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...
-
Umno deputy backs Youth’s demand for DAP apology in alliance row
Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan has expressed support for Umno Youth’s demand that the Democratic Action Party (DAP) apologise for past criticisms of the party. This controversial stance appears to contradict that of Umno’s president. Hasan, also known as Tok Mat, believes that the proposal made by Umno Youth is a good one and that an apology would be a…
-
Thai consumer confidence hits highest level since March 2020
Consumer confidence in Thailand reached its highest level since March 2020, with a 12th consecutive monthly increase in May. The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) reported that the consumer confidence index rose to 55.07 in May, up from 55 in April. Factors contributing to this increase include a recovering economy, a resilient tourism sector, and political campaigns…
-
US invests $100m in Caribbean for weapons crackdown and Haiti aid
The United States is set to invest over US$100 million in the Caribbean to combat weapons trafficking, provide aid to Haiti, and support climate change initiatives. Vice President Kamala Harris announced this investment during her visit to the Bahamas, where she attended a meeting with Caribbean and US leaders alongside Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis. Harris, the highest-ranking US official…
-
Trump faces indictment over classified documents, claims innocence
In a surprising turn of events, former US President Donald Trump has claimed on his Truth Social platform that he is facing indictment for allegedly mishandling classified documents after leaving the White House. According to Trump, he has been summoned to appear at the Federal Courthouse in Miami on an unspecified Tuesday. “I have been summoned to appear at the…
-
Umno members struggle with Anwar alliance ahead of crucial state elections
The 2023 Umno general assembly, taking place today, is anticipated to reveal the extent of internal friction within the party, as some grassroots members struggle to accept their new partnership with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s national unity government. Analysts suggest that despite being part of Anwar’s administration for over six months, Umno has not fully convinced its grassroots members about…
-
Thailand boosts tourism budget to 5 billion baht
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced its plans for the fiscal year 2024, with a focus on growing off-peak customers, increasing spending per trip by 7%, and distributing income to a wider range of destinations. The budget for these initiatives is set at 5 billion baht, a significant increase from the 3.25 billion baht allocated for fiscal 2023. TAT Governor…
-
Amber heat-health alert as UK temperatures set to surpass 30C this weekend
An amber heat-health warning has been issued as the UK braces for a surge in temperatures, potentially exceeding 30C in some regions. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has raised its alert level after the Met Office forecasted that temperatures could reach up to 31C (88F) on Saturday. Aiden McGivern, a forecaster, mentioned that the highest temperatures are expected between…
-
Saudi wealth fund takes over clubs, lures football stars
Next season, Saudi Arabia’s football league will feature some of the sport’s top players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and N’Golo Kante. The Saudi Professional League (SPL) is set to commence in August, and more high-profile signings are anticipated. In addition to these transfers, the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), overseen by Crown Prince Mohammed bin…
-
Pakistan crackdown targets PTI supporters’ businesses in Punjab
In Punjab province, Pakistan, supporters of Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party have reported that authorities are targeting businesses of those sympathetic to the former prime minister. Hammad Azhar, a top PTI aide, said his family-owned business, AFCO Steel Industries, was closed by police for over a week without any documentary evidence or sealing warrants. “The authorities did not have…
-
US-GCC joint statement backs two-state solution, omits Israel normalisation
The United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have issued a joint statement, highlighting shared priorities and finding common ground on various issues. This follows US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s attendance at a GCC meeting during his recent visit to Saudi Arabia. The statement emphasises the US’s “enduring commitment” to the Gulf region, despite concerns about its diminishing…
-
Wildfires cause air quality alerts across North America and disrupt travel
Air quality alerts have been issued for millions of people across North America as wildfires continue to rage in Canada, causing evacuations, disruption to air travel, and smoke-filled skies even thousands of kilometres from the fires. The US National Weather Service has extended air quality alerts for the East Coast, from New England to South Carolina, as well as parts…
-
Off-duty officer testifies in trial of deputy accused in Parkland shooting
An off-duty officer, Jeffrey Heinrich, who was present during the 2018 Parkland high school massacre in Florida, has given his testimony in the trial of the deputy accused of failing to stop the shooter. Heinrich described how he initially mistook the gunshots for fireworks before realising the situation and approaching unarmed. The trial focuses on what former Broward Deputy Scot…
-
US suspends $1.8bn Ethiopia food aid over diversion claims
The US Agency for International Aid (USAid) has halted food aid to Ethiopia after discovering that donations were being misdirected away from those in need. The suspension will affect approximately 20 million Ethiopians, who are currently experiencing severe food shortages due to war and drought. The United States remains the largest humanitarian donor to Ethiopia, having provided over US$1.8 billion…
-
297 orphans evacuated amid deadly conflict in Sudan’s capital
In Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, nearly 300 orphans have been rescued from the heart of the conflict in a dangerous evacuation carried out by humanitarian workers. This follows the tragic deaths of 67 children at the Mygoma orphanage due to starvation, dehydration, and infections, as the fighting prevented staff from reaching the facility. Since April 15, the city has experienced daily…
-
Russia accused of targeting Ukraine dam breach evacuation points
Ukraine has accused Russia of targeting evacuation points in the aftermath of the Kakhovka dam breach, resulting in one death and several injuries in the city of Kherson. The attack occurred during President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to the city, where he met with locals affected by the flooding. According to Kherson’s governor, Oleksandr Prokudin, 2,000 people have been evacuated from…
-
China targets AirDrop and Bluetooth in censorship crackdown proposal
China is looking to impose restrictions on mobile file-sharing services such as AirDrop and Bluetooth, in an effort to expand its censorship capabilities. The country’s national internet regulator has initiated a month-long public consultation on the proposals, which aim to prevent the spread of illegal and “undesirable” information. Activists are concerned that this move will further limit their ability to…
-
UK and US unveil Atlantic Declaration to counter China’s economic threat
Rishi Sunak and Joe Biden have established a new partnership aimed at enhancing economic security in response to the growing threat posed by China. Despite not achieving a comprehensive free trade deal with the US as promised in the Tory manifesto, the prime minister and US president announced the Atlantic Declaration during a meeting at the White House. This marked…
-
CCTV reveals moments before fatal shooting of police officer in Croydon
Newly released CCTV and body-cam footage offers insight into the moments before and after the fatal shooting of Sergeant Matt Ratana in September 2020. Louis De Zoysa, now 25 years old, stands accused of killing Ratana with an antique revolver at a custody centre in Croydon, south London. The footage, shown during De Zoysa’s murder trial, captures the suspect being…
-
West Ham victory parade floods east London streets after historic win
A sea of jubilant West Ham United supporters filled the streets of east London to participate in a victory parade, celebrating the team’s first major trophy win in over four decades. The Hammers secured a 2-1 victory against Fiorentina in Prague on Wednesday night, with the bus carrying the players struggling to navigate the throngs of elated fans. As the…
-
Teenage e-bike rider dies in ambulance collision after Salford police chase
A tragic accident in Salford has left a 15-year-old boy dead after his electric bike collided with an ambulance. The incident occurred following a police pursuit which began on Fitzwarren Street at around 2pm. Officers were forced to abandon the chase due to bollards on Lower Seedley Road. However, shortly after, the collision took place on Langworthy Road, resulting in…
-
Sarawak delegation visits Huawei, explores digital economy collaboration
A delegation from Sarawak, led by Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, visited the Huawei Enterprise Digital Transformation Exhibition Hall in Shenzhen, China. The International Trade, Industry and Investment Minister received a briefing from Huawei officials on the company’s various technologies and initiatives for the digital economy. These include the application of smart processes in sectors such as city management,…
-
MACC to monitor RM320m Sabah water project allocation
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has announced plans to closely monitor the allocation of RM320 million (US$76.7 million) for projects aimed at addressing water supply issues in Sabah. MACC chief Azam Baki has instructed the Sabah MACC to collaborate with the state government in overseeing the funds and their related projects, emphasising the importance of spending the money wisely and…
-
40 luxury handbags linked to 1MDB scandal set for auction
An auction is set to take place for 40 luxury handbags from various brands linked to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) financial scandal. The Malaysian government has filed an application for the forfeiture of assets under Section 56 of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds Act 2001, in connection with the misappropriation of assets. Assets seized by the police…
-
Bank of Thailand continues interest rate normalisation amid new government
The Bank of Thailand has stated that the formation of a new government will not impact its decision to raise interest rates further. The central bank’s deputy governor, Mathee Supapongse, emphasised the need for the bank to maintain a separate view from elected officials, with the aim of continuing to normalise interest rates. “Despite recent increases, Thai interest rates are…
-
Ukraine blamed for ammonia pipeline blast, threatens Russian grain deal
Russia has accused Ukraine of being responsible for an explosion on a crucial ammonia pipeline, stating that it could negatively impact the renewal of a significant grain export agreement. The Togliatti-Odesa pipeline was damaged in a blast on Monday, which Moscow attributes to Ukrainian “sabotage” groups. The Kremlin has declared that it will not renew last year’s grain export deal…
-
Teen charged with Aberdeenshire murder, drug supply, and indecent communication
A 19-year-old has been charged with the murder of a 24-year-old man in Aberdeenshire. Michael Jenkins was declared dead on Watermill Road in Fraserburgh after police responded to a disturbance report around 6pm on Sunday. Alfie Whelan, from Sutton, appeared in Peterhead Sheriff Court on Wednesday, facing charges of murder, supplying controlled drugs, and communicating indecently. Whelan has been remanded…
-
Climate change boosts flight turbulence, study warns
A recent study has revealed that climate change is causing an increase in turbulence during flights, with the situation expected to worsen. Clear-air turbulence, which is nearly invisible and difficult to detect with current equipment, has long been anticipated to increase as a result of climate change. The study from Reading University provides the most comprehensive analysis of this effect…
-
M&S settles Percy Pig dispute, Swizzels to change design
Marks & Spencer (M&S) has reached a settlement with confectionery firm Swizzels, which it accused of imitating its popular Percy Pig sweets. The two companies have come to an “amicable resolution” after Swizzels agreed to alter the design of its Pigs Mugs sweets. M&S had claimed that the similarities between the products could lead to customers purchasing the wrong item.…
-
First Dates’ Merlin Griffiths announces all clear in cancer update
First Dates star Merlin Griffiths has provided fans with an update on his health status, announcing that he is “all clear” of cancer for the time being. The 48-year-old was initially diagnosed with the disease in 2021 and had previously informed fans he was clear of it in April of this year. On Wednesday, Griffiths shared his “final Year 1”…
-
Sunak denies broken US trade deal promise, cites pandemic and Ukraine war
The UK’s Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, has defended the government’s inability to secure a trade deal with the United States, attributing the delay to the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Sunak, who is currently visiting the US, was asked if he accepted that the Conservatives had not fulfilled their 2019 manifesto pledge to strike a deal with…
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.