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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 Top 10 reasons for expats to get a comprehensive health insurance in Thailand
Moving to Thailand offers a prospect full of excitement and adventure, but in the same vein, if any injuries were to occur (and god forbid it does), the local healthcare system can be confusing at first glance for many expats...
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Phone fumble leads to deadly pickup crash in Lampang
A tragic road accident occurred today when a woman driving a pickup truck dropped her phone, causing her to veer across the lane and collide head-on with an oncoming sedan, instantly killing the male driver and injuring a 19 year old passenger. In the district of Hang Chat, Lampang, police were alerted to a fatal collision at a U-turn near…
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Microsoft invests US$1.7 billion in Indonesia for AI, cloud services
Microsoft revealed its plan to invest US$1.7 billion in Indonesia, with the intent of enhancing the nation’s cloud services and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. This includes the construction of data centres, according to the company’s chief executive, Satya Nadella, who announced it today, April 30, during his visit to the country. Marking his first stop in a Southeast Asian tour,…
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Bangkok’s street sweepers: Deputy governor’s vendor crackdown
Lang Suan Road commercial area in Pathumwan, Bangkok, was bustling with activity this morning. However, not with the usual chaos of vendors setting up their street stalls, but a methodical inspection led by Deputy Governor of Bangkok, Chakkapan Phewngam, and his team of officials to clamp down on street vendor regulations, maintain public order and ensure cleanliness. This was not…
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Thailand’s major airports plan US$4.8 billion capacity doubling
Two of Thailand’s main airports, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, are set to undergo significant expansions. The Airports of Thailand (AOT) Public Company Limited intends to invest approximately US$4.8 billion to more than double the airports’ capacity by the end of the decade. The expansion aims to accommodate a predicted surge in tourism as the world recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.…
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Unlicensed Pattaya party villa raided restoring peace for locals
Peace has been restored in Pattaya, as a noisy, reportedly unlicensed pool villa was raided by authorities yesterday evening. The operation was spurred by complaints from residents, who were disturbed by the loud music and partying emanating from the villa. Weekit Manarojkit, the Banglamung District Chief, directed his deputy, Pornchai Sang-iad, to spearhead a team of officials in raiding the…
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Thai delight: Thailand a Golden Week hotspot for Japanese tourists
Online booking platform Agoda declared Thailand as the second most popular destination for Japanese tourists during the Golden Week according to the search data. Agoda yesterday revealed the search data of Japanese nationals during Japan’s Golden Week, April 29 to May 6, and reported that Thailand emerged as the nation’s second most popular destination. While South Korea took the top…
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Manufacturing production index drops by 5.13% in March
Continuing its downward trend for the 18th month in a row, the manufacturing production index experienced a 5.13% drop in March compared to the same period last year, according to an Industry Ministry report. This decline, which is more severe than analysts’ predictions, is attributed to a slowdown in automobile production, a decrease in exports, and increasing household debt. Analysts…
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Ex-hotel chef arrested for sexual assault in Rayong
A former five-star hotel chef turned delivery rider was apprehended yesterday for sexually assaulting a female customer on May 13, 2023. On the night of the event, 29 year old chef San, deviated from the route to indulge in his inappropriate urges under the guise of darkness. Thai authorities, led by senior police officer Thiti Saengsawang, have been relentless in…
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Prosecutor seeks mystery Thai musician captivating netizens
In a heartwarming display of community and official concern, Director-General of the Prosecutor, Office of the Rights Protection and Legal Assistance to the Public (NCPO), Kosonwat Inthuchanyong, has issued a public appeal seeking a young pianist whose piano playing in a local market has captured the attention of netizens. The boy, who has been performing to financially support his household,…
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English tourist assaults tuk tuk driver over fare dispute in Phuket
An English traveller in Phuket has been caught in a troubling confrontation with a local tuk tuk driver over a fare dispute. The incident, which has been widely shared on social media platforms, shows the tourist physically assaulting the driver after accusing him of withholding change. The video clip reveals the English traveller forcefully gripping the driver’s neck and shouting…
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Salary surge: Thai civil servants set for pay raise starting May 1
The Thai government announced a significant salary increase for civil servants, effective from tomorrow, May 1, this year. This adjustment aims to ensure that those with a bachelor’s degree will earn no less than 18,000 baht per month, and those with a vocational certificate will receive no less than 11,000 baht per month within two years. This recent decision, made…
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Patong police intensify crackdown on drink driving in Phuket
Patong Police, located in Phuket’s prominent tourist town, ramped up their efforts against drink driving, arresting nine people over the past five days for their reckless behaviour. Among those detained were a mix of Thai and foreign nationals, including 34 year old Spanish man Cabria Gonzales, who was charged for drink driving last Thursday after he was stopped between 1am…
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Venus shifts signs, Taurus and Scorpio brace for prosperity
Today marks a significant shift in the astrological landscape as the planet Venus transitions into a new zodiac sign. Noted astrologer Dr Chang Thotsaporn, with a keen eye on celestial movements, provided insights into how this transition will affect individuals across all zodiac signs, spotlighting those who might expect a windfall of fortune in love and finance, as well as advising…
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Celebrity diet pill under fire for false weight loss claims
A celebrity couple’s weight loss supplement, Genius, has come under scrutiny for allegedly exaggerated claims. At 10am this morning, Atchariya Ruangrattanapong, head of the Crime Victims Assistance Club, filed a complaint with the Central Investigation Bureau, questioning the product’s advertised benefits. Atchariya alleges the supplement, owned by the unnamed celebrity duo, boasts unrealistic weight loss capabilities, claiming users can lose…
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Thailand’s DES ministry to establish national AI committee
Plans are underway by the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry in Thailand to establish a new national artificial intelligence (AI) committee. The initiative is part of the second phase of the national AI strategy. The strategy is a cornerstone of Thailand’s ASEAN Digital Economy and AI Hub Plan, a key driver for the country’s digital economy. The ministry also…
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Yala deputy governor accused of adultery with adopted son (video)
The deputy governor of Yala province in southern Thailand allegedly committed adultery with his adopted son who reportedly physically assaulted his adopted mother, the governor’s legal wife. Local Facebook page Esor News reported on April 28 that a deputy governor in southern Thailand had been transferred from his post due to allegations of adultery, as he was still living with…
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Krungsri aims for 7% loan growth in multinationals.
Despite a contraction in loans last year, Krungsri, Bank of Ayudhya, is ambitiously targeting a 7% loan growth for its Japanese and multinational corporation (JPC/MNC) banking clients this year. This was announced by Bunsei Okubo, head of JPC/MNC banking at Krungsri, who attributed last year’s 10% loan contraction to the sluggish growth of the Thai economy and the automobile industry.…
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Drunken Pattaya tomboy injured in street food brawl
A late-night altercation outside a street food vendor in Pattaya turned violent when a tomboy, having consumed alcohol, lashed out verbally at a diner, leading to a physical confrontation that left her severely injured. The incident, which occurred at 10.36pm yesterday, in Soi Sukhumvit Pattaya 91, was reported to the Sawang Boriboon Tharm Satharn Rescue Center, which promptly dispatched a…
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Seasoned diplomat poised to replace Thai foreign minister
Seasoned diplomat Maris Sangiampongsa is reportedly the primary candidate to replace Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara as Thailand’s foreign minister following the latter’s sudden resignation. Maris, having served as a diplomatic advisor to Parnpree and ambassador to various nations, including Australia, Nepal, and Canada, is widely anticipated to take up the mantle. Maris’ diplomatic career spans over two decades, during which he worked…
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Thai man flees after fatally shooting neighbour near Bangkok (video)
A Thai man remains at large after fatally shooting his neighbour yesterday at a condominium in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok. The motive for the killing is still under investigation but a dog dispute between the two men is suspected. Rattanathibet Police Station officers investigated the Seriphap Condominium in Soi Ngamwongwarn 23 in Nonthaburi province after reports of a shooting. The…
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Turkish man in Phuket cuts chain on illegally parked motorbike
A Turkish national has been apprehended and charged by the Phuket City Police after he used pliers to sever a police chain on his motorbike. The motorbike was parked illegally in a no-parking zone in Phuket Town, and the police had secured it with a chain to prevent removal. The incident unfolded last Friday, April 26, and came to public…
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Thailand’s tourism seeks boost after Cabinet reshuffle cooperation
Following the recent Cabinet reshuffle, Thailand’s tourism operators are urging for enhanced cooperation among ministries and related authorities to sustain the country’s transformation into a tourism and aviation hub. Khao San Road Business Association President Sanga Ruangwattanakul asserted that the Cabinet reshuffle would not destabilise the government, provided its key policies, particularly the 2030 Ignite Thailand vision, are sustained. This…
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Big Joke and suspended officers summoned by Thai Police
A disciplinary investigation panel from the Royal Thai Police (RTP) announced its intentions to issue a summons for five of their officers, including the currently suspended Deputy National Police Chief, Surachate “Big Joke”Hakparn. The announcement, made by Deputy National Chief Sarawut Kanpanich, comes in light of a serious disciplinary violation accusation linked to the BNK Master gambling website. The investigation…
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Thailand Video News | Cabinet shake-up plants seeds for cannabis reform, India and Thailand to launch cross-border QR payments
In this Thailand video news, Alex and Jay cover the stories across Thailand. Beginning with Thailand and India have announced plans to revolutionise cross-border payments with the introduction of QR code technology. Meanwhile, amidst political maneuvering, Thailand’s Cabinet reshuffle hints at forthcoming changes in cannabis legislation. However, not all news is positive for Thailand as its flagship carrier, Thai Airways, grapples…
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Young woman assaulted and forced drug use in Kamphaeng Phet
An 18 year old woman courageously reported a violent attack by her friend’s boyfriend, who not only assaulted her with a kick to the face leading to a split chin and bruises on her arms and chest, but also coerced her into drug use. This alarming incident occurred on April 28, with the victim, identified only as “Vee,” making the…
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Pichai Chunhavajira announced as new Thai Finance Minister
The former Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) chairman has been appointed as the new finance minister, a move that has garnered a positive reception from stock market analysts. They believe Pichai Chunhavajira will play an active role in managing the capital market and advancing economic stimulus, now that the 2024 fiscal budget is prepared for allocation. Expressing his view on…
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Thailand’s eastern corridor factories prepared for drought season
Factories within Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) are poised to weather an impending drought season, thanks to preventative measures undertaken by the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT). The EEC, which encompasses sections of Chon Buri, Rayong and Chachoengsao, is home to 41 industrial estates and 6,000 factories, and the daily demand for water across these establishments amounts to 1.5…
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Accommodation scam totalling 19,000 baht thwarted by police
Bangkok Metropolitan Police arrested a 20 year old woman for allegedly creating fake accommodation booking pages to scam and defraud victims. Despite her denial of any wrongdoing, the Thai authorities affirm that the evidence against the woman, Kanyawee Prompichai, is substantial. Police Lieutenant General Theeradech Thamsutee, Chief of the Special Branch Division, along with his team, apprehended Kanyawee under two…
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British publisher Colin Hastings dies in car crash in Chon Buri
The 74 year old British owner and publisher of The BigChilli magazine died yesterday in a car accident in Chon Buri province of Thailand. He reportedly lost control of his car and crashed into a house wall. Officers from Sattahip Police Station responded to the fatal accident in Soi Captain Muek in the Bang Saray district of Chon Buri province…
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Thailand ranked in top three for financial fraud scams, says Google
Google’s 2023 Bad Apps Report ranked Thailand among the top three countries in the Asia-Pacific region with a significant spike in financial fraud scams last year. Aman Dayal, Asia-Pacific head of trust & safety operations for Google Play, stated during an online media briefing that Singapore, Thailand, and India were particularly affected. With over 90% of smartphone penetration rates, the…
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