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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 Planning to extend your Thai visa? Why health insurance is more important than ever
If you plan to stay longer in Thailand, having health insurance is now more important than ever. Thai immigration often asks for proof of medical coverage when you apply to extend your visa. This applies to many types of visas,...
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Charter showdown: Court to rule on referendum timing
The Constitutional Court announced that it will deliver a landmark ruling on September 10, which could reshape how Thailand amends its constitution. At the heart of the case is a critical question: can Parliament greenlight a draft charter before the public has its say via referendum? The legal dispute stems from urgent motions filed during a joint parliamentary session on March 17 by…
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Phuket camp inferno sparks fear as migrant scandal probe heats up
A fire tore through a migrant workers’ camp in Phuket yesterday morning, just hours before a bombshell corruption complaint involving foreign labourers rocked officials in Bangkok. Flames ripped through the Wasi M&E Co compound in Moo 4, Srisoonthorn, at 8.19am yesterday, July 22, damaging around 10 rooms and destroying the personal belongings of the camp’s Myanmar residents. Thankfully, no one…
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Hare-rest him! Bang Saen Beach yob slammed for sick rabbit abuse
Netizens are calling for the arrest of a man caught on video abusing a rabbit by repeatedly throwing it into the air and leaving it to fall onto the hot sand at Bang Saen Beach in Chon Buri. The witness, Pattanapong Sririmala, shared footage of the animal cruelty on the Facebook page บ้านคนรักกระต่าย (translated as “Rabbit Lovers’ Community”) on Monday,…
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Cabinet approves 6-month reprieve for Cambodian border workers
The Cabinet yesterday approved a six-month extension for Cambodian migrant workers employed in border provinces. This decision was prompted by changes in border checkpoint operating hours across seven provinces, affecting the movement of workers in the area. Government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub stated that due to unrest along the Thai-Cambodian border and stricter border control measures being implemented, many Cambodian workers…
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Thailand braces for heavy rainfall and strong winds in 31 provinces
Heavy rainfall and strong winds are forecast to affect 31 provinces in Thailand, with the north expected to experience the most severe conditions. Storm Wipha has weakened to a depression, yet the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) advises caution on July 23. The TMD’s 24-hour weather forecast predicts heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds in specific areas such…
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Vape and raid! Thai customs puff out chest in black market bust
Thai customs chiefs struck a major blow against the black market, seizing a mountain of illegal goods worth more than 88 million baht in a dramatic operation at one of the country’s busiest ports. Over 88 million baht (US$2.4 million) worth of contraband was nabbed at Laem Chabang Port in Chon Buri, including e-cigarettes, fake designer bags, unlicensed cosmetics, and…
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Main trends of the gaming market and investments in Thailand
Gaming market sector now stands at an inflection point. Market scale, tech advances, and evolving player tastes form a potent mix. You gain better platforms and deeper gameplay. Titles like Pac-Man or Super Mario are nostalgic for many people. They were the precursors to modern video games and entertainment at 1xbet casino and other gambling platforms. The gaming sector is…
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Thai Airways eyes August stock market comeback
Thai Airways (THAI) is gearing up for a dramatic return to the Thai stock market as early as August, with CEO Chai Eamsiri announcing the company’s re-listing plans after successfully exiting its court-ordered rehabilitation. The national carrier, once teetering on the edge of collapse, is now back on the runway. “The exact date for re-listing will be confirmed by the…
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Cha-am forest park lands national camping award
Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park in Cha-am has officially earned its place among Thailand’s top nature escapes after receiving national certification under the Thailand Tourism Standard for the 2025 fiscal year. The award, handed out by the Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, celebrates parks that excel in safety, service quality, and site management for camping…
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Brits in Pattaya face rising risks, embassy warns
The British Embassy is sounding the alarm in Pattaya, and expats would be wise to take notice. During a high-profile reception at the Courtyard by Marriott, the Bangkok-based consul in charge of consular affairs addressed a gathering of British expats and Thai officials with a stark warning: the number of UK nationals in distress is rising sharply. Joanne Finnamore-Crorkin cited…
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Chained dogs saved in monk-led rescue mission in Lampang
Two badly injured dogs, chained and left suffering in Lampang, have been rescued after heart-wrenching images of their wounds went viral — and a monk from Chiang Mai is leading the justice charge. The Ark Foundation, a Chiang Mai-based animal welfare group, partnered with a team of volunteers under Phra Khru Aod from Wat Chedi Luang and Lampang’s animal rescue…
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RTN backs down in Phuket land clash as zoning deal takes shape
A bitter turf war between villagers and the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) in Phuket’s protected forest reserve is finally moving towards resolution — and the RTN is backing off. At a high-stakes meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall, chaired by Vice Governor Adul Chuthong, provincial officials and senior RTN chiefs agreed to push forward with a zoning plan aimed at ending…
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Chachoengsao family seeks answers after dengue kills girl, 6
A family in Chachoengsao was left grieving and seeking clarity over the death of their six year old daughter from dengue fever. Yesterday, July 21, 31 year old Supattra and 33 year old Somkiat, expressed their heartbreak and dissatisfaction with the hospital’s diagnosis process, which they feel contributed to their daughter’s untimely death due to multiple organ failure caused by…
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Thai to the wurst: Local bangers sizzle in global sausage rankings
TasteAtlas, a global platform dedicated to cataloguing local cuisines, has ranked Sai Krok Isan and Sai Ua among the top 50 most delicious sausages worldwide. These traditional Thai sausages stand out in the July rankings, showcasing Thailand’s culinary diversity. Topping the list is Salsiccia, an Italian sausage made from minced pork, pork fat, salt, pepper, and a variety of spices…
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Bungling thief stabs himself in Rayong botched bike heist
A bungling bike thief in Rayong found himself on the sharp end of his weapon after a dramatic early-morning chase ended in disaster. At around 4.40am today, July 22, CCTV footage captured a man lurking outside a grocery store near Khao Noi Intersection in Pluak Daeng district, Rayong. Posing as a customer, he waited for the right moment before hopping…
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From monk to suspect: Abbot may face charges over false theft report
Evidence emerged suggesting that the abbot of Muang Temple in the Bang Khae district of Bangkok may have fabricated a reported theft involving 10 million baht in cash and nearly 13 million baht in gold. The abbot, Phra Ratchawatchara Phattanatorn, also known as Chao Khun Narong, filed a complaint with Phetchakasem Police Station on July 1, claiming that personal assets,…
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Woman seeks justice after hit and run by drunk driver
A 29 year old woman turned to the Sai Mai Must Survive Facebook page for help after being involved in a collision with a white pickup truck in Thanyaburi on June 17 at around 10pm. Following her work shift, Ubonrat was heading to dinner on her motorcycle when she stopped to answer a call. Suddenly, the pickup truck crashed into her,…
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Suvarnabhumi crowned world’s No.1 airport for airline service
Suvarnabhumi International Airport has been ranked the world’s No.1 airport for the most airlines in service, with a staggering 113 carriers now operating from its runways, according to a recent survey by Brilliant Maps. That puts it ahead of major global hubs like Paris Charles de Gaulle (105 airlines), Dubai International (97), and Singapore Changi (82). Transport Minister and Deputy…
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Thailand boosts economy with medical and wellness tourism focus
Thailand is exploring opportunities in the medical and wellness sectors to address domestic economic challenges, characterised by slow growth amid global uncertainties. The nation is focusing on medical and wellness tourism, medical manufacturing, and elderly care solutions to stimulate economic activity, according to Messe Düsseldorf Asia, an international trade organiser. These sectors are anticipated to grow the domestic market by…
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Thai villages win big for green tourism push
Thailand’s grassroots tourism projects just bagged six major accolades from the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), placing the kingdom firmly on the regional map for sustainable travel in 2025. Deputy Government Spokesperson Sasikarn Watthanachan announced the big win yesterday, July 21, crediting the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) and its community network partners for putting Thailand’s local experiences…
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Temple tension: RTA threatens shutdown over border clashes
A sacred tourist site on the Thai-Cambodian border is fast becoming a powder keg — and the Thai military is ready to shut it down if things get out of hand. Commander of Thailand’s 2nd Army Region Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang issued a stern warning about managing tourism at the historic Ta Muen Thom Temple in Surin province’s Phanom Dong…
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Thai caretaker denies killing bedridden patient despite grim search history
A Thai caretaker denied murdering and robbing a bedridden woman she looked after, despite suspicious Internet search history revealing various methods of killing and a bloodstain found on her motorcycle. The victim, 53 year old Sriprai, was discovered dead at her home in Ban Pong district on July 17. Her caretaker, 64 year old Nittaya, was the first to find her…
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Thai officials face scrutiny over foreign worker corruption claims
An investigation into corruption involving Cambodian, Myanmar, and Laotian workers was lodged yesterday, July 21, at the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) on Chaeng Watthana Road. Mongkolkit Suksintharanon, chairman of the Anti-Corruption Network Foundation, accompanied by Yoswarit Chooklom, known as Jeng Dokjik, submitted a letter and evidence to Major Yutthana Praedam, Director General of the DSI, where Arunsee Wichawut, head of…
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Tourist tragedies rock Phuket and Krabi amid wild weather
Thailand’s popular southern beach provinces turned deadly over the weekend as wild weather claimed the lives of two Chinese tourists in separate incidents in Phuket and Krabi. A relaxing beach holiday ended in horror on Sunday, July 20, when 53 year old Wang Yang was killed after a massive tree branch collapsed on her during a violent thunderstorm at Koh…
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Bangkok rolls out 5 new EV shuttle routes to beat traffic
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is revving up its clean transport game with the launch of five new electric shuttle routes under its BMA Feeder initiative, starting August 1. The move aims to slash traffic congestion and air pollution while helping commuters connect more easily to the city’s rail network. “This expansion is a key step in improving first- and…
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Cwm-back kid: Welshman flies home after coma drama in Thailand
A Welsh holidaymaker left fighting for his life in a Thai hospital has finally flown home after spending six weeks in a coma and racking up thousands in medical bills without insurance. Ashton Jones, from Cwmbran, jetted off to Bangkok on May 30 with a mate for a lads’ getaway but just five days in, his family were hit with…
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Phuket woman runs from Grab rider after fake cash promise
A Grab motorcycle rider in Phuket shared a bizarre experience with the online community, claiming that his female passenger unexpectedly ran away from him to avoid paying the fare. The app-based motorcycle taxi rider recounted the incident to the Phuket Times yesterday, July 21, along with a video of the passenger running away. The page published the post with a…
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Businesswoman loses 7 million baht in construction bid fraud
A businesswoman from Lampang sought assistance from Thanakrit Jit-Areerat, the secretary to the public health minister, after losing over 7 million baht in a fraud case related to a construction bid in the southern border provinces. The complaint, filed at the Lampang Provincial Police Station, has seen no progress despite attempts to report it to various officials. The victims, referred…
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Fatal shooting at Uttaradit warehouse linked to property dispute
Lieutenant Natthaphong Phrommidech, Deputy Inspector of Investigation at Lap Lae Police Station, yesterday received reports of a fatal shooting. The incident at 3pm yesterday, July 21, occurred at a warehouse in Moo 4, Chai Chumphon subdistrict, Lap Lae district, Uttaradit province. Upon receiving the alert, Police Colonel Charoen Daengrueng, Superintendent of Lap Lae Police Station, Police Colonel Sophon Changloi from…
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Thailand targets 2.8 trillion baht tourism revenue in 2026
Thailand is chasing a high-stakes travel comeback — and it’s banking on quality over quantity to get there. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) unveiled its bold vision for 2026: raking in a staggering 2.8 trillion baht in tourism revenue and breaking into the world’s top 10 countries for tourism income. It’s an ambitious leap — a 5% boost from…
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