The newest published stories from every Phuket Times category, ordered by publication date.
Chaotic Rollout of Co-Pay Scheme System Crashes Under Demand The Tiew Thai Khon La Krung campaign, launched on July 1, 2025, to boost domestic tourism, collapsed into disarray within minutes of opening registrations. Designed to subsidize up to 50% of hotel costs during Thailand’s low season, the program aimed to revive the tourism sector, which
Strong Market Recovery Interest Rate Cuts Boost Sentiment In the first quarter of 2025, Greater Bangkok’s housing market saw a surge in buyer confidence, reaching its highest level since tracking began in late 2023. The Real Estate Information Center reported the housing purchase confidence index (HPCI) climbing to 51.7, crossing the neutral threshold of 50
Rescue of Chinese National Collaborative Effort Saves Zhong On July 4, 2025, a 23-year-old Chinese man surnamed Zhong was rescued after being trafficked to Myanmar following a deceptive job offer in Thailand. The Chinese embassy in Bangkok confirmed the rescue, a joint operation involving multiple parties, though details remain undisclosed. This incident, widely discussed on
Temporary Closure of Registration Addressing Technical Glitches On July 4, 2025, Thailand’s Tourism Authority (TAT) temporarily suspended new registrations for the Half-Half domestic travel program due to technical issues, following its launch on July 1. The move responds to widespread criticism over system instability, which frustrated users across Thailand’s 67 million population. With tourism driving
Celebrating a Global Sensation Skincare Expert Wins Cake Sponsorship On July 4, 2025, Khao Kheow Open Zoo announced that skincare expert Amata Chaikriangkrai, known as Phi Foong, won a bidding contest to sponsor a 100,000-baht birthday cake for Moo Deng, the beloved pygmy hippopotamus turning one on July 10. The auction, held in Sri Racha,
Heightened Weather Risks Ahead ONWR Issues Storm Alert Thailand faces increased risks of heavy rainfall and tropical storms from August to October 2025, according to the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR). The northern and northeastern regions are particularly vulnerable to flash floods, runoff, and river overflows. With 2024 seeing 1.2 million rai of
Launching 100 New Courses Building a Digital Workforce On July 1, 2025, the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) introduced 100 courses under Thailand’s digital skills roadmap, targeting the creation of over 1 million digital talents annually. Partnering with global and local tech giants, these courses focus on critical areas like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity,
Open Access for All Foreigners Can Participate Foreigners in Thailand can legally purchase lottery tickets from licensed vendors, a common sight across cities like Bangkok, as seen on Ti Thong Road. The Thai lottery, drawn on the 1st and 16th of each month (except during major Buddhist holidays or special circumstances), offers an accessible way
Declining Visitor Numbers 4.6% Drop in 2025 Thailand recorded a 4.56% decline in foreign tourist arrivals from January 1 to June 29, 2025, compared to the previous year, according to the Tourism and Sports Ministry. The period saw 16.61 million visitors, falling short of expectations for a robust recovery. This downturn signals challenges for Thailand’s
Finalizing Legislative Updates Health Ministry Nears Completion The Ministry of Public Health, led by Minister Somsak Thepsutin, is set to finalize amendments to the Alcohol Control Act 2008 by late July 2025. The revised bill, which aims to modernize Thailand’s alcohol regulations, is undergoing its final scrutiny by the Senate before a Constitutional Court review.
Overwhelming Public Response System Crash Frustrates Users On July 1, 2025, the launch of Thailand’s “Tiew Thai Khon La Krueng” travel subsidy campaign was met with unprecedented enthusiasm, as thousands of Thai citizens rushed to register, causing the system to crash within hours. The initiative, designed to boost domestic tourism during the low season, saw
Economic Slowdown Confirmed Central Bank Reports Decline Thailand’s economy weakened in May 2025, driven by a slowdown in tourism and manufacturing, despite a surge in exports, according to the Bank of Thailand (BoT). The downturn, reported on June 30, 2025, highlights challenges in key sectors, with the economy facing a delicate balance as global demand
Urgent Weather Alert Issued Preparing for Natural Disasters On June 30, 2025, Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) issued a critical warning for 17 provinces, urging residents to prepare for flash floods, landslides, and forest runoff from July 1 to July 5. The alert follows severe flooding in areas like Phaya Mengrai, Chiang
Three Suspects Arrested Busting Wildlife Traffickers On June 26, 2025, Thai police arrested three men involved in an illegal wildlife trafficking network smuggling orangutans from Indonesia. The suspects, identified as Sama Ngo, 69, in Songkhla; Pongsakorn Saengprapai, 29, in Prachuap Khiri Khan; and Supawat Weerawongwiwat, 43, in Bangkok, were apprehended for selling the animals, with
Opening a Vital Artery Enhancing Connectivity Today On June 29, 2025, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) opened a new 2-kilometer road linking Vibhavadi Rangsit Road and Phahon Yothin Road, aimed at reducing congestion and improving access to Don Mueang International Airport. This infrastructure milestone, completed ahead of schedule, promises smoother travel for commuters and travelers
Urgent Aid for Flood Victims Paetongtarn’s Hands-On Response On June 28, 2025, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra visited Phaya Mengrai district in Chiang Rai to distribute aid kits to residents reeling from severe flooding. Accompanied by key officials, including Deputy Interior Minister Theerarat Samrejvanich, she ordered swift relief efforts to address the crisis. The visit underscores
Official Confirmation of Outbreak Rising Infections in Young Children The Department of Disease Control has declared a hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) outbreak in Thailand, primarily impacting children under five. Deputy government spokesman Anukul Prueksa-anurak announced on June 29, 2025, that the highly contagious viral illness has seen a sharp increase in cases, posing
Landmark Citizenship Ceremony Paetongtarn’s Commitment to Inclusion On June 28, 2025, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra handed out Thai national ID cards to 21 representatives of minority ethnic groups at Maechanwittayakhom School in Chiang Rai’s Mae Chan district. This initiative, part of a broader government push to address statelessness, aims to integrate over 480,000 individuals into
