- Bangkok News
Civil group pushes for casino referendum with 50,000 signatures
A civil network has initiated a campaign to collect signatures for a referendum on the potential legalisation of casinos in the country. Thanakorn Komkris, Secretary General of the Stop Gambling Foundation, stated that the network aims to collect a minimum of 50,000 signatures to prompt a referendum for public input on the matter. Previously, the foundation launched an online petition…
- Bangkok News
Thai cops shut down illegal steroid lab in Bangkok
Thai police have smashed a massive underground steroid operation, seizing 1.9 million unregistered Dexamethasone tablets in a dramatic raid in Bangkok on January 24. The joint crackdown by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Central Investigation Bureau (CIB)exposed a dangerous black market scheme, where the powerful steroid was being illegally produced and mixed into health products, from herbal remedies and drinks to cosmetics. Dexamethasone, a controlled substance…
- Thailand News
Government handout sparks vote-buying concerns before elections
The second phase of the government’s 10,000-baht handout programme, scheduled just days before provincial elections, is likely to be perceived as vote-buying by some, according to People’s Party MP Pakornwut Udompipatskul. Residents in 47 provinces are set to vote on Saturday for Provincial Administrative Organisation presidents and members. On Monday, the government distributed 10,000-baht handouts to the bank accounts of…
- Pattaya News
Adorable alert: Khao Kheow Zoo welcomes baby zebra
Khao Kheow Open Zoo has a new star attraction—a cute and cuddly zebra foal that’s already stealing hearts. On Sunday, January 26, Zoo Director Narongwit Chotchoy proudly announced the birth of a female zebra foal, born on November 6 last year. The little striped beauty, whose name is yet to be revealed, was born to a six year old mother and an eight year old father and is reported…
- Thailand News
Thailand denies mistreatment of jailed Chinese gambling tycoon
Thailand has refuted allegations of mistreatment against She Zhijiang, a jailed gambling tycoon facing extradition to China over charges of running illegal online gambling operations in Southeast Asia, said Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong. She, a Chinese Cambodian businessman, has claimed he experienced inhumane treatment in a Thai prison, including violence that has rendered him unable to stand. This claim was…
- Phuket News
Reckless pickup vs 18-wheeler in Phuket near-disaster
A reckless pickup driver narrowly avoided disaster after trying to cut in front of an 18-wheeler hauling a crane, causing a low-speed but dangerous collision near Cherng Talay Police Station. Cherng Talay Police released CCTV footage of the shocking incident, which took place on Monday, January 27. The video shows the workman’s pickup truck attempting a risky manoeuvre, only to be swept up by the…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s aviation recovery nears pre-Covid levels: CAAT
Thailand’s aviation sector is anticipated to experience a robust recovery this year, reaching pre-pandemic levels, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). Suttipong Kongpool, the CAAT director, forecasts a rise in passenger numbers to at least 25 million, aligning with figures from 2019. Initially, full recovery expectations were set for last year; however, the slow return of Chinese…
- Phuket News
Phuket: Construction worker slits man’s throat in motorbike dispute
A construction site in Phuket turned into a bloodbath this morning, January 29, when a heated argument over a motorbike accident ended in cold-blooded murder. Police were called to a construction site in Soi Phu Yai Din, Village 4, Srisoonthorn, just before 8.30am, where they found 28 year old Ka Aye lying lifeless on a steel cutting machine, his throat brutally slit. The deep wound on the right…
- Thailand News
Thai Airways’ A320 business class: Luxury or letdown?
Thai Airways is stepping up its game, rolling out regional business class on its single-aisle Airbus A320 jets, promising premium perks and a smoother flying experience. But is it the luxury upgrade travellers crave—or just a glorified economy seat with extra legroom? Dubbed Royal Silk Class, Thai’s A320 business cabin features 12 wide reclining seats with a 38” pitch and 5” recline—a significant improvement over…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok residents frustrated by Chinese New Year fireworks chaos (video)
Residents in Bangkok are voicing their dissatisfaction over Chinese people setting off fireworks to celebrate the Chinese New Year, with little regard for police intervention. The fireworks have sparked fires in nearby grasslands, causing chaos for fire services, and have left pets in distress. Social media users have reported complaints from multiple areas across the city, including Huai Khwang, Rama…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s Destination Visa loophole that could cost you
The much-hyped Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is proving to be more of a bureaucratic headache than a dream ticket. While Bangkok Immigration (Division 1) has published criteria for extending the visa by six months, these guidelines aren’t binding on provincial offices, leaving holders navigating a minefield of uncertainty. The biggest revelation? It’s far easier to leave the country every 180 days than to fight through…
- Bangkok News
Man arrested in Bangkok for motorcycle theft and knife threat
A 47 year old man was apprehended by Sutthisan police after allegedly threatening a victim with a knife and stealing their motorcycle yesterday, January 28. The suspect, identified as Nui Somchai, was caught during a routine patrol after officers noticed suspicious behaviour near Sutthisan Police Station in Bangkok. Police Colonel Siam Boonsom directed Police Colonel Porntep Chalermkiat and other officers from…
- Bangkok News
Illegal foreign workers busted in Bangkok salon raid
A beauty salon in Bangkok catering to Chinese tourists was raided, leading to the arrest of six hairdressers from China and Myanmar. The Chinese owner fled the scene. Police General Kittirat Phanpet, the national police chief, yesterday ordered measures to address the issue of foreigners breaking the law and to prepare for the High Season. Police Lieutenant General Saksira Phueka-am,…
- 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…
- Thailand News
Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi leads Southeast Asia aviation industry
Southeast Asia’s aviation industry is taking off this year, with major airports and emerging destinations recording impressive growth in seat capacity. Fuelled by surging travel demand, expanded airline networks, and strategic connectivity upgrades, the region is cementing its position as a global aviation powerhouse. Leading the charge is Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, adding a staggering 407,000 seats in January—a 16% increase…
- 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
China exposes 36 scam gangs targeting victims with 100k callers
Chinese police have revealed the shocking scale of international call scam operations, with 36 major gangs employing over 100,000 callers to swindle victims out of their money. The revelation came during a high-profile meeting between Chinese Assistant Minister of Public Security Liu Zhongyi and Thailand’s Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) in Nonthaburi yesterday. Leading a Chinese delegation, Liu sought Thailand’s…
- 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
Malaysian tourists die in motorcycle crash on Thai road
A motorcycle skidded off a curve on a rain-soaked road in Prachuap Khiri Khan province yesterday, resulting in the deaths of two Malaysian tourists. The incident took place between kilometre markers 415 and 416 on the southbound Phetkasem Road in Bang Saphan Noi district. Police Lieutenant Pawarit Siriwat, the deputy inspector of Bang Saphan Noi Police Station, reported the accident.…
- 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
Chulalongkorn University boosts AI collaboration with Cambodia
Chulalongkorn University (CU) is seeking to enhance its academic collaboration with Cambodia, focusing on a future driven by artificial intelligence (AI). A delegation led by university president Wilert Puriwat recently met with Cambodian Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, Hang Chuon Naron, in Phnom Penh. Minister Naron, a CU alumnus, was accompanied by 10 other CU alumni from Cambodia and expressed…
- 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…
