Amidst the tropical charm and idyllic landscapes of Phuket, a simmering conflict has turned its lush green hills into contentious territories. The root of this turmoil? An accelerating land battle fueled by the dizzying lure of tourism and opulent development pursuits, peppered with a dash of nefarious dealings—shady land grabs that have drawn the attention of keen-eyed investigators. On this fresh April day of 2025, the island’s sheer beauty—its calling card—is at risk of being proverbially tossed aside for profit, a situation that has triggered a new investigation. Nestled in the photogenic embrace of Wichit, a designated wildlife reserve, suspicions of illicit land acquisitions have rung alarm bells among conservation officials and residents alike. “Phuket’s transformation due to rapid urbanisation and its burgeoning appeal as a tourism hotspot is heaping colossal pressure on our natural reserves,” eloquently explained Member of Parliament Chalermpong Saengdee just days ago. “These incursions onto protected…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
In what might be described as both an unexpectedly messy welcome and a testament to human forgiveness, a Mauritian tourist, Banita Gopal Periah, encountered a most unusual experience upon arrival in the seaside town of Hua Hin, Thailand. On April 18th, Banita shared her tale on a bustling Hua Hin Facebook group frequented by expatriates and travelers looking for local advice. Her post relayed a surprising incident: after stepping off the train and summoning a ride via a popular app, an unwelcome barrage of eggs left her and the vehicle coated in yolk and shells. The post, akin to a sizzling pot of curiosity, rapidly garnered attention. The reaction was swift and fierce—outrage simmering to a boil from both Thai nationals and the international community, all concerned about the potential blemish on Thailand’s amicable tourism facade. Amidst the online uproar, a Swiss traveler chimed in with a cautionary tale: steer…
In the heart of Thailand, where the sun beams down with fierce intensity and the spirit of celebration is infectious, Pattaya transforms into a bustling, high-tech citadel this Songkran. It’s Thailand’s most rambunctious and exhilarating water fight, and the joy, along with a fair share of pandemonium, is expected to sweep through the streets. On April 18th, Police Lieutenant General Yingyot Thepjamnong took command, leading a meticulous inspection at Pattaya City Police Station. The aim was clear: ensure that security and traffic plans were robust enough to handle the immense tide of festive revelers on April 19th, when Pattaya’s Water Festival promises a deluge of fun. Anticipation runs deep as tens of thousands of locals and tourists flock to this vibrant coastal city, eager to be immersed in the festivities — in every sense of the term. “Pattaya is gearing up for one of the grandest Songkran events nationwide,” announced…
The vibrant splash of Songkran festivities in Trang took a somber turn when joy transformed into tragedy, weaving an unexpected tale of violence that left a community in disbelief. Bathed in the festive spirit of Songkran, people gathered with hopes for joyous celebrations, but their spirits were dashed when a clash erupted, claiming the life of a young teenager. A 22-year-old paramilitary volunteer, known as Benjaphong, found himself at the heart of this turmoil. He was dramatically arrested today, April 19, in an operation akin to a scene from a high-stakes thriller. Allegations were hurled at him for fatally stabbing a teenager during a brawl during the Songkran merriment, though, in a twist, Benjaphong staunchly denied the charges against him. At the helm of this crackdown was Police Major General Wittaya Sriprasertphap, who directed Police Colonel Anusorn Thongsai and Police Lieutenant Colonel Montri Songkhong with precision and determination to bring…
The world of infrastructure in Thailand is about to experience a seismic shift—quite literally! The Office of Industrial Product Standards is gearing up to catapult escalators and moving walkways into the spotlight as new, regulated titans in the battle for public safety. These trusty movers, frequently whirring in the bustling realms of malls, airports, and train stations, are getting an upgrade in resilience. Come October 2025, they must showcase their prowess to withstand the earth’s occasional hiccups—or face the music! Why the focus on these mechanical marvels? It’s the rising dance of earthquakes that has Thailand on its toes. Safety standards are no longer just buzzwords but essential building blocks in metropolises shaken by seismic surprises. And now, “with great responsibility” comes the need to follow international guidelines to minimize potential damage—hats off to modernity! Wanchai Phanomchai, the harbinger of industrial reform and Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of…
In a twist of fate that echoes the very unpredictability of life itself, a seemingly ordinary day for BMW driver Smitthiphat Leenawarat took a sudden detour in Pathum Thani. On a day like any other, the eastern outer ring road witnessed a traffic collision that would soon become a topic of widespread discussion. On that fateful Wednesday, 28-year-old Smitthiphat found himself at the heart of a legal storm. Following the unsettling incident, Police Colonel Thiradet Chanlad of Lam Luk Ka police station announced that the charges against Smitthiphat were formally acknowledged on Friday evening. Accompanied by his lawyer, the young driver faced a litany of charges—assault causing bodily or mental harm, assault causing serious bodily injury, property damage, and reckless driving. Pol Col Thiradet hinted that Smitthiphat’s troubles might not end there, as the possibility of a document forgery charge loomed ominously. To make matters murkier, the elusive registration documents…
In a bid to tantalize the taste buds of one of its most significant markets, the Thai government is energetically pushing to boost durian exports to China—Thailand’s chief aficionado of the “king of fruits.” The move comes as the Commerce Ministry seeks to negotiate smoother entry and fewer hurdles related to chemical contamination screenings for Thai durians, a delectable delight that’s winning hearts across the Chinese culinary landscape. With zeal and zest, Minister Pichai Naripthaphan recently met the guardians of trade from China—Wu Zhiwu, the distinguished Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China, and Zhang Xiaoxiao, the insightful Counsellor at the Economic and Commercial Office of the Embassy. The spotlight of their get-together? A sampling session of the monthong variety, a luscious type renowned among Chinese durian enthusiasts. Minister Pichai, armed with a collection of these aromatic treasures, reported that the consul-general was thoroughly impressed by both the quality and…
The picturesque island of Phuket is riding a wave of success as 2025 kicks off with a splash, reeling in a whopping 149 billion baht in tourism revenue during the first quarter of the year. According to Siriwan Seeharach, the Travel Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) Phuket Office director, the island welcomed a staggering 3.89 million visitors between January and March, with a daily influx of 17,000 to 18,000 international tourists and about 8,000 to 10,000 Thai tourists soaking in the sun and sand. In an exciting twist, TAT Phuket is turning its gaze towards the home turf, seeking to engage a lively crowd of young Thai travelers. These digital-savvy, adventure-hungry visitors are being courted through a variety of lifestyle-oriented activities that seamlessly blend experience, nature, and the vibrant local community. As the lush Green Season unfolds from April to October, Phuket is buzzing with energy and promise. Kicking off this…
Get ready, folks! Bangkok’s bustling streets are set to experience a fresh wave of eco-friendly innovation as the much-anticipated transition from natural gas-powered buses to cutting-edge electric vehicles (EV) begins to take shape. Yes, you heard it right, the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) is revving up to introduce an impressive fleet of electric air-conditioned buses this year. It’s out with the old and in with the electrifying new, as BMTA director Mr. Kittikan Chomdoung Charuworapolkul relays the thrilling news about swapping out the traditional NGV buses in favor of clean, green energy. Talk about a charge toward the future! Now, what’s the buzz all about? Well, hold onto your seats because here’s the latest scoop: the revised plan, which champions sustainable energy, has been submitted to none other than the Ministry of Transport. This promising proposal is currently undergoing meticulous scrutiny at the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy…
In a scene that echoes both tragedy and tenacity, the once bustling State Audit Office in Chatuchak district, Bangkok, now stands a mangled heap of history and dreams. As we reflect on the calamitous events of past days, excavators continue to carve through the debris, portraying a sobering determination amidst the ruins. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has taken on the Herculean task of bringings answers to the questions that lie beneath the rubble. Rescue teams are tirelessly concentrating their efforts around the remnants of the building’s lift shaft. Here, it’s believed that the grim discovery of nearly 30 victims awaits attention, clawing at the hopes of closure for too many anguished souls. The tragedy’s toll has already reached a sorrowful zenith of 47 confirmed lost, while an equal number remain unaccounted for. With Bangkok’s governor, Chadchart Sittipunt at the helm, the mission to restore a semblance of order is progressing.…