- Thailand News
Thailand to honour Pope Francis with 3 days of mourning
In a heartfelt gesture of respect and mourning, the Thai government ordered all government agencies and state enterprises to fly their flags at half-mast for three days in tribute to Pope Francis. The mourning period began today, April 23, and runs through to Friday, April 25, following the death of the beloved pontiff at the age of 88. Prime Minister…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya beauty clinic busted for illegal medical practices
Police raided a beauty clinic in Soi Kor Phai, off Thepprasit Road in Pattaya following complaints about unlicensed operations and unqualified staff performing medical procedures. The clinic, which promised beauty enhancement services, was caught red-handed today, April 23, operating without the proper legal permits and medical certifications. Police Major General Teerachai Chamnarnmor, Commander of the Region 2 Investigation Division, led…
- Thailand News
Military truck and motorcycle collision kills 3 in central Thailand
A military truck collided with a motorcycle sidecar yesterday, resulting in the deaths of three people, including a child, and seriously injuring one person. The incident took place yesterday, April 22, at 2.30pm on the 3481 road in Bang Nam Priao district, Chachoengsao province. Police from Bang Khonak Station, along with medical personnel, emergency services, and rescue units, arrived at the…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok influencer summoned over online gambling promotion
A Saimai district influencer is facing serious legal trouble after cyber police revealed they would issue a summons over allegations of promoting online gambling. The influencer, known for his social media presence, is now under investigation after presenting what police says is incriminating evidence. The controversy unfolded yesterday, April 22, when Police Lieutenant General Trirong Phiwpharn, the commander of the…
- Thailand News
Fire breaks out at Chiang Mai’s Dara Dhevi Hotel
A fire broke out at the renowned Dara Dhevi Hotel in Chiang Mai early this morning sending emergency services rushing to the scene to contain the blaze. The fire, which started around 2am today, April 23, affected a section of the luxury hotel, causing chaos among guests and staff. As firefighters worked tirelessly to control the flames, the cause of…
- Thailand News
Thailand urges stores to keep pork prices stable amid shortage
The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) urges retail and wholesale stores to maintain stable pork prices despite recent supply-driven increases. Wittayakorn Maneenetr, DIT Director General, stated that consultations with the Department of Livestock Development and the Swine Raisers Association of Thailand have highlighted a reduced availability of pigs. Approximately 60,000 pigs are supplied daily, sufficient for domestic needs. The recent…
- Thailand News
Men caught with more than 600k meth pills in northeast Thailand
Two men were arrested with a staggering 632,360 methamphetamine (meth) pills after a border patrol police chase in Mueang district. The pair, who attempted a brazen getaway, were eventually caught and taken into custody with their stash of illicit drugs. According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Boonlert Wisetchart, deputy commander of Border Patrol Police Subdivision 24, the two suspects were identified…
- Bangkok News
Paetongtarn denies Cabinet reshuffle amid coalition speculation
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra dismissed speculation regarding a potential Cabinet reshuffle, asserting that the government remains cohesive and unchanged. Addressing concerns about coalition tensions and calls to alter economic portfolios, she confirmed no intentions to reorganise. “Everything remains the same, and I’m aware of opinion polls and open to all views. Also, everything is impermanent, even the position of the…
- Thailand News
Thai Cabinet approves e-renewals for driving licences without tests
In a move set to save drivers time and money, the Cabinet has approved a new draft ministerial directive that will allow eligible drivers to renew their driving licences electronically, without the hassle of physical tests. The new system, which is expected to roll out in the coming months, will make the process quicker and more efficient, marking a significant…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok SAO building collapse death toll rises to 51
Search operations are ongoing as rescuers continue their efforts to locate 43 missing workers following the catastrophic collapse of the 30-story State Audit Office (SAO) building in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district. The incident, which occurred on Friday, March 28, has now claimed 51 lives, with government officials working tirelessly to recover those still trapped beneath the rubble. Today, April 22, two…
- Thailand News
Thailand defends 900 million baht expo pavilion amid backlash
The Ministry of Public Health has defended its decision to spend 900 million baht on the Thailand Pavilion at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka. The pavilion, which runs from April 13 to October 13, has garnered both praise and criticism, with some claiming it falls short of expectations for such a prestigious global event. Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, permanent secretary…
- Thailand News
Earthquake damages Chiang Mai temples, restoration underway
Three of Chiang Mai’s most iconic temples, Wat Chedi Liam, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Umong, have suffered damage following the powerful earthquake that struck neighbouring Myanmar on March 28. While none of the structures face immediate risk of collapse, government officials are moving quickly to stabilise and restore these sacred landmarks, which are central to the city’s rich cultural…
- Thailand News
AOT reports record 2.6 million passengers during Songkran festival
Airports of Thailand (AOT) has announced impressive air traffic statistics for the Songkran period, highlighting a 4.3% increase in passenger traffic across the six airports it operates, compared to last year. Dr Kerati Kijmanawat, President of AOT, revealed that from April 11 to 17, a total of 2.6 million passengers passed through Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket,…
- Pattaya News
Koh Larn to get new police station amid tourist boom
With more than 10,000 tourists descending on Koh Larn every day, officials have finally responded to mounting concerns about safety and stretched police resources by announcing plans for a brand-new police substation at Tawaen Beach. In a recent meeting held at Pattaya City’s branch office on the island, Deputy Mayor of Pattaya Manoch Nongyai, Permanent Secretary Kiatthisak Sriwongchai, and other…
- Phuket News
French tourist busted in Patong for reckless riding
A thrill-seeking Frenchman landed himself in trouble after his reckless antics on Patong’s streets caught the attention of Thailand’s national immigration chief. Identified as 23 year old Ali, the tourist was arrested after CCTV footage revealed him tearing through red lights, revving up noise complaints, and riding without a helmet. The chaotic joyride didn’t go unnoticed. National Immigration Bureau Chief…
- Thailand News
Microsoft launches AI programme to upskill 1 million Thais
Microsoft Thailand has launched a groundbreaking initiative, the THAI Academy: Accelerating Thailand’s AI Future, aimed at offering over 1 million Thais the chance to gain AI upskilling opportunities. Announced yesterday, April 21, the programme is part of an ongoing collaboration between Microsoft and the Thai government, supported by 35 partners from both the public and private sectors. This major step…
- Thailand News
Thai woman throws 300k baht ring into sea after cheating prank
A woman’s online post has sparked debate after she threw her 300,000 baht wedding ring into the sea, following a prank by her husband. The couple, on a yacht trip on April 21, faced a turning point in their marriage when the husband’s joke about infidelity went awry. The 29 year old woman shared her story online, describing it as…
- 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…
- Phuket News
Making waves: Illegal jet ski operators sunk in Phuket crackdown
Five jet ski operators have been arrested in a significant operation to clamp down on illegal rentals in Phuket. Officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the Marine Police Division arrested the suspects, who were caught operating unregistered jet skis at Kamala Beach and a pier in Koh Kaew. The arrests highlighted ongoing concerns over unregulated tourist services in…
- 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’s sarus cranes arrive in Vietnam for conservation
In a monumental step for wildlife conservation, six sarus cranes have arrived in Vietnam as part of an ambitious project to save the endangered species. The cranes, flown in from Thailand, were welcomed at Tram Chim National Park in Dong Thap province, Vietnam, on Sunday, April 20, marking the beginning of a significant reintroduction programme aimed at restoring the species…
- 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…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya ramps up security with 750 cops and drones for Songkran
Pattaya is turning into a high-tech fortress this Songkran, as police brace for massive crowds and potential mayhem at Thailand’s wildest water fight. Yesterday, April 18, Police Lieutenant General Yingyot Thepjamnong, Commander of Provincial Police Region 2, led a full-scale inspection at Pattaya City Police Station to assess security and traffic readiness ahead of the Pattaya Water Festival today, April…
- 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…
