The Thailand travel and expat news that matters, every day.https://www.thebangkokguide.org/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-04/chiang-mai-airport-cuts-108-flights-for-yi-peng-lanterns/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-04/chiang-mai-airport-cuts-108-flights-for-yi-peng-lanterns/Total changes come to 293 flights, based on airline reports as of 30 October. The airport expects about 210 flights a day, rising to 232 on the busiest days.Wed, 04 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-04/delivery-platforms-sue-regulator-over-fee-disclosure-rules/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-04/delivery-platforms-sue-regulator-over-fee-disclosure-rules/Public consultation runs until 20 November, and the commission expects the rules to take effect by December. Neither the court nor the platforms' names have been reported.Wed, 04 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-04/interior-ministry-orders-tighter-checks-on-foundations/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-04/interior-ministry-orders-tighter-checks-on-foundations/The Department of Provincial Administration, police, the Anti-Money Laundering Office and provincial officials would act on breaches of donation, fraud and money-laundering laws. No start date or deadline has been announced.Wed, 04 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-04/khon-kaen-geopark-clears-unesco-review/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-04/khon-kaen-geopark-clears-unesco-review/The recommendation follows the Global Geoparks Council's 11th meeting. If the Executive Board approves it, Khon Kaen would become Thailand's third UNESCO Global Geopark, after Satun and Khorat.Wed, 04 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-04/suvarnabhumi-closes-taxiway-e21-after-emirates-a380-stalls/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-04/suvarnabhumi-closes-taxiway-e21-after-emirates-a380-stalls/Repairs are due to finish about 8am on Friday 6 November, and the airport says it expects to handle traffic without further disruption. It is the second surface failure reported in a week.Wed, 04 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-03/bangkok-bans-new-pavement-vendors-keeps-15-trade-zones/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-03/bangkok-bans-new-pavement-vendors-keeps-15-trade-zones/Existing vendors in 15 trade zones would have to drop tables and chairs and sell takeaway only. The city wants sellers to move into rented shophouses, hawker centres or formal businesses.Tue, 03 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-03/cabinet-backs-35-percent-excise-on-imported-evs-from-2027/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-03/cabinet-backs-35-percent-excise-on-imported-evs-from-2027/The rate applies to fully imported models with no Thai production or local parts. Range-extended EVs rise from 15% to 35%. Officials gave no price or sales estimates.Tue, 03 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-03/customs-seize-8900-weight-loss-pens-from-passenger/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-03/customs-seize-8900-weight-loss-pens-from-passenger/The pens contain GLP-1 drugs, which are controlled in Thailand, and were not registered with the Food and Drug Administration. The Customs Department cited two laws.Tue, 03 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-03/delivery-rider-trapped-in-condo-sets-off-fire-alarm/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-03/delivery-rider-trapped-in-condo-sets-off-fire-alarm/Residents left the building at about 12:45am on 30 October. A resident's TikTok video has passed 260,000 views, and some commenters blame the customer for not answering the rider's calls.Tue, 03 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-03/pickup-driver-fined-for-bang-tao-beach-drive/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-03/pickup-driver-fined-for-bang-tao-beach-drive/Cherng Talay police traced the pickup after residents complained about a video of it driving back and forth across the sand, and summoned the owner for questioning.Tue, 03 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-03/police-arrest-man-over-pattaya-bag-snatches/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-03/police-arrest-man-over-pattaya-bag-snatches/Police say the suspect wore a delivery jacket and full-face helmet and waited on a blue motorcycle with the engine running until a bag was left on a counter.Tue, 03 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-03/suvarnabhumi-to-cut-duty-free-space-for-gates-and-pick-up-desks/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-03/suvarnabhumi-to-cut-duty-free-space-for-gates-and-pick-up-desks/Paid à-la-carte services, including valet parking, buggy transfers and fast-track help, would be open to all passengers. Full details are due later in November.Tue, 03 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-03/tourism-plan-adds-belarus-to-visa-waiver-shortlist/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-03/tourism-plan-adds-belarus-to-visa-waiver-shortlist/Mexico, Colombia and Uzbekistan were already on the shortlist. No exemption is approved, and a waiver only takes effect for travellers once the Royal Gazette publishes it.Tue, 03 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-02/banks-must-screen-cash-deals-of-five-million-baht/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-02/banks-must-screen-cash-deals-of-five-million-baht/Notification 57/2026 also covers banknote exchanges, foreign-currency trades, insurance or investment payments and cheque or draft deposits of unclear origin. Electronic channels are excluded.Mon, 02 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-02/myanmar-airstrike-damages-17-buildings-in-mae-hong-son/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-02/myanmar-airstrike-damages-17-buildings-in-mae-hong-son/No casualties were reported, but boat services at Ban Mae Sam Laep were suspended. The damage included homes, a health centre and a church.Mon, 02 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-02/police-seize-cannabis-gummies-after-family-hospitalised/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-02/police-seize-cannabis-gummies-after-family-hospitalised/The products were sold in packaging resembling children's jelly sweets. Reports say the parents needed ventilator support and the two-year-old became drowsy after eating a smaller amount.Mon, 02 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-02/tat-plans-100-baht-travel-vouchers-for-residents/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-02/tat-plans-100-baht-travel-vouchers-for-residents/Eight Tuesday sale rounds run to 9 February 2027, and vouchers work Monday to Thursday at more than 170 businesses. Foreign residents are included, but how they prove residence has not been explained.Mon, 02 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-02/thailand-freezes-new-waste-plant-licences-orders-checks/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-02/thailand-freezes-new-waste-plant-licences-orders-checks/Fifty teams began in Samut Prakan, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chachoengsao and Prachin Buri, and the checks are due to reach 71 more provinces within a year. The freeze lasts while existing operators are reviewed.Mon, 02 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-02/thunderstorms-and-hail-forecast-for-bangkok-5-7-november/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-02/thunderstorms-and-hail-forecast-for-bangkok-5-7-november/A cold air mass from China is behind the change. Flash floods and forest runoff are possible in the south's foothills, and waves in the Gulf and Andaman Sea may top two metres.Mon, 02 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-01/pm-urges-calm-as-foreign-governments-advise-stocking-up/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-01/pm-urges-calm-as-foreign-governments-advise-stocking-up/Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said the ministry is monitoring the Middle East situation. Thai PBS World reported that 17 countries advise citizens to hold three days of necessities, without naming them.Sun, 01 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-01/thailand-opens-50000-baht-rooftop-solar-subsidy/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-01/thailand-opens-50000-baht-rooftop-solar-subsidy/Systems must be five to 10 kilowatts and fitted by a registered installer. The money arrives only after installation, and the subsidy cannot be stacked with the solar tax deduction.Sun, 01 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-01/thailand-weighs-30-day-visa-exemption-mexico-colombia/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-01/thailand-weighs-30-day-visa-exemption-mexico-colombia/The Tourism Authority of Thailand says travellers from both countries stay longer and spend more per trip than average. Reports differ on whether the waiver would be 30 or 15 days.Sun, 01 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-01/tidal-flood-alert-bangkok-seven-provinces/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-11-01/tidal-flood-alert-bangkok-seven-provinces/Water levels at river mouths are expected to rise. Unsettled weather with thundershowers and gusty winds is forecast from 2 to 6 November, and the report gave no tide times.Sun, 01 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-31/bangkok-plans-khao-san-road-pilot-for-later-venue-hours/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-31/bangkok-plans-khao-san-road-pilot-for-later-venue-hours/The plan would test later alcohol-sales hours in a small area first. Officials will consult the alcohol regulator and meet again in about two weeks; no new hours have been set.Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-31/binance-th-pauses-crypto-transfers-after-hack/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-31/binance-th-pauses-crypto-transfers-after-hack/The exchange describes the pause as a precaution and has given no date for reopening deposits and withdrawals. Binance has said it will cover losses from its emergency fund.Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-31/suvarnabhumi-runway-damage-caat-asks-aot/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-31/suvarnabhumi-runway-damage-caat-asks-aot/AOT blames soft, waterlogged ground and is scanning the surface for spots to repair, mainly turning points, taxiway exits and runway thresholds, rather than resurfacing everything.Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-31/thai-pm-says-cambodia-border-crossings-stay-closed/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-31/thai-pm-says-cambodia-border-crossings-stay-closed/The crossings have been shut for more than a year. Anutin tied any reopening to four unresolved issues and said relations cannot be restored until they are settled.Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-30/phuket-blue-tree-immigration-office-closes/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-30/phuket-blue-tree-immigration-office-closes/Visitors extending a 30-day stay should expect longer waits in Phuket Town. The province has about 60 immigration officers, and a request for more staff is with headquarters.Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-30/thailand-probes-19-firms-citizenship-revoked/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-30/thailand-probes-19-firms-citizenship-revoked/The Department of Lands and the Department of Business Development are finishing a case file on the companies. Officials said land confirmed as unlawfully held while he was a citizen would have to be sold.Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-30/tourism-groups-back-450-baht-entry-fee/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-30/tourism-groups-back-450-baht-entry-fee/The ministry says the fee would also pay for visitor insurance. Hotel and travel groups dispute its hospital-bill figures and want the money spent on facilities, with public reporting on how it is used.Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-29/phuket-red-flood-alert-patong-landslide/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-29/phuket-red-flood-alert-patong-landslide/Residents along Bang Yai Canal were told to move valuables to higher ground, and a landslide shut Na Nai 3 Road. Forecasters expect more very heavy rain, with hillside and canal-side stays most exposed.Thu, 29 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-29/thailand-hotel-closures-rise-42-percent/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-29/thailand-hotel-closures-rise-42-percent/Small operators are hit hardest, and a small-hotel association says occupancy in major cities is down 30 to 40%. Arrivals are heading for 79% of the 2019 level, while room supply is 11.7% higher.Thu, 29 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-28/bangkok-flat-fare-electric-buses/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-28/bangkok-flat-fare-electric-buses/The 1,520 leased electric buses will replace the red-and-cream fleet on 60 routes from March 2027, and the idea depends on the government covering the revenue lost.Wed, 28 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-28/tidal-flood-alert-bangkok-amphawa/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-28/tidal-flood-alert-bangkok-amphawa/The alert also covers Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram and parts of four nearby provinces. Communities outside flood walls, or where flood defences have gaps, face the most risk.Wed, 28 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-27/airport-pat-downs-replace-wands/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-27/airport-pat-downs-replace-wands/Passengers still walk through the detector or body scanner first. Daily News said the rule applies at every Thai airport, but Suvarnabhumi and other state-run airports had not announced it by 27 October.Tue, 27 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-27/immigration-overstay-checks/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-27/immigration-overstay-checks/Police arrested overstayers on Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, and more than 200 immigration offenders in Mae Sot, in mid-October. Officers also raided a suspected scam network in Bangkok on 19 October.Tue, 27 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-27/visa-waiver-proposed-mexico-colombia-uzbekistan/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-27/visa-waiver-proposed-mexico-colombia-uzbekistan/Emirates told the Tourism Authority of Thailand that 20 to 30 booked passengers a flight from Mexico don't travel because their visas arrive too late. The ministry also wants waivers for other markets.Tue, 27 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-26/don-mueang-checked-bag-inspections/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-26/don-mueang-checked-bag-inspections/Power banks, lighters and e-cigarettes were the items found most often. Thailand's aviation regulator said staff may open a hold bag only when the X-ray flags something inside it.Mon, 26 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-26/patong-floods-southern-rain-warning/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-26/patong-floods-southern-rain-warning/Mud from the hills blocked two Patong sois, and more than 100 homes and businesses were affected. Phuket officials told residents to stay alert for more rain until 30 October.Mon, 26 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-26/suvarnabhumi-cannabis-export-arrests/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-26/suvarnabhumi-cannabis-export-arrests/Customs said it fines 30,000 baht a kilogram, and smuggling under the Customs Act can bring up to 10 years in prison. More than half of those held were Indian, Chinese or British.Mon, 26 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-26/thai-traffic-police-warn-before-fines/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-26/thai-traffic-police-warn-before-fines/High-risk offences such as wrong-way driving, running red lights, drink-driving and street racing get no warning. Officers must also stop wearing balaclavas and take off sunglasses when they approach a driver.Mon, 26 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-23/45-baht-rail-cap-goes-to-cabinet/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-23/45-baht-rail-cap-goes-to-cabinet/Foreign residents and visitors would keep paying full fares, and Rabbit cards wouldn't qualify for now. Cabinet met on 27 October without announcing a decision on the money.Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-23/departure-tax-on-hold/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-23/departure-tax-on-hold/Officials cited the Middle East conflict, high energy costs and the risk to tourism. The draft hasn't been withdrawn.Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-23/kaprao-review-million-baht-claim/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-23/kaprao-review-million-baht-claim/The claim cites defamation, the Computer Crime Act and a pricing law. Outlets differ on whether it's a police complaint or a lawsuit.Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-23/koh-phangan-visa-revoked/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-23/koh-phangan-visa-revoked/The 33-year-old is accused of threatening staff and refusing to pay hotel and national park fees; no criminal charges have been reported.Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-23/pattaya-nominee-raids/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-23/pattaya-nominee-raids/Police and land officials searched 12 sites in Pattaya's Bang Lamung district, tied to holdings worth more than 800 million baht. Of the 85 people under investigation, 31 are foreigners.Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-23/tourist-boat-hits-sathorn-pier/https://www.thebangkokguide.org/news/2026-10-23/tourist-boat-hits-sathorn-pier/Five foreign tourists were among the injured, by one count. The driver reportedly blamed a steering fault, which hasn't been confirmed.Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT