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 9 most common health issues covered by insurance for expats in Thailand
Thailand is a popular destination for expats due to its affordable lifestyle and excellent healthcare system. However, settling in a new country often brings health concerns. To ensure you’re covered for the most common medical needs, understanding what expat health...
-
Thai police dismantle kidnapping ring, arrest gang members
The Thai police force delivered a decisive blow to a notorious kidnapping ring and murder gang with the recent arrest of three key suspects. The operation took place at 9.30am today and was announced by the head of the Crime Suppression Division, along with his deputies and other officers. The individuals apprehended include 44 year old Thanawit, 38 year old…
-
Pattaya’s elevator overhaul restores lifeline for the disabled
In front of the Phra Mahatai Centre, known as the Pattaya Redemptorist Technological College for People with Disabilities, an elevator once abandoned has been resurrected, poised to redefine accessibility along Sukhumvit Road. “The elevator’s revival heralds a new era of inclusivity, offering safe passage for those navigating the bustling thoroughfare.” The repaired elevator serves as more than just a mechanism…
-
Chiang Rai police bust online gambling ring worth 200 million baht
A clandestine online gambling ring operating out of Chiang Rai was dismantled by Thai police, revealing a sophisticated operation led by a group of young locals who had rapidly amassed wealth. A police operation today, May 10, resulted in the arrest of 33 year old Kittipong and his 36 year old wife Marisa along with their associates and a dozen…
-
New Covid-19 sub-variants strike Thailand
Thailand has uncovered 13 cases of the KP.2 and KP.3 or FLiRT sub-variants of the Omicron JN.1 Covid-19 variant. Dr Yongyot Thummavudhi, the Director-General of the Medical Sciences Department, issued a stern warning, revealing that the severity of these new strains remains a mystery due to insufficient data. “Omicron JN1 and its offshoots continue to loom large over Thailand. JN.1,…
-
Anti-social Austrian man arrested for overstaying visa in Isaan
Police arrested an anti-social Austrian man for overstaying his visa by more than two years in the Isaan province of Buriram on May 8 after locals complained that the foreigner repeatedly harassed locals and behaved erratically. Thai people in the Non Din Daeng district and nearby districts of Buriram filed a police report that the foreign man, later identified as…
-
Maya Bay ranks 5th in world’s best beaches for 2024 (video)
Maya Bay, located on the idyllic Phi Phi Islands in Krabi province, has been named the 5th-best beach in the world for 2024 by Beach Atlas, a website based in the United Kingdom. This prestigious recognition places Maya Bay at the top of the list not only in Thailand but also as the number one beach across the ASEAN region.…
-
Myriad of drug raids in Phuket yields over 4,000 meth pills
Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul arrived in Phuket yesterday to news that the local police declared a series of detentions in recent anti-drug operations, with raids leading to the capture of over 4,000 methamphetamine pills, also known as Yaba. One such operation by the Phuket City Police dismantled a significant drug network leading to the arrest of nine individuals. Among these,…
-
Hat Yai man ranks fourth in police exams after seven-year struggle
A young man’s relentless pursuit of his dream to become a police officer has paid off after seven years of steadfast determination, culminating in his high-ranking success in the police entrance examination. A department store employee’s unwavering dedication to achieving his dream has finally borne fruit after a gruelling seven-year journey. The young man, who hails from Hat Yai in…
-
Foreigner narrowly escapes death after Pattaya bus hits him (video)
A reckless coach bus driver fled the scene after hitting a foreign cyclist riding along Pattaya Sai 2 Road on May 8. The foreign man was left prostrate on the road with a severe wound to his right arm. A Facebook user, Prak Pheaktra, shared a video of the incident today, May 10, with a caption that read, “Foreigner was…
-
Phuket power play: Deputy PM aims to dismantle influential figures
A campaign to dismantle the influence of Thai and foreign powerful figures in Phuket has been launched by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul. The initiative was announced before an assembly of 550 officers yesterday at the Phuket Provincial Police Station, aiming to disrupt any criminal networks promoted by said figures. As the campaign’s primary aim…
-
Greater Bay Airlines halts Hong Kong-Singapore flights
Hong Kong-based carrier Greater Bay Airlines (GBA) announced the suspension of its daily service between Hong Kong and Singapore, effective from June 1. The decision, attributed to commercial considerations, comes hot on the heels of its recent rivalry with budget giants Scoot and AirAsia, as well as premium players Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific. Launched with much fanfare on April…
-
Thailand to host first Southeast Asian WUWM conference
Thailand made a significant stride in the global agricultural sector as it was chosen to host the World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM) annual conference for the first time in Southeast Asia. The event, scheduled for May 15-17, 2024, at The Athenee Hotel in Bangkok, will showcase Thailand’s status as a leading agricultural hub with an extensive tour of Talad…
-
Thailand and EU nearing completion of free trade agreement
Thailand is on the verge of finalising a free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union within the year, as they collaborate on commitments to halt illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices. The Europe Day 2024 celebration, held yesterday in Bangkok by the EU embassy, commemorated the historic event that underpinned the establishment of the EU. Europe Day, observed…
-
Minimum wage increase pledge sparks hotel industry crisis
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s promise to boost the minimum wage to 400 baht by October 1 has set off alarms in the private sector, particularly among hoteliers. Concerns abound as businesses foresee a hefty 15 to 20% surge in costs across goods and services, presenting a formidable hurdle for the hospitality sector. The impending wage revision marks the third adjustment…
-
Thai-Saudi collaboration set to boost health and wellness tourism
Health and wellness tourism in Saudi Arabia is set to receive a boost as the Thai Public Health Ministry sets its sights on fostering collaborations in the sector. Simultaneously, the Labour Ministry is eyeing the opportunity to dispatch a greater number of skilled Thai workers to the Middle East nation. Saudi Commerce Minister Majid bin Abdullah al-Kassabi was welcomed to…
-
Corrupt former DSI chief’s 44.6 million baht assets seized
An alleged corrupt former Department of Special Investigation (DSI) chief experienced a significant blow as the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases sanctioned the confiscation of his assets worth 44.6 million baht. This development, announced yesterday by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation into Tarit Pengdit’s unaccounted wealth. NACC Secretary General Niwatchai Kasemmongkol…
-
Thailand’s longest onshore gas pipeline launched by PTT
PTT President Auttapol Rerkpiboon announced the opening of Thailand’s longest onshore gas pipeline. The 417-kilometre pipeline, previously delayed due to Covid-19, will secure the gas supply across seven provinces, supporting power generation, industrial operations, and transportation. As part of PTT‘s fifth-phase development, the pipeline extends from the company’s gas separation plants in Rayong to Nontha Buri, facilitating a gas transport…
-
Free electric buses spark hope in Phuket’s traffic chaos
In the heart of Phuket’s Old Town, where tourists flock to soak in the community’s charm, a groundbreaking project has taken flight to combat congestion and pollution. Led by local businesses, the Phuket Smart Bus EV initiative promises a greener, smoother journey for all. To tackle the notorious traffic gridlock plaguing Phuket’s picturesque Old Town, a group of local businesses…
-
Thailand aims to host 2025 InterPride World Conference
Thailand is setting its sights on becoming the inaugural Asian host of the InterPride World Conference in 2025. This intention was announced by the Director of the Mega Events and Festival Department under the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Harisuda Boonyawat. The InterPride World Conference is a yearly congregation of Pride organisers worldwide. It serves as a platform for…
-
Vice versus virtue: Cyber police seize naughty knick-knacks
In a significant crackdown on illegal pharmaceuticals and sex toys, Thai Cyber Police arrested a 43 year old vendor, seizing a large haul of contraband. This operation took place today at a second-hand car tent in Yala province following an undercover purchase that led to the discovery of the storage location. The directive for the operation came from the head…
-
Lucky in lottery: Religious ceremony in Udon Thani promises wealth
At a revered ritual site in Udon Thani, a large crowd gathered for a ceremony believed to unlock wealth and prosperity. Participants fixated on numbers they hoped would bring luck in the next lottery draw on May 16. In the serene precincts of the Naga King’s land at Ban Non-Mueang in Udon Thani, a grand ceremony took place yesterday, invoking…
-
Thailand Video News | Man arrested for smuggling cannabis from Bangkok to Sri Lanka, Ex-narcotics chief advises on evading arrest, calling for violence against comedian
In this video, Alex covers the news stories from across the country. Beginning with a man has been apprehended for his involvement in smuggling cannabis from Bangkok to Sri Lanka, highlighting the ongoing battle against drug trafficking. Meanwhile, former narcotics chief offers advice on avoiding arrest, sparking concern with his call for violence against a comedian. In a lighter turn…
-
Car crash in Chiang Mai kills 5, including pregnant woman
A car accident between a pickup and a hospital ambulance on the Chiang Mai-Phrao Road in the northern province of Chiang Mai injured six people and killed five others, including a pregnant woman and her unborn child. The Chiang Mai Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office received notification of the accident at around 5.20pm yesterday, May 9. The Thai authorities…
-
Thai government: King’s birthday to bring 72,000 rai land allocation
In honour of His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday, the Thai government has earmarked 10 initiatives, one of which includes the allocation of 72,000 rai of military-owned land for public use. These projects were unveiled yesterday during the second meeting of the celebratory committee, presided over by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is the leader of the ruling…
-
Suspicion clouds Thai political scene with doubts over senatorial election
The air is thick with suspicion in Thailand’s political arena as experts cast doubts on the upcoming senatorial election. Associate Professor Prinya Thaewanarumitkul, a voice from Thammasat University’s Faculty of Law, raised concerns about potential manipulation and delays in the voting results during a panel discussion organised by the Thai Journalists Association. “The Election Commission’s deadline for announcing results on…
-
Pregnant Thai woman accuses doctor of sexually assault
A pregnant Thai woman accused a doctor at a clinic in Samut Prakarn province near Bangkok of sexually assaulting her by inappropriately touching her private parts and asking intrusive questions about her sex life. The 25 year old pregnant woman Bee, and her 28 year old husband, turned to non-profit organisation Saimai Survive for help in seeking an explanation and…
-
BTS skytrain faces backlash amid assault allegations
Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC), responsible for the operation of the city’s Skytrain services, refuted allegations concerning lax safety measures following an assault on a woman at the Kheha station on Wednesday, May 8. The Chief Operating Officer of BTSC, Sumit Srisantum, clarified that their security personnel were quick to react as soon as they were alerted by an…
-
Map Ta Phut fire: Company hero’s selfless act ends in tragic death
A selfless act of bravery by a 36 year old company employee attempting to close a valve on a tank moments before a gasoline explosion has tragically cost him his life. The incident occurred during a fire at the Map Ta Phut Tank Terminal in the town of Map Ta Phut, Rayong province, resulting in one fatality and several injuries.…
-
Phuket seaplane to take flight by year-end in tourism boost
The holiday island of Phuket is slated to receive a seaplane service by the end of the year, a move steered by the Transport Ministry as an extension of the government’s aviation hub policy. Deputy Transport Minister, Manaporn Charoensri, revealed the development during a workshop yesterday. The aviation hub policy, Manaporn elaborated, was orchestrated by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The…
-
Tick-tock blow: Court fines NACC for Prawit watch probe
In a significant blow to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and its office, the Central Administrative Court has levied fines for concealing the results of its probe into former deputy PM Prawit Wongsuwon’s infamous watch collection. Veera Somkwamkid, a prominent political activist, revealed the court’s ruling today, slapping both entities with a fine of 5,000 baht each for non-compliance. Moreover,…
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.