- Thailand News
Wildfires force indefinite closure of North Thailand park
Doi Phu Nang National Park in Phayao province has been closed indefinitely following a troubling rise in wildfires, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) announced yesterday, March 25. The park, known for its lush mountain ranges and diverse wildlife, will remain off-limits to both tourists and locals as authorities work to address the ongoing fire risks.…
- Phuket News
Phuket’s ‘Pineapple Eyes’ boosts community security efforts
Phuket is stepping up its security game with a new initiative aimed at strengthening community surveillance against modern threats. The Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 3 branch held a special training session on March 25 to empower residents, airport security staff, and civilian officers to detect and respond to potential risks. The initiative, Community Pineapple Eyes, aims to create…
- Pattaya News
American throws drunken fit in the middle of a Pattaya road
Late-night drama unfolded in Pattaya yesterday when an American tourist, heavily intoxicated and causing a scene, sprawled himself across a busy road, blocking traffic and annoying passersby. The bizarre incident, which left locals and rescue workers baffled, has sparked a wave of online chatter. At 11.36pm, yesterday, March 25, the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Unit received a call from concerned…
- Thailand News
Royal decree boosts allowances for senior Thai police officers
A fresh royal decree has been enacted, bringing significant changes to the allowance structure for police officers in Thailand. Effective from yesterday, March 25, the decree, which was published on the Royal Gazette website, outlines new pay guidelines for senior police positions, all under the authority of King Maha Vajiralongkorn. “The new decree aims to overhaul the position allowances for…
- Thailand News
Thai tourism fears Chinese decline over casino legalisation
Tourism operators have expressed concerns that the Chinese tourism market may experience a significant decline if Thailand proceeds to legalise casinos and online gambling. This issue was highlighted during a censure debate against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The opposition People’s Party argued that the legalisation of casinos was not part of the Pheu Thai Party’s campaign promises. They suggested that…
- Thailand News
Thailand Industry Ministry probes illegal import of radioactive waste
The Ministry of Industry has launched an investigation into the illegal importation of over 10,000 tonnes of radioactive waste falsely labelled as zinc concentrate. The potentially dangerous material, tainted with radioactive caesium-137, was smuggled into Thailand using fraudulent documentation, sparking alarm over the safety of the country’s waste management practices. Yesterday, March 25, Industry Minister Akanat Promphan revealed the investigation,…
- Thailand News
Transport minister denies secret 100bn baht high-speed rail deals
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit refuted claims from the opposition that the government is covertly negotiating two major deals exceeding 100 billion baht with the concessionaire for the high-speed rail project connecting Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and U-Tapao airports. “The debater attempted to distort facts using his imagination to mislead the public.” Suriya’s response yesterday, March 25, addressed accusations from Surachet Pravinvongvuth,…
- Bangkok News
British tourist beaten to death by bar workers in Bangkok identified
The British tourist who died in Bangkok following a violent altercation with two karaoke bar workers last Sunday, March 23, has been identified. The British man, 28 year old Nick Weir from Salisbury, Wiltshire, South West England, was found lying on a footpath near Soi Pracharat Sai 1, in the Bang Sue district of Bangkok. His body, wearing black shorts…
- Bangkok News
Thailand’s F1 dreams: Chatuchak set for 2028 Grand Prix
Thailand could soon join the ranks of countries hosting Formula One (F1) races, with plans accelerating for a Grand Prix in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district by 2028. A deal has already been set in motion. The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with F1, following a high-profile visit by F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, who recently…
- Thailand News
‘Angel’ body found during Chachoengsao cemetery cleaning
Crowds yesterday flocked to the fourth day of the two-month-long mass merit-making event, the “Cleaning of the Cemetery”—a sacred ritual honouring unclaimed bodies at Wat Laem Tai in Mueang district, Chachoengsao province, Sarawut Theeraphatpaisan, head of the foundation’s spiritual department, and Panya Lamprasert, head of the Chachoengsao rescue unit, were involved in the recovery of unclaimed bodies from the temple’s…
- Politics News
Prawit blasts Paetongtarn over economy, security, and casino plan
Palang Pracharath Party leader General Prawit Wongsuwan launched a blistering attack on Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, accusing her of mismanaging Thailand’s economy and security, while criticising her integrity and controversial policies, including casino legalisation. During the first day of the two-day confidence debate, Prawit, who has largely avoided attending House meetings in recent years, delivered a scathing speech, accusing the…
- Pattaya News
Tunisian tourist goes on rampage in Pattaya, stabs locals
A chaotic scene unfolded in South Pattaya this morning as a Tunisian tourist went on a violent rampage, holding a Thai woman hostage and stabbing several locals with a broken bottle. The bizarre incident, which involved more than 10 police officers, shocked onlookers in the popular walking street of Chon Buri’s Bang Lamung district. The 21 year old foreigner, identified…
- Thailand News
Nepal and Thailand to sign key agreements at BIMSTEC summit
A significant diplomatic development is on the horizon as Nepal and Thailand prepare to sign a series of crucial agreements during Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s visit to Thailand for the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) summit. The visit, scheduled from April 2 to 4, will not only focus on the summit but…
- Krabi News
Dutch tourist runs naked in Krabi hotel, takes a tumble
A shocking incident unfolded at a hotel in Krabi yesterday when a Dutch tourist, in a state of apparent hallucination, ran naked through the hotel before falling down some stairs and injuring himself. The man, identified as 51 year old Ronald Hillmar, was acting erratically, and hotel staff had to call the police and rescue workers to manage the situation.…
- Krabi News
Budget airline launches direct flights to Krabi from India
Thailand’s picturesque Krabi province just became more accessible to Indian travellers, as budget airline IndiGo launched its inaugural direct flight from Mumbai to the popular beach destination. The flight landed at Krabi International Airport last night, March 24, marking the start of a new chapter in travel between India and Thailand’s stunning Andaman coast. Flight 6E1085, an Airbus A320, touched…
- Thailand News
Jackpot! Kamphaeng Phet woman celebrates 15th lottery win
A 55 year old resident of Kamphaeng Phet province has gained a reputation for her repeated lottery successes. As of yesterday, March 24, she has won the lottery 15 times consecutively, including the draw on March 16. Sukanaya’s winning numbers are reportedly obtained through rituals at a spirit house in front of her home in Kosamphi subdistrict, Kosamphi Nakhon district.…
- Thailand News
Ancient temple unearthed in Phayao during railway construction
A stunning archaeological discovery in Mueang district, Phayao province, has uncovered an ancient temple dating back around 1,000 years, complete with a beautifully preserved seven-tiered pagoda. The find, made during construction for a new railway project, sparked both excitement and concern, as residents and local officials rushed to protect the site from potential treasure hunters. Yesterday, March 24, residents and…
- Phuket News
Argentine man found dead, hanging from Phuket hotel balcony
A foreign man was found dead, hanging naked from a balcony in a chilling discovery that has rocked a hotel in Phuket. The 77 year old Argentine man was found naked, with no trousers, and appeared to have taken his own life. The eerie circumstances of the case have left investigators puzzled, especially after CCTV footage revealed no one else was…
- Chiang Mai News
Chiang Mai declared disaster zone due to ongoing wildfires
Wildfires in Chiang Dao and Omkoi districts of Chiang Mai have been raging for two weeks, prompting the declaration of disaster zones as local efforts intensify to manage the situation. Chiang Mai governor Nirat Phongsittithaworn yesterday, March 24, announced that five subdistricts within these districts are now designated as disaster areas. This decision enables the implementation of emergency relief and…
- Thailand News
Final roar: Beloved white tiger ‘Sun’ bows out after cancer battle
A 16 year old white tiger passed away peacefully in its sleep on Sunday night, March 23. The beloved tiger, Sun, who had captured the hearts of many, succumbed to a long battle with gastrointestinal and lung cancer. Sun’s death has left a void at Bueng Chawak Wildlife Sanctuary, where it was cared for by a dedicated team. A team…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya police visit South Pattaya market following thefts
To combat escalating thefts, market vendors in South Pattaya have ramped up security measures by installing multiple locks on their stalls and setting up CCTV cameras. This proactive response follows a spate of thefts reported to The Pattaya News on March 18, which has left local vendors on edge. To address the growing concerns, Pattaya police officers visited the market on…
- Phuket News
Phuket Bar Association denies covering up lawyer’s abuse scandal (video)
The Phuket Provincial Bar Association hit back at accusations that it failed to take action against a local lawyer accused of abusing his former girlfriend, borrowing 1.2 million baht from her, and threatening her when she demanded repayment. The case, which garnered national attention after the victim appeared on the TV programme Hon Krasae to expose the lawyer’s actions, sparked public…
- Krabi News
Drug bust: Two monks caught in Krabi meth operation (video)
Two monks were arrested in Krabi province at the weekend, after being accused of selling methamphetamine pills and crystal meth. Police uncovered a shocking stash of drugs during the raid on Sunday, March 23, but three other monks managed to escape just before officials were ready to carry out a drug test. A special anti-drug operation led by Krabi Governor…
- Pattaya News
Tourists arrested for gambling via app on Jomtien Beach
A group of tourists were caught red-handed gambling on Jomtien Beach yesterday, sparking a police crackdown on illegal activities in the area. At 10.30am, yesterday, March 24, Pattaya police apprehended four tourists using a mobile app to gamble, sending shockwaves through the normally tranquil beachside. Now, officers are considering penalties for the beach chair operator involved in the incident. During…
- Pattaya News
10 men beat German tourist with helmets in Pattaya attack (video)
A German tourist was savagely attacked by a gang of ten men, who used helmets to viciously beat him in front of horrified onlookers. The horrific scene unfolded on Pattaya Beach Road, Chon Buri, leaving the city’s reputation in tatters, with Pattaya’s Deputy Superintendent stepping in to make swift arrests after the violent assault. At approximately 4.06am today, March 25,…
- Thailand News
Thailand heatwave: Extreme temperatures and storms expected
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has forecasted extreme heat, with the northern region experiencing temperatures exceeding 40°C. Additionally, there is a risk of thunderstorms in nine southern provinces, with high waves expected at sea. Yesterday, March 24, the TMD predicted weather conditions for the next 24 hours. Northern Thailand will see rising temperatures, with widespread heat and haze, and some…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok to complete 1,000km of upgraded footpaths by 2026
Bangkok is stepping up its game, with major changes underway to improve the city’s footpaths and make them safer, more accessible, and better suited to local character. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is on track to deliver 1,000 kilometres of high-quality footpaths by 2026, and they’re already over 70% of the way there. Yesterday, Aekvarunyoo Amrapala, spokesperson for the BMA,…
- Pattaya News
Homeless man arrested for spray-painting Pattaya court sign
A homeless man has been arrested for spray-painting the Pattaya Provincial Court sign in a bizarre act of vandalism that has left local police scratching their heads. Yesterday, Pattaya police detained a 40 year old man, identified only as Weerasak, from Phichit province. He was accused of defacing the Pattaya Provincial Court sign, located on Thapphraya Road in South Pattaya.…
- Thailand News
Toxic haze: Chiang Mai at No. 5 globally for poor air quality
Chiang Mai has been ranked as the world’s fifth-worst city for air quality, with PM2.5 levels exceeding safe limits across the province. Hod district experienced the highest levels, with PM2.5 reaching 144 microgrammes per cubic metre today, March 22. The weakening of a cold air mass has caused reduced air ventilation, contributing to the accumulation of dust particles. At 9am,…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya police bust drug den in deserted beer bar
Two homeless men broke down in tears after being caught red-handed with crystal meth in a derelict beer bar in a drug raid near one of the Pattaya’s busiest roads. The joint operation, conducted yesterday, March 21, was prompted by complaints from locals who reported homeless squatters allegedly using drugs inside the abandoned venue on Pattaya Second Road, just before…
