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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 Where to shop for sports gear at Jungceylon Phuket
Phuket might be known for its beaches and nightlife, but the island also has a thriving fitness culture. From Muay Thai gyms to beach runs at sunrise, staying active is part of daily life for many who live here (as...
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When pigs fly: Mercedes-Benz crash sends pork & workers flying
A rear-end collision involving a Mercedes-Benz and a pork delivery truck sent fresh pork and workers flying and left scattered all over the road, resulting in eight injuries yesterday in Nakhon Pathom. At 6pm yesterday, police officer Yanapat Buajumras received a report of a car crash involving a sedan and a pickup truck on the inbound Phetkasem Road near the…
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Thai government expands 30-baht healthcare to 46 provinces
The Thai government expanded its 30-baht healthcare policy, allowing residents to access medical services with their ID cards across 46 provinces, including Bangkok. This initiative aims to ensure better healthcare accessibility and efficiency for all citizens. Jadet Thammathat-Aree, Secretary-General of the National Health Security Office (NHSO), announced the implementation of this policy on Monday, June 17, in accordance with the…
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BoT opposes cash handout scheme, urges help for those in need
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) firmly opposes the digital wallet cash handout initiative proposing a 500 billion baht cash distribution to nearly all adult citizens to boost consumption, emphasising that it would be more beneficial to directly assist those in need. Private consumption is expected to grow by about 4% this year following a record 7% increase last year. However,…
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PM Srettha unveils 3 trillion baht economic boost plan
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin rolled out a mammoth 3.753-trillion-baht economic revival blueprint aimed at turbocharging Thailand’s financial fortunes. As lawmakers embarked on a heated three-day debate, the Bangkok-born Thai PM pitched his vision to rejuvenate the sluggish economy, promising a surge in growth. In a bid to unleash Thailand’s economic potential, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin proposed a hefty 3.753 trillion baht…
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Police raid in Pattaya uncovers 25 illegal immigrants
Chon Buri immigration officers conducted a surprise raid on an apartment building in Pattaya, arresting over 25 illegal immigrants from Myanmar. Acting on a tip-off from concerned residents regarding disturbances caused by a significant number of undocumented foreign workers residing on Soi Kho Phai 4/5, Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, the authorities swiftly moved in. During the inspection, officers discovered a…
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Court allows suing in adulterous relationships, regardless of gender
A landmark decision by Thailand’s Constitutional Court will soon allow wives to sue their husbands’ lovers, irrespective of their gender following a court ruling yesterday. The ruling yesterday referenced Section 1523 of the Civil Code contravenes Section 27 of the constitution, which guarantees the rights and liberties of Thai citizens regardless of sex. This ruling mandates the enforcement of the…
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South Korea’s tourism boom leaves Thailand in the dust
South Korea witnessed a staggering 87% surge in foreign arrivals this year but Thai visitors tell a different story. According to recent data from the Korea Tourism Organisation, arrivals from Thailand have plummeted by over 21% from last year, totalling just 119,000 visitors from January to April. The decline has raised eyebrows across the tourism industry, with experts pointing fingers…
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Chiang Mai woman faces durian delivery disaster, receiving only peels
A woman from Chiang Mai reported a distressing incident where a shipment of durian fruits arrived more than 10 days late and had allegedly been tampered with by parcel delivery employees, who appeared to have consumed some of her fruits. Nuch, a 50 year old community development foundation officer, explained that she had bought three durians of the renowned Long…
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Pattaya to become Southeast Asia’s premier destination
Pattaya, known for its bustling nightlife, is apparently trying to shed its old skin and emerge as a beacon of transformation in Southeast Asia. Recent years have witnessed a remarkable overhaul aimed at elevating visitor experiences and community living standards. Key infrastructure upgrades are at the heart of this makeover. Underground installations of electrical and communication cables, revamped road surfaces,…
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Thai women lose over 1 million baht in lottery ticket scam
Two women from Phichit province are grappling with severe financial distress after falling victim to a scam involving the purchase of lottery tickets at a discounted price of 7,500 baht per book. They never received the tickets, resulting in a total loss exceeding 1 million baht. Despite filing a police report, no progress has been made in the investigation. Molchanok,…
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Monkey mayhem: Lopburi runaways turns cop shop into a jungle
Following last week’s move to intensify the capture of monkeys in Lopburi, a troop of monkeys escaped from their enclosure, causing chaos in a local police station and residential areas, prompting authorities to take immediate action. The escape took place yesterday evening, and by 8am this morning, more than 30 monkeys were reported roaming freely on the streets and climbing…
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Pattaya deputy mayor slams contractors with record fines
In response to mounting frustration over delays at the North Pattaya intersection, Deputy Mayor Manot Nongyai has taken decisive action, confirming hefty penalties for the responsible contractor. The construction setbacks have caused major disruptions to residents and the local tourism scene, prompting swift measures from city officials. Manot outlined the scope of the project, which includes resurfacing key intersections across…
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Caught in crossfire: Thai man nabbed for peddling homemade guns
Police arrested 22 year old Thai man for selling homemade firearms on social media. The operation aimed to curb crimes involving illegal weapons, a rising concern given recent violent incidents. Police launched this sting operation under the directive of Police General Kitirat Phanphet, acting Commissioner-General, and Police General Thana Chuwong, Deputy Commissioner-General. The plan was executed to address the escalating…
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Rain or shine: Thailand’s secondary cities steal the travel spotlight
Travellers in Thailand are increasingly shifting their focus to the country’s secondary cities, especially during the rainy season. Digital travel platform Agoda reported a significant rise in accommodation searches for these often-overlooked locales, reflecting a growing trend among domestic and international tourists eager to explore Thailand’s diverse regions. Topping the list as the most-searched secondary city is Chanthaburi, followed by…
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Phuket raids uncover illegal e-cigarette sales in Patong, Ratsada
Police in Phuket raided the Weed Club in Patong and an associated address in Ratsada for allegedly engaging in the illegal sale of e-cigarettes. The operations were brought to light following a tip-off to the Phuket governor. Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat announced the raid on June 16, stating that the information prompted immediate action. He instructed Phuket Vice Governor Sattha…
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Political risks threaten foreign investment in Thailand
Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) EIC Research Centre warns that heightened political risks are casting a shadow over foreign investment in Thailand’s financial, capital, and long-term direct investment markets EIC Chief Economist Somprawin Manprasert warned that various political risks and uncertainties could significantly impact foreign investor confidence and lead to substantial capital outflows from offshore investors in the Thai equity market.…
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Insurance giant loses 40 billion baht Covid lawsuit
The Central Administrative Court dismissed a colossal 40 billion baht lawsuit against the Office of Insurance Commission, filed by Syn Mun Kong Insurance Public Company. This landmark case revolved around the commission’s prohibition on cancelling the company’s controversial Covid 2 in 1 (jer-jai-job) insurance policies, sold to approximately one million customers at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021.…
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Police arrest fuel theft suspect after dramatic high-speed chase
A dramatic police chase on foot culminated in the arrest of a suspect who had been on a spree of fuel thefts across three provinces, filling up massive containers with fuel before making a quick getaway in his modified pickup truck. The suspect, identified as 32 year old Natthawut, was finally apprehended in a rental room after a failed attempt…
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Deadly dish: Mushroom curry poisoning in Yasothon kills one
A group of contractors in Yasothon province experienced severe food poisoning after consuming a mushroom curry, resulting in the death of one person. The incident occurred after the mushrooms, later identified as toxic, were mistakenly included in their meal. Residents of Moo 4 and Moo 5 in Dong Khaen Yai Subdistrict, Kham Khuean Kaeo District, were affected when several people…
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Thai couple jailed for 25 years for acid attack on student
A Thai court sentenced a couple to 25 years in prison for attacking an 18 year old female student with acid, causing severe disfigurement. The husband received an additional 10 years and they were ordered to pay over 2 million baht in damages. Chased by law enforcement, 21 year old Jesdaporn, and 25 year old Angkana, were apprehended hiding in…
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SCAT Airlines operates new routes from Kazakhstan to U-Tapao
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced new flight connections at U-Tapao–Rayong–Pattaya International Airport (UTP), courtesy of SCAT Airlines and AirAsia. This move underscores Thailand’s strategic push to enhance accessibility for international business travellers and tourists. SCAT Airlines is operating a charter service using Boeing 737 Max-9 with 213 seats from Almaty, Kazakhstan via flight number VSV5357 every seven to…
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Cycling rage: 71 year old amputee stabs harasser in Bang Pakong
A 71 year old amputee, driven by frustration over persistent harassment, fatally stabbed a younger man before cycling home, only to be arrested hours later by police. Police officers, forensic experts, a duty doctor from Bang Pakong Hospital, and rescue volunteers from Chachoengsao arrived at the scene after midnight. The incident occurred at a roadside pavilion near the entrance to…
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Truck tyre bursting on Chon Buri road kills one, injures five
A six-wheeled truck suffered a frightening malfunction at 6.30pm yesterday, when its tyre burst while returning from marking traffic lines, resulting in one death and five injuries. The incident occurred on Route 344 in Chon Buri. The accident took place on the Ban Bueng-Klaeng Road, in Nong Yai District. Police and rescue units from the Sila Dharma Association in Nong…
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DES Ministry snags Starlink sets in cosmic online crime crackdown
Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry officials confiscated 58 sets of Starlink satellite equipment allegedly intended for use by fraudsters to send and receive high-speed Internet signals via satellite, as part of a broader campaign to combat online crime. DES Minister Prasert Jantararuangthong highlighted that efforts to curb online crimes, such as removing unauthorised cell signal towers and cross-border cables, have…
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Thailand’s cybersecurity spend critical as cybercrime costs surge
Thailand’s current expenditure on cybersecurity stands starkly low at just 0.2% of corporate revenue, despite the looming surge in cybercrime-related costs projected to reach US$10.5 trillion globally by 2025, according to cybersecurity firm Fortinet. Krungthai Compass, the research division of Krungthai Bank, anticipates that Thailand’s cybersecurity investment will climb to 18 billion baht (US$490 million) by 2025. This growth, averaging…
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Black sea menace: Jomtien Beach’s water quality
Sanitation engineering officials descended on Jomtien Beach amid alarming reports of black contaminants in the water. An in-depth inspection was carried out on Monday, June 17, at three key locations: Jomtien Beach at Soi 7, in front of The Now Hotel, and in front of Marine Beach Hotel Pattaya. Initial observations of the seawater revealed a green hue and a…
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Climbing new heights: Chiang Mai tourism to scale rock enthusiasts
Chiang Mai tourism operators are eager to market the province’s mountainous allure to tap into the global rock climbing community of 44.5 million enthusiasts, while also advocating for government support to promote this sport across various provinces to boost the tourism sector. The acting president of the Tourism Council of Chiang Mai, Punlop Saejew, recently highlighted the rock climbing market’s…
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Gold prices in Thailand rise to 40,950 baht per baht weight
Gold prices in Thailand saw a significant rise today, prompting many to check the latest rates. Compared to the closing price from yesterday, June 18, gold ornaments are now being sold at 40,950 baht per baht weight. According to the Gold Traders Association, the price increase today was 150 baht. As of 9.08am, the local gold bar buying price stands…
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Tourism troubles: Zero-dollar tours rock Thai industry
Zero-dollar tours, notorious for their rock-bottom prices, are once again plaguing Thailand’s tourism sector and posing unfair competition for Thai operations, particularly targeting visitors from China, Russia, and India. The President of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, claims that this resurgence is severely impacting the industry due to the substandard quality of tours, leaving legitimate Thai…
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Court orders evidence in PM Srettha’s ethics case
The Constitutional Court has thrown the government into turmoil by demanding all parties in Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s ethics case submit evidence within 15 days. The court’s decision came yesterday, setting a new hearing date for July 10 but it remains uncertain whether a ruling will be issued then, leaving the government in a state of anxiety. The case revolves…
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