- Business News
Thai rice exports drop 30% as Vietnam overtakes in global market
Thai rice exports have seen a significant 30% decline in the first quarter, raising concerns as Vietnam overtakes Thailand to become the world’s second-largest rice exporter. Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, reported that during the first quarter this year, Thailand exported 2.1 million tonnes of milled rice, a drop from the same period last year.…
- Phuket News
Phuket probes construction site over erosion concerns
Phuket officials have launched a major investigation into a hillside construction project in Karon after public concerns over potential illegal development and environmental damage. The inspection, conducted yesterday, April 21, was led by Surasak Anusorn, Director of the Phuket Natural Resources and Environment Office, and accompanied by officers from the Phuket Provincial Public Works and Town & Country Planning Office.…
- Bangkok News
Ex-attorney general gets 3 years in Red Bull heir hit-and-run case
A former deputy attorney general has been sentenced to three years in prison, while a former senior public prosecutor received two years, following their involvement in the controversial case surrounding the 2012 fatal hit-and-run involving Red Bull heir Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya. The incident, which saw Vorayuth drive a luxury Porsche sports car into police officer Wichian Klanprasert, leading to his…
- Thailand News
Teen monk killed in drive-by attack on police escort in Songkhla
In a shocking attack, gunmen opened fire on a police vehicle escorting monks during their morning alms round in Songkhla province. The incident, which took place today, April 22, in the Saba Yoi district, resulted in the death of a 16 year old novice monk and left another injured. Police forces are now on a manhunt for the assailants, but…
- Phuket News
Australian caught with loaded gun on Patong’s Bangla Road
An Australian man has been arrested in Patong after being caught with an illegal, loaded firearm in the early hours of yesterday morning. Lachlan James McGahey, 31, was detained by police during a routine patrol on Bangla Road at around 3.40am, yesterday, April 21. Officers discovered that McGahey was carrying a Thai-made .38-calibre handgun, which was loaded with eight rounds…
- Bangkok News
Rolling the dice: Pheu Thai MPs bet on casino and amnesty bills
Pheu Thai lawmakers have been directed to advocate for the casino-entertainment complex and political amnesty bills within their constituencies during the Parliamentary recess. This effort aims to facilitate the smooth passage of these bills. Pheu Thai spokesperson and Member of Parliament Danuporn Punnakanta stated that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra advised party MPs to assess public opinion on several issues, including…
- Thailand News
Thai royals to enhance ties with Bhutan in April state visit
King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana will embark on a state visit to Bhutan from April 25 to 28, as announced by the Royal Household Bureau. The journey follows an invitation from King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan and aims to enhance the friendship and cooperation between Thailand and Bhutan, which are rooted in shared cultural…
- Thailand News
Thailand introduces new cybercrime law to tackle data misuse
A new cybercrime law aims to tackle cybercrime at its roots by preventing the misuse of personal data, as stated by the Personal Data Protection Committee (PDPC). PDPC Secretary General, Police Colonel Surapong Plengkham, announced yesterday, April 21, that the Royal Decree on Measures for the Prevention and Suppression of Cybercrime 2025 has been officially published in the Royal Gazette.…
- Bangkok News
Red Bull heir at centre of corruption case as verdict nears
A major corruption case involving Red Bull heir Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya reaches its climax today, April 22. The court will deliver a verdict on allegations of evidence tampering in the 2012 hit-and-run that killed a police officer. The case, number 131/2024, sees former Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, Police General Somyot Pumpanmuang, and Net Naksuk, the former Deputy Public…
- Thailand News
Nude photos at Hat Yai Buddha statue spark outrage
A shocking nude photo scandal has emerged in Hat Yai, with a group of men posting explicit outdoor shots at sacred sites. The photos, which were shared on the popular social media platform X, have caused outrage among locals. The group, known as OutdoorHDY, staged their daring photoshoots in public spaces across Hat Yai Municipality, Songkhla province. One of the…
- Thailand News
Escalators in Thailand to follow new earthquake safety standards
The Office of Industrial Product Standards is set to classify escalators and moving walkways as controlled products, ensuring they meet safety standards, including earthquake resistance. This new regulation is expected to take effect in October 2025, with non-compliance resulting in legal consequences. Escalators and moving walkways, commonly found in public spaces such as shopping malls, airports, and train stations, are…
- Thailand News
Paramilitary volunteer arrested for fatal Songkran stabbing
A Songkran celebration turned deadly in the southern province of Trang after a violent clash led to the fatal stabbing of a teenager — and now a 22 year old paramilitary volunteer is behind bars. Benjaphong, a paramilitary volunteer, was arrested today, April 19, following a dramatic police operation after being accused of fatally stabbing a teenager during a brawl…
- Phuket News
Officials probe illegal land grabs in Phuket wildlife zone
Phuket’s lush green hills are fast becoming battlegrounds in a land war fuelled by booming tourism, high-end development, and shady deals — and now, investigators are closing in. Officials launched a fresh investigation into suspected illegal land grabs within a protected wildlife reserve in Wichit, Phuket, raising alarm over how the island’s natural beauty is being sacrificed for profit. “Phuket’s…
- Thailand News
Tourist egged in Hua Hin taxi turf war but still loves Thailand
A dream getaway turned into a gooey nightmare for one Mauritian tourist after she was pelted with eggs in Hua Hin — all for using a ride-hailing app. Banita Gopal Periah, a visitor from Mauritius, shared her shocking experience yesterday, April 18, in a popular Hua Hin Facebook group used by expats and travellers to discuss local tips and advice.…
- Pattaya News
Chon Buri councillor accused of assaulting journalist
A Chon Buri provincial council member is alleged to have assaulted 36 year old local journalist at a restaurant, reportedly over a story involving claw machines. The journalist, Nanthaphon, sustained facial and neck injuries and is experiencing dizziness. Nanthaphon revealed he has known the council member, identified as B, for over 10 years, dating back to the tenure of B’s…
- Thailand News
Chiang Rai police seize 110kg ketamine in hotel arrest
In Chiang Rai, police apprehended a 32 year old man at a hotel with 110 kilogrammes of ketamine. He allegedly planned to transport the drugs from Mae Sai to Ayutthaya, confessing to being paid 500,000 baht upon successful delivery. Police Lieutenant General Manop Senakul, commander of Chiang Rai Provincial Police, directed Police Colonel Technic Jansri, superintendent of Mae Sai Police…
- Phuket News
Phuket hospital seeks donations to build operating rooms
A Phuket hospital is making a desperate plea for public donations to build its own operating rooms, after receiving woefully insufficient funding from the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH). Chalong Hospital, which serves more than 160,000 patients a year across the Rawai, Karon and Chalong areas, is in urgent need of six modern operating theatres — but only has a…
- Pattaya News
Thai sailors battle for glory in Sattahip showdown
Thailand’s future Olympians are making serious waves off the coast of Chon Buri, as the Thailand National Sailing Championship 2025 enters its penultimate day with thrilling performances, tight finishes, and international rivalry on the high seas. Yesterday, April 18, the fifth day of the prestigious regatta, 229 athletes battled across multiple classes under near-perfect sailing conditions. With clear skies, moderate…
- Bangkok News
Dust levels at Chatuchak building site exceed safety limits
The Department of Health has reported that tests on the site of the collapsed SAO building show levels of heavy metals and asbestos within the normal range, but PM10 dust levels exceed standards, potentially requiring long-term monitoring. Yesterday, April 18, Dr Amporn Benjapolpitak, Director-General of the Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, revealed that a team from SEhRT was…
- Thailand News
Ceiling panels crush driver in fatal Phatthalung truck crash
A trailer truck driver was killed in a horror crash in Phatthalung province, southern Thailand, after his cargo of ceiling panels crushed him to death. The accident occurred at around 10.30pm yesterday, April 18, along Highway 15 in Ban Pabak, Thung Nari subdistrict, Pa Bon district. The driver, 59 year old Manop, was found dead at the scene, buried under…
- Thailand News
Khon Kaen ICU called ‘slaughterhouse’, complaint filed
Mancha Khiri Hospital in Khon Kaen province has requested police intervention after a man expressed his frustration towards nurses in the intensive care unit, referring to the facility as a “slaughterhouse.” The hospital director, Pornpol Laowithaya, stated yesterday, April 18, that a formal complaint had been lodged with Mancha Khiri police against 45 year old Anucha Chuenjai, accusing him of…
- Thailand News
Thunderstorms and strong winds to hit 50 Thai provinces
The Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather forecast, warning of continuous thunderstorms and strong winds in 50 provinces, including Bangkok, today, April 19. Residents are advised to exercise caution, particularly in the afternoon and evening. In the next 24 hours, upper Thailand will experience generally hot weather, with extreme heat in some areas accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds.…
- Thailand News
Deadly ‘Labubu’ drug kills 2 after Songkran party
What looked like innocent fun during Songkran has turned deadly, as Thai police warn of a dangerous new designer drug that has already claimed two lives and left another person fighting for their life. The Ramathibodi Poison Centre has issued an urgent public warning about a street drug known as Labubu or Khanom (Thai for snack), believed to have been…
- Phuket News
Phuket rakes in billions but begs for budget help
It may be Thailand’s crown jewel of tourism, raking in nearly 500 billion baht in revenue last year, but Phuket is struggling with crumbling infrastructure, water shortages, and traffic chaos — and local leaders say it’s time the government pays attention. Last year, Phuket welcomed 13–14 million tourists, generating 497.5 billion baht in revenue. Yet, despite the economic windfall, Governor…
- Thailand News
Thai massage steals spotlight at Osaka Expo 2025
Thailand is making waves and easing aches on the global stage, as the ancient art of Thai massage steals the spotlight at the World Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai. With expert therapists, soothing techniques, and herbal traditions on full display, visitors are lining up in droves to experience a touch of Thailand’s healing magic. The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative…
- Phuket News
Punches and passports: Bangla Road fight goes viral (video)
It was less of a beach holiday and more of a boxing match in Patong, as a shocking video of foreign tourists brawling on Phuket’s infamous Bangla Road has gone viral, drawing heavy criticism and fuelling online debate about visa policies and foreign gangs in Thailand. The drama unfolded in the heart of Patong’s nightlife zone, where two men were seen…
- Thailand News
Songkran crowds pour 1 billion baht into Thai economy
It wasn’t just water flying this Songkran—cash was too. Thailand’s Maha Songkran World Water Festival has soaked the nation in celebration and injected a whopping 1.58 billion baht into the tourism industry, making it one of the most lucrative holiday events in recent memory. According to Government Deputy Spokesperson Anukul Phruksanusak, the five-day spectacle, held from April 11 to 15,…
- Thailand News
Thailand prepares final strategy for Deep South peace
Is peace finally within reach for Thailand’s conflict-hit Deep South? A high-stakes mission next week may mark the turning point in ending decades of unrest in the southern border provinces. Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has announced plans to visit Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat on April 26 and 27, in what could be the final round of consultations before a formal…
- Thailand News
Thai man to sue police after wrongful arrest for attempted murder
A young man from Nakhon Si Thammarat is vowing to sue the police after spending five harrowing nights behind bars for a crime he didn’t commit. Phuris Saitong was released from the Nakhon Si Thammarat Correctional Institution for Young Offenders on Wednesday, April 16, after police admitted they had arrested the wrong man for an attempted murder. The moment he…
- Chiang Mai News
Chiang Mai hotels thrive during Songkran with strategic pricing
Hotels in Chiang Mai experienced a strong performance during the Songkran holiday, despite offering lower room rates compared to the previous year. The pricing strategy was aimed at attracting last-minute domestic travellers, whose confidence was affected by last month’s earthquake. Paisarn Sukjarean, President of the Thai Hotels Association’s upper northern chapter, indicated that many Thais remained unsettled by the earthquake…
