- Thailand News
Japan and China remain top spots for Thai tourists
Japan and China are anticipated to continue being the leading destinations for Thai tourists this year, with at least 2.5 million people expected to visit due to visa exemptions, weaker currencies, and a variety of tourism options. Charoen Wangananont, president of the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), noted that these countries were the most popular at the Thai International Travel…
- Phuket News
Firecrackers and red envelopes: Phuket’s CNY extravaganza
Phuket Old Town burst into life this morning, January 29, as Chinese Thais welcomed the Chinese New Year with vibrant celebrations, cultural traditions, and colourful altars. From Thalang Road to Phang Nga Road and Phuket Road, families and businesses set up beautifully adorned altars brimming with offerings, embracing the festive spirit with renewed enthusiasm. Compared to recent years, this year’s…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya’s tourism takes a hit after Chinese abduction (video)
Thailand’s tourism industry has been rocked by the recent abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing, leaving popular hotspots like Pattaya eerily quiet. The star was allegedly lured to Thailand under false pretences before being trafficked across the border and held captive in Myawaddy, Myanmar. While Thai police scrambled to rescue the actor, the fallout was swift. News of the terrifying…
- Phuket News
Phuket gets ready for provincial elections this Saturday
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat has officially launched the final preparations for the upcoming election of members and the president of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), set to take place on February 1. The event, the Election Big Day, was organised by the Phuket office of the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT Phuket) and the PPAO. During the ceremony, Akarawat…
- Thailand News
Chinese New Year spending in Thailand hits 51 billion baht
Public expenditure during the Chinese New Year is projected to reach 51.78 billion baht, marking the highest level in five years, according to recent government estimates. Sasikan Wattanachan, deputy government spokesperson, noted that this figure signifies a 4.5% rise compared to the previous year. It is also the first occasion since the Covid-19 pandemic that spending for Chinese New Year…
- Thailand News
No promises on 400 baht minumum wage: Labour chief
The long-awaited nationwide implementation of the 400-baht daily minimum wage remains uncertain, according to Labour Permanent Secretary Boonsong Thapchaiyuth. While some major tourism provinces like Phuket and Chon Buri began offering the increased rate from January 1, Boonsong admitted there is no guarantee the wage hike will extend to all provinces anytime soon. Speaking during the first meeting of the…
- Thailand News
Chiang Mai to join UNESCO’s World Heritage list
Chiang Mai, the jewel of northern Thailand and the former capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, is inching closer to becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Officials from the Culture Ministry, the Fine Arts Department, and Chiang Mai Province are finalising a nomination dossier to submit to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre in Paris—a move that could cement the city’s…
- Thailand News
Thailand to launch digital TM6 for tourists, delays 300-baht fee
Starting May 1, all foreign visitors to Thailand will need to complete a mandatory digital version of the TM6 immigration form, replacing the old paper-based system. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports confirmed the move, which aims to streamline immigration procedures and boost safety confidence among tourists. Natthriya Thaweevong, the ministry’s permanent secretary, explained that the online form will help…
- Pattaya News
Worker electrocuted in shocking Pattaya restaurant accident
Chaos erupted on Pattaya Beach Road as a restaurant worker suffered an electric shock while renovating a popular venue near Soi 13/3. Rescue teams rushed to the scene, where a crowd of locals and tourists had gathered around the injured man, identified as 34 year old Chatmongkol. He sustained severe electrical burns on both palms and was bleeding heavily. First…
- Thailand News
3 poachers caught with wildlife carcasses in Kanchanaburi
Three Karen poachers were apprehended in the Thong Pha Phum National Park in Kanchanaburi province following a tip-off from a concerned citizen. The suspects were caught with homemade firearms and numerous wildlife carcasses. Yutthaphong Damsrisuk, the head of Thong Pha Phum National Park, reported that Chalermchai Sri-on, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, along with senior officials, have implemented…
- Pattaya News
Motorcyclist’s dangerous Pattaya stunt sparks outrage
Shocking footage has emerged of a motorcyclist pulling a jaw-dropping stunt on a busy Pattaya road, leaving other drivers stunned. The reckless rider was captured riding hands-free and sideways at high speed, putting lives at risk on Sukhumvit Road. A Facebook video, posted by an onlooker, shows the man casually turning his body sideways while letting go of the handlebars…
- Thailand News
Elephants wreak havoc on Prachin Buri sugarcane farms
Farmers in Prachin Buri’s Kabin Buri district face significant challenges as wild elephants from the Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary in Chachoengsao province have invaded their sugarcane fields. Over 50 sugarcane farmers from the subdistricts of Khao Mai Kaew and Wang Tha Chang gathered at the district office yesterday, January 27 to submit a letter to District Chief Thammarat…
- Phuket News
Phuket’s burning ban: Violators face 20 years amid smog crisis
Phuket has joined the nationwide crackdown on burning as the country battles severe smog and PM2.5 pollution. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul ordered all provinces to implement burning bans, prompting Phuket officials to issue their strict measures last week. Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong announced the ban last Friday, January 24, which prohibits all agricultural burning…
- Pattaya News
Rare algae bloom turns Laem Bali Hai shoreline green
A rare natural phenomenon transformed the rocky shoreline of Laem Bali Hai into a vibrant green landscape, attracting numerous visitors. Reporters noted that the area was covered with green algae, creating a visually stunning scene as it glistened under the sunlight. This remarkable sight drew a considerable number of tourists, as well as locals and students eager to capture the…
- Bangkok News
Critics slam 140m baht quick fix for Bangkok haze crisis
Critics have blasted the government for allocating 140 million baht to fund free public transport in Bangkok for one week, calling it a waste of taxpayers’ money that fails to tackle the root cause of the city’s haze pollution crisis. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra introduced the measure, which began last Saturday, January 25, to combat surging levels of hazardous PM2.5…
- Thailand News
Absent Thai doctors face penalties for endorsing clinics
The Medical Council of Thailand (MCT) has issued a warning that doctors allowing their names to endorse clinics without actively working there will face penalties under new regulations. The issue has gained attention from the public following a case involving Senator Keskamol Pleansamai, whose 126 million baht asset disclosure revealed that approximately 210,000 baht of her annual income was earned…
- Pattaya News
Thai police crack down on Chinese money laundering in Chon Buri
The Thai Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has initiated an extensive operation called “Operation Dragon Slayer” targeting over 40 Chinese businesses in Chon Buri that are suspected of laundering money through cryptocurrency and taking advantage of foreign tourists. Intelligence gathered by CIB officers suggests the involvement of Chinese nationals in call centre scam groups. These individuals allegedly used cryptocurrency to purchase…
- Phuket News
Rogue riders spark outrage as Phuket police face backlash
Kamala Police are feeling the heat after a viral video exposed a group of foreign motorcyclists speeding past a checkpoint without stopping. The 1-minute-and-17-second clip, widely shared on platforms like Phuket Hod Jang’s Facebook page, shows reckless riders blatantly ignoring traffic officers on the Patong-Kamala Road. The video reveals one motorcyclist weaving past officers before accelerating towards Patong. Moments later,…
- Thailand News
New haze directives to combat deadly pollution in Thailand
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will provide additional directives at a Cabinet meeting today to address the ongoing haze issue, according to government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub. The meeting will prioritise PM2.5 pollution, following the prime minister’s return from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, over the weekend. She emphasised that the worsening pollution crisis extends beyond national boundaries. The 38…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok exercise equipment probe clears officials of corruption
An investigation into alleged corruption in the procurement of exercise equipment for seven recreation and sports centres in Bangkok has concluded with no evidence of misconduct. Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced yesterday, January 27, that the inquiry, initiated in June last year, found no grounds for graft allegations involving 29 Bangkok Metropolitan Administration officials in the 77.22 million baht project.…
- Thailand News
Police raid online football gambling site near Isaan school
Police raided an online football gambling site located just 500 metres from a school in Ubon Ratchathani, catering to children and youths with a monthly turnover of 1 million baht. The operation, conducted yesterday, January 24, involved high-ranking officers including Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phiwphann and Police Major General Wiwat Kamchamnarn. Acting on a tip-off, officers from Subdivision 2 of…
- Bangkok News
Harley-Davidson dealer found dead in Volvo in Bangkok
A motorcycle parts dealer specialising in Harley-Davidson was found dead in a Volvo parked at the Phra Khanong transport office. The incident occurred yesterday, January 24, when the 51 year old dealer, known as Tom, was discovered in the driver’s seat without visible injuries. Police suspect he died from a pre-existing medical condition. The discovery was made at the entrance…
- Thailand News
Illegal vitamin C and coffee found in Samut Prakan warehouse
Police yesterday uncovered a warehouse containing over 1 million sachets of Chinese-origin vitamin C and coffee. These products were found with fake Food and Drug Administration (FDA) numbers, intended for online sale. The raid was led by Police Colonel Thasnapoom Jarupraty and his team, with cooperation from Deputy Director Sasavee Narakorn of the Food Bureau, at a storage facility in…
- Thailand News
Thai FDA approves kratom use for health and economic benefits
The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of kratom plant products for economic and health benefits. The regulations now permit mitragynine, an active compound in kratom leaves, to be used up to 3 milligrammes (mg) per day, with appropriate warnings on product labels. Dr Witit Srisa-atchachakul, the Deputy Secretary-General of the FDA, announced that the FDA,…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya police arrest transgender duo for tourist thefts
Pattaya police have detained two transgender individuals in connection with thefts targeting tourists from India and Turkey. Police Colonel Navin Theerawit, Superintendent of Pattaya Police Station, announced the arrests at a press conference at 6pm on Thursday, January 23. The suspects were reportedly involved in two recent theft incidents. The first suspect, 42 year old Kachaphaphak, also known as Sara,…
- Thailand News
Thai film shortlisted for Oscar’s Best International Feature Film
The National Federation of Thai Film Associations announced on Thursday, January 23 that the film How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies has been selected as Thailand’s entry for the 97th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. Produced by GDH, this film achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Thai film to make it to the…
- Phuket News
6 Britons arrested in Phuket with cannabis and laughing gas
In Phuket, six British nationals were detained following a police raid on a house in Mueang district where they were found with 6 kilogrammes of cannabis buds and 39 small tanks of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas. The raid, conducted on Thursday, January 23, discovered the group inside the property. Police confirmed the results of the operation yesterday.…
- Thailand News
Thailand to cut electricity to Myanmar to stop scam operations
The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) has expressed its readiness to collaborate with security agencies to cease electricity supply from Thailand to Myanmar border towns, aiming to disrupt scam operations in the neighbouring country. PEA deputy governor Prasit Junprasit stated yesterday that halting electricity supplies to Myanmar necessitates cooperation between Thai and Myanmar security agencies. He assured that any such action…
- Bangkok News
Transport ministry: Bangkok Port to host entertainment complex
The Transport Ministry has approved a proposal for Bangkok Port to host an integrated entertainment complex. Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit referenced an instruction from his deputy, Manaporn Charoensri, to establish a committee to assess the feasibility of developing such complexes at locations like ports. Several potential sites are under consideration. Suriya highlighted the Khlong Toei area of Bangkok Port as a…
- Thailand News
Singapore and Thailand mark 60 years of diplomatic ties
Singapore and Thailand celebrate the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations this year. To honour this milestone, the Singaporean Embassy has unveiled a logo, which emerged as the winner of a competition held last year in collaboration with the foreign ministries of both nations and the Royal Thai Embassy in Singapore. During the logo launch event at Siam Paragon, Catherine…
