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Nearly 3,000 drunk driving cases recorded during New Year crackdown
Thailand’s probation authorities have reported nearly 3,000 drunk driving cases over a five-day period during the New Year holiday crackdown, with 3 provinces recording the highest numbers. According to Department of Probation, a total of 2,957 drunk driving cases were recorded between December 30 and January 3 as part of intensified road safety measures during the festive period. Today, on…
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Overloaded landfill prompts urgent waste crisis review in Phatthalung
Phatthalung authorities have launched an urgent review to address what officials describe as a growing waste management crisis, after inspections revealed severe environmental damage linked to an overloaded municipal landfill. The move follows a site visit to the province’s main dumpsite, which covers approximately 95 rai and currently receives more than 100 tonnes of waste per day. Officials warned that…
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Van collision injures driver as wild elephant crosses road
A serious road accident involving a wild elephant from Khao Yai National Park and a closed-box van has raised renewed concerns about road safety and human-wildlife coexistence in protected forest areas. The collision left the van driver seriously injured, while the elephant fled back into the forest with suspected injuries, prompting an urgent search by park officials. According to the…
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Thailand’s first high-speed rail project pushed back to 2030
Thailand’s first high-speed rail project, linking Bangkok with Nakhon Ratchasima, has been delayed by at least one year due to unresolved land acquisition issues and complications caused by overlapping infrastructure projects. Originally scheduled to begin operations in 2029, the Bangkok–Nakhon Ratchasima service is now expected to open in 2030, according to officials from the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). Despite…
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Waiter killed after drunken customer attacks staff over missing ice
A dispute over missing ice escalated into a fatal stabbing after a drunken customer allegedly attacked restaurant staff in early this morning, January 4, leaving one man dead and another woman critically injured. Police received a report of the incident at around 4.30am and dispatched patrol officers to the scene, along with rescue workers from the Ruam Katanyu Foundation. Three…
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Indian tourist reports alleged overpriced ‘miracle’ herbal scam in Pattaya
A 45 year old Indian tourist has filed a police report after claiming he was tricked into buying overpriced herbal products in Pattaya, in what authorities believe may be part of a recurring scam targeting foreign visitors. The complaint was lodged at Pattaya City Police Station in the early hours of yesterday, January 3. The man told police he was…
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Green sea turtle Phuket Karon beach nesting event
A rare and encouraging marine conservation event unfolded on Karon Beach in Phuket on Friday, when an adult female green sea turtle came ashore and laid a large clutch of eggs, drawing attention from both tourists and local officials. The nesting occurred at around 11am on January 3, 2026, along Karon Beach in Karon sub district, Muang district. Thai and…
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Power bank explosion injures woman in market
A woman was injured in Si Racha district, Chonburi province, after a power bank connected to her mobile phone exploded inside her handbag, causing burns to her arms and face and igniting her personal belongings, rescue officials said. The incident occurred at around 7.00pm on January 3, 2026, in the Sahapat Airport area, Moo 5, Bueng subdistrict. The Sawang Prateep…
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Illegal migrant smuggling Thailand pickup truck incident
Highway police have arrested a pickup truck driver and uncovered 25 undocumented Myanmar migrant workers after a late-night pursuit on a major road in Nakhon Sawan, highlighting ongoing risks faced by migrants and the persistence of human smuggling networks. The incident occurred on January 3, 2026, when officers from the Highway Police Division were conducting intensified patrols along known trafficking…
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Bar host arrested for burglary at Bangkok transgender influencer’s home
A male bar host has been arrested for allegedly breaking into the home of a well-known transgender influencer in Bangkok and stealing luxury items and a large sum of cash. The arrest took place at around 1pm yesterday, January 3, when police from Phaholyothin Police Station detained a 21 year old man at a house in Soi Lat Phrao 41,…
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Thai Cambodian border dispute: army reaffirms sovereignty
The Royal Thai Army has reaffirmed that a recently reorganized border area remains firmly within Thai sovereign territory, stating that the land has been subject to long-term encroachment by Cambodian forces and settlements. Army officials are urging the public to review official protest letters previously submitted by Thailand through the Memorandum of Understanding 43, known as MOU 43, which governs…
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Drugs and ammunition found after fatal motorcycle crash in Chon Buri
A fatal motorcycle crash in Chon Buri has taken a turn after police discovered drugs, ammunition, and a weapon on the deceased, prompting further criminal link investigations. The incident occurred at around 10am on Thursday, January 1, when emergency services were alerted to a motorcycle accident in a grassy area beside the road in Soi Phu Yai Cha, Banglamung district.…
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Myanmar rape-murder suspect deported as victim’s daughter demands justice
A Thai woman has sought public intervention after discovering that the Myanmar national accused of raping and murdering her mother was deported from Thailand despite the case still being under investigation. The complaint was submitted on Friday, January 2 to the Facebook page ‘Survive – Sai Mai Tong Rod,’ where the victim’s daughter claimed that immigration authorities released the suspect…
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Young man with three arrest warrants arrested while hiding in closed-box pickup at highway checkpoint
A 20-year-old man linked to multiple online fraud cases was arrested at a highway checkpoint in Kanchanaburi after police discovered him hiding inside the enclosed cargo area of a closed-box pickup truck. Officers later confirmed the suspect had three outstanding arrest warrants, in addition to five previous cases that had already entered the judicial process. The arrest followed an order…
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2026 SAFF Futsal Championship to debut in Bangkok as South Asia launches new tournament
The South Asian Football Federation will stage the first-ever SAFF Futsal Championship in Bangkok, Thailand, from 13 to 26 January 2026, marking a major step in the development of futsal across South Asia. The biennial men’s national team tournament will feature all seven SAFF member associations, each making their debut in the competition. The participating teams are Bangladesh, Bhutan, India,…
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Royal Thai Navy detains 67 Cambodian migrants attempting illegal border crossing into Thailand
The Royal Thai Navy has detained 67 Cambodian migrant workers who attempted to illegally cross the Thai border in Chanthaburi province, authorities confirmed on January 3, 2026. The group included men, women, and children who officials said were fleeing severe economic hardship, unemployment, and food insecurity in their home communities. Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiyapan, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Navy,…
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Second Army Area releases footage alleging Cambodian military activity near Preah Vihear
The Second Army Area on Saturday released video footage it claims shows Cambodian forces using areas near the Preah Vihear temple complex as an active military position, raising fresh security concerns along the Thai–Cambodian border. The footage was made public on January 3, 2026, at around 3.10pm, as Thai authorities continued close monitoring of border conditions. According to the Second…
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Will Thailand’s 2026 election reshape tourism, foreign investment, and transport policy?
As Thailand moves toward its 2026 general election, the future of the country’s tourism industry has become a central issue for investors, operators, and local communities. With tourism accounting for a significant share of national income, the policies adopted by the next government are expected to influence foreign direct investment, public safety, and long-term infrastructure planning, particularly in rail transport.…
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Thailand’s new year holiday 2026 sees over eight million travelers, fewer accidents and smooth nationwide transport
Thailand’s New Year holiday 2026 concluded with more than eight million people traveling across the country, while road accidents and transport disruptions declined compared with the previous year, according to the Ministry of Transport. From December 30 2025 to January 1 2026, a total of more than 8.2 million passengers used public transport nationwide. Although this figure represents a 3.9…
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Fire destroys monk’s living quarters at Nimit Mai temple, investigation underway
A fire completely destroyed a monk’s living quarters at a well-known temple in the Nimit Mai area of Bangkok on the morning of January 3, 2026, prompting an urgent response from firefighters and an ongoing investigation into the cause of the blaze. The incident was reported at 8.27am through the 199 emergency hotline. Firefighters from the Bang Chan Fire and…
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Van carrying passenger crashes after tire blowout, one killed and eight injured
A fatal road accident in Udon Thani province left one person dead and eight others injured after a passenger van carrying pilgrims suffered a tire blowout and slammed into a roadside tree on Wednesday afternoon, authorities said. The incident occurred at about 1.50pm on January 2, 2026, on the Nong Han–Phibun Rak road between Ban Nai Yom and Ban Don…
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Sea of Trash: Garbage covers Patong beach after New Year countdown
PHUKET — The morning sun on the first day of the year revealed a grim scene at Patong Beach, one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations. Instead of pristine white sands, a mountain of garbage buried the shoreline following the previous night’s New Year’s Eve celebrations. Images shared by the local news page “แรงจัง ภูเก็ต” exposed the extent of…
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Patong restaurant fires staff after telling customer to “Wash the pot yourself”
PHUKET — A heated online controversy involving a popular restaurant in Patong has concluded with the immediate termination of a staff member. The employee had sparked outrage after challenging a customer to “wash the pot yourself” if she wished to be served. The incident, which went viral on TikTok, occurred at the “Sam Chor Chern Chuan Chim” restaurant (Patong Branch),…
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Explosion at Swiss Bar in Crans-Montana Kills at Least 40
Swiss Ski Resort Tragedy Explosion at Crans-Montana Bar Kills ‘Dozens,’ Italy Reports 40 Dead CRANS-MONTANA — A devastating explosion followed by a massive fire at a popular bar in the renowned Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana has resulted in a “mass casualty” event, sending shockwaves across Europe. Swiss police confirmed “dozens” of fatalities, while Italian authorities report the death toll…
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Bangkok fireworks blast injures 7 at New Year party
New Year Chaos: Unauthorized Fireworks Blast Injures 7 in Bangkok’s Wattana District BANGKOK — A New Year celebration in Soi Pridi Banomyong 26 on Sukhumvit 71 Road turned dangerous early this morning (January 1), leaving seven people injured after a fireworks display went wrong. Police are preparing to summon the group responsible, while the Wattana District Office plans to file…
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Cold spell returns: Temps to drop across Thailand from Jan 2-6
Thailand Weather Update: Foggy Mornings to Start the Year, Fresh Cold Spell Arriving Jan 2-6 BANGKOK — The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather outlook for the first week of 2026, advising the public to prepare for fluctuating temperatures. While the current cold front is weakening, a new high-pressure system is set to bring cooler weather back starting…
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King and Queen Grant Royal Greeting Card for 2026
Their Majesties the King and Queen Grant New Year 2026 Greeting Card to Thai People BANGKOK — On December 31, 2025, His Majesty the King and Her Majesty Queen Suthida graciously granted a royal New Year greeting card for the Buddhist Era 2569 (2026) to the people of Thailand. The front of the card features the emblem of the Chakri…
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M6 jammed for kilometers as crowds rush back to Bangkok Before New Year
M6 Motorway Heavily Congested as Holidaymakers Return to Bangkok. NAKHON RATCHASIMA — Traffic on the special highway, M6 Motorway, has ground to a slow crawl stretching several kilometers as citizens begin their return journey to the capital. Reporters observing the traffic flow at Kilometer 114, near Ban Pin Thong in Khanong Phra Subdistrict, Pak Chong District, noted a significant increase…
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Jealous gunman Kills ex-girlfriend and self, critically wounds new partner
New Year’s Eve Tragedy: Jealous Gunman Kills Ex-Girlfriend and Self, Critically Wounds New Partner CHON BURI — At 1:30 AM, Pol. Capt. Pichamon Sata, Deputy Inspector of Bo Thong Police Station, received reports of a shooting at a local gas station. Police arrived at the scene alongside medical personnel from Bo Thong Hospital and rescue volunteers. Officers found the body…
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Body of Missing 19-Year-Old Texas Teen Found After Christmas Eve Disappearance
Tragic End: Body of Missing 19-Year-Old Texas Teen Found After Christmas Eve Disappearance SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS — The desperate search for Camila Mendoza Olmos, 19, who vanished on Christmas Eve, has concluded with a heartbreaking discovery. Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that search teams located a lifeless body in a field near the residential area where…
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