Thailand News

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    Bangtao, Phuket: The neighbourhood expats and investors are eyeing in 2025

    Bangtao didn't become Phuket’s most talked-about neighbourhood overnight. For a long time, it was a quiet place on the island’s west coast where locals walked their dogs at sunrise and tourists flocked to sunbathe along its eight-kilometre stretch of beach....

  • Thai hostages return home after release by Hamas

    Thai hostages return home after release by Hamas

    Today, February 9, at 7.35am, five Thai hostages released by Hamas returned to Thailand, welcomed by foreign affairs minister Maris Sengiamphong at Suvarnabhumi International Airport. The emotional reunion saw families embracing with tears of joy at the return of their loved ones. Maris expressed deep satisfaction at witnessing such heartfelt family reunions, noting the difficult years apart. Families mentioned their…

  • Phuket Airport staff under scrutiny for corruption but no formal probe yet

    Phuket Airport staff under scrutiny for corruption but no formal probe yet

    The National Anti-Corruption Commission‘s Phuket office clarified that no formal investigation has started regarding four Airports of Thailand management staff at Phuket International Airport, despite acknowledgements of corrupt conduct by the organisation. The NACC is still in the evidence-collection phase, with the staff in question retaining their positions. In late November last year, central NACC officials from Bangkok visited the…

  • Monitor lizard invades Bangkok home, elderly woman startled (video)

    Monitor lizard invades Bangkok home, elderly woman startled (video)

    A large monitor lizard unexpectedly entered a home, startling an elderly woman. Her daughter speculated the reptile was driven by a dog while attempting to steal eggs. The incident was captured on video and shared widely on social media. Yesterday, February 8, reporters visited the scene in the Bang Khun Thian coastal area of Bangkok, where the event occurred in…

  • Lion’s night roars in Chon Buri spark panic and police response

    Lion’s night roars in Chon Buri spark panic and police response

    Residents and tourists in Chon Buri’s Phra Tamnak Soi were left anxious after a two year old male lion roared throughout the night, causing widespread concern. The noise prompted locals to contact the Pattaya City Police Station following disturbances reported by those living in Mueang Pattaya district’s Nong Prue subdistrict, particularly between Sois 5 and 6, Phra Tamnak, across from…

  • Chiang Rai bans oil refueling into containers to combat crime

    Chiang Rai bans oil refueling into containers to combat crime

    Chiang Rai provincial officials issued an urgent directive prohibiting the refuelling of oil into containers such as jerry cans, with violators facing legal action. This measure aligns with the Thai government’s policy to combat call centre gangs. Yesterday, February 8, Deputy Governor Norasak Suksomboon, acting on behalf of the Chiang Rai governor, announced the directive dated February 7, stating that…

  • Police investigate body found in sack on Songkhla roadside

    Police investigate body found in sack on Songkhla roadside

    Police are urgently seeking information after a man’s body was discovered bound and stuffed into a fertiliser sack, left by the roadside in a forested area. A local made the grim discovery, recalling a similar case involving a triple homicide two years ago. Yesterday, February 8, Police Lieutenant Somjai Suwannakit, an investigator from Bang Klam Police Station in Songkhla province,…

  • LGBTQ protest in Pathum Thani after violent soup attack

    LGBTQ protest in Pathum Thani after violent soup attack

    Yesterday, February 8, a large gathering of over 500 LGBTQ people assembled near a condominium in Khlong Luang district, Pathum Thani province, calling for accountability after an incident involving a hot soup attack. This confrontation followed a violent event on February 7, where a second-year student from a prominent private university was injured when hot soup was poured over him.…

  • Eight Thai provinces face unsafe ultrafine dust levels

    Eight Thai provinces face unsafe ultrafine dust levels

    Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) reported this morning that eight out of 77 provinces were experiencing slightly unsafe levels of ultrafine dust pollution. These provinces, predominantly located in the north, recorded orange levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less, ranging from 38.3 to 48.6 microgrammes per cubic metre over a 24-hour…

  • Myanmar fishermen charged after entering Thai waters near Ranong

    Myanmar fishermen charged after entering Thai waters near Ranong

    Myanmar fishermen face charges after being apprehended in Thai waters near Ranong province. The 3rd Naval Area Command seized two fishing boats with Myanmar crew members on February 7 for intruding into waters southwest of Koh Khang Khao. Two Royal Thai Navy vessels escorted these boats to a local deep-sea port yesterday morning, February 8. Seven Myanmar nationals were found…

  • Four Japanese nationals caught illegally crossing Thai-Myanmar border

    Four Japanese nationals caught illegally crossing Thai-Myanmar border

    In Tak province’s Mae Sot district, four Japanese nationals were apprehended after illegally crossing the Thailand-Myanmar border into Myawaddy, as reported by police yesterday, February 8. These four men, arrested on February 7, were wanted in Japan for criminal and drug-related offences, according to Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, inspector-general of the Royal Thai Police. To address international concerns, particularly from…

  • Uncontrolled landfill fire in Prachin Buri threatens nearby homes (video)

    Uncontrolled landfill fire in Prachin Buri threatens nearby homes (video)

    A landfill fire in Prachin Buri province remains uncontrolled, sparking concerns it might reach nearby residential areas. The fire ignited yesterday, February 8, at the Tambon Kabin administrative organisation’s landfill in Kabin Buri district. Five fire engines have attempted to extinguish the flames, but success has been elusive. The fire is engulfing a substantial waste pile exceeding 3 metres in…

  • Cold air mass from China hits Thailand, temperatures drop

    Cold air mass from China hits Thailand, temperatures drop

    The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a weather warning, highlighting the arrival of a moderately to fairly strong cold air mass from China affecting upper Thailand and the South China Sea. This weather pattern is causing temperatures to drop by 1 to 3 degrees Celsius across the area, accompanied by strong winds. In northeastern Thailand, the weather is cold to…

  • Transport firm staff confesses to selling data to gang in Bangkok

    Transport firm staff confesses to selling data to gang in Bangkok

    A sophisticated operation involving the sale of personal data by a transport company employee to a criminal gang has been uncovered. The employee confessed to offering daily, weekly, and monthly data packages. At the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, Police Lieutenant General Trirong Phewan announced the results of an investigation into the Oreo gang yesterday, February 7 at 12.30pm. This followed…

  • Warehouse in Samut Sakhon raided for counterfeit goods

    Warehouse in Samut Sakhon raided for counterfeit goods

    A warehouse linked to a Chinese investor was raided in Samut Sakhon yesterday, February 7, for producing counterfeit laundry detergent and unauthorised LED bulbs. Officers confiscated production machinery and detained 13 illegal workers in the operation. Nirith Niramaiwong, the governor of Samut Sakhon, joined forces with Banphot Chantrawong, the Krathum Baen district chief, Police Colonel So Suetrongpanit, and other relevant…

  • Thaksin tasked with cryptocurrency proposal by Malaysian PM

    Thaksin tasked with cryptocurrency proposal by Malaysian PM

    Thaksin Shinawatra has been tasked with proposing and recommending that ASEAN consider adopting a cryptocurrency. He will undertake this role as a personal adviser to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who currently chairs ASEAN. Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin was given this responsibility by the ASEAN chair due to his interest in cryptocurrencies. He emphasised the importance of the regional…

  • Furious Phuket residents demand action as gridlock worsens

    Furious Phuket residents demand action as gridlock worsens

    Phuket’s once-idyllic Cherng Talay is now a gridlocked nightmare, with frustrated residents demanding urgent action as worsening traffic congestion grinds daily life to a halt. Residents and local officials, including Cherng Talay Subdistrict Administration Organisation (OrBorTor) Chief Manoch Panchalad, are calling for immediate solutions to ease the never-ending traffic tailbacks plaguing the area. “Every day, I see private cars clogging…

  • Thai military foils Harley-Davidson smuggling across Mekong River

    Thai military foils Harley-Davidson smuggling across Mekong River

    Thai military rangers intercepted an attempt to smuggle a Harley-Davidson motorcycle across the Mekong River to a neighbouring country. The operation, which occurred at night, resulted in the arrest of a 24 year old Laotian man and the seizure of the motorcycle. Colonel Intrawut Thongkham, commander of the 21st Ranger Task Force, reported yesterday that intelligence was received on Thursday,…

  • Cruel man caught on video hurling puppy into Koh Samui sea

    Cruel man caught on video hurling puppy into Koh Samui sea

    Animal rights activists are demanding justice after a shocking viral video showed a man repeatedly hurling a helpless puppy into the sea off the coast of Koh Samui. The disturbing footage, which surfaced yesterday, February 7, captures the man forcefully throwing the terrified stray dog into the water. Despite the puppy’s desperate attempts to swim back to shore, he cruelly…

  • Pattaya police crack down on drug addicts setting fire to trash

    Pattaya police crack down on drug addicts setting fire to trash

    Fed-up Pattaya residents got their wish when police swooped in on a notorious hotspot overrun by drug addicts, after complaints of homeless users setting fires and endangering homes. Pattaya police, led by Police Colonel Nawin Thirawit, launched a targeted operation in Soi Bongkot on Thursday, February 6, following mounting fears from locals. Residents reported that drug users had been igniting…

  • Russian beauty queen faces grim future in notorious Thai prison

    Russian beauty queen faces grim future in notorious Thai prison

    A former child beauty queen faces being locked up in a squalid Thai detention centre after allegedly overstaying her visa by just 10 days. Alexandra Tikhomirova, crowned Little Miss Russia in 2013, is currently behind bars in Pattaya, a popular tourist hotspot, where she is reportedly held in dire conditions. According to Russian media, the 23 year old is imprisoned…

  • Man caught with 800k meth pills in fake rescue car in Udon Thani

    Man caught with 800k meth pills in fake rescue car in Udon Thani

    A 33 year old man was arrested after police discovered nearly 800,000 methamphetamine (meth) pills in a car adorned with rescue foundation stickers, leading them to initially believe he was assisting in a routine checkpoint in Udon Thani province. The arrest was made on February 4 outside Wat Sawang Samakkhi in Mueang district. Police Major General Suwan Chiaowanintawat, acting commander…

  • Woman’s body found in suitcase with dumbbells in Rayong

    Woman’s body found in suitcase with dumbbells in Rayong

    A woman’s body was discovered inside a suitcase weighted down with dumbbells in Ban Chang district, Rayong province, yesterday, February 7. Local police were alerted by a fisherman near a golf course who noticed a foul odour emanating from the suitcase. Emergency services were called to the scene in Ban Chang subdistrict, where they found a large, locked black suitcase…

  • Irishman arrested for cannabis shop break-in in Pattaya

    Irishman arrested for cannabis shop break-in in Pattaya

    Tourist Police and Pattaya Police have apprehended an Irishman following a break-in at a cannabis shop in Pattaya. The 23 year old man allegedly broke a window to access marijuana products, which he consumed until he passed out. The incident, which took place on February 2, was captured on CCTV. Following a complaint lodged at Pattaya City Police Station, an…

  • Thailand unveils third phase of 10000 baht stimulus project

    Thailand unveils third phase of 10000 baht stimulus project

    Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat confirmed plans to proceed with the third phase of the 10,000 baht economic stimulus project yesterday, Feburary 7. The initiative, aimed at injecting approximately 150 billion baht into the economy, is expected to start in the second quarter of the year. Discussions took place during a subcommittee meeting on economic stimulation projects, with further meetings…

  • Toxic air killing over 100 children every day in East Asia

    Toxic air killing over 100 children every day in East Asia

    As Bangkok struggles with choking air pollution, forcing school closures and raising serious health concerns, UNICEF has issued a stark warning about the devastating impact of toxic air on children across East Asia and the Pacific. According to UNICEF’s latest analysis, air pollution peaks in the region during the dry season, from now until April, and is responsible for over…

  • Something’s fishy: DSI busts 20 billion baht pork smuggling scam

    Something’s fishy: DSI busts 20 billion baht pork smuggling scam

    The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) conducted a raid on a major company suspected of illegally importing pork into Thailand, amassing a staggering 20 billion baht. The company allegedly declared the pork as fish to evade taxes. Police Lieutenant Colonel Nathaphon Ditsayatham, a consumer and environmental protection specialist at the DSI, led a team yesterday at 10am to search Thienkham…

  • PM2.5 can lead to heart disease, Thai doctor warns

    PM2.5 can lead to heart disease, Thai doctor warns

    Doctor Supachai Rotkajornnapalai has raised alarms about the dangers of PM2.5 air pollution, emphasising its underestimated impact on heart health. The doctor shared a concerning case of a patient whose heart stopped despite not smoking, needing multiple medical interventions, including balloon angioplasty and defibrillation, to revive him. A 48 year old patient suffered cardiac arrest today while playing football amid…

  • Burmese drug adddict fatally assaulted for sexual harassment

    Burmese drug adddict fatally assaulted for sexual harassment

    A group of men fatally assaulted a Burmese drug addict after he sought sex from their female friend at an apartment in the Chon Buri province. The 29 year old apartment worker, Pimchanok, called officers from Bor Win Police Station to investigate the brutal attack at building number 8 in the Si Racha district of Chon Buri yesterday, February 6. Upon…

  • Fruit frenzy: Contaminated durians to China halt Thai exports

    Fruit frenzy: Contaminated durians to China halt Thai exports

    The Department of Agriculture has halted the export operations of 26 durian packing facilities after China returned over 64 tonnes of durians contaminated with Basic Yellow 2 (BY2) today, February 7. The contaminated shipment, valued at over 12 million baht, was discovered following the implementation of stricter measures by the Chinese government. Raphiphat Chandrasriwong, Director General of the Department of…

  • Thailand leads ASEAN dairy market with 19 billion baht in revenue

    Thailand leads ASEAN dairy market with 19 billion baht in revenue

    Thailand has emerged as a leader in the ASEAN dairy market, generating over 19 billion baht in revenue, according to a government spokesperson. The country’s strategic use of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) has bolstered exports of processed milk products across ASEAN. Anukool Pruksanusak, deputy spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, reported that Thailand has maintained its top position in ASEAN…