🔄 Last updated on September 9, 2025
Thailand is going through a period of political transition, raising questions for many travelers. Is it still safe to visit? What is the impact on tourism? This page is your go-to guide, continuously updated to provide you with clear information, practical advice, and the latest news to help you plan your trip with peace of mind.
What You Need to Know Before You Go (September 2025)
- Is it safe to travel to Thailand right now? Yes. Popular tourist areas (Phuket, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, etc.) are not affected by political tensions, which remain mainly localized to specific protests in Bangkok.
- Is there an impact on visas? On the contrary, the new government has announced plans for a temporary visa exemption scheme for several European countries to boost tourism during the high season.
- What precautions should I take? It is advisable to avoid political rallies in Bangkok and to follow local health recommendations, especially regarding dengue fever prevention.
Thailand Update: Key Events in September 2025
Here are the 5 key points to know this week:
- New Prime Minister: Following the political crisis, Parliament elected Phumitham Wechayachai as the new Prime Minister on September 5. He faces the challenge of leading a fragile coalition government.
- Ongoing Tensions: Pro-democracy demonstrations took place in Bangkok over the weekend of September 6-7 to protest the Constitutional Court’s decision and the new government.
- Tourism Boost: On September 8, the new administration announced a plan for a temporary visa waiver for several countries (including France) for the high season to support the tourism sector.
- Health Alert: The Ministry of Health has issued a heightened alert for a sharp increase in dengue fever cases in the southern provinces following heavy rains.
- Political Crisis (Context): The removal of Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office on August 29 remains the epicenter of the current political instability, impacting the economy and society.
For an in-depth analysis of the political situation, see our main article: Thailand’s Political Crisis: Border Conflict at the Heart of Tensions.
💡 Local news & events feed updated on September 9, 2025.
Security & Justice
This section covers news related to security and justice issues that may concern tourists and residents alike.
Pro-Democracy Protests in Bangkok
Bangkok, September 7, 2025 – Several thousand protesters gathered near the Democracy Monument to express their anger following the removal of the Prime Minister and the formation of the new government. The rallies concluded without major incidents.
Ultralight Aircraft Crashes in Phuket
Phuket, August 17, 2025 – An ultralight aircraft crashed in the Thalang district, injuring two people. The Thai flight instructor, Surasak Chana, and his Russian student pilot, Sergei Razukov, were hospitalized. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident, with engine failure suspected.
Probe into Massive Pile-up Near Bangkok
Nonthaburi, August 17, 2025 – Police are investigating whether an illegal street race was the cause of a spectacular 11-vehicle pile-up, which included several luxury cars. The accident, which occurred on an expressway in the early morning, resulted in three minor injuries.
Famous Singer Assaulted in Bangkok
Bangkok, August 3, 2025 – The popular Thai singer Peck Palitchoke was seriously injured in a knife attack to his neck. The alleged assailant was quickly arrested by police.
Fatal Clash with Drug Traffickers
Chiang Mai, August 3, 2025 – Five suspected drug traffickers were shot and killed by the army during a clash in the Fang district in the country’s north.
Abbot Absconds with Temple Donations
Pathum Thani, August 1, 2025 – The abbot of Wat Prachumrat temple is being sought by police after being accused of embezzling nearly 30 million baht (approx. $820,000 USD) in donations from worshippers.
Deadly Fireworks Factory Explosion in the South
Su-ngai Kolok, July 31, 2025 – A powerful explosion at a fireworks factory in Narathiwat province has killed at least nine people and injured many more.
Two French Nationals Arrested for Drug Trafficking and Child Abuse
July 26, 2025 – Thai authorities announced the arrest of two French nationals in separate cases. One is accused of drug trafficking in Phuket, while the other is suspected of child abuse offenses in Pattaya.
Rise in Thefts by Transgender Women in Pattaya
Pattaya, July 19, 2025 – A series of thefts targeting foreign tourists has been reported, raising concerns. A Chinese tourist had 20,000 baht stolen from his hotel room by a transgender woman.
Two French Children Rescued in Phuket
Phuket, July 13, 2025 – Two young French tourists were saved from drowning by lifeguards on a Phuket beach, a reminder to exercise caution in the often-rough Andaman Sea.
Scandal Involving Monks
July 11, 2025 – Police arrested a woman accused of having sexual relations with at least 11 monks and blackmailing them.
Tsunami Scare in Phuket
Phuket, July 7-8, 2025 – Following a series of earthquakes off Sumatra, tsunami fears spread in Phuket. Authorities urged the public to remain vigilant but calm.
Arrest of an Irish fugitive in Krabi
Krabi, July 6, 2025 – An Irish citizen, wanted for multiple criminal charges in his home country, was arrested in Krabi.
Joint Thai/US Military Exercise in Chonburi
Chonburi, July 5, 2025 – The Thai and US naval forces launched the annual CARAT 2025 military exercise to strengthen cooperation and maritime security.
Terrorist Alert in Southern Provinces
July 2, 2025 – Several foreign governments maintain a security alert for a high risk of terrorism in southern provinces (including Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga, Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala, and Songkhla), attributed to the ‘Barisan Revolusi Nasional’ (BRN) separatist group. For official and constantly updated security information from an English-speaking government source, it is highly recommended to consult the travel advice for Thailand from the UK Government.
Health & Society
Phumitham Wechayachai Elected as Prime Minister
Bangkok, September 5, 2025 – Parliament has elected Phumitham Wechayachai, a veteran political figure, as Thailand’s 31st Prime Minister. His appointment aims to end the power vacuum, but his coalition government is seen as fragile and faces opposition.
Tourism Boost Plan: Towards a Visa Exemption
Bangkok, September 8, 2025 – The new government’s spokesperson announced a plan to grant visa exemptions for tourists from several countries for stays of up to 45 days, a measure aimed at boosting arrivals for the high season from November to February.
Health Alert: Dengue Fever Cases Surge in the South
Early September 2025 – The Department of Disease Control has reported a worrying increase in dengue fever cases, particularly in the Krabi and Phang Nga regions. Authorities are urging residents and tourists to take maximum precautions.
Thai Baht Under Pressure Amid Political Instability
Early September 2025 – The Thai currency has shown signs of weakness against the Euro and the US Dollar, as investors remain cautious in the face of the country’s uncertain political situation.
Parliament Debates 2026 Budget
August 15, 2025 – Parliament held a special session to debate the 2026 state budget. Cuts were made in several ministries to reallocate funds to priority projects, such as Bangkok’s Orange Line metro.
Typhoon Wipha Aftermath
Early August 2025 – The passage of Tropical Storm Wipha has left a heavy toll. As of August 3, authorities reported six deaths and over 230,000 people affected. Flooding persisted in several northern provinces, including Nan, Chiang Rai, and Sukhothai.
Restaurant Sector Facing Crisis
July 22, 2025 – Many restaurants across the country are facing major difficulties, affected by rising costs of raw materials and a decline in customers.
Thailand Revives Nuclear Power Project
July 14, 2025 – The government confirmed the revival of its nuclear energy development project, focusing on Small Modular Reactors (SMR) technology as part of its energy roadmap.
Human Rights Watch Report on Refugees
July 14, 2025 – Human Rights Watch published a report accusing Thai authorities of mistreatment and extortion of Myanmar nationals who have fled the military junta.
Health Alert on HIV
July 10, 2025 – Health authorities have raised alarms over a rise in new HIV cases, particularly among young people.
Worrying Decline in Chinese Tourism
Early July 2025 – The first half of 2025 showed a more than 34% drop in Chinese visitors compared to the pre-pandemic period.
Phuket positions itself as a wellness tourism capital
Phuket, July 6, 2025 – The island hosted the “Phuket Health Expo 2025” to promote its medical and wellness infrastructure.
Technical issues for the tourism stimulus program
Bangkok, July 5, 2025 – The launch of the domestic tourism stimulus program “50-50” experienced significant technical problems.
Cannabis Law Tightened
Late June 2025 – Since June 26, a medical prescription is again mandatory for cannabis purchases.
COVID-19 Situation: Persistent Summer Wave
Late July 2025 – Thailand is facing a persistent summer wave of COVID-19, with over 33,000 new cases reported in the last week of July.
Drop in Global Peace Index Ranking
2025 Review – Thailand slipped from 81st to 86th place in the 2025 Global Peace Index.
Unusual Events & Stories
Thailand is also known for its surprising stories. Here is a selection of the most unusual news reported recently.
Pattaya Shooting Incident
Pattaya, August 10, 2025 – A shooting broke out in a tourist area of Pattaya, reigniting concerns about visitor safety. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, but the incident caused widespread panic.
Tourists Attacked with Flammable Liquid in Bangkok
Bangkok, August 9, 2025 – Tourists were sprayed with flammable liquid and set on fire in a shocking incident in Bangkok. An unemployed Thai man was arrested by police and confessed to the acts, claiming he acted out of despair and rage.
Potential Discovery of a New Dinosaur Species
August 7, 2025 – Paleontologists announced the discovery of fossils that may belong to a new dinosaur species, a major find for the country’s scientific heritage.
Tourist Crashes Motorcycle into Shop Window
Pattaya, July 22, 2025 – Attempting to impress a woman with his motorcycle, a tourist lost control of his vehicle and crashed through a shop’s glass window.
Naked American Man Rescued from Sewer
Bangkok, July 15, 2025 – Rescue workers were surprised to find a naked American citizen stuck in a sewer pipe.
Hungry bear surprises restaurant customers
Khao Yai National Park, July 1, 2025 – An Asian black bear wandered into a restaurant on the edge of the national park.
Pattaya: Sea turns green and emits a strong odor
Pattaya, June 22, 2025 – The sea turned a bright green color and gave off a strong smell, a natural phenomenon identified as a plankton bloom.
