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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 5 hospitals in Thailand digital nomads trust most
Thailand is still one of the best places for digital nomads, thanks to its low cost of living, comfortable lifestyle, and good healthcare system. For remote workers living far from home, having access to a trusted hospital is very important....
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Mother exposes child adoption scam on Facebook
A mother filed a complaint after discovering that con artists have used her family’s photos in a Facebook child adoption scam. The deceptive posts, which circulated widely online, brazenly sought caregivers for children, with statements such as: “Looking for a girl to adopt, a generous reward offered, will provide education until graduation. “Seeking someone to adopt a newborn today, message…
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Bangkok chef arrested for assault and rape of teenage employee
A head chef in Bangkok was arrested for the alleged assault and rape of a 16 year old female employee after luring her under false pretences. The incident, which took place in the Pin Klao area, has led to the arrest of the 25 year old suspect, Watanyu. In a swift operation following an arrest warrant issued by the Taling…
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Elephant tussle in Khao Yai ends with broken tusk
A dramatic clash for dominance between two male elephants yesterday left one with a broken tusk in Khao Yai National Park, Nakhon Ratchasima province. The incident occurred after Plai Khrut, the young elephant who previously made headlines for raiding a statue at Wat Mu Si and consuming all the sugar cane grown by the temple for religious ceremonies, challenged his…
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Muay Thai might: Burmese brawlers flee Chiang Mai showdown
Seven men, believed to be Burmese nationals, picked a fight with four Thai men at a popular attraction in Chiang Mai. However, they quickly apologised and ran away when they discovered two of the victims were Muay Thai boxers. Muay Thai boxer and trainer, 34 year old Prawit “Ter” Petboribundee, shared a video and photos of the incident on Facebook,…
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Fruity fury: Durian dispute turns into armed showdown
A heated confrontation at a durian stall led to a dramatic arrest in Samut Prakan when a disgruntled man drew a gun in a threat of violence. The incident, which was captured on CCTV, occurred around 7.10pm on Wednesday, when the man, identified only as Tao, approached the stall after arguing with a woman across the street. He was later…
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Massive drug bust: Heroin seized in river smuggling operation
Local officers from Na Ngiew Police Station and border patrol police swooped down on Phukhao Thong village in Ban Mueang subdistrict, uncovering a labyrinthine web of drug smuggling. Nestled in the Sangkhom district of Nong Khai province, this clandestine operation bordered Laos. Upon arrival, the officers stumbled upon four shadowy figures ferrying cardboard boxes into a nondescript house. Police Lieutenant…
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Fuelling fury: Employee’s 3-province chase ends in petrol theft bust
A fuel station employee embarked on a high-speed chase spanning over three provinces, ending 160 kilometres away after a 500 baht petrol theft by a 53 year old man, who promptly fled without paying after receiving a quick splash. The incident began in Samut Songkhram province when the man, hailing from Khon Kaen, drove his Toyota Vios into a local…
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Thailand’s ultimate 72 must-do activities revealed for tourists
To reignite tourism during the off-peak season, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is set to roll out a groundbreaking project showcasing the nation’s top 72 must-do activities. Moreover, the initiative is also geared towards commemorating His Majesty King Vajiralongkorn’s sixth cycle birthday anniversary on July 28 this year, revealed TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool. From the electrifying world of Muay…
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Godzilla the macaque succumbs to weight-related illnesses (video)
Godzilla, the once-overweight macaque sensation, captured hearts worldwide as his plight against obesity unfolded. But despite efforts to save him, the beloved primate tragically met his demise, leaving a community in mourning. Godzilla, the crab-eating macaque, met his untimely end at the Crystal Pet Hospital in Bangkok on Monday, May 6, succumbing to a plethora of weight-related ailments. At just…
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Rolling the dice: Thai sting nabs duo in high-stakes gambling bust
The Thai authorities apprehended a 34 year old man and a 19 year old woman in a sophisticated sting operation targeting an illegal online gambling ring that reportedly saw monthly transactions averaging 50 million baht per month. Kittinan The coordinated search led by Major General Warawut Wattanakornbancha, head of the Special Branch Police, along with his team, spanned four locations…
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British man nabbed for souring Phuket eatery’s reputation
Officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) arrested a British man for allegedly defaming an Italian restaurant in Phuket with negative reviews on Google after a two-year long conflict with the restaurant owner. The restaurant owner filed a complaint with the Sakhu Police Station officers after noticing a sudden drop in their Google Maps rating, from 4.9 stars to 3.1…
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Shocking stats: Thailand’s hidden population crisis exposed
Thailand’s population secrets are out in the open, and the numbers are staggering. According to National Statistical Office (NSO) Deputy Director Suwannee Wangkan, a whopping 9.25 million people unofficially inhabit the Land of Smiles, with the vast majority flocking to Bangkok for work and study, shining a harsh spotlight on the nation’s deepening wealth gap. This clandestine population, constituting 13.2%…
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Pattaya’s elevator overhaul restores lifeline for the disabled
In front of the Phra Mahatai Centre, known as the Pattaya Redemptorist Technological College for People with Disabilities, an elevator once abandoned has been resurrected, poised to redefine accessibility along Sukhumvit Road. “The elevator’s revival heralds a new era of inclusivity, offering safe passage for those navigating the bustling thoroughfare.” The repaired elevator serves as more than just a mechanism…
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Chiang Rai police bust online gambling ring worth 200 million baht
A clandestine online gambling ring operating out of Chiang Rai was dismantled by Thai police, revealing a sophisticated operation led by a group of young locals who had rapidly amassed wealth. A police operation today, May 10, resulted in the arrest of 33 year old Kittipong and his 36 year old wife Marisa along with their associates and a dozen…
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New Covid-19 sub-variants strike Thailand
Thailand has uncovered 13 cases of the KP.2 and KP.3 or FLiRT sub-variants of the Omicron JN.1 Covid-19 variant. Dr Yongyot Thummavudhi, the Director-General of the Medical Sciences Department, issued a stern warning, revealing that the severity of these new strains remains a mystery due to insufficient data. “Omicron JN1 and its offshoots continue to loom large over Thailand. JN.1,…
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Local vendor’s motorcycle theft turned community effort
A vigilant citizen’s video capturing a chase after a motorcycle theft turned into a community effort as a local grilled pork vendor lamented the difficulty of recovering her stolen vehicle. The incident began when user Benz Niratchai posted a video on Facebook, showing the chase of a red and white Wave 110 motorcycle thief who had stolen from the Lat…
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Maya Bay ranks 5th in world’s best beaches for 2024 (video)
Maya Bay, located on the idyllic Phi Phi Islands in Krabi province, has been named the 5th-best beach in the world for 2024 by Beach Atlas, a website based in the United Kingdom. This prestigious recognition places Maya Bay at the top of the list not only in Thailand but also as the number one beach across the ASEAN region.…
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Myriad of drug raids in Phuket yields over 4,000 meth pills
Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul arrived in Phuket yesterday to news that the local police declared a series of detentions in recent anti-drug operations, with raids leading to the capture of over 4,000 methamphetamine pills, also known as Yaba. One such operation by the Phuket City Police dismantled a significant drug network leading to the arrest of nine individuals. Among these,…
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Hat Yai man ranks fourth in police exams after seven-year struggle
A young man’s relentless pursuit of his dream to become a police officer has paid off after seven years of steadfast determination, culminating in his high-ranking success in the police entrance examination. A department store employee’s unwavering dedication to achieving his dream has finally borne fruit after a gruelling seven-year journey. The young man, who hails from Hat Yai in…
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Coral catastrophe strikes Krabi’s Mu Ko Lanta Marine Park
In a recent survey conducted by park officials, alarming findings have surfaced regarding coral bleaching in the pristine waters of Mu Ko Lanta Marine National Park in Krabi. Officials took the plunge to assess the extent of coral bleaching and gather marine debris littering the seabed. Around Rok Island, a distressing 10 to 15% of corals at depths of 1…
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Phuket power play: Deputy PM aims to dismantle influential figures
A campaign to dismantle the influence of Thai and foreign powerful figures in Phuket has been launched by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul. The initiative was announced before an assembly of 550 officers yesterday at the Phuket Provincial Police Station, aiming to disrupt any criminal networks promoted by said figures. As the campaign’s primary aim…
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Greater Bay Airlines halts Hong Kong-Singapore flights
Hong Kong-based carrier Greater Bay Airlines (GBA) announced the suspension of its daily service between Hong Kong and Singapore, effective from June 1. The decision, attributed to commercial considerations, comes hot on the heels of its recent rivalry with budget giants Scoot and AirAsia, as well as premium players Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific. Launched with much fanfare on April…
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Thailand to host first Southeast Asian WUWM conference
Thailand made a significant stride in the global agricultural sector as it was chosen to host the World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM) annual conference for the first time in Southeast Asia. The event, scheduled for May 15-17, 2024, at The Athenee Hotel in Bangkok, will showcase Thailand’s status as a leading agricultural hub with an extensive tour of Talad…
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Air India Express cabin crew shortage due to sudden sick leave
To tackle the turbulence caused by an unexpected sick call from a portion of its cabin crew, Air India Express has launched proactive initiatives, ensuring minimal disruption for affected passengers. Last night’s operational hiccup led the airline to swiftly rearrange flight schedules and explore diverse solutions, all aimed at easing the inconvenience experienced by its travellers. In a statement today,…
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Minimum wage increase pledge sparks hotel industry crisis
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s promise to boost the minimum wage to 400 baht by October 1 has set off alarms in the private sector, particularly among hoteliers. Concerns abound as businesses foresee a hefty 15 to 20% surge in costs across goods and services, presenting a formidable hurdle for the hospitality sector. The impending wage revision marks the third adjustment…
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Thai-Saudi collaboration set to boost health and wellness tourism
Health and wellness tourism in Saudi Arabia is set to receive a boost as the Thai Public Health Ministry sets its sights on fostering collaborations in the sector. Simultaneously, the Labour Ministry is eyeing the opportunity to dispatch a greater number of skilled Thai workers to the Middle East nation. Saudi Commerce Minister Majid bin Abdullah al-Kassabi was welcomed to…
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Corrupt former DSI chief’s 44.6 million baht assets seized
An alleged corrupt former Department of Special Investigation (DSI) chief experienced a significant blow as the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases sanctioned the confiscation of his assets worth 44.6 million baht. This development, announced yesterday by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation into Tarit Pengdit’s unaccounted wealth. NACC Secretary General Niwatchai Kasemmongkol…
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Parking the problem: Thai national parks close to revive coral reefs
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) implemented indefinite closures at marine attractions in 12 national parks in Thailand to allow coral reefs to recover from bleaching. DNP Director Auttaphon Jaroenchansa told the media yesterday, May 9, that the director in each national park closely monitors the coral bleaching situation to determine the cause and identify recovery…
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Free electric buses spark hope in Phuket’s traffic chaos
In the heart of Phuket’s Old Town, where tourists flock to soak in the community’s charm, a groundbreaking project has taken flight to combat congestion and pollution. Led by local businesses, the Phuket Smart Bus EV initiative promises a greener, smoother journey for all. To tackle the notorious traffic gridlock plaguing Phuket’s picturesque Old Town, a group of local businesses…
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Thailand aims to host 2025 InterPride World Conference
Thailand is setting its sights on becoming the inaugural Asian host of the InterPride World Conference in 2025. This intention was announced by the Director of the Mega Events and Festival Department under the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Harisuda Boonyawat. The InterPride World Conference is a yearly congregation of Pride organisers worldwide. It serves as a platform for…
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