THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

In a twist fit for a suspense thriller, deep within the bustling streets of Pattaya, a sinister operation unfolded involving herbs, threats, and a dash of international intrigue. It all came to a head on a seemingly ordinary afternoon, at precisely 4:20 PM on April 10, 2025, when police swooped in and apprehended three individuals at the heart of this gripping tale. This wasn’t your everyday herbal shop. Oh no, this store, now under the harsh glare of investigation, was a hub of deceit. Tourists were lured in with the promise of “miracle herbs,” a term that should have raised eyebrows but instead filled heads with visions of magical cures. What these unwitting tourists didn’t expect, however, was the hefty price tag and the menacing posture of those behind the counter should they dare refuse a purchase. The main characters? A diverse crew: Kanlaya, the 29-year-old Thai manager whose stern…

In a surprising twist of modern trade relations, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, the astute Pichet Choonhavan, has devised a quintet of strategies to counteract the reverberating effects of the so-called Trump tariffs, which have been a significant buzz in the economic corridors. Among these strategies, a firm stance has been taken not to import US pork—a decision driven by pressing concerns over the livelihood of domestic producers and the ripple effects it may cause on the local market. Picture this: a meeting buzzing with urgency about Thailand’s strategic approach to the United States’ trade policies, where Pichet articulates the nuances of these upcoming negotiations. While the clock is ticking without a set date for this exchange of economic ideas and discourse, anticipation is building that these talks will unfurl soon, possibly fluttering through the air before the month’s end. When they do take place, expect a star-studded lineup…

In a city known for its energetic nightlife and bustling beaches, the calm ambiance of Pattaya was momentarily disrupted by a rather alarming tale of theft. A 57-year-old Canadian tourist, Nirbjit, recounted a bizarre encounter that left him not only dazed but also without his cherished gold necklace. As Nirbjit strolled along the lively Pattaya Beach Road, an unexpected interaction unfolded when he ambled past a familiar McDonald’s. A friendly “hello” greeted him from a group of four to five transgender individuals. What followed was anything but ordinary—a whirlwind of unanticipated attention as the group engaged him with hugs and inappropriate touching. Maintaining his composure, Nirbjit opted not to reciprocate the advances and briskly walked away. It wasn’t until a safe distance was established that Nirbjit realized he’d been relieved of his gold necklace, the pendant of which weighed roughly 20 grams. The adornment, acting as both a fashion statement…

The Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 has made a splashy debut at Sanam Luang in Bangkok, with an atmosphere buzzing like an over-caffeinated beehive. As the crowd throngs to partake in this exhilarating fiesta, they find themselves swept away by a whirlwind of activities organized by the ever-innovative Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). This vibrant celebration, which runs until Tuesday, April 15, beckons visitors from 3 PM to 11:30 PM each day, casting a spell of joy over everyone in its path. One of the most enchanting highlights is the Giant Maha Songkran zone, a visual feast where visitors can snap photos alongside a landmark that offers mesmerizing views of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha—a nod to Bangkok’s timeless allure. Meanwhile, the five-region identity zone invites festival-goers to soak up the diverse cultural traditions of Thailand’s distinct regions through hands-on creative workshops. As twilight descends, the Colourful Songkran…

Picture this: the sun setting over Pattaya’s stunning coastline, a bird’s-eye view capturing the city’s vivid blend of bustling urban life and tranquil beachfronts. Beneath this picturesque scene, however, there’s a drama unfolding that might slip unnoticed by the average traveler. It’s a tale of legislation, loopholes, and the lively world of online booking platforms, all playing out against the backdrop of Thailand’s alluring real estate market. In recent months, a small tempest has been brewing within the corridors of Thai legislature. State agencies, fueled by a fervent desire to safeguard consumers and uphold the law, are rallying together in an appeal to major online accommodation platforms. Their mission? To weave a sturdy net that ensures only officially registered hotels and lodging providers have the privilege of busily processing online bookings. The root of it all lies in a rather stirring narrative about illegal hotel operations sprouting from residential condo…

Brace yourselves, folks, because Thailand’s infamous Songkran festivities are right around the corner! From April 12 to 16, the country will be buzzing with water fights, cultural celebrations, and, of course, a surge of tourists looking to join in the fun. But in the spirit of keeping everyone safe and sound, the Marine Department has rolled out an impressive security plan across the nation. Forty win (that’s right, 39!) tourist assistance centers have sprung to life, promising a safe haven for merry-makers and promoting responsible tourism. It’s all about having a blast while respecting this beautiful land we’re in! At the heart of this initiative is the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), which is spearheading a campaign that marries safety with environmental responsibility. Whether you’re venturing out to the idyllic islands or exploring vibrant urban forests, rest assured that there’s a safety net in place. These newly-minted support…

As April showers sprinkled upon the land, the exhilarating onset of Songkran 2025 swirled through the air like the cool droplets themselves. Saturday saw a grand departure of adventurous souls from Bangkok, their sights set on their hometowns or vibrant vacation spots all around Thailand. Like a highly choreographed performance, this exodus was harmoniously orchestrated by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and Transport Co., ensuring that every passenger found their way across the country with ease and excitement. Leading this masterful ballet was none other than the charismatic governor of the SRT, Veeris Ammarapala, who reported that Krungthep Apiwat Station brimmed over with holiday merrymakers throughout the day. Saturday was projected to be a record-breaking carnival of motion, expected to exceed 117,000 ticket-holding enthusiastic travelers, with more than 81,000 setting out to explore over the weekend of festivities. To accommodate this surge, the SRT waved its magic wand, casting…

In the hustle and bustle of the Thai political scene, the dance between the ruling Pheu Thai Party and its coalition partner, the Bhumjaithai Party, is nothing short of a dramatic tango. Recently, Chaichanok Chidchob, the charismatic secretary-general of the Bhumjaithai Party, took center stage in parliament with a candid proclamation against the Pheu Thai-sponsored bill. This particular bill has stirred up quite a commotion, aiming to welcome a new entertainment complex into the political mix. It’s been quite the roller coaster for these two political powerhouses ever since they tied the knot in a coalition that seemed more about political survival than genuine camaraderie. From the get-go, it was clear there were fractures; one standout being Pheu Thai’s push to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic—an idea Bhumjaithai flatly rejected as it prided itself on backing the decriminalization of cannabis. To make matters even more tangled, land disputes involving top…

Picture a vibrant blend of colors, laughter, and the joyful splashing of water—this is the essence of Bangkok’s Khao San Road during Songkran, where the splendor of Thailand’s most celebrated festival comes alive. This year, an artificial intelligence system is enhancing the experience by keeping a watchful eye with CCTV cameras, memorizing faces, and gauging the crowd. It’s an innovative blend of technology and tradition at its finest. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has pulled out all the stops for the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025. With an irresistible invitation extended to both Thai locals and international travelers, the Thai New Year celebration promises five excitement-filled days running until April 15. Set against the iconic backdrops of Ratchadamnoen Klang Road and Sanam Luang, this festival is nothing short of a cultural extravaganza. As TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool enthusiastically announced, this year’s Songkran features breathtaking light and sound shows,…