A fire destroyed the sanctuary of Wat Weluwan in Chiang Mai’s Mae Rim district in the early hours of August 18. The blaze, reported at 3:20 AM, spread rapidly across the roof and was extinguished by 4 AM. Interior structures were completely ruined, though Buddha statues sustained only minor damage. Preliminary investigations suggest an electrical short circuit or ignited incense from recent ceremonies as possible causes. The estimated loss is approximately 3 million baht, with forensic police continuing to determine the exact origin.

The Lop Buri monastic chief has approved the resignation of Luang Por Alongkot as abbot of Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu, effective immediately. His departure follows allegations of mismanaging public donations intended for the temple’s HIV/AIDS care program. The controversy centers on spiritual medium Seksan Sapsubbsakul, who was permitted to open a donation account but allegedly withdrew cash sums larger than those transferred to the temple. Investigations by the Crime Suppression Division are ongoing, with temple officials declining comment. The case highlights concerns over transparency in charitable foundations linked to the temple.

Bangkok’s Banthat Thong Road is set to become a global street food destination under new government plans. The Commerce Ministry aims to revive the once-bustling area, which has seen declining visitors due to rising rents and competition. Key measures include forming a unified business committee, introducing themed weekend zones, and launching farm-to-table initiatives to reduce costs. Chulalongkorn University, a major landowner, will support the transformation with events, landscaping, and vendor training programs. The strategy also includes monthly festivals and stronger links to other tourist attractions to restore the area’s vibrancy.

Thailand will launch a "Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights" initiative from August to December 2025, allocating 700 million baht to provide complimentary round-trip domestic tickets for 200,000 foreign tourists. The scheme partners with six airlines, including Thai AirAsia and Bangkok Airways, offering flights to UNESCO sites and secondary destinations at fixed rates of 3,500 baht round-trip. Tourists booking international flights to Thailand via airlines or OTAs will receive free domestic travel with a 20kg luggage allowance. The project aims to generate 8.81 billion baht in direct revenue and disperse tourism beyond major cities. Additionally, the popular "Half-Price Thailand Travel" domestic scheme is nearly fully booked, with plans for a potential second phase targeting lesser-visited regions.

The Second Army Region has confirmed that rumors of Cambodian artillery fire near Ta Kwai Temple are false, attributing the explosion to a landmine accidentally triggered by a Cambodian soldier. Thai authorities suspect Cambodia secretly planted landmines in the area, despite denials. In a related development, Thai soldiers discovered a Cambodian soldier’s phone during border mine clearance, containing videos and photos of Cambodian troops handling PMN-2 landmines. This evidence reveals tutorials on mine deployment and contradicts Cambodia’s claims of compliance with the Ottawa Treaty. Thailand plans to use this proof to highlight Cambodia’s violations and urge international accountability.

A Cambodian soldier caused a disturbance at the Chong Arn Ma border checkpoint in Thailand while intoxicated during a visit by ASEAN observers. Cambodian officials confirmed the soldier's intoxication to Thai counterparts, highlighting a breach of professionalism. Thai military leaders presented evidence of repeated Cambodian violations of the ceasefire agreement, including landmines and shelling that damaged hospitals and schools. The ASEAN observer team, led by Malaysia’s defense attaché, acknowledged the information but emphasized their role is to observe, not assign blame. This incident underscores ongoing tensions and the fragility of the ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia.

Thailand will introduce a negative income tax by 2027, requiring all residents—including expats staying over 180 days—to file annual tax returns to qualify for government aid. The system targets low-income earners for direct payments, replacing broad subsidies with personalized welfare. However, uncertainty remains for foreigners, as eligibility for benefits is unconfirmed. A national database will integrate financial and health records to reduce fraud and improve targeting. Critics warn of challenges in verifying informal economy incomes and potential abuse.

Bangkok is constructing its first official hawker centre beside Lumpini Park, slated to open early next year. The facility will relocate street vendors from footpaths, offering 88 stalls per shift with morning and evening operations to serve diverse meals. Designed for hygiene and sustainability, it features natural ventilation and a low-glare roof to minimize environmental impact. This initiative aligns with the city’s broader efforts to enhance walkability and upgrade 1,000km of footpaths. Inspired by Singapore’s model, the centre aims to preserve Thai street food’s charm while providing a cleaner, organized space for vendors and visitors.

A 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck off Myanmar’s southern coast, 211 kilometers southwest of Thailand’s Mae Sot district, at 9:58 AM on August 21. While no damage occurred in Thailand, tremors were felt across Bangkok, prompting evacuations in buildings like the Ministry of Labour in Din Daeng. Residents in high-rises reported swaying structures, dizziness, and swinging lights in districts including Ratchathewi, Phaya Thai, and Nonthaburi. The tremors lasted up to 10 seconds in some areas, with effects noted as far as Khlong San. Authorities confirmed no injuries or structural impacts from the event.

Phuket officials have issued a flood alert as continuous heavy rain and high tides threaten to overflow the Bang Yai Canal. Mayor Suphachok Laongphet ordered close monitoring of pumping stations and urged riverside residents to relocate belongings to higher ground. The Thai Meteorological Department forecasts prolonged storms across 41 provinces, including Phuket, with waves up to 2 meters in stormy coastal areas. Residents are advised to contact the Disaster Prevention hotline (199) for emergencies. Separately, a Chinese film delegation toured Phuket to explore potential filming locations, highlighting cultural exchanges amid the weather crisis.

Michelin-starred Bangkok restaurant Jay Fai was fined 2,000 baht by the Ministry of Commerce for unclear pricing of its signature crab omelette. The penalty followed a complaint from UK-based YouTuber Pitchaya “Peachii” Chaychana, who was charged 4,000 baht instead of the menu-listed 1,500 baht without prior consultation. Officials confirmed the restaurant violated the Price of Goods and Services Act by failing to display premium option prices transparently. Jay Fai was instructed to clarify standard and premium crab meat prices on its menu. The ministry is investigating whether the pricing is reasonable and may issue additional fines if deemed excessive.

Robin Hood, Pattaya - Enjoy the best food & drink Pattaya has to offer at the fully airconditioned restaurant on the 2nd road - View the Robin Hood HERE

Scruffy Murphys, Bangkok - A traditional Irish pub in the center of Bangkok, yes please, there’s always a warm welcome, great food & a fantastic menu. Take a look at Scruffy Murphys HERE

Amba Sauna, Koh Samui - There’s something steamy going on just on the outskirts of Chaweng, enjoy a red hot sauna, healthy steam room or take the plubge in their ice plunge. PS did we mention their delicious menu? See what you’re missing out on HERE

19 August - 9 Sept 2025
Seng Tek Bel Shrine, next to Bann Bang Neow School on Phuket Road and Phuket Town Fresh Market on Ranong Road

The Por Tor Festival, or Hungry Ghost Festival, is a deeply spiritual event where Phuket’s Thai-Chinese community honors ancestors and comforts wandering spirits with vibrant altars laden with symbolic offerings like red turtle cakes—emblematic of longevity and luck. Visitors can immerse in its rich traditions at key venues like Seng Tek Bel Shrine and Ranong Road Market, where days of merit-making ceremonies, lion dances, food stalls, and colorful parades create a captivating blend of devotion and celebration.

23 -24 August 2025
Impact Challenger Hall1-3, Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi

Summer Sonic Bangkok 2025 promises an electrifying fusion of global music brilliance, featuring over 30 artists across genres—from BLACK EYED PEAS’ hip-hop anthems and Alicia Keys’ soulful piano ballads to BABYMETAL’s metal-idol spectacle and Thailand’s own breakout stars like BUS and Jeff Satur. This groundbreaking festival transforms the city into a pulsating hub of energy, uniting iconic legends and rising talents for a weekend of unforgettable performances that celebrate music’s power to inspire, move, and ignite crowds like never before.