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 Planning to extend your Thai visa? Why health insurance is more important than ever
If you plan to stay longer in Thailand, having health insurance is now more important than ever. Thai immigration often asks for proof of medical coverage when you apply to extend your visa. This applies to many types of visas,...
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Agriculture minister vows to expedite debt relief for farmers
Ekaphap Phonsue, spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, revealed that Saikrai Pimbueng, a committee member and secretary of the Farmers’ Rehabilitation and Development Fund (FRDF), recently met with Narumon Pinyosinwat, the Minister of Agriculture. The meeting aimed to discuss policies and actions concerning Thai farmers’ issues. Saikrai detailed that since 2019, the previous government had considered restructuring farmers’…
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Thai man murders business partner before committing suicide
A housing estate owner shot and murdered his female business partner before taking his own life in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, allegedly due to financial issues. The shooting at the sales office of a housing estate in Nonthaburi province was reported to Sainoi Police Station at around 6.10pm yesterday, October 2. Officers investigated the scene and found two bodies in…
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Thailand video news | Four charges filed against driver in deadly bus fire, Thailand plans to regulate sex work, igniting public debate
In Thailand video news, Alex delves the stories from across Thailand and around the world cover critical issues ranging from legal action and public safety to significant economic investments and political developments. In Thailand, charges have been filed against the driver involved in a deadly bus fire, while the government is sparking public debate with plans to regulate sex work.…
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Spirit of resistance: Thailand’s lawmakers toast booze bill rejection
The House of Representatives decisively rejected a bill aiming to liberalise Thailand’s alcohol industry, proposed by the opposition People’s Party. The bill, introduced by Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, was voted down with 237 votes against and 137 in favour. The proposed legislation sought to permit individuals to own alcohol distillation equipment and produce booze for personal use without needing government approval. Government…
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Foreign couple loses 100,000 baht to Muay Thai trainer in Phuket
A foreign couple exposed the fraudulent behaviour of a Muay Thai trainer and his Chinese wife in Phuket, who tricked them into a visa scam, resulting in a 100,000 baht loss. The 29 year old Czech victim, Vit Musilik, and his 26 year old Chinese wife, Xiao Feng Kang, urged officers from the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) to help them retrieve…
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Elderly woman dies in Nakhon Phanom after electricity cut off
The family of a 68 year old bedridden woman who tragically died is laying the blame squarely at the feet of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) after her electricity supply was cut off for failing to pay a bill of 1,500 baht in Nakhon Phanom province. Hospital director Nongluk Chanchana, along with the grieving relatives, is demanding accountability from the Provincial…
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Thailand to resolve forest land disputes by 2026, says minister
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) aims to resolve disputes over 75,000 square metres of forest land by 2026, as announced during its 22nd anniversary celebration. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Chalermchai Sri-on addressed the ongoing conflicts between the DNP, other government agencies, and residents regarding the forest boundaries. He emphasised the need to find solutions…
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Relief team cars break down in Chiang Rai due to water in petrol
A team led by Panadda Wongphudee, a beauty queen, presenter, and president of the Foundation for Good Deeds, encountered significant issues during their relief efforts in Chiang Rai. Panadda revealed that five vehicles broke down after refuelling at a local petrol station, which allegedly had water mixed with the fuel. Panadda shared her experience on her Facebook page, Dr Panadda…
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Si Racha man donates 30 million baht lottery win to temple
A man from Si Racha scooped first prize in the recent lottery draw with five tickets, totalling 30 million baht. He intends to donate 499,999 baht to Khao Mai Daeng temple in Chon Buri for the construction of a new mandapa and a walking monk statue in honour of the revered Luang Phor Yongyuth Thammakosalo. Vorawong (surname withheld) visited Khao…
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Lotto a trouble: Woman caught betting big on Facebook
Police apprehended a young woman for posting advertisements for Lao lottery sales on Facebook, with bets reaching 30,000 baht per draw. She forwarded these bets to a major bookie, earning a 20% commission over the past six months. Yesterday, October 2, police officials, led by Phumiphat Phattharasriwongchai, Bancha Srisuk, and Thapakorn Hanumart, executed a search warrant at a residence in…
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Pattaya officials inspect Walking Street venues for fire safety
Pattaya officials conducted a thorough inspection of Walking Street venues on Tuesday evening, October 1, to ensure fire safety measures are up to par for the incoming tourist season. The inspection, which took place around 8pm, was spearheaded by Weekit Manarotkit, Bang Lamung District Chief, and Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampichet. The focus was on several entertainment venues located on Walking…
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Udon Thani man rescued from roof after drug-induced hallucinations
Police managed to rescue a man experiencing drug-induced hallucinations, who climbed onto his roof and refused to come down. The man, who had been in this state for several days, was eventually taken to a hospital for treatment. At 11.30am yesterday, October 2, Deputy Inspector Wichaneth Suetrong and his team were patrolling their area when they received a report about…
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10 essential tips for families moving to Thailand
Moving to Thailand is an exciting adventure, especially when you’re moving with your family. The country is popular for its warm climate, rich culture, and welcoming people, making it a popular destination for expatriates. However, settling in a new country can be challenging. To help make your transition smoother, here are 10 essential tips for families moving to Thailand. 1.…
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Cat’s out of the bag: Tomboy’s stolen car ride ends in Bangkok arrest (video)
Police swooped in yesterday to arrest a Thai tomboy struggling with mental health issues in a car park at an apartment in the Lat Phrao district of Bangkok after she stole a car, complete with a pet cat inside, from a shopping mall in the Ratchada area. Footage of security guards desperately trying to stop the black Honda HRV from speeding out of…
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Phuket outlines five-year sustainability development plan
Phuket advances with innovative efforts that integrate community-based tourism, gastronomy, and smart city solutions as part of a five-year development plan for sustainable growth. Suphon Suwannarat, the governor of Phuket Province, highlights the long-term vision. “We have a 20-year development goal for Phuket province, which is Phuket as a city of the new economy based on sustainable development to create…
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Teen shootout in Samut Prakan leaves one dead, four injured
A violent confrontation between groups of teenagers in Samut Prakan resulted in one death and four injuries after a shootout involving over 30 bullets. The incident unfolded on Sriwaree Noi Road, Bang Sao Thong district. At around 9.30pm yesterday, October 2, police from the Bang Sao Thong Station were alerted to a shootout involving teenagers who had arranged to settle…
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Thailand is about to be drenched as heavy rain hits 54 provinces
Thailand is bracing for a deluge today, with the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) sounding the alarm for a staggering 54 provinces. Heavy rain is set to drench Bangkok and its surrounding areas, while the central region is looking at a whopping 80% chance of rainfall, and the north isn’t far behind with a 70% prediction! The TMD warns that…
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Bangkok drug bust seizes meth worth 100m baht, three arrested
A major drug bust in Bangkok led to the arrest of three alleged members of a substantial drug network, with methamphetamine (meth) pills and crystal meth worth over 100 million baht seized. Police Lieutenant General Samran Nuanma, assistant national police chief, and senior police officials, announced the operation at the Metropolitan Police Bureau office yesterday, October 2. The suspects, identified…
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Thai’d and tested: Pun-tastic Thai restaurant name breaks Internet (video)
A woman travelling in Sweden was left in stitches after discovering a Thai restaurant with a side-splitting name, sparking curiosity among many who are now desperate to try it out. Ema, a 29 year old traveller who shares her adventures online as @emaonthemove, recently posted a clip of a takeaway in her new hometown of Gothenburg, Sweden. The spot? Thai…
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Phuket scoops top awards in time for Vegetarian Festival
Phuket is proving it’s not just a holiday hotspot but a global player in events, as it bagged two major honours at the 2024 IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards in the US. The Thai island, renowned for its stunning beaches, was crowned World Festival and Event City, and its iconic Vegetarian Festival snatched the prestigious Grand Pinnacle award. These accolades…
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Thai sex workers rally at Parliament for protection act
Thai sex workers protested outside Parliament today, October 2, to follow up on a protection act proposal in Thailand. This marked the third protest on the matter. Workers from entertainment venues, massage parlours, karaoke venues, go-go bars, as well as freelance sex workers and members of the Empower Foundation, hosted the event called “I come to demand my laws. Sex…
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Milking it: ThaiBev pours 18 billion baht into dairy, drinks expansion
ThaiBev Group plans to invest 18 billion baht in 2025, more than doubling its annual investment, focusing on strengthening its non-alcoholic beverage and dairy businesses, including establishing a dairy farm in Malaysia. ThaiBev Group, led by CEO Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi, announced a significant investment increase to 18 billion baht for the fiscal year 2025, which spans from October to September 2025.…
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Thai Airways to issue new shares worth 42 billion baht
Thai Airways International Plc (THAI) is set to issue new shares valued at a minimum of 42 billion baht by December, marking a significant move towards concluding its court-monitored debt restructuring and resuming trading on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). The national airline plans to offer 6.81 billion new shares to creditors as part of a debt-to-equity swap, as…
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Google invests 36 billion baht to boost Thai cloud and AI services
Google committed to a significant investment of 36 billion baht to expand its cloud infrastructure and data centres in Bangkok and Chon Buri, announced on Monday, September 30. Ruth Porat, the President and Chief Investment Officer of Alphabet and Google, highlighted that this expansion aims to meet the growing demand for cloud services in Southeast Asia and globally, while also…
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Thai’s the limit: Thailand nabs third spot in Asia’s foodie rankings
Travel booking platform Agoda ranked Thailand third among the most popular destinations in Asia for foodies around the globe. Agoda launched a campaign inviting more than 4,000 users from ten countries worldwide to respond to the platform’s survey about the top destinations for food lovers. Participants were asked to complete the survey after finishing their bookings. The platform released the results…
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Thailand’s ‘Glowing Owl’ flower: A rare botanical spectacle
Deep in Thailand’s remote wilderness, one of nature’s rarest and strangest blooms is set to emerge from the forest floor, leaving tourists and botanists scrambling for a glimpse. The mysterious Thismia thaithongiana, also known as Phisawong Owl’s Eye, is about to make its annual appearance in the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary in Tak province on Thailand’s eastern border with Myanmar. Discovered…
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New Thai bank licences grapple with early profitability challenges
The winners of the Bank of Thailand’s virtual bank licences are expected to face significant challenges in achieving profitability in the initial years, as the industry typically experiences high cash burn during the first five years, according to KGI Securities. Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) is projected to benefit the least from a virtual bank licence compared to other Thai banks…
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Thai and mighty: Airbnb reveals tourism boom in Thailand
Thailand’s tourism industry is making a strong comeback, and Airbnb has just dropped some tantalising data showing just how much travellers are flocking to this Southeast Asian gem. With the high season fast approaching, Thailand is poised for a tourism surge, and it seems everyone – from digital nomads to family groups – wants a slice of the action. In…
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Thai teacher escapes with minor injuries after car crashes into truck
A Thai teacher crashed her sedan into a six-wheel truck on a bypass road in the southern province of Phetchaburi but fortunately sustained only minor injuries. Officers from the Cha-am Police Station were alerted to the accident and injuries on the Cha-am-Pranburi Bypass Road yesterday, October 1, and rushed to the scene with rescuers from the Sawang Sunphet Foundation. Upon…
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New action plan to tackle global trade shifts and aid Thai industries
The International Institute for Trade and Development is set to unveil an action plan designed to address shifts in global trade regulations and industry supply chains. The institute aims to present this strategic plan to the Commerce Ministry, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, and the Federation of Thai Industries by November. Suphakit Chareonkul, the executive director, highlighted that recent global…
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