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- “Treasure Hunt” App Sparks Concerns in Thailand
ฺCHONBURI, Jan 22 (TNA) – A popular mobile application offering users the chance to win real money by finding coins hidden in real-world locations has sparked controversy in Thailand, with reports of disruptive behavior and concerns over safety. The “Jagat” application, originating from Indonesia, has gained viral popularity on social media platforms like TikTok, prompting […]
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ฺCHONBURI, Jan 22 (TNA) – A popular mobile application offering users the chance to win real money by finding coins hidden in real-world locations has sparked controversy in Thailand, with reports of disruptive behavior and concerns over safety.
The “Jagat” application, originating from Indonesia, has gained viral popularity on social media platforms like TikTok, prompting a surge of users to embark on “treasure hunts” in five Thai provinces: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Chonburi (Pattaya).
The app allows users to purchase clues that reveal the locations of coins, which can then be redeemed for cash prizes ranging from 500 to 200,000 baht (approximately $15 to $6,000 USD).
However, the fervor surrounding the game has led to several incidents causing concern among local residents and businesses.
In the resort city of Pattaya, players have been reported trespassing on private property and entering tourist attractions outside of opening hours in their quest for coins. The search activities have also caused confusion and disruption for tourists on Pattaya’s beaches.
Local residents and business operators are urging relevant authorities to intervene and prevent further disturbances.
Concerns have also been raised about the app’s monetization model, which includes in-app purchases for additional clues and subscription fees for certain features. This has led to worries that some users, particularly children and teenagers, may inadvertently subscribe to costly weekly, monthly, or yearly plans.
Furthermore, the app’s location-sharing feature has raised safety concerns, with warnings that it could potentially be exploited by criminals to track users and target them for theft, especially in isolated areas where coins may be hidden.
The Jagat application offers a virtual treasure hunt experience where users collect coins that can be converted into real-world value. The game operates within a 32-day timeframe, with various features requiring in-app payments. -819 (TNA)
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22 January 22 2025English Newshttps://tna.mcot.net/?p=1477607 - Thai Business Sees Milder Trump Impact
BANGKOK, Jan 21 (TNA) – Private sector leaders in Thailand say Trump’s policies have not created as much economic tension as initially feared, with the Thai Chamber of Commerce suggesting the announcements are primarily aimed at boosting political popularity. Sanan Angubolkul, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand, said […]
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BANGKOK, Jan 21 (TNA) – Private sector leaders in Thailand say Trump’s policies have not created as much economic tension as initially feared, with the Thai Chamber of Commerce suggesting the announcements are primarily aimed at boosting political popularity.
Sanan Angubolkul, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand, said while it’s too early to determine the full impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s policy announcements, they have caused less global economic tension than anticipated.
“Among ASEAN nations, Vietnam and Thailand maintain significant trade surpluses with the United States,” he said.
He welcomed the proactive approach of Thailand’s Commerce Ministry working alongside private sector representatives in trade negotiations with the U.S., noting that businesses possess valuable insights that could benefit both nations.
Regarding Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, he said this would affect clean energy businesses and electric vehicle industries. However, he noted that the move could help keep oil and gas prices from rising sharply.
The chairman expressed confidence that Trump’s policy decisions would continue to prioritize U.S. citizens’ interests and the American economy, though he emphasized the need for continued monitoring of the situation. -819 (TNA)
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21 January 21 2025English Newshttps://tna.mcot.net/?p=1477359 - Thailand Approves Carbon Tax to Curb Emissions, PM2.5 Pollution
BANGKOK, Jan 21 (TNA) – Thailand’s cabinet has approved a carbon tax on gasoline, diesel, and LPG, aiming to reduce pollution, including PM2.5 particulate matter, while initially avoiding direct impact on fuel prices, a government spokesperson said on Tuesday. Deputy government spokesperson Karom Phonphonklang stated that the cabinet endorsed the carbon tax as a mandatory […]
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BANGKOK, Jan 21 (TNA) – Thailand’s cabinet has approved a carbon tax on gasoline, diesel, and LPG, aiming to reduce pollution, including PM2.5 particulate matter, while initially avoiding direct impact on fuel prices, a government spokesperson said on Tuesday.
Deputy government spokesperson Karom Phonphonklang stated that the cabinet endorsed the carbon tax as a mandatory price mechanism to raise awareness and encourage responsibility for carbon emissions among businesses and the public, mitigating the impact of climate change. He added that businesses exporting goods to countries with carbon border adjustment mechanisms (CBAM) could use the tax for potential fee reductions.
The Excise Department will determine specific tax rates later, based on a baseline carbon tax rate of 200 baht per ton of carbon. Initially, the carbon tax will be implemented by converting existing excise taxes into a carbon tax format, ensuring no immediate additional cost burden for consumers using gasoline, diesel, LPG, jet fuel, or fuel oil, Karom confirmed. The move also targets PM2.5 pollution.
The government aims to promote ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles to enhance competitiveness and reduce energy consumption. The Excise Department is tasked with reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030, in line with national targets.
This reduction will be achieved through various measures, including promoting the use of electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce emissions from the transportation sector by 19.5%, switching to R32 refrigerants to cut emissions from cooling systems by 12.20%, increasing the use of renewable energy like solar rooftops to reduce emissions from electricity generation by 62.40%, improving energy efficiency through smart lighting and automated building lighting controls to reduce emissions by 1.60%, and transitioning from desktop PCs to laptops to reduce emissions by 3.60%. -819 (TNA)
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21 January 21 2025English Newshttps://tna.mcot.net/?p=1477288 - Pit Bull Suspected in Monk’s Death
NONTHABURI, Jan 21 (TNA) – A monk was found dead in his living quarters at a temple in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, apparently attacked by his pet pit bull, police said on Tuesday. The exact cause of death is still under investigation, with authorities awaiting autopsy results to determine whether the monk died before or […]
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NONTHABURI, Jan 21 (TNA) – A monk was found dead in his living quarters at a temple in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, apparently attacked by his pet pit bull, police said on Tuesday.
The exact cause of death is still under investigation, with authorities awaiting autopsy results to determine whether the monk died before or as a result of the dog attack.
Upon arriving at the scene with forensic doctors and rescue workers, they found the body of Phra Bannadit, 46, inside his single-story living quarters.
The monk was found lying face down in a pool of blood with severe injuries to his head, including bite marks penetrating the skull. His hand was also missing, with no trace of it found at the scene. Authorities estimate he had been dead for approximately two days.
A temple devotee, who identified himself as Mr. Ou, discovered the body. He told police he had intended to check on the monk around 11 p.m. on Monday after not seeing him since Saturday. Initially, he thought the monk was away, but noticed the lights were on and his car was parked outside. After receiving no response to his knocks, he reached through a window to open the door.
The monk’s pit bull, named “George,” ran out as the door opened. Mr. Ou then entered the room and found the body, prompting him to alert the abbot and contact the police.
Mr. Ou explained that Phra Bannadit was the abbot’s secretary and had raised George from a puppy. The dog is now over a year old. He added that the monk had been bitten by the dog several times before, as it was possessive.
Following the incident, local officials, including a veterinarian Saowanee Phuangphaiboon, head of the provincial livestock health group, visited the temple to assess the dog and prevent future incidents.
The sub-district chief expressed hope that the Department of Livestock Development or animal welfare organizations would take George into their care, as no one at the temple is equipped to handle the dog following the monk’s death. He also raised concerns about the dog’s potential future behavior. – 819 (TNA)
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21 January 21 2025English Newshttps://tna.mcot.net/?p=1477257 - Grenade Attack at Pattani Police Station
PATTANI, Jan 21 (TNA) – Gunmen fired two M79 grenades at a police station in Kapho district, Pattani province, in southern Thailand earlier today. No injuries were reported. Police Colonel Prayong Khotsakha, Deputy Commander of Pattani Provincial Police, inspected the scene at Kapho Police Station. He confirmed that two M79 grenades were fired at the […]
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PATTANI, Jan 21 (TNA) – Gunmen fired two M79 grenades at a police station in Kapho district, Pattani province, in southern Thailand earlier today. No injuries were reported.
Police Colonel Prayong Khotsakha, Deputy Commander of Pattani Provincial Police, inspected the scene at Kapho Police Station. He confirmed that two M79 grenades were fired at the station. One grenade struck the roof of police housing adjacent to the station, causing damage to roof tiles and windows. Nearby residences also sustained broken windows. The second grenade left no apparent damage, with only fragments of the M79 projectile found at the scene.
Col. Prayong instructed officers to expedite the collection of evidence, review CCTV footage, and implement heightened security measures in the area. Authorities suspect the attack was carried out by insurgents operating in the region. The perpetrators are believed to have launched the grenades from a forested area opposite the police station before fleeing into the woods.
In a related incident around the same time, a separate explosion occurred on a village road in Kapho district. The roadside blast scattered fragments of a metal box and shrapnel across the area. No casualties were reported in this incident.
Pattani is one of several provinces in Thailand’s deep south that have experienced a long-running insurgency. – 819 (TNA)
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21 January 21 2025English Newshttps://tna.mcot.net/?p=1477075 - Bangkok Ranked 2nd Best City Globally by “Time Out”
BANGKOK, Jan 20 (TNA) – Bangkok has been ranked the second-best city in the world for 2025 by Time Out magazine, according to a survey of 20,000 global travelers. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinwatra expressed her delight at the ranking in posts on Facebook and X, highlighting Thai cuisine and culture as key factors attracting […]
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BANGKOK, Jan 20 (TNA) – Bangkok has been ranked the second-best city in the world for 2025 by Time Out magazine, according to a survey of 20,000 global travelers.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinwatra expressed her delight at the ranking in posts on Facebook and X, highlighting Thai cuisine and culture as key factors attracting tourists.
“This is another piece of good news for Thais today,” she wrote. “Time Out magazine has revealed the results of a survey of around 20,000 tourists, and Bangkok has been ranked second among the best cities in the world for 2025, out of a total of 50 cities.”
She added the survey found that Thai food and Thai culture are the key factors that make tourists fall in love and want to come back again. This is the charm of Thailand. Of course, the government will continue to develop cities, not just in Bangkok but in many provinces throughout Thailand, to encourage tourists to stay longer. Not just staying in Bangkok, but expanding tourism to many other attractive cities or hidden gems throughout Thailand, focusing on creating more activities or ‘Man-Made Tourism’.”
The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of tourist safety and convenient travel through the government’s “Ease of Travelling” policy.
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) spokesperson Aekvarunyoo Amrapala elaborated on the ranking, stating that the selection of the world’s best cities from 50 candidates in 2025 was based on surveys of over 20,000 tourists worldwide. Bangkok was recognized for its culture, food, and the happiness of its residents, which are key attractions for both Thais and international visitors.
The ranking is based on feedback from residents around the world who shared their views on various aspects, from food and nightlife to culture, value for money, and the overall atmosphere of the city. This year, livability was a key factor in the ranking, focusing on what makes a city feel like home, safe, and happy.
Bangkok scored highly in resident happiness, with residents reporting satisfaction with their life experiences. The city also excelled in value for money, with 84% of residents finding activities such as dining out, having coffee, or going to the cinema affordable and accessible. Furthermore, 86% rated the city’s food as “good” or “excellent.” – 819 (TNA)
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20 January 20 2025English Newshttps://tna.mcot.net/?p=1476864 - Hazardous Air Prompts Bangkok WFH
BANGKOK, Jan 20 (TNA) – Bangkok authorities have urged government agencies, private companies, and the general public to work from home (WFH) for two days starting Monday, as the city grapples with hazardous levels of air pollution. The call comes amid forecasts of “orange” level air quality – a level deemed to have potential […]
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BANGKOK, Jan 20 (TNA) – Bangkok authorities have urged government agencies, private companies, and the general public to work from home (WFH) for two days starting Monday, as the city grapples with hazardous levels of air pollution.
The call comes amid forecasts of “orange” level air quality – a level deemed to have potential health impacts – for Monday and Tuesday.
This morning, the Bangkok Air Quality Information Centre reported PM2.5 levels exceeding safe standards in 70 areas across the capital. Five districts recorded particularly high readings. These include Nong Khaem, Lat Krabang, Khlong Sam Wa, Nong Chok and Phasi Charoen.
The Meteorological Department forecasts poor to weak air ventilation from January 20-26, coupled with temperature inversions, limiting air pollution dispersal. The department predicts PM2.5 concentrations to rise until January 24 before improving ventilation reduces them on January 25-26.
This aligns with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA) request for residents to WFH on January 20-21 to protect public health and reduce traffic, a major source of the city’s air pollution. The BMA may extend the WFH recommendation until January 24 if pollution levels remain high.
BMA spokesperson Ekvaranyu Amrapala advised those unable to WFH or needing to go outside to wear face masks, especially vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with underlying conditions like allergies, lung disease, heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease. – 819 (TNA)
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20 January 20 2025English Newshttps://tna.mcot.net/?p=1476838 - Thailand Considers Elephant Birth Control
BANGKOK, Jan 20 (TNA) – Thailand is exploring the use of contraceptive vaccines to manage its growing wild elephant population and reduce conflicts with humans, a move that has drawn mixed reactions from conservationists and local communities. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) held a public hearing on Jan. 19 to […]
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BANGKOK, Jan 20 (TNA) – Thailand is exploring the use of contraceptive vaccines to manage its growing wild elephant population and reduce conflicts with humans, a move that has drawn mixed reactions from conservationists and local communities.
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) held a public hearing on Jan. 19 to gather feedback on a proposed trial of the contraceptive vaccine, which aims to address the increasing number of elephants venturing outside protected areas and damaging crops and property.
The meeting was attended by academics, wildlife experts, community representatives affected by human-elephant conflict, elephant advocacy groups, and members of a parliamentary committee on elephant management.
Chaiwat Limlikitaksorn, former director of the National Park Office, expressed skepticism, questioning the accuracy of the DNP’s elephant population estimates, which range from 4,013 to 4,422, a difference of over 400. He also raised concerns about the limited testing of the vaccine, with only seven captive female elephants having received a single dose in a preliminary study conducted with Chiang Mai University’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in April 2024. Each dose is said to provide seven years of contraception.
It’s too early to determine its effectiveness and safety, Chaiwat said, adding that the estimated cost of 8,000 baht ($230) per dose was misdirected funding. He advocated for stronger physical barriers, such as fences, and securing more suitable habitats and food sources within protected areas.
However, community representatives from five eastern provinces bordering protected forests voiced support for the contraceptive trial, hoping it would curb the elephant birth rate.
They confirmed that over the past 5-6 years, a large number of elephants have been venturing outside the forest, and some have permanently adapted to living outside, giving birth and raising their young in the middle of sugarcane fields.
“Even if it takes up to 10 years to see a noticeable decline in the elephant population after starting the trial this year, it’s still better than doing nothing,” said a representative.
Noei Sukprasert, a sugarcane farmer from Prachinburi described extensive crop damage caused by elephants and highlighted the more serious issue of human injuries and fatalities, with three deaths reported in his community.
He urged elephant advocates to witness the villagers’ plight, emphasizing that they are not encroaching on elephant habitat, but rather the elephants are entering their communities.
DNP Director-General Atthaphon Charoenchansa explained that the department is following guidelines set by the national committee on elephant conservation and management, which include six key strategies: habitat management and improvement, establishing elephant barriers, deploying monitoring and repulsion teams with community networks, providing compensation to affected individuals, and managing areas for elephants exhibiting aggressive behavior.
He stressed that the contraceptive vaccine program is a priority of Natural Resources and Environment Minister Chalermchai Sri-on, aimed at addressing the rapid population growth in areas where existing habitats are insufficient.
The DNP will report the feedback gathered at the hearing to the parliamentary committee for further discussion, addressing public concerns and clarifying implementation guidelines. If approved, the existing 18 doses of the vaccine will be administered to elephants already living outside protected areas. The results will then be evaluated before further action is taken.
The Wildlife Conservation Office estimates an 8.2% annual increase in the elephant population in the five eastern provinces, with the current population estimated at 592. This is projected to double in the next 10 years, exacerbating human-elephant conflict. Culling and relocation are deemed unsuitable in the Thai context. The DNP believes that using the SpayVac® contraceptive vaccine, which has been used in African elephants for over 10 years with no reported adverse effects on elephant behavior or social dynamics, offers a balanced approach to managing the population and mitigating conflict. Strict implementation guidelines will be established before the program begins. -819 (TNA)
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20 January 20 2025English Newshttps://tna.mcot.net/?p=1476655 - Government Takes Proactive Measures to Ensure Tourist Safety
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Friday chaired a meeting on reviving confidence among tourists, especially Chinese tourists, at the Government House
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BANGKOK, Jan 17 (TNA) – Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Friday chaired a meeting on reviving confidence among tourists, especially Chinese tourists, at the Government House, to implement proactive measures to ensure the safety of tourists.
The meeting is attended by the agencies concerned including the police chief, army chief, tourism minister, and assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The Prime Minister stated that today’s meeting aims to emphasize the importance of coordinating efforts across all agencies to restore confidence among tourists, particularly in light of the numerous rumors and fake news circulating.
Ms Paetongtarn said she has been closely monitoring and inquiring into the situation.
The government is deeply concerned about the proliferation of fake news regarding Thailand. The government urges all parties to actively work together to combat this issue and restore the confidence among the tourists.
The Prime Minister says she is personally committed to communicating with Chinese tourists to assure them of Thailand’s safety and readiness to welcome them.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports has proposed measures to address issues such as to tighten control over border crossings, particularly through natural routes. To ask for co-operation from the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society to actively verify fake news and take corrective measures to ensure accurate public understanding.
The government will rapidly revive and stimulate the Chinese market to increase advance booking rates. To promote Thailand’s safety image through effective public relations and marketing. (TNA).-813
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17 January 17 2025English Newshttps://tna.mcot.net/?p=1475731 - Chinese New Year Expected To Generate Over Bt40 Billion in Tourism Revenue
Tourism revenue is projected to surpass Bt40 billion during the Chinese New Year, driven by a surge in Chinese tourist arrivals as over 200,000 Chinese visitors arrived in the first two weeks of 2025
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BANGKOK, Jan 17 (TNA) — Tourism revenue is projected to surpass Bt40 billion during the Chinese New Year, driven by a surge in Chinese tourist arrivals as over 200,000 Chinese visitors arrived in the first two weeks of 2025, positioning them as the leading source of foreign tourists, according to deputy government spokesman Anukool Prueksanusak.
Anukool stated that during the Chinese New Year festival in 2025 (January 24-February 2), tourism revenue is expected to reach a total of Bt40.66 billion baht, an increase of approximately 10 per cent, compared to the same period last year.
This is broken down into Bt34.36 billion from foreign tourists, an 8 per cent increase from 1.35 million foreign tourists, and Bt6.3 billion baht from domestic tourism, a 15 per cent increase.
In the foreign market, it is expected that approximately 287,000 Chinese tourists will come to Thailand, a 7 per cent increase, generating approximately Bt8.8 billion baht in revenue for Thai tourism, a 9 per cent increase, compared to the same period last year.
He said the government is accelerating efforts to build confidence in the measures Thailand has implemented to ensure the safety of tourists.
The government is enhancing standards in providing peace of mind in terms of safety for international tourists. All agencies concerned are integrating and upgrading safety, services, and facilitation for tourists in order to drive Thailand to become a world-class and top quality tourism destination. (TNA).-813
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17 January 17 2025English Newshttps://tna.mcot.net/?p=1475554