- Thailand News
Thai air force chief meets Myanmar junta leader in Naypyitaw
Thailand’s Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal Seksan Kanta, travelled to Naypyitaw yesterday, February 27, to meet Myanmar’s junta leader Min Aung Hlaing, according to reports from the Thai military. The trip followed a series of deadly air attacks reported in Myanmar. One day earlier, a junta aircraft bombed a market in Ponnagyun Township, Rakhine State, an area under the…
- News
Punch-kun baby macaque adjusts to troop life with help from keepers
A six month old Japanese macaque at Ichikawa City Zoo in Chiba, near Tokyo, found itself at the centre of online attention after being raised by keepers from birth and bonding with an IKEA plush toy. The baby monkey, named Punch-kun (after Monkey Punch, the manga artist behind Lupin the Third), was born on July 26, 2025. Keepers say his…
- Thailand News
“Here they are less nice,” says Israeli tourist in Bangkok street interview
Thai social media users have been debating a viral street interview after an Israeli tourist said people in Thailand seemed “less nice” during her first two days in the country. The clip was posted by an Instagram page, Winomicss, and filmed in Yaowarat, Chinatown in Bangkok, where the host regularly films street interviews with visitors. In the video, the host…
- Guides
Why you still can’t get a direct flight from the US to Thailand
Thailand welcomed more than 35 million international visitors in 2024, and interest from US travellers continues to grow. Undoubtedly, Thailand has become a bucket-list destination for many Americans. Yet a question remains: Why are there still no direct flights between the United States and Thailand? In reality, the answer is quite complex. A mix of aviation regulation, airline economics, aircraft…
- Thailand Weather Updates
February 16 weather: Cool mornings up north, more rain in South Thailand
Thailand will see morning fog and changeable conditions today, February 16, as a weak high-pressure system continues to cover the north, the northeast and the South China Sea, according to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD). Cool mornings are forecast in the North and Northeast, while isolated thundershowers are expected in the Central region, including Bangkok and surrounding areas, as well…
- Thailand News
Bangkok offers free Valentine’s Day marriage services with prizes for couples
Bangkok is set to celebrate Valentine’s Day 2026 with a citywide initiative allowing couples to register their marriages at 10 specially themed venues, including romantic and unique locations across the capital. Narong Ruangsri, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) permanent secretary, announced that couples can register either at district offices or at designated off-site events on February 14. Each location will…
- News
Buddhist monks complete 3,700km peace walk across the U.S.
After 108 days and more than 3,700 kilometres on foot, a group of Theravada Buddhist monks concluded their cross-country “Walk for Peace” with a quiet but powerful arrival in Washington, D.C., yesterday, February 10. Beginning in late October 2025, from Fort Worth, Texas, the monks trekked through nine states to spread a message of compassion, unity, and inner peace. Clad…
- Thailand News
Thailand to revise visa policies in economy revamp efforts
Thailand’s Cabinet has formally approved a new phase of visa policy changes aimed at attracting more tourists, digital nomads, students, and retirees as part of a broader economic stimulus strategy. Deputy government spokesperson Aiyarin Phanrit confirmed yesterday, February 10, that the Cabinet has endorsed a proposal by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs covering short-, medium-, and long-term visa measures. The…
- Thailand News
Udon Thani MP candidate questions missing vote after casting ballot for herself
A Parliamentary candidate in Udon Thani has filed a formal complaint after discovering that her vote, which she personally cast for herself and her party, was missing from the official tally. Former teacher and candidate for the Thai People’s Party in Constituency 2 of Udon Thani, 68 year old Yaowalak Khamsri, visited the provincial Election Commission (EC) office yesterday, February…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s corruption score falls in 2025 index
Thailand’s score in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) slid to 33 out of 100, down from 34 the year before, placing the country 116th out of 182 countries in the global rankings, according to Transparency International’s latest survey released yesterday, February 10. The CPI, published annually by the global anti‑corruption watchdog, ranks nations by perceived levels of public‑sector corruption…
- Thailand News
Thailand redefines ‘normal sweet’ drinks to 50% sugar
Thailand’s Department of Health has officially implemented a new sugar standard effective today, February 11, redefining the “normal sweet” level in beverages as just 50% of the original recipe. The move is part of a nationwide collaboration between the Department of Health and nine major beverage brands, including Café Amazon, Inthanin, All Café, Black Canyon, PunThai and Chao Doi. From…
- Thailand News
Oil spill from sunken cargo ship off Phuket not expected to threaten islands
Authorities say a refined oil spill from a cargo ship that sank near Phuket over the weekend is unlikely to threaten nearby islands or coral reefs, with the slick now drifting out to open waters. The Pollution Control Department (PCD) confirmed yesterday, February 10, that the latest oil spill modelling shows the refined petroleum is moving southwest, away from coastal…
- Thailand News
February 11 weather: Foggy mornings, warmer days, Southern rain
Thailand is waking up to foggy mornings and a slight warm-up today, February 11, as the moderate high-pressure system covering upper Thailand and the South China Sea continues to weaken, according to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD). While temperatures are on the rise, cool conditions persist in the upper regions. Authorities are urging people to stay healthy amid the fluctuating…
- Thai Life
Chinese New Year in Thailand: History, tradition, and celebrations
For most Thai-Chinese families, the real Chinese New Year typically happens at home. Celebrations centre around the family table, at the home altar, and perhaps in kitchens, where generations gather to prepare dishes together. Wander to Yaowarat during Chinese New Year, and you’ll understand immediately why this tradition matters. It gets really busy during this time, but the public festivities…
- Things To Do
Big Bad Wolf Books 2026 brings massive discounts to Seacon Bangkae
Book lovers, the Big Bad Wolf Books 2026 is back in Bangkok, and this time it’s bringing the bargains closer to home (relatively, for some). This beloved book fair promises hundreds of thousands of titles at discounts of up to 90% off. There’s something here for every reader, whether you’re hunting for children’s picture books, the latest bestsellers, or cookbooks…
- Tourism News
Thailand reforms business, visa, and social laws to attract global expats
Thailand is undertaking its most comprehensive expatriate policy overhaul in decades, introducing reforms across business law, visa regulations, property ownership, and civil rights that collectively aim to position the country as Southeast Asia’s premier destination for foreign residents and investors. Announced progressively throughout 2024 and early 2025, these reforms respond to regional competition for foreign talent and investment, particularly as…
- Thailand News
BoT flags suspicious cash withdrawals, tightens online gold trading rules
Thailand’s central bank, Bank of Thailand (BoT), is cracking down on suspicious financial activity after unusual cash withdrawals totalling 250 million baht were flagged across commercial banks. BoT Governor, Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, revealed on January 28 that commercial banks have been ordered to urgently investigate irregular cash withdrawal patterns. In one case, a customer withdrew 250 million baht in a single…
- Thailand News
Content creator criticised for staged phone theft video on BTS
A staged video showing a mock phone theft on a BTS Skytrain has drawn criticism online after a Thai content creator posted the clip to social media. Online response centred on how such content might affect public perception of safety in Thailand. The video, originally shared on TikTok, shows the creator pretending to be distracted on his phone before another…
- Thailand News
More Thai airports tighten Nipah virus screening
Phuket International Airport has stepped up health screening for passengers arriving from India, following a Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal, now under active surveillance by Thai health authorities. Although Thailand has not reported any Nipah cases, the Department of Disease Control is enforcing strict surveillance at international airports. Passengers arriving from affected areas are being screened to prevent potential…
- Thailand News
January 26 weather: Cool mornings, patchy fog, high-pressure system weakens
Thailand is waking up to cooler mornings and patchy fog today, January 26, as a strong high-pressure system hovering over upper Thailand and the upper South begins to weaken, following a forecast from the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD). Temperatures are expected to dip by 1 to 2 degrees Celcius (°C) in several regions, with chilly to cold conditions reported in…
- Thailand News
Russian doctor found dead in Pattaya after suspected attack
A Russian doctor was found dead in his hotel room in Pattaya earlier this month, with authorities investigating a possible link to a street assault he may have witnessed. Boris Tyutyunikov, a 41 year old oncologist from Krasnoyarsk, arrived in Thailand in early January and checked into a hotel on Jomtien Beach. He reportedly went silent on the same day…
- Thailand News
Bangkok air quality hits dangerous levels, but what’s causing the PM2.5 surge?
Air quality in Bangkok was once again hazardous this morning, January 16, with PM2.5 levels across the capital soaring above safe standards, prompting health warnings and calls to limit outdoor activities. At 7am, the Bangkok Air Quality Information Centre reported the average PM2.5 level in the city was 57.3 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³), well above the national safety threshold…
- Thailand News
Train-crane crash claims woman en route to father’s funeral
A woman travelling home for her father’s funeral was among those killed when a construction crane collapsed onto a Bangkok–Ubon Ratchathani express train in Nakhon Ratchasima’s Sikhio district. The woman, identified as 31 year old, Chanan, was returning to her hometown in Surin province to attend her father’s funeral, scheduled for January 17. She had worked in Bangkok for over…
- Thailand News
Anutin rejects 40k payout for victims of crane collapse
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed strong disapproval of the proposed 40,000 baht compensation for victims of a fatal crane collapse, urging the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to immediately revise its approach to victim support. Yesterday, January 14, Anutin visited the site where a crane collapsed during a railway construction project, killing over 30 people. He received a briefing from…
- Thailand News
January 13 weather: Cold, haze persists, light rain in South Thailand
Thailand continues to experience cool to cold weather in the North and Northeast, with morning fog and dry air conditions, according to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecast issued today, January 13. A weakening high-pressure system over upper Thailand and the upper South is causing temperatures to rise slightly by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius (°C) in most regions. However,…
- Thailand News
Thai flag flies high in Antarctic skydiving record
Thai doctor and skydiver Dr Thanaborworn Sirikunakornkul, also known as “Super Tum,” has set a Guinness World Record after completing a high-altitude skydive over Antarctica while carrying a giant Thai flag. The jump was confirmed by Thailand’s Public Relations Department. It marks another milestone for Dr Thanaborworn, who is Thailand’s first HALO-certified skydiver. HALO, or high-altitude low-opening, is a specialised…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s THEOS-2A satellite launch fails after rocket malfunction in India
Thailand’s mission to expand its space capabilities suffered a major setback today, January 12, after the high-resolution Earth observation satellite THEOS-2A failed to reach its intended orbit. The launch took place at 11.47am Thai time from India’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, using the Indian PSLV-DL (PSLV-C62) rocket. However, around 380 seconds after liftoff, an anomaly was detected during…
- Thailand Travel
Public holidays and observances in Thailand (2026)
As we step into 2026, now’s the perfect time to plan your year in Thailand. From nationwide festivals to regional celebrations, these public holidays shape everything from travel schedules to business operations and social gatherings. Here are our key dates for Thailand’s holidays and observances for 2026. Thailand holidays for January 2026 January 1 (Thursday) – New Year’s Day: A…
- Thailand News
Bangkok pushes back pet microchipping law to 2027
Bangkok authorities have postponed enforcement of an ordinance requiring pet microchipping and household pet limits, following concern from residents and animal welfare groups. Originally set to take effect on January 10, 2026, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Ordinance on the Control of Keeping or Releasing Animals will now be enforced from January 10, 2027. The Bangkok Metropolitan Council approved the…
- Thailand News
British teen held in Qatar for alleged cannabis trafficking from Thailand
A British teenager remains in custody in Qatar after being accused of trafficking cannabis while transiting through Doha on his return from Thailand. Lino Neil, 18, was detained at Hamad International Airport on November 21 during a layover on his way back to Scotland. Qatari authorities allege he attempted to bring cannabis into the country. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and…
