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 Why health insurance costs more each year and how expats in Thailand can save more money
Each year, many expats living in Thailand see their health insurance premiums go up and often without a clear reason. This can be frustrating, especially when you're trying to plan your budget. But by understanding why prices rise and learning...
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Thai hotel industry resists proposed minimum wage hike
The tourism industry has voiced its concerns over the recent approval by the tripartite wage committee to increase the minimum wage to 400 baht for four-star hotels in 10 key tourism cities, beginning with the Songkran holiday. Hoteliers argue that the implementation of the wage hike is unjust as the recovery from the pandemic has been uneven across the targeted…
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Former Thai MP returns after 15 years political asylum
Former Thai politician Jakrapob Pemkair returned to Thailand after 15 years of political asylum in Cambodia. Upon his return, he was apprehended due to two remaining arrest warrants but was later granted 400,000 baht bail. Jakrapob previously served as a government spokesperson under former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra from 2003 to 2005, and later as a minister of the…
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Thai national arrested in Pattaya after attempted assault on officer
A Thai national was apprehended in Pattaya in the small hours of this morning, following reports of his erratic behaviour and an attempted assault on a local officer. The incident was reported to the Pattaya City Special Affairs Radio Centre at six minutes past midnight, leading to the immediate dispatch of officers to the scene, located at the entrance of…
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Thai foreign minister jets off to Japan for diplomatic meeting
The Thai Foreign Minister is gearing up for a crucial diplomatic mission to Japan amidst mounting concerns over the potential revocation of visa-free privileges for Thai travellers. Reports suggest that Japan is contemplating this drastic measure due to a surge in Thais overstaying their welcome. In a statement released today, Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara acknowledged Japan’s right to enforce its laws but…
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Puffing problems: Bangkok seminar on e-cigarettes perils
A pivotal seminar in Bangkok about the perils of e-cigarettes was attended by administrators from 437 educational institutions. The event was orchestrated by Dr Puangpetch Chunlaid, the minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, commencing precisely at 9am. The seminar’s aim was to bring into sharp focus the rising concerns about e-cigarettes within Thailand’s societal fabric, especially regarding their easy…
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Thailand Video News | PM floats legalizing casinos to boost economy, Aussie arrested in Koh Pha Ngan after joyriding in stolen motorbike
In this video, Alex captures news across the country. From the dismissal of an Air India pilot due to alcohol misconduct during a Phuket-Delhi flight, to the bold proposition by Thai Prime Minister Srettha for the legalization of casinos as a means to bolster the economy and tackle illegal gambling, the region grapples with issues spanning from aviation safety to…
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Chiang Mai tourism expects rebound despite hotel booking slump
Chiang Mai, once bustling with tourists, has been grappling with a slump in hotel bookings as recorded on Wednesday. The Northern Thai Hotels Association advisor, La-iad Bungsrithong, disclosed that the reservations were only 30% full compared to the beginning of April last year. However, she projected a silver lining in the looming clouds of despair. The occupancy would bounce back…
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Koh Samui sees tourism surge as summer heats up
Foreign tourists have been descending in droves on Koh Samui, Surat Thani, with local media reporting that the island’s tranquil environment and idyllic beaches are proving irresistible to visitors. Wednesday saw Bangkok Airways completely booked for 43 flights throughout the month, suggesting a daily influx of over 4,500 individuals to the popular island. Koh Samui, known for its relaxing atmosphere,…
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Naked Chinese saved after suicide attempt at Bangkok cop shop
Officers successfully prevented a Chinese man from a suicide attempt at Lumpini Police Station after he was arrested for causing chaos while drunk at a hotel in Soi Sukhumvit 5 in Bangkok. Lumpini Police Station officers apprehended the 59 year old Chinese man, Fuyu Kinghai, at a hotel in Soi Sukhumvit 5 in the Wattana district of Bangkok because he…
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Man arrested in Phuket for fatal stabbing
Phuket police apprehended a man for the fatal stabbing of a server at a renowned Phuket city pub, citing self-defence and denying any intention to flee. The suspect was found with the weapon used in the attack. Phuket police tracked down and arrested a man linked to the death of a server from a well-known pub in the heart of…
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Robot arm crushes worker to death in Chon Buri (video)
In a heart-wrenching incident at the Vandapac factory in Chon Buri province on Wednesday, a routine day turned fatal when a robotic arm struck a worker, crushing him to death. The unsuspecting worker was going about his duties, laying out sheets of material, when tragedy struck most unexpectedly. Unsettling CCTV footage reveals the horrifying sequence of events, as the massive…
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Thailand’s BoI plans more foreign semiconductor investment
The Board of Investment (BoI) of Thailand has expressed an interest in attracting further foreign investment for the production of advanced semiconductors this year. This move comes as numerous businesses from China and Taiwan are looking to expand their investments in Thailand, particularly for printed circuit boards, to circumvent geopolitical risk, said Wirat Tatsaringkansakul, the BoI Deputy Secretary-General. “Companies will…
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Thai woman loses 43 million baht business to ex-girlfriend
A Thai woman accused her ex-girlfriend of conspiring with her husband to deceive her and seize control of her business and assets worth more than 43 million baht. The businesswoman, Phattaranit “Tak” Suppadatepakun, urged Channel 7 to publish her story to the public and help her pursue justice after she went bankrupt due to her ex-girlfriend‘s actions. Tak revealed that…
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LiVE Fin Corp launches new S curve to capital market initiative
LiVE Fin Corp, under the aegis of the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), has set in motion a new initiative that seeks to bolster the potential of 60 entrepreneurial entities, startups, and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in high-growth sectors. The initiative, christened “New S Curve to Capital Market,” has been crafted in partnership with KPMG Thailand, the National Innovation…
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Thailand mulls over legalising casinos to boost economy
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin advocated for the establishment of entertainment complexes housing casinos in the country. The 62 year old prime minister stated his belief yesterday, March 28, that legalising casinos could potentially extinguish illegal gambling dens and divert gamblers’ money towards the state. The Thai PM further added that these complexes would operate under proper regulations, leading to…
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Cabinet green lights bills to modify alcohol control law
The Cabinet has given initial approval to five proposed bills aiming to modify the current alcohol control law, a move that could potentially lead to extended selling hours and more relaxed advertising rules. This decision has, however, sparked controversy among anti-alcohol advocates. The legislation was introduced for its first reading in the House on Wednesday, March 27, and received a…
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PM Srettha: Legalise casinos to save Thailand’s economy
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin advocated for the legalisation of casinos to combat the shadowy underworld economy in Thailand. PM Srettha outlined his vision for a new law permitting entertainment complexes housing legal casinos, aiming to drag illicit activities into the light and bolster national revenue streams. “We have to bring the grey [underground] economy into the light to allow us…
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Woman finds roommate atop fridge at night
A young woman’s plea for help after witnessing her roommate’s bizarre behaviour on a fridge in the middle of the night has sparked online discussion about the challenges of shared living. The incident involved the woman waking up to a startling and somewhat eerie scene that left her reaching out to netizens for advice. Urban living often necessitates sharing accommodation…
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Taiwanese and Thai nationals charged for heroin smuggling
Taiwanese aviation police have cracked down on an international drug cartel smuggling heroin which involved one Taiwanese and four Thai nationals. The cunning scheme involved smuggling a whopping 36.644 kilogrammes of heroin into Taiwan, with an eye-watering value of over US$3.1 million (approximately 113 million baht), as disclosed in a press release by the Aviation Police Bureau (APB) yesterday. According…
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Police chief takes down lawyer for bribery charge
The legal team of Police Commissioner-General Police General Torsak Sukvimol is gearing up to take down a high-profile celebrity lawyer who pointed his finger at the police chief in the bribery case. Lawyer Suteepong Chevitcharoen, flanked by Atchariya Ruangrattanapong, chairman of the Crime Victims Assistance Club and a key member of Torsak’s legal defence squad, made the announcement. The target of…
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Meet Natcha and Nitchan: Thailand’s first AI news reporters (video)
Thailand’s first artificial intelligence (AI) reporters were unveiled today by the Thai news television channel Nation TV. The two AI-generated reporters will make their TV debut on Monday, April 1. Nation TV Managing Director Apirawee Pichayadecha introduced the two AI reporters to the public today. The female AI reporter goes by the name Natcha while the male reporter is called Nitchan.…
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Malaysian tourists inquire Thai immigration arrival card exemption
Inquiries from Malaysian tourists have flooded hotel operators, eager for the inside scoop on Thailand’s immigration policy regarding the exemption of arrival cards for travellers from Malaysia. Songchai Mungprasitthichai, chairman of the Songkhla Tourism Promotion Association, revealed that Malaysians are particularly curious about potential extensions beyond the current expiry date of April 30. Travellers from all corners of the globe…
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Phuket’s international art festival showcases Thailand talent
A significant contemporary art festival is currently taking place in Phuket, displaying pieces from artists located in Thailand’s southern provinces. The Phuket International Contemporary Art Festival, coordinated by the Phuket Arts Association, kicked off yesterday at the Phuket Merlin Hotel in Talat Yai and will continue until Saturday. The festival showcases the work of 78 artists. Among these, 43 are…
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Bottoms up: Oversized sex toy lands man in hospital
A medical emergency unfolded at a hospital in Kamao, southern Vietnam, where a 23 year old man required urgent medical attention after an oversized sex toy became lodged in his bottom. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, March 26, necessitated professional medical intervention to remove the 20-centimetre-long dildo safely. The mishap highlights the potential risks associated with the use of sex…
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Phuket teenager triggers trouble with museum shooting
The Phuket authorities apprehended a 17 year old boy yesterday after he allegedly shot a 16-year-old boy near the Phuket Mining Museum. The incident was reported to the police around 1.35am, when the young victim was targeted whilst riding his motorcycle. An unidentified man in a white pickup truck approached him and fired a shot, hitting the teenager in his…
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Thailand on anthrax alert after Laos outbreak sparks fear
Thailand is on high alert as anthrax fears surge following a deadly outbreak in neighbouring Laos, warns government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke today. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin directed Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew to intensify preventive measures, especially in border areas, in response to the escalating threat. Srettha asserted that increased monitoring is crucial to safeguard the health of Thai citizens,…
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Red Ferrari crashes into Bangkok canal, driver unharmed
The driver of a Ferrari miraculously escaped with no injuries after crashing into a canal off Prasert-Manukitch Road in Bangkok. The incident occurred around 10.37am today shortly after the luxury sports car had been taken for a test drive following repairs. Emergency services, including police and volunteers from the Siam United Foundation, responded to the scene where the red Ferrari…
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Police arrest mentally ill man after sexual assault attempt
Police apprehended a mentally ill Thai man yesterday after he attempted to sexually assault a female nurse and doctor at a hospital in the central province of Chachoengsao. A security guard contacted Mueang Chachoengsao Police Station to arrest the 40 year old Thai man named Somchai for attempted sexual assault. Upon arrival, they found Somchai being restrained by male doctors…
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Knife-wielding man apprehended in Pattaya
Local law enforcement successfully subdued a disoriented man wielding a knife and displaying erratic and aggressive behaviour in Soi Thappraya 12, near Pattaya Park last Sunday, March 24. Initially caught off guard, unprepared municipal officers were swiftly reinforced by a specialised police task force armed with riot control gear. Eyewitnesses recounted tense moments as law enforcement closed in on the…
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Two dead in Baltimore bridge collision
The bodies of two construction workers were discovered submerged in the frigid depths of Baltimore harbour, trapped in their pickup truck after a cargo vessel careened into the bridge they were repairing. Maryland authorities, grappling with the grim revelation, revealed at a press briefing that sonar imaging suggests additional vehicles lie entombed amidst the rubble of the Francis Scott Key…
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