- Thailand News
Concerns rise over vapes with sedative drugs sold to Thai teenagers
The Thai government has issued a warning to teenagers about the growing trend of zombie cigarettes, which contain sedative drugs and have been found circulating in the Thonglor entertainment area. According to Anukul Prueksanusak, the Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office, these synthetic drugs are part of a new wave of homemade narcotics. Despite ongoing government efforts to combat…
- Thailand News
Truck falls through damaged bridge in Prachuap Khiri Khan
Three days after warnings were issued about the condition of a bridge in Bang Saphan district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province, a truck carrying rubber wood fell through a large hole on February 22. Prior to the collapse, a local had posted warnings on February 19 about the deteriorating state of the bridge in a Facebook group. The post alerted residents…
- Thailand News
Former Thai PM Thanin Kraivichien passes away at 97
Thanin Kraivichien, the 14th Prime Minister of Thailand and former President of the Privy Council during the reign of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, passed away yesterday, February 23, at the age of 97. His family has announced that the schedule for his royal cremation and religious ceremonies will be shared in due course. Born in Bangkok on April…
- Thailand News
Thaksin apologises for 2004 Tak Bai massacre amid bombings
Thaksin Shinawatra has issued an apology regarding the tragic events of the Tak Bai massacre in Narathiwat province, which took place in 2004 under his leadership. The former Thailand PM acknowledged procedural errors during his tenure and expressed remorse to the Muslim community. Thaksin stated his deep concern for the citizens during his time as PM, admitting that mistakes were…
- Thailand News
Nok Air shifts focus from China to India, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore
Nok Air intends to reduce its flights to mainland China this year due to slow market growth and will instead focus on expanding its services to India, Japan, Taiwan, and Singapore. The airline’s Chief Executive, Wutthiphum Jurangkool, highlighted the shift in Chinese tourists’ preferences towards Japan over Thailand and noted the Chinese government’s lack of support for outbound travel. Safety…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya enforces odd-even date parking to ease congestion
Pattaya ramped up enforcement of the odd-even parking system on South Pattaya Road to reduce traffic congestion and reclaim pedestrian walkways. The new rules, effective February 3, prohibit parking on alternate days, odd and even dates from 11am to 11pm along the 850-meter stretch between the Communications Intersection (Pattaya Third Road) and the Wat Chaimongkol Intersection. To ensure compliance, the…
- Phuket News
American woman caught smuggling crystal meth at Phuket airport
An American woman was arrested at Phuket International Airport for attempting to smuggle four kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine. Her travel route included a stop in Singapore, with her final destination being South Korea. The arrest occurred yesterday, February 23 at 8.30pm, following a tip-off received by Police Lieutenant Colonel Korapoompoj Phongsaiphiboon, deputy inspector of Sakoo Police Station in Phuket, from…
- Thailand News
Thaksin unfazed by bombings, sees hope in the Deep South
Former Prime Minister of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra expressed his lack of concern over recent bombings in the Deep South during his visit to the area, noting that past assassination attempts have failed to intimidate him. This comment followed bombings in Yala province on Saturday, February 22, and at Narathiwat Airport yesterday morning, where his plane was scheduled to land. In…
- Phuket News
Phuket officials tackle drug issues in Rawai sea gypsy community
Officials from Phuket Mueang District Office are intensifying their efforts to address drug-related concerns within the sea gypsy community in Rawai. The goal is to implement initiatives that will bring about long-term positive effects. Mueang Phuket District Chief Pairoj Srilamul led a community forum at the village on February 20, accompanied by Rawai Deputy Mayor Thiraphong Thaodaeng, government officials, local…
- Thailand News
Man arrested with 200,000 meth pills in Ubon Ratchathani
A 24 year old man was arrested for allegedly storing 200,000 meth pills in preparation for distribution, following a tip-off about a drug trafficking operation in Khemarat district, Ubon Ratchathani province. Today, February 23, the Suranaree Task Force, under Control Division 4, received a tip about illegal drug activities in the area. They responded by launching the Suranaree Dok Bua…
- Thailand News
Concerns rise over illegal rentals by Chinese condo owners
A popular Facebook page has highlighted concerns over Chinese property owners purchasing and illegally renting out condos as daily accommodations, bypassing hotel registration processes. The page reported issues faced by residents in buildings where units are rented out on platforms like Airbnb. Residents have observed a constant influx of foreigners with luggage, likening it to a nearby large hotel. The…
- Phuket News
Phuket scam victims rise to 5,500, losses hit 413 million baht
Over 5,500 people in Phuket were victims of scam calls and online fraud last year, with losses escalating to 413 million baht, as confirmed by Police Colonel Kritsada Manawongsakun, Director of the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) Region 5. Pol. Col. Kritsada stated that while the trend has been rising since 2022, there was a significant increase in scam calls…
- Thailand News
Chon Buri man offers 20,000 baht reward for missing wife
A Facebook post about a missing person has gone viral, offering a 20,000 baht reward to anyone who can provide information leading to the discovery of the woman, a wife, who has been reported missing in Chon Buri since February 19. A 36 year old contractor, Khomsan, revealed that his wife had been missing. They have been together for over…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok woman arrested for illegal cannabis sales
Child and Women’s Welfare Division officers yesterday arrested a 32 year old woman for selling cannabis products online for over five years, earning a profit of approximately 1 million baht per month. The arrest took place following a search at her residence in the Khlong Chao Khun Sing subdistrict, Wang Thonglang district, Bangkok, and at her cannabis dispensary, also in…
- Thailand News
Israeli embassy urges tourists to follow new behaviour guidelines
The Israeli Embassy in Thailand has introduced guidelines aimed at promoting a positive image of Israeli nationals in Thailand, following criticisms over perceived disruptive behaviour in Pai district, Mae Hong Son province. On February 21, the embassy posted on its Facebook page a set of behavioural recommendations for Israelis visiting Thailand. This move was in response to concerns from Thai citizens…
- Thailand News
Nine Afghans detained for illegal entry with Thai smugglers
In Songkhla, nine Afghan nationals caught illegally in the country, along with three Thai individuals suspected of smuggling, were detained in two separate incidents yesterday, February 22. Immigration officers, police from Provincial Police Region 9, and Tourist Police intercepted a pickup truck in Hat Yai district, Songkhla, near a garbage dump in tambon Khuan Luang. The vehicle, bearing Narathiwat licence plates,…
- Thailand News
Man fatally shot while fishing in Ang Thong province
A man was fatally shot while fishing with friends outside a house in Ang Thong province. The incident occurred today, February 23 at 3am when gunmen approached the group, asked for the victim by name, and then opened fire. The victim fell into a canal and drowned, and the attackers returned to fire additional shots. Police Lieutenant Colonel Wiwat Pawong,…
- Pattaya News
Thai man chases foreigner with knife in Pattaya after fare dispute
In Pattaya, a Thai man was observed pursuing a foreigner with a knife along Jomtien Second Road, allegedly due to a fare dispute. The incident was initially reported on February 21, when a video was posted to a Facebook group. The footage depicted a Thai man, donning a full-face helmet, chasing a foreigner on the street with a knife. The…
- Thailand News
Turkish hitchhiker praises Thai locals for aid on Chiang Mai trip
A Turkish hitchhiker expressed gratitude to Thai locals who assisted him with transportation costs to Chiang Mai after he spent six hours attempting to hitchhike. The man, a YouTuber, is travelling the world to learn about different cultures. The incident gained attention when a photo of the Turkish tourist, who was in Rangsit at the time, was shared online. The…
- Thailand News
Thunderstorms and strong winds across 39 Thai provinces
Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) warned 39 provinces about thunderstorms, strong winds, hail, and potential lightning today, February 23. A new high-pressure system from China has moved into northern Vietnam and is expected to cover northeastern Thailand and the South China Sea, bringing moisture from the South China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. This will result in unstable weather in…
- Bangkok News
Sai Mai man threatens neighbours, arrested for guns and meth
Police in Sai Mai district apprehended a man for illegal possession of firearms and drugs, following a domestic dispute where he allegedly threatened neighbours afterwards. The arrest took place yesterday, February 20, at 2.30pm at his residence in Sai Mai, Bangkok. The arrest took place after police received complaints from locals about a neighbour brandishing a weapon following an argument…
- Bangkok News
Third time’s the harm: Bangkok gambling den busted yet again
A major gambling den in Don Mueang, Bangkok was raided and dismantled yesterday, February 20 at 3pm. This recent raid marks the third time the establishment has been raided since 2024. Officers, led by Police Major General Jesada Suaysom and Police Major General Chotiwat Lueangwilai, executed a search warrant at a property located in Soi Songprapha 1, Don Mueang district,…
- Bangkok News
Thailand and Laos to boost trade and security ties by 2027
Thailand and Laos agreed to a commitment to enhance collaboration across several sectors, including bolstering border security, addressing haze problems, and setting a joint trade target of US$11 billion (369.9 billion baht) by 2027. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra held a meeting yesterday, February 20, with her Lao counterpart Sonexay Siphandone at Government House in Bangkok. During the meeting, the two…
- Bangkok News
New allowance system for seniors in the works
The Government of Thailand plans the introduction of a 1,000 baht monthly allowance for senior citizens, replacing the current age-based payment system. The proposal follows discussions on senior welfare improvements and budget constraints. A new flat-rate monthly allowance of 1,000 baht for citizens over 60 will replace the current tiered system, as announced by Secretary to the Prime Minister Somkid…
- Thailand News
Dengue cases projected to drop this year despite five recent deaths
The Department of Disease Control (DCC) announced it will continue to monitor dengue fever closely throughout the rainy season, with five fatalities reported in the past month. Hospitals are urged to expedite patient diagnosis, with projections suggesting a reduction in cases by 2025. Doctor Phanumart Yanawetsakul, DCC Director General under the Ministry of Public Health, highlighted the cyclical nature of…
- Thailand News
Wheel of misfortune: Truck tyre crashes into repair shop, injures 2
A large truck tyre mysteriously fell and rolled into a motorcycle repair shop in Samut Prakan, injuring two people. Atchara, a 29 year old customer from Chanthaburi, sustained a head injury, while the shop owner suffered minor shoulder bruises. Police from Bang Kaeo Police Station responded to the incident at 9.30pm yesterday, February 20. The incident occurred at a motorcycle…
- Phuket News
Drug suspect arrested in Rawai sea gypsy village in Phuket
A 30 year old man was arrested during an anti-drug raid at the sea gypsy village in Rawai, Phuket, where officers seized a substantial quantity of illicit drugs. The operation was conducted by the Special Operations Unit of the Phuket office of the Department of Local Administration (DOLA), led by Akkara Suwatthikul. The raid followed intelligence reports suggesting that drugs…
- Phuket News
Firefighters battle wildfire at Laem Krathing, Phuket
Firefighters in Phuket are continuing efforts to control a wildfire that erupted at Laem Krathing in Rawai late last night, February 20, impacting approximately five rai of land. The blaze, which began at 8.20pm, rapidly spread over 500 metres of hillside terrain, challenging firefighting teams due to the difficult location. Emergency responders faced hurdles as fire trucks and large machinery…
- Thailand News
Thailand considers stricter Internet rules on Thai-Myanmar border
A Thai committee is contemplating additional Internet access restrictions along the Thai-Myanmar border, a region notorious for scam syndicates in order to combat scam syndicate operations. This week, a committee plans to visit Mae Sot district in Tak province to evaluate how these measures might impact residents, as stated by Siam Hathasongkorh, Chairman of the House Committee on Communications, Telecommunications,…
- Business News
Thai-ing the knot: Thailand pushes for free trade deal with gulf nations
Thailand is advancing negotiations on a free trade agreement with Gulf countries to boost trade, tourism, and investment. Nalinee Taveesin, the chair of Thai Trade Representatives, described the Gulf countries as Thailand’s most significant market in the Middle East, with trade between the two regions reaching approximately US$36 billion last year. Non-oil and natural gas trade saw nearly a 10%…
