News
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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Rocket near-miss with aircraft prompts safety concerns in Surin
Rocket fireworks narrowly missed an aircraft in Surin province on Sunday, prompting officials to urge pilots to navigate around them. The district chief denied the incident occurred in his area, highlighting a lack of clarity about the event’s location. Local reporters were alerted to illegal gambling activities at the Boon Bang Fai rocket festival behind a temple in Ban Jang…
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Old habits die hard: Man fresh out of prison nabbed for Yaba pills
Barely a week after his release from prison, a Bangkok man was apprehended for distributing Yaba pills obtained from a former inmate friend. He was caught selling pills at 8 baht each, totalling 6,000 pills, before being ensnared in a police sting operation. At 7.40pm yesterday, investigative units from Sing Buri Provincial Police, alongside local authorities, received intelligence about a…
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Underground sex bar exposed: 24 Thai women arrested
Taipei law enforcement swooped on an illicit underground bar in the Zhongshan District in Taipei, Taiwan, uncovering a web of illegal activities and arresting 24 Thai women suspected of working as hostesses. The raid, conducted on Saturday, May 18, resulted in the arrest of the 29 year old bar owner, identified only as Chiang, along with four of his employees…
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Researchers identify 17 novel genetic variants associated with risk of alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive brain disorder causing memory loss and cognitive decline, affects millions of people worldwide. Scientists have long sought to uncover the genetic factors contributing to this condition to develop better treatments and prevention strategies. Recently, researchers made significant strides by identifying 17 novel genetic variants linked to Alzheimer’s disease, bringing us closer to understanding and potentially combating…
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Primate patrol: Jomtien Beach monkey ‘Philip’ finally caught
Officials from Sriracha’s Conservation Area Administration Office embarked on a mission yesterday to subdue a troublesome male monkey in Jomtien Beach known as Philip. After previous attempts failed, authorities resorted to tranquilliser darts, employing a three-hour operation involving deception and careful planning. A notorious figure in the Jomtien Beach community, Philip, a large, mischievous male monkey was spotted on many…
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Rent rage: Thai woman fries trio with hot oil over 8,000 baht
A Thai woman attacked two women and a two year old girl with scalding hot cooking oil over an unpaid rent bill of 8,000 baht. The victims sought help from the Paveena Foundation for Women and Children with their medical treatment and to ensure the attacker faced justice. The victims revealed that the attacker tried to convince them to drop…
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Former PM Somchai Wongsawat stuns with senate bid
Former Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat made a surprise appearance at the Chiang Mai district office at 9am, marking the opening of senatorial candidate registrations. Eyewitnesses report that Somchai, whose brief tenure as prime minister lasted from September 18 to December 2, 2008, did not address the media, slipping quietly into the registration process. Somchai’s short-lived stint as prime minister was…
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Hot-headed son punches rescue unit for arriving late, father dies
In a tragic turn of events, a delayed response to a medical emergency by a rescue unit resulted in the untimely death of a bedridden patient in Bangkok. What began as a call for assistance swiftly escalated into a violent altercation when the son of the patient, frustrated by the tardiness of rescue personnel, physically assaulted a rescue officer. Lumphini…
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Bariatric surgery can help obese individuals not only lose weight but also reduce risk of cancer by 32%
canveBariatric surgery, commonly known as weight loss surgery, encompasses various procedures designed to help individuals lose weight by altering the anatomy of the stomach and, in some cases, the digestive process itself. These changes help to limit food intake and improve fat metabolism. This surgery has gained prominence not only for its effectiveness in promoting significant weight loss but also…
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Scandal rocks PM Srettha: Ethics violation accusation
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin remains resolute amid an ethics complaint that could see him suspended. While on an official visit to Italy on Sunday, PM Srettha addressed the brewing controversy. A group of acting senators filed a complaint with the Constitutional Court, accusing him of violating the code of ethics in his recent appointment of PM’s Office Minister Pichit…
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Thai woman disappears in Switzerland with American boyfriend
The family of a missing Thai woman took to social media to search for her after she lost contact with them 24 days ago, following her travels to Switzerland with her American boyfriend. The older sister of the missing woman shared Noon’s story on a Facebook group, Travelling in Switzerland by Yourself, on May 18, urging group members to notify…
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Startups urge inclusion in Thai digital wallet scheme
Startup communities are urging the Finance Ministry to include them in the government’s upcoming digital wallet scheme. They see this as a pivotal chance to promote the adoption of digital technologies among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), fostering digital transformation. President of the Thai Startup Trade Association Yutthana Srisavat, alongside Pawoot Pongvitayapanu, a leading figure in the startup ecosystem has…
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Marine officers to intensify clean up efforts at Koh Phi Phi
Marine officers at Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park are set to intensify clean-up efforts to collect floating rubbish around Koh Phi Phi beach, driven ashore by the monsoon season. This decision follows viral Facebook posts by Associate Professor Thon Thamrongnawasawat, a marine environmental academic and lecturer at Kasetsart University. He highlights the growing problem of marine debris…
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Buddhist tradition meets eco-friendly innovation
As Visakha Bucha Day approaches tomorrow, Buddhists worldwide prepare to honour the birth, enlightenment, and attainment of complete Nibbana of the Lord Buddha according to tradition. This sacred day, steeped in tradition, sees millions making merit, observing religious precepts, and performing the evening ceremony of wian tian, where devotees walk around temple chapels in a candlelit procession, commemorating the Buddha’s…
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Cash clash: Temple abbot stabbed over 20-baht in Phuket
A suspected drug addict stabbed an abbot from the Phra Thong Temple in Phuket after the monk delayed giving the attacker 20 baht in cash. Officers from Thalang Police Station investigated Phra Thong Temple after being notified of the stabbing at around 11pm on May 19. The temple’s abbot, Phra Kru Suwan Phuttapiban, was the victim. He sustained a stab…
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Nun gifts 7 million baht BMW to famous preacher
A social media sensation ensued when a nun and her disciples gifted a brand-new luxury BMW car worth 7 million baht to a renowned preacher, Luang Ta Sinsap, at Wat Pa Bo Nam Phra In in Ubon Ratchathani. The Facebook page of Nun Chen, from the same temple, yesterday posted images of a black BMW sedan with red license plates…
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Reckless Russian: Drunk driver kills Thai woman, injures man
A Russian man, reportedly drunk, crashed his car into a motorcycle in Pattaya in the early hours of this morning, killing a Thai woman and seriously injuring a Thai man. Sawang Boriboon Rescue Foundation was alerted to a car accident on Sukhumvit Road in the Bang Lamung district of Pattaya at about 4am today, May 21. They rushed to the…
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Bangkok holds five-day Pride fest to boost LGBTQ+ tourism
Thailand is gearing up to host a five-day Pride event in Bangkok, aiming to establish itself as Asia’s rainbow capital. This event, organised by the government alongside private and civil sectors, will feature a series of activities running from May 31 to June 4 under the theme Celebration of Love. Ann Chumaporn, founder and president of the Bangkok Pride Parade,…
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Thai hotels urge reform of unfair land and building tax rates
Hotels are calling for a revision of the property tax calculation based on land appraisal prices and business income to address the uneven recovery within the hospitality industry. President of the Thai Hotels Association (THA) Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun highlighted that the land and building tax remains a significant challenge for hotel operators. This year, the full rate is set to be…
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Eye spy: Thai man uses CCTV cameras to stalk female neighbour
A Thai woman in the northern province of Chiang Rai is seeking help after her neighbour used CCTV cameras to spy on her, flew a drone over her home, and threatened to break into her residence. The victim, Pennapha, who also goes by the name Yui, disclosed the particulars of a dispute with her male neighbour to ThaiRath and extended…
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900-year-old statue returned to Thailand
A 900-year-old statue, smuggled out of Thailand by a notorious art dealer in 1975, has finally been returned to its homeland after spending over three decades in the possession of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The 129-centimetre bronze statue, known as the Golden Boy and believed to depict the Hindu god Shiva, along with a smaller statue…
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IIC chief goes after Israeli and Hamas leaders in legal showdown
The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) lodged applications for arrest warrants against prominent Israeli and Hamas figures, in a move marking a significant escalation in legal actions against leaders of both sides. But that’s not all. Alonso Gurmendi, an international law expert at King’s College London, stated that the West must have a moral conscience and decide…
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Thailand drives PromptPay QR code payments forward
The Bank of Thailand (BOT) is accelerating its efforts to expand the digital payments ecosystem, aiming to make transactions more accessible and convenient for both Thai citizens and foreign visitors. This strategic move aligns with the growing global trend toward digital financial solutions and aims to enhance financial inclusion and cross-border transactions. A key focus of the BOT‘s initiative is…
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Assange granted appeal: A Wikibreak in his extradition case (video)
Julian Assange lives to fight another day after the UK High Court ruled that the embattled, award-winning journalist could appeal against his extradition to the United States. The WikiLeaks founder, a thorn in the side of the so-called democratic Western political powers, was granted permission to challenge the order demanding his transfer to the US, where he faces charges for…
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Down under failure: Adult creators reveal Aussie men’s bedroom blunders
Four Australian adult video creators have shared their frustrations about common sexual misconceptions and mistakes made by men, particularly highlighting that men often rush through intimate moments. According to a report by the New York Post, these women agree that men tend to be too quick during sex. A 31 year old woman named Alicia Davis stated that Australian men…
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Indonesia seeks Tesla EV battery plant with Musk’s interest
Indonesia is once again courting Elon Musk’s interest in establishing an electric vehicle (EV) battery plant within its borders. After meeting with President Joko Widodo, the CEO of Tesla, Elon Musk, is set to consider the proposal, as confirmed by Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister of Investment, Luhut Pandjaitan. Musk’s immediate response was not available following the announcement made by Luhut to…
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Thai PM explores potential projects with Italian investors in Milan
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin embarked on a visit to Milan, Italy, where discussions with prominent investors from financial institution Intesa Sanpaolo highlighted potential avenues for collaboration on key infrastructure projects in Thailand. During his meetings, the 62 year old Thai prime minister disclosed plans regarding the Land Bridge project and the possibility of hosting a Formula One race in Thailand.…
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Thai woman seeks help as daughter’s drug threat endangers baby
A Thai woman is seeking help from the authorities after her junkie daughter made a death threat against her and forced her baby to take drugs. The 59 year old woman, Sanom, turned to social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet for help after her drug-addicted 42 year old daughter, Mod, spiralled out of control. She and locals in the area…
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Woman discusses love and deceit in 40-year age gap
A 59 year old woman opened up about her tumultuous relationship with her former lover on a talk show. The couple had a notable 40 year age gap, which drew public attention. The woman, P’Phon, accused her former beau, Nong Wave, of deceiving her over a product review job, where the actual payment was 200,000 baht, but he told her…
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Tourism campaign in the works to promote second-tier provinces
In a bid to amplify tourism revenue from lesser-known provinces and cities, The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) unveiled a five-point campaign aimed at promoting 55 second-tier regions. The initiative marks a collaborative effort involving nine ministries, the Royal Thai Police, and two additional agencies. Deputy Governor of the TAT, Somruedee Jitjong, emphasised the necessity of diversifying tourism revenue streams…
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