- Tourism News
Thailand tourism surges with 1.3 million visitors in early 2025
Thailand experienced a significant influx of international tourists in the first 12 days of 2025, with over 1.3 million visitors, marking a 19.89% increase compared to the same timeframe in the previous year. Government reports attribute this surge to tourism revenue amounting to 66.089 billion baht (US$1.9 billion). Key visitor origins included China, Malaysia, Russia, South Korea, and India, with…
- Crime News
Thai police seize 100 kilogrammes of meth worth 200 million baht
Police in Prachuap Khiri Khan discovered a significant drug haul on January 17, seizing more than 100 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine. The street value of the drugs is estimated to surpass 200 million baht (US$5.8 million). The illicit substances were concealed in foam boxes and white fertiliser sacks, left outside the train station for two days, awaiting transit to Hat…
- Crime News
Swiss man detained after wife’s escape from speeding pickup
In Chumphon on January 17, a tense situation unfolded when police were alerted to a speeding black pickup truck. Inside, a woman was reportedly trying to jump out while calling for help. Witnesses claimed the driver, identified as a Swiss national, had allegedly forced his Thai wife into the vehicle against her will, raising concerns for her welfare. Their child…
- Thailand News
Forum debates contraceptive vaccines for wild elephant control
The Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) convened a forum on January 17 to discuss the use of contraceptive vaccines as a means to manage the population of wild elephants and address their movement beyond designated conservation areas. The forum attracted around 300 participants, including community representatives, academics, elephant conservation groups, and members of Parliament. Opinions were…
- Crime News
Missing Chinese model found safe in Thailand, returns home
A 25 year old Chinese model who was missing for nearly a month has been found and safely returned to China, according to Thai police. Yang Zeqi’s return was confirmed by the Chinese embassy, as stated by Police General Chatchai Pitaneelaboot, inspector-general of the Royal Thai Police Office, who was in Mae Sot district, Tak, on January 17. Yang’s father…
- Crime News
Monk charged with rape at Buriram meditation retreat
Rape charges have been filed against a 59 year old monk, Wichai, following allegations of sexual assault on a woman attending a meditation retreat at his monastery in Buriram. The charges were lodged yesterday, January 18, at the Nong Song Hong police station by Chalida Palamat, chair of the Be One Foundation, who accompanied the 38 year old foreign woman,…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Thailand braces for cold snap with frost on mountain tops
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a weather warning, predicting cold to very cold conditions, with frost on some mountaintops. Bangkok might experience a low temperature of 18 degrees Celsius, while five provinces are expected to have thunderstorms. Today, January 19, the TMD forecasted that the northern, northeastern, and central regions will continue to experience chilly to cold weather…
- Thailand News
Lottery fever grows as Teachers’ Day draw nears in Udon Thani
As the lottery draw approaches Teachers’ Day tomorrow, January 17, a popular destination for those seeking fortune is the mystical island of Kham Chanod in Udon Thani province. Known for its spiritual significance, the site is bustling with visitors who come to pay their respects to the revered spirits of Grandfather Srisuttho and Grandmother Phatumma. At the Kham Chanod shrine,…
- Thailand News
Thai durian exporters face losses due to new Chinese regulations
Durian farmers and exporters in Chumphon province are facing significant financial losses due to new Chinese import regulations requiring certification for the absence of Basic Yellow 2: an organic compound classified by the World Health Organisation as a Group 2B carcinogen. Thailand currently lacks the necessary testing equipment, leading to delays and financial strain for the industry. The new Chinese…
- Crime News
Ex-police officer caught selling modified BB guns as firearms
A former police officer was apprehended for modifying and assembling BB gun parts into firearms capable of shooting live ammunition and selling them upon request. Yesterday, January 15, police from Sai Noi district, Nonthaburi province, arrested 55 year old former Border Patrol Police officer, Manut Wongsuwan. The arrest took place in a department store car park in Sai Noi, where…
- Crime News
Mother arrested for gold theft amid lender threats in Thailand
A 27 year old mother was arrested for stealing a gold bracelet after facing dire financial straits. She resorted to stealing following threats from a lender who intimidated her by threatening her four month old child. The incident occurred on January 12 in a gold shop in Hua Ro, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya district, Ayutthaya province. Suwichada Ongying, who works…
- Thailand News
Chiang Rai schools warn over child abduction vehicle alert
A warning has been issued regarding a suspected child abduction vehicle, leading to the closure of schools and increased vigilance among locals in Chiang Rai. The alert follows reports of a suspicious man attempting to abduct children yesterday, January 15. Bunsong Tinaree, the district chief of Mueang Chiang Rai, announced an urgent radio message, labelled as ChR.0118/01, to the local…
- Crime News
Couple scammed in 80,000 baht eucalyptus plantation deal
A couple from Lad Yao district in Nakhon Sawan province has fallen victim to a scam involving the sale of a eucalyptus plantation. Supakorn Tamatalong and his wife, Somporn Kamtalong, discovered their 20-rai eucalyptus plantation had been completely cleared. They agreed to sell the land for 80,000 baht (US$2,314), at a rate of 4,000 baht (US$115) per rai, to a…
- Crime News
Relatives surrender in 20 million baht Australian job scam
Parents, grandparents, and relatives surrendered to police in connection with a scam promising Australian jobs to 250 victims, resulting in losses of 20 million baht. The main suspect remains at large, prompting another summons scheduled for later this month. The investigation in Buriram province revealed that 28 year old Thamonwan, also known as Oi, allegedly posed as an Australian Embassy…
- Crime News
Chiang Mai woman claims bank loan fraud, 300,000 baht debt
A 57 year old hill tribe woman, unable to read, claims she was tricked into signing a bank loan document, resulting in a debt of nearly 300,000 baht. The newly appointed district chief of Samoeng, Siripong Nampha, is investigating the matter to ensure justice for all parties involved. Yesterday, January 15, Siripong Nampha, along with several local officials, visited the…
- Crime News
Chiang Rai drug bust: 456 kilogrammes crystal meth seized
Military and police forces intercepted a drug smuggling operation in Chiang Rai, seizing approximately 456 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine. The operation followed a local tip-off about a Mitsubishi pickup truck involved in a collision and subsequent escape. Yesterday, January 15, soldiers from the Phaden Base, Task Force Chao Taak, and the Pha Mueang Force, in collaboration with Mae Fa Luang…
- Crime News
Man found dead in Chanthaburi abandoned house after disappearance
A Thai mother’s worst fears were realised when her 42 year old missing son was found dead in an abandoned house in Chanthaburi province. Police and emergency services discovered the body following a GPS trace that led them to the location. Financial stress and personal issues were cited as potential reasons for the suspected suicide. Police Colonel Jirannon Thongsroi of the…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Thailand weather takes a chill pill as storms brew in the south
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) forecasts a cold air mass to cover the region, causing temperatures to drop by 2°C. Heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected in the south, particularly affecting the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. Yesterday, January 15, a new high-pressure system from China reached northern Vietnam and Laos and is expected to spread…
- Crime News
Actor Ple Nakorn reports 6 million baht scam to cyber police
Thai actor Nakorn Silachai reported to the cyber police that his relative lost 6 million baht to a call centre scam. It is suspected that the group may be the same as the one that conned another Thai actor, Charlotte Austin. Yesterday, January 14, at 12.55pm, Nakorn, also known as Ple Nakorn, accompanied by Ekpob Luangprasert, founder of the Saimai…
- Road deaths
Teacher’s car hits motorbike, kills Myanmar man
A 26 year old teacher, returning from a celebratory party, drove her white Ford Focus through a red light and collided with a motorbike, resulting in the death of a 36 year old Myanmar national. The accident, captured on CCTV, occurred at 9.45pm yesterday, January 14, at the Suwinthawong Market intersection in Bang Nam Priao district, Chachoengsao province. At the…
- Road deaths
Honda Jazz suspect evades police in high-speed Chon Buri chase
A white Honda Jazz evaded a police checkpoint in the Mueang district of Chon Buri yesterday, January 14, at 10pm, leading to a high-speed chase that spanned multiple districts. The vehicle registered as กต 1875 Khon Kaen was pursued by officers from Don Hua Lo and Phan Thong Police Stations. The chase continued along Sukprayoon Road, eventually reaching a U-turn…
- Crime News
Chachoengsao arrests suspects in motorcycle theft smuggling plot
Police in Chachoengsao apprehended two people suspected of motorcycle theft, with intentions to smuggle the vehicles across the border. The suspects, 24 year old Nantawat and 16 year old A, were stopped during a routine vehicle check on Highway 3259. Both had motorcycles without registration plates, raising the suspicion of the officers. Upon inspection, the motorcycles were found to be…
- Road deaths
Motorcyclist dies in collision with pig truck in Chachoengsao
A tragic accident occurred yesterday when a 47 year old man died after his motorcycle collided with the rear of a pig transport truck on Hua Sai Road, Bang Khla district, Chachoengsao province. The incident took place at 6.30pm, yesterday, January 14, and was reported to Police Lieutenant Alongkorn Phapha at the Bang Khla Police Station. Upon receiving the report,…
- Thailand News
Thousands of ancient amulets unearthed at Suphan Buri temple
A significant discovery has been made at a renowned temple in Suphan Buri, where over 10,000 amulets were found beneath a submerged sacred boundary stone during renovation work. The abbot plans to make these available for worship rentals from yesterday, January 14, at Wat Sangachai Thera in Suan Tang subdistrict, Mueang district, Suphan Buri province. Reporters learnt that the amulets…
- Crime News
Pathum Thani youths arrested after gun video surfaces online
Royal Thai Police (RTP) apprehended a group of youths involved in shooting a firearm along a road in Pathum Thani and posting the incident on social media. The suspects confessed to buying the gun through a messaging app. The incident came to light after a video was posted on the Sai Mai Must Survive Facebook page, showing young individuals discharging…
- Thailand News
Visitors flock to hermitage for luck ahead of lottery draw
As the lottery draw date nears, a surge of visitors has been observed at the Ruesi Nen That Phutthakhun Hermitage in Bang Sai district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. People are flocking to this popular site to seek blessings from sacred entities, a common practice believed to bring luck before the lottery results are announced. Within the hermitage, visitors pay their…
- Crime News
Khon Kaen school director arrested for drug dealing
Police in Khon Kaen arrested a school director for drug dealing after a sting operation caught him in the act of delivering drugs to an undercover officer. Yesterday, January 14, Police Colonel Theerathat Phongsuwan, of Nong Song Hong Police Station, reported the arrest of 40 year old Naphatdol, a school director in Nong Song Hong district, Khon Kaen province. He…
- Thailand News
Sax and spin cycle: Musician’s melody finger cut short by washer woe
A saxophonist in Nakhon Ratchasima suffered a severe injury when his finger was caught and partially severed by a washing machine. Doctors confirmed the need to amputate the upper part of his finger and advised caution when using washing machines. A Facebook user shared this incident as a warning, explaining that after hearing a loud noise from the washing machine,…
- Thailand News
Young woman dies after jumping from moving vehicle in Ranong
A tragic incident occurred when a young woman jumped from a moving vehicle after an argument with her boyfriend, a police lance corporal. She suffered a fatal neck fracture. Before her death, she secretly shared her location to a friend who overheard the incident. The incident took place today, January 15 at 1.30am, on the road near Khlong Hat Som…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Cold weather and heavy rain hit Thailand as monsoon intensifies
The Thai Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) reported today that a strong high-pressure system continues to cover upper Thailand and the South China Sea, resulting in cold weather across the regions. Northern and northeastern areas are experiencing cold to very cold conditions, with temperatures dropping to 9°C, while Bangkok and surrounding provinces have temperatures ranging from 18°C to 20°C. Residents…