- 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…
- Phuket News
Man shoots thief in Phuket shrimp pond, police investigate
A shocking incident unfolded in Phuket late yesterday when a man opened fire on a suspected thief who had broken into his shrimp pond. The suspect, later identified as 28 year old Thana Phanthip, was shot in the ankle after allegedly attempting to steal from the property. Police Lieutenant Colonel Niwat Timket of Thalang Police Station received a call at 11.30pm,…
- 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…
- 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.…
- Bangkok News
Chinese man caught in Bangkok for 50 million baht fraud
Thai Tourist Police apprehended a Chinese man accused of fraud amounting to over 50 million baht. Under orders from Police General Kittirat Phanphet, law enforcement intensified efforts against crime, particularly targeting those involved in firearms offences and those with outstanding warrants, ahead of the Songkran festival. Police Lieutenant General Saksira Phuak-am, the Commissioner of the Tourist Police, along with Deputy…
- 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…
- 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.…
- 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
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
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,…
- Pattaya News
Gas tanker grounds at Koh Larn, company admits negligence
An LPG tanker has run aground on Koh Larn, sending locals and tourists into a panic. The company behind the vessel has now issued a statement admitting to negligence while assuring the public that no dangerous leaks occurred. The NP Bangpakong, an LPG tanker operated by SC Group Holding Co. Ltd., ran aground at Laem Wan, near Ta Waen Beach…
- 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…
- Politics News
Rangsiman accuses Paetongtarn of covering up Thaksin’s ‘illness’
At the censure debate today, People’s Party MP Rangsiman Rome launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, accusing her of failing to act on the allegations that her father, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, faked a severe illness to avoid imprisonment. Rangsiman claims that senior government officials conspired to ensure Thaksin remained out of jail after his return to…
- 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…
- Pattaya News
Canadian man held captive in fake Pattaya bar by 3 Thai women
A retired Canadian man issued a warning to others after being a victim of vicious assault and theft by three cunning Thai women in Pattaya. The Canadian victim, Douglas, was led to a makeshift bar in Pattaya by the three Thai women where he was held captive and physically assaulted. On Monday, March 10, Douglas returned to Thailand after several…
- 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…
- Phuket News
5 Ugandan women arrested in Phuket prostitution bust, deported
Phuket’s tourism industry has been rocked by a scandal involving five foreign women from Uganda, arrested for offering sex services in the heart of the island’s entertainment district. The women, caught engaging in illegal activities in Patong, were swiftly arrested and deported after a thorough investigation by Phuket Immigration officers. On March 23, officers from Phuket Immigration, led by Police…
- 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…
