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...
-
Pattaya heroics: Thai man saves drowning Aussie
A Thai man performed heroics to save an Australian man from drowning in the Pattaya sea but, in the aftermath, the foreigner remains in a critical condition. Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation rescuers were notified about the drowning incident near Soi Jomtien 11 in Pattaya at about 3.15am today, April 1. Upon arrival, rescuers found a group of Thais and foreigners…
-
Car crash near Phuket’s Heroines Monument leads to injuries
Thepkrasattri Road near the Heroines Monument in Phuket was the scene of a severe car crash that left a 34 year old Thai man seriously injured. The accident occurred in the early hours of today, April 1, after Decha Phothisrisung lost control of his vehicle, slamming into a palm tree on the central reservation before his pickup overturned. The distressing…
-
Taking off: Passenger charges soar at six major Thai airports
Passenger service charges (PSC) at six major Thai airports have seen an increase, as announced by the Airports of Thailand Plc. The charges, applicable on both domestic and international departing flights, have been raised at Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Don Mueang, Hat Yai, Phuket and Suvarnabhumi airports. For international flights, the fees have been increased from 700 to 730 baht,…
-
Thailand emerges as billionaire hotspot, ranked 12th in rich list
Hurun Research Institute released its prestigious 2024 Hurun Global Rich List, revealing that Thailand ranks 12th worldwide for having the highest number of billionaires. Hurun Research Institute is a leading research, luxury publishing and events group based in Shanghai, China, that focuses on the wealth of people around the world. The Hurun Global Rich List has made the institute famous,…
-
Teen gang violence escalates into shootout in Bangkok
Violence erupted on the streets of Bangkok when two rival teen gangs clashed, resulting in a dramatic shootout and the hurling of grenades along the Vibhavadi Rangsit Road. An 18 year old man was shot five times and fled to a local police station for safety in the early hours at around 3.40am on April 1. The intense confrontation was…
-
Krill-iant phenomenon: Millions wash ashore a Phuket beach
Mai Khao Beach in Phuket experienced a peculiar occurrence as millions of krill washed ashore over the weekend. The event sparked worry among local villagers, particularly due to the unusual purple colour of the krill, as opposed to their typical pinkish-red hue. Winai Sae-ew, the Village Headman of Moo 4, Mai Khao, inspected the beach yesterday afternoon. During his investigation,…
-
Hong Kong Airlines flight’s hiccup leads to Bangkok u-turn
A technical glitch forced a Hong Kong Airlines flight to make an abrupt return to Bangkok shortly after taking off for Hong Kong. The incident occurred yesterday, March 31, and involved flight HX780, which was ferrying over 200 passengers. Flight data indicates that the Airbus A330-300 twin-jet aircraft began to circle the airspace shortly after its 2am departure. By 2.25am,…
-
German and Canadian charged for illegal kung fu course (video)
Police arrested a German and a Canadian man for illegally conducting a Shaolin kung fu training course on Koh Pha Ngan, an island in the southern province of Surat Thani. Pha Ngan Tourist Police and Immigration Police arrested 37 year old German man Somphet Daoheuang and a 34 year old Canadian man Arbely Natalie Rubalcava Rojo at a yoga training…
-
Thai government bets big on crackdown against online gambling
The Thai government took assertive action against online gambling websites, recognising them as significant economic crimes. Deputy Government spokesperson Kanika Aunjit announced the policy yesterday, March 31, revealing the government’s commitment to investigating, suspending, restricting, and blocking such websites nationwide. Kanika conveyed that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin had a keen acknowledgement of the issues linked with online gambling. The 62…
-
Russian couple’s dine and dash attempt exposed in Phuket restaurant
A shameless cheating Russian couple insisted they had settled their bill at a Phuket restaurant after being accused of attempting to dine and dash. They later falsely incriminated a Thai waitress of theft but their deception was exposed by CCTV footage, forcing them to apologise and settle the bill. The restaurant shared security footage of the incident on a Facebook…
-
Industrial Commission exposes Chinese steel mill’s law violations
The Industrial Commission in Thailand has exposed law violations on the back of a Chinese steel mill crane collapsing in Rayong. This mill, as it turns out, is under Chinese ownership. The revelation led by Industrial Commission Chairman Akaradej Wongpitakroj has brought to the surface allegations of multiple Thai law violations by these Chinese investors. The commission informed the public…
-
Thailand Video News | Rising risk of Dengue Fever and Influenza, PM Srettha Thaivisin believes in a more democratic Thailand
In this video, Alex and Jay unfold the latest news in Thailand. Beginning with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin champions democratic values while the Department of Disease Control (DDC) warns of heightened influenza and dengue risks amid COVID-19 worries. Recent incidents, including gas cylinder explosions and a crackdown on child exploitation, underscore the need for swift action. However, moments of heroism, like…
-
3 year old Thai girl injured in Pink Line MRT liquid cement incident
A family of three narrowly avoided tragedy when liquid cement from a Pink Line MRT construction site spilt onto their sedan on Saturday. The incident damaged the car and caused injuries to a three-year-old girl. A Thai mother Saichol Charawatchala, shared the distressing account of her and her children’s experience on Facebook on Saturday, March 30. Saichol recalled that she…
-
Thai police arrest foreigners for fraud in Bangkok and Pattaya
The Thai Immigration Police Bureau (IBP) successfully apprehended two foreign nationals, originating from South Korea and Taiwan, in Pattaya and Bangkok. Both individuals were being actively pursued by their respective countries for allegations of fraud. The first individual apprehended, known under the alias of Oh, is a 51 year old hailing from South Korea. He was found in a condominium…
-
ATPD uncovers prostitution ring in Bangkok, 16 arrested
The Thai Anti Trafficking In Persons Division (ATPD) made a significant breakthrough in their mission to combat illegal activities, apprehending 15 undocumented male workers from Myanmar and a Thai massage shop owner in the bustling district of Wang Thonglang, Bangkok. This incident took place within the confines of the bustling Lat Phrao shopping complex on March 30. A tip-off from…
-
Speedboat capsizes off Sri Racha coast: All passengers rescued
A speedboat, carrying ten passengers, found itself at the mercy of the vigorous waves and gusty winds off the coast of Sri Racha, in East Thailand, ultimately capsizing. Fortunately, all passengers were promptly rescued, escaping unharmed. The incident unfolded around 2pm on Thursday, March 28, within the space between the Harbour Bridge and the Silo Bridge in the Surasak area…
-
Thai smog crisis prompts call for global shift to plant-based diets
Northern Thailand is grappling with a persistent smog problem, typically attributed to crop waste burning, deforestation for mushroom harvesting and vehicle emissions, prompting calls for a global shift to plant-based diets. However, an emerging consensus among scientists and environmental activists suggests a deeper, global solution is required to avert a climate disaster. The crux of the issue, they argue, lies…
-
Lawyer Sittra Biabungkerd to deliver data on alleged police bribery
A prominent Thai lawyer is set to deliver critical data regarding alleged bribery allegations, which involve online gambling networks and the national police chief, Torsak Sukvimol, along with his spouse, to the Move Forward Party (MFP) today. The secretary-general of the Foundation of People’s Lawyers, Sittra Biabungkerd, had previously submitted similar documents related to the case to the national police’s…
-
Phuket karaoke bar raided, operator arrested for child prostitution
An illicit karaoke establishment in Phuket‘s Rassada district, found to be providing sex services by girls as young as 13 years old, was raided by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), ultimately leading to the arrest of the female operator. The arrest was part of a larger police initiative aimed at individuals involved in the procurement of minors for sexual services.…
-
Nonthaburi police bust counterfeit shampoo ring selling for 100 baht
Police recently cracked down on a counterfeit shampoo operation in Nonthaburi, leading to the arrest of a 58 year old woman and her 30 year old nephew. Engaging in a deceptive practice, they were caught refilling used branded shampoo bottles with their concoction and passing them off as genuine products at local markets, with a startling two bottles being sold…
-
Phuket rescue team kept busy with surge in reptile sightings
Rescue workers at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation branch in Wichit Municipality (DDPM-Wichit), Phuket, have been kept busy with a surge in reptile sightings. Even before the onset of the rainy season, the task of managing the movement of these creatures has become a daily routine. Yesterday, a massive python and a baby monitor lizard were captured in…
-
Three Thai dishes rank in the world’s top ten best, says Tasteatlas
In a recent release by Tasteatlas, a renowned global food website, Thailand’s culinary prowess has been recognised once again. Three of the nation’s iconic dishes – phat kaphrao, khao soi, and phanaeng curry – have carved their place among the top 10 in the world’s one hundred best dishes list. Basking in third place on the Tasteatlas list is phat…
-
Prachuap Khiri Khan prison manages Covid-19 with emergency operations centre
The Covid-19 situation at Prachuap Khiri Khan prison in Thailand is set to be managed by an imminent emergency operations centre (EOC), following the identification of infection clusters. This development comes as the public health permanent secretary, Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, reported intensified surveillance in the wake of 79 confirmed Covid cases at the prison. The first infection was detected on…
-
Online prayer nets over 100,000 baht windfall and 200 Thai treats offered in thanks
A fortunate individual’s online prayer for luck turned into a windfall of over 100,000 baht (US$ 2,700), leading to a generous offering of 100 sets of traditional Thai boat noodles and 100 sets of coconut milk desserts as a gesture of gratitude. The offerings were made at the revered hermitage of the hermit in Ayutthaya, which has recently gained popularity…
-
Police and restaurant owner’s gun-knife duel in Udon Thani leaves both injured
A violent confrontation erupted between a police officer and a restaurant owner in Udon Thani, resulting in both men sustaining serious injuries. The incident, which involved a gun and knife duel, occurred near a convenience store in the Non Sung Subdistrict on the evening of yesterday, March 30. The dispute reportedly began when the officer parked his vehicle in front…
-
Late night Prachinburi crash leaves 3 injured, prompts road safety reminder
A tragic road accident occurred late last night, leaving three individuals severely injured, one of whom suffered amputations. The incident took place at approximately 3am today in the area of Prachinburi province when a Toyota Fortuner lost control around a bend and collided with a factory employee waiting for his partner to finish work. At the entrance of a local…
-
Navy sailor saves Dutch expat’s life with CPR in Thai shopping centre
The coastal district of Chon Buri in Sattahip shopping centre, Makro, witnessed an act of heroism yesterday, March 30, when a navy sailor, CPO2 Niwat Khanghang, leapt into action to save a life. Thai national media reported the dramatic incident involving a Dutch expat, identified as Zacharias Krokke, who lost consciousness in his car. CPO2 Niwat Khanghang, a professionally trained…
-
Foreigner causing disturbance on Sukhumvit Road arrested by Pattaya City police
An incident that caught the public’s attention unfolded on the bustling Sukhumvit Road, Bang Lamung, Chon Buri, at around 9.30pm on March 29. A foreign individual, whose identity was not disclosed, was reported to be under the influence of drugs and causing a disturbance among the locals. Upon receipt of the report, the Pattaya City police were promptly dispatched to…
-
Korea aerospace industries proposes to sell FA50 light fighters to Royal Thai Air Force
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has presented a proposal to the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), offering to sell its FA50 light fighters. The RTAF has earmarked 19 billion baht for the procurement of new fighter jets in the forthcoming fiscal year, as revealed by an insider from the Defence Ministry. The pitch was made by the CEO of KAI, Kang…
-
Thailand responds to surge in flesh-eating disease cases in Japan
A surge in the number of flesh-eating disease cases, officially known as necrotising fasciitis, in Japan, has prompted a response from Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC). The DDC gave reassurances yesterday that no instances of the rare but deadly bacterial infection have been reported in Thailand this year. The DDC is keeping a close eye on the developments in…
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.