THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

In a move that’s stirring the duty-free world, Thailand’s bustling airports are abuzz with discussions. King Power, the titan of duty-free shopping in Thailand, is knocking on the doors of the Airports of Thailand (AOT) with a request to renegotiate their contracts. The reason? A concoction of global challenges that have left their financial gears grinding. From the pandemic’s notorious chaos to the relentless economic dips, King Power finds itself in quite the predicament. Imagine bustling Thai airports stripped of their glittering duty-free allure. It’s a chilling thought and one that King Power aims to avoid by proposing a recalibration of their contract’s financial terms. They’re vying for a pragmatic approach over a dramatic drop-off point, hoping to skirt around the expensive detour of contract termination and new bids. Steering this ship through choppy waters is none other than Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister, Suriya Jungrungreangkit. He’s keen to…

Get your bags ready for an unforgettable adventure! As VietJet Thailand proudly unfurls its wings to soar on a groundbreaking direct flight from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Seoul (Incheon), set to launch on October 1st. This exciting development marks a significant milestone in the airline’s journey, as it stretches its network across Asia and offers travelers an enticingly affordable, convenient link between two of the continent’s most dynamic urban landscapes. In this daring move, VietJet is reaffirming its dedication to sustainable growth, not just by expanding its horizons, but also by bolstering its fleet to meet the eagerness of globetrotters for international exploration. With daily flights, VietJet is all geared up to bring seamless, budget-friendly journeys to both laid-back vacationers and dedicated business go-getters alike. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty! The freshly minted flight, VZ850, takes off from Bangkok at the unassuming hour of 1:45 AM, landing you amidst the bustling…

Ah, Phuket, the sparkling jewel of Thailand, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and now, its booming comeback. The island’s economy is racing back to life with an exhilarating speed that brings a twinkle back to one’s eyes. But as the island thrives, a rather pressing issue throws a shadow over this success — around 600 Cambodian workers find themselves in a dilemma, stranded with no way home. Fast forward to today, June 18, 2025, and Phuket Deputy Governor Suwit Pansengiam has painted a promising picture. He reveals that tourism has seen an impressive uptick since last year, amassing a staggering 497 billion baht in 2024 alone. Hold onto your hats because this year’s January to April stretch roped in 188 billion baht from just half a million visitors. Now, while half a million might seem a drop in this bustling ocean, the quality of tourists is akin to…

Surachit “Dr. John” Phongsinghvithya, the esteemed Chairman of the BMC, recently led an enthusiastic entourage of council members on a memorable journey to Shanghai. Their mission was not only official but also symbolic, as they were there to pay a respectful and warm courtesy call to Huang Lixin, the distinguished Chairwoman of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Congress. The trip, however, was not just about exchanging pleasantries; it was punctuated by a formal and ceremonious signing event that renewed an illustrious Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on friendly exchanges and cooperation between these two legislative giants. The grandeur of the occasion was further elevated by the presence of esteemed representatives from the Shanghai Municipal People’s Congress, standing as witnesses to this historic moment. This updated MoU is the latest chapter in a storied alliance that has blossomed over 26 fruitful years, dating all the way back to the seminal agreement inked in…

Thailand is basking in glory as its newly crowned Miss World, Suchata “Opal” Chuangsri, dazzled Government House with her radiant presence this past week. She has promised to leverage her newfound global spotlight to empower women, carrying a message of resilience directly to the nation’s leadership. Opal, breaking new ground as the first Thai woman to capture the Miss World title in its illustrious 72-year history, visited Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on June 17, just before the Cabinet assembled for their weekly meeting. The 22-year-old native of Phuket, crowned on May 31 in Hyderabad, was accompanied by esteemed figures such as Julia Morley, Chairperson of the Miss World Organization, and Piyaporn “Mae Pui” Sankosik, CEO of TPN Global. Her return to Thailand was nothing short of triumphant, with thousands of enthusiastic supporters greeting her in a celebratory parade through the vibrant streets of Bangkok. At the Government House, Opal received…

In the bustling culinary landscape of Bangkok, where flavors dance on your palate and tantalizing aromas fill the air, one man found himself grappling with more than just the complexities of Thai cuisine. Chayutpol Sukkaew, a Thai man with a severe allergy to shrimp, recently shared a gripping tale on Facebook that is as much about survival as it is a cautionary tale for dining aficionados and restaurateurs alike. June 17 will be a date etched in Chayutpol’s memory—a vivid reminder of how simple negligence could spiral into a life-threatening ordeal. His Facebook post, now a viral sensation, paints a detailed picture of his near-death experience at a renowned Bangkok restaurant. His riveting narrative calls attention to the urgent need for allergen awareness, especially in a nation aiming to dominate the global culinary scene as the “world’s kitchen.” “This isn’t about pointing fingers,” he began, his words resonating with the…

In the picturesque and vibrant region of Mu Koh Surin National Park, Phang Nga, a significant environmental drama has been unfolding this month—a tale that began when the Myanmar-flagged cargo ship, the MV Ayar Linn, met more than just its match as it ran aground on the fragile coral reefs on June 1. The incident has sparked a determined and intricate recovery operation, pulling together a commendable ensemble of environmental enthusiasts. The daring bid to liberate the marooned vessel has attracted a unique trifecta of devoted teams. Led by Kriangkrai Pohcharoen, the vigilant head of the national park, these gallant members have been tirelessly working to set the Ayar Linn afloat again. The scene at Ao Chak Bay since June 14 has been one of relentless endeavor, encompassing experts from Marine National Park Operation Centre 2 in Phuket, local academics from Phuket Rajabhat University, and community advocates from the Moken…

In the quiet moments before tragedy struck, a 22-year-old Thai soldier reassured his loved ones with a simple message: “don’t be afraid.” Those were Private First Class (PFC) Pakom Suden’s parting words, a sentiment of courage made all the more poignant after he was fatally shot by a sniper on June 17 in the tumultuous Bannang Sata district of Yala. Serving as a machine gunner with the 3rd Rifle Platoon, 1st Infantry Company of the Special Operations Unit, Pakom was part of a dedicated team deployed to safeguard public safety in Thailand’s ever-volatile Deep South. The evening following his untimely demise, a military helicopter carried PFC Pakom’s body to Wat Mongkhon Wararam School in Nai Yang, where it arrived at precisely 9:50 PM. A heartfelt reception awaited the fallen hero, attended by a congregation of high-ranking officials, sorrow-stricken family members, and a community united in grief. The gathering exemplified a…

In a refreshing twist this week, the Phuket police have exchanged their squad cars for surfboards, hitting the golden sands of Bang Tao Beach on a mission to boost safety measures during the perilous monsoon season. It’s a sight that locals and tourists alike might not expect, but it’s all part of the strategic plan rolled out by senior officers from the Cherng Talay Police Station. At 2 PM, on June 17th, under the astute leadership of Police Colonel Ekkarat Phlaiduang, joined by Police Lieutenant Colonel Sutham Rattanasawangwong and Pol. Lt. Col. Chanat Hongsitthichaikun, a vibrant beach safety campaign set sail. This initiative, aligned with directives from Provincial Police Region 8 and the Phuket Provincial Police, is focused on safeguarding both Thai and foreign visitors by advocating rigorous water safety and preventive strategies. In a spirited address, Pol. Lt. Col. Chanat passionately urged beachgoers to heed safety protocols, emphasizing the…

In a gripping tale that unfolded in the serene yet bustling province of Phitsanulok, Thailand, a young man found himself ensnared by the law’s long and watchful arm. The clock had just struck 8:00 AM on June 17, 2025, when the hushed, focused operation was executed at breakneck speed. The meticulous plot was spearheaded by none other than Police Colonel Santi Korkasem, who—alongside an astute team of officers including Police Lieutenant Colonels Woraprach Wuthirak, Piyarach Wessagosol, Marod Khwanmueang, and the intrepid Police Captain Yoschanin Prasertsopa—put an end to an underground empire that had thrived in the clandestine corners of the internet. The central figure in this network was 21-year-old Pongkhun, whose journey from anonymity to infamy was halted not in some high-profile chase, but rather as he dozed off under the safe embrace of a mosquito net, unaware of the impending upheaval. Armed with a search warrant secured just a…