THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

The tantalizing tale of Urs Fehr, the Swiss national whose bewildering escape has everyone scratching their heads, is making waves across the serene shores of Thailand. Known locally as “Swiss David,” Fehr has managed to vanish into thin air after being slapped with a jail sentence for a much-publicized altercation with a Thai doctor. The saga has everyone talking about justice, or the apparent lack thereof, and leaves you wondering what on Earth went awry on the sunny island of Phuket. Just a few clicks away from being another run-of-the-mill court case, this story evolved into high drama when the Region 8 Court of Appeal did an about-face. On May 23, they yanked back their earlier acquittal, convicting Fehr of physically assaulting Dr. Thandao Chandam in a tiff that escalated outside Fehr’s posh rental villa. The doctor, who never expected a simple day outside his abode would turn into tabloid…

Picture this: a cutting-edge Chinese radio telescope strategically planted in the enchanting landscapes of northern Thailand. This isn’t just any telescope; it’s the first of its kind overseas, and it’s redefining the way we look at space and our own planet. Crafted with precision, this 13-meter (43-foot) marvel was birthed through the meticulous collaboration between the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory and Thailand’s very own National Astronomical Research Institute (NARIT). The grand inauguration took place in the culturally rich city of Chiang Mai on May 16, 2025, marking a milestone in international scientific cooperation. But wait, there’s more! This telescope isn’t a lone star in the cosmic narrative. Soon, it will be joined by a sibling, currently under construction in Songkhla, located in the southern region of Thailand. Together, these celestial sentinels will provide a duet of deep-space tracking and precise Earth monitoring. With our need for razor-sharp GPS, insightful climate research,…

In a reverberating criticism that echoed through the parliament chambers yesterday, Pukkamon Nunarnan, an outspoken People’s Party MP often referred to by her moniker “Lisa,” lambasted the government’s colossal 26.5 billion baht provincial budget. As the numbers were tossed around the room on this third day of the fiscal budget debate for 2026, Lisa boldly wielded her words against the Interior Ministry’s budget, pointing out glaring disparities that seem to be growing roots deeper than ever across the nation. With the deftness of a seasoned orator, Lisa illuminated a worrying trend using World Bank data, illustrating that an estimated 70% of national expenditure showers upon Bangkok, effectively widening the yawning chasm between urban and rural growth. Her rhetoric painted a vivid picture: more than half of Thailand’s provinces, especially those nesting along the borders and cloistered in the furthest south, linger in the shadows of development. The promises that once…

As Thailand braces for the wrath of nature, the country’s Meteorological Department (TMD) has placed 39 provinces on high alert, warning residents of impending heavy rainfall, including the bustling capital, Bangkok. With a tempestuous mix of a southwest monsoon and a lurking low-pressure area over Hainan Island, the skies are set to unleash torrents that may render many areas waterlogged. While the industrious city folk of Bangkok rush to and fro, keeping one eye on the skies, those in hill-dotted regions and scenic low-lying areas must stay vigilant. The risk of sudden flash floods and unexpected landslides looms ominously. It’s a call to arms for farmers, who might ponder over clouds drenched with potential peril, yet could cleverly outmaneuver by crafting more efficient drainage systems to safeguard their precious crops and sturdy livestock. Meanwhile, over the shimmering expanses of the Andaman Sea, the weather remains deceptively moderate, belying an underlying…

It was an air of urgency and electric energy that enveloped the stately halls of Government House in Thailand. The charismatic and formidable Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, radiant in her determination, unfurled a plan so ambitious that it promised to rejuvenate the country’s beleaguered tourism industry. Known globally as the Land of Smiles, Thailand is poised for a transformation, turning its tourism woes into waves of prosperity. The 38-year-old Pheu Thai leader, with an eye firmly on the prize, has sounded a clarion call to action. Armed with a whopping 157 billion baht from the government’s stimulus plan, she’s not just twiddling her thumbs—she’s launching a full-throttled drive dedicated to tourism. Like an architect sketching the lines of a magnificent skyscraper, Paetongtarn has envisioned a Thailand that stands as a global travel titan. During a pressure-cooker meeting—one that could rival the tension of a thrilling Thai drama—Paetongtarn underscored the crucial…

In a political spectacle that has all the makings of a dramatic courtroom series, Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga finds himself thrust into the limelight. All thanks to the relentless efforts of political activist Sonthiya Sawasdee, who is fighting tooth and nail to bring this matter to the Constitutional Court with the fervor of a TV detective on the trail of corruption. Mr. Sonthiya, brimming with determination, has formally appealed to the Office of the Attorney-General to probe deeper into Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s decision to appoint Mr. Pirapan as the Energy Minister. Armed with a petition as his weapon, Mr. Sonthiya believes that the waters run deeper, suggesting that there may have been some shady dealings involved. His call for action is emphatic, urging that this matter isn’t just swept under the rug but is delivered to the Constitutional Court to shine a light on the alleged constitutional breach. The…

The bustling metropolis of Bangkok is not only famous for its vibrant street life and cultural landmarks but also its skyline dotted with ever-reaching high-rise buildings. Recently, however, a rather unsettling revelation has shaken the city’s high-rise development scene. The Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) has raised alarm bells about thirteen glittering skyscraper projects that may have strayed far from adhering to the city’s stringent construction laws. Spearheading the discovery is Saree Aongsomwang, the secretary-general of TCC. On a sunny Thursday morning, she shared the council’s concern, revealing that they had received a flurry of grievances from residents in eleven neighborhoods. These residents courageously voiced their worries over safety and regulatory oversights surrounding the high-rise constructions threatening their community respites. Upon diving deeper into these complaints, the TCC uncovered instances of alleged discrepancies. An astonishing thirteen construction projects were found to have veered off designated paths, showing deviations from their approved…

Imagine landing in a new country, your anticipation for adventure bouncing off the airport walls. But there’s a hurdle–a language barrier, a potential fare dispute, or worse yet, a driver looking to take advantage. This scenario doesn’t just make for a bad day; it taints the overall experience. With Thailand positioning itself as a tourism haven, the Department of Land Transport (DLT) has decidedly cracked down to ensure that public transport embodies the kingdom’s renowned hospitality. With the dynamic energy of Bangkok and the postcard-perfect beaches of Phuket, every corner of Thailand thrives on its vibrant tourism. Recognizing how public transport is the veins that keep this heart beating, the DLT steps in to transcend mere oversight. Seksom Akraphand, the deputy director-general, has set his sights on a vision where transport isn’t just a service but a warm welcome to the world. To transform this vision into reality, the DLT…

Thailand’s idyllic island of Phuket, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, was recently rocked by an unexpected ripple—a viral video capturing the reckless antics of youths firing guns into the sky at Surin Beach. The short but shocking 21-second clip, first shared on the Facebook page Phuket Exposed (แฉยับ ภูเก็ต), caught the attention of many as it circulated online under the hashtag #ThisIsPhuket. Although the video depicted young individuals discharging firearms without aiming at anyone, it ignited a widespread fear for tourist safety and raised questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement on this tourist haven. The sight of gunfire lighting up the night sky was no mere youthful prank; instead, it sparked a wave of indignation among locals and concerned internet users. While there were no reports of injuries from this so-called “gun practice,” the public’s alarm was palpable. Many warned of the potential threats such acts…