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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Big Joke associates deny money laundering charges
Two close associates of high-profile police figure Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, vehemently denied all charges in a money laundering case linked to the online gambling website BNKMaster. The two suspects, Sub-Lieutenant Natthawut Huadwaew and Sub-Lieutenant Natthanant Choochak were granted bail of 100,000 baht (US$ 2,800) each at 10am today, March 13, at the Tao Poon Police Station after the Criminal…
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iCare Foundation transforms lives in northern Thai villages
iCare Thailand Foundation, founded by Danish-Norwegian visionaries, unveils its latest endeavour in the northern Thai countryside. Led by Michael and Karin Andreassen, the iCare Thailand Foundation sets out on a poignant mission to uplift remote communities, one dormitory at a time. Arriving at Huay Pu Kaeng Village, nestled along the Myanmar border, the team’s dedication radiates amidst the sweltering Thai…
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Triple murder-suicide stuns community in northern Thailand
In a shocking discovery at a newly built residence in Udon Thani, Thailand, a gardener found three bodies lying side by side, in the aftermath of an apparent murder-suicide involving a retired police officer. The deceased included the homeowner, her sister, and the ex-officer, who were to celebrate a housewarming and birthday tomorrow, March 14. Police Colonel Pattanawong Janphol, the…
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Thai industrial sentiment dips despite tourism boost
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) reported a minor dip in the industrial sentiment index for February, which fell to 90.0 from 90.6 in the preceding month. This decline was attributed to a slowdown in both domestic demand and exports, despite a boost from the tourism sector. The FTI revealed that household concerns over high living costs and debt issues…
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Russian arrested for illegal vehicle rental business in Thailand
The Thai authorities’ crackdown on foreigners working illegally in Thailand continued yesterday when a 21 year old Russian national was apprehended on Koh Pha Ngan island in Surat Thani for running an illegal vehicle rental business. The Russian, Danil Kulnevnich, was nabbed yesterday, March 12, by a joint team of tourist police, local police and officials at a pier in…
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British man arrested in Chiang Mai drug bust
A British man was arrested in a sting operation uncovering a sprawling drug trade targeting unsuspecting tourists in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai police, acting on a tip-off, apprehended 48 year old British man Charly Garcia in an operation at a cannabis products shop in the Mueang district, where he was allegedly peddling narcotics to foreign visitors. Undercover officers, playing their…
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Retired American in Ratchaburi chokes ex-cop, faces legal action
A tense altercation in Ratchaburi resulted in a retired police officer being choked by an American bully at a local shop on the evening of March 6. Initially, the retired cop, Arthaporn Premjit, who did not recognise his US assailant named John, despite having seen him at the shop before, pressed charges at the Mueang Ratchaburi Police Station, vowing to pursue…
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Brief burglary: Panty thief evades Phuket police pursuit
An underwear thief who managed to steal over 20 items of women’s underwear in one swoop is being pursued by the Patong Police in Phuket. The audacious theft, which was captured on CCTV, has been circulating widely across local social media channels since yesterday. The victim of the theft, a 42 year old woman who requested to be referred to…
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Thailand and France forge future partnerships
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and France President Emmanuel Macron united in Paris, pledging to fortify relations spanning diverse domains and to invigorate a symbiotic alliance between their nations. During a joint press conference, Macron accentuated the importance of economic collaboration and trade synergies, emphasising proactive preparation for forthcoming challenges in Southeast Asia. He articulated the pivotal role of robust bilateral…
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Buddha statue and celebrity tips stir lottery frenzy ahead of March 16 draw
Lottery enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the draw on March 16, as a host of lucky numbers have been highlighted from various sources, including ancient Buddha statues, famous country singers, Chinese calendars, and even the license plate of a high-profile politician’s car. The anticipation for the Saturday, March 16 lottery draw is palpable, with the buzz around lucky numbers reaching a…
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Trang couple’s 70-year love story ends in joint funeral
A touching tale of enduring love comes to light as a couple from Trang Province, Thailand, passed away just two days apart after sharing seven decades of life together. The couple’s grand funeral rites, a testament to their inseparable bond, were held yesterday, with generations of family and friends in attendance to bid them farewell. Ninety-two-year old Kleuon Kaewklang, and…
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Homeless man rescued at sea on makeshift raft in Pattaya
An unconventional rescue mission took place in Pattaya, where authorities came to the aid of a homeless man drifting in the sea on a self-constructed raft made of plastic bottles. The incident unfolded around 11am yesterday, March 12, when speedboat operators spotted a lone figure sitting atop a makeshift raft roughly 2.4 kilometres off Bali Hai Pier. Alerting the Pattaya…
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British man nabbed with illegal Diazepam in Phuket
A British man was apprehended by authorities in Karon after being caught red-handed with Diazepam yesterday. According to reports from the Karon Police, a routine checkpoint near Nong Harn Lake led to the discovery. Suspicions were raised when a taxi, carrying a foreign passenger identified only as Thomas, a 27 year old British man, attracted attention. While the authorities did…
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Loei woman vanishes after job switch to Kanchanaburi
A young woman from Loei province has been reported missing since March 8, after she left for work and subsequently lost contact with her family. The 26 year old, known as Care, was initially headed to Samut Prakan to work as a PR at a karaoke bar but then decided to take a job in Kanchanaburi instead, a decision that…
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Thailand to launch 50 billion baht SME support scheme
Thailand’s Ministry of Finance is set to endorse a new credit guarantee scheme, known as PGS 11, with a funding pool of 50 billion baht (US$1.4 billion baht). This initiative, revealed by Radaklao Intawong Suwankiri, the Deputy Government Spokesperson, is designed to bolster small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in three key industries. Radaklao announced today that Krissada Chinavicharana, the Deputy…
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Sustainability Week Asia 2024: A call to action for climate crisis
Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke at the Sustainability Week Asia 2024 event hosted by Economist Impact, under The Economist media group, held at The Athenee Hotel, Bangkok. In his opening remarks, Parnpree rallied an esteemed audience comprising business magnates, both domestic and international, alongside government representatives, academia, and experts. Highlighting the gravity of the…
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Thailand Video News | MFP could face dissolution over lese majeste, Songkran sees alcohol sale restrictions
In this video, Alex and Jay delve into a diverse array of news stories in Thailand, each with its own unique impact. From impending alcohol sales restrictions during Songkran for safety considerations, to the profound influence this festival holds over the Thai economy, viewers will gain insight into current affairs. Amidst the headlines, they discuss a local man’s astonishing survival…
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AirAsia Malaysia resumes flights to Pattaya in June
AirAsia Malaysia (AK) has thrilled travellers with news of its revival of services between Kuala Lumpur and Pattaya, launching three weekly flights starting from June 17. The announcement marks the airline’s bold step in resurrecting its ninth direct route to Thailand from Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, and Penang post-pandemic. Alongside destinations like Bangkok, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Hat Yai,…
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Phuket’s annual Heroines Festival honours historical defenders
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat officiated a ceremony yesterday at Wat Mueang Komaraphat, in Tambon Thepkrasattri, Thalang, in honour of Phuket’s revered Heroines, Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sri Soonthorn, who were instrumental in defending the island against Burmese intruders in 1785. Initiated at 5.30pm, the ceremony was marked by a procession that kicked off from the Ban Khian shrine and…
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E-cigarette vending machines uncovered in Central Thailand
Authorities in Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom, were left stunned as they uncovered a thriving black market for e-cigarettes, with minors allegedly freely purchasing from a suspicious vending machine. In a bustling market scene in Kamphaeng Saen, the Thai Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) received a tip-off from concerned locals, triggering a jaw-dropping investigation into underage vaping. Responding swiftly to the…
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British woman’s Thailand epiphany leads to £6K savings a year (video)
A British woman revealed her ability to save 274,000 baht (£6,000) a year after having an epiphany during a trip to Thailand. Chrissie Milan embarked on a no-spend challenge and is on course to accumulate nearly £6,000 by eliminating extravagant clothes shopping and costly dining experiences. The 25 year old Londoner began reassessing what she considers essential expenditure after having…
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Thai prime minister graces TIME cover, signaling business revival
In an assertive move to announce Thailand’s readiness for business, TIME magazine featured Thai Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Srettha Thavisin, on its March cover The issue hit the newsstands yesterday, capturing the attention of the international community. In a poignant declaration to the world, the 62 year old former real estate tycoon, graced TIME’s cover under the title…
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Delta Electronics to invest US$1 billion in manufacturing and R&D
Delta Electronics (Thailand), the nation’s premier electronics firm by market capitalisation, is primed to inject between US$500 million and US$1 billion in a bid to enhance its manufacturing and research and development (R&D) capabilities over the next five years. A significant portion of this investment is earmarked for Thailand, disclosed CEO Victor Cheng. Cheng revealed that the capital expenditure surpassing…
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Retired teacher’s remains found a year later in Nonthaburi home
A shocking discovery was made in a suburb of Nonthaburi when the skeletal remains of a retired teacher were found in her home, which had seemingly been untouched for a year. The late Panthip, a 76 year old former teacher of a prestigious girls’ school, had retired and was living a reclusive life until this grim finding. Her 71 year…
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Cryptomind group aims to triple AUM to 3 billion baht amid crypto rebound
Cryptomind Group Holdings announced its aim to triple its assets under management (AUM) to 3 billion baht (US$83 million) this year, following a robust rebound in the cryptocurrency market. This projection is based upon the performance of Merkle Capital Co Ltd, the group’s digital asset fund manager and Thailand’s first licensed entity in this field. The group’s confidence bolsters following…
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Motorcyclist dies in collision with truck near Saen Suk Temple
A 30 year old man tragically lost his life in a horrific road accident involving his motorcycle and a 10-wheel truck. The incident occurred at a U-turn in front of the Saen Suk Temple, leaving the motorcycle a mangled wreck by the roadside and the victim under the truck. The accident happened yesterday at 8pm, when a Yamaha big bike…
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Massive online scam nets billions, dozens arrested in Thailand
The Thai authorities swooped on a sophisticated online scam that left victims reeling with losses exceeding 800 million baht. The online scam was orchestrated by a criminal syndicate, reportedly handling funds upwards of 5 billion baht, and targeted unsuspecting individuals through the guise of lucrative investments in Thai and foreign stocks, drawing them into financial ruin. Following complaints from over…
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Temple turmoil: Thai trans troupe takes abbot to court over image mockery
Seven Thai transgender dancers filed a lawsuit against the abbot of Sophon Dhammaram Temple in the Isaan province of Surin for insulting them by sharing their pictures and making fun of their appearance. The abbot, Wittaya Sophonwanno, on March 11, shared a picture of seven transwomen performing a traditional Thai dance in angel costumes on his Facebook account. In the caption,…
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Songkran festival projected to generate 24.4 billion baht in revenue
The Songkran festival, one of Thailand’s most anticipated events, is projected to yield an impressive 24.4 billion baht (US$682 million) in revenue. This figure is a result of an estimated 510,000 international visitors and 4.29 million domestic trips, as stated by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). In a bid to attract more international tourists, the government unveiled plans for…
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Thai government approves tax benefits for investment tokens
The Thai government has authorised tax measures aimed at fostering capital raising through investment tokens, as confirmed by Kulaya Tantitemit, the director of the Revenue Department. The decree, which was approved during yesterday’s Cabinet gathering, states that individuals who have received income, profit shares, or other benefits from holding digital investment tokens and have had a 15% withholding tax deducted,…
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