THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

As smoke-free aspirations fill the air, Thailand stands at a crossroads on the rocky road to tobacco cessation. World No-Tobacco Day has rolled around once more, and this year, the Action on Smoking and Health Foundation (ASH) is making waves with some eye-catching statistics. Over the past 33 years, Thailand has cut down its smoking rate by a remarkable 48%, yet the ghost of Marlboros and Camels past continues to haunt low-income households, casting a long economic shadow. It all started way back in 1991 when the smoking rate among Thai adults was a jaw-dropping 32%. Fast forward to 2024, and that figure has been slashed to 16%. The brunt of this change has been felt more keenly in Thailand’s northern regions, where a 58% plunge in puffing prevalence has been observed. The southern regions, however, have seen the smallest decline at just 29%, perhaps preferring leisurely puffs over the…

As the rains thunder down upon Thailand with the full fury of a tropical monsoon, Bangkok finds itself shifting into high-alert mode. The city’s illustrious landmark, Phahon Yothin Road, turned into an unintended waterway after a particularly heavy deluge on May 24th. The city’s inhabitants are nervously looking skyward, not for a sign of clear skies, but for a clue to what’s next in this climatically unpredictable season. Bangkok’s urban landscape braces itself as the 2025 monsoon season barrels in with more than the usual share of torrential downpours. The rainfall’s encore, heavily reminiscent of an intense water ballet, pirouetted over the city in earlier months, casting a shadow over the cement and steel jungle—a portent of the wet woes to come. Impressive showers that danced historically high above the 30-year average for April and May musically cue the city’s drainage symphonies to tune up and take center stage. Despite…

In the bustling departures hall of Suvarnabhumi Airport, travelers bustle about, eyes fixated on flight boards as they anticipate their next adventures. Meanwhile, whispers of new possibilities waft through the air as the Transport Ministry unveils its revolutionary “New Route-New Airline” initiative, lighting a fresh spark in the expansive realm of aviation tourism. It’s a strategic plot twist aimed at drawing wanderlust-driven travelers to the hidden gems of Thailand’s secondary cities by dramatically slashing the landing and parking fees for airlines daring enough to chart new courses. Deputy Minister Manaporn Charoensri teases these intriguing developments as part of a broader strategy nestled within the ministry’s infrastructure development agenda. Her voice carries the allure of untapped destinations, painting a vivid picture of bustling streets in towns yet to be inundated with tourists. “Imagine the possibilities,” she muses, a visionary glimmer in her eyes. “This initiative isn’t just about flights—it’s about crafting…

In the intriguing world of politics, where every whisper holds the weight of a storm, Thailand’s opposition People’s Party (PP) finds itself embroiled in a gripping narrative of power, budgetary maneuvers, and moral accountability. The spotlight is on an unexpected protagonist—Deputy House Speaker Pichet Chuamuangphan—caught in a whirlwind of allegations regarding constitutional breaches and government spending. Pichet, a seasoned political maestro, finds himself in the eye of a brewing storm, as members of the PP raise serious concerns about his conduct during a heated House debate on the 2026 fiscal budget. Amidst the charged atmosphere, it was PP MP Bhuntin Noumjerm who unfurled the tapestry of allegations, urging his party to petition the Constitutional Court. The crux of the matter hinges on whether Pichet violated Article 144 of the constitution. This legal piece, as vital as the air politicians breathe, prohibits members from tampering with budgetary allocations in ways that…

In a turn of events that has sent ripples through the ranks of Thailand’s aviation sector, smoke spiraled dramatically from the site of a police helicopter crash in Muang district, Prachuap Khiri Khan, on May 24. The tragedy marked the second fatal incident within a month, prompting swift action from the top echelons of the Royal Thai Police. Following these air disasters, the National Police Chief, Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch, issued a decisive suspension order targeting four officers from the Police Aviation Division (PAD). Among those who found themselves grounded were Division Commander Pol Maj Gen Amnat Detbunluang, along with Deputy Commander Pol Col Daenchai Pimsarn, and aviation technicians Pol Col Pichaisak Punyothorn and Pol Lt Col Suthep Wongkuan. To steer the division through these turbulent skies, Division Deputy Commander Pol Col Narong Iamsom stepped up as acting commander. The backdrop to these suspensions was a harrowing 30 days marked…

In a tale that seems lifted straight out of a suspense thriller, one tourist’s dream vacation in the paradisiacal Phuket turned into a nerve-wracking nightmare. What was meant to be an awe-inspiring selfie moment with one of nature’s most majestic creatures quickly spiraled out of control—thanks to a not-so-cooperative tiger and the lure of social media fame. The scene unfolded at the renowned Tiger Kingdom in Phuket, where an Indian tourist, who has chosen to remain anonymous, found himself in the midst of a viral sensation for all the wrong reasons. The man’s plan? Capture a close-up selfie with a tiger, an experience that promised to be both exhilarating and memorable. However, what unfolded was memorable for an entirely different reason. A video clip, now echoing across social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), shows the gentleman sidling up to the big cat, camera poised for the shot of…

The sun-kissed waters of Krabi have unveiled what can only be described as a marvel of the marine world. Recently, the keen eyes of park officials were greeted by a spectacular sight—two rare dugongs, accompanied by an exuberant entourage of green turtles, gracefully navigating the gentle waves. This enchanting discovery has sent ripples of excitement through conservationists and nature lovers alike, reigniting the hope of a resurgence in biodiversity within the Andaman Sea. These heartening sightings took place near Ao Nammao in the picturesque Mueang district and have become the talk of Nopparat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. Thanks to an eagle-eyed crew led by the ever-dedicated Saegsuree Songthong, the park’s chief, this thrilling episode unfolded during a recent survey. This wasn’t your typical survey, mind you. It involved a fleet of high-tech drones soaring high, capturing vivid footage of the rich marine life below. The star-studded footage revealed…

In a gripping turn of events, a heated debate rages on between a distraught British mother and Thai airport officials over a controversial drug scandal that has taken the media by storm. The story begins with a claim by Michelle Swain, the mother of 29-year-old British tourist Jamie Louis Swain, who alleges that her son was the victim of a setup involving drugs being planted in his passport by Phuket airport officials. However, Thai authorities have firmly countered these claims, adding layers of intrigue to the developing saga. It was a fateful day in May of last year when young Swain, hailing from Stevenage in Hertfordshire, UK, was arrested at Phuket International Airport. The twist? Thai officials reportedly unearthed 0.42 grammes of cocaine nestled within his passport—a discovery that has sparked whispers of conspiracy across the internet and tabloid press alike, including the likes of The Daily Mirror and Daily…

In the vibrant streets of Rawai, Phuket, nestled among the bustling and lively waterfront, an unusual saga unfolded—one that left a trail of annoyance and a call for necessary infrastructure upgrades. Meet Pannatat Asawapitakchon, the owner of a much-loved floating restaurant, who found himself playing an unexpected role in solving a rather unsavory situation. Picture this: a scenic evening on May 22, when the sun dips beneath the horizon, casting an amber glow across the tranquil waters of Rawai Beach. It was then that Pannatat stumbled upon an unfortunate sight—a female tourist, caught short of suitable facilities, had a lapse in judgment right outside his closed restaurant. Yes, folks, you guessed it—a public restroom mishap that no business owner ever hopes to encounter. With unwavering determination and a touch of humor, Pannatat took to social media, sharing the tale that would soon light up the virtual world. His vivid account…

Imagine a setting where high-ranking diplomats and inquisitive journalists find themselves mingling in the grand halls of an embassy. That’s exactly what happened at the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh, where Tull Traisorat, the affable Thai Ambassador to Cambodia, warmly welcomed a delegation of Thai journalists. The assemblage aimed to strengthen ties and expand understanding between these neighboring countries, and it was led with aplomb by Chavarong Limpattamapanee, the charismatic chairman of the National Press Council of Thailand. It’s a spectacular time to be nurturing these connections as Thailand and Cambodia approach a significant milestone—celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations. Despite an occasional hiccup, like the recent flashpoint in a disputed border area, there’s a remarkable zeal on both sides to foster cooperation and achieve shared ambitions. From blending cultural hues to harmonizing economic interests, the vision is broad and multi-faceted. One of the cornerstones of this burgeoning relationship is…