Author: Wadi

Lawyer Linked to 12 Million Baht Thai police have verified that 12 million baht found near a garbage disposal in a Nonthaburi condominium on June 5, 2025, belonged to lawyer Taweewat Sengkaew. Reported on June 17, 2025, the discovery, initially reported by a resident, prompted an investigation led by Pol Lt Gen Surapol Prembut, who confirmed the money’s origin but stressed ongoing efforts to trace its source. Discovery Sparks Investigation Security Footage Reveals Movement Security footage showed the cash being moved from Taweewat’s condominium unit in Muang Thong Thani to the garbage area, buried under old clothes in a plastic…

Battle for Interior Ministry Power A growing divide between Thailand’s governing Pheu Thai Party and its coalition ally Bhumjaithai, reported on June 17, 2025, centers on control of the influential Interior Ministry. This key portfolio, overseeing provincial governance, security, and local budget allocations, is a coveted asset in Thai politics, particularly during election cycles due to its extensive patronage networks. Prime Minister Addresses Speculation Paetongtarn Denies Reshuffle Talks Following a cabinet meeting on June 17, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, also Pheu Thai’s leader, met with Bhumjaithai’s Anutin Charnvirakul, the current Interior Minister. She dismissed rumors of a cabinet reshuffle, stating…

13 Foreigners Arrested in Raid Thai authorities, in collaboration with the Australian Federal Police, raided a luxury residence in Samut Prakan’s Bang Phli district on June 16, 2025, arresting 13 foreign nationals involved in a sophisticated call centre scam. The group, comprising five Australians, six Britons, one Canadian, and one South African, allegedly defrauded Australians of approximately 32 million baht over the past year, marking a significant blow to a long-running fraud network. Targeting Australian Investors Fake Bond Schemes Uncovered Operating as a “boiler room,” the gang posed as legitimate financial firms, cold-calling Australians to pitch fraudulent bond investments promising…

Seven-Year Plan Approved Thailand’s cabinet, on June 17, 2025, endorsed a transformative seven-year plan to lease 1,520 electric buses for Bangkok, replacing aging diesel vehicles. The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority’s initiative, costing 15.35 billion baht, marks a significant step toward sustainable urban transport, aligning with global clean energy trends and promising reduced emissions in the bustling capital. Reversing Earlier NGV Plan Shift from Natural Gas Buses The decision overturns a 2012 resolution to procure 3,183 natural gas-powered buses for 13.2 billion baht, reflecting a pivot to greener technology. The BMTA’s revised strategy prioritizes electric vehicles to modernize its fleet, addressing…

Adapting to Digital Delivery Needs Thailand’s government is poised to submit a revised Postal Act to the cabinet in June 2025, aiming to enhance postal and parcel delivery standards in the digital era. Announced on June 17, 2025, the amendments address the rise of app-driven logistics, ensuring robust oversight while fostering a competitive environment for operators of all sizes. Promoting Fair Competition Registration Over Strict Licensing Wisit Wisitsora-at, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, emphasized that the amended law prioritizes registration rather than restrictive licensing to regulate services. This approach avoids burdening small operators with excessive…

Stricter Compliance Measures Proposed Thailand’s government is set to overhaul its electric vehicle (EV) subsidy rules to address manufacturers failing to meet local production targets, as announced on June 17, 2025. The Ministry of Finance aims to clarify conditions for suspending payments, ensuring accountability in the EV incentive program. This move responds to challenges faced by manufacturers, particularly Neta Auto Thailand, in meeting domestic production requirements. Neta’s Production Shortfall Liquidity Issues Prompt Action Neta Auto Thailand, grappling with liquidity constraints, has fallen short of its mandated production goals under the EV 3.0 policy, which requires manufacturers to produce 1.5 locally…

Emotional Shift After Bangkok Travelers leaving Bangkok often experience a phenomenon dubbed the Bangkok Blues, a type of post-vacation melancholy reported on June 17, 2025. This emotional state emerges when transitioning from the city’s lively, carefree atmosphere back to the structured demands of daily life. The contrast leaves many longing for Bangkok’s unique energy and charm. Social Media Highlights the Blues Foreigners Share Experiences A YouTuber named Keis One sparked widespread discussion by sharing a video outlining the symptoms of Bangkok Blues, with many foreigners echoing on platforms like Reddit. These online conversations reveal a shared sense of nostalgia among…

Effective July 1 in Bangkok Thailand’s national wage committee announced on June 17, 2025, that all workers in Bangkok will receive a minimum daily wage of 400 baht starting July 1. This increase, approved after a three-hour debate, aims to enhance workers’ livelihoods in the capital, where the current minimum wage stands at 372 baht, aligning with efforts to boost economic activity. Expansion to Tourism and Hospitality Nationwide Impact for Key Venues The 400-baht minimum wage will extend beyond Bangkok to workers in hotels and entertainment venues across Thailand. Specifically, it applies to two-star hotels and above, those with over…

Thailand Leads ASEAN MICE Industry Global Rankings Highlight Growth Thailand’s meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector has solidified its position as the top destination in ASEAN, according to a June 15, 2025, announcement. Hosting 158 international meetings in 2024, up from 143 in 2023, the country climbed from 26th to 25th globally, showcasing its growing appeal for business events and conventions. Bangkok’s MICE Surge Top 10 Global Ranking Achieved Bangkok has soared into the world’s top 10 cities for international meetings, jumping from 15th to 7th in global rankings. The capital hosted 115 meetings in 2024, cementing its status…

Increased Flight Capacity Lowers Costs Hong Kong travel agencies have slashed group tour prices by over 10% for summer 2025, driven by expanded flight availability and a pivot away from Japan due to earthquake fears. Popular destinations like South Korea, Vietnam, and western China are gaining traction, offering affordable and appealing alternatives. This trend, reported on June 15, 2025, reflects a dynamic response to changing traveler preferences and market conditions. Vietnam Surges in Popularity Nha Trang Draws Budget Travelers Vietnam has seen a 30-40% spike in tour bookings, with coastal cities like Nha Trang emerging as favorites. A five-day, five-star…