- Thailand News
Family scoops 6 million baht jackpot in Thai lottery
The tranquil village of Ban Yang Noi in Surin province erupted in joyous celebration as news broke of a staggering 6 million baht lottery win that has forever altered the destiny of Ta Noi and Yai Phon and their loved ones. The air was thick with anticipation yesterday, July 16, as families across Thailand tuned in for the much-awaited government…
- Thailand News
Hidden Buddha statues unearthed in Laos temple dig
A stunning historical discovery has shaken the district of Champasak in southern Laos, where 70 centuries-old Buddha images were unearthed beneath Vat Meuang Kang temple during restoration work. The sacred stash was found buried just 45 centimetres underground in a large jar, as workers dug the foundation for the temple’s manuscript repository on Monday, July 14. According to Lao National…
- Phuket News
UAE island fever: Phuket and Madagascar top wishlist
Island fever is sweeping the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with travellers trading city breaks for sun-soaked escapes like Phuket. Expedia’s 2025 Island Hot List reveals a 30% global spike in demand for tropical getaways, and UAE holidaymakers are leading the charge, craving culture-packed, nature-filled trips that go beyond beach loungers and cocktails. According to Expedia’s latest insights, UAE travellers are…
- Bangkok News
AirAsia spreads its wings with new Bangkok–Hai Phong route
AirAsia has officially launched its brand-new direct route between Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport and the northern Vietnamese city of Hai Phong, offering four flights a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. To mark the inaugural journey, vibrant welcome events were held at both Don Mueang and Hai Phong International Airport, with excited passengers greeted by celebratory activities and…
- Bangkok News
Tuk tuk blitz nets 800 drivers in Bangkok mall clampdown
More than 800 tuk tuk drivers have been busted for clogging traffic outside Bangkok’s busiest malls in just the first half of July, as police ramp up efforts to clear key roads of the iconic but unruly three-wheeled rides. Police Colonel Sirichat Chanpromma of Pathumwan Police Station confirmed that from July 1 to 15, a staggering 824 tuk tuks were…
- Thailand News
State Railway of Thailand ticket system shutdown for upgrades
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) announced a temporary shutdown of its ticketing and seat reservation system, known as D-Ticket, which was scheduled for today from 12.30am to 1.30am. This maintenance aimed to enhance service efficiency. The SRT has apologised for any inconvenience caused by this temporary suspension. The system underwent improvements to further develop its capabilities today, July 17,…
- Thailand News
Electricity rates review set as Thailand aims to cap prices
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) will gather public input on the new electricity rate for the upcoming September to December period, the last quarter of this year. This initiative, scheduled for today, aims to ensure electricity prices align with government policies. Yesterday, July 16, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy Prasert Sinsukprasert announced that the ERC will open discussions…
- Bangkok News
Thai House passes amnesty bills but snubs lese majeste cases
Thailand’s lower house approved three Promote Peaceful Society amnesty bills in their first readings yesterday, but rejected two others backed by the People’s Party and civil society networks, sparking criticism for excluding those charged under the kingdom’s harsh royal defamation laws. The passed bills, tabled by MPs from the United Thai Nation (UTN), Klatham, and Bhumjaithai parties, garnered overwhelming support.…
- Health
Thai health officials warn against dangerous kids’ pimple popper toy
The Department of Health (DoH) has initiated a campaign to protect children from dangerous toys, including a new item dubbed the “pimple popper.” The campaign was introduced at the department’s Data Centre with participation from the Royal College of Paediatricians of Thailand, the Child Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention Centre, and the Foundation for Consumers. Director General Amporn Benjapolpitak expressed…
- Chiang Mai News
Chiang Mai tops Asia’s best cities as Bangkok grabs 3rd place
Thailand has cemented its status as a tourism heavyweight after Chiang Mai was officially crowned Asia’s best city for 2025, leaving travel-hungry globetrotters buzzing with excitement. The prestigious ranking, released by Travel + Leisure, placed Chiang Mai at the very top of its coveted list, scoring a remarkable 91.94 out of 100. Bangkok wasn’t far behind, clinching third place with…
- Phuket News
Fight for the future: Phuket steps up Muay Thai game with training blitz
Phuket kicked off a major push to raise the bar in Thailand’s most iconic martial art, as dozens of aspiring coaches began intensive training to earn their official Muay Thai credentials. Today, July 16, the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) held the opening ceremony for the C-License Muay Thai Coach Training Project at the Bukitta Boutique Hotel in Phuket. The…
- Business News
Farm fury erupts as US trade demands threaten Thai agriculture
Thailand is under mounting pressure as trade talks with the United States teeter on the edge of crisis, with farmers warning that Washington’s demands could devastate local agriculture and threaten national food security. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira confirmed today, July 16, that negotiations remain deadlocked as the US pushes Thailand to slash tariffs on pork, chicken,…
- Thailand News
Thailand fights back as Myanmar pollution threatens health crisis
Thailand has launched an urgent crackdown on toxic cross-border pollution after dangerous levels of heavy metals were detected flowing into northern rivers from Myanmar, sparking fears of a looming health and environmental disaster. Yesterday, July 15, the Cabinet officially endorsed recommendations from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to protect communities along the Kok and Sai rivers, where contamination has…
- Bangkok News
20-baht Bangkok train fare sparks clash over big business perks
Thailand’s transport boss has come out swinging against claims that the government’s 20-baht flat fare scheme is just a handout for big business, insisting it’s about easing the financial pain of ordinary commuters, not lining investors’ pockets. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit dismissed accusations from the main opposition People’s Party (PP), which alleged the low-fare policy is…
- Thailand News
Topless Thai transwoman busted for beach stunt in Sri Lanka
A Thai transwoman has been slapped with a suspended prison sentence after strutting topless down a popular Sri Lankan surf strip, sparking outrage among conservative locals. The 26 year old tourist was arrested on Monday, July 14, in Arugam Bay, a laid-back beach resort nearly 400 kilometres from Colombo, after social media videos showed her strolling along the sand bare-chested.…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya races to finish mega drainage project before next deluge
Pattaya City officials are scrambling to beat the clock as they push to complete a massive drainage overhaul aimed at finally taming the floods that turn roads into rivers every rainy season. The ambitious project, centred along the railway parallel road, will link a giant new pipeline directly to the Huai Yai municipal canal. Once operational, the system is expected…
- Thailand News
Thai clinics exposed in massive gold card fraud scandal
A major healthcare scandal is rocking Thailand as the Ministry of Public Health cracks down on 16 clinics accused of defrauding the country’s universal health scheme out of nearly 30 million baht. Yesterday, July 15, Thanakrit Chitareerat, Secretary to the Minister of Public Health, revealed he had personally inspected several clinics in Sakhon Nakhon’s Song Dao district as part of…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok’s ‘Thai Hot Guys’ restaurant to shut doors after 9 years (video)
Bangkok’s most flamboyant seafood joint—famous for its cross-dressing, muscle-bound waiters—will soon sashay off into history. Staneemeehoi, the legendary venue where diners were serenaded by dancing “Thai Hot Guys” in silky pyjamas and crop tops, has announced it will close on July 31 after nearly a decade of saucy performances. The closure comes as the restaurant’s lease at Hua Mum Night…
- Phuket News
Mentally ill man nabbed after bag theft at Phuket hospital
Chaos erupted at Vachira Phuket Hospital yesterday when a man suffering from mental illness allegedly snatched a nurse’s shoulder bag and bolted, sparking a frantic search across the city. The incident unfolded around 3pm yesterday, July 15, inside the outpatient examination room on the hospital’s third floor. Witnesses reported seeing the suspect grab the bag before sprinting out of the…
- Thailand News
Thailand builds giant bridges to save wild elephants from roads
Thailand has launched two colossal new bridges to stop wild elephants from meeting a grisly end under speeding cars. Yesterday, July 15, Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit declared open the towering structures built in Rayong’s Khao Chamao district and Chanthaburi’s Kaeng Hang Maew district—key corridors for elephant herds roaming the east. “These bridges will help wild elephants coexist with humans sustainably,”…
- Thailand News
Lottery fever grips Kham Chanod as lucky numbers vanish
Hopeful punters have swarmed Udon Thani’s mystical Kham Chanod Island, desperately trying to snag elusive lucky numbers before the lottery draw today. Yesterday, July 15, hundreds of visitors descended on the sacred home of Phaya Naga, where believers flock to seek blessings from Pu Sri Sutho and Mae Ya Sri Pratumma. Despite a noticeable drop in foot traffic this year,…
- Chiang Mai News
Chiang Mai University warns of deadly brain-eating disease
The Faculty of Medicine at Chiang Mai University warns of the silent threat posed by the brain-eating amoeba found in natural water sources, urging caution even with seemingly clean water. Yesterday, July 15, the official page of the Chiang Mai University Faculty of Medicine published an article highlighting the dangers of Naegleria fowleri, a single-celled parasite that can cause fatal…
- Thailand News
Thai travel subsidy fiasco triggers backlash
Thailand’s flagship tourism stimulus project has spiralled into disarray, sparking fury among hotel operators and senators alike as delays drag on with no end in sight. The Senate Committee on Tourism and Sports is now demanding answers from Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong over the botched rollout of the much-touted Half-Half Thai Travel scheme. Senate Committee Chairperson Phisut Rattanawong…
- Bangkok News
Asia awaits: Turkish Airlines unleashes flight frenzy on Bangkok
Turkish Airlines is poised to significantly expand its presence in Southeast Asia, with Bangkok firmly in its sights. From October 27, the airline will offer an impressive 21 flights per week to the Thai capital from Istanbul, marking a substantial boost in connectivity. This ambitious move underscores Turkish Airlines’ commitment to the region and solidifies Bangkok’s status as a premier global…
- Thailand News
Anutin dismisses Khao Kradong land dispute investigation
Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul dismissed a renewed investigation into the Khao Kradong land dispute in Buriram, asserting that all actions taken during his tenure as interior minister were lawful. The dispute involves land claimed by both the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and private individuals linked to Bhumjaithai. In 2021, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the SRT,…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok launches waste separation campaign with fee discounts
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has launched a new waste-separation campaign named This House Doesn’t Mix Waste. This initiative encourages city residents to sort their waste correctly in exchange for discounts on trash collection fees. Registration for the campaign starts on August 1, with the official rollout scheduled for October. The programme involves collaboration with the private sector and offers…
- Thailand News
Thai ministers deny US bid for Phang Nga navy base (video)
Top Thai ministers have slammed swirling rumours that the United States tried to swap tariff perks for military access to a strategic naval base on the Andaman coast, calling the claims baseless and speculative. Three senior Cabinet ministers today firmly denied a report suggesting the US had demanded use of Thailand’s Phang Nga naval base during recent tariff negotiations. Deputy…
- Bangkok News
Thailand calls Cambodia to Bangkok for border talks
Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa confirmed today that Thailand will send an official invitation to Cambodia for the long-awaited seventh Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting. The summit is scheduled for September 15 in the Thai capital, with hopes of injecting momentum into stalled negotiations over contested stretches of their shared frontier. Speaking at Government House, Maris admitted the border situation has…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok sinking: City could be underwater by 2030
Bangkok, already notorious for choking traffic and fierce floods, is now staring down an even grimmer fate—sinking beneath the sea within the next decade if climate change and unchecked development continue unabated. Recent studies have singled out Bangkok alongside Jakarta as two of Southeast Asia’s fastest-sinking cities. According to The Guardian, Bangkok is subsiding by over one centimetre a year…
- Thailand News
Thailand shelves tourist tax plan over fears of deterring visitors
Thailand’s controversial 300-baht entry fee for foreign tourists has been kicked down the road yet again, with officials admitting that sluggish demand and global uncertainty make this the wrong moment to squeeze travellers’ wallets. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has announced that the long-discussed Travel Fee—dubbed the Kha Yeap Pan Din, meaning “stepping onto Thai soil”—will not be enforced…
