Thailand's eight-year partnership with the MICHELIN Guide has generated substantial economic benefits, supporting the nation's shift toward high-value tourism over mass visitor numbers.
BANGKOK — Thailand has announced a major triumph in its global Food Soft Power strategy, revealing that its eight-year partnership with the MICHELIN Guide has generated a total incremental economic ...
A Chai Nat landowner finally sold a property he couldn't shift for years after seeking blessings from the revered Luang Por Somwang statue in Nakhon Pathom, then donated 999 eggs and offerings to the temple in gratitude.
A landowner from Chai Nat province who had been unable to sell a one-rai property for years sought blessings from the revered Luang Por Somwang statue at Wat Klang Bang Phra in Nakhon Pathom. After placing a land deed beneath a replica statue and making a vow in February 2569, the property sold within two months at a good profit. The grateful owner, named Sarawut (surname withheld), then fulfilled his promise by bringing 999 chicken eggs, a pair of clay chicken statues, and three garlands to make merit offerings in May. Sarawut claimed he randomly selected lottery numbers 1, 6, and 7 from the eggs before leaving, planning to donate any winnings back to the temple's charitable programs. The donated items will be distributed to underprivileged families through the temple's welfare initiatives. Luang Por Somwang is a sacred Buddha image depicting the subjugation of Mara, standing over 30 meters tall and revered by both Thai and foreign devotees.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand is partnering with Red Bull to stage a historic wingsuit flight over Bangkok on March 27, 2026, featuring renowned stuntman Miles Daisher as part of efforts to position the country as a global extreme sport
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has partnered with Red Bull to stage a historic wingsuit flight over Bangkok on March 27, 2026. Renowned stuntman Miles Daisher from the Red Bull Air Force leap...
Thailand has detected no hantavirus cases, but the government is intensifying surveillance at borders and screening travelers following infections linked to a cruise ship in the South Atlantic Ocean.
Government Deputy Spokesperson Lalida Perischvivat revealed on May 11, 2025, that the government through the Ministry of Public Health is closely monitoring the hantavirus situation. Thailand currently has no reported cases of the virus, and the risk to the general public is assessed as low.
Surveillance measures have been intensified at international disease control checkpoints and through domestic monitoring systems following a World Health Organization report of infections linked to a cruise ship in the South Atlantic Ocean.
According to Perischvivat, hantavirus is a contagious disease primarily transmitted by rodents such as field mice and house mice. Infection typically occurs through inhalation of dust contaminated with rodent urine or feces in poorly ventilated areas. Human-to-human transmission is rare and limited to specific strains.
Early symptoms resemble the flu, and some patients may develop respiratory complications. Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine available; management is supportive care only.
The government has ordered the Department of Disease Control to increase surveillance of travelers from high-risk areas through coordination with airlines, ports, and relevant agencies. Public health facilities nationwide have been instructed to screen individuals with histories of rodent exposure.
The National Communicable Disease Committee also approved further study of classifying hantavirus as a dangerous communicable disease under the 2015 Communicable Disease Act, along with risk assessment preparation and surveillance system development.
The government is urging the public to reduce exposure risk by avoiding poorly ventilated areas where rodents may live. When cleaning high-risk areas, disinfectant should be sprayed first, avoiding sweeping or vacuuming. Homes and workplaces should be kept clean and rodent-free.
"The government prioritizes close monitoring of emerging diseases. Although Thailand currently faces low risk, we have prepared surveillance systems, screening protocols, and communication strategies to ensure public safety and confidence," the statement said.
Police rescued a 31-year-old woman dangling from an overpass in Nakhon Ratchasima after she climbed onto the railing following an argument with her boyfriend at 3:19 AM on May 11. Officers spotted her in distress and executed a carefully pl
Nakhon Ratchasima: A 31-year-old woman became emotionally distressed following an argument with her boyfriend and climbed onto an overpass, dangling her legs over the edge in a suicide attempt. Fortunately, alert police officers patrolling the area discovered her and executed a daring rescue operation to save her life.
On May 11, 2025, police body cameras captured a dramatic rescue operation in which Muang District police demonstrated quick thinking and bravery while helping a 31-year-old woman in severe emotional distress. After a heated argument with her boyfriend, she impulsively climbed onto the pedestrian overpass railing and prepared to jump. Fortunately, patrol officers spotted her and intervened successfully.
The incident occurred at 3:19 AM on May 11, 2025, at a pedestrian overpass in front of the Mechanical and Commerce Technology College in Muang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Officers conducting a temporary checkpoint on Mittraphap Road noticed a woman appearing distressed, crying, and walking up onto the overpass.
When the woman climbed onto the overpass railing and dangled her legs over the edge, officers immediately began speaking calmly to her to prevent further harm. Meanwhile, they developed a careful rescue plan, with some officers positioning themselves behind her while others watched for the right moment to charge forward and pull her to safety.
The woman, identified as Ms. B (pseudonym), 31, from Chao Ho Subdistrict in Muang District, later acknowledged that she had argued with her boyfriend, leading to emotional distress and her decision to attempt the act. She was fortunate that officers arrived in time to help. Her family was then contacted to come retrieve her for further care.
After the incident, reports were filed with Sirichai Srichaipanya, superintendent of Muang District Police Station, and Deputy Superintendent Yutthapong Khokhunthod. This incident exemplifies the proactive work of patrol officers who not only maintain public order and safety but also rescue citizens in critical moments.
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned to his Bangkok residence after eight months of monastic ordination, greeting red-shirt supporters gathered to welcome him home. He will undergo a health checkup at Rama 9 Hospital on May 12.
At 9:00 AM on May 11, 2569, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra arrived at his Moonlight Mansion residence, where red-shirt supporters from 50 Bangkok districts gathered to welcome him. Upon arrival, Thaksin stepped out of his car to greet and wave to supporters with a smile.
Thaksin had changed into a white and blue striped short-sleeved shirt, with his daughter, former Prime Minister Phaethongchai Shinawatra, seated beside him.
When asked if he was happy to return home, Thaksin said he spent eight months in monastic ordination. Responding to foreign media about how he felt after his release, he raised both hands above his head and said "Relief." When asked what he learned during his eight months inside, Thaksin said he spent time in ordination and joked that he can no longer remember anything. When pressed about his current health condition, he simply smiled and made a wai gesture without answering.
Family members including Passaman Damapong, Pintongtaa Shinawatra, and other relatives gathered to welcome Thaksin at the Moonlight Mansion, along with his siblings.
On May 12, Thaksin will travel to Rama 9 Hospital for a health checkup following his eight-month detention.
Thailand's Expressway Authority will waive tolls on three major expressway routes all day Wednesday, May 13, for Visakha Bucha Day to ease holiday travel and reduce congestion at 63 toll booths nationwide.
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) under the Ministry of Transport will waive expressway tolls on three routes as follows:
Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expressway (Din Daeng-Bang Na-Daw Khano) - 21 toll booths Sri Rat Expressway (Sai Yut-Bang Khlo-Srinakarin) - 32 toll booths Udon Expressway (Bang Pa-in-Pak Kret) - 10 toll booths
The waiver applies on Wednesday, May 13, 2025 (Visakha Bucha Day) from 00:01 to 24:00 hours, a national public holiday declared by the Prime Minister's Office.
This measure follows government and Ministry of Transport policy outlined in amended concession agreements between EXAT, Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM), and Bangkok Northern Expressway Company Limited (NECL). The waiver aims to facilitate public travel during the holiday, reduce financial burden on citizens, and minimize traffic congestion at toll booths.
EXAT requests public cooperation in safe driving under the concept "Safe Driving - No U-turns for Safety." For travel information, contact the Expressway User Information Service Center (EXAT Call Center) at 1543, available 24 hours.
Police seized over 280,000 methamphetamine pills destined for Phuket and Phang Nga in a Krabi drug bust that dismantled a distribution network.
PHUKET: More than 280,000 methamphetamine pills (ya bah) destined for Phuket and Phang Nga were seized after police dismantled a drug distribution network operating out of Krabi’s Khlong Thom district.
Former PM Thaksin checked in with Bangkok probation authorities on May 11 alongside his sister Yingluck, completing monthly reporting requirements under his suspended sentence conditions.
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra reported to Bangkok Probation Office 1 on May 11, 2025, and made a lighthearted jab at waiting media, saying "I can't remember anything anymore—I've got Alzheimer's," when asked if he recalled them from his initial prison entry. Accompanied by his sister Yingluck, also a former Prime Minister, and his attorney Viññyati Chatimonthon, Thaksin completed his probation check-in procedures on the second floor in approximately 10 minutes. After finishing the paperwork, he descended to greet the assembled journalists with a smile and wave before departing with Yingluck to their Changsonghlueang residence.
Under the terms of his probation suspension, Thaksin's conditions include residing at his designated address with his caretaker, maintaining honest employment, reporting to probation officers monthly, adhering to all laws and regulations, abstaining from drugs and weapons, avoiding contact with prisoners or detainees (except relatives), refraining from associating with individuals who might lead him to further wrongdoing, and remaining within provincial boundaries except when authorized for urgent matters.
Five Russian tourists were arrested following a brawl in downtown Phuket early on May 10. Phuket City Police confirmed that the fight involved only Russian nationals, with no Thai people attacked or injured in the incident.
PHUKET: Five Russian tourists were arrested after a brawl in downtown Phuket early yesterday morning (May 10), with Phuket City Police now confirming that the fight involved only Russian nationals and no Thai people were attacked or injured.
Thailand's government approved 15 major investment projects worth over 1 trillion baht and is upgrading energy infrastructure to attract digital and clean energy industries, streamlining approvals to accelerate economic growth.
Government Advances Infrastructure Upgrades to Attract Digital and Clean Energy Investments for Future Industries
May 11, 2026 – Rachada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, announced that the government is advancing infrastructure upgrades and promoting investment to support the economy and future industries.
The Board of Investment (BOI) has approved 6 major investment projects worth a combined 958,168 million baht. Simultaneously, 9 additional projects have been selected for the Thailand FastPass accelerated investment program phase 2, valued at 52,104 million baht combined.
This brings the total number of projects in the system to 25, worth over 223,216 million baht. These measures aim to reduce approval steps and enable faster investment implementation.
Rachada stated that beyond short-term investment facilitation measures, the government is also accelerating energy infrastructure upgrades to support high-electricity-consuming industries and long-term power demand. The energy ministry is preparing electricity guarantee measures for major power consumers.
Meanwhile, the provincial and metropolitan electricity authorities are developing standards for electricity guarantees to align power network investment plans with business electricity usage plans. The Energy Ministry is pushing forward the Power Development Plan (PDP) to support high-electricity-consuming industries by studying the recommissioning of decommissioned power plants and promoting modern energy technologies in the electrical system. The government is also advancing clean energy support mechanisms, including the Direct PPA program, which has completed rate calculations and awaits consideration by the Energy Regulatory Commission. The green electricity rate (UGT2) has been announced by the provincial and metropolitan electricity authorities as of April 30, 2026. Additionally, the government is reviewing regulations regarding rooftop solar systems to increase flexibility and support investor needs in transitioning to environmentally friendly business operations.