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 Why traders in Thailand are choosing EC Markets for gold and forex trading
Gold and forex trading have long been favourites among investors in Thailand, but why are so many traders now turning to EC Markets? The answer lies in a combination of tight spreads, ultra-fast execution, Thai baht (THB) deposit support, and...
-
Philippine economy grows 6.4 per cent in first quarter, beating expectations
The economy of the Philippines experienced a 6.4% expansion in the first quarter compared to the previous year, according to the country’s statistics agency. This development surpasses expectations, with analysts previously predicting a 6.1% annual growth in the gross domestic product (GDP). On a quarterly basis, growth slowed to 1.1% compared to the earlier reported 2.4% expansion in the previous…
-
RTN officer’s crooked web of deception: Evicts pregnant wife for pregnant mistress
A Royal Thai Navy (RTN) officer’s crooked web of deception, cheating, and abuse has resulted in his wife becoming homeless and leaving both his wife and mistress pregnant. The homeless, six-month pregnant wife, Aey, sought the help of a lawyer to file a complaint and seek justice from the RTN after her RTN officer husband evicted and replaced her with…
-
China’s consumer price index sees slowest growth in two years
China’s consumer prices experienced a slow increase over the past two years in April, with factory gate deflation becoming more pronounced, according to recent data. This outcome has prompted conjecture that additional stimulus activities may be necessary to enhance the uneven post-pandemic economic recovery. In April, the consumer price index (CPI) increased by 0.1% year-on-year, making it the lowest level…
-
Disney reduces streaming losses but sheds subscribers as earnings meet expectations
Walt Disney has reported a reduction in streaming losses by US$400 million from the previous quarter; however, the company also experienced a drop in subscribers. The entertainment giant shared this information on Wednesday as part of its recent quarterly earnings release, which fell in line with Wall Street expectations. Following the report, shares of Disney declined by 4.4% during after-hours…
-
Toyota projects 10% profit growth and five-fold increase in EV sales this year
Toyota Motor Corp revealed on Wednesday that a 10% increase in operating profit is expected during this business year, as sales of pure electric vehicles (EV) are predicted to surge five-fold with a reduction in global supply chain disruption caused by the ongoing chip shortage. The ambitious growth plan was introduced by the newly appointed CEO, Koji Sato, who entered…
-
China’s shrinking birth rate impacts baby product manufacturers
A decline in China’s population is creating a challenging environment for the country’s baby and children’s product manufacturers, as domestic sales plummet and companies grapple with finding alternative revenue streams. As the world’s largest market for baby food and diapers, valued at US$37.9 billion annually, prepares to contract for the first time, firms are turning their attention to products for…
-
Indian airline Go First granted bankruptcy protection amid repossession concerns
An Indian tribunal granted bankruptcy protection to Go Airlines (India) Ltd yesterday, a decision that may aid the country’s fourth-largest airline in its revival efforts but could also hinder foreign lessors’ attempts to reclaim their aircraft. The low-cost carrier recently rebranded as Go First, claimed that its financial crisis originated from “faulty” Pratt & Whitney engines, which grounded approximately half…
-
Gecko caught on camera stealing Covid medication from homeowner’s wall, leading to lottery number inquiries
A homeowner in Rayong, Thailand, was recently surprised to find a large tokay gecko clinging to the wall and swinging a green medicine pouch, stirring up laughter and concern in the local community. This unusual incident was caught on video and was posted on social media by Nayika Silalarat, who then received numerous questions about the house number, as some…
-
China faces backlash over pressure on dissidents abroad but remains undeterred
China is currently facing a strong backlash from Western countries such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, regarding its controversial efforts to pressure dissidents and their advocates abroad. Despite arrests, expulsions, and investigations taking place, Beijing remains persistent and undeterred in its actions. Isaac Stone Fish, founder and CEO of Strategy Risks, suggests that the increasingly assertive…
-
Deep concern over Myanmar violence dominates Asean Summit
Southeast Asian nations expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence in Myanmar, condemning a recent attack on a convoy of diplomats delivering humanitarian aid in the country. The crisis in Myanmar, which is under junta rule, has been a dominant topic of discussion at this week’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Indonesia, as the regional bloc has…
-
Move Forward Party leader faces scrutiny over media company shares ownership
Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP), is facing increased scrutiny over claims that he owns shares in a now-defunct media company. Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, a Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) list-MP candidate, recently petitioned the Election Commission (EC) and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to investigate Pita, who is also the party’s prime ministerial candidate. This follows Pita’s…
-
Phuket motorcycle taxi rider fined for overcharging and threatening passenger
A motorcycle taxi rider in the Patong neighbourhood of Phuket has been fined 2,500 baht after trying to overcharge and threaten a passenger. The incident was reported by 32 year old Wilaiwan Khormobklang to officers at Patong Police Station yesterday, May 10. The rider, identified as Prasertchai, operates on Rat Uthit 200 Years Road in Patong sub-district, Kathu district, Phuket.…
-
Thailand targets high-spending Middle Eastern tourists for tourism growth
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is focusing on attracting high-spending visitors from the Middle East in the latter half of this year, with the goal of utilising this market as a new tourism growth engine. Apichai Chatchalermkit, TAT’s deputy governor for tourism products and business, has stated that since Thailand re-established full diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia in early…
-
Stranded in paradise: Viral video shows 85 tourists trapped in water near Thai Cave
A video clip of 85 tourists waiting in the water near a cave in South Thailand after an issue with their boat has gone viral on social media. The video shows the tourists, who are all wearing life jackets, holding on to each other as they wait for their boat to return. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, May 6,…
-
Election commission sets up cyber threat surveillance centre to ensure transparency
The Election Commission (EC) has established a Cyber Threat Surveillance and Response Operations Centre to ensure transparency in elections, according to EC Secretary-general Sawaeng Boonmee. This development comes in partnership with the National Cyber Security Agency, Office of the Personal Data Protection Commission, Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, the Bureau of Registration Administration, and National Telecom Public Co Ltd. Sawaeng, aged…
-
Growing global demand for gold amid banking sector turmoil and geopolitical tensions
The global demand for gold from investors is witnessing an increase due to instability in the banking sector, geopolitical tensions, and a challenging economic environment, prompting individuals to turn to the precious metal as a safe-haven asset, according to the World Gold Council (WGC). The WGC’s most recent Gold Demand Trend report revealed that demand for gold bars and coins…
-
Nine arrested after violent confrontation at Bangkok police station over detained teen
Nine individuals found themselves under arrest following a brutal clash outside a police station in Bangkok involving law enforcement and a group supporting a 15-year-old girl detained for over 40 days on allegations of royal defamation. The arrestees, comprising seven men and two women, included Tantawan “Tawan” Tuatulanon and Orawan “Bam” Phuphong. Earlier this year, the two individuals had engaged…
-
Mixed responses to calls for ending compulsory military service in Thailand
Academics and human rights defenders have provided mixed responses to the increasing calls to end compulsory military service in Thailand, intensifying as the May 14 polls approach. The Move Forward Party and the Pheu Thai Party have both pledged they will terminate compulsory service in favor of voluntary enlistment if they win the elections and form the next government. These…
-
Woman seeks help from restaurant owner as man threatens her with violence and gun
A woman in distress sought help from a food vendor, who drove away a threatening man, earning praise from social media users. The incident took place in Hat Yai city’s food court when a terrified woman entered a restaurant to ask for help, followed by a man on a motorcycle. The man verbally abused the woman and threatened to hit…
-
Thai food exports forecast to grow despite challenges
Despite economic uncertainties, inflationary pressures, foreign exchange fluctuations, and rising production costs, Thai food exports are predicted to grow by 2.1% to 1.5 trillion baht this year. The main factors supporting this outlook include the government’s policies to stimulate economic growth, the country’s reopening after the pandemic, global supply chain shortages, increased concerns about food safety, and the high-quality standards…
-
Wild elephant tramples woman to death in front of officials, shooting two magazines fails to stop the attack
In a devastating incident, a woman was trampled to death by a wild elephant in front of wildlife officials in Wang Chan District, Rayong. Even after firing two magazines of bullets, the authorities could not stop the charging animal, which was extremely fast and caught everyone off-guard. The tragic event occurred at a palm plantation in the district, where 40…
-
Truemoney partners with Mastercard and Google for contactless payment expansion
TrueMoney, a prominent e-payment and financial service provider, has collaborated with Mastercard and Google to facilitate the integration of TrueMoney Mastercard virtual prepaid cards, formerly referred to as WeCard, into Google Wallet. This development enables Google Wallet users to utilise TrueMoney Mastercard for contactless payment through the Google Pay platform. Apinand Dabpetch, head of TrueMoney’s growth and wallet platform, explained…
-
Marriott upbeat about Thailand’s labour crunch in tourism sector
Marriott International remains optimistic about Thailand’s labour situation in the tourism sector, as employment at its properties across the country has nearly returned to its 2019 levels. The company hopes that the incoming government will prioritise the development of connectivity to secondary cities in order to enhance the country’s competitive edge. Jakob Helgen, Area Vice-President for Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and…
-
Thai political fault line: Divided opinions on royal defamation law ahead of election
As Thailand’s general election approaches this Sunday, a series of TikTok videos featuring prime ministerial candidates answering questions about controversial topics has gone viral. The topics raised during the electoral campaign include the legalization of e-cigarettes, local alcohol industry deregulation, sex work decriminalization, and amending the country’s strict royal defamation law. The royal defamation law, known as Section 112 of…
-
Fumio Kishida’s unexpected political comeback in Japan
It seems that remembering the name of Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida may be worth it after all, despite the nation’s rapid turnover of leaders. Kishida’s premiership began positively in late 2021 but faced challenges when ties between the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and the Unification Church became a focal point in the media after the killing of former leader…
-
CIMB Thai Bank targets 500 million baht in digital personal loans focusing on upper-income segment
CIMB Thai Bank (CIMBT) has announced intentions to expand its digital personal loan offerings in the current year, aiming for a total of 500 million baht whilst primarily focusing on the upper-income segment. Recently, CIMBT introduced two digital personal loan products – the “Personal Cash” instalment loan and the “Extra Cash” credit line. These products have a combined value of…
-
Food vendors rescue abandoned 8 month old baby boy in Chon Buri province
In a heartwarming act of kindness, a group of food vendors in Chon Buri province rescued an abandoned eight month old baby boy near a police booth. The baby is now under the care of the Department of Children and Youth. According to a report by Channel 7, the vendors bathed and fed the infant before contacting the police. One…
-
Inspecting Toyota factory in Chachoengsao to assure car buyers of safety standards
Inspectors are set to visit the Toyota factory in Chachoengsao this week to ensure vehicle safety standards are met by the leading Japanese car manufacturer. This decision follows discussions on May 9 between the permanent secretary for industry, Nattapol Rangsitpol, and Akio Toyoda, the board chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation, concerning the safety test results for the eco-car Yaris Ativ.…
-
US prepares for migrant surge as Mexico border restrictions set to end
Tens of thousands of US law enforcement personnel have been deployed to the border with Mexico, according to officials, as waiting migrants voiced confusion and anger over an impending change to entry rules. The United States is preparing for a surge in people claiming refuge from political persecution, climate-related disasters, and poverty when pandemic-era restrictions expire overnight later this week.…
-
Inter Milan triumph in Champions League last-four derby against AC Milan
Inter Milan is well on their way to the Champions League final after a superb 2-0 victory against AC Milan in last night’s pulsating last-four derby at the San Siro. Ahead of Tuesday’s second leg, Inter has taken control of the most significant Milan derby in years, thanks to goals from Edin Dzeko and Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the opening 11…
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.