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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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Thailand warns 43 provinces of flash floods and strong winds
Thailand’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department (DPMD) issued an urgent alert for 43 provinces to brace for potential flash floods, forest runoff, stagnant flooding, and strong winds. The warning covers the period from today through three days from now. Chaiwat Junthirapong, Director-General of DPMD, revealed that the Central Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Division has been closely monitoring weather conditions and…
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British man found dead in Phuket hotel room, drugs suspected
A 48 year old British man was discovered dead in his hotel room in Cherng Talay, Phuket, prompting an investigation by local police. Police were alerted to the scene in Soi Cherng Talay 14 at 4.30pm yesterday, June 22. The man was found lying on his back on the bed, clad in grey boxer shorts, with his hands tightly clenched.…
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Cobra in new motorcycle sparks three-hour rescue in Ayutthaya
A spitting cobra slithered into a new motorcycle, prompting a three-hour rescue mission by local authorities. The 46 year old owner, who recently acquired the vehicle, believes the snake might bring good luck, as she just received the new license plate. Emergency services in Ayutthaya were alerted by a resident needing assistance to capture a cobra inside a motorcycle parked…
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Motorcyclist with epilepsy dies in crash, girlfriend severely injured
A 25 year old man suffering from epilepsy crashed his motorcycle into a utility pole and died instantly, while his girlfriend sustained severe injuries. His sister revealed he had been using a prosthetic leg for several years and frequently experienced seizures. Police Lieutenant Warachet Dechdecho, an investigator from Phra Samut Chedi Police Station in Samut Prakan province, reported the accident…
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French tourist arrested in Koh Pha Ngan for visa overstay
Thai police apprehended a French tourist, claiming to be a religious leader, who was encouraging other international visitors to join Islamic ceremonies. The individual was found to have overstayed his visa by three months. Police reported that on June 22, police led by Police Major General Saksira Phueak-am, Commander of the Tourist Police, ordered Police Lieutenant Colonel Winich Boonchit, Superintendent…
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Thailand approves 3.75-trillion-baht budget for 2025 fiscal year
Thailand’s House of Representatives approved the 3.75-trillion-baht budget bill for the 2025 fiscal year late yesterday with 311 votes in favour, 175 against, and two abstentions. A special 72-member House committee has been established to scrutinise the bill, consisting of 18 Cabinet representatives and 54 members from both government and opposition parties. This committee will convene its initial meeting tomorrow…
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Influenza claims 14 lives, impacting over 180,000 nationwide
Influenza has claimed 14 lives and affected over 180,000 individuals across the nation since the start of the year, according to the Department of Disease Control (DDC). Director-General Thongchai Keeratihatthayakorn addressed public concerns yesterday regarding severe strains of influenza circulating online. He clarified that influenza is a respiratory viral infection that generally causes mild symptoms and can be treated effectively.…
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Basal tyrannosauroid teeth found in Kalasin, Thailand
Kasetsart University researcher Wongwech Chowchuvech uncovered the fossilised teeth of a Basal Tyrannosauroid in Phu Noi, Kalasin province, marking a significant palaeontological find in Southeast Asia. The discovery, which emerged under the guidance of Assistant Professor Chatchalerm Ketwetsuriya, Mahasarakham University researcher Sita Manitkoon, and Sirindhorn Museum director Phornphen Chanthasit, sheds light on the region’s prehistoric biodiversity. Analysis of the teeth…
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Neighbourly dispute in Nakhon Si Thammarat leads to fatality
A neighbourly dispute in Nakhon Si Thammarat resulted in a fatality yesterday when a man allegedly under the influence of drugs was killed. The incident, which occurred in a rubber plantation, saw one neighbour fatally attack another before surrendering to the police. Police and emergency responders arrived at a rubber plantation in Ban Tha Kham, Village No. 6, Khuan Nong…
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Wat Lat Nam Khao fire: Novice monk heroically rescues abbot
A fire broke out at Wat Lat Nam Khao in Suphan Buri, with a novice monk smashing a window to rescue Luang Pu Thoop, a revered monk, from the flames. Despite the swift response from local firefighters, the fire consumed the temple’s ancient wooden structures. At 2pm yesterday, Narongsak Palakawong Na Ayudhya, an investigator at Bang Pla Ma Police Station…
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Student electrocuted turning off water dispenser at Thai school
A tragic incident unfolded at a high school in Kantang District, Trang Province, leaving a student dead from electrocution while attempting to turn off a water dispenser. The event, which occurred during a school sports day, was captured on video and shared on social media, causing widespread shock and grief. The video, posted on the Facebook pages กันตัง บ้านเรา and…
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The surge of online casinos in Asia: Leading countries and key drivers
Asia could soon become the largest online gambling market in the world if more countries legalize the industry. For a long time, Asian countries remained quiet while the rest of the world made laws to permit sports betting and online casinos. Now, Asian countries are changing their gambling laws left, right, and centre, from China to India. In this article,…
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Phuket governor celebrates SDG localisation at Bangkok event
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat participated in the closing ceremony of the SDGs Localisation: Thailand’s Journey Towards Sustainability project orchestrated by the United Nations in Bangkok yesterday. The event, held at the ESCAP Hall meeting room at the United Nations Conference Centre on Rajdamnern Nok Avenue, served as a platform to spotlight Thailand’s initiatives in integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into…
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Pattaya path wall forces pedestrians into danger
Residents and tourists are up in arms over a perilous obstruction near Soi 18 on Pattaya-Naklua Road. A wall from a local restaurant is blocking the path, forcing pedestrians to risk their lives by walking on the bustling street instead. This hazardous situation has sparked serious concerns about potential accidents, especially since the road is heavily trafficked by public transportation,…
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Thailand scoops top honours in travel awards including Koh Samui
Thailand has cemented its status as a premier travel destination, sweeping the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2024. Koh Samui has been crowned the Best Island in the Asia Pacific, while Samui Airport secured a commendable fourth place among the region’s best airports. Bangkok also emerged victorious, being named the Best City in the Asia Pacific. These accolades…
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Police target tourist scammers in major Pattaya cleanup
To make Pattaya safer for tourists, the Tourist Police Bureau has joined forces with the embassies of five countries to combat tourist scams and dismantle 10 criminal gangs operating in the bustling resort city. Bureau Commissioner Police Lieutenant General Saksira Phuek-am led a crucial meeting on Thursday to establish robust safety measures for tourists in Chon Buri’s popular destination. The…
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PM Srettha crushes coalition crisis rumours
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has slammed rumours suggesting the Palang Pracharath Party might be ousted from the coalition government. Speaking to reporters at Parliament yesterday, June 21, Srettha decisively quashed the speculation. “I have never mentioned any changes, and these rumours did not come from me.” The 62 year old PM assured that the coalition’s internal communications remained harmonious.…
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Government may raise foreign condo ownership limit to 75%
The government considers increasing the foreign ownership limit in condominiums from 49% to 75% of a building’s usable space, as disclosed by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. The Interior Ministry is evaluating the feasibility of extending the maximum leasehold period for foreigners from 50 years to 99 years. Phumtham stated that this proposal was first discussed at a Cabinet meeting…
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Budget deficit: Government to unveil new economic measures
Amidst budget deficit concerns, the government will introduce new measures to boost the struggling economy next week, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced today. Discussions about economic stimuli and the stock market were held with Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira yesterday evening. “A significant announcement on short-term, medium-term, and long-term measures will be made tomorrow or the day after.” When asked if…
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Army dog auction to feature trained military dogs
The Army Dog Centre is set to open bidding for 66 well-trained but test-disqualified military dogs on July 6. The auction will feature Labrador Retrievers, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherds at the Army Dog Centre in Nakhon Ratchasima. Details have been gradually released on the Army Dog Centre’s Facebook page, revealing the initial bidding prices for the latest 10 dogs.…
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Samut Prakan teen girl attempted assault suspect arrested
A suspect accused of attempting to assault a 15 year old student in Samut Prakan has been arrested. The incident involved the suspect allegedly following the girl from school on his motorcycle to her residence, where he attempted to commit the assault. The girl’s quick thinking and cries for help thwarted the attack. Police received a tip-off yesterday evening from…
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Transport Ministry may delay Don Mueang toll hike
The Ministry of Transport is considering to postpone a planned toll rate increase on the Don Mueang Tollway and may even lower the current fees, according to Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit. Initially, the toll rates were set to rise from 115 baht to 130 baht per trip this year. Suriya has tasked the Department of Highways, which granted the concession…
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Woman dies in house fire in Samut Sakhon
A house fire claimed the life of a woman trapped inside her own home. The incident took place yesterday in Bang Thorat, Samut Sakhon. Police Lieutenant Kritsanaphon Watjanaphan, Deputy Inspector of Bang Thorat Police Station, received a report of a fire in a house located in Village No. 6, Bang Thorat Subdistrict, Mueang District. Fire trucks from Bang Thorat Subdistrict…
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Royal barges restored for King’s 72nd birthday celebration
Restoration of 52 royal barges will be completed in time for a royal kathin ceremony in October, as part of celebrations for the King’s 72nd birthday on July 28, according to the Culture Ministry. Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol stated today that only minor details remain, with the work scheduled to finish by the end of this month. The Fine Arts…
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Northern Thailand: Police shoot armed drug dealer in self-defence
Police officers in Chiang Kham, Phayao in northern Thailand encountered a drug dealer who aimed a firearm at them, prompting a defensive response that resulted in the suspect being shot. Police Colonel Sakorn Sukphoomphong, Superintendent of Chiang Kham Police Station, received a tip about a drug gathering in Ban Nam Lao, Moo 7, Mae Lao Subdistrict. He assigned Deputy Inspector…
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Chinese EV makers dominate Southeast Asia, ICE cars decline
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) sales are rapidly increasing in Southeast Asia, with China’s BYD (Build Your Dreams) and Vietnam’s VinFast spearheading the charge. Counterpoint Research reported that EV sales in the region more than doubled from January to March compared to the same period last year, while sales of internal combustion engine (ICE) cars decreased by 7%. The previous year…
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Pattaya Youth Centre renovation delays spark leadership concern
The much-anticipated renovation of the Pattaya Youth Centre faces frustrating delays, sparking concerns among top officials. The Chairman of the Pattaya Sports and Recreation Committee, Visan Petchtrakul, and Deputy Mayor Kritsana Boonsawat are deeply worried about the project’s progress. Slated for transformation into a vibrant, multifunctional space themed Music, Sports, Art, and Performance, the centre, located in Soi Thepprasit 9…
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Car wash owner’s grim task: Tackling a ‘grave’ cleaning challenge
A car wash owner faced an extraordinary challenge when tasked with cleaning a vehicle that housed a decomposing body for over two weeks. The vehicle was brought to the shop filled with blood and bodily fluids, producing a pervasive odour. A car wash owner, Teerasak revealed to the media that a customer visited the establishment for a deep cleaning of…
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Teen girl narrowly escapes attempted rape in Samut Prakarn (video)
Police are searching for a Thai man who attempted to rape a 15 year old girl in her apartment at the Mueang Mai Bang Phli National Housing Authority in Samut Prakarn province near Bangkok. The suspect was reportedly released from prison in February. The 15 year old victim, dressed in a high school uniform, screamed for help and managed to…
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Jealous man’s violent outburst leaves wife fighting for life
In an incident of domestic violence, a jealous Thai man viciously attacked his wife with a spade, leaving her critically injured. The brutal assault occurred late at night on Wednesday, June 19, at a labour camp in Baan Thung Srakeaw, Khao Mai Kaew Subdistrict, Chon Buri province. Emergency responders from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation rushed to the scene after…
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