- Thailand News
Thailand struggles to revive Chinese tourism as arrivals drop 34%
Thailand’s tourism sector is grappling with a sharp decline in Chinese arrivals, forcing tourism agencies to lower expectations and step up efforts to attract more visitors. In the first half of 2025, Chinese tourist numbers fell by 34% compared to last year, with only 2,265,556 arrivals recorded. This downturn has pushed China into second place behind Malaysia, which saw 2,299,897…
- Thailand News
Rescuer catches giant king cobra in Trang durian orchard
A large king cobra was captured in a Trang durian orchard after repeated sightings during harvest season. Orchard owner, 73 year old Jarun Sae-Iew, today, July 7, called for help after spotting the snake again on his orchard in Ban Thung Yao, Palian district. He contacted 21 year old Suphat Eadchata, known locally as Benz the Snake Wrangler, a rescue…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok expressways free on July 10 and 11 for Buddhist holidays
Motorists in Bangkok will enjoy free access to major expressways for two days to mark the Asanha Bucha and Buddhist Lent holidays. The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) announced toll exemptions on July 10 and 11, from midnight to midnight each day. Some 61 toll booths across the Chalerm Maha Nakhon, Si Rat, and Udon Ratthaya expressways will waive toll…
- Thailand News
Thailand warns travellers of Japan’s new power bank rules
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has issued a notice reminding travellers of new regulations on carrying power banks when flying to Japan. Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism announced the updated rules, which will take effect tomorrow, July 8. Under the new guidelines, passengers may carry and use power banks during the flight, but the devices…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya rider threatened by gunman during late-night pickup
A ride-hailing driver in Pattaya has filed a police report after a gunman threatened him during a late-night pickup earlier today, July 7, at 2am in Soi Arunothai 1, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri. The driver, 31 year old Arnon, told officers at Chon Buri Police Station he was nearly caught in the middle of the confrontation while…
- Thailand News
Senate panel summons PM Paetongtarn over border issues
Thailand’s Senate Committee on Military and National Security has invited suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to explain the government’s approach to mounting security concerns along the Thai-Cambodian border. Senator Chaiyong Maneerungsakul, the committee’s secretary and spokesperson, said the decision was prompted by disputes affecting Thailand’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interests under the constitution. He added that Cambodia’s actions were…
- Bangkok News
Thailand to boost tourism with Muslim-friendly hotel certification
A Bangkok hotel has become the first in Thailand to receive Muslim-friendly certification aimed at improving the tourism experiences of Muslim travellers. Ninareeman Binnima, a Thai veterinarian, said to Bangkok Post that many foreign Muslim business visitors struggle to find Halal dining options at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang international airports. She noted this issue affects Thailand’s reputation among Muslim tourists.…
- Business News
Thailand races to avert steep US tariffs with trade deal
Thailand has submitted its latest trade proposal to the United States in a last-minute effort to avoid steep tariffs on its exports, as confirmed by Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira. The move comes ahead of a July 9 deadline when a 90-day suspension capping tariffs at 10% for most nations is set to expire. If no agreement is reached, Washington plans…
- Thailand News
Arsenic contamination in Mekong River near Thai border
The Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat issued a warning about the detection of heavy metal contamination in the Mekong River, which is suspected to have originated from poorly regulated mining operations in Myanmar. The situation has been classified as “moderately serious.” Recent water quality assessments conducted by the MRC have revealed elevated levels of arsenic in several locations along the…
- Thailand News
Thailand sets out stance on cyberspace laws
Thailand has released its national position on the Application of International Law in Cyberspace, confirming that human rights laws are applicable in cyberspace under international norms, according to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on its Facebook page. The document is a result of national consultations involving several key agencies such as the Office of the Attorney General,…
- Bangkok News
Bhumjaithai dismisses Anutin’s PM ambitions
The Bhumjaithai Party refuted claims by the Pheu Thai Party that its leader, Anutin Charnvirakul, is aiming to become the next prime minister amid political uncertainty following Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s suspension. Boonyathida Somchai, the party’s spokesperson and MP for Ubon Ratchathani stated yesterday, July 6, that Anutin has not shown any ambition or intention to pursue the premiership, despite…
- Pattaya News
Elderly fisherman falls into Pattaya car park elevator shaft
An elderly fisherman yesterday morning fell into an automatic car park elevator shaft in Pattaya, suffering serious injuries. The man cited his impaired vision from recent surgery as the reason for not seeing the shaft opening. At 7.06am yesterday, July 6, the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Unit responded to an emergency call at the automatic car park of Bali Hai Pier.…
- Guides
The colours of Thai taxis, what do they mean?
If you’ve spent any time in Bangkok, chances are that you’ve noticed a fleet of Thai taxis, each marked by its own distinctive colours, whether it be hot pink, green-yellow, electric blue, or any shade in between. But what do they mean? At first glance, it may seem like a marketing ploy to make their vehicles stand out more, but…
- Cannabis News
Thai cannabis prescriptions standardised, symptoms list clarified
Thailand’s Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine has confirmed that the new cannabis prescription form, known as PorThor 33, will proceed without the previously listed 15 medical symptoms, following concerns about overlapping authority among professional groups. Somruk Chungsaman, Director-General of the department, said yesterday, June 30, that the decision aims to allow each of the seven recognised professions to…
- Bangkok News
PM confirms flawed construction behind state office collapse
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra confirmed today, June 30, that flawed design and construction methods were to blame for the collapse of the State Audit Office building in Bangkok. After reviewing the final investigation report, Paetongtarn said the inquiry involved cooperation from the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning, Chulalongkorn University, Kasetsart University and King Mongkut’s Institute of…
- Thailand News
Royal Irrigation Department mobilises for nationwide flash flood threat
Flood preparations are underway across Thailand as meteorologists forecast several days of intense rainfall from July 1 to 5. The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) confirmed it is mobilising personnel, machinery, and equipment to high-risk areas following an alert from the National Water Resources Office (NWRO). The NWRO has warned of flash floods, stagnant water, and potential mudslides in several provinces…
- Thailand News
Karen refugee suspected in brutal murder of Thai employer
A Karen refugee from Myanmar was suspected of the murder of his Thai employer in Chiang Mai’s Mae Chaem district before fleeing to a refugee centre in Mae Hong Son province. The incident took place on June 27 when police were alerted to a murder in a mountain orchard in Ban Mae Satop Tai, Mae Suek subdistrict. Officers from Mae…
- Pattaya News
Man detained in Pattaya for attempted gold shop robbery
A man was arrested in Pattaya after he allegedly planned a gold shop robbery to cover debts from stock trading losses, but he hesitated to act upon his plans, which led to his arrest. Police detained the suspect, identified as 31 year old Phermphol, at 6.36pm yesterday, June 29, at a department store in North Pattaya, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung…
- Thailand News
Japanese BBQ restaurant fire damages Chachoengsao mall
A fire erupted at a shopping mall in Chachoengsao, prompting an evacuation of employees and visitors as fire and smoke quickly spread throughout the mall. Firefighters reportedly battled the blaze for over two hours before bringing the situation under control. At 8.30pm yesterday, June 29, Deputy Inspector Chalermpol Satharam from Mueang Chachoengsao Police Station received a report of a fire…
- Thailand News
Pheu Thai delays casino bill debate for further review
The Pheu Thai Party has announced a delay in the debate over the proposed casino-entertainment complex bill, initially scheduled for July 3. The postponement, which extends the timeline by about a month, is attributed to the need for further review rather than political discord. Danuporn Punnakanta, a Pheu Thai Party MP and spokesperson, confirmed the delay and emphasised that the…
- Thailand News
Thailand, France to strengthen defence and trade links
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said yesterday, June 29, she felt honoured to speak by phone with French President Emmanuel Macron, announcing Thailand and France’s commitment to deepen bilateral ties across multiple sectors, particularly space technology, defence and clean energy. In a statement posted on social media today, Paetongtarn said the discussion aimed to elevate Thai-French relations to a strategic partnership…
- Thailand News
Protesters demand PM Paetongtarn resignation, deny coup support
Anti-government protesters have intensified demands for the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, while also denying claims from the Pheu Thai Party and the People’s Party that they support a military coup. The United Power of the Land to Protect Sovereignty group, which organised a large rally at the Victory Monument on Saturday, June 28, is pressuring PM Paetongtarn to…
- Thailand News
Heavy rainfall warning issued for 40 Thai provinces
The Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather warning for today, June 30, forecasting heavy rainfall across 40 provinces in Thailand, including Bangkok, which is expected to experience significant downpours. Over the next 24 hours, the upper northern, upper northeastern, western central, and eastern regions are expected to experience heavy rain. This weather pattern is due to a moderate southwest…
- Food
5 of our favourite lasagna restaurants in Bangkok
You can never go wrong with a bit of Italian when dining out in Bangkok. As one of the most beloved cuisines globally, from the classics of pizzas, spaghetti, and lasagna to deserts such as tiramisu or panna cotta for those with a sweet tooth, its cuisine holds the distinctive title of being beloved as comfort food, while also fitting…
- Thailand News
Wildlife officials to prosecute gunman of injured Khao Yai elephant
Thailand’s Department of National Parks (DNP) is preparing legal action against a man suspected of shooting a wild elephant known as “Plai Biang Lek” (also called “Wong Thong”) in Khao Yai National Park. Wildlife officials believe the suspect may be related to a local politician. Previously on June 19, around 5pm, wildlife rangers and volunteers were pushing a wild elephant…
- Phuket News
Four arrested in Phuket for assault on massage worker
Police in Phuket have apprehended four young men concerning the assault of a massage shop worker in Phuket Town on June 19. The incident took place at approximately 10.15pm, as reported by the Phuket City Police on June 22. The four individuals attacked 41 year old Suriya Namsak in front of a local noodle shop. The suspects alleged that Suriya…
- Thailand News
New Cabinet list to be finalised this week
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed today, June 23, that the final line-up for the Paetongtarn Cabinet will be completed this week, but remained silent on speculation over whether he will be shifted to head the Interior Ministry. Phumtham said Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met coalition leaders yesterday to discuss the eight Cabinet positions left vacant following the Bhumjaithai Party’s…
- Thailand News
Thai-Cambodian border checkpoint closures amid protest tensions
The Thai-Cambodian border checkpoint at Chong Sai Taku in Ban Kruat district, Buriram, has been closed by the military following a protest involving Cambodian visitors at Ta Kwai temple in Phanom Dong Rak district, Surin, on June 21. This temple is a point of contention between Thailand and Cambodia. A group of 30 Cambodian visitors staged a protest at the…
- Thailand News
King’s royal gifts boost soldier morale along Thai‑Cambodian border
His Majesty the King has graciously provided royal gifts to boost morale among Thai soldiers stationed along the Thai-Cambodian border today, June 23. Lieutenant Colonel Aniwat Sirikhuang, commander of the 3rd Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, also serving as commander of the 24th Infantry Battalion, Task Force 2, led his troops to a ceremony to receive the royal items. The…
- Economy News
Reforms urged for Bank of Thailand amid global financial shifts
The dean of the Faculty of Economics at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce has proposed significant changes to the role of the Bank of Thailand (BoT) to better align with internal economic dynamics and navigate global financial volatility. On June 22, Anusorn Tamajai made a suggestion yesterday, June 22, for the BoT to reconsider its exchange rate…
