What started as a dream retirement in Thailand turned into a nightmare for Desmond and Mary Byrne. After a violent attack by their neighbours, they found themselves in the dock. Their passports were confiscated and they were stuck in a legal quagmire for months. Now they hope to finally be able to return home.
Pattaya police are cracking down on motorcycles with loud exhausts, issuing fines and confiscating them. Residents applaud the move, but wonder why noisy nightclubs are being treated less harshly. Is enforcement selective and focused on the easiest targets? Calls are growing for all forms of noise pollution to be taken equally seriously.
The government has approved a subsidy to help households cope with rising energy prices. Until April 2025, families consuming less than 300 units of electricity per month will receive a discount of 16,05 satang per unit. About 21,3 million households will benefit from this scheme, which builds on previous support measures.
In southern Thailand, a 68-year-old Belgian man died in a tragic traffic accident. He was hit by a small truck while cycling, presumably because the driver had fallen asleep. The man later died in hospital. A local mayor found the victim and immediately called the emergency services.
Thai youth aged 16 to 20 will receive a one-time payment of 10.000 baht this year. The government has chosen to give the digital money specifically to this group, because they are good at technology. At the same time, spending rules will be relaxed. The government expects this measure to be a powerful stimulus for the economy.
In a bid to revive a slumping stock market, Thailand is introducing tax breaks for investors. Investors can claim tax relief of up to 300.000 baht for sustainable ESG X funds, which are set to launch in June. The move is intended to attract capital and restore market confidence, while the government is also taking a tougher stance on trading abuses to protect investors.
Every day, more than 41 people, mostly women, end up in hospital in Thailand due to domestic violence. Victims are often left unprotected and perpetrators get away too easily. Current laws are inadequate and urgent reform is needed. Experts and aid organizations are calling on the government to strengthen the law, toughen penalties and provide better support to victims.
The Thai government is cracking down on illegal daily rentals of apartments without a permit. Inspections in Bangkok and Songkhla have revealed hundreds of unregistered accommodations, often operated by foreign investors. Stricter laws and fines are intended to combat these practices. Criminal activities in apartment complexes, such as illegal gambling dens, are also being put under increased surveillance.
The Thai government is working to create a fairer healthcare system for workers. Next week, agencies will discuss merging benefits from different schemes. Foreign workers could also be eligible for social security and a pension. These reforms should address healthcare inequality and improve access for all workers in Thailand.
Former Thai police officer Thitisan Utthanaphon, known as “Joe Ferrari,” was found dead in his cell. Authorities say he committed suicide, but his family does not believe that. They allege he was previously mistreated by prison officials and are demanding a full investigation. His lawyer calls the circumstances suspicious and calls for an independent autopsy.
Thai top cop 'Big Joke' fired without pension
Police General Surachate Hakparn, better known as 'Big Joke', has been dismissed by a disciplinary committee for alleged links to a gambling network. His dismissal marks the end of a much-discussed career full of power games and scandals. Although he continues to maintain his innocence, he risks losing not only his job, but also his pension for good.
From 20 March 2025, health insurance in Thailand will change. For many medical claims, you may have to pay part of the costs yourself. This system, called co-payment, is intended to reduce unnecessary expenses and keep insurance affordable. What does this mean for you and how does it work? Read on to find out how you can prepare for this.
As Thailand celebrated International Women’s Day, sex workers and women in informal occupations were once again marginalized. They work hard to support their families and contribute to the economy, but receive no recognition or legal protection. Their professions remain stigmatized and unprotected, while millions of women depend on these forms of work to survive.
The construction of the Thai-Chinese high-speed railway between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima has been postponed again. Problems with expropriation and technical adjustments are delaying several construction contracts. Completion is being pushed back to 2026 and 2027. In the meantime, the Thai Railways is investigating a public-private partnership to make the project more efficient and financially viable.
Thailand braces for extreme heat in April 2025
Thailand is set for a scorching April, with temperatures expected to reach 44 degrees Celsius. Extreme heat is expected, especially in the north. Experts are warning of health risks and urging precautions. How can you protect yourself from the rising temperatures? Read on and prepare for the hottest month of the year.
The Thai government is considering allowing the sale of alcohol on Buddhist holidays at specific locations such as airports and tourist areas. The plan is intended to boost tourism and provide more convenience for visitors, while preserving the religious significance of the holidays. The proposal still needs to be approved by the cabinet.
After years of debate, Thailand's High Administrative Court has invalidated an old regulation that required students to wear a strict hairstyle. The rules, introduced in 1975, restricted personal freedom and led to conflicts in education. The ruling is seen as a victory for student rights and a step towards modernizing Thailand's education system.
The Thai government is investigating the illegal sale of state land intended for landless farmers. Large tracts of land may have ended up in the hands of companies and Chinese investors. Minister Chalermchai Srion announces strict measures, including confiscation and reforestation, to prevent further speculation and ensure fair land distribution.