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Thailand news, politics, business, crime, lifestyle, and tourism—stay updated with breaking news and in-depth analysis from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond.
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Sponsored Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?
Thailand’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?...
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Bangkok governor probes overpriced gym equipment purchases
Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt acknowledged discovering unusual procurement patterns in gym equipment purchases for two sports centres managed by City Hall, with one treadmill costing as much as a car. Chadchart addressed public concerns yesterday regarding the procurement for the sports centres at Waree Phirom Park in Khlong Sam Wa district and Wachirabenchathat Park (Suan Rod Fai) in Chatuchak district.…
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Pathum Thani: Severed hands of teen girl found in plastic bag
In a gruesome discovery, police yesterday found what they believe to be the severed hands of an 18 year old girl, allegedly murdered by her boyfriend earlier this week. The chilling case began to unfold on Wednesday when Ranya Saensuriwong’s body was discovered beneath an elevated expressway in the Mueang district of Pathum Thani. Wrapped in a bedsheet and bound…
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Laughing gas crackdown leaves Khao San Road breathless
The Thai authorities intensified their crackdown on the illegal sale of nitrous oxide, better known as laughing gas balloons on Khao San Road, meanwhile also targeting foreign labourers hired by establishments to evade the law. At 9pm yesterday, senior officers led an operation to inspect entertainment venues and restaurants along Khao San Road. The main focus was an establishment at…
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Thai cop’s samurai swordplay in love triangle scandal
A Thai police officer in the central province of Nakhon Pathom has been accused of attacking his wife with a samurai sword on May 31 after she discovered his clandestine affairs with several women. The victim, identified as 37 year old Karn, sought help from social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet after filing a complaint against her husband at Phokaew…
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Sole search: Ultramarathoner sets 1,000km run record in 12 days
Ultramarathoner Natalie Dau achieved a remarkable feat by completing a 1,000-kilometre solo run across Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore in just 12 days. Despite enduring scorching heat, melted shoes, and a hip injury, Dau persevered, crossing the finish line at The Westin Singapore yesterday to an adoring home crowd of over 100 supporters. The 52 year old runner’s journey began in…
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Extend-a-signal: NT tunes in for spectrum band extension
National Telecom (NT) is poised to seek an extension from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) to continue utilising three spectrum bands beyond their expiration in September 2025. The requested extension, spanning 90 days, aims to ensure a seamless transition for NT’s current customers to alternative bands. NT intends to maintain operations on the 850MHz, 2100MHz, and 2300MHz bands,…
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Bonding issues: Political turmoil shakes Thai investor confidence
Thailand’s escalating political risks are making foreign investors hesitant about the nation’s bond market, despite a cautious return in May after a six-month break. In May, global funds bought US$511 million worth of Thai bonds, a notable difference compared to larger acquisitions in Indonesia, India, and South Korea. Comparative indicators of foreign investment show Thailand lagging behind its regional counterparts.…
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Australian man arrested in Pattaya for multiple offenses and mafia connections
Immigration Bureau officers arrested an Australian man in Pattaya for multiple offences in his home country and his connection to a foreign mafia gang in Phuket. Officers arrested the Australian, identified only as Grey, at his luxury home in Pattaya after discovering his connection to the mafia gang. However, officers did not provide full details about the group. The Immigration…
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Thai influencer robbed of 6 million baht watch in Frankfurt
A well-known Thai influencer was reportedly robbed of his luxury watch worth 6 million baht while walking near St. Paul’s Church in Frankfurt. The influencer, Paris Sittisarn, also known as Addzest Carcolor, has offered a reward of 1 million baht for any assistance in recovering the stolen item. Famous for his automotive content, he shared his plea for help on…
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Rocking history: Ancient artefact unearths Srivijaya secrets
Archaeologists revealed that an ancient sandstone artefact discovered in some temple grounds dates back to the era of the Srivijaya Kingdom. A history tour group stumbled upon the sandstone while visiting Wat Palilaik in tambon Lamet. The group quickly informed Chaiya District Chief Chaowalit Rodjanarat about their find, suspecting the artefact to be over 1,000 years old due to its…
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Thai reggae band member loses 8 million baht to contractor scam
A prominent member of the popular Thai reggae band Magenta reported being defrauded by a contractor during the construction of his house, resulting in financial losses of nearly 8 million baht. A member of the band, 38 year old Kittipong Watthanarach, and his 30 year old wife, Artitiya Anthrabut, alleged that a well-known contractor in Khon Kaen scammed them. They…
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Kanchanaburi police race to rescue British teen’s lost luggage
Kanchanaburi Tourist Police swiftly responded to a report concerning a British teenager who yesterday left his shoulder bag on a taxi’s roof. The 19 year old man, identified as Southgate, had travelled from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi and forgotten his bag, containing his passport, a 50 baht banknote, and some foreign currency, on the taxi’s roof upon arrival at his guesthouse.…
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Woman arrested for using deaf people to deliver meth
Police arrested a woman for allegedly using deaf individuals to distribute methamphetamine in an attempt to avoid detection. The suspect, 53 year old Prayoon claimed she was forced into this illegal activity and feared losing friends if she spoke about it. Police Lieutenant General Thiti Saengsawang today ordered Police Major General Teeradej Thammasuthee, alongside his team to apprehend Prayoon. The…
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Cave tragedy: Thai man’s final journey into the depths of despair
A man reportedly committed suicide inside the sacred Khao Khun Panom cave in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat, allegedly motivated by a serious illness. A monk from Khao Khun Panom Temple, where the cave was situated, discovered the lifeless body of a man while entering the cave for his daily meditation. Subsequently, the monk contacted officers from the…
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SET unveils plan to boost foreign and family business investments
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) unveiled a strategic business plan targeting foreign industries operating in Thailand and family businesses, aiming to boost market capitalisation. SET executives highlighted the shift in investment trends, particularly post-pandemic, with technology stocks rising as traditional businesses adapt to the digital age. SET officials noted that the Thai market has faced trust and confidence issues…
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Thailand proposes retirement savings lottery to combat poverty
Thailand faces a growing issue of an ageing population entering retirement without sufficient savings. This problem is exacerbated by the country’s rapid transition into an aged society, and cannot be resolved merely through increased budget allocations for elderly allowances. Deputy Finance Minister Paophum Rojanasakul announced that the Ministry of Finance is considering a new policy called the Retirement Savings Lottery.…
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Thai couple claim American tenant damaged rented house (video)
A Thai couple accused an American man of breaking his tenancy contract on their rented house in the northern province of Phitsanulok and trashing the house. The couple lodged a complaint with the police against the American for vandalising their residence but he has not yet been summoned for questioning or charged. Frustrated by the lack of progress, the couple…
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Italy’s Republic Day celebrated in Bangkok marks 156 years of ties
Italy’s Republic Day celebration saw a gathering of ministers, authorities, VIPs, ambassadors, celebrities, and other dignitaries at the Four Seasons in Bangkok yesterday, in an event showcasing the longstanding ties between Italy and Thailand. Highlighting the significance of the occasion, Paolo Dionisi, the Ambassador of Italy, reflected on the historic referendum of June 2, 1946, when Italians chose to form…
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Man with sword alarms residents in Ayutthaya historical park
Residents of Ayutthaya were alarmed by a man walking around a historical park with a sword, claiming he borrowed it from a friend and had no intention of harming anyone. The police were alerted to the situation today and responded promptly. Police officers from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Station received reports from concerned citizens about a Thai man seen carrying…
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Tourist association unveils 11-point plan to bolster tourism
The Federation of Thai Tourist Associations (FETTA) unveiled an ambitious plan aimed at revitalising Thailand’s tourism sector, proposing an 11-point strategy to bolster the industry’s resilience and competitiveness. Following extensive consultations with tourism entrepreneurs and private sector stakeholders, the plan aims to position Thailand as a leading global tourist destination. FETTA’s proposal encompasses a range of initiatives designed to enhance…
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Activists call for safe workplaces amid sexual harassment survey
Activists are demanding equality, dignity, and safe office environments to combat sexual exploitation and harassment in the workplace, following a recent survey revealing that one-quarter of office workers have witnessed some form of sexual harassment at their jobs. The ThaiHealth Promotion Foundation leader, Pongthep Wongwatcharapaiboon, alongside its associates, has taken a firm stance against any actions that lead to sexual harassment…
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Thai woman accused of forcing daughter to trade sex for Yaba
A 22 year old woman from the Isaan province of Buriram sought help from the director of the Opportunity Foundation, accusing her mother of forcing her to have sex with drug dealers to obtain methamphetamine, also known as Yaba. Opportunity Foundation Director Warut Khamkanake accompanied the 22 year old woman, known as A, to Mueang Buriram Police Station to file…
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Abused pregnant Siberian Husky finds her fur-ever family
A heartwarming turn of events has emerged for a pregnant Siberian Husky, known as Muay Lek, who was subjected to horrific abuse, is now rehomed and lives with a caring owner. The dog was scalded with hot water by her former owner for stealing snacks, a distressing incident that was widely shared and criticised online. The Watchdog Thailand Foundation (WDT)…
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Teen killed by speeding BMW in Phuket hit-and-run tragedy
A tragic accident occurred when a 14 year old boy riding a motorcycle was hit and dragged to his death by a speeding BMW. The driver fled the scene but later turned himself in to the police. At 11.30pm yesterday, Thanom Thongpan, an investigator at Thalang Police Station in Phuket, received a report of the incident on Thepkrasattri Road, outbound…
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Honest Bangkok cabbie cashes in, returns 80k to Maldivian man
A Thai taxi driver proved that not all of the capital’s cabbies are crooks when he returned 80,000 baht in cash, along with personal belongings, to a Maldivian man who left them behind while travelling from Banthat Thong Road to Pradipat Road in Bangkok. The Maldivian man, Ali Hafeez, left his backpack in an orange taxi while travelling from Banthat…
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Husband of ex-actress charged for 93 million baht porn site
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) filed charges against the husband of a former famous actress, the owner of a website that intercepted and distributed pornographic material, causing damages exceeding 93 million baht. The Deputy Director of the Technology and Information Cases Division, Ratchaphruek Chudam, along with a team of special case investigators, yesterday, June 5, submitted 121 investigation files,…
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Bangkok man arrested for fatal stabbing driven by jealousy
Bangkok police arrested a 23 year old man for brutally stabbing his girlfriend eight times in a fit of jealousy behind her apartment complex. The incident resulted in the tragic death of the woman, who was followed home in a planned attack. The police yesterday were alerted to the crime at around 1am. Officers from Bang Khun Thian Police Station…
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PM Srettha sees a revenue-boosting recipe for Q4
Thailand’s government is exploring strategies to enhance state revenue, with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressing optimism about economic improvement in the fourth quarter. The Bangkok-born PM convened a meeting yesterday with Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, and representatives from key revenue collection agencies, including the Excise Department, the Customs Department, and the Revenue Department, to discuss…
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Severe weather warning for 34 provinces with heavy rainfall
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning for severe weather conditions impacting 34 provinces today. Heavy rainfall is expected to continue, with the northern region experiencing particularly significant precipitation, covering 70% of the area. Flash floods and forest runoffs are anticipated. The 24-hour weather forecast, starting from 6am today until 6am tomorrow, indicates that a moderate monsoon trough is…
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Thai monk stole Buddha statues and antiques to fix broken car
Police arrested a Thai monk for stealing Buddha statues and antiques from three temples in the northern province of Phitsanulok. The thief claimed he committed the theft for the first time because he needed money to fix his car. The Commander of Phitsanulok Provincial Police, Nikhom Kruenopparat, informed ThaiRath that on the evening of Tuesday, June 4, a 59 year-old…
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