News
Thailand news, politics, business, crime, lifestyle, and tourism—stay updated with breaking news and in-depth analysis from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond.
-
Sponsored Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?
Thailand’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?...
-
EA plans expansion in renewable power and EV sector
Renewable energy and electric vehicle (EV) developer, Energy Absolute Plc (EA), is set to expand its power business. The decision comes after a pause in the introduction of new projects since 2019. Currently, the firm’s wind and solar farms generate a capacity of 664 megawatts. The company’s CEO, Somphote Ahunai, noted in a 2020 interview that EA diversified into EV-related…
-
Household debt surge impacts property and auto sectors
The accumulated domestic debt and non-performing loans (NPLs), coupled with stagnant buying power, have continued to suppress domestic consumption since the previous year, with the property and automotive sectors suffering the most significant blow. This is reflected in the high rate of home loan refusals and car repossessions. The numerous interest rate increases last year exacerbated the financing issues, with…
-
Thailand’s smartphone market to grow 3% in 2024, says report
A 3% growth in Thailand’s smartphone market is anticipated in 2024, fuelled by the need for upgrades and enhanced technology features, says an international research firm. This follows a 2% rise in 2024, when Thailand was the only Southeast Asian nation to experience marginal growth, due to the strong performance of budget smartphones, as per Counterpoint Research’s Southeast Asia Monthly…
-
Wage increase: EconThai’s projections for minimum daily wage
An anticipated meeting of the tripartite wage committee later this month is expected to sanction a second increase in the minimum daily wage for this year. However, the Employers’ Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry (EconThai) suggests the approved hike is unlikely to take the wage to the 400 baht mark. According to Thanit Sorat, the vice-chair of EconThai, the…
-
Motorcycle crash in Chon Buri claims life, leaves mother in despair
A heart-wrenching scene unfolded on a road in Chon Buri province when a 29 year old man’s motorcycle collided with a parked truck, leading to his instant death. The subsequent arrival of his mother, who was overcome with grief, added a tragic dimension to the already grim traffic accident. In the early hours, local police and rescue teams were called…
-
US plans to reinstate GSP scheme for Thailand, to help trade relations
The United States signalled its intent to reinstate the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) scheme for Thailand, as disclosed by Thailand’s Commerce Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai. This development comes after the scheme expired in 2020. Phumtham’s statement emerged following a strategic dialogue with US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and a representative from the President’s Export Council. The dialogue served as…
-
Japan’s visa-free privileges for Thais safe despite overstay concerns
Fears of a potential withdrawal of Japan’s visa-free privileges due to an increased number of Thais overstaying their visas have been dismissed by travel operators. The Department of Consular Affairs brought attention to this issue last December, revealing an increase in the number of Thais overstaying from 8,688 in 2021 to 11,472 in 2023. Reports suggest that the Japanese government…
-
Cathay Pacific staff rewarded with record bonus
Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific Airways announced a windfall for its staff, showering them with a bonus equal to 7.2 weeks’ pay. The airline revealed today a staggering net profit of HK$9.79 billion (approximately 44 billion baht) for last year, alongside plans to bolster its workforce by 20%, hiring an additional 5,000 personnel. Cathay Pacific also delighted shareholders by declaring its…
-
Thailand eyes visa-free agreement with EU countries
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently announced the country’s ambitions to boost its tourism industry and international relationships, following a promising discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron. Held at the prestigious Élysée Palace in Paris, the meeting centred around a visa-free agreement with Schengen area countries, a strategic move that France has expressed support for. The Thai prime minister’s announcement…
-
Gas explosion in China destroys restaurant, leaves one dead (video)
A suspected gas leak wreaked havoc at a restaurant in Hebei, northern China, causing a devastating blast that tore through buildings, wrecked cars and left one dead and 22 injured, as reported by state media and authorities today. According to CCTV News, the injured victims were swiftly transported to hospital following the explosion, which occurred around 8am in Sanhe County,…
-
Thailand adds 38 flights to soar past Songkran price surge
Thailand’s Civil Aviation Office (CAAT) has decided to add 38 new flights to its schedule, in an attempt to combat inflated airfare prices during the Songkran festival and improve the overall travel experience for holidaymakers. Deputy Director of the CAAT, Sarun Benjanirat, brought this development to light as a direct response to the call from Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit for…
-
Three million meth pills found in cow pat in Songkhla
Local authorities were left stunned when they stumbled upon a haul of 2.93 million meth pills worth 58 million baht in some cow pat nestled amidst the forsaken grounds of the derelict station in Songkhla. The discovery marks a significant breakthrough in the relentless battle against narcotics in the southern border province. Prompted by suspicions, vigilant officials and police undertook a…
-
Frenchman’s trial unveils multi-million euro Rolex replica ring
A Frenchman dubbed “the prince of fake” stands accused of orchestrating a sprawling network that flooded France with counterfeit watches. Admitting to masterminding the operation from Thailand, Julien V confessed to overseeing the production of up to 10 counterfeit watches daily, predominantly knock-offs of the prestigious Swiss brand Rolex, culminating in a staggering turnover of 3 million euros (117 million…
-
New measures to protect Thailand’s elephants
As Thailand marks the country’s National Elephant Day, authorities are rolling out ambitious plans to safeguard the majestic creatures and mitigate human-elephant conflicts. With a blend of innovation, community involvement, and legislative actions, the nation aims to secure the future of both wild and domesticated elephants. Thailand, renowned for its vibrant culture and diverse wildlife, is home to a significant…
-
Russian and Burmese arrested for illegal employment
In a crackdown on entertainment hotspots, police in Surat Thani Province found a restaurant owned by a Russian national on Koh Pha Ngan which illegally employed three Burmese workers. During a routine inspection, officers stumbled upon the Colorful Hut eatery, owned by a Russian national, known only by the name Boris. The Russian was found guilty of exploiting three Burmese workers.…
-
Koh Samui police shut down illegal beauty clinic run by foreigners
Police recently apprehended a female doctor operating an illicit beauty clinic in Koh Samui, offering dangerous treatments including blood platelet injections. The raid, conducted at 10am today, March 13, found unregistered medications and controlled substances on the premises while services were being rendered. The Immigration Bureau, along with police forces, revealed that the clandestine beauty clinic, offering various unauthorised medical…
-
Loan shark in Hat Yai nabbed for imposing 120% interest rates
Police in Hat Yai arrested a 62-year-old loan shark for allegedly offering covert loans with exorbitant interest rates of 120% per year, using land title deeds as collateral, and threatening borrowers. The operation was conducted on March 7 under the direction of Major General Warawut Watnakornbancha, Chief of the Special Branch Office 5, along with Lieutenant Colonel Phumiphat Phatarasriwongchai, Chief of…
-
Power cables on Bangkok’s Sarasin Road go underground
The Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), under the leadership of Khajon Srichawanothai, reported a triumph in the endeavour to relocate power cables underground along Sarasin Road. Amidst the verdant expanse of Lumpini Park, Pathumwan District, Bangkok, a historic announcement ceremony unfolded last Friday, March 8. Joined by Chadchart Sittipunt, Bangkok Governor, Vilas Chalaysat, MEA Governor, and a cadre of network executives,…
-
Big Joke associates deny money laundering charges
Two close associates of high-profile police figure Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, vehemently denied all charges in a money laundering case linked to the online gambling website BNKMaster. The two suspects, Sub-Lieutenant Natthawut Huadwaew and Sub-Lieutenant Natthanant Choochak were granted bail of 100,000 baht (US$ 2,800) each at 10am today, March 13, at the Tao Poon Police Station after the Criminal…
-
iCare Foundation transforms lives in northern Thai villages
iCare Thailand Foundation, founded by Danish-Norwegian visionaries, unveils its latest endeavour in the northern Thai countryside. Led by Michael and Karin Andreassen, the iCare Thailand Foundation sets out on a poignant mission to uplift remote communities, one dormitory at a time. Arriving at Huay Pu Kaeng Village, nestled along the Myanmar border, the team’s dedication radiates amidst the sweltering Thai…
-
Thai industrial sentiment dips despite tourism boost
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) reported a minor dip in the industrial sentiment index for February, which fell to 90.0 from 90.6 in the preceding month. This decline was attributed to a slowdown in both domestic demand and exports, despite a boost from the tourism sector. The FTI revealed that household concerns over high living costs and debt issues…
-
Visually impaired students explore Khao Yai National Park
In a remarkable display of inclusion and environmental appreciation, nearly 30 visually impaired students, accompanied by sighted peers, embarked on an educational trek through the lush trails of Khao Yai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand. The event, yesterday March 12, titled Friends Lead Friends (Blind) Through Khao Yai Forest, entered its second year,…
-
Russian arrested for illegal vehicle rental business in Thailand
The Thai authorities’ crackdown on foreigners working illegally in Thailand continued yesterday when a 21 year old Russian national was apprehended on Koh Pha Ngan island in Surat Thani for running an illegal vehicle rental business. The Russian, Danil Kulnevnich, was nabbed yesterday, March 12, by a joint team of tourist police, local police and officials at a pier in…
-
British man arrested in Chiang Mai drug bust
A British man was arrested in a sting operation uncovering a sprawling drug trade targeting unsuspecting tourists in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai police, acting on a tip-off, apprehended 48 year old British man Charly Garcia in an operation at a cannabis products shop in the Mueang district, where he was allegedly peddling narcotics to foreign visitors. Undercover officers, playing their…
-
Brief burglary: Panty thief evades Phuket police pursuit
An underwear thief who managed to steal over 20 items of women’s underwear in one swoop is being pursued by the Patong Police in Phuket. The audacious theft, which was captured on CCTV, has been circulating widely across local social media channels since yesterday. The victim of the theft, a 42 year old woman who requested to be referred to…
-
Tourists injured as sleepy driver crashes Fortuner into truck near Bangkok
A Toyota Fortuner carrying two tourists to Suvarnabhumi Airport was involved in a collision after the driver reportedly fell asleep at the wheel. The incident occurred at 6.30am today, March 13, when the SUV veered off course and slammed into the back of a 10-wheeler truck. The aftermath of the crash left passengers injured, requiring immediate medical attention. At the…
-
Thailand and France forge future partnerships
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and France President Emmanuel Macron united in Paris, pledging to fortify relations spanning diverse domains and to invigorate a symbiotic alliance between their nations. During a joint press conference, Macron accentuated the importance of economic collaboration and trade synergies, emphasising proactive preparation for forthcoming challenges in Southeast Asia. He articulated the pivotal role of robust bilateral…
-
Buddha statue and celebrity tips stir lottery frenzy ahead of March 16 draw
Lottery enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the draw on March 16, as a host of lucky numbers have been highlighted from various sources, including ancient Buddha statues, famous country singers, Chinese calendars, and even the license plate of a high-profile politician’s car. The anticipation for the Saturday, March 16 lottery draw is palpable, with the buzz around lucky numbers reaching a…
-
Homeless man rescued at sea on makeshift raft in Pattaya
An unconventional rescue mission took place in Pattaya, where authorities came to the aid of a homeless man drifting in the sea on a self-constructed raft made of plastic bottles. The incident unfolded around 11am yesterday, March 12, when speedboat operators spotted a lone figure sitting atop a makeshift raft roughly 2.4 kilometres off Bali Hai Pier. Alerting the Pattaya…
-
Buriram issues health alert over anthrax after Laos cases
The province of Buriram in Thailand issued a health warning over the threat of anthrax, a severe bacterial disease, following the identification of three cases in neighbouring Laos. The disease, which can spread from animals to humans, particularly through the consumption of raw bovine and buffalo meat, prompted heightened surveillance and precautionary measures. Today, the provincial livestock office, led by…
Don't forget to check out some other things to do in Thailand - get help starting a business or finding a job in Thailand, buy Thailand property, rent a yacht or book a medical procedure worldwide.