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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 Moving with family? Here’s how to cut health costs in Thailand
Relocating to Thailand with your family brings exciting new opportunities, but it also comes with the challenge of managing healthcare costs in a new system. Thailand has both public and private healthcare options, each offering different prices and quality of...
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Thai woman forces 12 year old niece into prostitution with govt official
A Thai woman forced her 12 year old niece into prostitution, offering sex services to a 60 year old government official in the central province of Suphan Buri. The case came to light when the 12 year old victim fled from home and sought help from a friend’s family. The family accompanied the girl to the Doem Bang Nang Buat…
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PM Paetongtarn unveils 10 policies on economic and social welfare
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra delivered the government’s policy statement to Parliament yesterday, outlining 10 urgent policies to address pressing national issues. The policies cover a broad spectrum of areas, with a focus on economic stability, social welfare, and national development. The government intends to undertake comprehensive debt restructuring, focusing particularly on housing and auto loans. Both formal and informal…
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Sri Nakarin Dam Park cult arrested for travel document scam
Thai police swooped to arrest several members of a peculiar long-haired Karen people cult who set up camp in Sri Nakarin Dam National Park, falsely claiming that they could issue travel documents usable in 196 countries worldwide. The operation was led by Veera Khunchairak, Deputy Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, alongside military and border…
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Thailand’s new tourism campaign to generate 800 million baht
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) unveiled a new initiative to invigorate the country’s tourism sector with the Charming Thailand: 5 Regions event series. Announced by TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, this campaign aims to highlight Thailand’s cultural heritage and modern attractions through a series of large-scale events, expected to draw over 147,000 visitors and generate more than 800 million baht…
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Pattaya police shut down illegal pharmacy employing minor
Police in Pattaya uncovered a pharmacy selling unregistered drugs and employing a minor to distribute the medications. Police Lieutenant Colonel Piyapong Ensarn, Superintendent of the Tourist Police Sub-Division 4, along with the Chon Buri Provincial Public Health Office, executed a sting operation yesterday, September 12, at 4pm targeting the pharmacy, which was reported by locals for operating without a proper…
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Thai rice prices fall in a grainy twist as Indonesian bids drop
Thai rice prices plunged to their lowest levels in over a year as Indonesian bidders were compelled to lower their high prices in a recent auction. Meanwhile, Indian rice export prices continued their downward trend, reaching an eight-month low. Indian 5% broken parboiled rice was priced at US$534 (around 17,000 baht) per tonne this week, marking the lowest level since…
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Torrential trouble: Thailand braces for flood of rain until Tuesday
Heavy rain and potential flash floods have been forecasted across Thailand until Tuesday, September 17, warns the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD). The announcement, issued at 5pm yesterday, cautioned that several regions would experience increased rainfall and strong winds in the Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf of Thailand. In the coming days, substantial rainfall will hit Thailand, particularly in the…
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Thailand zoo urges respect for baby pygmy hippo Moo Deng
Thailand’s newest attraction, Moo Deng, has captured hearts, but the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri is urging visitors to act responsibly around the two month old pygmy hippopotamus. Zoo officials yesterday requested better behaviour from visitors after videos surfaced on social media depicting some individuals throwing shellfish at the young hippo as she slept. In a statement, zoo…
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Phuket’s overtourism: Is Thailand’s holiday hotspot ruined?
Phuket, Thailand’s stunning island getaway, has claimed the dubious title of the world’s most overcrowded destination. Once a serene beach paradise, Phuket now sees tourists outnumbering locals by a staggering 118 to one, turning the tropical dream into a crowded chaos. Overtourism has become a hot topic since travel bounced back post-Covid. Eager holidaymakers have returned in droves, overwhelming many…
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AI scandal: PPRP slams fake Prawit leadership ambition audio clip
The Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) vehemently denied the authenticity of an explosive audio clip, which allegedly features its leader, General Prawit Wongsuwan expressing his desire to lead the country. The party insists the clip is an AI-generated fake. The controversial recording was aired on the popular programme Inside Thailand, alongside three other voice clips supposedly involving Prawit. In the first…
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Tanzanian conman busted in Thai Immigration sting
A Tanzanian national who posed as an influential figure in Thailand has been caught red-handed in an illegal business operation by immigration officers after attempting to boost his image by snapping photos with VIPs and foreign dignitaries. Thai Immigration Police led by Police Colonel Kajaphon Pathamang and the Thonburi Task Force arrested Mohamed, a 41 year old Tanzanian national, along…
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World’s best hotel: Bangkok’s Mandarin Oriental steals the show
Bangkok’s iconic Mandarin Oriental Hotel has officially snagged the prestigious title of the Best Hotel in Asia and the World, according to The Telegraph’s Hotel Awards. The British media giant, known for its high standards, placed the luxurious Thai retreat at the top of its 2024 list, beating fierce global competition. This award comes after The Telegraph’s hotel and destination…
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Pattaya pushes for CCTV at National Sports Centre
To tighten security at one of Pattaya’s key venues, Deputy Mayor Kritsana Boonsawad proposed to install CCTV cameras at the National Sports Centre on Soi Chaiyaphruek 2, East Pattaya. The initiative, revealed during the Pattaya City Council meeting yesterday, September 11, aims to boost public safety by monitoring the area more effectively. Deputy Mayor Kritsana presented the plan, seeking funds…
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Bangkok’s 14 billion baht bailout for BTS debt moves forward
Bangkok is scrambling to settle a colossal 14-billion-baht debt to the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTSC). The Bangkok Council has taken a crucial step, setting up a special committee to scrutinise a draft ordinance allowing the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to access emergency funds. Council president Surajit Pongsingwitthaya convened an extraordinary meeting today, putting the spotlight on the hefty repayment…
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Buriram farmer’s name wrongly listed in social security system
A farmer from Buriram province discovered that his name appeared in Thailand’s social security system despite never having registered for it or working outside his family’s farm. This alarming revelation surfaced when he used the 30-baht health scheme. Panuwat Hadprakorn, a 25 year old resident of Khok Yang subdistrict in the Prakhon Chai district, Buriram province, along with his family,…
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Chiang Rai hotel offers free rooms to flood victims
Silamanee Resort & Spa Hotel in Chiang Rai is offering free accommodation to flood victims. The ongoing flood situation in Mae Sai and Mueang districts has worsened, with continuous water inflow causing severe hardship for many residents, who are desperately awaiting assistance. Hotel Silamanee’s Facebook page recently posted an update. “Due to the flood situation in Mae Sai, Chiang Rai,…
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Beak consequences: Neighbour’s pigeon feast to blame for Thai man’s lung issues
A Thai woman is seeking help after her 80 year old father developed a lung infection and tuberculosis, allegedly due to her neighbour feeding more than 100 pigeons daily in the central province of Nakhon Pathom. The victim, Anisa, revealed in an interview with Amarin TV that she and her father had rented a house opposite the pigeon caretaker, Tew,…
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Phuket takes the lead in fight against corruption
Phuket’s anti-corruption champions are making waves across Thailand. The Phuket Provincial Governance Committee and the Phuket Chamber of Commerce bagged the prestigious White Space Network Model Award for the fiscal year 2024, in recognition of their tireless work to combat corruption. The award ceremony, hosted yesterday, September 11, at the Best Western Plus Wanda Grand Hotel in Nonthaburi, saw key…
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Teeing off with the Amazing Thailand Golf Classics 2024 at Royal Lakeside
The Amazing Thailand Travel and Hospitality Golf Classics 2024 teed off in spectacular fashion on September 11 at the Royal Lakeside Golf Course in Chon Buri. The premier golfing event, which blends top-tier sport with world-class hospitality, attracted a stellar line-up of participants, from seasoned golfers to leaders in travel and tourism. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Royal…
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Digital wallet to the rescue: PM bets on cashing in for Thailand’s economy
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra firmly believes that the government’s policy, particularly the digital wallet handout programme, will act as a significant catalyst to regenerate the flailing economy of Thailand. This policy will be officially presented to Parliament over two days, starting tomorrow, as mandated by the constitution, before the government can begin its work. The 38 year old Paetongtarn plans…
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New commerce minister vows to tackle high living costs, Chinese imports
New Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan pledged immediate action to tackle high living costs, hasten free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations, and tighten control over the influx of Chinese imports. Pichai, after his first day in office, expressed readiness to collaborate with deputy commerce ministers Napintorn Srisanphang and Suchat Chomklin to address the pressing need to drive Thailand’s economy during a crisis.…
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9 tips to reduce the risk of illness during the rainy season in Thailand
The rainy season in Thailand definitely has a vibe, but it also increases your risk of getting sick. As the rainy season approaches, it’s important to take proactive steps to maintain your health and well-being. The cooler and humid weather can bring mosquitoes and diseases like dengue fever. To help you stay healthy during this season, we have provided nine…
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Langham’s latest hotel to transform Bangkok’s Customs House
Langham Hospitality Group is set to turn heads in Bangkok with its latest luxury venture, The Langham, Customs House, Bangkok. Set in the vibrant Bang Rak district, this glamorous new hotel will breathe new life into the city’s iconic Customs House, perched along the Chao Phraya River. At the heart of this project is the magnificent 1888-built Customs House, a…
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Monk’s misdeed: Arrested for hiring a ‘poo’-litical hit on Thai abbot
Police arrested a Thai monk for hiring a man to carry out an acid attack on the abbot of a temple in the central province of Samut Prakan. The suspect admitted to paying for the crime but insisted poop, not acid, was thrown at the abbot. The abbot of Iam Pracha Mitr Temple in Samut Prakan, Phrakru Winaithornbancha Punyatharo, filed…
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Thai woman nabbed in 90 million cannabis haul in Taiwan
In a dramatic drug bust at Taiwan’s Taoyuan International Airport, a 24 year old Hong Kong Airlines worker and a 62 year old Thai woman were caught with over 45 kilogrammes of cannabis, worth an eye-watering 90 million Taiwanese dollars (approximately 94 million baht). The joint operation by Taiwan’s customs officials and the Aviation Police on April 18 uncovered the…
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Boy stranded in Chiang Rai floodwaters prompts urgent rescue plea
A plea for urgent help emerged as an eight year old boy found himself stranded behind an apartment building in rising floodwaters in Chiang Rai. His aunt posted a distress call on social media, requesting immediate assistance as they had lost contact with the boy and feared for his safety. Yesterday, September 11, a reporter highlighted the severe flooding situation…
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Massage parlour scandal sparks Thai Highways Department probe
The Thai Highways Department is scrambling to investigate claims that Wirtgen Thailand Ltd, a subsidiary of John Deere’s parent company, made improper payments to its officials and the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF). The shocking allegations suggest that massage parlours, cash, and luxury trips were used to sweeten government deals. Director-General Sarawut Songsivilai announced yesterday, September 11, that he has…
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Nongprue police bust motorcycle theft gang, recover stolen bikes
Nongprue police officers successfully apprehended a gang involved in the theft of motorcycles for illegal sales last night. The operation, spearheaded by Superintendent Tawi Kutthaeng, along with Lieutenant Colonel Chumphon Saenwichai and Lieutenant Colonel Somchanok Fakphairot, culminated in the recovery of several stolen motorcycles. The arrests occurred in a cassava forest a few kilometres from the theft scene. Multiple public…
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Doggone heroine: Sierra the rescue dog leaves Thailand in mourning
Thai netizens are mourning the death of Sierra, the bitch who gained fame for her role in the rescue mission following last year’s earthquake in Turkey. Two golden retrievers, a female named Sierra and a male named Sahara, were sent to assist in one of the biggest earthquakes at the border of Turkey and Syria in February last year. The…
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New law to regulate Thailand oil and gas prices nears approval
A draft law aimed at empowering energy officials to regulate domestic oil and cooking gas prices is advancing towards parliamentary approval. This legislation could become a significant energy policy under the emerging Paetongtarn Shinawatra government. Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga highlighted yesterday, September 11, that the bill should be reviewed by legislators before the year’s end. Pirapan championed this policy since…
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