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.
-
Thailand’s national parks see 1.5M visitors during New Year break
Thailand welcomed over 1.5 million visitors to its national parks and nature sites during the New Year holidays, as the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) promoted sustainable tourism and waste reduction campaigns. The ministry reported that between 31 December 2024 and 4 January 2025, parks and natural attractions under its supervision saw a rise in both local and…
-
Thai nurse blames leading politician for jail term and loss of unborn child
A Thai nurse accused a deputy leader of the Pheu Thai Party of causing her to be imprisoned, an ordeal she claimed ultimately led to the loss of her unborn child. The allegation emerged after the Facebook page CSI LA shared leaked audio yesterday, January 5, of a conversation between the nurse and the politician. According to the page, the…
-
Rare Asiatic golden cat spotted in Khao Yai National Park
A rare Asiatic golden cat has been spotted in the forests of Khao Yai National Park, officials revealed today, January 6. The animal was captured on a wildlife camera, offering encouraging signs for the health of Thailand’s world heritage forest. The footage shows the elusive feline, known scientifically as Catopuma temminckii, walking past a camera installed in the park. The…
-
Wat Arun photographers warned for exploiting public space for personal gain
Thai Tourist Police moved to regulate the activities of local photographers at Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan in Bangkok following complaints that some photographers were exploiting the popular tourist attraction and public space for personal gain. The issue gained widespread attention after Krisda “Pond” Witthayakhajorndet, founder of the entertainment company Be On Cloud, shared his experience on X on January 2.…
-
Phuket entertainment venue operators demand probe into alleged bribery
A group of entertainment venue operators in Phuket called for an investigation into government officials after rumours circulated online alleging that some officials sought bribes from business operators. The vice president of the Patong Beach Entertainment Venue Association, Apichet Phulsong, together with around 30 association members, met the Phuket governor to submit an official petition requesting an investigation into the…
-
Thai Army warns Cambodia after mortar lands in Ubon Ratchathani
Thailand’s army issued a warning to Cambodian authorities today, January 6, after a mortar round landed inside Thai territory in Ubon Ratchathani province, injuring a soldier and raising concerns over a potential ceasefire breach. According to Army spokesperson Major General Winthai Suvaree, the incident occurred at around 7.40am on Hill 469 in Nam Yuen district, close to the Thai-Cambodian border.…
-
PM candidate sparks controversy after claim to buy 10 nuclear warheads
A prime ministerial candidate from the New Alternative Party sparked online controversy after claiming he would acquire up to 10 nuclear warheads to strengthen Thailand’s security against global powers. As the General Election approaches in February, the party’s PM candidate Mongkolkit Suksintharanon promoted one of his security policies on Facebook yesterday, January 5. In the post, Mongkolkit wrote… “Nuclear weapon costs…
-
Over 7,000 cannabis shops close as Thailand overhauls regulations
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health confirmed yesterday, January 5, that more than 7,000 cannabis shops closed nationwide in 2025, following a sharp drop in licence renewals under a new regulatory framework approved by the Cabinet. Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat said the ministry had been briefed on progress surrounding a draft ministerial regulation covering permits to study, research, export, sell,…
-
Missing Chinese influencer found injured and begging in Cambodia
A Chinese influencer was found injured and begging for money in Cambodia after losing contact with her family since December 26 last year. Images of a Chinese woman carrying an X-ray film circulated widely on Cambodian and Thai social media recently. The woman was seen wearing a white mini dress with a tweed blazer, glasses, and a headband worn across…
-
Chiang Mai pigeon feed sellers back at Tha Phae Gate after arrests
A group of pigeon feed sellers has returned to Tha Phae Gate in Chiang Mai today, January 5, after previously being arrested, reigniting concerns over hygiene and the impact on the city’s tourism image. The issue centres on the open plaza at Tha Phae Gate in Mueang district, where the same group of individuals was seen once again selling pigeon…
-
Swedish man drowns in Chon Buri while swimming after drinking beer
A Swedish tourist drowned in the sea off Somprasong Beach in the Na Jomtien sub-district of Sattahip district, Chon Buri province, on Sunday, January 4, despite efforts by rescuers and bystanders to revive him. Officers from Na Jomtien Police Station were alerted to the incident at around 1.30pm and rushed to the beach along with rescue workers from the Sawang…
-
Meth dealer disguised as garland seller arrested in Roi Et
A floral garland stall in Roi Et turned out to be more than it seemed, after police arrested the seller today, January 6, for allegedly running a methamphetamine business under the guise of garland selling. Officers from Mueang Roi Et police station launched the arrest after surveillance led them to a man who regularly sold garlands at the intersection. The…
-
Thai ex-inmate says prison friend betrays and robs him after release
A Thai ex-inmate expressed his disappointment after a friend he met in prison, and was released alongside, robbed him and fled with 3,000 baht in cash. The 44 year old Thai man Sarayut filed a complaint with Rattanathibet Police Station on Friday, January 2. He told police that his friend, identified as Chai, along with two other men, robbed him…
-
Search continues for injured elephant in Khao Yai park
Khao Yai officials are still searching for a wild elephant injured in a collision yesterday, January 4, with a closed-box van, as public concern grows over road safety in wildlife zones. The elephant, reported to be “Phlai Chom View”, also known as “Phlai Biang Yai Moosi”, was reportedly struck while crossing the road near the Mun River Headwater Research Station…
-
Pregnant Thai woman seeks removal of teacher over affair with her soldier husband
An eight-month pregnant Thai woman accused a female teacher of having an affair with her soldier husband and called for her removal from the school, saying the stress from the alleged relationship nearly caused her to lose her unborn child. The woman, identified only as Tarn, appeared on the Hone Krasae programme on Channel 3 today, January 5, to publicly…
-
New fraud center compound found in Cambodia, 50 km from Poipet
Authorities have identified a new large-scale scam compound operating in Cambodia, around 50 kilometres from Poipet, raising fresh concerns over the regional spread of online fraud networks targeting victims worldwide. The Anti-Online Fraud Center, known as ACSC, confirmed the discovery on January 5, 2026, warning that criminal syndicates are rapidly relocating and expanding after recent coordinated crackdowns in Thailand, China,…
-
Suspects flee sugarcane field near border, abandon 600,000 pills
Authorities have seized a major shipment of methamphetamine after suspects fled into a sugarcane field and abandoned approximately 600,000 pills during an overnight interception operation in Udon Thani province. The operation was carried out by the Surasakmontri Task Force, working through its interdiction units in the upper northeastern region, in coordination with ranger forces and local police. The drugs were…
-
Foreign motorcyclist slammed for revving engine, causing smoke in Phuket
Thai netizens condemned a foreign motorcyclist after a video showed him repeatedly revving his motorcycle engine on a road in Phuket on Saturday night, January 3. The incident came to light after a Thai witness filmed the foreigner’s actions and shared the footage online. The video was later reposted by several local news outlets. The exact time and location of…
-
272 deaths in 7 days: essential safety tips for motorbike rentals in Chiang Mai
Between December 30, 2025, and January 5, 2026, Thailand recorded 272 fatalities in 1,511 road accidents during the New Year “Seven Dangerous Days” campaign. For anyone considering motorbike rental in Chiang Mai or elsewhere in Thailand, understanding what makes this period so deadly could save your life. The “Seven Dangerous Days” Phenomenon Thailand tracks what officials call the “Seven Dangerous…
-
Cold air returns, Tak chills to 10°C, stronger monsoon ahead
Thailand Weather Update: Temperatures dip further as new cold wave arrives January 6 to 11 The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a fresh weather outlook as another wave of cold air sweeps over upper Thailand, causing temperatures to drop, especially in northern provinces. Meanwhile, strong monsoonal winds are expected to affect the South and coastal areas starting this weekend.…
-
Border farmers rush sugarcane harvest amid renewed clash tensions
Farmers living along the Thai-Cambodian border are racing against time to cut and replant sugarcane after repeated evacuations, as fears grow over a possible third military clash that could again force them from their land. In several border villages, agricultural work has resumed only partially, with many farmers returning to fields they were forced to abandon during earlier tensions. While…
-
Gunman surrenders after shooting teen in street dispute
A man who shot and injured a teenager in Chonburi province has surrendered to police, admitting he acted out of anger after being insulted during a street confrontation. The shooting occurred at around 6.00pm on January 4 in Ban Suan subdistrict, Mueang Chonburi district. CCTV footage shows the suspect riding a red motorcycle before following the victim, identified as Mr.…
-
Drug-addicted Thai man beheads mother, abandons head in rice field
A drug-addicted Thai man beheaded his mother and abandoned her head in a rice field in Amnat Charoen province yesterday, January 4, before being arrested shortly afterwards. The brutal incident occurred at around 8.30am in Ban Non Sung community, Na Wiang sub-district, Senangkhanikhom district. Police identified the suspect as 42 year old Thai man Mongkhon, while the victim was his 71…
-
Elderly woman escapes house fire in Samut Sakhon with nine dogs
An 80 year old woman was forced to flee her burning home in Samut Sakhon last night, January 4, while trying to rescue nine dogs she kept inside the property. The fire broke out around 9.30 pm at a house in Soi Pattana 4, located in the Bang Ya Phraek subdistrict of Mueang district. Firefighters from Bang Ya Phraek Municipality,…
-
Charity run backs youth education across Bangkok
A large-scale charity walk and run in Bangkok has raised funds to support learning opportunities for Thai youth, as Chevron partnered with the Saturday School Foundation for the third consecutive year. The event, titled Saturday School Run 2025: Running together for the dreams of children, was held at Wachirabenjathat Park, also known as Railway Park. It brought together more than…
-
Woman offering misleading tourist deals detained in Sri Racha
A woman was detained at a pier in Sri Racha district, Chon Buri, on January 3, following complaints that she was offering overpriced and misleading tourism services to visitors heading to Koh Si Chang island. The operation took place at Koh Loi Pier, a ferry terminal popular among tourists travelling to Koh Si Chang, an island destination off the Chon…
-
Outrage after Burmese rape-murder suspects deported without prosecution
A Thai woman sought justice after the Tak Provincial Immigration Office deported two Burmese men accused of raping and killing her mother, allowing them to return to their home country without facing punishment. The daughter of the victim contacted the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive on Friday, January 2, to request assistance. Her mother, a 57 year old Thai woman, was…
-
Passenger fee hike set for Thailand’s international flights from Feb 2026
Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) will raise the passenger service fee for all inbound and outbound flights to 25 baht per person, effective February 1, 2026. The increase from the current 15 baht is aimed at stabilising the agency’s finances, which have been running at a deficit for years. Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, Director-General of CAAT, said the fee…
-
Three Chinese nationals arrested with 8,600 SIM cards after illegal entry
Thai authorities have arrested three Chinese nationals for illegally entering Thailand after discovering nearly 10,000 international SIM cards in their possession during a border security operation in Sa Kaeo province. The arrests were made on the morning of January 5 following a joint operation by officers from Khlong Nam Sai Police Station, border patrol police, and immigration officials operating along…
-
Belgian man alleges lack of treatment in Thai hospital due to unpaid bill
A Belgian man complained that he was detained in Thai hospital without proper care after he was unable to pay nearly 2 million baht in medical bills following a motorcycle accident that he claims was not his fault. The case was revealed through a fundraising campaign launched on Steunactie by 16 year old Belgian girl Julie, who is seeking financial help…
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.