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 Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run
Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...
-
Malaysia PM reshuffles Cabinet: Second finance minister appointed
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim orchestrated a Cabinet reshuffle, unveiling a strategic plan to fortify his administration and rebuild public confidence, just one year into his tenure. In a much-anticipated move, Anwar unveiled five new ministerial appointments, expanding the Cabinet’s reach to navigate the challenges of today and confront global shifts, notably the surge of artificial intelligence. The headline change…
-
Bangkok MP Rukchanok Srinork sentenced to six years for tweets
The Criminal Court has sentenced Rukchanok Srinork, a Bangkok MP from the Move Forward Party (MFP), to six years in prison without suspension. The charges stem from her tweets and retweets of others’ messages in 2020, in violation of Section 112 of the Criminal Code and the Computer Crime Act and lèse majesté. The verdict was delivered at 9am today,…
-
Thailand sees improvement in air quality despite high PM2.5 levels
A sharp decline in air quality was observed across 33 provinces of Thailand this morning as dangerously high levels of ultrafine dust posed health risks. This, however, was an improvement from yesterday morning, when air pollution blanketed 47 provinces. The peak pollution level also saw a drop. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTADA) revealed this morning that five…
-
Tragic accident on Phetchakasem Road claims multiple lives
A tragic incident unfolded at 8am today on the Phetchakasem Road, Pattalung-Hatyai route when a pickup truck carrying construction workers was involved in a fatal collision with a motorbike. The incident transpired in the vicinity of Moo 13, Kok Sak Sub-District, Bang Kaeo District, Pattalung Province. Following the alert, local police and volunteer rescuers from Mae Kari, Bang Kaeo Hospital,…
-
Thailand’s central bank forecasts export revival and low inflation
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) anticipates an export revival in the coming year, as revealed in a recent statement. The Bank also projects low inflation rates for the same period, attributing it to government subsidies, albeit with a gradual increase within an acceptable range. Meeting minutes from the BoT’s November 29 monetary policy gathering, released on Wednesday, indicated that while…
-
Heartbroken Thai seeks solace in 7-Eleven robbery, demands jail time
A Thai man last night confessed to being heartbroken and insisted on being jailed after he carried out a robbery at a 7-Eleven convenience store situated within a petrol station in the Bang Khun Tian district of Bangkok. Convenience store employees and witnesses managed to detain the 26 year old Thai man, Autsadawut Yooman, who stole money from the store…
-
Thai business bounces back: Surprising catalysts revealed by FTI
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) explained the significant rise in Thailand’s Industry Sentiment Index (TISI) after a five-month slump including a tourism boom and strategic government measures. Breaking through the economic gloom, the TISI soared to 90.9 points in November, marking a triumphant comeback after five consecutive months of decline, according to the FTI. In stark contrast to October’s…
-
Huay Kaew temple in Phitsanulok suffers 200 million baht fire damage
A devastating fire swept through the renowned Huay Kaew temple in Phitsanulok, destroying a teakwood sermon hall and causing over 200 million baht in damages. The blaze, which reportedly originated in the kitchen, led the resident monks to flee for their lives and also engulfed a red-plate Toyota truck parked nearby. The incident occurred at approximately 2.30am today. Upon receiving…
-
Thai government sanctions 750 million baht for workers affected by Israel-Hamas conflict
The Thai government sanctioned a 750 million baht fund to compensate Thai workers impacted by the Israel-Hamas conflict. This decision was announced by government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke yesterday. Giving the go-ahead to utilise the emergency central budget of the current fiscal year, the Cabinet has approved this proposal from the Labour Ministry. This move is designed to aid Thai workers…
-
Economic growth predicted at 3.6% next year in Thailand
Kasikorn Research Center (KResearch) revealed Thailand‘s economic outlook for 2024, which paints a gloomier picture than anticipated. Managing Director and Chief Economist Burin Adulwattana reveals that the global economy is slowing down, impacting global trade. “This is reflected in the deceleration of the manufacturing sector worldwide, especially in China and Germany, which are both heavily reliant on exports.” The Thai…
-
Malaysia and Singapore lure Chinese travellers with visa-free policies
The Chinese traveller market could see a significant rise to 7 million arrivals next year as Malaysia and Singapore become increasingly attractive due to reciprocal visa-free policies. Thailand, however, has yet to secure such an agreement with China. Following the introduction of a visa exemption for Malaysians, Beijing is speculated to extend a 30-day visa exemption to Singapore in the…
-
Last orangutans rescued from Thai smuggling ring set to jet back home to Indonesia
In a triumphant move for wildlife conservation, Thailand is gearing up to bid farewell to the last three orangutans smuggled into the country from Indonesia. The adorable primates, seven year olds Nobita and Shizuka, and four year old Brian will be winging their way home next Thursday, December 21, as confirmed by Narin Prathuanchai, the director-general of Thailand’s National Parks,…
-
Thai restaurant owner loses 600,000 baht during family trip to France
A 30 year old restaurant owner from Nonthaburi suffered a loss of over 600,000 baht during his recent family trip to France. He has shared his harrowing experience to alert others and prevent them from becoming victims. Thalerngsak Khongkwanmuang revealed yesterday, December 12, his ordeal which occurred between November 7 and 21 during his holiday in France with his 48 year…
-
High-flying stash: Wirral man’s 260 kilo cannabis catch worth 33 million baht seized at Birmingham Airport
A man from the Wirral in Merseyside, Liverpool was found with a staggering 260 kilogrammes worth of cannabis worth 750,000 British pounds (33 million baht) at Birmingham Airport after landing via a flight from Bangkok. The man landed in the UK on November 29 when police discovered two suitcases of cannabis worth 30 kilogrammes. The arrest is not a single incident.…
-
Italian man rescued after attempted suicide in Chon Buri Police Station
Sriracha Police Station officers in Chon Buri province rescued an Italian man who tried to commit suicide in a detention room. It was his second suicide attempt. Police officers called Sawang Pratheep Sriracha Rescue team for help after the Italian man was stopped from hanging himself. The rescuers administered CPR and oxygen before taking him to Queen Savang Vadhana Memorial Hospital.…
-
Transgender woman accused of 200,000 baht gold theft in Pattaya
Pattaya police recorded yet another transgender magpie thief case involving some gold and an Indian man in Sin City. This time a 39 year old transgender woman was apprehended at a condominium in Pattaya’s Nong Prue district, following allegations of theft in the middle of the night. The victim, a 40 year old Indian tourist, reported the loss of a…
-
DOC denies policy to detain prisoners outside prison favours ex-PM Thaksin
The Department of Corrections (DOC) refuted allegations that its latest policy, permitting the detention of prisoners outside of prison, is designed to favour Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister. The 74 year old former PM was recently sentenced to eight years for three separate cases and was immediately moved to a police hospital. The newly introduced regulation, announced on Thursday…
-
Thailand DSI files charges in major pork smuggling case
Charges have been filed against 22 suspects, inclusive of 12 individuals and 10 legal entities, by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) in Thailand, following their involvement in a significant pork smuggling operation. Their assets, worth approximately 90 million baht (US$2,516,567), have been confiscated as part of the ongoing investigation. The head investigator of the smuggling case, Police Major Nathapol…
-
Somrak Kamsing attends religious ceremony amid controversy
Former Thai boxer Somrak Kamsing today attended a religious ceremony at Sirisuttho Temple in Ban Dung, Udon Thani where renowned teacher Pairoj, a famous Yant cloth writer, presided over the event. The ceremony included the consecration of the temple hall, the installation of a new Buddha statue, and the blessing of the Buddha statue. The 50 year old Somrak, who…
-
Bangkok blaze: Chemical chaos erupts as factory fire sparks fears in industrial estate
A chemical factory in Bangkok‘s eastern suburbs of Samut Prakan went up in flames, with explosions echoing within the Bang Pu Industrial Estate, raising concerns about the volatile chemicals stored within. Chaos erupted in the tranquil Bang Pu Industrial Estate in Samut Prakan province early yesterday morning, December 11. A chemical factory, stockpiled with ammonia, burst into flames, creating an…
-
Thai man ruptures windpipe by suppressing sneeze in first global case
In a peculiar medical case, a Thai man somehow managed to rupture his windpipe by suppressing a sneeze. The incident, which is reportedly the first of its kind in the world, was revealed by Dr Veerachai Jarusachaisri, a forensic medical expert at Srinakharinwirot University. The patient found himself needing to sneeze while driving. Instead of letting it happen, he stifled…
-
Thai businesses navigate bankruptcy via national rehabilitation process
The Thai economy has weathered numerous challenges recently, including the Covid-19 pandemic, a worldwide economic downturn, repercussions from international conflicts, declining exports, and persistent domestic political upheaval. This has led to a surge in bankruptcies, and many other Thai businesses have sought to navigate the business rehabilitation process under Thailand’s Bankruptcy Act. The Bankruptcy Act allows a creditor, debtor, or…
-
Unidentified man attacks Thai political aide in Government House
A dispute erupted at Government House during a Cabinet meeting today, December 12, when an unidentified man assaulted a Thai political aide. The incident occurred around 11.35am at the APCD 60+ coffee shop, adjacent to the main government building where the Cabinet meeting was taking place. The assailant, whose identity is known only as Itthipol, entered Government House without uttering…
-
Shanghai delivery man’s advice to home-alone toddler goes viral
A recent incident in Shanghai involving a three year old girl left home alone has stirred concern and warmth on social media. The girl, who was left alone at home, was asked to open the door by a delivery man. The incident, which ended with a cautionary note, has since gone viral, reminding parents of the potential dangers of leaving…
-
Boeing 787 emergency dive: Gulf Air flight’s shocking diversion to Bangkok sparks panic
A Gulf Air routine flight GF250 took an unexpected detour from Bahrain to Dhaka, diving into an emergency landing in Bangkok. The gripping incident unfolded as the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, flight A9C-FE, grappled with foggy mayhem and fuel crises. A Gulf Air Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, en route from Bahrain to Dhaka, plunged into a nail-biting emergency over Bangkok. The routine…
-
Thai woman manipulated by scammer into swindling her mother
Police in the Isaan province of Ubon Ratchathani rescued a 21 year old Thai woman who was manipulated by a call centre scammer into swindling her mother out of 250,000 baht. A Thai woman reached out to Mueang Ubon Ratchathani Police Station officer and Chief of Khemarat district after her daughter, 21 year old Su, was allegedly kidnapped for ransom.…
-
Weather warning: Thailand set for thunderous theatrics and chilly mornings
The Thailand Meteorology Department (TMD) warns of thunderstorms across 14 provinces, with foggy mornings and cooler temperatures in the north and northeast regions of Thailand. The south experiences waves up to 2 metres high, while Bangkok sees fog and a minimum temperature of 25 degrees Celsius, as reported on today. The TMD’s 24-hour forecast states that high atmospheric pressure, or…
-
Thai department of intellectual property seeks to safeguard Muay Thai
The Department of Intellectual Property, under the Thai Ministry of Commerce, is making swift strides to protect and promote the nation’s soft power elements, beginning with intellectual property (IP) rights related to Muay Thai and its associated products. This move is a direct response to calls made by Commerce Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, to curb violation of the nation’s IP rights.…
-
Anchalee Tephabutra resigns from Thailand’s Democrat Party after 31 years
Anchalee Tephabutra, a prominent political figure and a devoted member of the Democrat Party for over 31 years, announced her resignation, causing ripples in the political landscape of Thailand. Having been a confidante to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva during his tenure, her departure from the party marks a significant event. Anchalee has been a cornerstone for the Democrats in Phuket…
-
Debunking claims of mobile phone towers causing brain damage (video)
A video circulating online claiming that mobile phone towers are hazardous and could cause brain damage has caused concern among netizens. The middle-aged man in the video alleges to be spending 60,000 baht monthly on brain treatments due to the impact of these towers, stirring a significant number of shares and likes on social media. Dr Jessada Denduangboripant, a professor…
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.