Thai authorities have uncovered a massive financial scandal involving a disgraced abbot at a historical temple in Ayutthaya province. Hundreds of millions of baht were found in personal bank accounts and secret quarters, deeply shaking the Buddhist community. Authorities have pledged a transparent investigation.
In Thailand, nominee shareholding that conceals actual foreign control is illegal. Authorities investigate beyond registered ownership ratios, examining financial flows and actual business decisions, with potential criminal penalties for violators.
Thailand's government has announced plans for the 2026 'Khon La Khrueng' co-payment program, increasing the government's subsidy share to 60%. The scheme, implemented via the Pao Tang app, aims to stimulate the local economy.
Thailand's birth rate has hit a 75-year low, prompting experts to warn of a "silent crisis" threatening the nation's future prosperity and stability. A comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach to family support is urgently needed.
The Thai government is actively promoting skills development programs for workers in the logistics and transportation sectors. Graduates of these programs secure immediate employment, generating a collective annual income of approximately 47 million baht. The government plans to expand these initiatives to bolster national economic competitiveness and address unemployment.
Buying a condo off-plan in Thailand offers appeal with lower launch prices and more choices, but carries significant risks including developer insolvency, contract issues, and foreign ownership quota limitations. Experts strongly advise written contract verification and independent due diligence.
Thai gold prices are facing significant downward pressure amid growing speculation that the US Federal Reserve will implement a 0.25% interest rate hike this week. Global market shifts could impact local jewelers and individual investors in Thailand.
Thailand's electricity bills fluctuate monthly due to factors beyond usage, including fuel adjustment tariffs (Ft), service fees, VAT, and billing period length. Fluctuations in fuel costs and government support policies significantly impact rates.
CP Group in Thailand is continuing its initiative to employ 643 disabled veterans, supporting their economic independence and social participation. This is part of the company's long-standing social contribution efforts.
Thailand's Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has classified a massive nominee scheme in Pattaya as a 'special case.' This move grants investigators more power and resources to pursue illegal business setups that pose a significant threat to the national economy.
Thailand's official lottery tickets are frequently sold above the 80-baht price limit, despite the Government Lottery Office's (GLO) quota system for approved vendors. While digital sales offer a direct route, paper ticket overpricing persists due to resale markups and limited supply, creating ongoing challenges.
Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is in Vietnam accompanying the King and Queen on a state visit. Back home, 77 individuals implicated in a Senate collusion case have been sent to the Supreme Court, while Anutin and other key figures avoided referral, intensifying domestic political scrutiny.
Chumphon Province in Southern Thailand is considering relocating the venue for the traditional 'Khun Khon Ching Thong' boat racing competition. The move, which involves exploring the use of royal canals or the Nong Yai reservoir, is reportedly to accommodate larger events.
Effective September 15, 2026, Thailand has reduced the visa-free stay for British citizens and many other nationalities from 60 to 30 days. This change prompts travelers planning longer holidays to re-evaluate their itineraries.
Pattaya Special Prison in Chonburi, Thailand, has opened a halfway house and four vocational training sites to aid inmates' reintegration into society. These facilities aim to equip prisoners with skills and temporary shelter before their release.
A collision occurred at a Pattaya intersection, with suspected drunk driving and running a red light. Two cars were severely damaged, and police are investigating. The incident highlights the urgent need to crack down on drunk driving.
Bangkok plans to lease 1,347 electric garbage trucks, aiming to cut costs, reduce pollution, and improve waste collection by switching from diesel vehicles. The proposal is part of the 2027 fiscal budget under review by the Bangkok Metropolitan Council.
Pattaya faces challenges as heavy rainfall causes road flooding, impacting businesses, drivers, and tourists. However, many establishments are adapting to navigate the rainy season. The Thai Meteorological Department indicates continued rain, with potential easing later.
Pattaya municipal officers have intensified crackdowns on street vendors occupying public spaces on narrow streets, citing traffic obstruction and safety hazards for pedestrians. Violators face fines, and the city encourages public reporting of issues.
Despite intermittent rain, Pattaya continues to experience intense heat, driving demand for cold drinks and ice. Tourism operators are focusing on flexible operations and cost management during the low season.
A South Korean tourist in Pattaya has reported 25,000 baht in cash missing from his hotel room after spending the night with a woman he met on Walking Street. Police are investigating, reviewing CCTV footage and other evidence.
Chiang Rai police have launched an investigation into allegations that a 7-year-old girl was sexually assaulted by a group of young boys in a village. The case came to light after the mother's appeal on social media, and evidence collection is underway.
In Mae Sai, northern Thailand, local troops and residents are urgently reinforcing a flood wall to prevent damage from the rising Sai River. The critical work, aimed at minimizing economic disruption, continues through the weekend.
A doctor in Chiang Rai has paid a 250,000 baht deposit to the families of victims in a fatal crash that killed two university students and severely injured another. However, significant differences remain regarding the final compensation amount, hindering settlement talks.
Thailand's Customs Department has collected over 4 billion baht in import tax and VAT under a new policy taxing foreign goods from the first baht of value. Authorities are also investigating potential 'Made in Thailand' mislabeling, impacting domestic industry and trade relations.
A man was arrested while transporting approximately 400 million baht worth of methamphetamine (ice) from Chiang Rai in northern Thailand to Songkhla in the south. His vehicle crashed into a house fence while evading police. He claimed to have been hired three times to transport drugs for wedding expenses.
The Governor of Chonburi Province, in collaboration with the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), is investigating alleged irregularities involving land and funds totaling 193 million baht in the Ban Bueng district. Seven companies suspected of being nominees for foreign nationals are under scrutiny.
The Thai government has officially announced a reduction of 4 baht per liter on the factory gate price of diesel fuel, effective from September 16 to October 31. This measure aims to alleviate the burden of rising fuel costs on the public.
The Governor of Songkhla has issued a warning for residents to prepare for heavy rainfall expected from September 17-20, citing risks of flash floods and landslides. The alert is based on the latest weather forecasts.
Thailand's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment inspected the progress of crackdowns on illegal commercial farming in the Saiyaphrakarn Forest Reserve. Eight cases have been prosecuted, leading to the reclamation of over 7,000 rai (approximately 1,120 hectares) of land.
Thai Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn inspected Ratchaburi province, ordering the Department of Highways and Department of Rural Roads to expedite repairs on old bridges and traffic bottlenecks. This aims to advance the 'Tri Buriratchaya' road network connecting three provinces, bolstering urban development, tourism, and its role as a gateway to the South.
The Thai cabinet has approved the results of the 25th bidding round for land-based petroleum concessions. PTT Exploration and Production (PTT E&P) secured two blocks, and Pan Orient Energy secured one. This is expected to stabilize domestic energy supply.
Thai royal fashion brand SIRIVANNAVARI showcased its handcrafted "Don Goey Hook Hahn" hats on the popular US show "America's Got Talent (AGT)". This presentation highlights the fusion of Thai traditional craftsmanship with contemporary fashion, offering international visibility.
Phuket Governor conducted a surprise inspection of the Chabad House in Patong, leading to an order from the Patong Municipality to halt construction due to illegal building modifications.
PROSPECT REIT has announced a dividend of 0.1400 baht per unit for July-August, to be paid on October 12. The company is also proceeding with its third capital increase by offering new units for subscription, projecting a first-year yield of 7.6%.
UOB Thailand has been honored with the 'Best Sustainable Bank 2026' award by the prestigious FinanceAsia magazine. This recognition highlights the bank's commitment to sustainability and its leadership in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives within Thailand.