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...

  • Minister suspends student field trips after fatal bus fire

    Minister suspends student field trips after fatal bus fire

    Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob has called for an immediate suspension of student field trips following a devastating bus blaze tragedy on October 1. The incident has ignited a widespread social media debate over the safety of children during such activities. Yesterday, October 2, Permpoon announced a temporary halt to study trips in state schools and urged private institutions to adopt…

  • Ratchaburi man steals truck for food and shelter in prison

    Ratchaburi man steals truck for food and shelter in prison

    A man has been arrested after stealing a white Toyota Revo pickup truck and leading police on a chase across provinces before surrendering. The thief claimed that he committed the crime because he was ill, had no income, and preferred prison life where he would be guaranteed meals. The 191 radio centre in Samut Songkhram was notified by police in…

  • National Boyfriend Day: A perfect excuse to spoil the man in your life

    National Boyfriend Day: A perfect excuse to spoil the man in your life

    Ladies, today is National Boyfriend Day—an annual celebration dedicated to appreciating that special guy who makes your world a little brighter, writes Zo Sikander. October 3 is the perfect excuse to shower your beau with love and appreciation. While we’re all familiar with the classic gifts of dinner dates and heartfelt cards, why not take it up a notch this…

  • Agriculture minister vows to expedite debt relief for farmers

    Agriculture minister vows to expedite debt relief for farmers

    Ekaphap Phonsue, spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, revealed that Saikrai Pimbueng, a committee member and secretary of the Farmers’ Rehabilitation and Development Fund (FRDF), recently met with Narumon Pinyosinwat, the Minister of Agriculture. The meeting aimed to discuss policies and actions concerning Thai farmers’ issues. Saikrai detailed that since 2019, the previous government had considered restructuring farmers’…

  • Thailand video news | Four charges filed against driver in deadly bus fire, Thailand plans to regulate sex work, igniting public debate

    Thailand video news | Four charges filed against driver in deadly bus fire, Thailand plans to regulate sex work, igniting public debate

    In Thailand video news, Alex delves the stories from across Thailand and around the world cover critical issues ranging from legal action and public safety to significant economic investments and political developments. In Thailand, charges have been filed against the driver involved in a deadly bus fire, while the government is sparking public debate with plans to regulate sex work.…

  • Spirit of resistance: Thailand’s lawmakers toast booze bill rejection

    Spirit of resistance: Thailand’s lawmakers toast booze bill rejection

    The House of Representatives decisively rejected a bill aiming to liberalise Thailand’s alcohol industry, proposed by the opposition People’s Party. The bill, introduced by Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, was voted down with 237 votes against and 137 in favour. The proposed legislation sought to permit individuals to own alcohol distillation equipment and produce booze for personal use without needing government approval. Government…

  • Bangkok police arrest man for receiving stolen tower batteries

    Bangkok police arrest man for receiving stolen tower batteries

    Police in Bangkok apprehended a suspect in connection with receiving stolen property, specifically stolen phone tower batteries. The suspect claims he did not purchase the items but received them from a customer for repair. Police Major General Teeradej Thamsutee, along with officers from the Investigative Division 4, Bureau of Investigation, yesterday, October 2, arrested 49 year old Ekasit, who was…

  • Foreign couple loses 100,000 baht to Muay Thai trainer in Phuket

    Foreign couple loses 100,000 baht to Muay Thai trainer in Phuket

    A foreign couple exposed the fraudulent behaviour of a Muay Thai trainer and his Chinese wife in Phuket, who tricked them into a visa scam, resulting in a 100,000 baht loss. The 29 year old Czech victim, Vit Musilik, and his 26 year old Chinese wife, Xiao Feng Kang, urged officers from the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) to help them retrieve…

  • Thailand to resolve forest land disputes by 2026, says minister

    Thailand to resolve forest land disputes by 2026, says minister

    The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) aims to resolve disputes over 75,000 square metres of forest land by 2026, as announced during its 22nd anniversary celebration. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Chalermchai Sri-on addressed the ongoing conflicts between the DNP, other government agencies, and residents regarding the forest boundaries. He emphasised the need to find solutions…

  • Relief team cars break down in Chiang Rai due to water in petrol

    Relief team cars break down in Chiang Rai due to water in petrol

    A team led by Panadda Wongphudee, a beauty queen, presenter, and president of the Foundation for Good Deeds, encountered significant issues during their relief efforts in Chiang Rai. Panadda revealed that five vehicles broke down after refuelling at a local petrol station, which allegedly had water mixed with the fuel. Panadda shared her experience on her Facebook page, Dr Panadda…

  • Bus-ted: Driver in bus blaze tragedy jailed, previous accidents shared

    Bus-ted: Driver in bus blaze tragedy jailed, previous accidents shared

    Police denied a bail request from the driver involved in the bus blaze tragedy that claimed the lives of 23 people in Pathum Thani. He was detained at Thanyaburi Provincial Court. A school director and student from the central province of Uthai Thani came forward to share details of previous accidents involving the same bus company. The driver, 48 year old Saman…

  • Si Racha man donates 30 million baht lottery win to temple

    Si Racha man donates 30 million baht lottery win to temple

    A man from Si Racha scooped first prize in the recent lottery draw with five tickets, totalling 30 million baht. He intends to donate 499,999 baht to Khao Mai Daeng temple in Chon Buri for the construction of a new mandapa and a walking monk statue in honour of the revered Luang Phor Yongyuth Thammakosalo. Vorawong (surname withheld) visited Khao…

  • Pattaya officials inspect Walking Street venues for fire safety

    Pattaya officials inspect Walking Street venues for fire safety

    Pattaya officials conducted a thorough inspection of Walking Street venues on Tuesday evening, October 1, to ensure fire safety measures are up to par for the incoming tourist season. The inspection, which took place around 8pm, was spearheaded by Weekit Manarotkit, Bang Lamung District Chief, and Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampichet. The focus was on several entertainment venues located on Walking…

  • Udon Thani man rescued from roof after drug-induced hallucinations

    Udon Thani man rescued from roof after drug-induced hallucinations

    Police managed to rescue a man experiencing drug-induced hallucinations, who climbed onto his roof and refused to come down. The man, who had been in this state for several days, was eventually taken to a hospital for treatment. At 11.30am yesterday, October 2, Deputy Inspector Wichaneth Suetrong and his team were patrolling their area when they received a report about…

  • Speeding car crashes into Pattaya solar store, injuring two

    Speeding car crashes into Pattaya solar store, injuring two

    A speeding car crashed into a solar panel store in Pattaya yesterday morning injuring two people. The driver attributed the accident to his lack of familiarity with the road. Nong Prue police received the report at 3.06am, yesterday, October 2, about the crash at the intersection of Jomtien Second Road, Nong Prue subdistrict, in the Bang Lamung district of Chon…

  • 10 essential tips for families moving to Thailand

    10 essential tips for families moving to Thailand

    Moving to Thailand is an exciting adventure, especially when you’re moving with your family. The country is popular for its warm climate, rich culture, and welcoming people, making it a popular destination for expatriates. However, settling in a new country can be challenging. To help make your transition smoother, here are 10 essential tips for families moving to Thailand. 1.…

  • Phuket outlines five-year sustainability development plan

    Phuket outlines five-year sustainability development plan

    Phuket advances with innovative efforts that integrate community-based tourism, gastronomy, and smart city solutions as part of a five-year development plan for sustainable growth. Suphon Suwannarat, the governor of Phuket Province, highlights the long-term vision. “We have a 20-year development goal for Phuket province, which is Phuket as a city of the new economy based on sustainable development to create…

  • Teen shootout in Samut Prakan leaves one dead, four injured

    Teen shootout in Samut Prakan leaves one dead, four injured

    A violent confrontation between groups of teenagers in Samut Prakan resulted in one death and four injuries after a shootout involving over 30 bullets. The incident unfolded on Sriwaree Noi Road, Bang Sao Thong district. At around 9.30pm yesterday, October 2, police from the Bang Sao Thong Station were alerted to a shootout involving teenagers who had arranged to settle…

  • Pattaya residents call for action against late-night street races

    Pattaya residents call for action against late-night street races

    Residents of Pattaya are urging police to take action after late-night street races disrupted their peace on Jomtien Second Road. Local news reporters received numerous complaints from locals about street racers causing disturbances by racing motorcycles on public roads at 3am yesterday, October 2. The noise was so disruptive that nearby residents were unable to sleep. Upon investigating the area,…

  • Thailand is about to be drenched as heavy rain hits 54 provinces

    Thailand is about to be drenched as heavy rain hits 54 provinces

    Thailand is bracing for a deluge today, with the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) sounding the alarm for a staggering 54 provinces. Heavy rain is set to drench Bangkok and its surrounding areas, while the central region is looking at a whopping 80% chance of rainfall, and the north isn’t far behind with a 70% prediction! The TMD warns that…

  • Thai’d and tested: Pun-tastic Thai restaurant name breaks Internet (video)

    Thai’d and tested: Pun-tastic Thai restaurant name breaks Internet (video)

    A woman travelling in Sweden was left in stitches after discovering a Thai restaurant with a side-splitting name, sparking curiosity among many who are now desperate to try it out. Ema, a 29 year old traveller who shares her adventures online as @emaonthemove, recently posted a clip of a takeaway in her new hometown of Gothenburg, Sweden. The spot? Thai…

  • Phuket scoops top awards in time for Vegetarian Festival

    Phuket scoops top awards in time for Vegetarian Festival

    Phuket is proving it’s not just a holiday hotspot but a global player in events, as it bagged two major honours at the 2024 IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards in the US. The Thai island, renowned for its stunning beaches, was crowned World Festival and Event City, and its iconic Vegetarian Festival snatched the prestigious Grand Pinnacle award. These accolades…

  • AIS launches 5G movie package for youths at 299 baht monthly

    AIS launches 5G movie package for youths at 299 baht monthly

    AIS ZEED 5G launched the AIS ZEED 5G Movie Lover package, catering to youngsters who love watching movies and entertainment content both in cinemas and online. This package offers one free cinema ticket per month and a second ticket for just 50 baht at Major Cineplex theatres nationwide. Additionally, subscribers receive 10 gigabytes of high-speed Internet for streaming premium content…

  • Thai sex workers rally at Parliament for protection act

    Thai sex workers rally at Parliament for protection act

    Thai sex workers protested outside Parliament today, October 2, to follow up on a protection act proposal in Thailand. This marked the third protest on the matter. Workers from entertainment venues, massage parlours, karaoke venues, go-go bars, as well as freelance sex workers and members of the Empower Foundation, hosted the event called “I come to demand my laws. Sex…

  • Thai Airways to issue new shares worth 42 billion baht

    Thai Airways to issue new shares worth 42 billion baht

    Thai Airways International Plc (THAI) is set to issue new shares valued at a minimum of 42 billion baht by December, marking a significant move towards concluding its court-monitored debt restructuring and resuming trading on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). The national airline plans to offer 6.81 billion new shares to creditors as part of a debt-to-equity swap, as…

  • Google invests 36 billion baht to boost Thai cloud and AI services

    Google invests 36 billion baht to boost Thai cloud and AI services

    Google committed to a significant investment of 36 billion baht to expand its cloud infrastructure and data centres in Bangkok and Chon Buri, announced on Monday, September 30. Ruth Porat, the President and Chief Investment Officer of Alphabet and Google, highlighted that this expansion aims to meet the growing demand for cloud services in Southeast Asia and globally, while also…

  • Thailand’s bold plan to regulate sex work sparks heated debate

    Thailand’s bold plan to regulate sex work sparks heated debate

    Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s government is stirring up controversy with a proposal to develop an entertainment complex aimed at formalising underground businesses—sex work included. The plan is designed to bring these industries into the formal economy, making them taxable, and, in the long term, funding welfare programmes in education, public health, and infrastructure. But the proposal has ignited a…

  • Thai’s the limit: Thailand nabs third spot in Asia’s foodie rankings

    Thai’s the limit: Thailand nabs third spot in Asia’s foodie rankings

    Travel booking platform Agoda ranked Thailand third among the most popular destinations in Asia for foodies around the globe. Agoda launched a campaign inviting more than 4,000 users from ten countries worldwide to respond to the platform’s survey about the top destinations for food lovers. Participants were asked to complete the survey after finishing their bookings. The platform released the results…

  • New Thai bank licences grapple with early profitability challenges

    New Thai bank licences grapple with early profitability challenges

    The winners of the Bank of Thailand’s virtual bank licences are expected to face significant challenges in achieving profitability in the initial years, as the industry typically experiences high cash burn during the first five years, according to KGI Securities. Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) is projected to benefit the least from a virtual bank licence compared to other Thai banks…

  • Thai and mighty: Airbnb reveals tourism boom in Thailand

    Thai and mighty: Airbnb reveals tourism boom in Thailand

    Thailand’s tourism industry is making a strong comeback, and Airbnb has just dropped some tantalising data showing just how much travellers are flocking to this Southeast Asian gem. With the high season fast approaching, Thailand is poised for a tourism surge, and it seems everyone – from digital nomads to family groups – wants a slice of the action. In…