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 See the best of Northern Thailand this winter on a budget
The Thaiger key takeaways Peak season brings higher prices, but smart planning and local know-how can help you experience Northern Thailand affordably. Chiang Mai, Pai, and Chiang Rai offer plenty of free or low-cost attractions, from temples and canyons to...
-
Beam me up from Khao Kala’s Buddhist statue – UFOs come to Thailand
Just north of Bangkok, in Nakhon Sawan, an unlikely not-very-tall hill with a Buddha statue atop, is attracting throngs of UFO-seekers. They believe that extraterrestrials hover over the statue, send telepathic messages, walk around the local sugarcane fields and use a conveniently crocodile-infested lake as a Stargate-style portal to travel from their planets. The planets, in case you were wondering,…
-
Time to re-submit Brexit plan – EU to UK
“As they stand, “the UK proposals do not provide a basis for concluding an agreement,” a European Commission spokeswoman underlined Friday.” by Marc Burleigh British PM Boris Johnson has been on the phone to EU leaders yesterday to sell his proposals for a managed Brexit. But he says he is hitting a wall of pressure to revise his offer, and…
-
Pheu Thai calls for urgent probe about alleged meddling in Yala’s judicial affairs
PHOTO: Bangla Tribune “Future Forward secretary-general Piyabutr Saengkanokkul claimed that he had received a 25 page document from the judge in September, alleging meddling by the chief judge of Region 9.” The Pheu Thai party is urging the government to investigate alleged meddling with the judiciary after a judge in the Yala provincial court shot himself on Friday in an…
-
Chim-Shop-Chai stimulus scheme set for a second roll-out
Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha is hinting the government may launch a second phase of the “Chim-Shop-Chai” (Eat-Shop-Spend) scheme. He says he’s waiting for officials to complete an assessment of the first phase and its ability to boost the sluggish economy. Chim-Shop-Chai was a raging success. Up to one million Thais were able to register each 24 hours to apply for…
-
Hong Kong leader should resign, says Malaysian PM
PHOTO: AFP Mahathir Mohamad, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, says Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam should quit as pro-democracy protests continue to rock the city. Activists are becoming increasingly violent as they voice their anger at what they see as increased interference from Beijing. The protests have now been running for four months and show no signs of ending soon.…
-
Judge forced to change “not guilty” verdict shoots himself in court in southern Thailand
A judge has shot himself in the chest at the provincial court in Yala, southern Thailand, after he was forced to change his verdict. Thai PBS World reports that Kanakorn Pianchana tried to kill himself following delivery of his verdict yesterday afternoon. It’s believed he is now out of danger and recovering in hospital. Meanwhile, Thai social media lit up…
-
Thailand’s Justice Minister to re-open Japanese tourist murder case
PHOTO: Chiang Rai Times Somsak Thepsutin, Thailand’s Justice Minister, says a 12 year old unsolved murder case will be re-opened. In 2007, Tomoko Kawashita, a 25 year old Japanese tourist, was found in Wat Saphan Hin National Park in Sukothai, central Thailand, with her throat slit and evidence that she had been raped. No match was ever found for the…
-
Six more countries now get visa-on-arrival into Myanmar
Around Thailand the possibilities for foreigners travelling is growing with visa-free arrivals, waived fees, no paperwork and quick processing at Immigration ports. Now, the Myanmar government is introducing new regulations to facilitate easier access as another step towards opening up the country to the world, and tourism. Starting this week, tourists from six countries – Australia, Germany, Italy, Russia, Spain…
-
“No liquidity crunch” – Thai Airways’ President
PHOTO: Sumeth Damrongchaitham, Thai Airways’ President “Deputy PM says the rehabilitation plan had been implemented for a while now, but there was still no sign of the losses easing.” The President of national flagship carrier Thai Airways International is denying reports that it is experiencing a liquidity crunch. Sumeth Damrongchaitham claims that Thai Airways has sufficient cash flow “for present…
-
Anti-corruption body calls for transparency over controversial herbicides decision
PHOTO: Ricehopper The Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand is joining the anti-paraquat bandwagon with its call for all parties concerned to take a clear stand on the three controversial herbicides – paraquat, glyphosate and chlorpyrifos. In a statement issued today, the ACT praised Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha for making clear his desire for a complete ban on the weed-killers, while calling…
-
Raffles reopens historic Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Cambodia
Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, one of the most iconic heritage properties in south east Asia, reopened its doors to guests this week after a six-month closure for renovations and refurbishments. One hundred and twelve of the landmark property’s 119 rooms and suites have been fully refurbished, buttressing the intrinsic appeal of a property renowned for its classic facade, its expansive…
-
Competing in ESports in grades-obsessed Singapore
“Players from nine countries will compete in six titles at the SEA Games – Mobile Legends, Arena of Valor, Dota 2, Starcraft II, Tekken 7, and Hearthstone.” by Sam Reeves / Martin Abbugao Very un-Singaporean indeed. In a country highly focused on academic achievement, Singapore’s Galvin Kang Jian Wen (centre, above) did something almost unthinkable – he stopped studying as…
-
Transformers-inspired robot rolls out green message in Vietnam
PHOTOS: AFP There is more to this towering robot resembling a character from the “Transformers” movies than the auto-parts it’s made from – it speaks Vietnamese and is made from unused motorbike parts. “Hello everyone … I am from Vietnam,” Robot One announces as it swivels side to side in a Hanoi workshop. A team of IT programmers and students…
-
Alcohol ban may be on the horizon for two important holidays
PHOTO: You Tube/Paolo from Tokyo A couple of alcohol-free days may be looming as two significant national holidays approach. The first is October 13, which will mark the third anniversary of the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. As it falls on a Sunday this year, the bank holiday will be observed on Monday, October 14. October 13 is also the…
-
Hong Kong police call for curfew amid riots
PHOTO: AFP Pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong have been clashing with police since the shooting at close range of an 18 year old protester earlier this week. Activists have gone on the rampage, setting fires and throwing petrol bombs, while police responded with tear gas, as four months of protests show no signs of dying down. The police themselves are…
-
Dr. Thon pleads for dugong conservation plan
PHOTO: SCMP Thailand’s leading marine biologist is urging the Thai government to speed up conservation plans for the dugong, an imperiled sea mammal, aka. sea cow, after their death toll for the year in southern Thai waters has already climbed to a record 21. Dr. Thon Thamrongnawasawat says that the carcass of another deceased dugong was found this week off…
-
PropTech company targeting global expansion? FazWaz raises Pre-Series A
FazWaz, a PropTech company focused on making real estate transactions cheaper, simpler and more efficient announced today that is has secured an undisclosed 7 figure USD amount in a pre-series A round led by a Singaporean group. The funding will enable the FazWaz Group to expand its market share in Thailand, and continue its overseas expansion into the UAE. The…
-
Pattaya storm water drainage still lacking
PHOTO: Pattaya Mail Good news that there’s little chance of rain for the rest of today but torrential rain last week tested the millions of baht spent on better storm drains around the city (forecast below). But again, many areas of Pattaya were swamped after the heavy rains on September 26. Last week’s floods came despite huge expense and years…
-
Pope will meet His Majesty the King and the Prime Minister during visit to Thailand
PHOTO: AFP The Catholic Bishops Conference of Thailand have released the itinerary for the Pope’s visit to Thailand next month, confirming that Pope Francis will meet separately with His Majesty the King, PM Prayut Chan-o-cha, as well as the Supreme Patriarch and head of the Buddhist faith in Thailand. The Pope’s Bangkok visit will last three days, beginning when he…
-
Property Perfect launch promotion to boost flagging condo sales
Thailand’s property market will grow only 3 – 5% this year and the condo market is likely to end up 25% down – the executive director of Property Perfect claims it’s the the most severe situation in 10 years. The Nation reports that Wongsakorn Prasitwipat is primarily blaming the loan-to-value measures imposed by the government on Thai banks last April, along…
-
US will slap tariffs on EU following Airbus trade ruling
PHOTO: Airbus factory in Toulouse, France – Manatour.fr The US is making more trade waves, in addition to its long-running trade war with China. Now it’s taking on the largest trade bloc in the world – the European Union. Aircraft and agricultural items from Europe will now be subject to US tariffs in the latest round of a long legal…
-
British man involved in death of Thai woman in Pattaya gets 4 year sentence for drugs in the UK
PHOTO: www.thaiexaminer.com A British man deported from Thailand in May of this year, has been sentenced to four years and three months for drugs offences in the UK. Reece Vella from Worcester, England, was being held in Thailand since January 2018 for his part in the death of a Thai woman who fell from his condo balcony. His release happened…
-
Thai police to stop background checks on Muslim students
PHOTO: Chiang Rai Times Thailand’s Special Branch police have agreed to drop their request for universities to provide them with background information on Muslim students. Thai PBS World reports that Rangsiman Rome, spokesman for the House Committee on Laws, Justice Process and Human Rights, says Special Branch has communicated their decision to the committee. Mr Rangsiman says Muslim students have…
-
Bangkok’s Dream World has unexpected new attraction
PHOTOS: Matichon Online Upside down roller coaster? Scary Haunted House? Dinosaurs? What’s the exciting new attraction??? The Dream World Amusement Park in Tanyaburi district of Pathum Thani, north of Bangkok, has an unexpected new attraction and Instagram opportunity with its, wait for it…. Male toilet. The new men’s urinals have become a hit according to Matichon Online. So what’s all…
-
Phuket lawyer to sue his client for defamation and unpaid bills of 100 million baht
PHOTOS: Phuket Hot News On September 30, Narongrit Netikietiwong, the lawyer of Chanwit Kitlertsiriwattana, Managing Director of Phukhaohokluk Company, who claims to own the land on Naka Noi Island, went to Phuket Media Association to file an official complaint against his client. This follows a report that Chanwit made to the police, accusing the lawyer of “defrauding him”. Narongrit explained…
-
21st dugong found dead in fish nets off Phang Nga
Another dugong, the 21st this year, has been found dead, trapped in fish net in the sea off Khura Buri district in Phang Nga. Khura Buri is north of Khao Lak. Marine biologist and vice dean of the Fisheries Faculty at Kasetsart University, Dr. Thon Thamrongnawasawat, reported today that 21 deaths was the highest number recorded in one year for…
-
Chinese tourist injured after falling off baht bus in Pattaya
A Chinese tourist, allegedly “showing off” according to his travel companions, was seriously injured after falling off the back of a baht bus in Pattaya. 27 year old Chinese visitor Katak Ho ended up with major head injuries at 4am on Monday after catching the baht bus along Thappraya Road, heading to Jomtien Beach. The baht bus driver fled the scene…
-
Critics sound alarm as Singapore’s ‘fake news’ law start today
“Singapore ranks very poorly in the Reporters Without Borders’ press freedom index – 151st out of 180 countries, surrounded by countries like Russia, Bangladesh, Rwanda and Iraq.” by Catherine Lai Singapore’s new law to combat “fake news” came into effect today despite criticism from tech giants and activists, who are labelling the tough rules as a “chilling” attempt to stifle…
-
Pattaya residents annoyed by foreign hawkers using children to sell flowers
PHOTO: www.asundaram.com Locals in Pattaya are complaining about flower vendors using young children to sell their wares late at night along the city’s infamous Walking Street. Reports in Thai media claim the flower sellers are bothering tourists and although they’ve been arrested in the past, they have returned again. Pattaya residents say the flower sellers are not Thai, with some…
-
China celebrates 70 years of communism, while Hong Kong police shoot pro-democracy protester
PHOTO: AFP Shortly after a huge military parade in Beijing, celebrating 70 years of communist rule in China, police shot a pro-democracy activist in Hong Kong as protests in the troubled city grew. Demonstrations have gripped Hong Kong for four months now, but this was the first such injury from a live round and marks a significant escalation in protests…
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.