Michelin Unveils Thailand’s 2026 Bib Gourmand List With 13 Newcomers

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20 November 2025, 20:30

michelin2026-1 — © The MICHELIN Guide 2026

BANGKOK — The Michelin Guide Thailand on Thursday released its 2026 Bib Gourmand list, naming 137 restaurants and street food stalls that offer good cooking at good value, including 13 first-time honorees across eight provinces.

The new entries include four venues in Bangkok and surrounding provinces, one in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, three in Chiang Mai, one each in Nakhon Ratchasima, Udon Thani and Phang-nga, and two in Surat Thani.

Michelin said this year’s list showcases Thailand’s increasingly diverse food scene, spanning 16 cuisine types and reflecting a rise in chef-driven casual dining. The Bib Gourmand category, represented by the iconic “Michelin Man,” highlights establishments that deliver quality meals at affordable prices — a model the guide says has become even more relevant amid global economic pressures.

“Across the country, new establishments — including street food stalls and neighborhood eateries — continue to emerge, keeping Thailand’s culinary landscape vibrant and full of life,” said Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide.

The 2026 selection features 44 venues in Bangkok and surrounding areas, eight in Ayutthaya, 18 in Chiang Mai, five in Chon Buri, 28 across four northeastern provinces, two on Ko Samui, seven in Surat Thani, six in Phang-nga and 19 in Phuket.

Newcomers range from Southern Thai and Northern Thai restaurants to dessert shops, seafood specialists and noodle stalls. Among them are Jaan by Khun Jim in Bangkok, which serves Southern Thai and Thai-Chinese dishes using freshly pressed coconut milk; Khanom Mho Kaeng Mae Yai in Ayutthaya, known for traditional Thai desserts; CHAWEE in Chiang Mai, offering seasonal menus inspired by family recipes; Nub in Nakhon Ratchasima, specializing in charcoal-simmered beef noodle soup; and Krachang Khao Lak in Phang-nga, a seafood restaurant featuring live local catch.

The Bib Gourmand announcement comes ahead of Michelin’s star revelation set for November 27.

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Thai Navy Rescues 92 From Damaged Tourist Ferry off Koh Kood

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Khaosod English

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20 November 2025, 18:22

TRAT — The Royal Thai Navy and local maritime authorities rescued 92 people from a taking-on-water tourist ferry on Thursday after high waves ruptured the vessel’s hull near the resort island of Koh Kood.

All 92 passengers and crew members aboard the “Seudam Pink” ferry were safely transferred to shore in eastern Trat province by 1:30 p.m. No injuries were reported.

The incident occurred shortly after the ferry, operated by the Seudamgo company, departed Ao Salad Pier on Koh Kood at 10:45 a.m., headed for the mainland. Wipa, the manager of Seudamgo, said the vessel encountered strong winds and heavy swells about 30 minutes into the journey near Koh Kradad. The rough conditions caused a rupture in the boat’s hull, leading to flooding in the passenger cabin.

Recognizing the danger, the captain dropped anchor and alerted the company, which contacted the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center (Thai-MECC) Region 1. Passengers were issued life jackets while awaiting aid.

The Navy dispatched patrol vessels, including the H.T.M.S. Thepha, to the scene approximately 10 nautical miles from the Laem Sok pier. Private operators, including Koh Kood Express, Chonlathee Speed Boat, and local fishing vessels, also assisted in the evacuation.

Capt. Nawin Silapawittayakon, an operations officer with the Trat Thai-MECC, said naval officers assisted two crew members who remained on board to pump water from the damaged hull and manage maritime traffic until the situation was stabilized.

koh kood help1 — The Royal Thai Navy dispatched patrol vessels, including the H.T.M.S. Thepha and Tor. 228, to evacuate 92 tourists and crew from a damaged ferry off the coast of Koh Kood on November 20, 2025. Everyone has been brought to shore safely.

Executives from Suedamgo Company Limited later issued a statement expressing condolences over the incident, stating: “The incident occurred due to severe weather conditions and unpredictable wind and waves.

The company deeply regrets what happened and sincerely apologizes for the incident. We are now taking urgent action to strengthen safety measures and prevent such incidents from occurring again.” The company also thanked all parties who provided assistance during this incident.

koh kood rescue add — The Royal Thai Navy dispatched patrol vessels, including the H.T.M.S. Thepha and Tor. 228, to evacuate 97 tourists and crew from a damaged ferry off the coast of Koh Kood on November 20, 2025. Everyone has been brought to shore safely.

Koh Kood, located near the border with Cambodia, remains a popular destination for its pristine beaches and coral reefs. While there had been earlier concerns regarding diplomatic tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, local officials say the situation has normalized.

Pitchaya Thachai-aditsap, president of the Trat Hotel and Resort Association, said the incident has not dampened tourism demand. Bookings for late 2025 through early 2026 are already at 80-90% capacity.

Pitchaya estimated that Trat province will welcome 500,000 visitors in 2025, generating more than 1.2 billion baht ($37 million) in revenue—a 15% to 20% increase over 2024. He attributed the growth to the island’s natural beauty and the investment by ferry operators in faster, safer vessels.

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Thaksin Stressed in Prison Amid Legal Battles, Paetongtarn Says

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Khaosod English

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20 November 2025, 13:04

paetong 20-11-2025-1 — Former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra speaks to reporters about her father Thaksin following her visit to Klong Prem Prison on November 20, 2025. (KHAOSOD Photo/Chanphong Boon-Uthit)

BANGKOK — Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is experiencing significant stress while detained at Bangkok’s Klong Prem Central Prison, his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra revealed following a visit on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters after the November 20 visit, Paetongtarn said that while her father’s physical health remains stable, “his mental health may be under quite a lot of stress.”

The former prime minister’s daughter noted that the prison commander had invited Thaksin to participate in the “Dharma Numwang” program, which he appeared willing to join. She said her father was doing “okay” overall during this period of changing weather conditions.

paetong 20 11 2025 2 — Former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her husband Pidok Sooksawas visit Thaksin Shinawatra at Klong Prem Prison on November 20, 2025.

When asked about the Attorney-General’s recent decision to appeal a previous order not to prosecute Thaksin on charges under Section 112 (lèse-majesté), Paetongtarn offered only a slight smile and remained silent, declining to answer the question.

Pressed on whether she viewed the legal proceedings as a political maneuver to prevent Thaksin from emerging before the 2026 elections, Paetongtarn said she has largely stepped back from politics.

“If we’re talking about now, I myself have withdrawn from politics very much already — almost completely,” she said. “I’ve let the party move forward on its own. I probably need to take care of my father’s mental well-being.”

The Attorney-General’s appeal marks a reversal from an earlier decision not to pursue lèse-majesté charges against the former prime minister, raising questions about the political implications as Thailand heads toward its next general election.

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Immigration Police Arrest Indian Gambling Hub in Pattaya

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Khaosod English

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20 November 2025, 10:39

india gambling1 — Immigration police raid a Pattaya condominium where five Indian men were arrested for allegedly running an online gambling operation on November 19, 2025.

PATTAYA — Thai immigration police raided a Pattaya condominium on Wednesday evening and arrested five Indian men accused of illegally working as administrators for an India-based online gambling network, officials said.

Pol. Col. Napaspong Khositsuriyamanee, chief of Chonburi Immigration, led the operation on November 19 after investigators received a tip that a group of Indian nationals had set up an illicit workspace inside a condo on Soi Thepprasit 17 in Bang Lamung district.

Officers found the men on the second floor sitting in front of laptop computers, with more than 20 mobile phones spread across a table. Police seized three laptops, 22 phones, a tablet, credit cards and notebooks detailing money transfers totaling several million rupees — about 61,595 USD — consistent with deposits used for online gambling platforms, Napaspong said.

india gambling2 — Officers inspect laptops and dozens of mobile phones seized from a Pattaya condo used as an alleged base for an India-linked online gambling network on November 19, 2025.

The five suspects were identified as Shivam, 29; Sandeep, 24; Sakir, 27; Kapil, 24; and Gaurav, 39. All denied wrongdoing and gave evasive answers during questioning, claiming only that they were customer-service “admins” without specifying the nature of the work.

Police said the group had been operating from Thailand as a backend team for Indian gambling websites.

The men were charged with working without a permit under Thailand’s 2017 foreign labor management law and were transferred to Pattaya City Police Station for further legal action.

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FTI Elevates “Asia EnwastExpo 2026” to Regional Green Economy Platform

By

Mc Marketing

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20 November 2025, 10:26

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has officially announced the launch of “Asia EnwastExpo 2026” to position Thailand as a leader in Asia’s green economy. The event will be held from 4–6 February 2026 at IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center, reinforcing the FTI’s “One FTI to Net Zero” mission. The expo will bring together over 200 leading organizations from both Thailand and abroad to showcase cutting-edge environmental technologies and innovations across all dimensions, including comprehensive waste management systems, along with business matching opportunities.

Bangkok, 17 November – The Environmental Management Industry Club of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) held a press conference at Ascott Embassy Sathorn, Bangkok, to announce the launch of Asia EnwastExpo 2026 (Asia Environmental and Waste Management 2026) — an upgraded platform that expands Thailand’s leading environmental and waste management exhibition to the regional level. Held under the theme “Empowering Asia’s Green Future – Driving Asia Toward a Green Economy,” the event reinforces Thailand’s position as a regional hub for environmental technology and innovation. The FTI also reaffirmed its commitment to serving as the country’s “Knowledge Hub” for environmental management, driving collaboration and sustainability across industries. Asia EnwastExpo 2026 will take place from 4–6 February 2026, between 09:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., at Halls 5–6, IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center, Muang Thong Thani.

Mr. Kriengkrai Thiennukul, Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), stated that the world is now entering a full-fledged “Green Transition” era, where the global industrial sector places great importance on sustainable growth, with the Green Economy and Circular Economy at its core. As the industrial hub of ASEAN, Thailand plays a vital role in connecting regional economies to ensure balanced and sustainable growth. To drive Thailand’s industrial sector toward sustainability and global competitiveness, the FTI is implementing the “One FTI – Strength Together” approach, which encompasses four key dimensions: 1. Promoting green industry policies as a national agenda by encouraging ESG-based business practices and integrating environmental policy with industrial policy; 2. Encouraging investment in clean technologies and accelerating the adoption of resource-efficient, low-waste, and low-carbon production technologies across industries; 3. Supporting businesses in reducing carbon emissions to help achieve Thailand’s targets of Carbon Neutrality by 2050 and Net Zero by 2065, while preparing for stricter international regulations such as CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism); and 4. Developing a comprehensive circular economy ecosystem as a key mechanism for resource efficiency — connecting producers, consumers, and waste managers.

The FTI Chairman also emphasized that Asia EnwastExpo 2026 is not just an exhibition of innovations, but a “symbol of Thailand’s elevation to the regional stage,” positioning the country as “Asia’s hub for environmental technology learning and exchange”. FTI believes that advancing a green economy requires “Network Power” and “Collaboration across all sectors”. By consolidating these efforts under the ‘One FTI’ framework, Thailand and the greater Asian region can effectively strive toward achieving Net Zero goals.

According to Mr.Thanathorn Trongsittivito, Chairman of the Environmental Management Industry Club, FTI, Asia EnwastExpo 2026 serves as a regional platform for sharing knowledge, technology, and innovations across all dimensions of environmental management — renewable energy, industrial energy solutions, green technologies, comprehensive waste management systems, and strategies for industrial adaptation to climate change. Bringing together more than 200 leading companies and organizations from Thailand and beyond, the event will feature eco-friendly products, technologies, and innovations across industrial, energy, community, and service sectors, attracting an estimated 8,000+ visitors. Spanning over 8,000 square meters at IMPACT, Muang Thong Thani, the exhibition is designed to meet the needs of participating companies, with only 30% of the exhibition space currently available. Businesses and organizations are invited to join to drive the green industrial agenda in Asia. In addition, a special zone for households and general consumers will offer opportunities to explore clean energy solutions, renewable energy usage, and practical green technologies that can be applied in daily life — fostering an environmental culture from households to the national level.

Highlights and Key Activities at Asia EnwastExpo 2026 include business matching programs with potential buyers, academic conferences and seminars, a Start-up Zone featuring environmental products for sale, and mini concerts by popular artists. A range of innovative services and solutions for businesses will be showcased, including:

* ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) consulting

* Smart Grid and IoT technologies

* Environmental quality analysis laboratories

* Industrial energy solutions

* Factory energy management systems

* Waste heat recovery systems

* Carbon reduction technologies

The event will introduce engineering design services for waste and wastewater management, along with solutions for material collection and sorting in recycling. A special highlight will be the New Energy Zone, highlighting clean and sustainable energy solutions, including hydropower, solar, wind, biomass energy, and waste-to-fuel technologies.

Everyone is cordially invited to be part of “Driving Asia Toward a Green Economy” and to help create a bright and sustainable future together at Asia EnwastExpo 2026 — the largest exhibition of environmental technologies and innovations in the Asian region from 4–6 February 2026, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., at Halls 5–6, IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center, Muang Thong Thani.

Pre-registration for visitors is free: https://enwastexpo.com/th/visitor-registration/

For more information, please visit the official website: www.enwastexpo.com

or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EnwastExpo

Myanmar’s Military Says It Detained Foreigners in Raid on a Second Major Online Scam Center

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Associated Press

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20 November 2025, 07:59

shwe kokko tak1 — A Thai soldier from the Rajamnu Special Task Force take custody of foreign nationals fleeing scammer bases in Myanmar. The group crossed the Moei River into Thai territory at Mae Tao Village (Moo 1), Tha Sai Luat Subdistrict, Mae Sot District, Tak Province, on November 19, 2025. (KHAOSOD Photo)

BANGKOK (AP) — Myanmar’s military government extended its crackdown on online scam activities to a second major location, detaining hundreds of foreigners and seizing thousands of mobile phones used to carry out the fraud, state media reported Wednesday.

Myanmar is notorious for hosting cyberscam operations responsible for bilking people all over the world, which usually involve gaining victims’ confidence online with romantic ploys and bogus investment schemes. Authorities raided a major scam center in mid-October called KK Park on the outskirts of Myawaddy, a major trading town on the border with Thailand.

On Tuesday, the army raided a scam compound in the town of Shwe Kokko, also near Myawaddy, military spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun said in a statement published Wednesday in Myanma Alinn and other state newspapers.

He said authorities detained 346 foreigners and confiscated nearly 10,000 mobile phones along with other related equipment, while blocking people who were trying flee across the border.

The U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime has estimated that hundreds of industrial-scale scam centers based primarily in Southeast Asia generate just under $40 billion in annual profits.

Myanmar’s military government says it began its crackdown on cross-border online scams and illegal gambling in early September. Following the raid on KK Park last month, more 1,500 people from about two dozen nations who had worked there crossed into Thailand, and Zaw Min Tun said the site’s buildings have been demolished, including by controlled explosions.

The entire area is only loosely under the control of Myanmar’s military government, and also comes under the influence of ethnic minority militias.

Several ethnic Karen militias are active in the area, including the military-backed Border Guard Force, which has signed a ceasefire with the army, and the Karen National Union — KNU — which is fighting against the army an part of the nationwide resistance war against military rule.

AP25301359165310 — White smoke billows after an explosion at KK Park online scam center in Myawaddy township, Karen State, Myanmar, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Sarot Meksophawannakul)

The Border Guard Force has claimed credit for taking part in the crackdown, though it is widely believed to have earlier at least provided protection for scam operators. It had carried out similar raids in Shwe Kokko earlier this year, and photos published Wednesday show its members assisting in the latest operation.

The military government has claimed the KNU is linked to the scam centers on the basis of reported real estate deals.

Both the Border Guard Force and the KNU have denied involvement in the scam operations.

Much of Zaw Min Tun’s statement on Wednesday appeared to be aimed at addressing skepticism voiced on social media and by the military’s critics who suspect the crackdown is superficial and that the raid on KK Park compound was staged. He stressed that the army was “working to completely eradicate scam activities from their roots.”

However, critics say that masterminds of the scam operations continue to operate elsewhere.

Zaw Min Tun highlighted China’s cooperation in fighting Myanmar’s scam operations. China is the top ally of Myanmar’s military government, which is ostracized by many Western nations for ousting the democratically elected government on Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021 and reportedly perpetrating human rights abuses against it opponents.

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Singaporean Fugitive Arrested at Thai Wife’s House in Khon Kaen

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Khaosod English

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20 November 2025, 00:07

singapore scam2 — Thai police arrest Brian, 32, a Singaporean scam syndicate member, at his Thai wife's residence in Khon Kaen on November 19, 2025, following coordination with Singapore authorities.

KHON KAEN — Thai police have arrested a 32-year-old Singaporean man wanted in connection with an international scam syndicate, following a request for assistance from authorities in Singapore.

The suspect, identified only as Brian, was taken into custody on November 19 at a home in Khon Kaen’s Si Chomphu district by officers from the Technology Crime Suppression Division, officials said Wednesday.

Singapore’s Anti-Scam Centre had alerted Thailand’s Anti-Cybercrime Scam Centre that Brian was the subject of an Interpol Red Notice on charges related to organized crime and cross-border fraud. He is among 34 suspects sought by Singapore police.

Investigators say Brian was part of a scam operation based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and fled to Thailand, where he was hiding at his Thai wife’s residence.

During questioning, he allegedly admitted to working as the group’s financial administrator, helping impersonate government officials in phone calls used to frighten Singaporean victims into transferring money. He told police he earned about $4,000 a month.

The syndicate is believed to involve Singaporean and Malaysian members, including its leaders, police said.

Thai authorities charged Brian with overstaying his visa. He is expected to be deported to Singapore to face cybercrime-related charges.

Singapore has ramped up its crackdown on regional scam networks. Earlier this month, Parliament approved tougher penalties, including mandatory caning for convicted scammers and discretionary caning for money mules.

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Thai FM Pushes ‘Fast Pass’ to Unlock $9.2B in Foreign Investment

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Khaosod English

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19 November 2025, 20:46

ekkanit-anutin1 — Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas stands with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul at Government House on November 19, 2025.

BANGKOK — Thailand’s finance minister, who was recently named a prime ministerial candidate for the Bhumjai Thai Party, says he will propose a new “Fast Pass” measure aimed at fast-tracking more than $9.2 billion in pending foreign and large-scale investments.

Ekniti Nitithanprapas, who also serves as deputy prime minister, said he will present the plan to the Economic Cabinet on Monday, November 24. The measure is designed to clear bureaucratic hurdles that have delayed dozens of major projects.

Ekniti said an initial review found more than 70 large projects — each valued at over 1 billion baht — could move forward immediately. He estimated that at least 300 billion baht ($9.2 billion) in new investment could enter the economy early in 2026, out of a 470-billion-baht ($14.5 billion) pipeline currently stuck in the system.

“Foreign investors remain highly interested in Thailand even though global FDI has declined,” he said. Applications for investment promotion at the Board of Investment now total more than $40 billion, nearly double last year, he added. “Most of these projects are ready to proceed but are held back by approval procedures and overlapping regulations.”

ekkanit anutin2 — Ekniti Nitithanprapas arrives at Government House for a Cabinet meeting on November 18, 2025.

The Fast Pass system would function like an “investment express lane,” Ekniti said. Once approved, investors would receive expedited processing across all relevant agencies, including visa issuance for skilled labor, immigration procedures, and permits that currently require separate applications to multiple offices.

He also addressed Thailand’s sluggish capital markets, saying the Finance Ministry is developing new measures to boost savings and investment. Among them is the Thailand Individual Saving Account fund, designed to encourage the public to channel more savings into the capital market. The initiative is expected to be finalized by the end of the year.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has named Ekniti as Bhumjaithai’s second prime-ministerial candidate for next year’s election, with Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun listed third.

The party will formally consider all three nominations at its general assembly on Sunday, Nov. 23. Anutin praised both candidates’ professional backgrounds, saying they “understand the work” and “deliver results.”

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Jealous British Man Assaults French Tourist at Koh Samui Hotel

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Khaosod English

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19 November 2025, 18:59

british hit samui — A Thai woman receives first aid and measurement of her wounds to be used as evidence in the assault investigation on November 19, 2025.

KOH SAMUI — A British man has been arrested after allegedly attacking a French tourist at a Koh Samui hotel on November 19 in what police describe as a jealousy-fueled incident involving his Thai girlfriend.

Police at Bo Phut Police Station responded to an assault report around noon at a hotel in Bo Phut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani Province. Officers found two injured victims: Mr. Mathis, a 23-year-old French national, and Ms. Kanokwan, a 21-year-old Thai woman from Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Both sustained injuries and were transported to hospital, with Kanokwan reportedly suffering serious harm.

Authorities apprehended the alleged perpetrator at the scene, identified as Mr. Richard, a 44-year-old British national. During questioning, Richard told police he discovered Kanokwan, his girlfriend, in the hotel room with Mathis. He admitted to immediately attacking the French man out of jealousy.

british hit samui2 — Combination photo shows a French national (left) with facial injuries after allegedly being assaulted by a British man (right). The alleged perpetrator is seen being questioned at the Bo Phut Police Station on Koh Samui on November 19, 2025.

However, Richard denied responsibility for the woman’s injuries, claiming that Kanokwan had harmed herself and alleging she had a history of self-harm.

Investigators have recorded statements from the suspect and are awaiting medical reports from doctors. Police are also waiting for Kanokwan’s condition to improve before taking her testimony. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the full circumstances of the incident before proceeding with formal charges.

Under Thai criminal law, penalties for assault vary depending on the severity of injuries sustained. Minor assault carries a maximum sentence of one month imprisonment or a fine not exceeding 10,000 baht ($310). However, if the assault causes serious bodily harm, perpetrators face six months to 10 years imprisonment and fines ranging from 10,000 to 200,000 baht ($310-6,170).

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Great Place To Work Announces Thailand’s First Best Workplaces 2025

By

Mc Marketing

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19 November 2025, 17:51

Great Place To Work® has officially unveiled Thailand’s first-ever Best Workplaces™ 2025 list during an awards ceremony at the Millennium Hilton Bangkok. The event celebrated organizations that demonstrate exceptional trust, people-first leadership, and inclusive workplace cultures.

More than 59,000 employee voices nationwide contributed to this year’s ranking, reflecting strong momentum among Thai companies committed to high-trust, high-performance cultures. A total of 30 organizations were recognized across three categories: Large, Medium, and Small.

This year’s theme, “Change Happens Here,” highlights companies that are redefining the future of work through resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to employee well-being. Evelyn Kwek, Managing Director of Great Place To Work ASEAN & ANZ, emphasized that meaningful transformation begins with employees who feel valued and trusted.

The rankings were based on confidential employee feedback through the Trust Index™ survey and detailed assessments of company programs and policies. Great Place To Work® continues its mission to help organizations worldwide create great workplaces For All™.

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