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Phuket Blue Tree immigration office closes amid staff crisis

The Blue Tree immigration office in Phuket has closed indefinitely due to staff shortages, with foreigners now being directed to the increasingly crowded main immigration office in Phuket Town. The closure took effect on Monday, October 19, with officers reassigned to the main office, where visitor numbers at Service…

Road raging rider at large for assaulting woman who sounded horn

Police are searching for a motorcyclist accused of smashing a woman’s car windscreen and punching her in the face after she sounded her horn near an intersection in Lat Phrao, Bangkok, yesterday evening, October 22. The 27 year old woman, driving a Honda Jazz, reported the alleged assault to Phahon Yothin Police…

Thai Airways cancels Taipei, Kaohsiung flights on Oct 23-24

Six Thai Airways flights to Taiwan and back have been cancelled today, October 23, as Typhoon Champi brings severe weather to the island, disrupting services between Bangkok, Taipei and Kaohsiung. Thai Airways International confirmed the cancellations in a travel notice published by the Thai government yesterday…

Hua Hin beachfront demolition to proceed after human rights talks

Hua Hin Municipality will proceed with the demolition of 15 beachfront buildings following a meeting with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) yesterday, October 22, which confirmed it would not interfere with existing court orders. The Hua Hin beachfront demolition will follow the original timetable, with…

Lisa channels ‘Kill Bill’ in ‘Tarantino’ music video

As Lisa prepares to catch a flight, she picks up a mysterious letter in her lavish hotel room. Intruders suddenly saw through the door but Lisa quickly takes back control. That’s the setup for Tarantino, Lisa’s new single and music video, where she plays a blonde, leather-clad action heroine who moves through the…

Khao San Road businesses ask PM to ease midnight closing rules

Bangkok nightlife operators have asked Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to review Khao San Road closing hours, saying stricter enforcement of midnight restrictions is hurting businesses and tourism in the popular tourist district. Sanga Ruangwattanakul, president of the Khao San Road Business Association, submitted…

Beer-lured theft suspect caught after court escape left owner afraid

Police have recaptured a theft suspect in Rayong four days after his escape from custody in Pattaya, an incident that left a coffee shop owner fearing retaliation after she helped police arrest him by buying him a beer. Officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station, working with Provincial Police Region 2 investigators…

Government puts proposed exit levy on hold to protect tourism

Thailand has put plans to introduce a 1,000-baht departure tax on hold, with the Finance Ministry concerned that the additional charge could discourage international travel and affect the country’s tourism industry. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas confirmed yesterday, October 22, that…

Police detain Kanchanaburi schoolgirl with 4,038 meth pills

A Kanchanaburi high school student was arrested after police discovered 4,038 meth pills hidden in her jacket during a parcel delivery, which she claimed she had accepted for 2,000 baht without knowing it contained drugs. Police in Thong Pha Phum district detained the 15 year old girl yesterday, October 22, following…

Chiang Rai Officials Hunt Illegal Foreign Land Ownership

CHIANG RAI – The nationwide sweep against illegal foreign land ownership has officially arrived in Thailand’s northernmost province. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul recently launched a fierce campaign to reclaim land held unlawfully through Thai nominees. This aggressive operation targets property worth a…

Thailand’s King Chulalongkorn Day: What is Commemorates

Every year on October 23, the people of Thailand pause to remember one of their most revered and historically significant figures. King Chulalongkorn Day is a very important national holiday dedicated entirely to the memory of King Rama V. Across the country, citizens gather together to honor a monarch who…

Yaba in Thailand: Penalties for Users and Dealers

The legal outcome in a Thai yaba case depends on the alleged conduct, the evidence of intent, and the circumstances. Yaba is a methamphetamine tablet, and even possession for personal use can be an offense. Thailand’s one-tablet presumption may affect how authorities assess whether possession was for personal…

Thailand Caught Between USA and China in AI Tech War

BANGKOK – Thailand stands at a crucial crossroads in the rapidly accelerating global artificial intelligence race. The nation is urgently modernizing its legacy infrastructure and expanding AI adoption to secure its economic future. As the fierce rivalry between the United States and China deepens, this Southeast…

EV Manufacturing in Thailand: Who Builds What

Thailand is shifting from a major vehicle assembly base toward electric vehicle production, with automakers opening factories, announcing investments, and weighing plans to build locally. But the evidence varies: a factory’s stated capacity, an approved investment, or a public plan doesn’t prove that a particular…

China Chairs APEC 2026 as Singapore Takes ASEAN 2027

BEIJING – The geopolitical landscape of the Asia-Pacific region is currently preparing for a massive shift in economic leadership over the next two years. China is officially gearing up to host the prestigious Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum throughout 2026. Shortly after, Singapore will take the…

Teen Held Over Weapons Smuggling Attempt Into Singapore

SINGAPORE – A 19-year-old male is currently facing serious police investigations following a bold attempt to smuggle controlled weapons into Singapore. Authorities successfully intercepted the illicit shipment at the bustling Pasir Panjang Scanning Station earlier this month. The contraband was hidden inside an…

Firefly Resumes Malaysia and Singapore Flights as Haze Eases

SINGAPORE – Travelers flying between Malaysia and Singapore finally have some fantastic news to celebrate today. Firefly is officially bringing back its full flight schedule between Subang and Seletar. The popular airline faced almost two weeks of serious disruptions. These delays were caused by thick, dangerous haze…

Aung San Suu Kyi’s son hears her voice for first time in 5 years

Kim Aris, the son of detained Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, said on Thursday that he had spoken to his mother for the first time in more than five years, while calling for her unconditional release. In a statement posted on 22 October, Aris said hearing his mother’s voice again meant “more than

Thailand delays proposed 1,000-baht overseas travel tax

BANGKOK – Thailand has postponed plans to impose a 1,000-baht tax on each trip abroad, citing economic uncertainty and elevated energy prices linked to the war in the Middle East, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said on Thursday. The Revenue Department had been conducting a public consultation on the proposed…

12 injured as tourist boat hits Bangkok pier

BANGKOK – Twelve people, including five foreign nationals, were injured when a two-deck tourist boat struck a pier in Bangkok on Thursday afternoon. The incident occurred at about 13.10 on 22 October at Sathorn Pier in Yan Nawa subdistrict, Sathorn district. The boat, named Riva Express 2, sustained damage to its…