Phuket Governor Chotinrin Koedsom stated authorities are taking social media complaints about Volunteer Defense Corps (Or Sor) conduct seriously and are moving quickly to establish facts. Reassignments have been made, and a fair probe is promised.
A UNICEF-backed report reveals that an estimated 1.5 million children in Pakistan faced online sexual exploitation and abuse in one year. The findings highlight that perpetrators are often known to the victims, and cultural taboos prevent most from seeking help.
A citizens' network opposing the planned Wang Ton Dam in Phetchabun province has announced a rally in Bangkok on October 1 to submit petitions to three government agencies. They argue the construction site is a '15-layered mountain area' that would destroy valuable forest resources.
Thai MP Juti Krairik calls for a two-month extension of the 'Thai Help Thai Plus' economic stimulus program. The initiative aims to boost consumption and will be coupled with tax reforms, anti-corruption efforts, and budget redundancy cuts, targeting annual savings of 100 billion baht.
The Thai government has ordered a significant overhaul of its citizenship system, marking one of the top national news stories from the past week. Various other domestic issues were also reported.
Phuket authorities are intensifying their investigation into Chabad Patong, focusing on product labeling, health standards, and import compliance. The probe follows a seven-day deadline set by the governor for a comprehensive review of the Jewish community center's operations.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched "Amazing Thailand Innovation Gadget," a new platform to connect Thai travel tech startups with tourism businesses, aiming to foster and implement innovation within the sector.
Two 18-year-old suspects surrendered to police after a fatal shooting at a festival in Rayong, Thailand, killed a 25-year-old bystander and injured three others following a concert.
A viral image of wild elephants sheltering from rain in Thailand's Kui Buri National Park highlights their thermoregulation and herd protection behaviors, underscoring the importance of healthy forest ecosystems.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is on an official mission to Japan, the US, and the UK to strengthen international cooperation and expand opportunities in trade, investment, and the digital economy. The tour includes participation in the UN General Assembly and meetings with global leaders and business representatives.
A homeowner in Udon Thani, Thailand, has identified a three-meter python as the culprit behind the disappearance of 25 fighting cocks over nearly two weeks. The snake was found in a pomelo tree, having killed one chicken. The homeowner views the discovery as a lucky omen.
A Thai academic's assertion that alcohol-related deaths in Thailand surpass global terrorism fatalities has ignited online debate. The discussion coincides with public attention on the singer 'Lisa', highlighting the pressing issue of alcohol consumption as a societal problem.
A Philippine fisheries vessel and a China Coast Guard ship collided in the South China Sea. Manila accuses Beijing of deliberate ramming, while China claims the Philippine vessel's dangerous maneuvers caused the incident. Conflicting accounts heighten regional tensions.
Services on Bangkok's MRT Blue and Purple lines have resumed normal operations as of the morning of September 21st, following a temporary suspension due to a track fire. No injuries were reported, and an electrical short circuit possibly caused by rainwater is suspected.
The Thai Meteorological Department issued a nationwide warning for heavy rain on September 21st, predicting isolated very heavy downpours in the East and an 80% chance of thunderstorms in Bangkok and surrounding areas.
A sudden import ban by Myanmar authorities on Thai goods has led to severe food shortages in the border town of Tachileik. Thousands of residents are crossing into Thailand's Mae Sai daily to purchase essential food items.
Thailand's government has announced a 50 billion Baht scheme to subsidize residential solar rooftop installations, aiming to support one million households. This initiative seeks to reduce energy costs and promote renewable energy adoption, with GH Bank also offering low-interest loans to complement the program.
A surge in arrivals from Myanmar has been observed near the Mae Sai border crossing in Chiang Rai province, Thailand. This influx is believed to be linked to a doubling of food prices in Myanmar following the suspension of Thai imports.
Thailand's creator economy is evolving from mere view counts to building business infrastructure. New models are emerging where content directly translates into revenue, suggesting potential to drive economic growth.
The Thai government is advancing the implementation of a national disaster insurance system targeting unnumbered homes to support disaster victims. Approximately 490,000 households are expected to benefit from this insurance.
A 35-year-old woman driving a Honda Accord crashed into a grocery store, a parked sidecar, and a motorcyclist in Nongprue, Chonburi on Saturday night. She fled the scene but was pursued for over three kilometers by residents before being apprehended. An open beer was found inside the car.
The Thai 'wai' is more than a simple greeting, conveying varying levels of respect through hand placement and posture based on the relationship. For travelers, sincerity and a smile are key, with advice to mirror local gestures rather than aiming for perfect technique.
The Bank of Japan raised its benchmark interest rate to a 31-year high of 1.25% on Friday in a divided 7-2 vote. Despite the move to combat inflation, the Japanese yen fell against the US dollar, with markets closely watching for future policy signals.
Thailand's government announced the return of the popular 'Thai Chuay Thai' co-payment scheme for October and November to combat rising living costs. Eligible citizens can receive up to 1,000 baht, with welfare cardholders getting an additional 700 baht. Previous participants are expected to be able to claim benefits without re-registering.
Thailand's Deep South, particularly Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and parts of Songkhla, continues to experience insurgent violence and civil unrest, prompting travel advisories from various governments. Travelers require different safety plans compared to popular tourist destinations.
Thailand's Election Commission has controversially cleared all 229 suspects in a national Senate collusion case, despite a 90,000-page evidence file recommending criminal charges. The decision has sparked widespread public outrage and eroded faith in the electoral system.
Bringing food into Thailand, even for personal use, is subject to quantity limits and declaration requirements, with violations leading to confiscation or penalties. Customs, FDA, and quarantine authorities each oversee regulations, making pre-travel checks essential.
Thailand plans to cap electric rail fares at 45 baht per journey from January 1, 2027, aiming to reduce living costs and encourage public transport use. However, securing funding for the estimated 600 million baht annual subsidy presents a significant challenge.
Si Phang Nga National Park in Phang Nga, southern Thailand, has closed four popular tourist spots until September 20, 2026, due to continuous heavy rainfall. Authorities warn of flash floods and mudslides, prioritizing visitor safety.
Thailand is experiencing a surge in data center investments, leading to concerns about increased pressure on its national power grid. Balancing renewable energy needs with economic growth is a key challenge, with potential impacts on local industries highlighted.
The "Mekong Flow" project has launched in Chiang Rai province, northern Thailand, to advance wetland conservation in the Lower Ing River Basin. Local residents, international organizations, and corporations are collaborating towards Ramsar Site designation. However, legal restrictions on public land pose challenges.
Thailand is doubling its public solar power program capacity from 5GW to 10GW, aiming to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and enhance energy security. The expansion is expected to benefit approximately one million households, allowing them to sell surplus electricity back to the grid.
Arsenic contamination exceeding legal limits has been detected in major rivers across Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces in northern Thailand. The slow spread of heavy metals through the environment and food chain makes control difficult, raising concerns about long-term health impacts and ecological damage. Residents are expressing growing distrust due to the authorities' slow response.
Fitch Ratings has affirmed Thailand's long-term foreign- and local-currency ratings at BBB+ and revised the country's sovereign outlook to Stable from Negative. This brings Thailand's outlook to Stable from all three major rating agencies.
China's 12345 hotline efficiently resolves citizen complaints, demonstrating a model for urban service improvement. This citizen-participation system could offer valuable insights for enhancing city services in Thailand.
An unofficial result from the Nonthaburi Provincial Administration Organisation (PAO) chief election shows Naruphon Yenprasert of the Phueng Luang group leading People’s candidate Decharat Sukkamnerd. With over 50% of ballots counted, Naruphon appears to have secured more than 30,000 votes.