported on June 18, 2025. The allegations, published in the Khmer Times, claimed Thailand disregarded the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU 2000), escalating tensions and threatening regional peace. Thailand’s military swiftly denied these charges, asserting all actions occurred within its borders. Thai Forces Defend Actions Operations Within Sovereign Territory Rear Adm Surasant Kongsiri, deputy spokesman for the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTAF), emphasized that all military activities adhered to…