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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 Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run
Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...
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Phuket police pursue Uzbek man over fake US dollars exchange
Phuket police are on the hunt for an Uzbek national accused of attempting to exchange counterfeit US dollars at a currency exchange shop in Cherng Talay. The incident took place at the Ai-Tem Money Exchange kiosk near the entrance to the Laguna complex on December 14, with the report filed later that day. Shop employee Dechawanit Sama-kas recounted that three…
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Thai pig farms face closure risk amid pork oversupply crisis
The Swine Raisers Association of Thailand (SRAT) expressed growing concern that small pig farms could face closure due to an increasing oversupply of pigs, as larger farms aggressively expand their production capabilities. This oversupply issue arises from major pig farms in Thailand continuously boosting their production without aligning with the actual market demand for pork, according to SRAT President Sitthiphan…
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Shocking drive: Fallen wire sparks trouble on Rama II Road (video)
A Thai couple shared a video on TikTok yesterday showing the moment an electric wire fell onto their car while they were driving on Rama II Road, causing a fracture on the front widescreen. The dashcam footage of the incident yesterday December 16, was uploaded to the TikTok account mayza2244, accompanied by the caption, “Why did this happen? Where did…
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Phuket driver faces charges after fatal hit-and-run incident
A driver involved in a tragic hit-and-run incident in Phuket turned himself into the police. Police confirmed that the driver will face charges for his actions following the fatal accident that occurred in the early hours of December 14. The unfortunate event took place around 3.20am along Srisoonthorn Road, near the Bang Jo Intersection in Srisoonthorn. The 22 year old…
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Copy-paste tourism: Phuket Airport owns up to Singapore snap
Phuket International Airport today announced that the use of images of buildings from Singapore’s old town to market its own tourism were intentional and not a mistake. Phuket Airport yesterday, December 16, found itself in the eye of a social media storm after they used some pictures of Singapore to promote the popular holiday resort. Netizens took to social media…
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Bangkok’s air pollution costs 400 billion baht annually
Bangkok is grappling with significant economic repercussions due to persistent air pollution, particularly from fine particulate matter known as PM2.5, leading to annual losses exceeding 400 billion baht. The revelation emerged during a seminar organised by the National Health Commission Office in conjunction with the 17th National Health Assembly, where the financial toll of pollution was a focal point of…
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5 illegal Chinese real estate agents, linked to scam gangs, arrested in Chon Buri
Thai Tourist Police officers arrested five illegal Chinese real estate agents in Chon Buri. They were found managing properties rented by call centre scam gangs. Tourist Police Bureau officers raided an unnamed real estate sales office on Boon Samphan Road in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri, yesterday, December 16. At the office, they encountered five Chinese nationals and one individual…
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Sisaket hospital criticised for charging patients 5 baht per spoon
Controversy erupted over public hospitals in Thailand selling spoons to patients for 5 baht each. This practice, particularly at Kantharalak Hospital in the Sisaket province, was initially introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic to prevent virus spread but it has now drawn criticism. The issue gained attention when a popular online page highlighted the situation, igniting a debate about the responsibilities…
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American expat gifts helmets to Pattaya residents to boost safety
An American expat residing in Pattaya gained widespread admiration for his charitable efforts directed at enhancing children’s safety. Along with other generous donors and with the support of local restaurant Cajun Life Cafe and compassionate Pattaya police officers, the American distributed helmets to children and some adults in need on Pratumnak Soi 5. The expat, 57 year old Rick Brown…
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Thai woman escapes attempted rape by biting suspect’s finger
A Thai woman survived an attempted rape at her home in the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima in the early hours of yesterday by biting the suspect’s ring finger. Police arrested suspect, a 29 year old former conscript, identified as Thawatchai, after he allegedly attempted to rape the 19 year old victim at 2am, yesterday, December 16, in her home.…
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Thailand and Malaysia aim for US$30 billion trade by 2027
Thailand and Malaysia set an ambitious goal to boost bilateral trade to US$30 billion by 2027, strengthening economic cooperation in pivotal sectors such as trade, investment, border connectivity, and tourism. The agreement was reached during Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s recent official visit to Malaysia, where she engaged in discussions with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The two-day visit culminated yesterday,…
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Phuket’s expressway project moves forward: EXAT
Phuket’s ambitious infrastructure plans took a significant step forward after Governor Sophon Suwannarat held a crucial meeting with representatives from the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) at the Phuket Provincial Hall. The discussions centred on the progress of the highly anticipated Phuket Expressway Project, commonly referred to by locals as the Patong Tunnel and Mueang Mai-Koh Kaew-Kathu Expressway projects. In…
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Thai woman shoots abusive husband dead in act of self-defence
A Thai woman shot her husband dead at their shared home in Chon Buri after he brutally abused and threatened her with a gun. Officers from Phanthong Police Station investigated the shooting at a house in the Phan Thong district of Chon Buri at approximately 10.40am yesterday, December 16, accompanied by rescuers from the Dham Ratsamee Maneerat Foundation. The owner…
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Thailand investigates ex-police chiefs over gambling corruption
Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has decided to investigate Torsak “Big Tor” Sukvimol, a former national police chief, over allegations of soliciting money from online gambling networks. Additionally, the NACC will gather more evidence regarding money laundering accusations against Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, a former deputy police chief. The NACC, represented by its Secretary General Saroj Puengrampan, announced that the…
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Australian tourist escapes drowning amid South Thailand flooding
An Australian tourist had a narrow escape from drowning in South Thailand after his car plunged into a flooded ditch amidst severe flooding in Nakhon Si Thammarat. The deluge has affected 21 districts, severing numerous roads and resulting in the tragic loss of four lives. As heavy rainfall continues to worsen the situation, rescue teams are tirelessly working to assist…
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Homeless Thai man bludgeons boyfriend to death on Friday the 13th
A Thai homeless man allegedly bludgeoned his homeless boyfriend to death with a hammer at an abandoned house on Friday, December 13, before fleeing the scene naked. The lifeless body of the victim, believed to be around 50 years old, was discovered at the abandoned house on Sukhaphiban 5 Road in the Sai Mai district of Bangkok on Saturday, December 14.…
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Rain check: Heavy downpours set to soak seven Thailand provinces
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) today issued a warning for heavy rainfall across seven provinces in Thailand. Residents are advised to be cautious due to the risk of accumulated rainfall leading to flash floods and forest runoff. The northern regions of Thailand are experiencing a rise in temperature, although the mountain peaks remain extremely cold. The TMD’s 24-hour weather forecast…
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Yasothon man wins 12 million baht in lottery draw
A man from the northeastern province of Yasothon has become a multimillionaire after winning the top prize of 12 million baht in the latest lottery draw. Hailing from Don Sai Mun district, his life changed dramatically with the announcement yesterday, December 16, by the Thai Government Lottery. The winning numbers for the first prize were 097863, with additional prizes including…
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AMLO seizes assets worth 4.5 billion baht in major fraud case
The Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) recently took decisive action in a high-profile fraud and money laundering case, seizing assets across 821 items valued at approximately 4.5 billion baht. The development unfolded as AMLO officials announced the outcomes of their 15th meeting of the year, highlighting significant cases involving fraud and money laundering, some with connections to electronic gambling and drug-related…
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December 16 lottery results announced: 6 million baht first prize
Yesterday’s lottery draw results have been announced, with many eagerly checking their tickets. The winning number for the first prize, worth 6 million baht, is 097863. Additional prize categories include the three-digit front and back numbers, the two-digit numbers, and various other prizes. The first prize was awarded to the ticket with the number 097863, granting the winner a substantial…
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Bangkok shots: Drunken cop’s nightclub tantrum goes sky-high
A viral video surfaced showing an intoxicated officer from Thong Lo Police Station in Bangkok firing a gun into the sky outside a nightclub after being denied entry by security guards. Several Facebook news pages shared the video, which shows a man dressed entirely in black firing a gunshot into the sky outside an entertainment venue. The incident occurred in…
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Charity motocross in Pattaya fuels hope for schools and hospitals
Bang Lamung revved up its engines for a spectacular Sunday showdown as a charity motocross competition drew over 1,000 eager participants, all set on raising funds for local schools and hospitals. The high-octane event fired off at 10.30am, Sunday, December 15, at the Phu Ma Mao Grounds, with the charismatic Poramase Ngampichet, Mayor of Pattaya City, cutting the ribbon at…
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Moonlit tragedy: British tourist found dead after Full Moon Party
A British tourist’s dream holiday turned into a nightmare after a wild night at Thailand’s infamous Full Moon Party ended in tragedy. Christopher Stephen Boucher was discovered dead outside a 7-Eleven store on the island of Koh Pha Ngan, after attending the notorious beach bash. The 37 year old from Gillingham in Kent, had reportedly been trying to find his…
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Thaksin to become informal advisor to Malaysian PM for ASEAN
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the appointment of former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra as an informal advisor for Malaysia’s chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year. The announcement was made by Ibrahim during a joint press conference with Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Putrajaya today, December 16. “I have agreed to appoint [Thaksin] as…
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Thai customs intercept over 300 drug cases so far in December
The Thai Customs Department announced the seizure of heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis, and counterfeit goods at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in a coordinated effort with the Royal Thai Police (RTP), Immigration Bureau, and the Australian Border Force (ABF). The announcement was made at a press briefing at the Customs Department headquarters in Bangkok, today, December 16. Yesterday, customs officials intercepted two passengers…
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Hooked: Thai sailors jailed by Myanmar court for illegal fishing
In a legal ruling that’s sent shockwaves throughout the fishing community in Thailand, a Myanmar court has thrown the book at four Thai sailors, sentencing them to between four and six years in prison for fishing offences and illegal entry into the country. Sources from Kawthaung district broke the news today, December 16, revealing the fate of the Thai crew…
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Grain gains: Thai farmers to receive 1,000 baht per rai support
The Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) has initiated a comprehensive financial support programme, transferring 1,000 baht per rai to Thai rice farmers across the country. Deputy Finance Minister Jullapan Amornvivat presided over the first day of payments, aimed at providing relief and encouraging agricultural productivity. The support programme targets 4.61 million farming households, with total funding reaching 37.4…
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Thai man stabbed to death after traffic dispute in Bangkok (video)
A 23 year old man lost his life in a stabbing outside a condominium on Rama II Soi 54 in the Bang Khun Thian district of Bangkok following a traffic dispute with a suspect who remains at large. A witness reported the death of the 23 year old Thai man, named Apiwit, outside the condominium, at Tha Kham Police Station…
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Living the Thai life: Kingdom rolls out red carpet for big spenders
Thailand is upping the ante in its tourism game, spotlighting the allure of luxury and high-spending travellers to power up the economy post-pandemic. Known for its warm hospitality, stunning landscapes, and world-class attractions, the nation is seeing a surge in plush hotels and branded properties to cater to this elite crowd. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) set its sights…
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Motorcycle crash with 18-wheeler claims life in Ayutthaya
A tragic accident unfolded when a young man and his girlfriend, riding a motorcycle, were involved in a collision with an 18-wheeler truck in Ayutthaya. The incident resulted in the death of the young woman. Police officers and rescue teams were promptly dispatched to the location on Rojana Road in Bang Pa-in District after receiving reports of the accident. The…
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