Poverty in Asia and the Pacific is not confined to the poorest nations, with approximately 2.3 billion people facing poverty or its risks, even in middle-income countries. Experts call for a policy shift targeting vulnerability itself.
Southeast Asia's EV market is heating up, with Thailand recalibrating its strategy to include hybrids, balancing Chinese dominance with domestic industry protection. Despite significant EV supply chain investment, local parts suppliers face challenges.
Thailand, known as the "Land of Smiles," is also a notable destination for sex tourists. Cities like Bangkok and Pattaya feature numerous establishments offering sexual services, with affordability and cultural acceptance attracting male visitors.
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) in Thailand faces operational paralysis due to a ruling that its chairman lacks the necessary qualifications. This impasse risks delaying crucial national digital policies, including the 2030 digital TV roadmap and spectrum auctions.
China's Recreational Vehicle (RV) sector is experiencing a boom, with over 200,000 RVs on the road but only around 3,000 official campsites. In response, nine government bodies, led by the Ministry of Commerce, have launched sweeping measures to boost the industry, including optimizing road management and dedicating parking spaces in urban areas for RVs.
Bangkok's severe traffic congestion cannot be solved by infrastructure development alone. The issue incurs significant economic losses and impacts citizens' lives, necessitating a multifaceted approach.
The ASEAN Secretary-General has urged enhanced diplomatic dialogue between Thailand and Cambodia to resolve ongoing conflicts. Citing the impact of 2025 border clashes on people on both sides, he stressed the importance of implementing ceasefire agreements and cooperation based on the ASEAN spirit.
Thai MP Thammanat Prompao has denied rumors of meeting former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Monaco, emphasizing his trip was a family vacation to France and Monaco with no political discussions. He stated Thaksin's travel records would also confirm he did not visit Monaco.
ICONSIAM, in collaboration with the Thai Fragrance Industry Association, has gathered 50 leading Thai fragrance brands to promote the nation's traditional scent culture as a global soft power. The initiative aims to enhance the value and international competitiveness of Thai perfumery.
Reports have emerged of the discovery of the body of Hlun Htun Oo, identified as a Myanmar democracy activist, within Thailand. The family is awaiting official confirmation from the Thai consulate. This development is causing ripples concerning the Myanmar situation within Thailand.
A popular Thai travel YouTuber, Hlun Solo, 26, whose real name is Bawornthat Pengsuk, has been found dead in a hotel in Tbilisi, Georgia, after being missing for over 15 days. Local authorities have launched an investigation, including the possibility of incitement to suicide.
Bangkok's Airport Rail Link experienced a power supply system failure between Ladkrabang and Ban Tap Chang stations, resulting in single-track operation. Restoration efforts are underway.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has certified the Sop. Language Testing Center as meeting international standards, elevating Thai aviation personnel training to a global level.
A migrant worker from Myanmar has won Thailand's oyster omelet (Hoi Tod) eating contest, defeating the local champion by consuming 1 kilogram in just 4 minutes.
The "SBA Global Scale-up K-Beauty Showcase," supported by Seoul City, successfully concluded in Bangkok. The event aimed to promote K-beauty products in the Thai market and create business opportunities for Korean companies.
Thai highway police apprehended 17 Myanmar nationals attempting to illegally enter Thailand during a long holiday period. The migrants were found in three vehicles heading towards Bangkok.
Thai police have raided a suspect's home in Chonburi province in connection with the disappearance of two Russian siblings. Authorities are searching for individuals identified as 'Pong' and 'Thong', believed to be key figures in the case.
Over 200 police and rescue workers are conducting a large-scale search in Chonburi, Thailand, around a forest where the motorcycle of two missing Russian siblings was found buried. The siblings have been out of contact for days, with reports of suspicious tracking and a warning about a tracking device.
Myanmar's military has arrested 777 individuals, including Chinese and Thai nationals, suspected of online scamming in Myawaddy, Kayin State. Clashes with armed groups occurred during the operation, which also yielded significant amounts of cybercrime equipment, suggesting involvement of an international criminal network.
Koh Samui, a popular Thai tourist destination, has implemented water rationing due to a severe shortage caused by a prolonged dry spell and El Niño, raising concerns for the tourism sector.
Renowned Thai musician Pongprom Sanitwong visited his colleague Sumit Bandit, who is undergoing treatment for illness. The visit conveyed encouragement and financial aid for medical expenses, highlighting solidarity within Thailand's music industry.
Thailand aims to use the 2026 IMF and World Bank Summit as a key platform to promote its cultural heritage globally, enhancing its international image and driving economic growth through its soft power initiatives, including cuisine, entertainment, and tourism.
Phuket experienced a surge in domestic tourism during a recent three-day holiday, with average hotel occupancy reaching 60.79%. The economic impact is estimated to exceed 329 million baht.
Peace talks in Thailand's southern border provinces have temporarily stalled due to a resurgence of violence. Despite seven changes in negotiation leaders over 13 years, violent incidents persist, making the path to peace challenging. The change in Malaysia's facilitator also adds to the uncertainty.
Three villages in Thailand's Loei province celebrated a Buddhist festival by crafting devotional candles using the traditional 'bamboo tube candle making' method, a practice aimed at preserving a fading local culture and strengthening community bonds.
Two men posing as Buddhist monks and soliciting donations were arrested in Ayutthaya, Thailand, after being found living at a makeshift camp. They had previously been arrested at the same location.
Thai Liberal leader Seripisut Temiyavej has rejected a court-recommended compromise in a libel lawsuit filed by Bhumjaithai's Newin Chidchob. Seripisut intends to request subpoenas for witnesses in the case concerning Newin's alleged illegal land appropriation.
In Nong Khai, Thailand, 17 smartphones and iPads suspected of being linked to a scammer gang were seized for allegedly being smuggled into the country. Authorities are conducting further investigations.
Over 32,000 counterfeit branded products, including car air fresheners, cosmetics, and food items, were seized from a warehouse in Bangkok's Min Buri district. Thai police are investigating a Chinese national suspected of importing these goods from China and selling them online. Counterfeit engine oils, in particular, pose a risk of serious damage to vehicles.
A Thai soldier lost his left foot after stepping on a landmine during clearance operations in Sa Kaeo province near the Cambodian border. He is the 13th Thai soldier injured in similar incidents since last year's border conflict.
Thai police arrested two individuals posing as fake monks on Asalha Puja Day. The suspects had prior arrest records, indicating a lack of remorse. The incident highlights concerns over the exploitation of religious authority.
The Thai national football team has been drawn into Group B alongside Vietnam, Pakistan, and the Philippines for the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026. Division 1 matches will be held in Indonesia, and Division 2 in Hong Kong.