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...
-
Thailand boosts economy with overseas workers
Thailand has seen a significant boost in its economy, with over 55,000 workers sent abroad during the 2024 fiscal year, resulting in more than 270 billion baht added to their families’ incomes. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn visited 364 Thai workers yesterday, October 11, who were undergoing pre-departure training before heading to Taiwan, Israel, and Japan. Among these workers, 321 are…
-
Phuket to hold ceremonies for mudslide victims next week
Phuket will collaborate with local agencies to host ritual ceremonies next week, aiming to build morale and honour those who perished in the recent mudslide tragedy. Sophon Thongsai, director of the Provincial Office of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, stated that the event is set to commemorate the victims of the catastrophic mudslide that struck on August 23 at 5am in…
-
RTAF pledges no protection for officers involved in bribery scandal
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has declared it will not shield any logistics officers implicated in bribery tied to the procurement of asphalt concrete pavers during 2019 to 2020. RTAF spokesperson Prapas Sornchaidee announced that a probe into the procurements commenced following an order by RTAF chief Panpakdee Pattanakul. This statement follows the release of a document by the…
-
Missing Sri Racha cat gets helping paw from trapped ceiling drama
In a dramatic rescue that will leave pet owners double-checking their ceilings, a cat missing for eight days was finally saved after being discovered trapped in an eyewear shop’s ceiling in Si Racha, Chon Buri. The unfortunate feline, Swat, had been unknowingly stuck inside the building undergoing renovations, while its owner, Suwate Hachai, had been frantically searching elsewhere. The Si…
-
Ko Samui sails into bronze in the most beautiful beach awards
Ko Samui had to settle for third behind Vietnam’s Phu Quoc and Bali in the annual Readers’ Choice Awards’ Most Beautiful Island in Asia. In a survey by Condé Nast Traveller, Phu Quoc trailed behind Bali, Indonesia’s tropical paradise, with Thailand’s Koh Samui claiming third place. Phuket, famous for its white-sand beaches, took sixth. Malaysia’s Penang, known as the Pearl of…
-
Phuket marine police seize illegal jet skis, arrest two operators
Marine Police in Phuket seized four illegal jet skis and apprehended two operators who were preparing to offer services to tourists without the necessary licences. The arrests were made yesterday, October 10, during routine patrols at a pier in Koh Kaew, as part of an ongoing initiative to clamp down on unlawful activities in the area. The operation was spearheaded by…
-
Pattaya woman in coma after brutal assault by boyfriend
A Thai woman remains in a coma in a hospital in Pattaya with a collapsed lung after her boyfriend brutally assaulted her after she failed to clean their condominium to his high standards. The victim’s friend, Thanankornkan “Pim” Boonlaeb, took to social media to expose the shocking behaviour of the brutal thug and urged netizens to help them seek justice. Pim…
-
Veggie tales: Phuket festival wraps up with street processions
The annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival is winding down, with the Lor Rong Shrine, also known as Sui Boon Tong Shrine, staging its street procession through Phuket Town today. This event, known as Iu Keng, showcased numerous spirit mediums and attracted large crowds of locals as well as Thai and foreign tourists. Locals along the procession route set up altars and…
-
Thai TV host pulled from shows amid iCon Group scandal
Popular television host Kan Kantathavorn has been suspended from all Workpoint Entertainment programmes as the investigation into his alleged involvement with the controversial The iCon Group heats up. The company swiftly announced yesterday, October 10, that Kan would be removed from hosting duties with immediate effect until his ties with the scandal-plagued business are cleared up. Kan, in a bid…
-
Young Bangkok scammer busted for dialing into pension scam
Police arrested a 20 year old woman at a dormitory in Bangkok for her involvement in a call centre scam that defrauded a retired teacher of millions in pension money. Police detained her after she returned to Thailand, revealing the circumstances that led to her capture. Today, October 11, police officers led by Police Major General Montree Teskan and Police…
-
Trudeau applauds Thailand’s marraige equality law
In a high-stakes diplomatic encounter at the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shook hands over a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ rights. Meeting yesterday, October 10 at the National Convention Centre, Trudeau didn’t hold back in praising Thailand’s trailblazing move on marriage equality, noting it as a “first” for ASEAN.…
-
Suranaree students swindled by scam, dialing up 3 million baht loss
Suranaree University of Technology, located in the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima, reported that more than 200 students fell victim to a call centre scam gang, with an estimated loss of about 3 million baht. Following reports about fake kidnappings for ransom, operated by the call centre scam gang, Pho Klang Police Station and Suranaree University of Technology organised a…
-
Overdrawn: Bungling burglar caught cracking into bank in Phuket
Police yesterday apprehended a man after he attempted to break into a bank branch and managed to forcibly open a passbook updating machine in Baan Lipon, Srisoonthorn, Phuket. An automatic security alarm alerted the police to the break-in at the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives in Baan Lipon, Moo 7, Srisoonthorn, at 11pm. Thalang police responded promptly, arriving to…
-
Thailand’s workplaces in crisis: Mental health support falls short
Thailand’s workplaces are failing to provide vital psychological help for employees grappling with stress, depression, and other mental health issues, campaigners warn. As the world marked Mental Health Day 2024 yesterday, October 10, Thai advocates are raising alarms over the country’s mental health crisis in offices, where employees struggle with burnout, fear, and stigma. The World Health Organisation (WHO)’s theme,…
-
South Korean TikToker alleges sexual harassment by Phuket man
A South Korean TikToker is seeking justice, claiming that a Thai man sexually harassed her while she and her friend were working in Phuket. The Phuket Times shared the story of the South Korean TikToker, known as DD, today, October 11. The page stated in the caption… “Another scandal! Foreign TikToker sexually harassed in Phuket.” In the comment section, the…
-
Bets on: Royal nod to 23 gambles, from bull races to mahjong chases
The Royal Gazette has published a ministerial regulation allowing 23 types of gambling activities within specific time frames, such as human-bull racing, boxing, wrestling, ring tossing, and mahjong. The report from today, October 11, details that the Royal Gazette has released Ministerial Regulation No. 46, permitting the following gambling activities within designated hours: human-bull racing from 7am to 7pm, boxing…
-
Five-car crash on Nonthaburi bridge leaves three injured
Five vehicles collided on a bridge in Nonthaburi, resulting in three injuries. The incident occurred in the early hours of today, October 11, on Rama 4 Bridge, Chaiyaphruek Road, inbound to Bang Tanai subdistrict, Pak Kret district. Local police officers were alerted to the multi-vehicle crash and promptly arrived at the scene to investigate. Upon arrival, police discovered 22 year…
-
Bangkok buses introduce new safety measures for NGV fleet
Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) announced a new safety initiative for all its buses, particularly those running on natural gas (NGV). The directive, emphasised by Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote, aims to elevate safety standards across the board. BMTA Director Kittikarn Jomduang Jaruwanpolkul revealed that the organisation operates a fleet of 809 NGV buses. This includes 486 blue air-conditioned low-floor…
-
Indonesian woman’s first date sparks debate over splitting the bill
A young Indonesian woman’s first date experience sparked a heated debate online about who should pay on a first date. The story revolves around Sisil, a 25 year old woman, who shared her unexpected encounter with her date’s approach to splitting costs. In July, Sisil met a man for their first date at a restaurant in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Anticipation…
-
Shell-shocked: Woman’s turtle rescue paves way for good luck
A woman recently rescued a large turtle found in the middle of the road in Phetchabun, believing it could bring her good luck. The turtle’s shell featured patterns resembling ancient coins and a sage’s head, leading to speculation about its auspicious nature. A TikTok user posted a video showing her helping the sizable turtle that was slowly crossing the street,…
-
Visa-free travel: Indonesia opens doors to 13 countries
Indonesia is rolling out the red carpet for citizens of 13 countries, with its latest visa-free travel policy set to shake up tourism and economic development. Announced in Presidential Regulation No. 95 of 2024, which was formally ratified on August 29, this groundbreaking move targets 11 of Indonesia’s Asian neighbours, alongside Colombia and Suriname. The lucky 13 nations—Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia,…
-
Policewoman refuses to return Thai man’s cash after bank mishap
A Thai man reached out to a news agency after he mistakenly transferred money to the bank account of a policewoman in the Isaan province of Surin. The officer in question refused to return it despite a three-year attempt to retrieve it. The 30 year old victim, Warut, appeared on a news programme on Channel 7 to seek justice. Warut…
-
Stocking up: Thai market on a roll with Vayupak, ESG fund boost
Thai stocks are poised for continued growth in the fourth quarter, driven by incremental investments in the state-run Vayupak Fund and tax-saving Thai ESG funds, according to the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). SET President Asadej Kongsiri revealed that retail investor participation has surged, now accounting for 52% of trades, up from just under 50% in the preceding months. An…
-
Stork raving success: Endangered bird’s triumphant return to Thailand
In a ground-breaking win for wildlife conservation, Thailand has achieved an unprecedented milestone: critically endangered Asian woolly-necked storks have bred in the wild for the first time. These majestic birds, once at risk of vanishing forever, are back and thriving in their natural habitat. Officials from the Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand and Khao Kheow Open Zoo were thrilled to…
-
Phuket employer charged for illegal hire of Sri Lankan worker
Phuket Immigration officers charged the employer of a Sri Lankan man for illegal employment at a construction site in Wichit. The Sri Lankan national, identified by police as K. Piyaralala, was apprehended while working on a house extension project at Ao Kham Beach in Wichit on Wednesday, October 9. Piyaralala faces charges for being an alien working without permission, a…
-
Homeowner faces legal battle over child’s fence injury in Kamphaeng Phet
A homeowner is seeking justice after a seven year old child climbed his fence, causing it to collapse and break the child’s leg. The child’s parents are demanding 100,000 baht in compensation, while the homeowner claims the fence was not faulty. On June 22, a seven year old child was playing near a house in Kamphaeng Phet province. The child…
-
Thailand and China’s friendship to shine on 50th anniversary
China is rolling out the red carpet for Thailand as both nations prepare to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties next year. Chinese Premier Li Qiang vowed to boost traditional friendship and build a China-Thailand community with a shared future in a power-packed meeting with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Vientiane, Laos. “China and Thailand are close friends and…
-
Thai woman sends husband to prison for raping 13 year old niece
A heartbroken Thai woman sent her husband to jail after discovering he sexually abused their 13 year old niece, within their shared home in the Isaan province of Udon Thani. The devastated woman revealed she loves the girl like a daughter. Mueang Udon Thani Police Station officers were called to a house in the Nong Nakham sub-district to arrest the…
-
Prison food beef: Corrections dept serves defence to influencer gripe
The Department of Corrections responded to allegations made by social media influencer Nara Crepekathoei regarding the quality of prison food, asserting that it meets nutritional standards and undergoes daily quality inspections. Nara had criticised the food, describing it as bland and unpalatable, prompting the department to clarify its food preparation practices. Reports from the Bangkok Remand Prison indicate that the…
-
Udon Thani temple demolishes cave waterfall after shocking find
A shocking discovery at a temple in Udon Thani has left many stunned as it was revealed that a nearly completed cave waterfall structure had to be demolished due to the use of inappropriate materials. According to Facebook page Phra Lin Sujitto, a video was posted with the caption, “Built with so much effort, only to be demolished. Apologies without…
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.