The serene province of Surin in Thailand, known for its vibrant culture and welcoming spirit, found itself at the center of a gruesome mystery in early June 2025. The tranquility of this rural community was shattered when 63-year-old Pratheep Kongthawee, a well-loved transgender individual, was discovered murdered in his own home. This unsettling discovery was made by a 15-year-old neighbor who stumbled upon Pratheep’s body, hidden under a red blanket by the sofa. The chilling scene bore witness to violence, with a fatal stab wound marring Pratheep’s neck. Pratheep was not just any resident; he was a figure known for his generosity, often seen adorned with gold accessories that reflected his personality as much as his affluence. Valued at over a million baht, these treasures were conspicuously missing, save for one gold necklace that remained clasped around his neck. Initially, the police’s suspicions curved toward the young boy and three…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
Pattaya’s heyday as the darling of Chinese tourists seems to be slipping away quicker than sand through an hourglass, and the local tourism operators are, quite understandably, in a tizzy. Once the apple of the Chinese traveller’s eye, Pattaya, like a once-beloved but now neglected toy, is witnessing a steady trickle of visitors migrate elsewhere—namely, Japan. This sudden shift is sending ripples of concern through Thailand’s tourism tapestry, where Chinese tourists have been a golden goose laying abundant eggs of prosperity. Yuttasak Supasorn, the erstwhile Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), is sounding the warning siren, asking, “Why aren’t Chinese tourists flocking back to the Land of Smiles? What’s got them setting their sights on the Land of the Rising Sun instead?” With a heavy heart but a clear mind, he unearths six reasons painting a rather unflattering portrait of the current predicament. Firstly, the Chinese economy itself…
In an unsettling turn of events, the serene surroundings of Bangkok’s bustling streets were disrupted as news broke of a tragic incident involving a member of the Royal Thai Army. The humming city paused momentarily to digest the somber updates on this fateful 19th of June, 2025. A soldier, identified as a sergeant from the Royal Thai Army’s 2nd Division, reportedly ended his own life at a welfare accommodation facility in the city’s tranquil Dusit district. The Phra Chulachomklao Fort Disaster Relief Radio Centre, using the powerful reach of social media, announced this heartbreaking news on Facebook. At around 3:17 pm, a report confirmed the discovery of the soldier’s lifeless body, posing unsettling questions to an already disturbed audience. It was in a building operating under the Office of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) where the soldier met his tragic end. Found at the scene was an M16 rifle;…
Who would have thought that the idyllic settings of Thailand and Singapore would serve as the backdrop for a dramatic story worthy of a blockbuster thriller? Picture two Singaporean men – aged 36 and 38 – who found themselves abruptly embroiled in a cross-border crackdown orchestrated by the determined forces of Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Thailand’s Royal Thai Police (RTP). Their alleged crime? Operating within a transnational sex trafficking syndicate that exploited foreign women and orchestrated the seamless transfer of illicit earnings across borders. But here’s the twist – alongside them, a 50-year-old Thai man also found his name etched in the list of the scandal-ridden trio. It all unfolded in the heart of June, on an innocuous Tuesday, when these alleged ringleaders joined the not-so-exclusive club of infamous transnational crime-fighters. This wasn’t some sudden stumble upon the criminal underground; rather, it was the culmination of an investigation that…
On a seemingly ordinary Tuesday, passengers expecting a ride on Bangkok’s freshly extended Pink Line were met with a sobering surprise: a hefty drop in their numbers, down an astonishing 68%. Why, you ask? It all started when the train whistles blew an end to its fare-free maiden voyage, leading commuters to an inevitable fork in the railway tracks where they faced the once-distant specter of an opened wallet. Gone were the days of delight aboard the airy trains coursing gleefully to Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi. As soon as the ticket barriers clenched with that monetary click, the daily riders nosedived from a buoyant count of 7,772 to a modest 2,168. The Department of Rail Transport penned it as a “ridership dropped by 68% on the first day of paid service” moment. The enchantment of free rides unsurprisingly drew throngs to the Pink Line, with events like the THAIFEX-ANUGA…
Once upon a time, salads were merely a simple concoction of salt-soaked greens—a modest side dish with little expectation of fanfare. Fast forward to today, and salads have been catapulted into the global culinary spotlight, flaunting bold flavors and vibrant tales that transcend the mere crunch of their ingredients. These dishes weave stories of culture, history, and the culinary artistry that brews within various corners of the globe. From Thailand’s spicy Som Tam to Italy’s rustic Panzanella, each salad offers a sensory journey through taste and tradition. Begin in the bustling streets of Bangkok, where Som Tam reigns supreme. This quintessential Southeast Asian street food offers more than just sustenance; it’s an exhilarating experience with every mouthful. Imagine this: shredded green papaya, invigorated by the potent combination of garlic, fiery chilies, crunchy peanuts, tangy lime juice, savory fish sauce, and a touch of sugar. Long beans and tomatoes join the…
The bustling metropolis of Bangkok isn’t just known for its vibrant nightlife and bustling street markets. It’s now making waves with its commitment to greener urban living. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has unleashed a wave of penalties against a whopping 465 unauthorized trucks carelessly breaching low emission zones. In a bold move to curb pollution, this initiative extends its vigilant eye over Bangkok’s ever-expanding urban landscape, spreading its influence across a planned grand total of 50 districts. As the sun rose on June 19, 2025, a new chapter began at the Environmental Office nestled within Din Daeng district. Here, the esteemed Pornprom Vikitset, who doubles as the advisor to Bangkok’s governor and a leading figure in sustainability circles, put forth an innovative approach to tackle the bane of PM2.5 pollution. The low emission zone (LEZ) policy is a formidable guardian, tasked with regulating entry of trucks boasting six or…
In the heart of Buriram’s bustling Isaan province, an ordinary day at the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives took a turn for the dramatic. A would-be thief, driven by desperation and armed with a menacing knife, met his match in the form of a vigilant and fearless security guard. It’s not every day that someone stands up to danger with the courage reminiscent of a movie hero, but that’s exactly what unfolded on June 18th. As the afternoon sun bathed the streets of Buriram, the local police station buzzed with an urgent call. The officers from Nonsuwan Police Station springing into action like a well-oiled machine, were soon racing against time to reach the bank. When they arrived, expecting chaos, they were met with an unexpected sight. The would-be robber, 38-year-old Somphon, was already on the ground, thanks to the bravery of 59-year-old Somphop Chansiri. The security guard, now…
In a city notorious for its traffic snarls, Bangkok drivers are finally glimpsing a beacon of hope as a major new link road prepares to unveil its asphalt glory by month-end. This much-anticipated infrastructure marvel, which connects the buzzing Vibhavadi Rangsit and Phahon Yothin roads, is wrapping up its final inspections. It’s a project hailed as a significant relief for commuters trapped in the capital’s legendary gridlock, promising smoother access to Don Mueang Airport and cutting through the Gordian knot of congestion on Ram Inthra Road. Word from the Bang Khen District Office is that the finishing touches are being artfully applied to this soon-to-be game-changer. The construction maestros behind the scenes are bustling about, ensuring everything is just right before the avenue opens and swiftly becomes the talk of the town, and the envy of other metropolises tangled in their own traffic tribulations. Now, let’s dissect this masterpiece of…
A buzzing sky above the romantic city of Paris set the scene for a groundbreaking collaboration that promises to elevate Thailand’s aviation prowess to new heights. At the prestigious Paris Air Show, Textron Aviation Defence LLC and Thai Aviation Industries (TAI) signed a monumental Memorandum of Agreement, forging a powerful alliance to bolster the Royal Thai Air Force’s (RTAF) operational capabilities. This isn’t just any ordinary handshake between two aerospace giants—this agreement solidifies the partnership as Textron and TAI commit to supporting the RTAF’s fleet of Beechcraft T-6TH and AT-6TH aircraft. With these aircraft being pivotal to Thailand’s flight training and light attack missions, the deal is a beacon of innovation and cooperation. Tom Webster, the charismatic vice president of Defence Sales at Textron Aviation Defence, couldn’t have put it better: “This agreement signifies an unwavering commitment to Thailand’s aerospace ambitions, merging American ingenuity with Thai expertise for unparalleled sustainment…