Thailand, once a magnet for throngs of Chinese tourists, now finds itself standing on a precarious precipice as the influx has dwindled to a mere trickle. The esteemed leaders within the tourism industry are sounding the alarms, warning the nation of a burgeoning crisis and fervently urging for a swift and effective resolution to rekindle trust and reinvigorate travel. In an astonishing downturn, Chinese tourist arrivals plummeted to a nadir of just 5,833 on April 16, 2025, significantly below the usual daily numbers ranging from 15,000 to 20,000. Such a drastic decline has led industry frontrunners to dub the situation a ‘crisis’, spurring Thailand into action in a desperate bid to reclaim its most lucrative tourism market. Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, advisory chairman of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, has voiced his grave concerns without sugarcoating. Proclaiming this situation as “the worst crisis for the Chinese market in recent years,” he…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
In a move that echoes the historical resonance of one of Thailand’s northern gems, the Thai government is setting a course to crown Chiang Mai a UNESCO World Heritage Site by the year 2026. This enthralling proposition will coincide with Chiang Mai’s grand 730th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in the city’s storied past. Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol shared this ambitious plan as the government committee diligently crafts a compelling nomination dossier, highlighting the city’s exceptional cultural and historical prowess. Chiang Mai, a city with roots as the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, is a rich tapestry woven with 730 years of history. The nomination dossier, a testament to this legacy, emphasizes seven pivotal locations that encapsulate the city’s cultural and historical essence. Among these are the venerable Wat Chiang Man, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Phra Sing, each standing as silent witnesses to the passage of time. The…
The realm of energy in Thailand is abuzz with a spirited debate about the future of renewable power, as energy chiefs confidently dispel concerns that transitioning to green energy will shock households with sky-high bills. Contrary to some claims, officials insist that the push towards renewable energy will actually save Thailand billions over time. The whispers of consumer cost hikes arising from the government’s ambitious 5.2-gigawatt renewable energy initiative have been staunchly silenced by top energy operatives. Spearheading the skepticism, MP Suphachot Chaiyasat has issued warnings that these new power purchase agreements (PPAs) could weigh heavily on Thai consumers’ pockets, potentially driving up costs by an estimated 100 billion baht over the next quarter-century. His warnings have not only raised alarm but also insinuations of unfair advantage in the selection of companies involved. Suphachot has gone as far as to urge the government to halt any further PPA signings. Yet,…
In a whirlwind of controversy, a prominent aspiring politician finds himself under the intense glare of public scrutiny after a series of shocking events have surfaced, linking him and his influential family to previous unsolved incidents. Smiththipat “Peach” Leenawarat, a 28-year-old candidate for the Thanya Buri Municipality Council, stands accused of deliberate recklessness in an alarming car accident and a haunting assault case from nearly two decades ago that has once again come into the spotlight. The most recent scandal involving Peach erupted like a firestorm, capturing media headlines and public outrage alike. Peach, behind the wheel of his strikingly conspicuous white BMW, allegedly rammed into a black pickup truck driven by 65-year-old Prachak Duangyai. The sheer force of the collision caused the pickup to careen into a traffic barrier, leaving Prachak in a critical condition with broken ribs and alarming fluid accumulation in his lungs. His spouse, the 64-year-old…
Attention all weather warriors! The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has sent out urgent alerts as temperatures soar to blistering heights, while wild gusts of wind and electrifying thunderstorms are predicted to shake up 32 provinces. In what feels like a heatwave showdown, Bangkok is bracing for impact as the southern region of Thailand readies itself for a drenching deluge, with the skies threatening to spill over in 40% of the area. The entire nation is gripped by sultry weather conditions, with the heat cranking up particularly fiercely in the north and central zones. Thunderstorms accompanied by forceful winds are on the radar, prompting a call to caution for local residents to steer clear of relentless outdoor activities and stay alert for the wrath of Mother Nature’s tempestuous side. This mixed bag of weather chaos is a direct result of low-pressure systems stubbornly holding court over the northeast and Laos, while…
In the quiet yet bustling town of Udon Thani, a gripping tale of adventure unfolded late on a typical Monday night. Picture this: two men in a sleek, gleaming white Nissan Almera, their hearts racing faster than their wheels as they cruised along the roads of Muang district. Their ride was not just another late-night trip; it was a journey fraught with secrets and monitored closely by the ever-watchful eyes of law enforcement. As the clock ticked toward the stroke of midnight, Pol Lt Col Boonlert Wisetchart, a steely-eyed deputy commander of the Border Patrol Police Sub-division 24, stood firm, his senses attuned to the darkness. The shadows whispered of illicit activities, and tonight, he was determined to silence them. With precision reminiscent of a well-oiled machine, his team was on the case, driven by tip-offs of a contraband-laden vehicle moving dangerously close to the heart of the community. The…
As the clock ticked past midnight into the quiet hours of a serene Wednesday morning, the picturesque Dhara Dhevi Hotel in Chiang Mai transformed from a peaceful remnant of Lanna culture into an inferno engulfed by roaring flames. Located in the charming tambon Tha Sala district, this iconic hotel became the latest chapter in a saga perhaps best left in the annals of history books. Fortunately, amidst the chaos and dazzling display of ember waves and dancing shadows, calamity spared human life. Firefighters wasted no time, charging in with their brigade of glowing engines to quell the angry blaze. With courage as their shield and hoses as their swords, they battled for control, engraving sweat and smoke onto their fiery dance floor for a grueling two hours. By the time the smoke settled, a haunting silence descended, leaving behind a skeletal imprint of what once was—a wooden structure that fronted…
In an ambitious stride towards a future brimming with technological advancement, Microsoft Thailand launched the THAI Academy: Accelerating Thailand’s AI Future on April 21, 2025. This groundbreaking initiative isn’t just another tech endeavor—it’s a beacon of opportunity poised to bring over a million Thais into the folds of the fast-paced AI revolution. Committed to offering robust upskilling opportunities, the program stands as a testament to Microsoft’s strategic partnership with the Thai government, bolstered by the collaborative spirit of 35 partners from both public and private sectors. By doing so, it hopes to catapult Thailand into the limelight as a leader within the AI-first era, in tune with the nation’s visionary National AI Master Plan. Digital Economy and Society Minister, Prasert Jantararuangthong, heralded this partnership with enthusiasm, noting that it aligns snugly with Thailand’s aspirations to work alongside global technological powerhouses to enhance international competitiveness. “AI is not merely a buzzword;…
In a tragic unfolding that has left a family shattered, a 47-year-old grandmother has found herself swept up in a turbulent tide of betrayal, devastation, and an unyielding quest for justice. Her 12-year-old granddaughter, B, recently confided, unveiling a harrowing tale of deceit and abuse under a seemingly joyful Songkran festival backdrop. The calendar had just flipped to April 21, when Saichon Nitkham, a determined 25-year-old Good Samaritan, reached out to the media, determined to champion this grandmother-granddaughter duo in their pursuit of justice. According to reports, B had been lured to the festival’s vivacity on April 12, only to be ensnared in a nightmare that would span across the subsequent days, prompting her release on April 14. This all began as an ordinary plea from B: a yearning to join the vibrant Songkran celebration with an acquaintance named Joy. With assurances from Joy promising a timely return, her grandmother…
In the ever-enigmatic land of Phuket, a recent mystery has gripped the town’s attention, unfolding in the shadows of an abandoned building known as Billion Plaza, nestled in the serene locality of Moo 1, Kathu. On the late afternoon of April 21, the Kathu Police were summoned to unravel a disquieting scene— the discovery of a decomposed body. Accompanied by a forensic expert from Vachira Phuket Hospital and the diligent rescue workers of Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation, the officers embarked on their solemn duty. The unfortunate soul, identified as a Thai male around the age of 40, was marked by a unique Hanuman tattoo on his back—a clue that might eventually unfold parts of his untold story. However, the enigma only deepened as no identification documents accompanied him, leaving him a nameless figure in the archives of the unknown. Residents, who had grown accustomed to seeing him around, speculated that he…