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
Digital nomading in Chiang Mai? What US$1,000 a month really gets you
Chiang Mai has become a popular destination for digital nomads due to its low living costs, rich culture, and active remote work community. The city offers affordable housing, tasty food, reliable internet, and many co-working spaces, making it a great...
-
Caught in the act: Drug offender’s escape foiled at Khon Kaen resort
In a sudden turn of events, a 35 year old convicted drug offender escaped custody at the provincial court on Wednesday but was apprehended this morning at a resort in the northeastern province of Khon Kaen. The accused, Ratchaphon Khiannok, was arrested along with his accomplice, 20 year old Palangwatchara Khunsinchairat. Acting on information that the pair were holed up…
-
Thai anti-corruption commission lets go of Yingluck’s exoneration
Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has unanimously chosen not to contest the Supreme Court’s ruling, which exonerated former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra and five others from malfeasance charges linked to a 240-million baht public relations campaign, according to an insider familiar with the situation. The NACC filed allegations against Yingluck, former Prime Minister’s Office minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan, Yingluck’s secretary-general at…
-
Ammonia leak in Udon Thani ice factory prompts evacuation
An ammonia gas leak at an ice factory near a fresh market in Udon Thani caused panic and led to the evacuation of approximately 20 homes in the vicinity. With temperatures soaring to 44 degrees Celsius, it is suspected that the heat and outdated equipment contributed to the incident, which occurred early in the morning. Chaos ensued when an ice…
-
Phuket pickup truck road mishap kills three, injures seven
A tragic road accident occurred on Southern Road when a pickup truck travelling from Phuket to Nakhon Si Thammarat for a religious ceremony veered off the road and overturned, resulting in seven injuries and three fatalities. Early this morning, an unfortunate incident unfolded on Southern Road, Highway 44, near the entrance to the village of Ban Marueat, in the district…
-
Frozen pension policy: British expat’s dream turns into nightmare
Expats in Thailand live a life many envy but behind the sunny façade lies a tale of financial struggle and dashed dreams. Three Britons became victims of a decades-long pension policy debacle, turning their golden years into a fight for survival. John Jones, a 77 year old British national, once roamed the globe with the vigour of a jet-setter, but…
-
Pattalung man faces arrest for molesting two girls
A Pattalung court issued an arrest warrant for a 67 year old man accused of molesting two young girls, causing them severe distress. The initial investigation into the incident dates back to December 2022 with no conclusion reached, but the case reopened following a plea for justice by the mothers of the victims. Two young girls, aged 12, were reportedly…
-
Phuket governor endorses special administrative status transition
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat openly endorsed the move for Phuket to acquire special administrative status. Governor Sophon conveyed his support during a speech at the 2024 Phuket Chamber of Commerce (PCC) Annual General Meeting, held at the Phuket Merlin Hotel. Sophon’s vision for the province’s future governance entails transitioning to a special administrative status, akin to those currently in place…
-
Thai-riffic partnership: Wego and TAT soar for fourth year running
Wego, the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), unveils its continued collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for the fourth consecutive year. Together, Wego and TAT are set to spotlight Thailand’s unmatched allure as a top-tier travel destination. Building upon the triumphs of their past ventures, Wego and the Tourism Authority of…
-
Outrage as foreign couple crash car, leave injured rider in Phuket
Thai netizens are outraged at a foreign couple who crashed their luxury car into a motorcycle in Phuket but ignored the injured rider and focused only on the damage to their vehicle. The CCTV footage of the incident was shared widely on several social media platforms yesterday, April 25, showing a white Mercedes Benz sedan making a right turn without…
-
Fugitive arrested after 19 years on the run in Kanchana Buri
After evading capture for 19 years, a 43 year old fugitive was arrested by the Metropolitan Police Bureau for drug possession with intent to sell. The woman, Sunisa Chongjit, was caught outside her residence in Kanchana Buri yesterday, just five months shy of her arrest warrant expiring. Sunisa’s long run from the law finally came to an end yesterday when…
-
Phuket firefighters avert potential disaster at fried ice cream shop
A potential disaster was averted in the wee hours of today when a fire, which could have engulfed a fried ice cream shop in Phuket, was swiftly contained by firefighters. The incident took place in Soi Paniang, Samkong, a neighbourhood in the bustling city of Phuket. Firefighters from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation branch at Phuket City Municipality…
-
Eyewatering 77 million baht electricity bill prompts online debate
A woman was left reeling when her April electricity bill came in at a staggering 77 million baht, igniting a storm on social media as she joked about single-handedly powering a province. Having spotted irregularities since March, she took to Facebook to share her plight, fuelling widespread speculation of a potential system glitch. The woman’s Facebook post went viral after…
-
Songkhla power plant hit by armed assault and explosions
Armed individuals dressed in camouflage stormed a power plant in Songkhla province early morning today, setting off three explosions and burning tyres in a coordinated incident that caused significant disruption. The event unfolded around 12.10am, today, April 26, when surveillance footage captured clear images of four individuals armed with what appeared to be military-grade weapons. The most severe incident occurred…
-
Lampang drug bust nets 400,000 meth pills worth 500,000 baht
Thai authorities in Lampang successfully intercepted a significant drug trafficking operation, seizing 400,000 methamphetamine pills hidden within a vehicle’s spare tyre. The arrest took place following a meticulously planned operation that culminated in a routine traffic stop that turned into a major drug bust. The Governor of Lampang Province Chatchawal Chayabutr and Police Major General Phumipat Nawatrakulphisit, the Provincial Police…
-
Gold prices in Thailand soar, buyers urged to stay updated
Gold prices in Thailand saw a rapid increase, urging interested buyers to check the latest updates. Today, April 26, the price for gold ornaments surged to 41,350 baht, marking a 100 baht rise from the previous day’s close as reported by the Gold Traders Association (GTA) at 9.04am. The global gold spot price hovers around US$2,333 (86,379 baht) per ounce,…
-
Ride-sharing driver arrested for firing gun at Jomtien Beach
Pattaya police apprehended a ride-sharing driver in the early hours of yesterday, following an incident of the driver discharging a firearm into the sea, which provoked fear among tourists near Jomtien Beach. The incident took a turn at around 2.36am, near Soi 16, where the sounds of gunshots rippled through the calm sea air. At that moment, Bang Lamung District…
-
Israeli arrested in Phuket for illegal possession of 3 macaques
Police acted on a tip-off arresting an Israeli businessman at his home in Phuket yesterday for his illegal possession of three pig-tailed macaques. Officers from the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division, also known as Greencop, received information that a foreign business operator in the Patong neighbourhood of Phuket was keeping protected monkeys at his residence in the Katu district. The…
-
Bangkok school directors get 20-year sentences for bribery
The Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases in Thailand handed down 20-year prison sentences to the former director and the former deputy director of Samsenwittayalai School. The two were found guilty of accepting bribes from parents, colloquially termed “tea money,” to secure their children’s admission to the school in 2017. Additionally, the court ordered the pair to pay…
-
Cambodian arrested in Pathum Thani amphetamine bust
Thai police and various authorities arrested a Cambodian woman at a home in Nong Suea, Pathum Thani who is believed to be involved in the notorious drug ring known as First Klong Luang. Officers found more than they expected, not one, but 2.8 million amphetamine pills. The woman in question was identified as Saraitus On, a 30 year old Cambodian…
-
Government orders nationwide inspection of chemical warehouses
Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke announced yesterday that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin mandated an immediate inspection of all chemical warehouses across the nation. The directive follows a string of fires reported in recent weeks, the latest being at President Chemical Co Ltd’s warehouse in Bangkok’s Chom Thong district in the Bang Mot neighbourhood. Locals reported the fire yesterday at 2.10am, noticing…
-
Thai man armed with ammunition terrorises Chumphon
A 56 year old Thai man has been terrorising his community in Chumphon, threatening to kill residents and local officials. This wave of fear escalated after the authorities attempted to arrest Somchai at his home in Chumphon province yesterday, only to find he had already escaped, leaving behind a cache of ammunition. Somchai, a resident of Visai Tai subdistrict in…
-
Asian millennials and Gen Z prefer regional travel, says Marriott
Rising travel expenses have led to an increase in intra-regional tourism among Asia-Pacific’s Gen Z and millennial tourists, according to Marriott International. The younger adults, keen on saving for their travels, are opting for trips within their region. In 2023, intra-regional travellers accounted for over 60% of bookings in the Asia-Pacific region, a significant increase from the 40-50% before the…
-
Summer storm unroofs homes in Chaiyaphum
A devastating summer storm recently struck the Chaiyaphum province, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The community of Ban Na Sao was hit by a severe storm yesterday, resulting in significant damage to over 10 houses. The powerful storm, characterised by strong winds, caused widespread blackouts throughout the village, tearing roofs off houses and granaries with alarming ease.…
-
Phuket authorities bust illegal kratom operation targeting teens
Authorities in Phuket apprehended a 21 year old man for his involvement in the illegal production and trade of kratom juice targeting local teenagers in the Srisoonthorn area. The operation took place in a Village 5 property where the illegal substance was being prepared on Wednesday afternoon. Officials discovered a significant volume of kratom juice being prepared for distribution. Approximately…
-
Bangkok condo guard allegedly punched British woman (video)
A British woman and her Thai husband are pursuing justice following an incident at their Bangkok condominium where a security guard allegedly punched the woman in the face, resulting in severe mental health issues. CCTV footage, however, shows that the foreign woman initiated the physical altercation. Yesterday, April 25, Boon-ek Wongsuriyawattana, a 46 year old Thai man, accompanied his 37…
-
Malaria on rise in Thailand: Tak province tackles ticklish trouble
Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) reports a surge in malaria cases, notably in the Tak province, where the majority of the 2,913 infections have been identified since January. Other areas affected include Mae Hong Son, Kanchana Buri, Ranong, and Prachuap Khiri Khan, with 60% of the patients being foreigners, as per the department’s data. The DDC Chief, Thongchai Keeratihuttayakorn,…
-
Thailand Video News | Heatstroke fatalities reach 30 as heat index reaches 52 degrees, Australians in Phuket gain easy access to visa services
In this Thailand video news, Alex covers a range of stories, from heatstroke deaths reaching 30 to a US Carrier Strike Group revisiting Thailand after three years. Other highlights include a Thai woman arrested for impersonating a neurosurgeon, visa services now accessible for Australians in Phuket, and the unveiling of an ex-Deputy PM’s luxury car collection worth 87 million Baht.…
-
Fintech friends: Thai-Australian pact seals future prosperity
A landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been inked between the Thai Fintech Association and FinTech Australia, setting the stage for increased collaboration in the burgeoning financial technology sector. The agreement was signed this week, reflecting both nations’ commitment to enhancing their fintech industries. The Deputy Chair of FinTech Australia, Brian Collins, acknowledged the vast potential for growth in Thailand…
-
Thai government delays wage hike: Minimum muddle continues
The Thai government has postponed the anticipated increase in minimum daily wage to 400 baht. The rise was initially set to take effect on Labour Day but the government will now await the outcome of a tripartite committee meeting on May 14. Karom Polpornklang, the deputy government spokesperson, confirmed yesterday that the wage increase would not start on May 1.…
-
Man found dead in Udon Thani rice field pit, accident suspected
A tragic accident unfolded amid a tranquil rice field in Udon Thani province, where a man lost his life in a cement water pit under mysterious circumstances. Yesterday, local authorities discovered the body of a 51 year old man, identified only by his first name, Saiya, submerged head-first in a water storage facility. The discovery was made following an alert…
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.