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This section contains reports about the daily News in Thailand and creates a handy online resource for expats and tourists visiting the kingdom.
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Having easy access to the latest Thai News, written by native English speakers, is a rare commodity.
Even so, this is where you'll find everything you need to know about Thailand's lifestyles, sport, politics, and business.
This new section focuses on the current news reports with snippets of insightful analyses. Our website editors and researchers welcome any constructive feedback if you would like to send us an email.
Pro Tip: Don't forget to check out the local information found across all 6 major regions of Thailand, especially in the tourist hot spots of Bangkok, Pattaya, Isan, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Koh Tao, and Thailand's biggest island known as Koh Phuket.
The hot weather continued across the south and southeast of Asia as the Thai government said that severe hyperthermia (heatstroke) had already killed more than thirty (30) people so far this year.
Moreover, Bangkok authorities issued an "extreme heat warning" as they expected the heat index to reach 52° Celsius (126° Fahrenheit).
The authorities in Udon Thani province said the blazing temperatures in many rural northeastern provinces had already claimed the lives of 30 people since the 1st of January.
Note: Another segment contains extra information about the typical signs and symptoms of temperature related injuries and first aid for hyperthermia.
Published: 26/04/2024
A survey conducted by the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (PUBAT) suggests that Thais are reading for an average of 113 minutes every day.
Furthermore, most teenagers prefer to read self-improvement textbooks. Whereas, over half of the 2,550 people surveyed who were over the age of fifty (50) prefer to read e-books (e.g. with enlarged fonts).
Pro Tip: Another section contains more information about the public library in Bangkok in Ratchadamnoen Road. It cost 296 million baht when it was first launched in April 2017.
Published: 18/04/2024
The opening ceremony for the "Maha Songkran World Water Festival" took place in Bangkok on Friday the 12th of April 2024.
This annual spectacle spotlights the glory of Thai traditions, its cultures, and the historical significance of all regions around the kingdom. Twenty (20) grand processions, and more than a thousand street performers, showcased the pride of the nation.
Published: 12/04/2024
Quacquarelli Symonds is a higher education analytics firm. They have announced Chulalongkorn University as being among the top universities in Thailand for 32 different subjects.
According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject in 2024, Chula University excelled in a range of subjects, including Social Sciences and Management, Art and Humanities, and Engineering and Technology.
Published: 11/04/2024
TasteAtlas ranked a meal consisting of fish entrails sour curry (แกงไตปลา) at the number one spot in a list of "100 Worst Rated Foods in the World".
According to Thailand food traditions, the thick and aromatic fish curry originated in the southern region of Phatthalung province. Besides the fermented fish entrails, the recipe also includes a spicy curry paste (chili peppers), lemongrass, galangal, shrimp paste, shallots, and turmeric.
Published: 07/04/2024
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) issued a fine to a foreign tourist for making physical contact with a whale shark (Rhincodon typus) while scuba diving at Richelieu Rock, Mu Koh Surin National Park in Phang Nga province, southern Thailand.
Why?
In fact, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species conducted a recent assessment in February 2024 for the whale shark and cites the species as decreasing in numbers and "Largely Depleted" (LD).
The Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act in Thailand protects whale sharks. Section 16 of the act states that hunting or any action that harms protected animals can result in imprisonment of up to four (4) years, a fine of up to 40,000 Thai baht, or both.
Published: 04/04/2024
A local fisherman may have stumbled across a 400 gram lump of ambergris on a beach in Rayong province, eastern Thailand.
Sometimes referred to as "floating gold", ambergris is a rare and valuable waxy material excreted by some whale species (especially the sperm whale). The high sales value in "whale puke" comes from its use as an ingredient in expensive perfumes.
Published: 03/04/2024
Scorching heat engulfs the northern province of Lampang today. Temperatures peaked at 42° Celsius in the southern district of Thoen.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) said it was the highest recorded temperature of the summer so far this year - with no immediate respite in sight.
Published: 02/04/2024
Wichit Municipality animal rescue workers have been busy capturing wild reptiles from domestic dwellings around the province of Phuket, in southern Thailand.
Managing the movement of these wild creatures has come early (e.g. before the rainy season in the south).
The captured animals included a baby Asian water monitor (a lizard) and a large python snake. They were later returned and released into their natural environments.
Published: 01/04/2024
Residents of Sangkhla Buri district unearthed a mysterious underpass in the hillside about 100 metres from the roadside of Route 323 in Kanchanaburi province, western Thailand.
The tunnel measures about two metres wide, almost 1.9 metres high, and 35 metres long - with good air circulation.
It's thought to be the remains of a bomb shelter built by Allied prisoners of war and forced labourers during the construction of the Burma Death Railway at the orders of the Japanese Imperial Army.
Published: 31/03/2024
A recent announcement issued by the Thai government sees a big increase in the minimum wage for hotel workers in ten tourist destinations. The Wage Committee said the raise in salary is effective from the 13th of April, 2024.
Rising from the previous range of 328 to 354 baht, the new daily minimum wage for some hotel workers is set at four hundred (400) Thai baht per - depending on the area. The 10 provinces are:
The Wage Committee hopes this minimum wage increase will boost the purchasing power for hotel workers and help stimulate the local economies.
Published: 29/03/2024
The iconic "River of Kings" (aka Chao Phraya river) in Bangkok Metropolis will be looking cleaner in coming months, thanks to a Dutch organisation called Ocean Cleanup.
Interceptor 019 is a solar-powered garbage collecting craft that aims to collect plastic waste products from the life blood of Thailand's capital.
Most of the rubbish comes from the smaller canals of the central provinces that surround Bangkok. Even so, the ultimate destination for this plastic is the northern Gulf of Thailand.
The Dutch vessel is capable of collecting up to 100,000 pieces of garbage every day. After separation, the plastic waste goes for recycling and proper disposal to help minimise the environmental impact on global oceans.
Published: 28/03/2024
The readers' choice awards for DestinAsian 2024 gave the award of best city as a tourist destination in the Asia Pacific region to the capital city of Thailand, Bangkok.
Furthermore, the Island category saw Phuket as the number three best destination and Koh Samui ranked at number four.
The award for best airport saw Suvarnabhumi Airport rank second and Thai Airways took the third spot. In a different category, Bangkok Airways landed the second place award in the best low-cost airline category.
Published: 27/03/2024
One of the popular reasons why foreigners travel from Bangkok to Mae Hong Son in north-west Thailand is for the fascinating Burmese and Lanna style temples.
Yet, the province appears to be facing a notable downturn in tourism, for the most part, due to heavy smog caused by forest fires.
A revival in tourism should occur during the rainy season in the north west provinces of Thailand, usually at the end of April.
Published: 26/03/2024
New regulations for compensation payments to people attacked and injured by wild animals, particularly macaque monkeys, have been approved.
The problem has become so bad in Lop Buri province that the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation have increased payment awards.
With immediate effect, the compensation increase is now set at:
Note: Compensation for other injuries still apply (in accordance with specific injuries), but it's capped at 30,000 Thai baht.
As part of the wildlife attacks compensation scheme in Thailand, the victims of injuries caused by monkeys, bears, gaurs, or elephants may also receive daily payments up to three hundred (300) baht for a period not longer than 180 days.
During the hot season in Thailand, injuries caused by macaques tend to increase because they try to steal food from tourists. The Thai conservation department plans to move the most aggressive animals to cages in the Lopburi and Nakhon Nayok provinces.
Published: 25/03/2024
Scientists revealed the sighting of a new species of ghost shark, named Chimaera supapae, swimming near the Andaman coastline in Thailand.
Chimaeras are some of the oldest surviving species in the seas and oceans. This cartilaginous fish is about fifty centimetres long (20 inches) and closely related to sharks and rays.
Published: 23/03/2024
Are you planning a journey to the sun-kissed island of Ko Sukorn (part of Trang province) to the southeast of Krabi in Thailand?
If so, the regional state department is advising visitors to stay clear of large red sea fans, Gorgonian corals.
Why?
Low sea levels arriving in March have exposed these animals near to the beaches of the island (yes... sea fans are marine animals).
This species of coral is a living creature that feeds on planktonic organisms as they drift around in the water column.
Hence, disturbing this red sea fan will affect the delicate marine ecosystem.
A warning to visitors!
Sea fans are part of the preserved species list under the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act in Thailand.
The Act bans the possession, trade, or smuggling of corals (including sea fans), and it may result in a ten (10) year prison sentence and a one (1) million baht fine.
Note: Click here for more sea fan facts (Gorgonia ventalina) with information explaining why fish keeping hobbyists are putting them at risk.
Published: 20/03/2024
Following a successful test run held over several months, patients will start receiving vital medications from volunteer "health riders" around Thailand.
The Public Health Minister officially launched the service on the 18th of March 2024. He said the motorbike riders will start by serving "30-baht Plus" universal healthcare beneficiaries in 32 Thai provinces.
Thai nationals only need to present their national identification to receive treatment through the 30-baht Plus healthcare scheme. However, the service is restricted to specific provinces - and not yet available in Bangkok.
Published: 19/03/2024
Initial news reports suggest fourteen (14) personnel from the Royal Thai Navy needed hospital treatment after the incident.
It seems that an artillery shot fired from HTMS Chonburi struck the rear section of the HTMS Khirirat while stationed at the Sattahip Naval Base in Chon Buri.
All the victims were rushed to a hospital in Sattahip, mostly suffering from smoke inhalation. Firefighters responded to extinguish the fire aboard the vessel and an official investigation is underway.
Published: 15/03/2024
The governor of one of the popular northern Thailand provinces announced a remuneration of ten thousand Thai baht to anyone who provides information that results in the arrest of any individual caught setting fire to forested areas.
In particular, Chiang Mai is trying several different methods to control thick, noxious smog that worsens in March and April, when the weather in northern Thailand becomes dry and hot.
Published: 12/03/2024
The annual Festival nicknamed "Sound on the Sand" officially began on Friday the 8th of March. The music runs every weekend throughout the whole of the month at the popular venues of Pattaya Beach, Jomtien Beach, and Koh Larn Island.
After delivering an opening speech, Pattaya's mayor, dressed in casual attire, said the music festival is open to people of all ages and he expects the city to benefit from several "billions of baht" in revenue.
Published: 12/03/2024
The executive who organises electric-vehicle racing competitions around the world said the company is in talks for hosting an EV racing competition in Thailand (most likely in Chiang Mai).
Officially known as the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, it was first launched in Beijing in 2014. In Thailand, EV cars are reaching around 40% of total car orders made (at the time of writing).
Published: 11/03/2024
Travelers have been impressed with the new service offered by one of the airport security officers who works at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
The 55-year-old is able to provide Bangkok Airport information in Thai, English, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese to members of the public looking for assistance.
Published: 15/09/2023
A rare guitarfish, related to skate cartilaginous fish species, got stranded on the shoreline at Pran Buri, which is about 25 kilometres south of Hua Hin in the Upper Gulf of Thailand.
Local residents, with further assistance from the authorities, managed to rescue a beached two-metre long guitarfish that weighed around eighty (80) kilograms.
Published: 14/09/2023
There are various ways to protect sea turtles from extinction around the world. This particular effort took place at the popular scuba diving destination of Koh Tao in Surat Thani Province.
In fact, three separate nests had produced dozens of hatchlings (baby turtles) from the mother known affectionately by the locals as "Thongdee" (translated to Good Gold or high quality).
Published: 13/09/2023
According to the Royal Thai Embassy in the United States, Thailand ranked as the 29th best country in the world. The list was compiled by the US News and World Report in 2023.
The criteria for rankings focus on the global performance of each nation across a total of 73 different attributes. They included daily life adventure, agility, cultural influence, entrepreneurship, heritage, and quality of life.
Published: 10/09/2023
A renowned website (TasteAtlas) for discovering traditional local dishes and ingredients has rated Thai Tom Kha Gai as the best chicken soup.
They also recommended Nahm Restaurant in Bangkok as being the best place to eat it. Second place runner up was Ciorba radauteana in Romania and Zeama in Moldova came third.
Published: 08/09/2023
Fifty or so world-class Bangkok golf courses attract about 700,000 golfers each year to the kingdom.
To further promote these stunning venues, the 2023 Thailand Golf Travel Mart (TGTM) takes place in September in Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces.
Published: 07/09/2023
The chief mission for the Thailand Earth Observation Satellite 2 (Theos-2) is to carry out observation of the planet.
Following the successful testing, it has already been transferred to the European spaceport in French Guiana, South America from Airbus Defence and Space in Toulouse, France and is awaiting the launch (scheduled for October 2023).
Published: 06/09/2023
A lack of rainfall in Khon Kaen province is affecting the rice fields for farmers, especially in the district of Nong Ruea.
This prolonged period of dry weather, which is unnatural for this agricultural region in Isan during the summer months, has drastically reduced the normal water levels in the fields.
Published: 05/09/2023
Data released by the Tourism Authority of Thailand shows revenue generation for Prachuap Khiri Khan rising to over 23.8 billion baht (January to July 2023).
But, Thai nationals make up the vast majority of the incoming tourists. Plus, the month of September should attract even more visitors, due to several major events, including Hua Hin Cha Am Golf Festival and Palen Flea Market in Pranburi district.
Published: 03/09/2023
The local authorities issued a warning to swimmers and sunbathers about the dangers of touching blue dragon sea slugs washed up on Karon Beach.
Note: Click here for more information about blue glaucus (gastropod) sea slugs and why it's best not to touch them - even if you think they are dead!
Published: 01/09/2023
The Airports of Thailand (AoT) confirmed that Phuket International Airport (HKT) is to welcome taxis that use ride-hailing applications from September 2023.
Published: 30/08/2023
The so-called 'experience economy' is helping to bolster an upswing in international flights coming into Thailand. In fact, the resurgence in live concerts is surging in the capital city of Bangkok.
Thus, the growth for hospitality professionals aligned with it should also benefit. Forecasts project the global music tourism market is heading for $11.3 billion by 2032.
Published: 30/08/2023
Thai Airways International, which operates out of Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport under the IATA code TG, is trying to sell six of their A380 fleet.
There was a proposal to bring them back into service. Even so, after retiring the entire A380-800 fleet back in 2021, the airline has now decided to look for qualified buyers.
Published: 29/08/2023
The Thailand News headlines are suggesting the Thai government has started preliminary talks about increasing VAT to 10%.
If it goes ahead, the extra funds would help secure better living standards for the elderly during their retirement.
Published: 28/08/2023
According to a recent Facebook post (by Phuket Info Center), tourists were greeted with a big splash from a humpback whale as they traveled on a boat from the Phi Phi Islands to Phuket.
It seems the giant creature was heading to the southwest of the Andaman Sea coastline when it lifted its enormous tail - before it descended back into the water.
Published: 26/08/2023
Thailand authorities issued a caution alert to the public not to download what appear to be registration applications promising 10,000 digital money. This relates to a central policy proposed by the Pheu Thai Party during its election campaign.
Published: 25/08/2023
A Thai Cabinet minister threatens to try to and shut down Facebook in the country. It seems the social media platform is failing to adequately screen advertisements which is leaving many people vulnerable to costly internet scams.
Published: 23/08/2023
Sydney concluded the fourth joyful event showcasing the 'unequaled' experiences that are exclusive to Thailand. It followed similar events that took place in Barcelona, New York, Osaka in Japan.
Published: 22/08/2023
It was a night full of glitter and glamour when the judges chose Anntonia Porsild, age 26, of Nakhon Ratchasima as the winner of Miss Universe Thailand.
She was actually born in India (to her Danish father and Thai mother). Anntonia is fluent in English and Thai and spent much of her childhood in India, Thailand, Denmark, and Spain.
Published: 21/08/2023
News reports about the low season in Trat Province seem to be anything but 'typical' - according to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP).
They say tourists are travelling in their droves to explore the many popular attractions and activities at the idyllic islands of Koh Kood and Koh Mak.
For example, the morning of August the 20th saw more than 500 tourists (mostly European) arrive at the Laem Sok Pier in Muang District to join the local ferries departing to the islands.
Published: 21/08/2023
As progress continues, it seems the 250 kilometre section between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima province is already close to 40% completed.
The second section will join Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) with the northeastern province of Nong Khai.
Published: 19/08/2023
The proposed construction of the first large-scale international cruise ship port in Chonburi Province is one step nearer. A second seminar took place at the Hard Rock Hotel in Pattaya in August 2023.
If it goes ahead as planned, they will locate it at Bali Hai Pier near the bottom of Walking Street. It will accommodate a passenger terminal with other supporting infrastructure and amenities.
Published: 18/08/2023
The TAT, along with the provincial governor department of Nakhon Si Thammarat, are taking steps to increase tourism in the region.
In fact, you can fly from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi to Nakhon Si Thammarat in about an hour. So, why would you go there?
Well, being nicknamed 'the green lungs of Thailand', it should come as no surprise that this area is full of natural wonders that make for a unique escape away from city life.
Published: 17/08/2023
In an effort to achieve 20% electricity from clean energy within two years, Airports of Thailand (AoT) implemented a large area of solar panels to the rooftop of the passenger terminal at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).
The solar power system has an initial capacity of 4.4 megawatts (MW). In addition, the panels should help to reduce terminal temperatures by up to 7° Celsius, which could produce annual savings around 11 million Thai baht.
Published: 17/08/2023
Local officials in Phuket Island (Pearl of the Andaman) welcomed almost 4000 tourists as they docked at the Phuket Marine Custom Pier in Makham Bay.
The Bahamas national liner called 'Genting Dream' recently visited Singapore and then hopped over to Phuket before setting sail again and heading to Penang in Malaysia.
Published: 16/08/2023
Traffic police officers will be wearing a uniform similar to that of the crime prevention and suppression officers from the middle of September.
There will be a white logo stripe on the backside that displays the wording 'Traffic Police' and they will also be wearing a fluorescent armband.
Published: 16/08/2023
Thailand's Pet Expo Championship offers an opportunity for animal lovers to congregate at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok.
This annual event spotlights the fun part of participating in pet competitions. The gathering combines a variety of health products, training supplies, animal hospitals, and pet accessories.
Published: 15/08/2023
The Marine Department is speeding up development of the Smart Pier system on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok and the surrounding areas.
If the project goes as planned, it could make passenger piers and the docking points more convenient and safer. It could also enhance the public transportation services for commuters and tourists.
Published: 14/08/2023
The trend of Chinese tourist arrivals is experiencing stable and improved growth due to a reduction in the visa application process.
TAT governor revealed the number of Chinese tourists entering into Thailand increased from 300,000 to 400,000 per month, with further expectations of it reaching 500,000 per month.
Published: 14/08/2023
Police retained a 9mm automatic pistol from a Thai man who shot himself in the leg - by accident - as he enjoyed a dance with other pub-goers inside the popular Nectar Pub, in the municipal area of Hat Yai, Songkhla.
Published: 13/08/2023
After finding the body of one missing tourist, rescue teams continued their search for another near the resort of Cha-am, Phetchaburi province.
News reports suggest that one of the local tour boats encountered a waterspout (a rotating column of water) and subsequently capsized in Bang Tabun Bay.
Published: 13/08/2023
It took several brave guys working at the Mirakel Wildlife Rescue Center in Krabi Province, Thailand to remove a huge snake weighing around 47 kilograms.
The local authorities said king cobras are not common in the area, and they will release the enormous serpent somewhere deep in the forest where it can start a new life.
Published: 13/08/2023
The first half of the year saw Thailand fruits remain as strong exports to China. The director-general of the Foreign Trade Department confirmed the popular trades are durian, guava, mango, and the purple mangosteen.
Another significant growth area for exports to China are Thai coconut products (especially the shells) - up 27% year-on-year. The Commerce Secretary expects fresh fruit exports to China to rise by 10% this year.
Published: 12/08/2023
The Thai Prime Minister inspected the new satellite terminal at Bangkok Airport in anticipation of its opening at the end of September 2023.
SAT-1 occupies an area of 216,00 square metres and should be able to handle 15 million passengers per year. In turn, that should help to increase the annual capacity to 60 million.
Published: 12/08/2023
After overstaying his legal visa to remain in the Kingdom of Thailand by a period of fifteen (15) years, Thai police arrested an Iraqi man in one of the popular Western Thailand Provinces.
Law enforcement tracked down the culprit in Kanchanaburi at an unnamed guesthouse. They found a 43-year-old Iraqi guy who had entered Thailand in May of 2008 with a NON-B visa which subsequently expired in August 2008. Yes... that's a 5,468 day overstay!
Published: 12/08/2023
Smiling in Thailand joins everyone in the kingdom to wish good health and happiness for the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother.
Published: 12/08/2023
The Thai Cabinet gives approval to a draft royal decree permitting the cultivation of opium and magic mushrooms, with the provision of being for medicinal use and on a trial basis.
The Justice Ministry presented the proposal after receiving unanimous support from several important government bodies, including:
In other words, the decree is designed to foster further innovation, and thereby reduce dependence on imported morphine and antidepressants.
Published: 10/08/2023