Thailand faces renewed scrutiny over alleged irregularities in the 2024 Senate selection, fueling public distrust. The People's Party demands accountability from election commissioners, while a nationalist coalition calls for a broader investigation. Allegations of fraud in local government recruitment exams further compound political unease.
The Government Housing Bank of Thailand successfully auctioned 839 properties for approximately 903 million baht in its third major auction of 2026. The event highlighted the persistent dream of homeownership and strong demand for secondhand properties, with special loan rates and gifts offered to buyers.
Thailand has shortened its visa-exempt stay for eligible travelers from 60 countries and territories to 30 days, effective September 15, 2026. This change impacts passport holders from countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) announced that the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate Phase 3 development is progressing as planned. Land sales for the industrial estate reached a total of 6,000 rai (approximately 9.6 square kilometers) in the first nine months of the year, indicating strong development. This project is a key component of Thailand's Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).
Thailand adheres to Indochina Time (ICT), UTC+7, year-round, with no daylight saving time. While this simplifies domestic timekeeping, international time differences with countries observing DST can fluctuate, requiring careful attention for scheduling.
Chanthaburi Province in eastern Thailand has implemented a 24-hour real-time CCTV monitoring system for river water levels following flood damage from heavy rainfall. Warnings are being issued for areas at risk of flash floods and river overflow.
The World Bank recommends Thailand enhance Bangkok's productivity and strengthen secondary cities to achieve high-income status. While urban areas significantly contribute to economic growth, concentration leads to rising costs. Strengthening the urban network is identified as crucial for future development.
Thai Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul met with Google's Ruth Porat in New York to discuss environmentally friendly standards for the planned data center in Chonburi and digital skills development. Google plans a $1 billion investment in Thailand, with the government expressing its readiness to cooperate.
Route 344 in Chonburi was inundated on September 24, causing significant traffic delays between Chonburi and Klaeng. Drivers, especially of smaller vehicles, are advised to exercise caution, reduce speed, and maintain safe distances due to standing water.
Pattaya residents are counting losses after parked motorcycles were swept away by floodwaters. The incident, where a large vehicle's passage through the soi allegedly created a powerful wave, has angered locals who are urging drivers to slow down in flooded areas.
Chonburi Governor Naris Niramaiwong led an urgent search on Thursday for a foreign man who disappeared after falling into a flooded canal in Pattaya. Over 50 rescuers scoured more than 3 kilometers of the waterway without success.
Pattaya City has placed nine flood-prone areas under 24-hour surveillance in preparation for heavy rainfall forecast from September 24-27. Residents can access information and request sandbags via the 1337 hotline.
Torrential rain and thunderstorms on September 24 caused widespread flooding in Pattaya, Thailand, with water levels exceeding 1 meter in some areas. Motorcycles and belongings were swept away, forcing residents to struggle for safety and highlighting the city's drainage capacity limitations.
Repossessed properties from Thai banks can appear attractive with low asking prices, but direct purchases or court auctions require thorough checks of legal rights, property condition, title records, and payment terms. Foreign ownership restrictions on land also need careful consideration.
In Thailand, prison sentence reductions after conviction are determined by various factors, including judicial discretion for mitigating circumstances and royal pardons. These are not simple reductions but involve complex legal processes and applicable laws specific to each case.
A 50-year-old Chinese national was apprehended in Bangkok outside a hotel in possession of a firearm and crystal methamphetamine. The man had overstayed his tourist visa by a significant 586 days. The arrest was a result of a community safety campaign and a tip from a concerned citizen.
Thailand's complex reservoir and dam management involves multiple agencies coordinating seasonal storage targets, rainfall forecasts, and river flows to balance flood control with water supply during dry spells. This intricate system is crucial for ensuring stable water resources for the public and agriculture.
Understanding Thailand's fluctuating water levels requires checking specific station data and understanding its context. Utilizing platforms like ThaiWater, alongside weather forecasts and official alerts, is crucial for effective disaster preparedness.
Pattaya experienced severe flooding after overnight heavy rains. In the Nern Plub Waan area, three foreign tourists fell into a fast-flowing canal. One remains missing, with local residents and rescue teams actively searching. The other two were rescued but left the scene shortly after the incident.
Smart city initiatives are advancing across Thailand, extending beyond Bangkok to various regions. While the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) certifies smart cities and promotion zones, progress and forms vary regionally. This report details project examples and underlying objectives in different areas.
Thailand's Meteorological Department has issued a severe storm warning, with torrential downpours expected across many provinces this week. Residents in low-lying areas are advised to prepare for flash floods and significant traffic disruptions.
Thailand is advancing its National AI Strategy and Action Plan (2022-2027) to integrate AI into economic growth and public services. The initiative focuses on data infrastructure, talent development, and ethical use frameworks.
A local villager who went missing for three days while foraging for wild plants in Chiang Rai's Khun Tan district has been found alive and rescued. The key to locating the missing person was their motorcycle, found parked at the forest's edge.
The Thai Chamber of Commerce is urging the government to accelerate three major trade agreements with the United States, European Union, and United Arab Emirates. These deals aim to expand export markets, attract foreign investment and technology, and strengthen connections to global supply chains.
Thailand is focusing on attracting Japanese investment, particularly in strengthening automotive supply chains and transitioning to new industries. However, the ability to quickly adapt to the next generation of industrial structures while leveraging existing strengths will be key to Thailand's future economy.
Sixteen-year-old guitarist and singer Nene Royal from Phuket, Thailand, has won America's Got Talent Season 21, securing the $1 million grand prize and becoming the first Thai act to achieve this feat.
Torrential rains in Pattaya have caused widespread flooding, submerging homes and collapsing walls in areas like Pacific Village. Banglamung District Chief and Pattaya Mayor inspected the damage and distributed emergency supplies to affected residents.
In Pattaya, a factory worker and a female colleague narrowly escaped injury early Thursday after strong floodwaters swept both of their motorcycles into a canal as they attempted to ride home through a flash flood.
Pattaya demonstrated the potential of drone technology in maritime search and rescue operations on September 24th with a simulated competition, highlighting its role in enhancing emergency response capabilities.
Chonburi Governor and Pattaya Mayor inspected the progress of Phase 2 of the Pattaya Second Road resurfacing project on Wednesday, urging contractors to expedite completion and open the route for this weekend's marathon.
Thailand's Election Commission has heightened security measures in anticipation of a formal complaint from former People's Alliance for Democracy leader Sondhi Limthongkul and his supporters. The complaint alleges the commission failed to uphold the constitution in its handling of irregularities in the 2024 senatorial elections. Police have been deployed to maintain order.
A pontoon bridge in Chainat Province, central Thailand, detached and collided with a bridge pier. Authorities have ordered an urgent removal, citing concerns over disruption to water traffic and potential damage to the bridge structure.
Preparations are underway for the 2029 International Horticultural Expo in Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. The AIPH conducted an on-site inspection to assess the readiness of the venue.
Toyota's Farm Expo Asia 2026 has been held in Thailand, aiming to transform the agricultural sector towards a B2B2C model. The event seeks to connect businesses with global markets, projecting an economic impact of 250 million baht.
The Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SPCDA) and the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 4 are jointly advancing a district-level development plan in 14 pilot areas in Southern Thailand, aiming to address citizen needs and improve local livelihoods.
The director of Phetchabun Hospital has strongly criticized the parking of a supercar in a prohibited zone in front of the emergency building, citing it as a violation of regulations. Concerns have been raised about obstruction of hospital staff duties and patient transport.