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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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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Tourist from Bahrain drowns in Surat Thani tubing accident
A 55 year old tourist from Bahrain drowned while tubing with his family in Khlong Sok, Surat Thani. Yesterday, August 17, the man attempted to grab a rope and fell into the water. Despite warnings, he did not wear a life jacket. Upon being informed of the incident, Phanom district chief Sucheaw Thumosik coordinated with various officials to investigate. The…
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Military in Sa Kaeo intensify patrols, thwart illegal border crossings
In Sa Kaeo province, military forces intensified border patrols, capturing a woman involved in illegal banking activities and two men attempting to cross into Cambodia. Yesterday, August 17, Border Protection Unit Burapha, Aranyaprathet Task Force, and Ranger Company 1206, along with Infantry Regiment 2, Battalion 1, received information about illegal crossings. They investigated in Ban Kut Hin, Khlong Nam Sai…
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Khon Kaen locals find newborn’s remains in sugarcane field kiln
Residents in Khon Kaen province discovered the charred remains of a newborn in a coal kiln situated in a sugarcane field on August 17. The police are actively searching for the mother, while the infant’s body has been sent for a detailed medical examination. Police Lieutenant Colonel Natthawat Kaewhan, deputy investigator at Baan Fang Police Station, was alerted by locals…
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Severe weather alert: heavy rain and flash flood risk in 32 Thai provinces
On August 18, the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a severe weather warning for 32 provinces, highlighting the risk of heavy rainfall in the northeast, covering approximately 70% of the area. Residents are cautioned about potential flash floods and overflow from mountain streams due to prevailing monsoon conditions. Over the next 24 hours, rainfall across Thailand is expected to decrease,…
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Giant python captured in Phuket garden by British volunteer
In Chalong, Phuket, a 4.5-metre reticulated python was captured from a garden yesterday night, August 16. Residents had discovered the large snake concealed beneath a pallet. The incident occurred around 9pm, prompting a call for assistance to British volunteer first responder, 32 year old Vincent “Vinnie” Modell of the Kusoldharm Foundation’s Patong branch. Known locally as the Snake Guy in…
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Chon Buri man shot by stepfather during drunken dispute
A late-night incident in Chon Buri’s Bang Lamung district resulted in a 23 year old man being shot in the mouth by his stepfather. The stepfather, 50 year old plumber, Prawet, was heavily intoxicated at the time. The incident took place at a rented room in Nong Prue subdistrict, where Prawet confronted his wife, 54 year old Saiyut, and her…
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Phuket boosts support for autistic and intellectually disabled residents
Phuket City Municipality is set to enhance support for autistic people and those with intellectual disabilities, focusing on equal opportunities and community integration. This initiative aligns with the Leaving No One Behind policy recently developed. Phuket Town mayor, Suphot La-ongphet, revealed that the plan follows the establishment of a comprehensive database identifying residents with autism or intellectual disabilities. “Everyone is…
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VietJet Thailand launches Phuket-Mumbai flights at 1,400 baht
VietJet Thailand has launched its inaugural flight connecting Phuket and Mumbai, expanding its network to India. Pinyot Phiboolsongkram, vice president of commerce and customer relations at VietJet Thailand, announced the new route on August 14, enhancing travel options between Thailand’s popular tourist destination and India’s largest city. The inaugural flight from Phuket to Mumbai was celebrated at Phuket International Airport,…
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Airports of Thailand’s Facebook page hacked, unaffected operations assured
The official website of Airports of Thailand (AOT) has announced that their Facebook page was hacked, and discussions are underway with Meta to restore it. The incident has not affected the IT systems or services at any of the six airports managed by AOT. Yesterday, August 16, AOT reported that their official Facebook page, used for disseminating information, was compromised…
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Man arrested in Pathum Thani for selling ketamine e-cigarette pods
A 22 year old man, Pornpawit Rotkarnjanarak, was apprehended in a condominium in Pathum Thani on August 16. He is accused of distributing illegal substances, specifically e-cigarette pods containing ketamine, and had an outstanding arrest warrant for defamation. The arrest was ordered by Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, with assistance from Police Major General Noppasil Poonasawat and Police Major General Samart…
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Thailand’s major drug bust seizes 900 kg of crystal meth
A major drug bust in Thailand resulted in the seizure of 900 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine, valued at 135 million baht, being transported from central Thailand to Narathiwat. Additionally, police confiscated related assets worth 20 million baht. Yesterday, August 16, at the Front Operations Centre of the Royal Thai Police in Yala, Phumtham Wechayachai, the deputy prime minister and acting…
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Prachin Buri teacher wins 18 million baht in lottery
A teacher in Prachin Buri, Pavaris “Kaew” Yusanit, experienced a stroke of luck, winning 18 million baht after her mother-in-law suggested buying lottery tickets online. Despite her newfound wealth, she remains committed to her teaching career. Yesterday, August 16, at 7.45pm, it was reported that the Government Lottery Office announced the winning numbers for the draw, with the first prize…
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Family flees home after teenage gang attack in Chon Buri
In the Banglamung district of Chon Buri, a 42 year old woman named Sutharat Deejaivong has reached out to the media for assistance after her home was allegedly attacked by more than 20 teenagers armed with guns and ping-pong bombs. The attack resulted in property damage and forced her family to flee in fear. Despite having filed a police report,…
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Police halt illegal electronic waste transport in Prachin Buri
In Prachin Buri, police apprehended three people on August 15 as they attempted to transport electronic waste to a facility in Chachoengsao province. The detained people included a Thai national, a Chinese national, and a Myanmar national, each driving a pickup truck filled with electronic refuse such as motors, cooling system components, and scrap metal, according to Police Colonel Winyu…
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Thailand urges Cambodia to act on landmines, scam networks
Thailand’s Royal Navy has reported that Cambodia has yet to collaborate on landmine clearance and tackling cross-border scam networks. This conclusion followed a Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting held on Saturday in Trat province. The gathering at Barn Talaephu resort in Khlong Yai district aimed to address border issues affecting the eastern provinces of Trat and Chanthaburi. Vice-Admiral Apichart Sapprasert,…
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Monsoon trough brings heavy rain to 50 Thai provinces
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has announced that a monsoon trough will bring heavy to very heavy rainfall across 50 provinces, significantly affecting three regions including Bangkok, with 80% of the area expected to experience rain. The forecast for August 16 warns of potential flash floods and mountain runoffs due to significant rain accumulation. Residents in provinces such as Phitsanulok,…
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Motorcyclist dies in crash with 20-wheel truck in Pathum Thani
A motorcyclist was killed in a high-speed crash early this morning, August 16, after colliding with the rear of a 20-wheel truck in Pathum Thani. The accident occurred at 5.30am in Ban Klang, Mueang district, where the motorcyclist was reportedly travelling at high speeds. Police Major Parada Tantirungarun from Suan Phrik Thai Police Station arrived at the scene along with…
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Suspended PM Paetongtarn to face court over leaked audio controversy
Suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is anticipated to attend the Constitutional Court in person regarding the contentious audio recording involving her and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, as stated by her secretary. Yesterday, August 15, Doctor Prommin Lertsuridej, the PM’s Secretary-General, commented on the court’s decision to summon Paetongtarn, who also holds the position of culture minister, along with National…
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Pattaya cracks down on nightlife drug use with new curfews
Officials in Pattaya, Chon Buri, have rolled out strict new measures to stamp out drug use and illegal activities in entertainment venues. The crackdown comes under the government’s ‘No Drugs No Dealers’ policy. The initiative was launched during a major meeting yesterday, August 15, at the Alcazar Theatre on Pattaya Second Road. Over 2,000 nightlife operators attended the session, which…
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MPs approve 2026 education budget, but some are sceptic
The House of Representatives has given its approval to the Ministry of Education’s budget proposal during the second reading, as discussions on the 2026 fiscal year budget bill proceeded in a special session. The budget allocations received the support of 253 MPs, while 121 opposed and 26 abstained. The second reading involved a detailed section-by-section review, with the Ministry of…
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Bangkok nightclub raided, 328 detained in Huai Khwang operation
Yesterday, August 15, police conducted a raid on an illegal nightclub in Huai Khwang district, Bangkok, detaining 328 patrons, including 122 Thais and 206 foreigners. Six individuals tested positive for drugs, and four packets of “happy water” were discovered. Huai Khwang Police Station, in collaboration with various enforcement units including the Metropolitan Police Division and the Office of the Narcotics…
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High-speed racing crash on expressway causes hefty pile up
In the early hours of today, August 16, an incident involving high-speed racing led to a collision on the Udon Ratthaya expressway, resulting in damage to approximately ten vehicles. The accident occurred at around 1.30am on the expressway in Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi province. The crash, captured by a dashcam, showed several cars racing, then crashing, leading to a multi-vehicle…
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Thailand accuses Cambodia of breaching Ottawa Convention with landmines
Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa has accused Cambodia of consistently breaching the Ottawa Convention and infringing on Thailand’s sovereignty due to recurring incidents involving anti-personnel landmines. During the 10th Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Anning, China, Maris addressed the issue via a video briefing. The session, held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry yesterday, August 15, was attended by 67…
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Pathum Thani police arrest trio with 422kg of crystal meth
Yesterday, August 15, police in Pathum Thani arrested three individuals for possessing nearly 500 kilogrammes of crystal meth. The arrest took place in a three-storey commercial building in Lam Luk Ka district, where the drugs were hidden. Prior investigations by the Sai Mai Police Station revealed that 27 year old Anawin, also known as ‘Win Chon Buri’, was suspected of…
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Two Thai police officers arrested in major drug network crackdown
Yesterday, August 15, two police officers were arrested for their involvement in a drug network, leading to the seizure and freezing of assets worth 35.2 million baht. The operation involved multiple police units focusing on money laundering activities linked to drug trafficking. Police Lieutenant General Santi Chaiyanirami, Commander of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, and Police Lieutenant General Surapol Prembutr, Commander…
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People’s Party opposes 2026 budget bill over economic concerns
The People’s Party (PP) has decided to oppose the 2026 fiscal budget bill during its final reading in Parliament yesterday, Friday, August 15, criticising the government’s spending plan for not adequately reflecting the current economic conditions. PP Deputy Leader Sirikanya Tansakul disclosed the party’s decision at around 1pm yesterday in Parliament. She indicated that the PP planned to reject the…
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AirAsia flight lands at Gimpo due to turbulence, not error (update)
AirAsia has refuted claims that one of its flights mistakenly landed at the wrong airport, which initially headed towards Seoul, explaining that the pilot diverted to Gimpo Airport due to turbulence. The budget airline clarified that flight D7506 from Sepang to Incheon initially landed at Gimpo for refuelling because of adverse weather conditions. AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismali stated that…
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Heavy rain alert in Thailand: 80% of regions under threat
The Meteorological Department (TMD) has forecasted intense to very intense rainfall across four regions in Thailand, which includes 48 provinces, with Bangkok experiencing a 70% chance of heavy rain. TMD authorities have issued warnings for potential flash floods and forest run-off today, August 16, due to a monsoon trough influencing the north and northeast, coupled with a strengthening southwest monsoon…
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Paetongtarn defends negotiation strategy in leaked conversation
Suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has presented her defence to the Constitutional Court, asserting that her remarks in a leaked conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen were part of a negotiation strategy and not an improper offer of favours. In her written submission, she addressed a contentious statement from the audio clip, where she said… “If there’s anything you…
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3 teenagers arrested for burning disabled dog in Lampang temple
Police arrested three Thai teenagers for burning a disabled dog alive in a temple bathroom in the northern province of Lampang. Locals in the Ko Kha district of Lampang reported the cruel act by the 14 year old suspects to the Watchdog Thailand Foundation (WDT) yesterday, August 14. The incident had occurred the previous week in the abandoned bathroom of…
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