- 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…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok highlights urgent need for pedestrian safety at crossings
Road safety measures at pedestrian crossings in Bangkok are being highlighted as essential, following findings that most road accidents occur near schools and hospitals. Chamaipan Santikarn, who manages the Social Mobilisation for Motorcycle Safety Project at ThaiHealth, emphasised the need for improved safety after a recent incident where a 68 year old South Korean tourist was struck by a motorcycle…
- Bangkok News
Elderly man’s half a million baht close call in Bangkok taxi
An elderly man in Bangkok accidentally left four valuable pieces of ancient gold jewellery in a taxi. Police successfully traced the items, revealing their worth to be around half a million baht. The incident occurred after the man travelled from Chatuchak yesterday, February 16. Police Colonel Sanong Saengmanee, superintendent of Chanasongkram Police Station, stated that the investigative team was informed…
- Thailand News
PM Paetongtarn’s plans for ASEAN growth
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has emphasised the importance of fostering regional economic integration, and fortifying supply chains among ASEAN nations to contribute to global economic progress. In an interview, the 38 year old PM highlighted the potential for ASEAN, under Malaysia’s chairmanship, to expedite the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to stimulate regional growth. The Thai premier…
- Guides
Celebrating Songkran festival in Thailand 2025
As we edge closer to April, the cheers of Thailand’s beloved Songkran festival grow stronger by the day. In 2025, Songkran festivities have big shoes to fill after almost a month-long celebration period in 2024. The good news is this year is set to be bigger and bolder than ever. Songkran represents the Thai traditional new year. As the main…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok introduces congestion charge in six key intersections
Thailand is looking to introduce a congestion charge to alleviate traffic in key areas of Bangkok, known for its gridlock bumper-to-bumper congestion. Following the footsteps of other major cities such as London and Milan, the move is expected to yield positive results. The congestion charge, designed to alleviate traffic jams and curb environmental pollution, is set to initially cover six…
- Thailand News
Phatthalung man fires at ex-wife’s home, no injuries reported
Police in Phatthalung province yesterday responded to an incident involving a man who allegedly fired shots at his former wife’s residence, causing property damage but no injuries. The altercation took place in Mueang Phatthalung district, yesterday, February 9, with police actively pursuing legal action against the suspect. Upon arriving at the scene, police discovered shattered windows, doors, and damaged walls…
- Thailand News
Yingluck Shinawatra’s return to Thailand faces unresolved issues
Efforts to facilitate the return of former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to Thailand continue, as her brother, Thaksin, indicates that several considerations must still be addressed before her possible return. Thaksin initially committed to her return during an interview last November, suggesting it could occur around this year’s Songkran festival. The 75 year old former PM expressed optimism regarding the…
- Thailand News
Thaksin ready to tackle censure debate accusations
Former Prime Minister of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra expressed his intention to address any inquiries or accusations made against him during the upcoming censure debate, anticipated to take place at the end of this month or early next month. Although he will not be physically present in the chamber to provide an immediate response, Thaksin assured reporters of his readiness to reply…
- Thailand News
New Jurassic film set to boost Thai tourism and hotel bookings
Tourism operators are optimistic that the new Jurassic franchise film, highlighting the natural attractions of southern Thailand, will draw tourists year-round. This has led to calls for a management plan to accommodate the expected visitor influx. The trailer for Jurassic World Rebirth showcases destinations in Krabi and Trang, including Koh Kradan and Khao Phanom Bencha National Park. The film is…
- Chiang Mai News
Drug traffickers killed in Chiang Mai shootout, meth haul seized
Four members of a drug trafficking ring were killed in a shootout in a Chiang Mai forest, resulting in the seizure of over 100 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine and one million methamphetamine pills. The incident occurred on Saturday, February 8, near Ban Pang Nok, Moo 1, Malika subdistrict, Mae Ai district, when personnel from the 3206th Ranger Company, under the…
- Thailand News
Teen caught with two million meth pills on Mekong River
A 16 year old was apprehended while smuggling meth pills across the Mekong River, with over two million pills seized. Three of his accomplices managed to escape. The incident took place earlier today, February 3, in Chumphon subdistrict, Phon Phisai district, Nong Khai province. Lieutenant General Boonsin Phadklang, head of the Second Army Area and the Border Drug Suppression and…
- Thailand News
Thaksin travels to Malaysia for talks with PM
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia met with his informal advisory group yesterday, February 2, led by Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, to discuss various regional matters. The meeting, which took place after Thaksin received court approval to travel internationally, covered significant topics including the ongoing situation in Myanmar and developments in cryptocurrency. Anwar shared details of the gathering…
- Thailand News
FDA raises kratom limit to boost farmers’ incomes
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin has committed to promoting kratom-based products to enhance farmers’ incomes while adhering to safety standards. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently increased the daily consumption limit of mitragynine, a key alkaloid in kratom plants, from 1 milligramme to 3 milligrammes. This development is significant in advancing kratom-infused products. Mitragynine is known for its…
- Thailand News
E-cigarette crisis on national agenda over youth vaping surge
Civil networks have collectively decided to elevate the e-cigarette issue to a national agenda following a significant increase in young vapers over the past year. This topic was discussed during a seminar hosted by the Senate committee on Social Development, Children, Youth, Women, the Elderly, People with Disabilities, the Underprivileged, and Social Diversity. The event took place on January 30…
- Thailand News
Experts have their say on govt’s PM2.5 pollution efforts
The Government of Thailand is intensifying efforts to combat PM2.5 pollution due to concerns over its detrimental effects and a desire for cleaner air, a recurring issue at the start of the year. Numerous provinces have been affected by the fine dust since January, leading to measures such as reducing bushfires and haze, offering free public transport in Bangkok, and…
- Bangkok News
PM Paetongtarn highlights policy successes in monthly address
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra delivered her monthly television address yesterday, February 2, highlighting her administration’s efforts and accomplishments since the beginning of the year. The programme, titled Okat Thai Kap Nayok Paetongtarn (Opportunities for Thailand with Prime Minister Paetongtarn), is scheduled to air on the first Sunday of each month on the NBT HD2 channel, which is controlled by the…
- Thailand News
People’s Party wins key Lamphun election victory
The opposition People’s Party (PP) has achieved a significant milestone in local politics, as candidate Weeradej Pupisit won the Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) presidential election in Lamphun. Unofficial results indicate that 39 year old Weeradej defeated Anusorn Wongwan, a four-time veteran from the ruling Pheu Thai Party, in the election held on February 1. The PP presented 17 candidates for…
- Thailand News
Thai police to establish centre to combat Myanmar scam gangs
The Royal Thai Police (RTP) is establishing an international coordination centre to collaborate with foreign embassies in preventing foreign nationals from joining call centre scam gangs in Myanmar. The initiative, spearheaded by Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, aims to tackle call centre scams, particularly in the Mae Sot district of Tak, which serves as a significant transit point for individuals joining…
- Lifestyle
Poppy: Moo Deng’s overseas pygmy hippo competition
It seems as if the adorable Moo Deng, an A-lister at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo, has found herself some competition over the pond at the Metro Richmond Zoo in Virginia, USA. It has been a few weeks now since the newborn pygmy hippo, Poppy, made her introduction to the world, and just like Moo Deng, people simply can’t get…
- Business News
New Hotel Act targets 500 unlicensed Thai hotels
The Tourism and Sports Ministry is set to propose a new Hotel Act specifically for small and medium-sized hotels, with the aim of registering over 500 unlicensed accommodations that currently cannot participate in the existing system. Tourism Vice-Minister Jakkaphon Tangsutthitham reported that more than 90,000 small and medium-sized accommodations in Thailand do not qualify as hotel businesses under the current…
- Phuket News
Man in Phuket arrested after attempted abduction of 14 year old girl
Police in Phuket arrested a man on January 24, after an attempted abduction of a 14 year old girl in Kamala. The incident unfolded early in the morning when the girl narrowly avoided harm with the intervention of a hotel security guard and nearby residents. The girl, referred to by the pseudonym Ploy, was waiting for her school bus near…
- Thailand News
PM2.5 pollution targetted with urgent health measures
Thailand is grappling with severe PM2.5 air pollution, prompting the National Health Security Office (NHSO) to issue an urgent directive to local administrative organisations and Bangkok. The directive encourages the use of local health security funds to combat the pollution, including purchasing masks for vulnerable groups. Yesterday, January 26, Doctor Jadej Thammatacharee, Secretary-General of the NHSO, highlighted the worsening PM2.5…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok fire leaves three injured, investigations underway
A fire broke out in a commercial building in Bang Khun Thian, Bangkok yesterday, January 26 at 2.15pm, resulting in three injuries. A 57 year old man sought refuge on the rooftop, using water from a tank to cool himself as firefighters battled the flames for over four hours. Police Lieutenant Colonel Sathorn Rabiabpho received a report of the incident…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s game industry act set for Cabinet review in February
The draft of the Game Industry Act is scheduled for Cabinet review next month following the conclusion of public hearings. The legislation is anticipated to be implemented by the end of 2025. Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President and Chief Executive of the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), stated that the law aims to address the development of the computer game industry, valued…
