In a captivating twist of events, the Thai government’s recent campaign to curb unlawful condo rentals is stirring waves of discussion. The spotlight is on Pattaya, a city known for its vibrant nightlife and teeming tourism industry, with foreign investors, specifically from China, facing serious scrutiny. Accusations are flying left, right, and center, as these investors are believed to have transformed their condo units into mini hotels—a bold move that dances dangerously close to the edge of legality under the Hotel Act of 2004. The resulting storm of local indignation forced the Ministry of the Interior (MoI) to roll up its sleeves and dive into the nitty-gritty of these operations. It’s not just a matter of rule-breaking; it’s a tale of social harmony, local enterprise, and administrative rigor trying to hold its own in the face of international influence. The MoI’s directive is crystal clear: the Department of Provincial Administration…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
In the bustling district of Bang Phli in Samut Prakan province, chaos ensued on a Wednesday that turned out to be anything but ordinary. As the sun set, the tranquil streets came alive with a buzz, as police swarmed an unsuspecting accounting firm, hidden in plain sight amidst the daily hustle and bustle. Their mission? To dismantle an intricate web woven by the firm, who had been illegally registering companies using Thai nominees for foreign business entities. Though the firm itself remains nameless in reports, the arrest figures speak volumes—51 Thai nationals and 21 Chinese nationals were taken into custody. The raid, led by Pol Maj Gen Thatphum Charuprat, commander of the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECSD), was prompted by an elaborate tip-off regarding the firm’s questionable dealings. Within its walls lay the trace of 15 companies illegally established, defying the boundaries set by Thailand’s Foreign Business Act. Amidst the…
In a heart-wrenching and chilling incident that has left a community grappling with shock, a Thai police officer has turned himself in after tragically ending the life of his girlfriend in front of her family. This devastating event unfolded in the serene surroundings of Nakhon Pathom, a province known more for its lush landscapes than for headline-grabbing tragedies. Yesterday, March 26, was supposed to be a day of celebration. It was Kanita’s birthday—a day that promised warmth and joy. Instead, it was marked by a devastating occurrence that shook everyone present to their cores. Arnon, a 38-year-old Police Senior Sergeant Major from Thung Song Hong Police Station, changed everything in an instant. Surrendering at the Mueang Nakhon Pathom Police Station, he handed over the weapon—a gun he had used in a fit of anger and desperation. The harrowing incident took place in the early hours, around 3 AM. There, within…
In a stunning turn of events, the Supreme Court has delivered a decisive blow to Mukdawan Luengsinil, a Bhumjaithai Party member representing Nakhon Si Thammarat. The verdict is in: she is barred from contesting or even casting her vote in any elections for the next decade, all because of a slip on the slippery slope of election laws. That’s right, she got caught with her hand in the vote-buying cookie jar during the 2023 General Election in the esteemed Constituency 8. The court’s judgement came hot on the heels of a petition from the Election Commission (EC), which unearthed evidence as damning as a cow on a city street. The details are vivid: payments of 500 baht, amounting to a total of 25,000 baht, were allegedly handed to voters like candies at a parade. Since July 5, Mukdawan has been serving a time-out from her parliamentary duties after the EC’s…
In a dramatic sweep to curb illegal foreign employment in the bustling region of Chon Buri, Labour Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn has set into motion an intensified crackdown, dubbed the Tri-Thai Protectors operation. This special task force is on a mission to cleanse the province of unauthorized foreign workers following reports highlighting employment malpractices. Yesterday, on the 26th of March, the spotlight was on Chinese businesses in Si Racha district—drawing attention after a wave of complaints about illegal workers. The operation, spearheaded by the meticulous Inspector General Pichet Thongphun alongside the dynamic Police Lieutenant Colonel Amnat Chooklin, marshaled a troop from the eastern special task force and representatives from the Department of Employment. Their focus was laser sharp as they zeroed in on the Bo Win subdistrict. Their efforts proved fruitful yet alarming, as nine illegal workers were unearthed—four hailing from China, another four from Myanmar, alongside an individual from an…
In an exciting turn of events, Phuket, a shining gem in Thailand’s tourism crown, is gearing up to roll out two brand-new, open-top electric buses, each with an 18-seat capacity, designed to offer a refreshing breeze of sustainable travel to its many visitors. These charming eco-friendly chariots are more than just a nod to modern transportation—they’re a bold statement in the fight against pollution and the perennial menace of PM2.5 dust, and they’re turning heads as the town’s latest must-see attraction! Phuket’s forward-thinking Mayor, Saroj Angkanapilas, proudly announced this green initiative as part of a broader strategy to reinforce the island’s tourism credentials. These electric marvels aren’t just practical; they’re art on wheels! Decorated with vibrant illustrations of the elegant Sino-European architecture characteristic of Phuket’s enchanting Old Town, the buses are a moving canvas of cultural heritage. Thanks to the craftsmanship of Electric Vehicles (Thailand) Plc, these city tour buses…
In an intriguing twist that could easily fool even the most seasoned detective, Bangkok has once again found itself at the center of a captivating crime story. In an operation reminiscent of a high-stakes thriller, Thai police have nabbed two crafty operatives right under their noses, shedding light on a bustling trade of counterfeit cosmetics and medicines in the heart of the city. The week’s action unfolded as Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, with his team and officials from the Food and Drug Administration, zeroed in on two unsuspecting homes in Bangkok. What they uncovered was nothing short of astonishing: a treasure trove of 8,270 pirated products ready to make their illicit journey into the world. Let’s paint the scene, shall we? It all started at an inconspicuous house on Lat Phrao 80 Soi 11, in the Wang Thonglang district, where 4,928 items, including questionable medicines and peddled herbal concoctions,…
In a country as vibrant and diverse as Thailand, a new chapter unfolds as the government endeavours to revolutionize its tourism landscape. Recently, the Thai cabinet gave the nod to an intriguing draft law—one that aims to intertwine casinos and entertainment complexes, sprucing up Thailand’s appeal to tourists from all corners of the globe. Yet, as with any grand design, the devil is in the details, and these details have sparked quite the debate. The freshly minted draft does not come without its caveats, particularly honing in on restricting the access of local Thai punters to these potential glitzy gambling havens. With an entrance fee set at 5,000 baht and a demand for at least 50 million baht in bank deposits, this seems more of a red carpet rolled out exclusively for the affluent. Deputy Finance Minister, the pragmatic Julapun Amornvivat, hinted that such hefty financial prerequisites might be too…
Bangkok, the vibrant heart of Thailand, is no stranger to searing temperatures. As the mercury relentlessly rises, so does the urgency to combat these sweltering conditions that turn the city into an urban heat island. Fear not! A promising event is on the horizon, dedicated to transforming this blistering reality into a more bearable and pleasant environment. It’s time to roll up your sleeves and dive into the intriguing world of urban innovation at the launch of “Shaping a Cooler Bangkok: Tackling Urban Heat for a More Livable City”! Mark your calendars for an enlightening afternoon on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, from 13:30 to 16:30 at the prestigious Grand Chatrium Bangkok Hotel. Here, brilliant minds will gather, and you won’t want to miss a beat! Our extraordinary event lineup kicks off with a warm welcome from none other than Ms. Melinda Good, Director of the World Bank. Her insights will…
The clock is ticking, and the vibrant city of Bangkok finds itself facing a sweltering dilemma. A seemingly modest one-degree Celsius increase in the city’s average temperature could spiral into a crisis of monumental proportions, with projections indicating over 2,300 heat-related deaths annually. That’s just the tip of the melting iceberg; a scorching heatwave threatens to scorch around 44 billion baht from wages lost to dwindling productivity and add a sizzling 17 billion baht to electricity bills from increased demand for cooling solutions every year. Enter the comprehensive study, “Shaping a Cooler Bangkok: Tackling Urban Heat for a More Livable City.” As its title suggests, the report lays bare the fiery predicament of escalating heatwaves that drape the city in relentless warmth, exacerbated by the notorious urban heat island effect. These concrete jungles morph into literal ovens, straining everything — from the economy to infrastructure — while taking health risks…