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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

Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has concluded that there is sufficient evidence to pursue criminal and disciplinary proceedings against six suspects, including five police officers, over the alleged extortion of 6 million baht from British fugitive Ritesh Patel. Patel, who was wanted in the United Kingdom on alleged drug trafficking charges, fled first to Dubai before arriving in Thailand in June 2022. Immigration authorities later arrested him in Phuket

A Turkish national has been arrested at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport after customs officers allegedly discovered 12 kilograms of cocaine concealed inside packages of coffee and chocolate. According to Thailand's Customs Department, the suspect arrived on June 25 aboard a flight from Brazil. During a routine baggage inspection, officers uncovered cocaine, classified as a Category 2 narcotic under Thai law, hidden among food products. Authorities said the seized

Thailand’s Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) has carried out a series of coordinated operations across southern provinces, dismantling major online gambling and fraud networks with combined financial activity and damages approaching one billion baht. Speaking at a press conference held on June 21 at the Royal Phuket City Hotel, Deputy Commissioner Pol. Maj. Gen. Tinnakorn Rangmat said the nationwide operation resulted in the arrest of 14 suspects and the seizure of asse

While the academic year is only beginning in Thai schools, international schools are already reaching the end of theirs. Graduation season marks an important milestone for senior students, many of whom are saying goodbye not only to their school but also to Phuket as they prepare to continue their education in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and other countries. One of the most anticipated events of the school year has already taken pla

The Royal Thai Police (RTP) has launched the third phase of its campaign targeting foreign nominee networks in the Andaman provinces of Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga, stepping up efforts to combat illegal business operations and concealed foreign ownership. The latest operation was officially launched at Mueang Phuket Police Station and brings together the Royal Thai Police, Immigration Bureau, Department of Lands, and several other government agencies in a coordinated enforce

A Chinese national was arrested at Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport after allegedly attempting to bring a large shipment of Cuban cigars into Thailand without declaring them to customs authorities. According to Thailand’s Customs Department, the passenger arrived from Hong Kong on June 13. During a baggage inspection, officers discovered six packages containing imported cigars of various brands and types. The total value of the seized tobacco products was estimated at approximate

Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. (TPC), the operator of Thailand’s premium long-term residency program under the supervision of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), has reaffirmed its commitment to strict member screening procedures by working closely with five government security agencies. The company said the enhanced verification process is designed to ensure a high-quality membership base, strengthen national security, and support Thailand’s reputation as one of the

Thailand is moving forward with plans to launch a seaplane service between Phuket and Krabi by the end of 2026, aiming to improve travel links across the Andaman region and attract more high-spending visitors. According to Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Phiriswattana, the initiative forms part of a broader strategy led by Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to strengthen transportation networks and support Thailand’s ambition of becoming a r

Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has identified fraudulent student visas as one of the primary targets of its new enforcement campaign, “3 No’s: No Entry, No Stay, No Escape.” The focus became clear following an English-language publication released by Thailand’s Government Public Relations Department (PRD Thailand) on June 6. The report summarized the Immigration Bureau’s performance during the first five months of 2026 and highlighted several key priorities aimed at strengthen

Small restaurants in Thailand’s tourist destinations are increasingly facing a frustrating problem: some foreign visitors finish their meals and then refuse to pay, knowing that business owners have limited options for recovering even modest amounts of money. In one widely discussed case, a Russian couple left a restaurant in Mai Khao, Phuket, in April 2024 without paying the full bill, withholding just 120 baht — roughly three US dollars. When confronted by the owner, they r

Buddhists across Thailand are celebrating Visakha Bucha, one of the most important religious holidays in the Buddhist calendar. Morning ceremonies were held at temples nationwide, while candlelit processions are expected to take place later in the evening. Visakha Bucha commemorates three key events in the life of the Buddha — his birth, enlightenment, and passing into Nirvana. According to Buddhist tradition, all three events occurred on the full moon of the sixth lunar mont