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 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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Chiang Mai council chairman accused of assaulting local resident
A significant altercation involving a prominent local council chairman in Chiang Mai has left a resident severely injured, sparking outrage among the community. The incident took place when the chairman allegedly insulted and physically assaulted a local during a campaign event at the home of a former Chiang Mai provincial council member. Reports from residents in a municipality area of…
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Chinese teen arrested in Bangkok for call centre scam
A significant breakthrough in the battle against call centre scams in Thailand occurred with the arrest of a Chinese teenager in Bangkok. Police conducted raids on two locations, which led to the capture of a 19 year old Chinese national suspected of involvement in a sophisticated scam operation. Metropolitan and immigration police, armed with a warrant from the Criminal Court,…
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Thai influencer dies after alcohol stunt for 30,000 baht
Bank Leicester, a well-known Thai influencer, has tragically died after being hired to consume an excessive amount of alcohol in exchange for 30,000 baht (US$880). Known for his unique approach of rapping while selling garlands to support his grandmother, Bank had gained significant popularity online. His untimely death occurred at approximately 3.40am, reportedly due to the drinking challenge. Bank, whose…
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Suspect’s escape leads to soldier’s death in Pattani crash
A tragic incident unfolded yesterday, December 25, when a suspect involved in a security case seized control of a vehicle’s steering wheel, causing it to veer off the road into a fruit orchard. This action resulted in one soldier’s death and injuries to three others. The suspect managed to escape during the ensuing chaos. Police had been conducting a coordinated…
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Thai serial rapist who targets elderly women remains on the run
Two elderly Thai women sought help from the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women after a rapist who sexually assaulted them in a paddy field in the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima remains at large for months. The two senior victims, who are cousins, met the foundation’s founder, Pavena Hongsakul, at the foundation office in the central province of Pathum Thani…
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Boundary fence dispute in Phitsanulok leads to two deaths
A tragic altercation over a boundary fence dispute between neighbours resulted in a deadly incident involving a family in Phitsanulok province. The conflict escalated, leading to the deaths of two individuals and leaving one person seriously injured. Police Lieutenant Phongsiri Ampripis of Bang Rakam Police Station received reports of the violent confrontation which occurred yesterday, December 25, at 4pm. The…
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Fuel fraud: Pump attendant fired for pressing the wrong buttons
A petrol station attendant was caught red-handed cheating a customer by not dispensing the full amount of fuel paid for. The customer, who had requested 200 baht worth of fuel, noticed that only 100 baht was dispensed. Despite attempts by the attendant to rectify the situation by adding more fuel, the customer confronted them before any further action could be…
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Bird strike suspected in Azerbaijan Airlines crash, 42 dead
An Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane tragically crashed near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan, with initial investigations suggesting a bird strike as the possible cause. The incident occurred yesterday, December 25, leaving 42 people dead but miraculously 25 individuals survived the ordeal. The plane, which had departed from Baku, Azerbaijan, was en route to Grozny, Chechnya. Due to dense fog…
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Chilly weather and light rain forecast for northern Thailand
Today’s weather forecast from the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) highlights a mix of chilly and frosty conditions across northern Thailand, with light rain anticipated in some areas. The highest peaks may experience severe cold, with frost forming as temperatures drop to single digits. The TMD’s 24-hour weather forecast shows a moderate high-pressure system currently covering upper Thailand. This results in cool to…
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Decomposing body found in Udon Thani forest prompts investigation
A decomposing body of a woman was discovered in a forest opposite the Department of Forestry in Sri That, Udon Thani, sparking an investigation to determine the cause of death and locate her relatives. Police believe she died approximately five days ago. Yesterday, December 25, Police Lieutenant Colonel Chinphan Sungkaew, Deputy Superintendent of the Sri That Police Station, disclosed that…
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Thai bus ticket collector assaulted by passenger for rejecting his advances
A female public bus ticket collector sought justice after being physically assaulted by a male passenger for rejecting his advances. However, the Department of Land Transport allegedly blamed her for the incident, citing her impatience. The ticket collector, 24 year old Pichobon Yadee, shared details of the assault, which occurred on December 2 at around 4pm on a public bus…
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Is tap water in Thailand safe to consume?
Wondering if you can drink the tap water in Thailand? From brushing your teeth to filling up a bottle, it’s helpful to understand a few basics. Tap water safety in Thailand varies by location, and while some people use it without issue, others avoid it completely. Here’s a guide on what’s safe, what’s not. How clean is Bangkok’s tap water…
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Thai woman falls from pedestrian bridge while trying to save dropped phone
A Thai woman sustained severe injuries after falling from a pedestrian bridge in Samut Prakan province near Bangkok while attempting to retrieve her dropped mobile phone. Officers from Phra Samut Jedhi Police Station and rescuers from the Por Tek Tung Foundation responded to the incident, which occurred beneath the pedestrian bridge near Soi Suksawat 48 at 5pm yesterday, December 24.…
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Knives out in Pattaya: Aussie tourist threatened by moto-taxi rider
A Christmas Eve motorcycle mishap turned menacing in Pattaya, leaving a 60 year old Australian tourist terrified after a motorbike taxi driver allegedly threatened him with a knife. Ivica, an Australian holidaymaker, filed a formal complaint with Pattaya police yesterday, December 24 at 11.46pm, claiming he had been menaced by a knife-wielding motorbike taxi driver following a minor collision. The…
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Thai restaurant sales to soar 15% over new year period
Central Restaurants Group (CRG) anticipates a significant increase in sales within the Thai restaurant industry during the new year festive season, driven by a boost in dining out and a rise in foreign tourist numbers. This optimism comes as Thailand records approximately 33.5 million foreign visitors from January to mid-December. Leading the arrivals are Chinese tourists, numbering 6.4 million, followed…
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Dangerous play: Thai child gets shock from decorative lights in mall
A child was injured by an electric shock from decorative lights at a shopping mall, prompting the mall manager to cover all medical expenses but not without passing a rebuke to the child’s guardians. The incident was shared on the Facebook page à¸à¸µà¸‹à¹‰à¸à¸‚ยี้ข่าว, where it was reported that the child received an electric shock on the right wrist after touching…
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Suvarnabhumi Airport passengers surprised with teddy bears on baggage carousel
Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok is celebrating Christmas by sending teddy bears along the baggage carousel as gifts for arriving passengers. The gifts are available for two days, starting yesterday, December 24, said to run through until the end of today. The Director of Suvarnabhumi Airport, Kittipong Kittikhajorn, and the spokesperson of the Transport Ministry, Kittiphon Ruayfuphan, joined forces to…
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Elderly woman flees as son sets house on fire in Bangkok (video)
An elderly woman was forced to flee her home after her son, in a state of frenzy, set their house on fire. The incident was captured and shared on TikTok by user @hippopo2875, who expressed sympathy for the woman, revealing he had known her for over 20 years, describing her as kind-hearted. The video depicted firefighters and residents battling the…
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Cyber raid: 8 arrested for online gambling in Chiang Rai
Police from the Cyber Crime Division conducted a raid on three locations connected to the OK2D online gambling network in Chiang Rai, resulting in the arrest of eight administrators. The operation, believed to be linked with three other prominent websites, involves over 200,000 players and a financial turnover exceeding 1 billion baht. High-ranking officials, including Trirong Phiwphan, the Cyber Crime…
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2 Thai women survive rape due to suspect’s erectile dysfunction
Two Thai women survived a rape attempt at a cassava plantation in the Isaan province of Ubon Ratchathani due to the suspect’s alleged erectile dysfunction. Officers from Trakan Phuet Phon Police Station were alerted to the attempted rape by locals in the Trakan Phuet Phon district of Ubon Ratchathani yesterday, December 24 and rushed to the scene. The two injured…
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Successful coral restoration boosts tourism at Koh Larn
A team of marine specialists conducted a diving inspection at Koh Larn to ensure the safety of tourists and coral reefs in the Sea Walker area. The inspection revealed the successful restoration of staghorn coral reefs. Dr Pinsak Suraswadi, Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), led a group, including Ukkrit Sataphumin, director of the Marine Resources…
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Elderly couple’s tragic motorcycle accident in Udon Thani
A tragic accident unfolded in Udon Thani, where an elderly couple riding a motorcycle with a sidecar from Nakhon Phanom to Nong Bua Lam Phu was struck by a six-wheeled truck, resulting in one fatality and another person seriously injured. Police are actively searching for the truck driver who fled the scene following the incident. The accident was reported yesterday,…
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Foreign couple’s passionate encounter leads to damage at Pattaya hotel
A foreign couple refused to pay compensation after their sexual activity damaged furniture and Christmas decorations at a hotel in Pattaya last night, December 24. Chaos broke out at a hotel in Pattaya Soi 8 on Christmas Eve as hotel workers and officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station were reportedly chasing a foreign woman wearing a white mini-dress. The foreign…
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Khao Kheow Open Zoo showers animals with Christmas gifts
Khao Kheow Open Zoo is spreading festive cheer with its Christmas and new year celebrations, delighting visitors and animals alike. The zoo’s director, Narongwit Chodchoi, alongside the management team, has organised a special event to bring joy to the park’s wildlife. This initiative is part of a larger festive programme welcoming tourists as 2024 makes way for 2025. The zoo…
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Experts warn ‘safety first’ as couples get rompy during Christmas
The Christmas holiday season often sees an uptick in certain types of injuries, with experts noting a significant rise in sex-related mishaps, including a dramatic 234% increase in searches for “penile fracture” on Google during this festive period. Research from FeetFinder highlights that the festive spirit might lead to some unexpected outcomes in the bedroom. Data from the British Journal…
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Thailand launches tax rebate scheme with 50,000 baht cap
The Thai government has introduced the easy e-receipts initiative, allowing eligible purchases to be deducted from personal income tax. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat confirmed the Cabinet’s approval of the scheme, which is set to roll out from January 16 to February 28 next year. The deductions will be applicable for the 2026 tax filing period. Participants in this programme…
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Belgian man brutally attacked and robbed in Pattaya on Christmas Day
In stark contrast to the festive spirits, a Belgian man suffered serious injuries after a group of six thieves brutally attacked him with a knife and robbed him in Pattaya earlier today, December 25, just as he was returning from a Christmas party. A 38 year old Thai woman named Phonthip alerted officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station to the…
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Thai economy forecast: 109 billion baht boost from consumer spending
Predictions for the new year indicate a robust economic circulation of 109 billion baht, driven by consumer spending, according to findings from the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC). While this suggests a positive economic trend, many individuals remain cautious with their expenditures. The UTCC’s survey, conducted recently, highlights an anticipated 3.2% increase in spending compared to last…
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Thailand expands global e-visa system for 2025 to boost tourism
Thailand is set to simplify travel for international visitors starting 1 January 2025 by expanding its e-Visa system globally. This significant development allows travellers worldwide to apply for a Thai e-visa via the official website, streamlining the process that was previously available only in select locations. Now, the electronic visa system will be operational across all 94 Royal Thai Embassies…
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Chiang Mai magic mushroom vendor arrested after death of British man
Police arrested a Thai vendor selling magic mushrooms in Chiang Mai following the death of a British man who purchased and consumed the drugs from her shop. Officers from the Investigation Division of Provincial Police Region 5, in cooperation with the Provincial Public Health Office, raided a cannabis shop on Tha Pae Road in Chiang Mai’s Mueang District on December…
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