Nyheter fra Thairesidents

Stacks Image 220184

My RSS Feed

  • Test shows 15 popular Thai milk tea brands contain synthetic colours

    A TEST undertaken by “Chalad Sue magazine, Consumer Foundation” of Thai milk tea sold at 15 popular beverage outlets showed

    The post Test shows 15 popular Thai milk tea brands contain synthetic colours appeared first on ThaiResidents.com - Thai Local News - Thai News.

    A TEST undertaken by “Chalad Sue magazine, Consumer Foundation” of Thai milk tea sold at 15 popular beverage outlets showed that they all contained synthetic colours and while these are officially allowed to be used in food a doctor warned that no such thing as safe in terms of chemical toxicity that enters the human body, Naewna newspaper said this evening (Apr. 28).

    This magazine posted a photo and a message on its Facebook page that this test was undertaken to raise product safety standards and protect consumers through a product test supported by Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth).

    The magazine collected samples of Thai milk tea from these 15 high-profile beverage shops in March with the sample consisting of one glass of milk tea and ice.

    The 15 brands as shown in the labels are Cha Tra Mue, Café Amazon, All Café, Punthai, Inthanin Coffee, True Coffee, Fire Tiger, Arigato, Ochaya, Kudsan, GAGA, Karun, I Will Consume Iced Tea Everyday, Pang Cha and Gu Roti Cha Chak.

    They all were sent to an ISO  17025 laboratory for testing with the result being as follows:

    (1) Synthetic colours were found in every sample, but these colours are allowed to be used in food;

    (2) One to four synthetic colours were found in the samples including Sunset Yellow FCF, Tartrazine, Ponceau 4R and Carmoisine or Azorubine;

    (3) Sunset Yellow FCF was found in every sample, the least being 7.90 milligrams/kg and the most 291.41 milligrams/kg;

    (4) Thai milk tea with a high amount of Sunset Yellow FCF synthetic colour are True Coffee – 291.41mg/kg; Gu Roti Cha Chak – 250.20mg/kg; and Pang Cha – 222.26mg/kg.

    Monitoring the quality and standards of Thai tea drinks is even more necessary today because increasing popularity of consumption has led to many types of tea products, including leaf tea, instant tea powder and ready-to-drink tea. However there are still problems in terms of clarity on the standards used for controlling colour in tea and labelling issues, the magazine said.

    Dr. Kaew Kangsada-ampai, adviser to Chalad Sue magazine, Consumer Foundation warned about the dangers of food additives and synthetic colours, saying, “There is no such thing as safe in terms of chemical toxicity that enters the human body. There is only the word ‘risk’, which means high or low risk, and assess yourself whether it is acceptable to risk consuming non-nutrient additives.”

    Her three recommendations are as follows:

    (1) Choose products with FDA registration numbers;

    (2) Read the product label;

    (3) Choose a variety of beverages to reduce exposure to the same type of food colouring repeatedly.

    The magazine itself had five more recommendations:

    (1) When buying a drink choose only a small cup or glass. If possible brew the tea yourself and choose only those without synthetic food coloring;

    (2) Don’t drink it too often;

    (3) Choose a less sweet type to comply with Public Health Ministry’s recommendation;

    (4) It is not recommended that children be allowed to drink this beverage because their excretion system is not yet fully developed;

    (5) Be aware of more than one type of colour being used because there is a chance that the colours will interact with each other, and it is difficult to predict whether the effect is harmful to the consumer or not.

    This is so because assessment of chemical toxicity is usually of a single substance not a mixture of substances.

    Photo: Thai Rath

    This report was originally published by www.thainewsroom.com

     

    The post Test shows 15 popular Thai milk tea brands contain synthetic colours appeared first on ThaiResidents.com - Thai Local News - Thai News.

    30 April 30 2025
    HEALTH
    https://thairesidents.com/?p=51278
  • Rabbit Life launches ‘Wealthy 99/2’—a 2-year premium plan with passive income and life cover to age 99

    Rabbit Life Insurance, a subsidiary of BTS Group, launched ‘Wealthy 99/2’, a new life insurance and savings plan targeting individuals

    The post Rabbit Life launches ‘Wealthy 99/2’—a 2-year premium plan with passive income and life cover to age 99 appeared first on ThaiResidents.com - Thai Local News - Thai News.

    Rabbit Life Insurance, a subsidiary of BTS Group, launched ‘Wealthy 99/2’, a new life insurance and savings plan targeting individuals interested in legacy planning amid the ongoing Great Wealth Transfer. Key features include:

    • Short premium payment (only 2 years).

    • Life coverage until age 99.

    • Annual cashback of 6% for the entire policy term.

    • Eligibility: From 30 days old to 80 years, no health questions required.

    • Tax-deductible and comes with Rabbit Points for lifestyle rewards.

    Mr. Korn Chinsawananon, Managing Director, emphasized the product’s role in securing family futures with simple, stable, and emotionally valuable solutions. ‘Wealthy 99/2’ supports generational wealth transfer and addresses changing financial behaviors, especially among Gen X and Baby Boomers. Rabbit Life continues to innovate for modern customers, providing accessible, seamless financial protection.

    The post Rabbit Life launches ‘Wealthy 99/2’—a 2-year premium plan with passive income and life cover to age 99 appeared first on ThaiResidents.com - Thai Local News - Thai News.

    29 April 29 2025
    HEALTH
    https://thairesidents.com/?p=51273
  • Chinese suspect in transwoman’s brutal murder denies intending to sell organs

    THE Chinese man who brutally murdered a transgender woman in Pattaya confessed that he cut open her chest and removed

    The post Chinese suspect in transwoman’s brutal murder denies intending to sell organs appeared first on ThaiResidents.com - Thai Local News - Thai News.

    THE Chinese man who brutally murdered a transgender woman in Pattaya confessed that he cut open her chest and removed her heart and a lung because he watched a lot of TV series and wanted to know what was inside the body but did not intend to sell her organs, Thai Rath newspaper and Amarin TV said today (Apr. 27).

    Police took Mr. Fu Tongyuan, 42, for crime reenactment first going to Pattaya beach where he met Mr. Woranan Pannacha, or Note, 25, who had undergone gender reassignment surgery, then to the tour company from where he went to Suvarnabhumi Airport and was arrested there before flying to Kunming, China.

    Once they returned to Pattaya police station the victim’s relatives, led by Mr. Uan Pannacha, 61, Note’s father, who had been searched as they followed the crime reenactment on motorcycles, surrounded the suspect with Uan attacking him. Policemen had to free him and immediately take him to the second floor.

    Police said the Chinese suspect had cut open the victim’s chest all the way down to the genitals, removed her heart and left lung. He cut off both breasts and took out two pieces of silicone and placed them outside before dumping the body in the rented apartment’s bathroom.

    Uan said Note had told him two to three months ago she would be going to China because she is very good at speaking Mandarin having lived in Taiwan for two to three years but now did not have any money. She had bought him land and built a house for him to live in and gave him anything else he wanted.

    He had asked Note to take out life insurance but she refused to do so.

    As for the missing lung, he said he would wait for the results of the investigation.

    Pol. Col. Thawatchakiat Jindakuansong, commander of Chonburi Provincial Police, who personally supervised and controlled the crime reenactment based on the suspect’s confession, said after the suspect brought the deceased to apartment she asked for the 8,000 baht that he had agreed to pay her. However the deceased later resisted and refused to have a relationship with him.

    He asked for half of the money back but the deceased refused to return it which led to a punchup, with the deceased scratching and kicking his face breaking his front teeth.

    This angered him and he dragged the deceased down by the bedside and used his left knee to press down on her throat till she died.

    He then dragged the body to the bathroom and used a pair of scissors to cut open the body, removing the silicone implants and placing them outside and the heart which he placed on the left shoulder.

    Photo: Amarin TV

    This report was originally published by www.thainewsroom.com

    The post Chinese suspect in transwoman’s brutal murder denies intending to sell organs appeared first on ThaiResidents.com - Thai Local News - Thai News.

    28 April 28 2025
    AROUND TOWN
    https://thairesidents.com/?p=51267
  • Planning an Exhibition in Bangkok

    Image by freepik Bangkok has become one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic destinations for world-class exhibitions—whether in business, innovation, art,

    The post Planning an Exhibition in Bangkok appeared first on ThaiResidents.com - Thai Local News - Thai News.

    Image by freepik

    Bangkok has become one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic destinations for world-class exhibitions—whether in business, innovation, art, or culture. As companies and curators seek out versatile, innovative, and technology-enhanced environments for their events, the demand for intelligent exhibition spaces continues to grow.

    One Bangkok offers future-ready exhibition spaces at the city’s most prestigious address. One Bangkok, the city’s first fully integrated smart and sustainable district, redefines what it means to host an exhibition in Bangkok. With advanced infrastructure, flexible venues, and seamless urban connectivity, it offers an excellent opportunity for organisers to enhance every aspect of the exhibition experience for guests, stakeholders, and the public.

    A Strategic Address with Seamless Access

    Whether you’re planning a high-profile corporate showcase or a public cultural event, accessibility matters. Located at the corner of Wireless Road and Rama IV Road, One Bangkok sits at the heart of the capital’s commercial and cultural activity. The site is directly connected to Lumphini MRT Station, and is easily accessible via expressways. Key advantages of the venue include on-site shuttle services to nearby transport hubs, Pedestrian-first masterplan with 5 km of walkable paths, EV charging stations and secure bicycle storage. Your visitors, exhibitors, and VIP guests will enjoy effortless travel to and from your exhibition in Bangkok, for optimal attendance and engagement.

    Flexible Spaces, Intelligent Design

    One Bangkok offers a wide variety of adaptable venues for exhibitions of all scales and themes—from business expos and industry showcases to curated art installations. Available spaces include indoor gallery zones with curated lighting and AV capabilities, open-air courtyards and landscaped terraces for immersive or interactive exhibits, and multi-use halls designed for ease of setup and circulation. All venues are supported by smart infrastructure that adapts to the event’s real-time needs to ensure comfort, visibility, and flow for exhibitors and attendees alike.

    Smart City Technology, Seamless Operations

    One Bangkok delivers an unparalleled technology backbone for exhibitions. Smart features include adaptive environmental controls for lighting, temperature, air quality, real-time crowd monitoring and safety alerts, high-speed Wi-Fi via smart poles, and centralized command systems for security and event coordination. When hosting an exhibition in Bangkok, operational efficiency and guest satisfaction are non-negotiable—One Bangkok ensures both.

    A Sustainable, Responsible Venue

    One Bangkok is designed to LEED for Neighbourhood Development (Platinum) and WELL Core & Shell Platinum standards, making it one of the most environmentally responsible places to host an exhibition in Bangkok. Sustainability features include a cooling system that reduces carbon emissions and energy use, rainwater harvesting and advanced waste management, ample areas dedicated to green and open spaces, and use of low-carbon construction materials. Organisers can meet both ESG goals and regulatory expectations while delivering an exceptional guest experience.

    Where Art, Culture, and Business Converge

    One Bangkok hosts an extensive public art collection, curated exhibitions, and collaborative creative programs throughout the year. For event planners seeking to merge business with cultural relevance, this district is unmatched. Your exhibition can take place alongside events that celebrate innovation, design, sustainability, and global exchange to add visibility and cultural impact to your brand.

    Why Choose One Bangkok?

    When selecting a venue for your exhibition in Bangkok, One Bangkok offers a central, prestigious location with world-class access. There are smart, scalable spaces for any exhibition format with integrated technology and infrastructure. The venue’s sustainable practices are aligned with global standards. Host your next exhibition at One Bangkok.

     

    The post Planning an Exhibition in Bangkok appeared first on ThaiResidents.com - Thai Local News - Thai News.

    27 April 27 2025
    AROUND TOWN
    https://thairesidents.com/?p=51263
  • Celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival at Summer Palace

    Summer Palace at InterContinental Bangkok holds a longstanding reputation as one of Bangkok’s premier destinations for Cantonese specialties. Helmed by

    The post Celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival at Summer Palace appeared first on ThaiResidents.com - Thai Local News - Thai News.

    Summer Palace at InterContinental Bangkok holds a longstanding reputation as one of Bangkok’s premier destinations for Cantonese specialties. Helmed by Executive Chinese Chef Shui Wing Yau, a Hong Kong native twice recognised by the Michelin guide, this summer the lauded restaurant presents traditional Zongzi sticky rice dumplings to mark the annual Dragon Boat Festival.

     

    The ancient practice of dragon boat racing began two millennia ago on the rivers of southern China as a fertility ritual believed to encourage good harvests. Today, traditional dragon boat racing usually takes place during the fifth Chinese lunar month – sometime between mid-May and mid-June when rice-planting begins – and to mark the auspicious occasion this year, the team at Summer Palace is serving authentic sweet and savoury Zongzi sticky rice dumplings.

    Guests can indulge in a savoury Zongzi of Iberico ham, pork belly, dried Hong Kong shrimp and shiitake mushroom, while those with a fondness for all things sweet can get their fix with a Zongzi of tangerine peel, red bean, dried longan and black sticky rice.

    Zongzi dumplings are available at Summer Palace from 22 May 2025 to 8 June 2025, from 11.30 to 22.30 hours, priced from THB 308 to THB 988 net per piece.

    To place an order, please contact InterContinental Bangkok at dining.bkkhb@ihg.com or by calling +66 (0) 2 656 0444.

     

    Prices are net in Thai Baht and inclusive of applicable government taxes.

    The post Celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival at Summer Palace appeared first on ThaiResidents.com - Thai Local News - Thai News.

    26 April 26 2025
    AROUND TOWN
    https://thairesidents.com/?p=51259
  • Dhara Dhevi Hotel’s gutted spa building uninsured

    This report was originally published by www.thainewsroom.com   THE FIRE that gutted the spa building of Chiang Mai’s iconic five-star Dhara

    The post Dhara Dhevi Hotel’s gutted spa building uninsured appeared first on ThaiResidents.com - Thai Local News - Thai News.

    This report was originally published by www.thainewsroom.com

     

    THE FIRE that gutted the spa building of Chiang Mai’s iconic five-star Dhara Dhevi Hotel was extinguished several hours after it broke out at 2 a.m. on Wednesday but this structure is uninsured, Amarin TV said last night (Apr. 23).

    It was only at 4 p.m. yesterday that the blaze was finally extinguished at this building, which consists of a group seven structures, after it was brought under control in the morning.

    Officials were unable to inspect the ruins yesterday but are expected to do so today to investigate the cause of the fire and make a detailed survey.

    The Office of Insurance Commission, whose officials inspected the destroyed building from a safe distance together with other officials and Mae Ping police yesterday, later said this hotel did not have insurance cover but there were no casualties and damage is being assessed.

    The construction of Dhara Dhevi started in 2002 with Mr. Suchet Suwannamongkol, a car businessman in Pattani province who was passionate about collecting antiques and loved northern city, investing approximately 3 billion baht in building the luxury resort and hotel on 150-rai land plot with there being 123 rooms, Sanook.com quoted Thebangkokinsider as saying.

    Dhara Dhevi’s design is entirely in the style of ancient Lanna architecture, creating a sense of luxury and mystery, with room rents starting from tens of thousands up to hundreds of thousands of baht.

    At first Mandarin Group was selected to manage it but later all contracts and services were cancelled.

    In late 2015, Inter Far East Energy Corporation Plc (IFEC) acquired Dhara Dhevi Hotel for 2.52 billion baht but after that there were internal conflicts throughout 2016-2018.

    Then at the outbreak of Covid-19 in 2020, this luxury hotel mounted losses leading to its temporary closure with no money to pay employees. A petition was filed for business rehabilitation, but the Appeals Court dismissed it leading to bankruptcy procedure starting and permanent closure in late 2020.

    The Legal Execution Department then announced the auction of this hotel at a starting price of 2.116 billion baht in 2023 and Inter Far East Thermal Power Co. Lt. won the auction at 3.594.62 billion baht, but there are still ongoing lawsuits because it did not have enough money to pay.

    In early 2024 the Bankruptcy Court then appointed IFEC to rehabilitate the hotel. This work was completed early this year and it started generating income again while maintaining its Lanna architecture.

    The area in front of the complex was developed as Kad Dhara Dhevi to be a new tourist landmark of Chiang Mai province and this was unveiled on Feb. 21 this year. Unfortunately it was followed by the fire at its spa building yesterday.

    Photo: Amarin TV

    This report was originally published by www.thainewsroom.com

    The post Dhara Dhevi Hotel’s gutted spa building uninsured appeared first on ThaiResidents.com - Thai Local News - Thai News.

    25 April 25 2025
    LOCAL
    https://thairesidents.com/?p=51255
  • Phutham denies Uyghurs issue led to him skipping trip to US

    DEPUTY Prime Minister/Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai denied he is not part of the team still to visit US for the

    The post Phutham denies Uyghurs issue led to him skipping trip to US appeared first on ThaiResidents.com - Thai Local News - Thai News.

    DEPUTY Prime Minister/Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai denied he is not part of the team still to visit US for the postponed tariff talks due to Thailand having deported 40 Uyghurs back to China stating that he has not received a letter banning his entry, Amarin TV said today (Apr. 23).

    Asked about Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa also not going to US for these negotiations, Phumtham replied that there is no conflict about who goes and who does not with the government negotiating for the best benefit of the country.

    Even though security agencies are not going, if US raises a proposal during these talks the negotiating team could contact him and he would proceed immediately.

    “As for the reason for the postponement, this is unimportant. When the country of origin requests a postponement, there is no need for us to be anxious about it. We just have to prepare as best we can,” he said.

    The army has surveyed how much weapons Thailand has purchased from US but this was not included in the trade balance and has to be discussed, he said, adding there are also other details to be sorted out.

    Asked whether US will pressure Thailand to buy a squadron of Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70 jet fighters rather than Saab JAS 39E Gripen in exchange for a reduction of newly-imposed 36% tariff, Phumtham replied that this is something that has to be discussed because the F-16s come with the condition that Thailand borrow money from US for the purchase.

    “I have already spoken to the US ambassador. We have never borrowed money to buy weapons. Suddenly, if we borrow money to buy weapons, you will not die, but I will. If there are no conditions about this loan, we can discuss it,” he said.

    On whether Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is preparing to travel to Sweden to sign a contract to purchase the Gripen jet fighters, Phumthum said he did not know because the Air Force has not submitted papers for him to sign nor has it reached the cabinet.

    He also mentioned that he talks to American officials often and there are many forums where he would be meeting them with defence ministers from many countries to meet in Germany in the middle of May and there is also the upcoming Shangri-La conference in Singapore where he will be meeting his counterparts from US and China.

    Photo: Amarin TV

    This report was originally published by www.thainewsroom.com

    The post Phutham denies Uyghurs issue led to him skipping trip to US appeared first on ThaiResidents.com - Thai Local News - Thai News.

    24 April 24 2025
    WORLD
    https://thairesidents.com/?p=51251
  • Two issues led to Thai-US talks being postponed: Pichai

    DEPUTY Prime Minister/Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said today (Apr. 22) US is concerned about two key issues which will be

    The post Two issues led to Thai-US talks being postponed: Pichai appeared first on ThaiResidents.com - Thai Local News - Thai News.

    DEPUTY Prime Minister/Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said today (Apr. 22) US is concerned about two key issues which will be brought up when the postposed Thai-US tariff negotiations take place, Naewna newspaper said.

    The first is that while US wants more Thai exports to flow in, it is concerned about other countries manipulating the currency.

    The second is exporting false claim of origin products and both sides have to discuss and reach an agreement on the terms and methods to verify that products being exported to US do not circumvent the rule of origin.

    Pichai added that he could not say when he would be travelling to US for these negotiations, having to see when it is appropriate to do so.

    “These negotiations are like business negotiations and I will use my personal experience in handling it,” he said.

    He also mentioned that he wants to study the information carefully and did not want to negotiate without being fully prepared and that it is neither good to be quicker or slower than the others.

    “The most important thing is to see what the front and the middle sections of the train are affected by. By staying in the middle almost at the end we will know what to do.

    “Actually, they want us to go, they want everyone to go, it is just a matter of how to arrange the queue. As for me, I may have to be a bit more careful,” said Mr. Pichai.

    In the remaining 70 days work will be divided into operational levels. Those in the US, led by the Thai ambassador and  assisted by a team from Thailand, will coordinate with the Americans to obtain clear information in addition to sounding out Thai proposals.

    Those in Thailand have to monitor the situation for any changes and impact. This is divided into financial matters which must be discussed with the Bank of Thailand and financial institutions to find out how to resolve any arising problems.

    Talks also have to be held with the National Economic and Social Development Board on finding a solution to rehabilitation and compensating for drop in exports including assisting workers as well as necessary reforms.

    Photo: Amarin TV

    The report was originally published by www.thainewsroom.com

    The post Two issues led to Thai-US talks being postponed: Pichai appeared first on ThaiResidents.com - Thai Local News - Thai News.

    23 April 23 2025
    WORLD
    https://thairesidents.com/?p=51247
  • Thai-US tariff negotiations postponed

    THE expected Thai-US trade negotiations focusing on the 36% tariff US President Donald Trump has imposed on Thailand which was

    The post Thai-US tariff negotiations postponed appeared first on ThaiResidents.com - Thai Local News - Thai News.

    THE expected Thai-US trade negotiations focusing on the 36% tariff US President Donald Trump has imposed on Thailand which was set to take place on Wednesday Apr. 23, 2025 has now been postponed, Naewna newspaper said this evening (Apr. 21).

    Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan said the Thai delegation, headed by Deputy Prime Minister/Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, is now awaiting a response from the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) on when the appointment could take place.

    There is currently no official confirmation of the date and time of the negotiations which Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has previously announced would take place on Apr. 23.

    Pichai, who had on Apr. 17 applied for leave from tomorrow’s cabinet meeting to fly to the US, has now cancelled the trip and will be attending the meeting at Government House.

    It was reported that as part of this trip to the US by the Thai government team, representatives of the Board of Investment had already travelled there in advance to kick off a roadshow and hold talks with various sectors. This is partly to collect information from investors for use in the negotiations.

    Photo: Thai Rath

    This report was originally published by www.thainewsroom.com

    The post Thai-US tariff negotiations postponed appeared first on ThaiResidents.com - Thai Local News - Thai News.

    22 April 22 2025
    WORLD
    https://thairesidents.com/?p=51242
  • Villagers set fire to forest to later collect mushrooms

      FIREFIGHTERS have been battling to put out a blaze spreading through a forest at Phabong dam area of Mae

    The post Villagers set fire to forest to later collect mushrooms appeared first on ThaiResidents.com - Thai Local News - Thai News.

     

    FIREFIGHTERS have been battling to put out a blaze spreading through a forest at Phabong dam area of Mae Hong Son province which local villagers had started in order to later collect mushrooms that would grow there, Naewna newspaper said today (Apr. 20).

    At 9 a.m. yesterday Mr. Chittiphan Phayam, head of the Forest Fire and Haze Situation Command and Monitoring Centre, Namtok Mae Surin National Park, was alerted about this fire and in turned informed Mae Hong Son Forest Fire Control Station that then sent firefighters to put it out with the help of officials from both this national park and Ban Pha Bong Nuea Forest Fire Watchpoint.

    They succeeded in extinguishing the raging forest fire in some areas but could not directly tackle the flames racing down at some steep cliffs. A helicopter from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment was used to help put it out while those on the ground created fire breaks and set up a Smart Patrol Team to continue monitoring the area.

    Local villagers have been secretly burning forests in this area because many kinds of wild mushrooms grow all over the mountain range at the start of the rainy season generating huge income for them.

    As the Meteorological Department forecast a summer storm in the northern region soon, the villagers rush to set the forest ablaze, being afraid that they might not be able to do so conveniently when the rainy season sets in.

    This has created a problem for local officials who have to spend a large budget to put out forest fires including calling for helicopter support.

    Photo: Naewna

    This report was originally published by www.thainewsroom.com

    The post Villagers set fire to forest to later collect mushrooms appeared first on ThaiResidents.com - Thai Local News - Thai News.

    21 April 21 2025
    LOCAL
    https://thairesidents.com/?p=51238