- Northern Thailand News
Thailand plans new economic zones up north
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is anticipated to consider a proposal to establish new economic zones in the north and northeast of Thailand, aiming to bolster regional economies distant from the heavily promoted Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). The initiative was proposed by a House of Representatives extraordinary committee following a study of special economic development zones in these regions. Tachaphol Kanjanakul,…
- Business News
US targets Thai exports for strict origin checks amid trade concerns
The United States has identified 50 to 60 Thai products for stringent origin verification to prevent circumvention of trade regulations through false origin claims for exports to the US, as stated by Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira. He noted that the US is focusing on the issuance of certificates of origin (C/O) to prevent misuse of trade privileges granted to Thailand,…
- Phuket News
Phuket seeks special local government organisation status
Kongsak Khoopongsakorn, who leads the Phuket Chamber of Commerce, has submitted a proposal urging for Phuket to be designated as a special local government organisation. This occurred during a visit from a Senate subcommittee. The Senate Subcommittee on Decentralisation, Transfer of Missions and Governance for Local Administrative Organisations and Special Forms of Local Administration visited Phuket on April 23 to…
- Phuket News
Man arrested after sword-wielding altercation in Phuket
A man was apprehended in Phuket after wielding a sword during a roadside altercation on Chao Fa Suan Luang Road in Wichit previously on April 25. The incident stemmed from a dispute over a construction contract fee. Video footage widely circulated on social media depicted the victim, 46 year old Chatchai Sae-Ku, leaving his vehicle after it was rear-ended by…
- Thailand News
Road rage shooting leaves man injured in Prachuap Khiri Khan
A recent road rage incident on Phetkasem Road in Prachuap Khiri Khan province resulted in a 29 year old man being seriously injured after an altercation between two drivers led to gunshots being fired. Police Lieutenant Panom Hongthong from the Khlong Wan Police Station was notified of the shooting at approximately 3am, today, April 27. The incident took place in…
- Bangkok News
Protest planned against SEC and land bridge projects in Thailand
Opponents of the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) and the land bridge megaproject, which aims to connect the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, have pledged to protest on July 1 if the government moves forward with this plan. Prasitchai Nunuan, an activist and leader of the SEC Watch group, one of 94 groups opposing the SEC, stated that the…
- Thailand News
Former village headman killed at monk ceremony in Ratchaburi
A former village headman was attacked and killed by four youths after attending a monk ordination ceremony in Ratchaburi province. The incident occurred around 12.10am today, April 27, with one additional person seriously injured. Police are currently investigating the case. Police Colonel Saifon Lakpetch was alerted to the incident at the entrance of Soi 6, Moo 3, Ban Rai subdistrict,…
- Krabi News
Smoke on the water: Tour boss caught out in Phi Phi national park
A business operator was fined 10,000 baht for taking foreign tourists to drink beer and smoke cigarettes at sea in the Phi Phi Islands. This incident, captured in a video on social media, showed inappropriate behaviour within the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park in Krabi province yesterday, April 26. The post was captioned with a scathing message…
- Thailand News
Thaksin refutes coalition reshuffle rumours in Thailand
In Chiang Mai, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra dismissed speculation that the Bhumjaithai Party might be removed from the coalition, amidst reports of a possible Cabinet reshuffle. Speaking to the media, Thaksin, father of current Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, emphasised that decisions regarding the Cabinet rest solely with the PM. He further indicated that any Cabinet changes would be comprehensive,…
- Thailand News
SRT extends Thai-Chinese rail project by 201 days
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Board has approved a 201-day extension for the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project between Saraburi and Kaeng Khoi due to structural constraints, including land-use permissions from the Royal Irrigation Department. SRT Governor Veeris Ammarapala announced the board’s approval for the extension of the contract for the high-speed rail system connecting Bangkok and Nong Khai, a…
- Pattaya News
Irishman critically injured in Pattaya motorcycle stabbing attack
An Irishman is in critical condition after being repeatedly stabbed in an early morning attack outside an apartment building in Pattaya City yesterday, April 26. The 34 year old victim sustained multiple slash wounds to his left arm, abdomen, and both legs. He was found lying injured next to his red-plated Honda motorcycle. KhaoSod English reported that the attack occurred…
- Thailand News
Fire engulfs Rangsit grassland, dangerously close to gas pipeline
A fire engulfed over 100 rai of grassland in Rangsit, Pathum Thani, with smoke billowing into the sky, causing anxiety among residents due to its proximity to a gas pipeline. Firefighters worked to control the blaze and create firebreaks yesterday, April 26, at around 1pm. The Rangsit Municipality Fire Radio Centre in Thanyaburi district, Pathum Thani province, received a report…
- Pattaya News
Chinese man arrested for murder of transgender in Pattaya
A Chinese man accused of murdering a transgender woman in Pattaya was arrested at Suvarnabhumi International Airport yesterday, April 26, as he attempted to exit Thailand. The victim, identified as 25 year old Woranan, a post-operative transgender woman from Nong Khai, was discovered by a housekeeper at a Pattaya apartment complex, who was conducting a welfare check. Local police were…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Summer storm looms: 56 provinces in Thailand to be hit
The Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning for a summer storm expected to hit 56 provinces, including Bangkok. Heavy rain is forecast for 40% of the area, with strong winds and some hail expected today, April 27. The upper part of Thailand will experience thunderstorms, gusty winds, and potential hail, with occasional lightning strikes. Dust and haze accumulation in…
- Thailand News
Thailand rejects US loan terms for F-16 jets
Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed today that Thailand will not move forward with the purchase of F-16 fighter jets from the United States, citing the unfeasibility of meeting the stringent loan conditions attached to the deal. Phumtham explained that the US required Thailand to take out a loan from a US-based bank to cover the entire cost of the fleet…
- Bangkok News
Executives sought in Thailand building collapse probe
Three executives from China Railway No.10 (Thailand) Co. are being sought by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) in connection with the collapse of the State Audit Office building in Bangkok during an earthquake on Friday, March 28, which resulted in the deaths of numerous workers. The DSI revealed the search following the arrest of Zhang Chuanling, a Chinese executive…
- Thailand News
Thai PM’s visit to Cambodia sparks criticism
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is scheduled for an official visit to Cambodia on April 23 and 24. The visit will include bilateral discussions and a ceremony to unveil the logo commemorating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Cambodia, as announced by government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub. During the visit, significant agreements will be signed and courtesy visits will…
- Bangkok News
Paetongtarn urges stronger regional ties to tackle shared troubles
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra called for urgent cross-border cooperation to tackle the world’s shared challenges, from climate change to geopolitical tensions, during the 81st session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). Speaking in the capital today, April 21, the Bangkok-born PM addressed ministers from across Asia and the Pacific, stressing that regional unity…
- Phuket News
Phuket teen injured after hand stuck in meat grinder
A 15 year old boy in Phuket suffered severe injuries to his right hand after an accident where he got his hand stuck in a meat grinder at a butcher’s shop in Ratsada on Friday afternoon, April 18. Emergency personnel responded swiftly to the scene. Rescue workers from the Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation, along with an advanced EMS unit from Vachira…
- Thailand News
Two nighttime attacks in Narathiwat injures 17
Seventeen people were injured in two separate attacks in Thailand’s southern province of Narathiwat last night, April 20. One involved a motorcycle bomb, the other a gun and grenade assault on a dinner gathering. The first attack took place as Police Colonel Weerayut Taseepan, from the Koke Kian Police Station, reported a loud explosion beside the wall of the police…
- Thailand News
Pheu Thai confident on 2026 budget bill amid casino tensions
Deliberations on the 2026 budget bill are anticipated to start late next month in the House, with the ruling Pheu Thai Party expressing confidence in its passage, despite mounting tensions within the government coalition over the push to legalise casinos in Thailand. A Pheu Thai MP, Sutin Klungsang, announced that the bill will be discussed in a Parliamentary session scheduled…
- Pattaya News
New roof welcomes shade to Pattaya’s Bali Hai Pier
Tourists heading to Koh Larn can now enjoy a cooler wait at Pattaya’s Laem Bali Hai Pier, thanks to a new roof installed over the ferry boarding area. The pier, a key launch point to the popular island, has long been criticised for offering little protection from the intense sun. That’s now changed with the addition of a large roof…
- Bangkok News
Over 8,000 Chinese food items seized for lacking FDA approval
Over 8,000 pieces of noodles, mala soup, and dried bean curd worth more than 300,000 baht were seized in Bangkok for lacking Thai FDA approval. These goods, originating from China, were set for distribution to local restaurants. Yesterday, April 20, Police Major General Tasanapoom Charupradit, Commander of the Economic Crime Suppression Division, directed Police Colonel Narupon Karuna and Police Lieutenant…
- Bangkok News
City Hall pledges extra funds for earthquake repair after criticism
City Hall has responded to criticism regarding the inadequacy of compensation offered for home repairs to earthquake victims, stating that additional funds may be allocated in exceptional circumstances. The compensation issue was addressed during a press conference on earthquake relief, led by Deputy Bangkok Governor Tavida Kamolvej, after a public outcry was triggered by a complaint posted on Facebook by…
- Thailand News
Monk severely injured in Buriram over fictitious debt
A 70 year old monk was severely injured after being attacked in his quarters in Buriram province. The attacker is suspected of having assaulted the monk over a fictitious debt of 2 million baht. The father of the alleged 34 year old attacker claims mental instability, stating his son has been talking to himself for about a year. At 7.30am today,…
- Pattaya News
Intoxicated Pattaya driver causes injures 7 in Songkran crash
A car accident involving multiple vehicles and seven injured bystanders occurred on Thepprasit Road in Pattaya, during the Songkran celebrations yesterday, April 19. The driver, a foreign national around 50 years old, appeared intoxicated and was taken to the hospital following the crash. The incident involved a black Honda which overturned on the roadside following the accident. In addition to…
- Chiang Mai News
Chiang Mai election campaign attacked by village head
A violent altercation occurred during an election campaign in San Phi Suea subdistrict, Mueang district, Chiang Mai province. The village head of Tha Duea yesterday, April 19, reportedly drove a vehicle into a campaign assistant before attacking the team with a stick, causing injuries. Pawit Boonchala, a candidate for municipal mayor, explained that the incident happened at 5.45pm while his…
- Thailand News
Thailand pushes for streamlined durian export process to China
Thailand aims to enhance durian exports to China, its largest market, with the Commerce Ministry urging Chinese officials to ease chemical screening procedures for Thai durians. Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan met with Wu Zhiwu, Consul-General of China, and Zhang Xiaoxiao, Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy’s Economic and Commercial Office, in a bid to facilitate this process. During the meeting, Pichai…
- Thailand News
Man shot dead after argument with tattoo artist in Samut Sakhon
A man was fatally shot after a dispute with his tattoo artist yesterday, April 19, at 9pm. The incident occurred on a road in Mueang Samut Sakhon district, Samut Sakhon province, after which the suspect fled the scene on a motorcycle. Police Lieutenant Samart Tingwang, deputy inspector at Mueang Samut Sakhon Police Station, was alerted to the shooting and coordinated…
- Thailand News
Bhumjaithai denies rift with Pheu Thai amid reshuffle rumours
Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, has refuted rumours of discord with Pheu Thai, affirming strong relations and ongoing collaboration with the ruling party. Legal expert Paisal Puechmongkol shared on Facebook that Anutin, who holds the positions of interior minister and deputy prime minister, had invited him for lunch at the Interior Ministry office. Paisal mentioned Anutin assured him…