Thai authorities are intensifying enforcement against nominee businesses, with the DBD and DSI joining forces to crack down on the practice particularly affecting tourist islands like Phuket.
PHUKET: The Department of Business Development (DBD) and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) have strengthened their collaboration to more effectively tackle nominee businesses.
Deputy PM Srettha Thavisin leads a new government committee tackling the southern border crisis, emphasizing a unified approach combining peace talks, development, and justice reform rather than military solutions alone.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Srettha Thavisin gave an interview at Government House before a Cabinet meeting regarding his appointment as chairman of the government's special committee to address southern border province issues. He stated that resolving problems in the southern border provinces requires integrated cooperation, with peace talks serving as one avenue among several important strategies including area development, identity issues, local development, and justice reform. "It's time for all efforts to move in the same direction," Srettha said, including dialogue with insurgent groups and addressing political issues through conversations with local communities. When asked if this approach represents civilian control over the military, Srettha responded that it involves political, military, and international dimensions—particularly involving Malaysia—but emphasized that unified direction remains paramount. Regarding whether peace talks are a new approach, Srettha clarified that while dialogue with such groups is part of the solution, it is not the complete answer. He stressed that any southern border strategy must be people-centered, and the government will coordinate efforts while recognizing that peace talks represent only one component of the comprehensive solution needed.
IRPC received crude oil from the Saudi Arabian tanker Serifo at its Rayong facility and is proceeding with scheduled production to support Thailand's energy security amid global supply volatility.
IRPC has taken receipt of crude oil from the 'Serifo' at its LCT port facility in Rayong province and is moving forward with production according to schedule to reinforce energy security. Deputy Managing Directors Leosalkit Tongrang and Vanida Utaisomnap, along with IRPC's executive team, conducted an inspection at the Liquid Cargo Terminal (LCT) in the IRPC industrial estate in Rayong to oversee the offloading of crude oil from the ultra-large crude carrier (VLCC) 'Serifo', which transported oil from Saudi Arabia and successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz on April 11, 2026. The operation demonstrates IRPC's capability to manage logistics and supply chain efficiently and consistently amid volatile global energy conditions, while strictly adhering to international safety standards and actively managing risks to maintain stable production. The company is committed to building confidence among stakeholders through transparent business operations, good corporate governance, and sustained production continuity to support the nation's energy security and sustainable growth.
Thailand's iconic Boon Bang Fai rocket festival returns to Kudwa Sub-district in Kalasin Province in 2026, celebrating one of Northeast Thailand's most cherished cultural traditions.
Soaring Faith into the Skies: Boon Bang Fai Talai Lan 2026Kudwa Sub-district, Kuchinarai District, Kalasin Province Experience one of Isan’s most precious cultural heritages: the Boon Bang Fai (Roc...
A 60th anniversary Ultraman-themed fun run is coming in 2026, offering three distance options for families and competitive runners of all levels.
ULTRAMAN HERO RUN 2026Celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Ultraman! Join us for a fun-filled physical run across three distances, perfect for families, casual runners, and competitive athletes alike. C...
Thailand's national police chief has launched a nationwide three-month crackdown on foreign criminals, targeting drug trafficking, money laundering, human trafficking, and illegal businesses operating through Thai nominees.
National Police Chief General Kittirat Panthapetch has ordered police in all areas to conduct intensive sweeps targeting foreigners engaged in criminal activity, according to Deputy National Police Commander Trairot Pichinan. The campaign will focus on preventing cross-border crime, illegal immigration, use of Thailand as a transit point, unlawful employment of foreigners, and illegal businesses operated through nominee arrangements that impact public safety and national stability.
The operation will be implemented in three phases:
1. Urgent three-month "X-ray sweep" phase: All police units will compile databases of foreign residents in their jurisdictions and identify target groups involved in drug trafficking, economic crimes, tax evasion, technology-related offenses, organized smuggling networks, human trafficking, and national-level trafficking routes. Police will conduct targeted raids on areas with concentrated foreign populations and enforce laws strictly, with arrests pursued in all cases. The National Police Office's Center for Combating Transnational Criminals will coordinate with related agencies including the Commerce Ministry, Finance Ministry, the Anti-Money Laundering Office, Bank of Thailand, Customs Department, Revenue Department, and Land Department to implement coordinated operations across policy and provincial levels.
2. Medium-term "root and branch" phase (6-9 months): The Immigration Bureau will work with other agencies to verify foreign databases, validate documents and visas, and review foreign business operations. Metropolitan and provincial police will collaborate with local security agencies to enforce immigration laws and consider revoking residence permits. Authorities will also study relevant laws and propose amendments to strengthen enforcement and close legal loopholes exploited by foreign criminals. Officials will investigate extended criminal networks thoroughly, and take disciplinary action against any state officials involved in these schemes.
3. Long-term sustainability measures focusing on continuous operations targeting illegal immigration and organized criminal networks.
A new trail running event combining racing with local food and travel experiences launches in Thailand in 2026, attracting runners and culinary enthusiasts seeking adventure beyond the standard marathon format.
Amazing Thailand GI Tour & Trail Running 2026Calling all runners, food lovers, and travel enthusiasts! Don’t miss the Amazing Thailand GI Tour & Trail Running 2026, a unique experience that ...
Worshippers honor Chiang Mai's city pillar with floral offerings at Wat Chedi Luang in the Inthakhil Festival, a sacred Lanna tradition that draws visitors to experience regional spiritual customs.
Inthakhil Festival: Flower Offering to the City PillarWat Chedi Luang, Chiang MaiExperience the timeless charm of Lanna through a sacred ritual in the heart of Chiang Mai. This long-standing tradition...
WHAUP closed a 4 billion baht bond sale with three times oversubscription, offering both zero-coupon and green bond tranches with maturities of 3 to 5 years. The strong investor demand reflects the company's 'A-' credit rating and its posit
WHAUP has successfully completed its first bond offering for 2026, totaling 4 billion baht, attracting strong interest from institutional and major investors following the May 6-7 sales period. The offering was divided into two tranches: a zero-coupon bond tranche of 3 billion baht with a 3-year maturity and a 2.10% annual discount rate, and a green bond tranche of 1 billion baht with a 5-year maturity and a fixed 2.75% annual interest rate.
The company's bonds received an 'A-' credit rating from Tris Rating with a stable outlook, reflecting investor confidence in the company's business fundamentals and financial strength, as well as the long-term growth potential of the utilities and energy sector. Kasikornbank and UOB served as the arrangers for this bond issuance.
The successful completion of this bond offering underscores WHAUP's role as a comprehensive utilities and energy service provider that integrates technology, innovation, and sustainability while prioritizing environmental responsibility, driving Thailand's industrial growth in the long term under its mission to Shape the Future for Thailand.
Prachuap Khiri Khan will host the Kite & Art Festival 2026, featuring spectacular colorful kites and artistic performances against a scenic coastal backdrop.
Prachuap Khiri Khan Fancy Kite FestivalKITE & ART FESTIVAL 2026Saran Withi: Colors of the Wind and Art Experience an extraordinary sky filled with spectacular, colorful kites and a relaxing...
Gold prices surged 850 baht on May 12, with ornamental gold selling at 73,250 baht per baht weight as the Gold Traders Association reported a sharp jump amid predictions of further gains tomorrow.
The Gold Traders Association announced today, May 12, 2025, that gold prices have surged significantly. Act quickly and make your decision. Compared to yesterday's closing price, ornamental gold is selling at 73,250 baht per baht weight.
Today's gold price has jumped strongly by 850 baht compared to the final price on May 11. Ornamental gold is selling at 73,250 baht per baht, according to the latest information from the Gold Traders Association released through their website at 9:07 AM.
Gold bars have a domestic buying price of 72,250 baht per baht and a selling price of 72,450 baht per baht according to the first announcement.
For 96.5% ornamental gold, the buying price is 70,812.36 baht per baht and the selling price is 73,250 baht per baht. Meanwhile, the global gold spot market (Gold Spot) is trading at 4,728.50 USD per ounce.
Today's Gold Prices Summary, May 12, 2025 - First Announcement Gold Bars: Buy 72,250 baht/baht, Sell 72,450 baht/baht Ornamental Gold: Buy 70,812.36 baht/baht, Sell 73,250 baht/baht
Gold traders predict that tomorrow's opening will see gold prices surge by 1,000-2,000 baht per baht, potentially breaking through 80,000 baht. Traders recommend considering when to buy gold, citing various market trend factors affecting gold prices.