Thailand's Ministry of Finance is set to overhaul its automotive excise tax system to incentivize the use of domestic parts. Manufacturers with local production bases and local parts procurement will receive lower tax rates, while imported finished vehicles will face higher taxes, aiming to foster domestic industry and preserve jobs. New rates are expected to be finalized by September.
A Vietnam Airlines flight bound for Hanoi experienced a severe tail strike during takeoff from Munich Airport on August 15. The aircraft overran the runway and suffered tire damage upon landing, but all 274 passengers and crew were unharmed.
Thailand's oldest English-language newspaper, the Bangkok Post, officially launched its digital subscription model on August 14, 2026, restricting full article access behind a paywall. The move aims to diversify revenue streams and sustain high-quality journalism.
Applying for a Thai marriage visa (Non-O) in Chiang Rai presents challenges, primarily with proving financial requirements of 40,000 baht monthly income or 400,000 baht in a bank account. Document discrepancies and procedural complexities can hinder applicants seeking long-term stay permits.
Chiang Rai offers a range of coworking spaces and laptop-friendly cafes for remote workers and students, featuring reliable Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. The guide highlights various options, costs, and selection tips to ensure a productive work environment.
This report details the process for extending a retirement visa (Non-O) in Chiang Rai for foreigners aged 50 and over. It highlights financial proof requirements and crucial points, emphasizing that minor errors in paperwork or timing can cause delays, underscoring the importance of accurate information gathering.
The best time to visit Chiang Rai is from December to February, offering cool, dry weather ideal for sightseeing, though travel costs are higher. Conversely, the rainy season is more budget-friendly and features lush landscapes, but comes with the risk of adverse weather.
Singha Park in Chiang Rai offers free entry to its vast grounds featuring tea plantations, lakes, and flower gardens. Visitors can enjoy various activities like tram tours, bike rentals, and ziplining, making it a popular destination with seasonal events drawing tourists from around the globe.
Thai Immigration emphasizes that the permitted stay recorded upon entry, not the visa expiration date, is crucial. Overstays incur a 500 baht daily fine, capped at 20,000 baht. Longer stays or egregious cases can lead to deportation and re-entry bans.
A hybrid car in Pathum Thani, Thailand, caught fire while charging overnight, narrowly avoiding a blaze that could have spread to a nearby home. The owner suspects an electrical fault but awaits a full investigation.
Residents in Pattaya's Soi Yen Sabai are once again raising concerns over dangerous motorcycle stunts, including wheelies, performed by groups of Kuwaiti visitors, urging for increased police enforcement.
Pattaya City Council has approved an additional 266.68 million baht from accumulated funds to cover waste management contracts through fiscal year 2027, addressing increased costs for processing an average of 590 tons of waste daily.
A large flame tree collapsed on a group of Spanish tourists at Wat Phra Si Sanphet temple in Ayutthaya Historical Park on Sunday, injuring four people. A 55-year-old man sustained serious fractures. Authorities suspect age-related deterioration and are ordering inspections of large trees at historical sites province-wide.
Two thieves who stole motorcycle parts from a Pattaya repair shop returned most of the stolen items with an apology note, apparently after realizing they were clearly captured on CCTV. The shop owner is willing to drop the complaint if the suspects offer a formal apology.
Pattaya City will proceed with repairs on deteriorated roads behind Naklua New Market. While full-scale rehabilitation is hindered by unclear legal status of the land as public roads, emergency measures will be implemented to improve resident convenience. The city is also introducing new paving equipment.
Thai police have arrested a 29-year-old woman identified as a "Super Admin" of a major international online gambling operation. The network reportedly managed 11 prominent gambling brands. The suspect was apprehended in Nakhon Pathom province.
Thai Cyber Police have busted an organized crime group specializing in laundering money for scammers, arresting nine individuals caught withdrawing illicit cash in Bangkok shopping malls. The group systematically used rented bank accounts for rapid, hard-to-trace fund movements.
Record rainfall has caused river levels to surge dangerously in Thoeng district, Chiang Rai province. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has raised its alert level to maximum, urging residents to prepare for potential evacuation.
Thailand is attracting institutional investor interest through the tokenization of real-world assets using blockchain technology. The government is establishing regulatory frameworks to position the country as a digital asset market hub.
Northern Thailand provinces have been issued an urgent warning for severe weather between August 18 and August 21, with a high risk of flash floods, forest runoff, and mudslides due to heavy rainfall. Authorities urge immediate vigilance.
Thailand's Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) insists that allegations of fraud in the Senate election must be backed by evidence, ahead of an opposition-led no-confidence debate. The party stressed the need for concrete proof to fulfill the government's accountability.
Thailand is strengthening its involvement in Myanmar's Dawei deep-sea port project and expressing interest in infrastructure investment cooperation with Russia. Both nations aim to diversify Thailand's trade routes and enhance regional economic integration.
To capture a larger share of global investment, Thailand must sharpen its economic strategy, speed up government procedures, and maintain policy and financial stability, according to Citi. The bank emphasizes leveraging Thailand's strengths amidst global supply chain restructuring.
Pattaya, Thailand, is set for unsettled weather with thunderstorms and strong winds expected from August 18-21. Marine activities face risks due to sudden rough seas and reduced visibility.
The Thai government will offer free trial use of two new sections of the M6 and M82 motorways later this month. These openings are expected to provide new routes towards the Northeast and Samut Sakhon, alleviating traffic congestion on existing roads.
Thailand's Meteorological Department has warned of heavy to very heavy rain from August 18-21, with potential flash floods and runoff, especially in the North and Northeast. Rough seas of 2-3 meters are expected in the upper Andaman Sea, prompting warnings for seafarers.
Thailand has been a focal point for a range of news, from dramatic sea rescues and tragic deaths to sporting triumphs and economic shifts. Notably, the country is grappling with tightened gun control measures and vulnerabilities in its labor market.
A raid on a distribution center in Chonburi, Thailand, resulted in the seizure of over 40,000 packs of contraband cigarettes valued at 3.6 million baht. Authorities anticipate a fine of approximately 38 million baht, including evaded excise taxes.
Thai Democrat Party MP Chaiyachana Dechdecho posted a photo on his personal Facebook page sharing a meal with Pol. Lt. Col. Tanongsak Sawasikomol, Deputy Inspector of Investigation at Thung Yai Police Station, amidst an ongoing investigation into an alleged assault incident. The post, accompanied by a caption emphasizing "long-standing friendship," is seen as an attempt to de-escalate public attention.
The "Chang Championship 2026" youth golf tournament in Phetchaburi has concluded its second round. Siwoo Park leads the Super GENZ Boy category with a total score of 4 under par, while Khwanna-phat Suanin tops the Super GENZ Girl category at 6 under par.
Thailand's Ministry of Commerce has cracked down on agents facilitating company setups for Chinese capital by illicitly using Thai nominees. Activities were confirmed in parts of Sakon Nakhon province, raising concerns about the impact on the domestic economy.
Thailand's prominent monk, 'Thong Thong', has urged relevant authorities for a swift and accurate resolution regarding temple land registration issues. This matter is considered crucial for ensuring transparency and legality in temple asset management.
Thailand is moving forward with a plan to implement a 450-baht tourism fee for foreign visitors. A 30-day public hearing will be held to gather public opinion, with collection potentially starting in the first quarter of 2027.
Thailand's Ministry of Commerce has uncovered irregularities in 35 company registrations in Sakon Nakhon province. Numerous nominee firms, 100% Chinese-owned but registered under Thai names, were found to have no actual business operations, raising suspicions of fraudulent activity.
The resident group 'Prachin Khamkheng' in Thailand's Prachinburi province has announced its intention to proceed with a protest in front of the provincial hall on August 17. The group asserts that the police and provincial governor lack the authority to prohibit the assembly and declares they will not return home without achieving victory. This move highlights tensions surrounding citizens' rights and administrative responses in the region.