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Thailand’s Commerce Ministry has rejected claims that a new regulation allows foreigners to operate hotels, restaurants and tour businesses without a licence, describing the reports circulating online as fake news. The regulation removes the licensing requirement under the Foreign Business Act of 1999 for eight specific services divided into three groups. Online posts had incorrectly claimed that the measure covered seven businesses closely linked to Thai livelihoods, includi

Phuket is gradually approaching the high season. In about six weeks, airlines will switch to their winter schedules, and the current 220 flights through Phuket International Airport are expected to increase to more than 300. At the same time, Thailand’s approach to the new tourism season is already becoming clear. The country is moving away from its post-pandemic policy of attracting tourists by virtually every available means and placing greater emphasis on regulation, secur

Thailand is set to experience more heavy thunderstorms and rainfall, with the Meteorological Department warning of heavy to very heavy rain across dozens of provinces, particularly in Bangkok and surrounding areas and parts of the South. The Meteorological Department said the increase in rainfall is being driven by the southward movement of the monsoon trough, a strengthening southwest monsoon and a strong low-pressure system over the South China Sea. Isolated very heavy rain

Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has issued a warning for 71 provinces and Bangkok over the risk of flash floods, forest runoff, landslides and flooding through September 13. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast in many parts of the country, prompting authorities to urge people living in vulnerable areas to closely monitor weather conditions, rainfall and water levels and prepare for possible emergencies. The alert covers all provinces in

Phuket-based Peranakan clothing brand Yayee is continuing its bid for national recognition in Thailand’s annual small and medium enterprise awards. The local company has already made it into the shortlist of top contenders, while last week an Industry Ministry evaluation team visited its production facility as part of the on-site inspections for businesses competing for the award. The official name of the award is the Prime Minister’s Small and Medium Industry Award 2026. Yay

Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered the deportation of Israeli citizen Yaacov Ohayon after the Koh Samui Provincial Court convicted him of criminal intimidation under Section 392 of the Thai Penal Code. The case followed threatening messages allegedly sent by Ohayon that caused the victim to fear for their safety. The court found him guilty and initially sentenced him to one month in prison and a 10,000-baht fine. However, because he confessed

Thai AirAsia is preparing to increase the number of domestic flights to Phuket from Bangkok and several provinces in northeastern Thailand starting October 1. The move comes ahead of the high season and follows reductions made during the low season. At least part of the upcoming change is expected to restore domestic services that the Thai subsidiary of the Malaysian low-cost airline reduced during the low season amid higher aviation fuel costs and weaker demand for travel. H

Thai rock icon Ad Carabao has voiced his support for rising young performer Nene, praising her musical talent and the influence she is having on a new generation of musicians across Thailand. Ad said that children and their parents increasingly come to the backstage areas of his concerts hoping to meet him and get an autograph. Some young fans even bring guitars with them. He believes Nene’s growing popularity and musical achievements have contributed to this trend. “If this

Thailand has introduced a new set of regulations governing the deportation of foreign nationals who violate the law. The new rules officially came into force on August 28, 2026, following the publication of a regulation issued by the Office of the Prime Minister and signed by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The Thai government said the new framework is intended to establish a clearer and more efficient process for state agencies dealing with the deportation of foreigners

Large cash withdrawals in Phuket have helped investigators uncover a nationwide call-centre scam network allegedly involved in defrauding an elderly woman of more than 12.2 million baht in life savings. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), working through the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), arrested 30 suspects during simultaneous raids at 30 locations across 11 provinces, including Phuket. The investigation began after the Anti-Online Fraud Center (ACSC) identified susp

Thai police have expanded their investigation into alleged nominee business structures on Koh Samui, uncovering dozens of companies suspected of helping foreign investors bypass ownership restrictions under Thai law. The large-scale operation took place on August 14 and was overseen by Deputy National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Samran Nualma. Authorities conducted coordinated searches across the island, resulting in multiple arrests and the seizure of a substantial amount of evid

Thai conservation activist Siranudh “Psi” Samutt has sparked a discussion on social media after criticising foreign workers in Thailand and arguing that those employed in the country should make an effort to learn and use the Thai language. Psi shared his views about foreign employees speaking English while working in Thailand in a post on his X account, @Psisamutt, on Saturday, August 8. The activist said that when foreign employees at restaurants address him in English, he

Thailand’s Ministry of Education has ordered schools across the country to strengthen security measures following a deadly shooting at a school in Nonthaburi province on August 7. Education Minister Prasert Chandraruangthong instructed schools to review their existing security procedures and take additional steps to protect students, teachers and other people on school grounds. Authorities have also been directed to provide psychological support to those affected by the incid

Thailand marked the 74th birthday of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn on July 28 with ceremonies and public events held nationwide, including a series of commemorative activities across Phuket. The day’s celebrations on the island began early in the morning at Phuket Provincial Hall and in front of the main government complex on Tha Kraeng Road. Provincial officials, local leaders, and members of the public gathered to present alms to Buddhist monks and take part in merit

Thailand has selected General Samran Nuanma as the next Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police. He is expected to officially assume the position on October 1, 2026, following the retirement of the current police chief upon reaching the mandatory retirement age. General Nuanma is already familiar to many in Phuket. On June 20, he personally visited the island to launch the nationwide campaign against illegal nominee business structures involving foreign investors. He al

Government offices across Thailand, including the Phuket Immigration Office, will operate for only two days during the final week of July, as the country observes three consecutive public holidays. State agencies will be closed from July 28 to July 30, meaning that, out of the last seven days of the month, only July 27 and July 31 will be regular working days. The holiday period begins on July 28, marking the birthday of His Majesty the King. It is followed by two important B

Thailand has stepped up enforcement of its cannabis regulations as part of a nationwide effort to ensure the plant is used strictly for medical purposes. As part of the campaign, authorities inspected cannabis dispensaries across Phuket and identified hundreds of businesses with licensing issues. Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploythalay Lucksameesaengchan announced on July 19 that officials are intensifying inspections of cannabis cultivation and retail businesses to prevent

A nationwide survey conducted by Thailand’s National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) has found that most Thais believe corruption within the state system is the primary reason illegal foreign businesses are able to operate in the country. The poll, titled "Illegal Foreigners", was conducted by telephone between July 13 and 15 and included respondents from across Thailand representing different regions, age groups, professions and educational backgrounds. The fi

A nine-year-old student from Phuket has earned international recognition after winning two first-place awards at the International STEM Olympiad & Coding Olympiad – Grand Final 2026 in Rome, Italy. Pavin "Pace" Pattanavekin, a Grade 3 student at True Coding School Phuket, achieved the outstanding result while competing against students significantly older than himself. The school announced his success on July 12, and the achievement has since attracted widespread attention ac

Thailand's Cabinet has approved a revised framework for the country's visa-free entry programme, paving the way for a return to the standard 30-day visa exemption instead of the current 60-day stay. However, the new rules have not yet entered into force, and no implementation date has been announced. The decision was approved on July 14, nearly two months after the Cabinet endorsed the initial proposal. During that period, a government committee refined the draft before prese