Month: May 2026
- Things To Do
5 things to do in Bangkok this weekend (May 15 to 17)
Bangkok’s weekend line-up feels nicely varied this time around. There is a heritage book sale in one of the city’s most beautiful old buildings, a live Muay Thai show, a custom car event, a talk programme in Siam, and a river-based indie music night to start the weekend. It is a good mix for anyone who wants plans that feel…
Read More » - Thailand News
Swedish renter’s unpaid Patong locker exposes five guns, 100 bullets
Staff at a monthly rental storage company in Patong, Phuket, discovered five firearms and 100 rounds of ammunition on May 12 inside a locker rented by a Swedish man who had failed to pay rent for more than 120 days. The discovery was reported after Patong Police Station received a report from representatives of Mespace Self Storage Patong, located inside…
Read More » - Pattaya News
Chinese weapon suspect Mingchen remains on ventilator at Pattaya hospital
Doctors treating Chinese weapon suspect Mingchen Sun in Pattaya suspected that his deteriorating condition was caused by a medication overdose after discovering a blue liquid substance in his stomach. Police arrested the 31 year old Chinese man Mingchen after officers discovered a cache of military-grade weapons at his luxury residence in Chon Buri. The discovery was made after police found a…
Read More » - Business News
Anutin clarifies ‘miscommunication’, insisting foreign businesses still require permits
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul apologised after confusion surrounding a Cabinet policy that led many people to believe that foreign investors would be allowed to operate businesses in Thailand without permits. The controversy emerged after Deputy Government Spokesperson Patdarasm Thongsaluaykorn announced yesterday, May 13, that the Cabinet had approved changes affecting eight categories of businesses operated by foreign investors. Patdarasm assured…
Read More » - Phuket News
Phuket bar owners protest ‘benefit-seeking’ state officials
Operators and staff from Bangla Road entertainment venues in Patong Beach, Kathu district, Phuket, gathered for a protest yesterday, May 13, to oppose alleged extortion and “benefit-seeking” by state officials, while calling for faster action on business licensing issues. The gathering took place near the Bangla police box at the entrance of Bangla Road in Patong subdistrict, Kathu district, Phuket.…
Read More » - Thailand Travel
Why Americans keep coming back to Bangkok’s chaos when they have plenty of their own
There is a particular kind of American who arrives in Bangkok expecting to be overwhelmed and leaves wondering why they ever thought home made more sense. The city is loud, dense, hot, and entirely indifferent to the orderly expectations most Westerners carry through the door. And yet, consistently, reliably, Americans fall for it. Not despite the chaos, but because of…
Read More » - South Thailand News
Officials say foreigners own only 6% of Koh Pha Ngan following locals’ concerns
The director of Thailand’s Land Department stated that foreign nationals own only six percent of land on Koh Pha Ngan, following growing concerns among residents about increasing foreign influence on the island. Concerns intensified in recent years as the number of long-stay foreign residents, particularly Israeli nationals, has increased on Koh Pha Ngan. Some locals fear the island could gradually…
Read More » - Technology News
The best drones of 2026 so far and how much you can get them for in Thailand
DJI’s release wave over the past twelve months has reset the consumer drone market almost entirely. The Mavic 4 Pro, Mini 5 Pro, Avata 360, and Neo 2 have all landed, reviewers have had time to test them properly, and a clear consensus has formed. Cross-referencing a dozen major 2026 buyer’s guides, Tom’s Guide, TechRadar, Engadget, PCMag, DroneDJ, DroneXL, Digital…
Read More » - Thailand News
Online hair dye leaves Ratchaburi man with severe allergic reaction
A man in Ratchaburi has warned others to carefully check hair dye products after he suffered a severe allergic reaction from a hair dye he bought online that left his scalp irritated, his face swollen, and fluid leaking from the dyed area. The case was shared on Facebook by a user named Khun Weng Khao Tom Pla Zing Ratchaburi, who…
Read More » - Central Thailand News
Thai taxi drivers accused of paying monthly bribes to escape traffic penalties
Taxi drivers and the Taxi Network Trade Association alleged that some drivers paid bribes to police in exchange for being allowed to park in a prohibited zone while waiting for passengers. The accusations were first raised by the Facebook page Thai Taxi Association, which claimed taxi drivers operating at Ginza Curve in the Rangsit area paid monthly bribes to local…
Read More » - Thailand News
American FBI suspect detained in Chiang Mai over US warrant
An American suspect was detained in Chiang Mai yesterday, May 12, after Thai police received information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that he was wanted in the United States for assault and stalking. The American, identified as 58 year old Joseph Frances Chinnock, also known as Joseph Kelly, was wanted on a US arrest warrant. The FBI reportedly…
Read More » - Central Thailand News
Thai neighbours seeks help for Burmese girl abused by mother
Thai residents in Chachoengsao sought help for a 13 year old Burmese girl after alleging she had been repeatedly abused by her mother at their home. The case came to public attention after neighbours contacted social media influencer Chalida “Ton Or” Palamart to assist the girl, identified as Namwhan. Officials from the Chachoengsao Provincial Shelter for Children and Family accompanied…
Read More » - Business News
Thailand eases foreign business red tape in eight sectors to cut regulatory overlap
Thailand’s Cabinet has approved in principle two pieces of draft subordinate legislation under the Foreign Business Act 1999, exempting eight service business categories from the requirement to obtain a foreign business licence, the government announced on May 12. Deputy Government Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, Patdarasm Thongsaluaykorn, announced the Cabinet meeting. The two instruments, a draft royal decree and…
Read More » - Thailand News
Royal Thai garments take centre stage at Paris exhibition
A Royal Thai dress exhibition has opened in Paris under the patronage of Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, presenting royal garments, Thai textiles and contemporary designs at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. The exhibition, La Mode en Majesté: Royal Thai Dress From Tradition to Modernity, opened today, May 13, and will run until November 1, 2026, in Paris, France. It is…
Read More » - Bangkok News
Man drugged and robbed of 85,000 baht camera by buyer
A Thai man issued a public warning after allegedly being drugged with spiked orange juice after meeting up with a buyer for his camera at a university in Bangkok, resulting in the theft of photography equipment worth 85,000 baht. The victim shared details of the incident in a Facebook group for photography enthusiasts and said he had already filed a…
Read More » - Crime News
Koh Pha Ngan nominee raids target 32 suspected companies
More than 300 police officers raided 32 companies on Koh Pha Ngan this morning, May 13, as part of a crackdown on suspected foreign nominee businesses allegedly using Thai nationals to hold land on behalf of foreigners. Deputy national police chief Samran Nualma led the operation at 9am alongside officers from multiple police units, including the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau,…
Read More » - Thailand News
Singha heir releases voice recording as evidence of sexual abuse by brother
A renowned environmentalist and heir of the Singha beer brand released a voice recording as evidence today, May 13, in response to a denial issued by his older brother over allegations of sexual abuse during their childhood. The former national park ranger and conservation activist, Siranudh “Psi” Scott, first addressed the issue publicly in a video shared on his social…
Read More » - Property
Why some luxury condos in Phuket rent out faster than others
In Phuket’s increasingly competitive luxury property market, not every high-end condominium performs the same. Beautiful pools and panoramic sea views may attract attention at first glance, but they rarely determine long-term rental success or lasting property value. Today’s renters and buyers, especially expats, international investors, remote professionals, and long-stay residents, are looking for something far more important: trust, professional management,…
Read More » - Thailand News
Foreign man filmed provoking Thai man before street fight
A video of a confrontation between a foreign man and a Thai man has gone viral after footage appeared to show the foreigner slapping the Thai man before a street fight broke out. The clip, posted by a user named “Mai Tong Pood,” showed a brief altercation and included a caption claiming the foreign man had tried to provoke the…
Read More » - Northern Thailand News
Chiang Rai man shoots neighbour over noise from livestream videos
A Thai man shot his neighbour at a house in Chiang Rai province on the evening of Monday, May 11, after a previous argument over noise from livestream videos. The incident took place at a house in Thoeng district. The victim, 24 year old Siwakorn, was taken to the hospital with a gunshot wound to his right arm and significant…
Read More » - Central Thailand News
Saraburi man arrested in 20 million baht hotel booking scam case
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) arrested a man in Saraburi on May 11 over a fake hotel booking scam that allegedly used copied hotel webpages to trick victims into transferring accommodation payments. DSI officers and Nong Khae police arrested the suspect, Chinawat, outside a house in Nong Khae district, Saraburi province, at around 3.10pm. The arrest was made under…
Read More » - Thailand News
PM Anutin monitors crackdown on foreign-operated businesses using Thai nominees
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Samui in Surat Thani today, May 13, following investigations into more than 10,000 businesses operated by foreigners through Thai nominees. The Department of Business Development (DBD) and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) recently launched a nationwide crackdown targeting illegal foreign-operated businesses using Thai nationals as nominees, particularly in major tourist…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thailand alcohol ban takes effect in eight public areas
Eight updated alcohol control notices took effect in Thailand yesterday, May 12, banning the consumption or sale of alcohol in designated public transport, state, and government-related areas. The Royal Gazette published the eight notices under alcohol control regulations. The measures update rules first introduced in 2008 to make them more suitable for current conditions. The updated rules ban alcohol sales…
Read More » - Events
THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2026 expands to 12 halls as 3,300+ exhibitors and 88,000+ visitors set for Bangkok
THAIFEX – Anuga Asia will return from May 26 to 30, 2026, at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani in Bangkok, expanding to 12 halls and more than 140,000 square metres, in what organisers described as the event’s largest edition to date. Organisers said the expanded show comes as sourcing decisions across the food and beverage sector become more time-sensitive, with growth…
Read More » - Thailand News
Bolt strengthens safety measures after Bangkok schoolgirl case
Bolt Thailand announced stricter safety measures on May 11, including AI monitoring and expanded facial recognition checks, after a rider impersonation case involving a schoolgirl in Bangkok late last month. The company said that it continues to operate as usual in Thailand while working with relevant agencies on its platform certification process. The new measures are intended to strengthen checks…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thai woman flees detention and abuse by police boyfriend
A Nakhon Ratchasima police officer admitted to using drugs and abusing his girlfriend by attacking her, forcing her to take crystal meth, and distributing her explicit images online. The suspect, identified only as 30 year old Police Sergeant Man, reported himself to the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Police Office after allegations were filed by his girlfriend, 28 year old Nueng. The woman…
Read More » - Thailand News
South Korean temporarily restricts Thai workers from 4 provinces in Isaan
South Korea temporarily restricted workers from four northeastern Thai provinces after some labourers reportedly absconded from their employers during seasonal employment programmes. Thailand’s Anti-Fake News Centre confirmed the measure yesterday, May 11, following widespread discussion on social media about an alleged ban on Thai workers entering South Korea. In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, the centre clarified…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thailand tightens Hantavirus screening for South America arrivals
Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) has tightened screening for travellers arriving from 13 South American countries as part of Hantavirus surveillance, although no cases have been found in Thailand. Today, May 12, DDC director-general Montien Khanasawat inspected the international disease control checkpoint at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The visit followed screening measures introduced for travellers arriving from South America yesterday, May…
Read More » - Property
Bangkok condo buyer’s guide: What the viewing doesn’t show
Buying a condo in Bangkok as a foreigner is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll make in Thailand, and one of the least protected ones. There is no mandatory buyer protection framework, no standardised escrow, and no licensing system for agents. What exists is a clear legal pathway to freehold ownership, a market actively courting foreign capital, and,…
Read More » - Thailand News
Elderly Thai woman confesses to fake robbery after gambling losses
An elderly woman in Nong Bua Lamphu admitted staging a robbery at her home after selling gold jewellery gifted by her daughter to fund gambling activities. The case came to public attention after the woman’s daughter, who lives overseas, contacted Channel 8 to complain about delays in the police investigation into the robbery at her mother Pranee’s home. According to…
Read More » - Thailand News
Honey collector fatally stung by bees in Maha Sarakham forest
A man died after being stung by a swarm of bees while hunting for wild honey with a relative in a forest near a school in Ku Thong subdistrict, Chiang Yuen district, Maha Sarakham, yesterday, May 11. The man, identified as 62 year old Noo Ken, had gone into the area with his 59 year old relative, Narong, who climbed…
Read More » - Central Thailand News
Bear mauls Thai man while collecting food ingredients in Ratchaburi forest
A Thai man suffered serious injuries and required 40 stitches after a bear attack while searching for food in a forest near his home in Ratchaburi province on Sunday, May 10. The victim, 48 year old Surachai, was admitted to Pong Namron Hospital following the incident, which took place at around 2pm. According to Surachai, he entered the forest to…
Read More » - Northern Thailand News
Chaiyaphum man faces home seizure despite clearing bank debt
A 55 year old Chaiyaphum homeowner is seeking answers after receiving a house seizure notice, despite saying he cleared his bank debt in full last year and has documents to prove it. Today, May 12, Kriengsak, from Phon Thong subdistrict, Mueang Chaiyaphum district, submitted evidence to the media after receiving a property seizure notice from the Chaiyaphum Legal Execution Office…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thai woman caught in Oman with over 4.4 koligrammes of cannabis
Omani Customs officials arrested a Thai woman for smuggling cannabis weighing more than 4.4 kilogrammes through Muscat International Airport. The Oman Customs Department shared footage of the arrest on its official X account on May 5. In the accompanying statement, officials stated… “Customs officers at Muscat International Airport thwarted an attempt to smuggle 4,384 grammes of marijuana, which was found in…
Read More » - Central Thailand News
EV charging station fire damages truck at Samut Prakan factory
An EV charging station fire in Samut Prakan damaged a small electric truck at a factory in Bang Sao Thong district yesterday, May 11, with no injuries reported. At 2.10am, officers at Bang Sao Thong Police Station received a report of a fire at an electric vehicle charging station inside a company in Bang Sao Thong subdistrict, Bang Sao Thong…
Read More » - Property News
Issara Real Estate recognised at the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2026 for real estate agency website, Thailand
Issara Real Estate, a boutique luxury real estate agency based in Cherngtalay, Phuket, has been named an Award Winner at the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2026 in the category of Real Estate Agency Website, Thailand. The award, presented at a ceremony in Bangkok, recognises excellence in the real estate industry across the Asia Pacific region and is among the most…
Read More » - Crime News
Krabi official registers marriage for drug suspect before arrest
A district chief in Krabi allowed a suspected drug dealer to register his marriage before the man was sent to prison following his drug arrest yesterday, May 11. Officials in Mueang Krabi district said the suspect, known as “Dome Koh Klang,” was arrested during an operation targeting small-scale drug dealers in Khlong Prasong subdistrict. Officers allegedly found 399 methamphetamine pills in his…
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