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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 Experience Bangkok from a new perspective with Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel
Bangkok surely knows how to dazzle. Down by the Chao Phraya River, the pace slows as boats drift past temples and heritage buildings. High above the skyline, the city spreads out in a glittering patchwork of lights and towers. The...
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Bangkok air pollution spikes as 35 areas exceed safe PM2.5 levels
Bangkok faced a spike in PM2.5 pollution levels, with 35 areas registering unhealthy air quality, prompting swift action from City Hall. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) issued warnings to help residents mitigate health impacts from the pollutants. PM2.5, or ultra-fine dust particles, exceeded the safe threshold of 37.5 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³) in several areas, according to AirBKK, BMA’s…
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4 foreigners rob Ukrainian man of 250,000 USDT in Phuket hotel
Four foreign suspects robbed a Ukrainian man of 250,000 USDT, approximately 8.5 million baht, at a hotel in the Kamala neighbourhood of Phuket on Friday evening. The 23 year old victim, Viacheslav Leibove, filed a complaint with Kamala Police Station on Saturday, November 9, reporting that he was robbed by four foreigners the previous night, November 8. The incident occurred…
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Police drug bust seizes 56kg of heroin in Nakhon Phanom
Nakhon Phanom was the scene of a blockbuster drug bust yesterday as police and local security forces joined forces to take down major drug lords, confiscating a monumental 56 kilogrammes of heroin and a mind-boggling 121,000 methamphetamine pills in the Thao Uthen district. This daring operation was set in motion after an explosive tip-off about a narcotics shipment sneaking across…
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Phuket Airport sees surge with over 30,000 passengers daily
Phuket International Airport is experiencing a significant upswing in passenger traffic this High Season, with daily figures surpassing 30,000 travellers and over 300 flights. This uptick in activity has prompted plans for an expansion of the international terminal to accommodate up to 18 million passengers annually. Monchai Tanod, the director of Phuket Airport, shared insights on the anticipated passenger numbers…
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Toxic warehouse: Cops uncover illegal operation in Chachoengsao
Police in Chachoengsao uncovered a shocking illegal operation housing hazardous chemicals within a warehouse complex in the Plang Yao district. A massive investigation launched yesterday, November 10, revealed that nine out of ten warehouses were being used for illicit factory activities, with the primary focus being the illegal recycling of hazardous materials. The probe, carried out in partnership with the…
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Thai PM Paetongtarn’s APEC visit strengthens Thailand-Peru ties
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s participation in the 31st Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, Peru, is anticipated to bolster bilateral ties between Thailand and Peru while contributing to the advancement of the APEC framework. This prediction comes from Cecilia Zunilda Galarreta Bazan, Peru’s ambassador to Thailand. This trip marks PM Paetongtarn’s inaugural visit to the Latin American continent…
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Tak Bai massacre impacts Pheu Thai ahead of Thai election
The unresolved issue of the 2004 Tak Bai massacre in Thailand’s deep south is perceived by many locals as a potential detriment to the Pheu Thai Party, as revealed by a recent opinion poll. Meanwhile, the People’s Party emerges as the preferred choice for the upcoming General Election. This survey, conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), gathered…
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Overnight phone charging sparks fire in Samut Prakan building
A mobile phone charging overnight caused a fire in Samut Prakan, leaving a father and his two sons injured due to smoke inhalation. The blaze erupted in their three-storey commercial building, prompting an urgent response from local fire services. The incident occurred today when the Samrong Nuea Police Station received a report of a fire in a commercial building within…
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Police raid exposes illegal gambling in Bangkok restaurant
Police raided a Chinese restaurant in the heart of Bangkok, disguised as a legitimate eatery, and arrested four Chinese nationals for illegal gambling. The raid, which took place yesterday, November 9, at 9.30pm, was led by Jesada Yangnok, alongside deputy officers from Wang Thonglang Police Station. This followed intelligence that the establishment was operating as a covert gambling den. Upon…
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Bangkok police nab suspects in tourist robbery with steak knife
Bangkok police recently apprehended two young men accused of robbing a Chinese tourist with a steak knife in the bustling Bang Rak district. The incident, which took place in the early hours of the morning, resulted in the suspects facing serious charges. Jetsada, a 22 year old man, and 23 year old Suradet were arrested by Bang Rak police on…
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Tattoo artist arrested for ketamine dealing in Bang Lamung
In an evening operation on November 8, Bang Lamung police arrested a young tattoo artist suspected of drug dealing. The arrest took place at a tattoo shop in the Bang Lamung district around 6pm, following a tip-off about a planned ketamine delivery intended for Pattaya’s nightlife scene. Police had set up surveillance around the shop and observed a man fitting…
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British nationals charged for reckless motorbike riding
Nine British tourists have been fined for reckless driving after locals reported their disruptive behaviour to the police. The Chalong Police received a complaint via the 191 police hotline at 1.04am on November 7, reporting a group of foreigners riding motorbikes dangerously on Khok San Road towards Saiyuan Road. Witnesses described the group revving their engines loudly and driving in…
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Chinese tourist rescued from banyan tree after Pattaya argument
A Chinese tourist found himself in a precarious situation on November 8 in Pattaya, capturing attention as he perched atop a large banyan tree in a state of distress. The incident unfolded at a parking lot in the Bang Lamung district, prompting an emergency response from Pattaya’s Sawang Boriboon Rescue Centre at 10pm. Responders, including rescue volunteers, disaster prevention officers,…
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Suvarnabhumi Airport urges safety during Loy Krathong festival
Suvarnabhumi Airport issued a strong warning to the public, urging them to avoid flying lanterns or balloons, setting off fireworks, or using lasers in the vicinity of the airport on November 15 during the Loy Krathong festival. These activities are not only a potential disruption to flight operations but also pose significant threats to aviation safety, potentially resulting in accidents,…
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Thailand reaffirms sovereignty over Koh Kut amid MoU dispute
The Thai government reinforced its stance that a 2001 memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Cambodia serves as a mechanism to safeguard Thailand’s interests. Officials insist that Thailand retains sole sovereignty over Koh Kut, located in Trat province. This statement comes amidst concerns that the agreement, signed during Thaksin Shinawatra’s tenure as prime minister, could potentially affect Thailand’s sovereignty over the…
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Thailand eyes F1 event to boost economy and tourism
Thailand is gearing up for an economic boost as the government commits to bringing a Formula 1 (F1) racing event to the country. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced the ambitious plan yesterday, November 9, emphasising its potential to invigorate tourism and stimulate urban development. The government is actively pursuing discussions to secure an F1 event, which is part of a…
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Thailand set to welcome two new pandas from China by 2027
Thailand is poised to welcome two new pandas from China, as the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment anticipates signing a transfer agreement next year. Permanent Secretary Jatuporn Buruspat announced the ministry’s ongoing progress, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in negotiations with Chinese officials. The discussions with China aim to ensure the pandas have suitable habitats and exhibition…
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Big pay day: Thailand minimum wage to hike to 400 baht in 2025
Thai workers could be ringing in the new year with a pay boost, as the Labour Ministry announces plans to raise the minimum wage to 400 baht per day in 2025. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn confirmed the increase, calling it “a new year present” for the nation’s workforce. Initially slated for October, the raise faced delays as the national wage…
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ERC mulls 31% electricity tariff hike despite lower fuel costs
Businesses and households are facing a significant decision regarding the future of their electricity costs as the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) considers changes to the power tariff. Despite a projected decrease in fuel costs, the ERC is evaluating whether to maintain the current rate or implement an increase of 26 to 31% early next year. The existing tariff, set at…
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Cat chaos: Jomtien official abused in late-night clash
In a bizarre midnight showdown by Jomtien Beach, a city official found himself at the centre of a street-side skirmish over none other than a cat’s chair. Jomtien municipal officer Kritsana Rattanakhuen filed a formal complaint with Pattaya City Police on Thursday, November 7, after an encounter that escalated from polite request to heated confrontation. The drama unfolded around midnight…
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Loy Krathong festival to generate 6.9 billion baht tourism revenue
Thailand’s Loy Krathong festival is set to boost the economy, with an expected 6.9 billion baht in tourism revenue from 1.9 million domestic trips, as reported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The northern region is forecasted to be the most popular destination, drawing the highest number of tourists. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool projected a 9% increase in tourist…
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French tourist severely injured after suicide attempt in Phuket hotel
A 34 year old French tourist was discovered in critical condition following a suspected suicide attempt in a hotel room located in Phuket Town yesterday, November 8. The incident unfolded at a hotel on Phuket Road, where the man was found with severe self-inflicted injuries. Phuket City Police were summoned to the scene around 5.40pm after the hotel owner expressed…
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Cyber police arrest Thai woman for illegal lending in Songkhla
Cyber police executed a raid on a residence in Songkhla to apprehend a woman involved in illegal money lending with a staggering interest rate of 15%. The operation uncovered weapons, land deeds, and multiple vehicles used as collateral. The investigation revealed a turnover exceeding 1 million baht. A team led by Jirawat Phayungtham, acting commander of the Cyber Crime Investigation…
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Scottish pervert hiding in Thailand for 40 years extradited and jailed
In a landmark case for Scottish police, a pedophile who fled to Thailand has finally been jailed, decades after committing a series of horrifying sexual crimes against children. The deviant Scotsman, 74 year old John Martin, was extradited from Bangkok to Scotland in December last year, facing justice at last for historical abuse offences uncovered by a painstaking investigation led…
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Phuket Airport boosts efficiency with facial recognition technology
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat made an appearance at Phuket International Airport yesterday, November 8, marking a significant advancement in passenger processing through the launch of facial recognition technology. This initiative aims to streamline procedures and cut down on wait times for travellers. Phuket International Airport introduced this advanced system for domestic flights last week, with plans to extend it to…
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Mae Sai battles floods again as Chiang Rai plans flood prevention
Mae Sai district residents are grappling with the aftermath of severe flooding, only weeks after recovering from the previous inundation during the rainy season. Torrential rains on Thursday night, November 7, led to the Sai Lom Joy market, positioned along the Sai River, being submerged under floodwater. Despite the adverse weather conditions, Mueang Daeng Road and Lung Khon Wood Market…
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Samut Songkhram: Man arrested for assaulting girl via online game
A harrowing case in Samut Songkhram has led to the arrest of a 28 year old man suspected of sexually assaulting an 11 year old girl. Police detailed that the man was apprehended on Thursday, November 7, after a warrant was issued in connection with a rape charge. Surapol Suanguen reportedly confessed to the crime, revealing he connected with the…
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Airport initiative boosts culture and economy in northern Thailand
Phitsanulok and Nan airports have introduced an innovative Live Airport concept aimed at highlighting the cultural identities of these provinces while generating sustainable economic benefits for local communities. The initiative was inaugurated on November 1 and seeks to position airports as not only transit points but also as cultural gateways into the region. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri, accompanied by…
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Thailand grants citizenship to 483,000 migrants
The Thai government’s recent decision to grant citizenship to a significant number of migrants and ethnic minorities has received a warm welcome from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). The move, announced by the Cabinet yesterday, aims to provide Thai citizenship to over 483,000 individuals who have either been residing in Thailand for an extended period or were born within…
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Pattaya mayor wins big for Thai-Chinese diplomacy
In a glittering ceremony that brought together stars and statesmen, Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet proudly took home the prestigious Political News award at the Thailand Headlines Person of the Year Awards 2024. Celebrating leaders who champion Thai-Chinese relations, this high-profile event highlighted Thailand’s diplomatic soft power and the approach of a landmark year – the 50th anniversary of Thai-Chinese ties…
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