- Bangkok News
Elderly man’s half a million baht close call in Bangkok taxi
An elderly man in Bangkok accidentally left four valuable pieces of ancient gold jewellery in a taxi. Police successfully traced the items, revealing their worth to be around half a million baht. The incident occurred after the man travelled from Chatuchak yesterday, February 16. Police Colonel Sanong Saengmanee, superintendent of Chanasongkram Police Station, stated that the investigative team was informed…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s single ticket system to cut public transport costs
The Common Ticketing System Management Bill, which aims to enable commuters to purchase a single ticket for various public transport modes, is expected to reduce service costs, according to a public hearing. The Thailand Consumers Council organised this hearing to gather feedback on the bill for the House’s special committee reviewing the measure. Jiraroth Sukolrat, Deputy Director-General of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy…
- Thailand News
PM Paetongtarn’s plans for ASEAN growth
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has emphasised the importance of fostering regional economic integration, and fortifying supply chains among ASEAN nations to contribute to global economic progress. In an interview, the 38 year old PM highlighted the potential for ASEAN, under Malaysia’s chairmanship, to expedite the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to stimulate regional growth. The Thai premier…
- Guides
Celebrating Songkran festival in Thailand 2025
As we edge closer to April, the cheers of Thailand’s beloved Songkran festival grow stronger by the day. In 2025, Songkran festivities have big shoes to fill after almost a month-long celebration period in 2024. The good news is this year is set to be bigger and bolder than ever. Songkran represents the Thai traditional new year. As the main…
- Thailand News
Phatthalung man fires at ex-wife’s home, no injuries reported
Police in Phatthalung province yesterday responded to an incident involving a man who allegedly fired shots at his former wife’s residence, causing property damage but no injuries. The altercation took place in Mueang Phatthalung district, yesterday, February 9, with police actively pursuing legal action against the suspect. Upon arriving at the scene, police discovered shattered windows, doors, and damaged walls…
- Thailand News
Thai officials foil Myanmar solar panel, fuel smuggling attempts
Security personnel in the western province of Tak intercepted attempts to smuggle solar panels and fuel into Myanmar yesterday, February 9. This comes amid a Thai government directive to halt power and fuel exports to three Myanmar border towns, following a request from Chinese agencies concerned about scam operations targeting Chinese citizens. In the first incident, a patrol comprising soldiers,…
- Thailand News
Yingluck Shinawatra’s return to Thailand faces unresolved issues
Efforts to facilitate the return of former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to Thailand continue, as her brother, Thaksin, indicates that several considerations must still be addressed before her possible return. Thaksin initially committed to her return during an interview last November, suggesting it could occur around this year’s Songkran festival. The 75 year old former PM expressed optimism regarding the…
- Thailand News
Thaksin ready to tackle censure debate accusations
Former Prime Minister of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra expressed his intention to address any inquiries or accusations made against him during the upcoming censure debate, anticipated to take place at the end of this month or early next month. Although he will not be physically present in the chamber to provide an immediate response, Thaksin assured reporters of his readiness to reply…
- Chiang Mai News
Drug traffickers killed in Chiang Mai shootout, meth haul seized
Four members of a drug trafficking ring were killed in a shootout in a Chiang Mai forest, resulting in the seizure of over 100 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine and one million methamphetamine pills. The incident occurred on Saturday, February 8, near Ban Pang Nok, Moo 1, Malika subdistrict, Mae Ai district, when personnel from the 3206th Ranger Company, under the…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok delays AI cameras for enforcing new speed limits
For over a month, a revised speed limit has been in place in Bangkok, yet traffic police are awaiting the installation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) security cameras by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to effectively enforce it. On December 23, the BMA implemented a new speed limit of 60 kilometres per hour (kph) on most city roads, with exceptions for…
- Thailand News
Teen caught with two million meth pills on Mekong River
A 16 year old was apprehended while smuggling meth pills across the Mekong River, with over two million pills seized. Three of his accomplices managed to escape. The incident took place earlier today, February 3, in Chumphon subdistrict, Phon Phisai district, Nong Khai province. Lieutenant General Boonsin Phadklang, head of the Second Army Area and the Border Drug Suppression and…
- Thailand News
Thaksin travels to Malaysia for talks with PM
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia met with his informal advisory group yesterday, February 2, led by Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, to discuss various regional matters. The meeting, which took place after Thaksin received court approval to travel internationally, covered significant topics including the ongoing situation in Myanmar and developments in cryptocurrency. Anwar shared details of the gathering…
- Thailand News
E-cigarette crisis on national agenda over youth vaping surge
Civil networks have collectively decided to elevate the e-cigarette issue to a national agenda following a significant increase in young vapers over the past year. This topic was discussed during a seminar hosted by the Senate committee on Social Development, Children, Youth, Women, the Elderly, People with Disabilities, the Underprivileged, and Social Diversity. The event took place on January 30…
- Bangkok News
Thailand considers cutting free public lighting to lower power bills
The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) stated that discussions among national state agencies are necessary regarding the Energy Ministry‘s proposal to reduce power bills by cutting the government’s free electricity supply to public lighting. Currently, local administrative bodies and departments responsible for highways and rural roads are exempt from paying for public lighting, a cost shouldered by the government amounting to…
- Thailand News
Experts have their say on govt’s PM2.5 pollution efforts
The Government of Thailand is intensifying efforts to combat PM2.5 pollution due to concerns over its detrimental effects and a desire for cleaner air, a recurring issue at the start of the year. Numerous provinces have been affected by the fine dust since January, leading to measures such as reducing bushfires and haze, offering free public transport in Bangkok, and…
- Bangkok News
PM Paetongtarn highlights policy successes in monthly address
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra delivered her monthly television address yesterday, February 2, highlighting her administration’s efforts and accomplishments since the beginning of the year. The programme, titled Okat Thai Kap Nayok Paetongtarn (Opportunities for Thailand with Prime Minister Paetongtarn), is scheduled to air on the first Sunday of each month on the NBT HD2 channel, which is controlled by the…
- Thailand News
Thai police to establish centre to combat Myanmar scam gangs
The Royal Thai Police (RTP) is establishing an international coordination centre to collaborate with foreign embassies in preventing foreign nationals from joining call centre scam gangs in Myanmar. The initiative, spearheaded by Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, aims to tackle call centre scams, particularly in the Mae Sot district of Tak, which serves as a significant transit point for individuals joining…
- Thailand News
Forest fire in Phetchabun destroys 180 rai, suspects arrested
National park officials worked overnight to extinguish a forest fire in Huai Rangka, which destroyed approximately 180 rai, yesterday, February 2, in Phetchabun province. The blaze is suspected to have been started by people hunting or foraging. On the same day, several sugarcane field fires were reported along roadsides, resulting in the arrest of two people. Ronnarat Sirimakorn, head of…
- Lifestyle
Poppy: Moo Deng’s overseas pygmy hippo competition
It seems as if the adorable Moo Deng, an A-lister at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo, has found herself some competition over the pond at the Metro Richmond Zoo in Virginia, USA. It has been a few weeks now since the newborn pygmy hippo, Poppy, made her introduction to the world, and just like Moo Deng, people simply can’t get…
- Business News
New Hotel Act targets 500 unlicensed Thai hotels
The Tourism and Sports Ministry is set to propose a new Hotel Act specifically for small and medium-sized hotels, with the aim of registering over 500 unlicensed accommodations that currently cannot participate in the existing system. Tourism Vice-Minister Jakkaphon Tangsutthitham reported that more than 90,000 small and medium-sized accommodations in Thailand do not qualify as hotel businesses under the current…
- Thailand News
PM2.5 pollution targetted with urgent health measures
Thailand is grappling with severe PM2.5 air pollution, prompting the National Health Security Office (NHSO) to issue an urgent directive to local administrative organisations and Bangkok. The directive encourages the use of local health security funds to combat the pollution, including purchasing masks for vulnerable groups. Yesterday, January 26, Doctor Jadej Thammatacharee, Secretary-General of the NHSO, highlighted the worsening PM2.5…
- Thailand News
Bangkok taxi driver flees after attempted assault on passenger
A woman found herself in an unknown room after taking a taxi ride home, where the driver allegedly attempted to assault her. The incident occurred on January 26, when the woman, who had been drinking with friends in the Ratchaprasong area, took a Toyota taxi to return to her condominium. Waking up in an unfamiliar room with the driver, the…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok fire leaves three injured, investigations underway
A fire broke out in a commercial building in Bang Khun Thian, Bangkok yesterday, January 26 at 2.15pm, resulting in three injuries. A 57 year old man sought refuge on the rooftop, using water from a tank to cool himself as firefighters battled the flames for over four hours. Police Lieutenant Colonel Sathorn Rabiabpho received a report of the incident…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s game industry act set for Cabinet review in February
The draft of the Game Industry Act is scheduled for Cabinet review next month following the conclusion of public hearings. The legislation is anticipated to be implemented by the end of 2025. Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President and Chief Executive of the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), stated that the law aims to address the development of the computer game industry, valued…
- Lifestyle
Did Apple predict the current air pollution crisis?
Since the dawn of the new year, many provinces across Thailand have been grappling with a severe level of air pollution. As of January 24, Bangkok has been rated the fourth most polluted city in the world in terms of poor air quality by IQAir. The capital is often blanketed by a thick layer of smog, which has reminded some…
- Thailand News
Gender recognition bill considered for identity self-determination
The recently implemented Marriage Equality Bill is a significant step towards equal marriage rights for all, but many who registered their marriages last week are concerned that their gender title does not align with their gender identity, and are now advocating for a Gender Recognition Bill. The bill, if passed, would allow individuals to select their gender title and offer…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Bangkok braces for temperature drop as Chinese cold air mass hits
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts a new cold air mass from China will affect Bangkok and cause temperatures to drop by 1 to 3 degrees Celsius (°C). The dust and haze levels remain high but are expected to decrease. A high-pressure or cold air mass from China is spreading across northeastern Thailand and the upper South China Sea, resulting…
- Lifestyle
Gordon Ramsay and his nemesis, the Pad Thai
Gordon Ramsay, a mainstream figure in countless TV shows over the past few decades, headlining popular shows such as Hell’s Kitchen, Kitchen Nightmares, and MasterChef, among many others has made a return to Thailand to oversee the opening of his new restaurant, and to confront his arch nemesis, the Pad Thai, once more. With his ventures in the culinary world,…
- Thailand News
Thailand locks in on crop burning with strict new measures
Thailand’s Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives announced strict new measures on January 17 to combat the growing PM2.5 air pollution crisis, with a particular focus on penalising farmers for crop burning. Deputy Minister Itthi Sirilatthayakorn signed the announcement, highlighting how agricultural burning has become a major contributor to the country’s deteriorating air quality. The practice generates smoke and fine particulate…
- Thailand News
Thaksin’s power tariff cut plan sparks debate on electricity pricing
Thaksin Shinawatra‘s proposal to lower the power tariff from 4.15 to 3.70 baht per kilowatt-hour has ignited a discussion on the future of electricity pricing, which has remained elevated since 2022. The adjustment of tariff rates directly impacts electricity bills, with a reduced tariff leading to lower costs for businesses and households. The former prime minister introduced the tariff reduction…
