- 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 aims for 500 billion baht in tourism revenue this year
Phuket is set to bring in a tourism revenue of 500 billion baht this year, as outlined by the Provincial Governor, Sophon Suwannarat. Last year’s tourism revenue was deemed successful, with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) reporting that over 13.14 million tourists visited, generating at least 497 billion baht. Sophon highlighted this year’s goal of 500 billion baht, noting…
- 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…
- South Thailand News
Explosions in southern Thailand ahead of Thaksin’s visit
Explosions erupted this morning in Thailand’s southern border provinces of Yala and Narathiwat ahead of the visit by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. In Yala province, a civilian lost his life and seven police officers sustained injuries following a bomb explosion in front of a supermarket in Bannang Sata district yesterday night. The incident occurred on Highway 10, in front…
- 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,…
- Bangkok News
Senators urge justice minister’s removal over election probe
A group of senators is advocating for the dismissal of Justice Minister Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong due to the Department of Special Investigation’s (DSI) plan to examine complaints linked to last year’s Senate election. The DSI is set to convene on Tuesday, February 25, to deliberate on whether to pursue an investigation into vote-fixing allegations. This follows demands from unsuccessful…
- 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…
- Phuket News
British man drops cocaine at Phuket Airport and causes a scene
A British man caused a scene at Phuket International Airport on February 18 after allegedly dropping a bag of cocaine while rolling on the floor in a frantic outburst. The suspect, who had arrived from Shanghai on Juneyao Air flight HO 1323, reportedly began shouting and rolling on the ground, drawing the attention of immigration officers. Footage shows him lying…
- 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
Temple abbot arrested for child pornography possession
Police arrested a temple abbot in Suphan Buri on charges of possessing and distributing exploitative materials of minors. The suspect also faces additional charges related to the abuse of a temple assistant. Today, February 21, Police Colonel Peera Assawapiboonphol, Superintendent of Suphan Buri Provincial Police Investigation Division, ordered an operation at Nong Chaeng temple in Dan Chang district, Suphan Buri…
- 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
No dice: Thai casino entry plan unlikely to get Cabinet approval
A new proposal by the Council of State for Thai nationals to enter casinos is unlikely to receive Cabinet approval, according to Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The proposal requires Thais to maintain a minimum of 50 million baht in fixed deposit accounts for six months before accessing a casino entertainment complex. Anutin, who also serves as a Deputy Prime Minister…
- 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%…
- Thailand News
Thai social security spending sparks outrage over lavish expenses
Spending by the Social Security Office (SSO) has generated significant public outrage for its luxury spending, which includes first-class flights, an 850 million baht web application, and 450 million baht for calendars. The issue emerged when Rukchanok Srinork, a People’s Party Bangkok Member of Parliament (MP) and member of the House committee overseeing budget planning and expenditure, disclosed details of…
- Thailand News
ONCB thwarts drug transport ring, 500kg of meth seized
The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), in collaboration with partner agencies, intercepted a shipment of 500 kilogrammes of methamphetamine intended for transportation to a neighbouring country. Assets worth 9 million baht were seized and the driver admitted to having transported drugs four times, earning 100,000 baht per trip. Today, February 17, the ONCB’s Drug Suppression Bureau announced the…
- Thailand News
Pheu Thai dismisses calls to dissolve House over charter clash
The ruling Pheu Thai Party has dismissed the opposition People’s Party’s call to dissolve the House, with Pheu Thai MP Sutin Klungsang clarifying that differing views on a proposed charter amendment do not signify a rift serious enough to destabilise the coalition. “This will not affect the coalition’s stability. Business continues as usual despite the impasse.” Joint sittings to discuss…
- Thailand News
Thailand urged to target older tourists to boost tourism revenue
A scholar from Thammasat University is advocating for Thailand’s government to target older tourists, who are known for longer stays and higher spending, as part of its tourism strategy. The government has designated 2025 as the year of Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism & Sports, with the objective of drawing 40 million international tourists and generating a minimum of 3 trillion…
- Phuket News
Filipina woman arrested in Phuket over Bangkok fraud charges
A 45 year old Filipina woman was arrested in Phuket on Friday after immigration officers discovered an outstanding fraud warrant issued by the Criminal Court in Bangkok in 2020. The suspect, identified as Brenda (surname withheld), was taken into custody while attempting to extend her visa at the Phuket Immigration Office in Phuket Town. A background check through the Immigration…
