Thailand approves $19 million loan to Laos for road construction

BANGKOK, March 9 (TNA) – The Thai Cabinet on Tuesday gave a green light to lend Bt655 million (US$19.8 million) to neighbouring Laos PDR for two road improvement projects, according to Finance Ministry.

03/09/2010  19:44

Bankers permitted to halt ATM, close bank branches in emergency

BANGKOK, Mar 9 (TNA) – The management of Thailand's commercial banks are permitted to instruct an immediate halt to ATM services or the operations of bank branches in risk-prone areas without prior consent from the central bank, according to Bank of Thailand (BoT) Deputy Governor Krirk Vanikkul.

03/09/2010  09:10

PM discusses contingency plan with economic ministers

BANGKOK, March 9 (TNA) – Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Monday convened a meeting of economic ministers and top officials of the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Thailand (BoT), and the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) to discuss possible impacts on the economy and a contingency plan in case there is a disruption of peace and order as a result of the political rallies on this weekend.

03/09/2010  08:38

Thai tangerine producers affected by ASEAN-China FTA

Since the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement took effect January 1, tangerines, a fruit which occupies an important role in the Thai economy, are among a number of crops adversely affected in Thailand by the pact.

02/23/2010  17:10

Ball pythons: Slithery pets on the rise in popularity

Due to today's modern lifestyle as many people are more unusual in expressing their individuality, having a pet snake has become a more and more common sight, especially among those living in the concrete jungle.

02/22/2010  13:57

China’s Muslim-oriented Ningxia opens trade hub in Southern Thailand's Hat Yai

China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region has officially opened its Ningxia Distribution Centre in Hat Yai in Songkhla, as a venue for more accessible sales distribution to wider markets by presenting the region’s trade goods and other commodities for exchange between the two countries.

02/05/2010  09:43

Yellow Shirts pledge no activity during rival Red Shirt rally

BANGKOK, March 9 (TNA) – The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) or the so-called Yellow Shirts on Tuesday issued a statement, stating its clear stance to refrain from any activities during the planned weekend mass rally of its Red Shirt rivals, the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD).

03/09/2010  20:14

Court frees Maj-Gen Khattiya, six others on bail but rejects K-Thong's bid

BANGKOK, March 8 (TNA) - Thailand's Criminal Court has approved granting bail to Maj-Gen Khattiya Sawasdipol, a staunch supporter of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and six of Gen Khattiya's associates--except Pornwat Thongthanaboon alias K-Thong--reasoning that his charges should be considered terrorism.

03/08/2010  20:06

PM cancels Australia visit; Cabinet to consider invoking security law

BANGKOK, March 8 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Monday said he has cancelled his planned official visit to Australia this week after the security-monitoring committee resolved to ask the Cabinet to invoke the Internal Security Act (ISA) in the capital and its environs between March 11 to 23 to prevent any untoward incident during the planned Red Shirt rally.

03/08/2010  16:46

Man flinging cow dung at PM's home jailed for 10 days

BANGKOK, March 9 (TNA) - A Thai court on Tuesday handed down a 20-day jail term to a man who flung bagged cow dung at the Bangkok residence of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, but the sentence was commuted to 10 days after his confession.

03/09/2010  17:44

Police nab two Iranians, three Thais in two drug cases

BANGKOK, March 9 (TNA) – Two Iranian women were taken into custody at Thailand’s main airport for allegedly smuggling nearly five kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as "ice," while members of an alleged Hmong drug syndicate were arrested in Chiang Mai with 300,000 speed pills and almost one kilogramme of ice.

03/09/2010  14:01

Police detain flinging animal dung at PM home

BANGKOK, March 9 (TNA) - A man from a Mekong riverside town was apprehended by police Tuesday after throwing a bag of animal excrement at the fencing of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's Bangkok residence.

03/09/2010  11:27

Ratchaprasong district: Experience the heart of Bangkok

China promises speedy visa processing, more hotel rooms for Shanghai Expo

BEIJING, March 9 (Xinhua) -- China will provide speedy visa processing for visitors to the upcoming World Expo, as well as more hotel space with help from surrounding cities, according to an organizer of the event.

03/09/2010  09:36

Magic moments in Khmer heritage

Date: 2-4 Apr 2010 Venue: Prasat Phanom Rung, Buri Ram province

2010 Mekong River International Multisport ITU Asian Cup

Date: 26-28 March 2010 Venue: Nong Khai province

The King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament 2010

Date: 22-28 March 2010 Venue: Chiang Rai province

World Thai Martial Arts Festival and Waikru Muaythai Ceremony (Nai Khanomtom Day)

Date: 10-17 March 2010 Venue: City of Ayutthaya Stadium, Ayutthaya Province

The 11th Thailand International Kite Festival

Date: 13-14 March 2010 Venue: Cha-am District, Phetchaburi