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Phuket News
Thailand tourism surges with visa-free policy, Phuket leads
Following the easing of Covid-19, global tourism has experienced a resurgence, bolstered by the Thai government’s visa-free policy. This has led to a continuous increase in tourists visiting Thailand. Recent data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports revealed that between January and March, the number of tourists reached 7,021,344, marking a 5.91% increase compared to the same period last…
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Thailand News
Rubber plantation worker shot dead in Nakhon Si Thammarat
A 52 year old rubber plantation worker was fatally shot while riding his motorcycle to work in Nakhon Si Thammarat province yesterday, March 14. Police are actively investigating the case to determine the motive and apprehend the gunman. Police Lieutenant Hassan Wongmathong, Deputy Inspector at Chulabhorn Police Station, received a report of the shooting incident near a rubber plantation entrance…
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Thailand News
Uthai Thani locals flock to ancient tree for lottery luck
As the lottery draw approaches, residents in Uthai Thani’s Mueang district have flocked to seek lucky numbers from a century-old Takian tree. It is believed that 12 spirit guardians, known as Mae Takian, reside within the tree, offering fortune to visitors. Located in Ban Huai Rang, Village 2, Rabam subdistrict, the revered Takian tree stands by a busy road, drawing…
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Thailand News
Indian tourists held over alleged assault at Koh Pha Ngan party
Two Indian men have been detained for questioning in connection with the alleged assault of a German woman after CCTV footage implicated them. One suspect gave inconsistent statements, while the other was evasive. Police remain confident in their identification of the suspects. The incident occurred when 24 year old Salah, a German national, reported being assaulted by two men while…
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Thailand News
Ayutthaya hermitage draws crowds for blessings, lucky numbers
The Ruesi Cherne Thatu Phutthakhun hermitage in Ayutthaya is buzzing with visitors seeking spiritual blessings and lucky numbers ahead of the next lottery draw. This sacred site in Bang Sai district has become a magnet for those looking to boost their fortune, drawing tourists and devoted believers alike. Among the hermitage’s revered figures is the nine-faced Thao Wessuwan statue, standing…
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Pattaya News
Pattaya shooting range noise reduced, but residents uneasy
Residents expressed relief as Pattaya officials inspected a shooting range adjacent to their village, which has caused persistent noise disturbance. Yesterday, Krisana Boonsawat, Pattaya’s Deputy Mayor, along with officials from the engineering and public health and environment departments, visited the Guns Shooting and Battle range, now renamed 556 Shooting Club, following complaints from residents of Jomtien Park Villa 2 in…
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Phuket News
Ex-finance minister exposes Phuket police extortion
A former finance minister has blown the lid off corrupt police practices in Phuket, exposing a rampant extortion racket targeting tourists. Sommai Phasee took to Facebook to reveal how officers are demanding bribes of 10,000 to 20,000 baht from foreign visitors to avoid being dragged to the police station. “I can’t stand it anymore. Corruption is everywhere in Thailand—it’s a…
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Thailand News
PM Paetongtarn prepares for Bhutan visit to boost trade
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra engaged in discussions with Bhutan’s Ambassador to Thailand yesterday, March 14, focusing on preparations for the forthcoming state visit of the King and Queen to Bhutan. This marks Their Majesties’ initial state visit following an invitation from His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, King of Bhutan. Paetongtarn held talks with Kinzang Dorji, the Bhutanese Ambassador to…
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Phuket News
Phuket leads Thailand’s push for sustainable tourism
Thailand is going green in a big way, with Phuket at the forefront of a bold push to revolutionise sustainable tourism. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) has launched the Green Hotel Plus Phuket Sandbox project, a key initiative to raise hotel sustainability standards to global levels. Minister Chalermchai Sri-on, who chaired the event on Thursday, March 13,…
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Pattaya News
Teen stabbed in Pattaya over motorcycle exhaust dispute
A teenager in Pattaya sustained a severe head injury after a knife attack linked to a dispute over a loud motorcycle exhaust. The incident occurred at 1.06am yesterday, March 14, with the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre receiving the report of an assault in Soi Wat Boon Samphan. Coordination between Nong Prue Police Station officers and rescue volunteers was swiftly…
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Bangkok News
Horror on Rama II: Bridge collapse kills 5, injures 20
The death toll from a devastating bridge collapse on Rama II Road has climbed to five, with 20 others injured as emergency crews race to find more victims. The tragic incident, which unfolded in the early hours of today, March 15, has thrown Bangkok’s infrastructure safety into question. A loud bang shattered the silence at around 2am, sending a massive…
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Thailand News
‘Mum on the run’ feared dead after shocking Thai prison video
A British woman who fled the UK for a dream life in Thailand has sparked fears for her safety after shocking footage showed her detained in a grim Thai prison alongside her toddler. The woman, 32 year old Ellis Matthews, who once appeared on the reality show Judge Rinder after claiming to have blown through a £6 million (around 261…
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Thailand News
Thailand begins landmark dengue vaccine trial for children
Thailand is taking a major step in the fight against dengue fever, launching a large-scale clinical trial of a new vaccine for children in Nakhon Phanom province. The trial, set to begin on April 4, will involve 35,000 children aged between seven and 10, regardless of prior dengue infection. Approved by the National Communicable Disease Committee, the study aims to…
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Thailand News
Thailand’s tourism target at risk amid competition, safety fears
Thailand’s ambitious goal of attracting 39 million foreign visitors this year is under threat, with industry experts warning that stiff competition and safety concerns could derail the plan. According to the Association of Thai Travel Agents (TTAA), the country is likely to welcome a maximum of 37 million foreign arrivals in 2025, still an improvement from last year’s 35.54 million.…
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Bangkok News
Man arrested in Bangkok after alleged molestation in Phayao
A 32 year old man was apprehended by police for two alleged incidents of molestation involving young women in a single day. The incidents reportedly took place in Phayao province, with the suspect fleeing to Bangkok before being captured. The arrest took place at a hotel near Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bang Sao Thong district, Samut Prakan province, following a…
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Thailand News
Thailand confident FTA with EU will be finalised by year-end
Despite mounting pressure from the European Parliament over Thailand’s deportation of Uyghurs to China, the Commerce Ministry remains confident that free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with the European Union (EU) will stay on track, with a final deal expected by December 25. The controversy stems from a European Parliament resolution condemning Thailand’s deportation of 40 Uyghurs on February 27, warning…
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Phuket News
Phuket mayor vows clean drinking water for all
Phuket Town residents may soon enjoy safe, drinkable tap water as city officials push forward with a major water quality upgrade. At a public event held at the Phuket City Municipality’s Waterworks Division yesterday, March 13, Mayor Saroj Angkanapilas assured residents that progress is being made in providing clean, potable water across the town. Flanked by key officials—including Deputy Mayor…
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Thailand News
EU blasts Thailand over Uyghur deportations and lese-majeste
In a scathing rebuke, the European Parliament passed a resolution condemning Thailand for deporting Uyghur refugees to China and urged the European Commission to pressure Bangkok into reforming its lese-majeste law, releasing political prisoners, and improving human rights standards. The vote, held yesterday, March 13, saw overwhelming support, with 482 votes in favour, 57 against, and 68 abstentions. The resolution…
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Phuket News
No freedom at Freedom Beach: Land dispute sparks Phuket showdown
A heated land dispute has erupted over Phuket’s Freedom Beach, with the heirs of a landowner demanding the suspension of its recent designation as a recreational forest. Lawyers representing the family of Panthong Na Ranong petitioned the Phuket branch of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), arguing that unresolved land rights issues must be settled before the area is officially…
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Pattaya News
Pattaya cracks down on beach chaos and homelessness
Pattaya City officials are stepping up efforts to bring order to the city’s beaches and tackle its growing homelessness problem. A high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Mayor Wutthisak Rermkijakarn at City Hall focused on enforcing stricter regulations for beach umbrellas, deck chairs, and sunbathing areas while addressing mounting concerns over homelessness. Officials discussed the need for designated sunbathing areas, ensuring…
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Thailand News
Drowsy driver crashes tour bus into power pole, injuring 36
A terrifying late-night crash left 36 passengers injured after a tour bus veered off the road and smashed into a high-voltage power pole in Phetchaburi. Nine passengers were reportedly American citizens. The shocking incident, which occurred at 3.54am, today, March 14, was caused by the driver falling asleep at the wheel. Police Colonel Thip Khengkhum, Superintendent of Khao Yoi Police…
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Thailand News
Fire at Surat Thani car dealership causes 2 million baht damage
A raging fire tore through a used car dealership near Vibhavadi Camp Hospital in Mueang district, Surat Thani, in the early hours of today, leaving behind a trail of destruction worth over 2 million baht. The dramatic blaze, which erupted at around 3.40am, today, March 14, sent emergency services scrambling to the scene as towering flames engulfed vehicles and the…
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Thailand News
Nonthaburi theft gang arrested after stealing appliances on bike
A theft gang used a single motorcycle to steal various appliances, including a washing machine, refrigerator, air conditioner, and television, from a building in Nonthaburi. Police have apprehended three people, while another suspect managed to evade capture. Yesterday, March 13, at 9pm, Police Colonel Phisut Chantarasuwan, superintendent of Rattanathibet Police Station in Nonthaburi, along with Deputy Superintendent Phasakorn Chaiyawong and…
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Pattaya News
Thai Elephant Day celebrated with buffet for oldest elephant
Khao Kheow Open Zoo pulled out all the stops for Thai Elephant Day, treating its oldest resident, Pang Nat, to a lavish buffet. The grand celebration, held at 10am, yesterday, March 13, was led by Ularika Kongprom, the zoo’s assistant director, and attended by executives, staff, and visiting students eager to take part in the festivities. The event was designed…
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Thailand News
Jackpot joyride: Thai lottery queen buys community ambulance
A multiple lottery winner in Kamphaeng Phet province has revealed her benevolent side by sacrificing any personal pleasures to buy an ambulance to help the community. The philanthropic woman has scooped the lottery an incredible 70 times, accumulating nearly 1 million baht in total. She attributed her extraordinary luck to a dream and a ritual she performed. Sawai, a 55…
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Thailand News
Tragic crash: Trang train-pickup collision kills 4
A tragic train and pickup truck collision in Kantang district, Trang province, resulted in the deaths of four passengers in the back of the truck. The train driver had sounded the horn but could not stop the train in time, leading to the crash at 2.40pm yesterday, March 13. The incident involved a rapid train number 168 travelling from Kantang…
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Thailand News
Thai Airways slashes baggage limit to 23kg: How it affects you
Passengers flying with Thai Airways will soon have to pack a little lighter, as the airline has announced a reduction in checked baggage allowance for certain Economy Class tickets. Effective April 1, the standard baggage weight for some economy fare classes will be reduced from 25kg to 23kg. The new baggage policy applies to domestic and international flights for passengers…
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Thailand Weather Updates
Heavy rain and storms to hit 28 Thai provinces including Bangkok
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning for heavy rain affecting 28 provinces, including Bangkok, as residents prepare for severe weather conditions. The forecast predicts thunderstorms, strong winds, and a drop in temperature starting today, March 14, with the weather expected to remain volatile. The TMD forecasts that in the next 24 hours, the upper part of Thailand…
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Pattaya News
Si Racha woman left with head injury after altercation with man
A conflict between a man and a woman in Si Racha resulted in injuries and a police investigation. Yesterday, March 12, emergency services were called to an altercation on Sriracha-Nong Kho Road, Mueang subdistrict, Si Racha district, Chon Buri province. Kanokwan, a 36 year old victim, was found with a deep wound to her forehead. Despite her injuries, she was…
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Bangkok News
Victory Monument area in Bangkok declared a historical site
Bangkok’s iconic Victory Monument, a historic landmark honouring Thailand’s fallen heroes, has officially been registered as an ancient site by the Fine Arts Department. The announcement, published in the Royal Gazette yesterday, March 12, confirms the site’s protected status, securing its preservation for future generations. The declaration, made under Section 7 of the Ancient Monuments, Antiques, Objects of Art and National Museums Act 1961, establishes…