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 Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run
Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...
-
Coworker fatally shoots truck driver in dispute at housing block in Thailand
A Thai truck driver challenged his coworker to a confrontation, only to face a real 9-millimetre gun in return. The driver fled the scene but later died from gunshot wounds at a five-storey building in the central Saraburi province last night, local police reported. A 31 year-old truck driver named Suwit was fatally shot in his stomach and left arm…
-
Body found with chest and back wounds near Thai fishing port
A man’s body has been discovered with chest and back wounds floating near a fishing port in Thailand‘s central Samut Sakhon province. Police are yet to determine the man’s identity or cause of death and are currently investigating the incident. At 6.45pm yesterday, Chonathip Ongklueb, the Deputy Investigation Inspector of the Samut Sakhon District Police, received a report of a…
-
Journalist arrested for allegedly demanding millions in bribe to drop charges in Thailand
There’s been another bribery scandal in Thailand. A journalist has been arrested in Thailand for allegedly using her connections with a senior police officer to demand 14 million baht from a Chinese suspect in return for having charges against her dropped. National deputy police chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn revealed the arrest on Saturday, stating that Guo Rui, also known…
-
Russian man tragically drowns off Patong Beach
A tragic incident occurred yesterday off the coast of Patong Beach when a Russian man drowned while swimming in the sea. The drowning was reported to the Patong Police Station at 7.55am, Bangkok Post reported. Rescue workers, lifeguards, and Patong Hospital personnel attempted to save the man. Despite their best efforts to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the man could not be saved.…
-
Authorities visit Pattaya Beach to clamp down on sex workers, trans women, and homeless
Tourist Police in Chon Buri teamed up with Pattaya authorities in a visit to Pattaya Beach last night. The authorities aimed to clamp down on troublesome activities on the beach posed by sex workers, transgender women, homeless people and beggars. This was to ensure the safety of tourists. The initiative was in line with the policies of the Deputy National…
-
Albino turtle discovered by fisherman sparks lottery number craze in Thai village
A Thai fisherman discovered a rare albino turtle during a night fishing trip, Thai media reported today. Residents flocked to the home of 35 year old Surachet Chawangpan in the northeast Surin province to see the turtle. They believe the turtle will bring them good luck, including in the lottery. Surachet’s wife said her husband caught the turtle the night…
-
Fugitive swindles millions from Thai lottery buyers, eludes arrest for 6 years
Police from the PCT5 division arrested a Thai fugitive in connection with a fraudulent investment scheme involving government lottery quotas. The fugitive allegedly swindled victims out of over 50 million baht before evading capture for six years, Khaosod reported. Today, Pol. Lt. Col. Theeradech Thamsuthee, head of the Special Operations Unit 5, led the team of PCT5 officers in arresting…
-
Frustrated Thai delivery rider sets fire to motorbike due to tyre problems
A frustrated Thai delivery rider set fire to his motorbike after it frequently malfunctioned and had numerous flat tyres. The incident took place at 10am today in the Sampran district of the central Nakhon Pathom province, where local police discovered the burnt remains of the motorbike. The scene occurred on a newly filled dirt area, where the motorbike was found…
-
Deadly intersection sparks ghostly fears, Thai villagers hold exorcism ceremony
The deadly intersection known as the ‘100-corpse intersection’ in Thailand‘s northern Phayao province has locals on edge, with frequent accidents and fatalities causing ongoing fear. Residents in the Wat Pa Lan Kam community have sought the help of monks to perform an exorcism ceremony in an attempt to ward off evil spirits associated with the so-called ‘spirit of the deceased.’…
-
Phuket launches inspections to curb foreigner crime, boost reputation
Phuket authorities launched a comprehensive inspection campaign targeting crimes by foreigners to boost the island’s reputation among potential visitors. The ‘white accommodation scheme for foreigners’ was announced by Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew. The scheme is being overseen by Pol. Col. Thanet Sukchai, Superintendent of Phuket Immigration, The Phuket News reported. The scheme aims to work with landlords who have foreigners residing…
-
Illegal animal carcass imports uncovered in Chon Buri raid
Thailand‘s Department of Livestock Development discovered an illegal import of animal carcasses in the Panthong district of Chon Buri. Authorities have confiscated over 1,200 kilograms of tainted products, which have undergone testing for formalin contamination. Dr Somchuan Rattanamangkalanont, the director-general of the department, revealed that the investigation located an illegal food factory in Panthong. Niday Chutiphon Siri Mongkolrat, the director…
-
Truck flips in Chon Buri, crushes car and kills young woman
A young woman was tragically killed in a Chon Buri motorway accident involving an 18-wheeler truck carrying a container and multiple cars. Police are investigating the causes of the accident and will examine CCTV footage for further information. The 18-wheeler Isuzu truck carrying a container reportedly flipped over and crushed a Honda Civic. The driver of the Civic, a 34…
-
THAI collaborating with Bangchak on sustainable fuel initiative
Thai Airways International Plc (THAI) has recently partnered with Bangchak Corporation Plc to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) focusing on technical and professional knowledge sharing in the field of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) utilisation. The chief of corporate strategy at THAI, Taviroj Songkumpol, stated that the national carrier has been striving for over 63 years to maintain a balance…
-
Bride in China surprises groom by dressing up as Ultra-man on wedding day
True love transcends boundaries as a bride surprises her groom by dressing as his favourite superhero, Ultraman, on their wedding day in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China. The unexpected gesture delights the groom and created a memorable moment for the couple. On May 20th, a popular day for couples to make lifelong commitments, a couple in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China, celebrated…
-
Smuggling crackdown thwarts illegal cow import from Myanmar to Thailand
A recent crackdown on illegal livestock smuggling led Thai authorities to intercept a convoy of five trucks, arresting five individuals and seizing 30 cattle. The incident occurred at the Thai-Myanmar border in Tak province, highlighting ongoing efforts to curb the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. The Director-General of the Department of Livestock Development, Dr Somchuan Ratanamankalanon, stated that on May 25th,…
-
Homeless man in China teaches English to students on pavement, exchanges knowledge for money
A homeless man in China’s Hebei province has captured netizens’ attention for teaching English lessons to groups of students on a pavement rather than begging for money. With a fascinating background, his lessons cost between 24-122 baht per hour or an equal value in fruits and vegetables. Website CTWANT reported on this homeless man in Hebei province who has garnered…
-
Video: Asiana Airlines emergency door opens mid-flight, passengers safe
The authorities arrested a 30 year old passenger on an Asiana Airlines flight for opening an emergency exit while the plane was in flight. The incident compelled the plane to make a safe landing, and all 194 passengers and crew members managed to escape unharmed. However, six passengers, who experienced difficulty breathing, were promptly taken to the hospital. The emergency…
-
Malaysian man kills his pregnant girlfriend, cuts out 4 month old fetus, mutilated body
In a horrifying incident, a 20 year old Malaysian man has been arrested for allegedly murdering his pregnant girlfriend, burning her body twice, and forcibly removing her unborn baby in an oil palm plantation in Sungai Besar, Selangor on Monday. Reports indicate that observers spotted thick black smoke billowing out of a palm garden, triggering an investigation that revealed the…
-
Foreign buyers fuel 200% surge in Thai luxury property sales
A surge in foreign interest in luxury property in Thailand has been observed since international tourists began returning in the latter half of 2022, according to property consultancy CBRE. Sales transactions through CBRE have risen by over 200%, indicating a clear trend. In response, developers are preparing to launch new luxury and super-luxury residential projects in 2023, with a focus…
-
Ex-convict strikes again: Thief steals over 100,000 baht from 27 mobile top-up kiosks
In a spree of audacious thefts, an ex-convict, released from prison a mere six months ago, targeted and plundered over 100,000 baht from 27 mobile top-up kiosks in Chaiyaphum province, located in the northeastern part of Thailand. The crime wave came to light when the owner of a local grocery store filed a complaint with Mueng Chaiyaphum Police Station on…
-
Thai government warns of heavy rain, flash floods and landslides during 27-30 May
Thai citizens have been warned to brace for heavy rainfall, flash floods, and forest runoffs from May 27-30 as an impact of several weather phenomena. The Meteorological Department issued a severe weather warning, covering all regions of the country, and advised people to stay informed about updates. Anucha Burapachaisri, the Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister for Political Affairs, acting…
-
FDA discovers steroids in herbal drink: The Phi brand faces legal action
The Thailand Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uncovered a shocking revelation regarding a herbal drink under The Phi (เทพี) brand, which translates to “goddess” in Thai. The drink, known for its exaggerated claims of curing various ailments such as allergies, disk herniation, and rheumatoid arthritis, was found to contain steroids by the FDA. The FDA became suspicious of the product’s…
-
Trans suspect allegedly snatches cash and gold from Russians in Pattaya (video)
A transgender suspect allegedly snatched cash and gold necklaces from a Russian couple in Pattaya earlier this week. Officers took the suspect into custody at the Pattaya Police Station on charges of stealing 2,500 baht in cash and two gold necklaces from 51 year old Nikolay Smirnova and 51 year old Elena Smirnova. According to the couple, the suspect approached…
-
Thapanee Kiatphaibool approved as new TAT governor
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced the appointment of Thapanee Kiatphaibool as its new governor, effective from September 1. The 48 year old, who currently serves as the deputy governor for domestic marketing, was chosen by the TAT board yesterday, following a recruitment process that began on February 20. Out of the two finalists, the nomination subcommittee, chaired by…
-
Neuralink’s mind-blowing milestone: FDA gives Elon Musk’s brain-implant venture green light
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Neuralink, Elon Musk’s brain-implant company, to start its first-in-human clinical trial. This marks a significant milestone for the company, which had previously faced challenges in obtaining approval. In a tweet, Neuralink stated that the FDA’s decision was an essential first step towards helping many people through their technology, though further details…
-
Thailand and Malaysia collaborate on new transborder road to boost ties
A new road connecting Thailand’s Sadao border checkpoint in Songkhla to Malaysia’s Bukit Kayu Hitam town in Kedah state is set to be built, following an agreement between the two countries aimed at strengthening their ties. Chonthun Sangpoom, the deputy secretary-general of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC), said yesterday that the SBPAC and state agencies participated in the…
-
Thai woman arrested for operating online durian scam
Police arrested a Thai woman following numerous complaints from victims across the country who fell prey to her online durian scams. Chananchida Khamwarn, a 27 year old resident, was tracked down and arrested by the Police Cyber Taskforce and Investigation Division of the Metropolitan Police Bureau. The scammer had previously faced arrest warrants issued in Khon Kaen province and Payao…
-
Cruise liner with 1,800 tourists makes its way to Koh Samui
A cruise liner embarked from Chon Buri with 1,800 tourists on board and made its way to Cambodia and Vietnam, before finally arriving on the picturesque shores of Koh Samui. Witchawut Jintoe, the governor of Surat Thani, informed The Phuket Express that this week the COSTA SERENA cruise liner docked at the Na Thon Pier, bringing Thai and Asian tourists…
-
MFP reassures cannabis businesses amid plans to re-list as narcotic
The Move Forward Party (MFP) reassured registered marijuana growers and cannabis business operators that their interests will be safeguarded in the future, even if the drug is reclassified as a narcotic. Deputy MFP leader Sirikanya Tansakun explained that the party’s primary objective in re-listing cannabis as a narcotic is to enable state officials, including the police and the Office of Narcotics…
-
Pattaya authorities kick beggar out of bar for being dressed as lion performer
Pattaya authorities kicked a beggar out of a bar because he was dressed as a lion performer. Pattaya City Municipality officers, known as Tessagit, have taken a firm stance against individuals dressed as lion performers. Officers say they are just beggars who irritate business owners and customers. Following multiple complaints from bar owners in the popular Soi 6 area of…
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.