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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 Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run
Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...
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Bangkok fire destroys 22 rooms, affects 33 in Klong Toey
A fire in Bangkok’s Klong Toey community ripped through and destroyed 22 rooms, affecting 33 residents in the community. Emergency services worked hard to control the blaze and set up a temporary shelter. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire. The incident occurred at 2.45am today, January 9, when Police Lieutenant Santi Chansathien, an investigator at the…
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Lost and found: American’s wild Thai tale ends without a scratch
An American pensioner met with an unexpected adventure in northern Thailand but thanks to the swift action of Mae Hong Son’s Tourist Police, rescue volunteers, and local villagers, he made it out unscathed. The 68 year old man from the United States, was saved from the depths of the Doi Thong forest near Ya Po village, and he couldn’t be…
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Thai police arrest gunman for Cambodian-French politician murder
Thai police last night arrested the gunman responsible for the assassination of a former Cambodian-French opposition Member of Parliament in Cambodia‘s Phra Tabon Province. Another suspect, a Cambodian, who is believed to have stalked the victim from Cambodia to Bangkok, remains at large. The 73 year old Cambodian-French politician, Lim Kimya, arrived in Bangkok by a coach bus from Cambodia…
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Thailand to celebrate marriage equality at UN event in Bangkok
The Thai Interior Ministry will hold an event at the United Nations Convention Centre in Bangkok next Monday, January 13, to celebrate the forthcoming implementation of the Marriage Equality Act on January 23. This will mark a significant milestone as Thailand prepares to enact this legislation for the first time. According to Traisulee Taisaranakul, spokesperson for the ministry, the event…
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British man’s death in Phuket leaves family searching for answers
The heartbroken family of a British man is desperately seeking the truth after his body washed ashore a Phuket beach. The body of Regan Kelly was discovered on Saturday, January 5, floating in the sea off a Thai beach. The 28 year old South London man’s body was discovered naked and face down merely hours after he was seen dashing…
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Counterfeit cough syrup worth 100 million baht seized in Thailand
Police and health officials conducted raids in Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, and Bangkok on sites associated with the production and sale of counterfeit cough syrup, seizing items valued at over 100 million baht on the retail market. This operation involved collaboration between the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Nakhon Pathom provincial public health…
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British tourists’ speedboat crashes into Thai mangrove forest (video)
A holiday speedboat carrying British tourists on an idyllic island-hopping adventure turned into a nightmare when the vessel smashed into trees in southern Thailand, prompting screams from panicked passengers. The incident occurred on Friday, January 3 during a journey between Koh Lipe and Koh Lanta. Shocking footage shows terrified passengers clinging to their seats as the speedboat hurtled off course,…
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Road rage: Trucker clash ignites over middle finger in Songkhla
A roadblock and a rude middle finger gesture led to an altercation between a Thai truck driver and another man on a road in the southern province of Songkhla. Facebook user Ting Chukamnued shared videos of the altercation on the road on January 7, with a caption that read, “Thanks to the owner of the videos. Let him know that this…
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Pattaya poker face-off: Cops bust beachside card game
A clandestine poker game involving foreigners and Thai nationals in Pattaya was busted by police in a dramatic raid near Jomtien Beach. The illegal gambling operation, disguised as a beer bar, was exposed on Monday, January 6, after officers acted on a tip-off. Officers from the Chon Buri Immigration Police, led by Police Colonel Napassapong Kositsuriyamani, uncovered seven foreigners, including…
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Thailand revives trade with Pakistan in major economic pact
After a decade of silence, Thailand and Pakistan are back at the negotiating table, reigniting hopes for a booming trade partnership. The two nations have agreed to resume talks under their Joint Trade Committee (JTC) at the ministerial level, with Thailand hosting the next round of discussions later this year. In a recent meeting between Thailand’s Minister of Commerce, Pichai…
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Truck overturns in Nonthaburi, killing two and injuring two
A tragic accident occurred yesterday in Nonthaburi province, where a truck overturned after crossing the central reservation, resulting in two fatalities and two injuries. The accident took place on Ratchaphruek Road, opposite the 18 Chord Market in Bang Phlap subdistrict, Pak Kret district. Officers from Chaiyaphruek Police Station and emergency services, alongside forensic doctors, attended the scene. At the site,…
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Hippo star Moo Deng steals spotlight as election mascot (video)
The Election Commission (EC) has pulled out all the stops to boost voter enthusiasm for the upcoming provincial administrative organisation (PAO) elections, introducing an unlikely but adorable mascot—Moo Deng, the famous pygmy hippo calf. EC chairperson Ittiporn Boonprakong proudly presented Moo Deng during a lively ceremony at the Government Complex on Chaeng Watthana Road. Speaking to a captivated audience, he…
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Boxer shorts-clad man blocks Bangkok traffic with Mercedes (video)
Traffic congestion is a common issue in Bangkok, often caused by the sheer volume of vehicles on the roads and accidents and unforeseen incidents which further exacerbates the situation. However, traffic was held up yesterday, January 7, by an unusual cause when a man clad only in boxer shorts parked his convertible Mercedes in the middle of the road and…
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Bird flu dodged: Thailand flies clear of H5N1 outbreak
Thailand has yet to experience an outbreak of the H5N1 avian influenza, despite reports of a fatality in the United States. Health officials highlight the severity of the virus in migrating birds and recommend preventive measures. According to Doctor Opas Karnkawinpong, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, the United States has documented 66 cases of human infection…
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Missing man found dead in truck on Chachoengsao motorway
A 53 year old man was found dead inside a truck parked on a motorway after his daughter called him unsuccessfully for three days. Officials from the Department of Highways received a report yesterday evening, January 7, concerning a white Toyota pickup truck, registration number 2 ฒข 2254 Bangkok, parked on the motorway at kilometre marker 42+300 in the Bang…
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Cabinet approves 3.78 trillion baht budget for 2026 fiscal year
The Thai Cabinet has sanctioned a 3.78 trillion baht (US$109 billion) budget for the 2026 fiscal year, alongside soft loans to assist small enterprises, as announced by officials yesterday, January 7. The budget, which includes an 860 billion baht (US$24. billion) deficit, is designed to invigorate the economy, according to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat. In the previous month, the…
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Mother seeks justice after landlord evicts children in Pathum Thani
A mother sort police help after a landlord forcibly entered her rented room and evicted her 14 year old daughter and three year old son. The incident occurred yesterday, January 7 at 8.30pm, when the Saimai Must Survive Facebook page assisted the mother in filing a complaint with Police Captain Sura Lertthaisong at Khu Khot Police Station, Pathum Thani province.…
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Blackpink’s Lisa brings the Thai par-TEA to the US
Pop sensation Lalisa Manoban, better known as Lisa from Blackpink has done it again, proving she’s the ultimate soft power queen by taking Thai tea globally. From promoting Thailand’s iconic meatballs to elevating fried egg rice, Lisa is now bringing the nation’s beloved iced tea to the world stage in a way no one saw coming. Lisa unveiled her latest…
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Elderly driver in tragic collision with motorcyclist in Sattahip
A tragic accident occurred yesterday when a 71 year old woman driving a white Mitsubishi Triton collided with a motorcycle, resulting in the motorcyclist’s death. The incident happened yesterday, January 7, at 12.30pm, at the Na Jomtien subdistrict in Sattahip, Chon Buri. Police Lieutenant Thanakorn Suetrong from the Na Jomtien Police Station received the report of the collision at the…
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Prehistoric skeletons found near Khon Kaen dinosaur museum
While preparing land for cultivation, villagers discovered prehistoric human skeletons estimated to be 1,500 to 2,500 years old, suggesting an ancient settlement location. The Fine Arts Department is examining the remains, found opposite Phu Wiang Dinosaur Museum in the Wiang Kao district of Khon Kaen province. Thipawan Wong-assapai, a skilled archaeologist from the Fine Arts Office 8 in Khon Kaen,…
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Krabi snake catcher bitten by king cobra draws public support
The well-known snake catcher in Krabi is receiving support from the public after getting bitten by a giant king cobra. The incident left Sutee “Bung Cha” Naewhat in a serious condition and at risk of losing his arm. The story has gained a lot of attention given his dedication to helping others over the past 17 years. The news emerged…
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Kazakh man reports Phuket investment scam run by Ukrainian and Thai men
A Kazakh businessman filed a complaint with the Phuket Governor after being tricked by Ukrainian and Thai men into investing in a real estate project in the province. However, he has not received any profits from the investment. The Kazakh victim, Takhir, initially reported the investment scam to Choeng Thale Police Station. He and his legal team subsequently met with the Phuket Governor,…
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95 billion baht project to upgrade Chao Phraya irrigation system
The National Water Resources Committee has sanctioned a 95 billion baht initiative to enhance the Chao Phraya River irrigation system on the lower eastern side, encompassing Ayutthaya and Pathum Thani provinces, to mitigate flooding. Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong chaired the meeting on January 6, where the committee endorsed the Department of Royal Irrigation’s extensive project aimed at improving water…
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Opposition plans censure debate against coalition government
The opposition is planning to file a motion for a censure debate against the coalition government by February, with the debate anticipated to occur between late February and early March. This was announced by Pakornwut Udompipatskul, a People’s Party list MP and head opposition whip. Pakornwut emphasised that the debate should not extend beyond the second week of March. Key…
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Pop Mart makes a splash in Pattaya with new By the Sea store
Global art toy phenomenon Pop Mart is turning heads once again, this time with the grand opening of its brand-new By the Sea store at Central Pattaya Shopping Centre. The quirky, seaside-themed outlet is the latest addition to Pop Mart’s Thai expansion, cementing its position as a major player in the booming collectable art toy market. The move follows Pop…
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600,000 students to receive tablets by June, says education ministry
Approximately 600,000 high school students are set to receive tablets from the Education Ministry by June, as part of efforts to facilitate flexible learning environments. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, an assistant to the education minister and a ministry spokesperson, shared recent developments regarding this initiative, which aims to address educational inequality. He confirmed the distribution of tablets to 600,000 students by early…
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Chinese tourist drowns in Rayong cave during dive tour
A Chinese tourist drowned while participating in a tour at Rayong’s Khang Khao Cave. She was swept away by an undercurrent and her body was found 2 kilometres away. The incident occurred yesterday, January 7 when police were alerted by Khao Laem Ya National Park officials about the discovery of a deceased female tourist near Ko Kudi, Mueang Rayong district.…
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Fake policewoman wanted for swindling 400,000 baht from man
Officers at Mueang Narathiwat Police Station in southern Thailand are searching for a woman who impersonated a policewoman and swindled over 400,000 baht from a Thai man by falsely claiming she was pregnant. The victim revealed to officers at Mueang Narathiwat Police Station that he met the suspect, 21 year old Fatina Nanta-ariyakun, on a dating application at the end…
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Thai university faces legal threats over unauthorised police training
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) will initiate legal proceedings against Siam University if it fails to address the issue of a Chinese executive allegedly conducting an unauthorised volunteer police training programme for Chinese nationals. Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi stated yesterday, January 7, that Siam University confirmed its lack of involvement or awareness regarding the programme and…
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Meth dealer crashes into car of Thai actress’ mother in Phitsanulok
A dramatic car chase unfolded in Phitsanulok as police chased a suspected drug dealer. Despite having his car tyres punctured by armed police, the suspect continued to flee, eventually colliding with a vehicle belonging to the mother of Thai actress Tukk Lila. The suspect was eventually apprehended, and a large quantity of methamphetamine was discovered. The incident occurred at 2pm…
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