Author: Wadi

Declining Revenue Hits Hard Economic Slowdown Bites Eateries Thailand’s restaurant industry is grappling with a severe downturn in 2025, with many establishments reporting a 50% drop in daily revenue, from 50,000 baht to 20,000 baht monthly, according to the Thai Restaurant Association. A sluggish economy, high household debt, and fewer tourist arrivals—down to 35 million from a pre-pandemic 40 million—are squeezing offline sales, with same-store revenue falling 14% year-on-year, compared to a 3% drop in 2024. Rising Costs Compound Challenges Raw Materials and Labor Strain Budgets Restaurants face escalating operational costs, with raw material prices up 25% and labor costs…

Shocking Arrest at University Dorm Methamphetamine Trafficking Uncovered On July 21, 2025, a 39-year-old assistant professor from Khon Kaen University’s Faculty of Science was arrested alongside an accomplice for alleged methamphetamine trafficking. The arrests took place at a dormitory in Mai Muang, Muang district, following a police sting operation. The incident has stunned Thailand’s academic community, raising concerns about drug proliferation in educational institutions. Police Sting Operation Tip-Off Leads to Bust The operation began after a suspect, identified as Prathanporn, confessed to purchasing methamphetamine through the Line messaging app from a user named ‘8858 ณ ค 4 รัส’. Police monitored…

Struggling with Weak Lending High Household Debt Dampens Growth Thailand’s banking sector is grappling with sluggish lending in 2025, driven by high household debt, a faltering tourism industry, and weak consumer spending. With household debt reaching 90.8% of GDP, one of the highest in Asia, banks face constrained loan growth and declining net interest margins—the gap between interest earned and paid. This economic strain, coupled with global uncertainties, threatens the financial outlook for Thai lenders through the year’s end. Tourism Slump Impacts Revenue Fewer Visitors Strain Economy Thailand’s tourism-reliant economy, which contributes 19% to GDP, is facing a downturn, with…

Revolutionizing Nursing Education Innovative Nursing Major Launched King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) in Bangkok introduced its Innovative Nursing major in March 2025, blending advanced technology with compassionate care to train future nurses. Approved in January, the program addresses Thailand’s growing healthcare demands, driven by an aging population and a nurse shortage, with ratios as low as one nurse per 500 people in rural areas. By integrating cutting-edge tools, KMITL aims to prepare students for modern medical challenges. High-Tech Training Environment Simulation Labs Enhance Skills The program’s standout feature is its hands-on, high-tech learning approach, utilizing simulation labs with…

Strengthening Coalition Bonds A Night of Political Solidarity On July 22, 2025, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra took center stage at a Pheu Thai Party-hosted dinner in Bangkok, aimed at fostering unity among coalition partners. Held at the Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai, the event, themed “Pheu Thai Samakkhi Prathet: Defending Sovereignty, Solving Problems for the People,” brought together cabinet ministers and MPs from allied parties. The lively gathering underscored Thailand’s coalition government’s commitment to collaboration amid mounting challenges. Thaksin and Paetongtarn’s Presence Navigating Legal Hurdles Thaksin, accompanied by his daughter, suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, arrived at 6 p.m. to…

End of an Era at Salaya Campus Iconic Trams to Cease Operations Mahidol University announced on July 17, 2025, that its iconic tram service at the Salaya campus in Nakhon Pathom’s Buddha Monthon district will retire in September, concluding nearly two decades of service. The university plans to replace the trams with electric minibuses, promising enhanced safety and convenience. The decision marks the end of a cherished chapter for students and staff, who have relied on the trams since their introduction in 2007. A Legacy of Sustainable Transport Promoting Green Mobility Since 2007, the four-wheeled electric trams have been a…

Surging Foreign Film Investments Record Revenue in 2025 Thailand’s film industry is poised to generate 10 billion baht in revenue from foreign productions in 2025, according to Deputy Government Spokesperson Sasikan Watthanachan. From January to June, 279 international film projects contributed 2.8 billion baht to the economy, surpassing expectations and prompting officials to revise the annual target from 7.5 billion baht. This growth highlights Thailand’s rising status as a global filming hub, driven by strategic incentives and diverse locations. Boosting Tourism and Economy Impact of International Productions The influx of 279 foreign film projects in the first half of 2025…

A Familiar Yet Flawed Narrative Echoes of Girls in London Lena Dunham’s latest Netflix series, Too Much, premiered on July 17, 2025, as a spiritual successor to her HBO hit Girls, but it struggles to capture the same spark. Set in London, this 10-episode drama-comedy follows Jessica, a mid-30s New Yorker navigating heartbreak and a new job abroad. While aiming to explore millennial angst and self-discovery, the show often feels like a rehash of Dunham’s earlier work, weighed down by self-indulgent storytelling and unlikable characters. Jessica’s Chaotic Journey A Troubled Protagonist The series centers on Jessica, played by Megan Stalter,…

Strengthening Exam Integrity OCSC Bolsters Anti-Fraud Measures On July 20, 2025, the Office of the Civil Service Commission (OCSC) reaffirmed its commitment to combating cheating in civil service entrance exams, addressing concerns raised by a social media exposé. Deputy Secretary-General Kitipong Maharatthanawong detailed robust security protocols to safeguard the integrity of the selection process for approximately 400,000 civil service positions. The move responds to sophisticated cheating networks using advanced technology, ensuring fairness in Thailand’s competitive exam system. Exposing Modern Cheating Networks High-Tech Tools Evade Detection A recent revelation by the Thammasat Exam Center’s Facebook page uncovered organized cheating rings employing…

Early Morning Collision Injuries Reported in Nonthaburi In the early hours of July 20, 2025, a drunk driver crashed into a parked police patrol vehicle in Nonthaburi, injuring two people. The incident occurred at 1:20 a.m. outside a convenience store on Kanchanaphisek Road in Bang Rak Phatthana subdistrict, Bang Bua Thong district. The driver, found to have a blood alcohol level of 181 milligrams percent—far exceeding Thailand’s legal limit—caused significant damage to both vehicles, highlighting the dangers of drunk driving. Incident Details Unfold Routine Patrol Disrupted The crash took place as police officers were conducting a routine check, with their…