Cheap massages in Thailand are stirring controversy as an increasing number of tourists report health issues, raising concerns about hygiene standards and the safety of these services.

G ridlock in Thai politics tends to end one way. Thailand is the only middle-income country in which the armed forces regularly seize power. There have been a dozen coups since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932, two of them in the past 20 years.

China urged Cambodia and Thailand to resolve their border dispute through friendly dialogue, offering to play a constructive role by upholding an "objective and fair" position, its foreign ministry said.

The Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) launched an attack on a military facility in Kayin state on Saturday about 3 p.m. local time (0800 GMT), according to a Thai military statement

Swathes of agricultural and residential areas were left waterlogged after heavy rains battered southern Thailand. Drone footage shows the deluge submerging roads in the province as locals fled their homes using boats in Trat province.

Thailand has submitted a new trade proposal to the United States, offering to cut levies to zero on many U.S. imports in a bid to avoid steep tariff hikes on its own products, the finance minister said on Monday.

Pressure has come from the UK, which has seen a flood of Thai marijuana being smuggled into the country.

A Thai national flag is seen at a port under the Port Authority of Thailand, following the announcement that U.S. President Donald Trump would impose tariffs of 36% on goods from Thailand starting on August 1, in Bangkok, Thailand, July 8, 2025. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha

Thailand’s ruling establishment—its army, the palace and assorted other magnates—has long felt entitled to sack politicians whenever they believe their own interests are under threat. For decades these elites have worked hard to make sure that Thailand’s democracy is never much more than a veneer .