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.
-
47 tourists rescued after Koh Kut boat splits at sea
A passenger boat carrying nearly 100 tourists suffered a hull rupture while returning from Koh Kut, prompting an urgent sea rescue by Thai authorities. Dozens of tourists were left fearing for their lives after the hull of a passenger boat ruptured mid-journey while returning from Koh Kut to the mainland in Trat province. The incident unfolded today, November 20, as…
-
Thai twins make history with life-saving liver transplant
A young man’s life has been saved by his identical twin in a medical first for Thailand, thanks to a groundbreaking liver transplant in Chiang Mai. Doctors at Chiang Mai University confirmed the successful operation, marking a turning point in Thailand’s transplant history. The patient, Suphawit Songngern, was born with biliary atresia, a rare condition that blocks the bile ducts…
-
Foreign man caught stealing shoes and umbrella outside Phuket salon
A foreign man was caught on CCTV footage stealing shoes and an umbrella left outside a salon in Phuket yesterday, November 19. The owner of a salon in the Ratsada sub-district of Phuket shared the security camera footage of the theft with the Newshawk Phuket Facebook page. The salon owner had temporarily closed the shop to run a personal errand…
-
Singaporean scam suspect caught hiding in Isaan village
A Singaporean man wanted for his role in a Cambodia-based scam was arrested in northeastern Thailand, where he was found hiding at his Thai wife’s home. The suspect, 32 year old Eng Sie, also known as Brian, was apprehended in Dong Lan subdistrict, Si Chompu district, Khon Kaen province. Officers from the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) tracked him down…
-
Pattaya performers scammed as organisers vanish with 430k
A comedy troupe and musicians were left high and dry in Pattaya after a fake event organiser disappeared with over 430,000 baht intended for their fees, prompting a police investigation. The incident unfolded on Tuesday, November 18, near the entrance of Soi Khao Talo, where an outdoor concert was due to feature popular comedian Foy Thong Chuen Yim, young singer…
-
Transport ministry eyes 40-baht day pass for train lines
The Ministry of Transport is moving forward with a proposal to introduce a 40-baht all-day train pass for Bangkok’s Purple and Red electric lines. Designed to ease commuting costs and encourage regular use, the plan will be submitted to the Cabinet for approval next week. An official source revealed the pass would allow unlimited travel for a flat fee of…
-
Chinese tourist dies in budget hostel Bali after Suspected pesticide poisoning
Indonesia – A backpacking trip to Bali ended in tragedy for a 25-year-old Chinese tourist found dead in her hostel bunk. What began as a dream holiday turned into a nightmare at a budget accommodation in the popular Canggu district. Deqing Zhuoga was staying at the Clandestino Hostel, known for its $9-a-night rates. The hostel is now the focus of…
-
Thailand crowned world’s best food destination in 2025
Thailand has been crowned the world’s best country for food, after a global survey revealed what travellers really crave: bold flavours and unforgettable dishes. Condé Nast Traveller, a prestigious US-based travel magazine, has named Thailand the No.1 country for food in its annual Readers’ Choice Awards 2025. Scoring a near-perfect 98.33 out of 100, Thailand wowed voters with its bold…
-
Thailand plans to extend civil servants’ retirement age from 60 to 65
The government plans to extend the retirement age for all civil servants from 60 to 65 in response to declining birth rates and the country’s transition to an ageing society. Deputy Prime Minister for Legal Affairs, Bowornsak Uwanno, discussed the progress of the study on extending the retirement age for civil servants, as assigned by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Bowornsak…
-
Second body found in Phuket’s Sarasin bridge suicide identified
A woman from Surat Thani died alongside her partner after their pickup plunged off Sarasin Bridge in Phuket, prompting an urgent recovery and investigation. The woman, identified as 39 year old Kan from Surat Thani province, South Thailand, has become the focus of a heartbreaking case after she and her partner were found dead when their pickup truck plunged off…
-
Wife arrested for shooting husband over ‘throuple’ relationship request
A 60 year old woman shot her 35 year old husband in Nakhon Pathom yesterday, November 19, after he returned to his ex-wife and asked her to accept a throuple relationship. Police from Nakhon Chai Si Police Station responded to reports of a shooting at a house in Soi Khun Kaew 10, Khun Kaew sub-district, where they found the injured…
-
Phuket MP demands action over forestland grab scandal
A Phuket MP has called on officials to investigate the illegal construction of buildings on protected forestland after claims of encroachment surfaced. Phuket’s forestland is under fresh scrutiny as Members of Parliament call for a full investigation into illegal construction encroaching on protected public land and animal pastures at Laem Phromthep. At a press conference held at Parliament yesterday, November…
-
Thailand may delay decision on scrapping Cambodia border pacts
A Thai House committee reviewing controversial border MoUs with Cambodia is seeking more time to decide whether to recommend their cancellation. A parliamentary committee tasked with reviewing two controversial memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between Thailand and Cambodia is requesting a 30-day extension as it struggles to sift through a mountain of evidence. The current deadline is December 3, but committee…
-
17 year old Thai student stabs classmate for pulling down trousers as prank
A 17 year old student stabbed his classmate multiple times with a knife at a school in Chachoengsao yesterday, November 19, after he allegedly pulled down his trousers as a prank. Teachers urgently contacted the Tha Kradan District Rescue Foundation for help, and the injured student, 16 year old Wuttipong, was transported to Sanam Chai Khet Hospital for treatment. Wuttipong…
-
Indian gang arrested in Pattaya online gambling condo sting
Five Indian men were arrested in Pattaya after police raided a condominium where they were allegedly running an illegal online gambling operation. Immigration police, led by Police Colonel Napaspong Khositsuriyamani and Police Lieutenant Colonel Kawinwat Arayasutirawong, raided the property on Thepprasit Soi 17 in the Nong Prue area of Bang Lamung district. The bust followed intelligence reports that a group…
-
Chilly blast hits Thailand as monsoon brings storms south
A cold spell is sweeping across Thailand as a powerful high-pressure system brings strong winds, falling temperatures and stormy seas to several regions. A strong high-pressure system from China is extending over upper Thailand, triggering a cold snap across the north, northeast, and parts of the south. Morning temperatures are dipping sharply, particularly in northern regions, where residents woke up…
-
Police investigate death of woman found on beach in Prachuap Khiri Khan
Police are investigating the death of a Thai woman whose body was discovered on Laem Kum Beach in the Thap Sakae district of Prachuap Khiri Khan province on Monday, November 17. Officers from Thap Sakae Police Station were alerted at around 12.30pm after reports of a body discovered roughly 500 metres from Rocky Point Resort. When police arrived, they found…
-
Russian arrested in Bangkok for 12 million baht investment scam
A Russian man has been arrested for allegedly defrauding the elderly owner of a renowned Chinese-Thai herbal medicine company out of over 11 million baht in an elaborate investment scam. The arrest came after cyber police launched a sting operation in response to a complaint filed by the 70 year old victim from Nakhon Pathom province. The victim said she…
-
Police rescue teenage boy from suicide attempt on Ayutthaya bridge
Two police officers stepped in to save a 15 year old boy from a suicide attempt on a bridge in Ayutthaya province yesterday, November 18. Police Senior Sergeant Major Itsara Samakrob and Police Lance Corporal Thanachai Thianthong were dispatched to a bridge in the Pratu Chai district after receiving a report about a suicide attempt. At the scene, officers found…
-
Phuket tattoo artist says Australian client skipped 15,000 baht bill
A tattoo artist in Patong, Phuket, has accused an Australian man of failing to pay for a completed tattoo session worth 15,000 baht, after making an initial deposit. The incident occurred on November 18 at Dragon Ink Patong Phuket tattoo studio. The artist shared photos of the man across multiple Facebook groups to warn other businesses in the area. In…
-
Miss Teen Cambodia contestant accuses Thailand of starting war (video)
A Miss Teen Cambodia contestant sparked controversy when she tearfully accused Thailand of provoking conflict during a speech at a national pageant event. The woman accused Thailand of instigating conflict and demanding the return of 18 Cambodian soldiers. The moment unfolded during the pageant finals and was later uploaded to TikTok by the account @queencambodiaofficial_17. The video, which quickly went…
-
Central Thailand woman scammed out of nearly 1m baht online (video)
A woman from central Thailand turned to a well-known TikTok content creator after falling victim to an online scam that cost her nearly one million baht. The woman, an agricultural scholar and longtime follower of TikTok user @Namobanchangtongdaengso0, shared her emotional ordeal during a livestream. She sought Namo’s help in verifying whether her remaining jewellery was real gold after losing…
-
PM Anutin denies bending jail rules to help Thaksin
Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has denied accusations that his government amended prison regulations to help a former leader avoid jail or aid political allies. Speaking to reporters at Government House today, November 19, Anutin, also leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, defended changes relating to inmate medical transfers, sentence suspensions, and alternative detention arrangements. Critics suggested the revisions were politically…
-
Thailand pushes sustainable gem industry with GIT standard programmes
The Gem and Jewellery Institute of Thailand, or GIT, has launched a new national initiative to advance Thailand’s position as a global hub for sustainable gem and jewellery production. The programme, titled Thailand Towards a World Sustainable Gem and Jewellery Hub, aims to help SMEs meet international standards in sustainability, governance, and environmental responsibility as global trade rules continue to…
-
Bangkok Remand Prison chief axed after misconduct scandal
A Bangkok prison director was removed from his post after a raid revealed staff misconduct, prompting the Ministry of Justice to launch an internal investigation. The Ministry of Justice has transferred the director of Bangkok Remand Prison following a surprise inspection that uncovered staff involvement in illegal activities. The move is part of a broader effort to ensure transparency and…
-
Lampang man filmed abusing dog with compressed air denies wrongdoing
A Thai man, caught on a viral video abusing a dog by inserting compressed air through its mouth or anus, defended himself, claiming he was merely drying its fur and that the footage is from several years ago. The video, shared on Facebook, sparked widespread criticism and calls for harsher legal punishment for animal abusers. The man in the footage…
-
Bangkok Bank courts the rich with no-forex travel card
Bangkok Bank (BBL) is targeting high-net-worth clients with a new travel card and a credit card strategy that prioritises assets over income to drive growth. The bank is focusing its credit card strategy on high-net-worth individuals with assets under management (AUM) of at least 10 million baht. BBL, led by executive vice-president Shoke Na Ranong, is now prioritising applicants’ AUM over…
-
Newborn baby girl’s body found dumped near Bangkok railway
A newborn’s body was discovered near a railway in Bangkok, shocking residents and prompting police to launch an urgent investigation to find the person responsible. The discovery was made yesterday, November 18, in a banana grove at the end of Wutthakat Soi 3, close to the railway tracks. Police Lieutenant Sirote Khayankan, deputy inspector of Talat Phlu Police Station, responded…
-
Key flight routes cancelled in Thailand, including at Suvarnabhumi
Several flights were cancelled at major Thai airports, including Suvarnabhumi, causing travel disruption for passengers on domestic and international routes. Travellers across Thailand have been hit by a wave of unexpected flight cancellations, causing widespread disruption at Udon Thani, Phuket, and Suvarnabhumi airports. The cancellations, affecting both domestic and international routes, have left passengers scrambling for alternative arrangements. At Udon…
-
Nigerian man arrested for selling cocaine at Patong Hospital
A Nigerian man was arrested in Patong after undercover police caught him selling cocaine during a sting operation in a hospital car park at night. Patong Police have arrested a 31 year old man following a sting operation that caught him red-handed selling cocaine in the parking lot of Patong Hospital yesterday, November 18. The operation was launched at 6.55pm…
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.