- Thailand News
ChatGPT update sparks fake Bangkok Bank slip warning
A tech-savvy warning has sent shockwaves through the online financial world: ChatGPT can now fake bank transfer slips with near-flawless accuracy—watermarks and all. In a recent post, technology blogger Kafaak raised the alarm about the powerful capabilities of ChatGPT’s latest update, which reportedly allows users to generate eerily realistic bank transfer receipts. The development has sparked serious fraud concerns, especially for small…
- Phuket News
Fiery inferno: Phuket car audio shop blaze torches vehicles
A car audio shop went up in flames in Phuket this morning, sending thick smoke billowing into the air and reducing several vehicles to charred wrecks in a fiery inferno that brought Thepkrasattri Road to a standstill. The blaze broke out at Sound Technics Sapam, located opposite the Krungsri Bank branch in Ratsada, just after 8.20am today, March 27. Firefighters battled…
- Thailand News
Similan scandal: Park boss booted over dodgy e-ticket scheme
A top official at one of Thailand’s most iconic national parks has been reportedly booted from his post amid a brewing scandal over alleged ticket fraud. Rittikorn Nunloy, head of Mu Ko Similan National Park in Phang Nga province, has been transferred to an inactive position following reports of serious irregularities in the park’s e-ticketing system. The Department of National…
- Bangkok News
Rape-accused Bangkok MP denies vote-for-favour claims
Scandal-hit MP Chaiyamparwaan Manpianjit is fighting back against explosive claims that he supported the government in exchange for help with his ongoing rape case. The Thai Progress Party lawmaker, who represents Bangkok’s Bang Khuntien district, insists there was no political deal behind his surprise vote for Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during Wednesday’s no-confidence debate. “This issue [the rape case] has…
- Pattaya News
‘You park, we arrest’: Pattaya cracks down for order
Pattaya is on a mission to clean up its act—literally and figuratively. With public spaces overrun by private businesses and traffic jams choking its streets, the city is launching bold new initiatives to restore order and improve quality of life for both residents and tourists. Leading the charge is Pattaya City Mayor Poramet Ngampichet, who has rolled out two key…
- Bangkok News
Thailand approves mega entertainment complex bill with casino cap
Thailand is going all-in on entertainment—but not just for gamblers. In a landmark move, the Cabinet has approved the draft Integrated Entertainment Business Act and sent it to the House of Representatives for further consideration. While the inclusion of casinos may raise eyebrows, the government insists they’ll be strictly regulated and capped at just 10% of any entertainment complex. “The…
- Thailand News
Behind bars and under fire: Thailand’s prisons slammed for slow reform
Thailand’s prison system is under fresh international scrutiny, with human rights organisations condemning the country’s slow progress in reforming its outdated and overcrowded facilities. According to last year’s annual report by the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the Union for Civil Liberty (UCL), Thailand’s efforts to adopt alternative measures to incarceration have been insufficient, and critical changes remain…
- Phuket News
Police slam brakes on teen biker gang in Chalong crackdown
A gang of 11 teenagers were arrested early yesterday morning for causing a disturbance and loitering in Chalong, with six motorcycles seized during the operation. The arrests were made yesterday, March 26, under the supervision of Police Colonel Rungrit Rattanaphakdi, Superintendent of Chalong Police Station, after officers were alerted to a gathering of youths causing a nuisance near Soi Chao…
- Thailand News
Thai food fight: Restaurant industry left starving as spending drops 40%
Thailand’s restaurant industry is in turmoil, with purchasing power dropping by over 40% in the first quarter of 2025, according to Thanivarn Kulmongkol, President of the Thai Restaurant Association. The sluggish economic recovery and stagnant incomes have left consumers tightening their belts, opting for savings rather than spending, especially ahead of major festivals like Songkran. This downturn is affecting all…
- Thailand News
Lottery tips and stories fuel excitement for April 1 draw
Lottery enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the draw on April 1. Various sources have shared their predictions for this upcoming event. Here are some notable lottery tips and stories circulating. Renowned lottery predictor Mae Nam Nueng revealed her picks for April 1. She highlights the number 4 and suggests combinations such as 4176. For a three-digit finish, she proposes 417 and…
- Pattaya News
Illegal condo rentals exposed in Pattaya crackdown
The Thai government has launched a major crackdown on illegal daily condominium rentals, with a focus on three prime locations in Pattaya. Foreign investors, particularly Chinese nationals, have been accused of turning multiple condominium units into de facto hotels, violating the Hotel Act. These illegal operations have sparked outrage among locals and led to direct intervention by the Ministry of…
- Phuket News
Phuket rolls out EV buses to boost tourism and reduce pollution
Phuket is set to introduce two new 18-seat open-top electric buses to enhance its tourism appeal. These environmentally friendly vehicles aim to tackle pollution and PM2.5 dust issues while serving as promotional tools for tourism, according to Saroj Angkanapilas, Mayor of Phuket municipality. The buses are adorned with illustrations of the area’s distinctive Sino-European architecture, highlighting the Old Town’s cultural…
- Thailand News
Khon Kaen school janitor accused of assaulting girls
The Sai Mai Must Survive Facebook page urged officials to maintain oversight on a case involving a school janitor accused of sexually assaulting schoolgirls, including a kindergartener, in Khon Kaen. Parents of the victims reached out to the page, expressing concern that the case, which emerged approximately one month ago, might encounter delays or risk being shelved due to diminishing…
- Bangkok News
PM Paetongtarn rules out Cabinet reshuffle after no-confidence win
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stated that a Cabinet reshuffle is not imminent after surviving a no-confidence motion. Yesterday, March 26, she received substantial backing from Parliamentarians, with the vote totaling 319 to 162, with seven abstentions. After the vote, the Thai premier confirmed no immediate plans to alter the Cabinet. When questioned about whether her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin…
- Pattaya News
East Pattaya mayor resolves year-long streetlight issue
A long-standing streetlight issue in Nong Pla Lai subdistrict, East Pattaya, which has left a key road in darkness for over a year, is finally being addressed. Phinyo Homklun, the Mayor of Nong Plalai, visited the area around the street cutting through Phon Thep 6 and Phon Thep 8 villages to investigate and resolve the problem after numerous complaints from…
- Thailand News
Thailand offers rewards for reporting e-cigarette sellers and users
To crack down on e-cigarette use, the Thai government has launched a new initiative allowing the public to report sellers and users of e-cigarettes through the Thang Rath mobile app. The scheme offers lucrative rewards for tipsters, with informants standing to pocket 60% of the fines imposed on suspects. Those providing information that leads to an arrest could earn a…
- Thailand News
Thailand bans all corporal punishment, a win for children’s rights
In a groundbreaking move for children’s rights, Thailand has officially outlawed all forms of corporal punishment, including both physical and psychological discipline. The amendment to Section 1567 of the Civil and Commercial Code, announced in the Royal Gazette on Monday, March 24, marks a historic moment for the nation, making Thailand the 68th country worldwide to ban violent discipline in…
- Politics News
Thai Sang Thai MPs back Paetongtarn, leader blasts ‘cobra MPs’
Five MPs from the opposition Thai Sang Thai Party caused a stir by defying their party and voting in favour of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The rebellion left the party’s founder and leader, Sudarat Keyuraphan, furious and vowing consequences for those involved. After the no-confidence vote results were announced, Sudarat was quick to express her outrage on Facebook. She revealed…
- Phuket News
Patong police crackdown on drink driving nets multiple arrests
A late-night operation in Patong saw local traffic police set up a checkpoint at Laem Phet Monastery, where they tested drivers for alcohol consumption. The checkpoint, which ran from 12.30am to 2.30am today, March 26, revealed a disturbing number of intoxicated drivers on the road, said Police Colonel Chalermchai Hirasawat, Superintendent of Patong Police Station. “The results of the checkpoint…
- Pattaya News
Mysterious pipe near Pattaya beach sparks pollution concerns
A mysterious pipe emerging from the sea near Wong Amat Beach in Naklua has raised alarm among locals, prompting an investigation by Pattaya’s City Hall complaints division. The issue, which has been brewing for some time, has stirred a mix of reactions from residents, some praising the swift response, while others remain frustrated at the delay in addressing the matter.…
- Thailand News
Counterfeit Thai coconut drinks deceive Chinese consumers
The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) in Thailand has reported concerns about the imitation of the Thai coconut drink brand “IF” by a Chinese brand “TF”, widely available on Chinese e-commerce platforms. The imitation products, reportedly identical in packaging and name to the IF brand, are confusing Chinese consumers. Despite their similarities in appearance, the TF brand differs from…
- Thailand News
Thai Education Council challenges global ranking, cites flaws
Thailand’s education system has found itself at the centre of controversy after being ranked 107th out of 203 countries in a global education survey. The ranking, published by the World Population Review, has raised eyebrows among Thai officials, who argue that the methodology behind the ranking is flawed and misleading. “These rankings are based on subjective opinions, not measurable, concrete…
- Pattaya News
Jomtien Beach altercation: Tourist slaps vendor, chaos ensue (video)
A beach mat vendor at Jomtien Beach found himself at the centre of a chaotic altercation with a foreign tourist late yesterday, March 25, after the tourist allegedly slapped him. The incident, which took place near the Pattaya Police Station, Dongtan branch, was captured on video and quickly went viral, raising concerns over the safety of locals and tourists. The…
- 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.…
- 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
Thailand SSO extends care for stroke and heart disease
The Social Security Board has approved an extension for urgent treatment access for two critical conditions, stroke and heart disease, ensuring care until treatment completion. This initiative begins on April 1 and will run through the end of 2025. Marasri Jairangsi, Secretary-General of the Social Security Office, revealed the decision yesterday, March 25, at the Social Security Office in Nonthaburi…
- 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
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…
