Hot News
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Alcohol act revamp: Thailand raises the bar on booze ads
The Thai Cabinet agreed to revise the Alcohol Beverage Control Act, allowing businesses to advertise their alcohol products and enabling the public to share pictures and videos of alcoholic beverages without legal punishment. The draft of the revised Alcohol Beverage Control Act was discussed during the Cabinet meeting yesterday, March 19. At the end of the meeting, 365 Parliament members…
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Credit crunch: Thai economy faces stormy skies
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) is sounding the alarm over slipping asset quality among wealthier borrowers, echoing a worrying trend seen in middle- and low-income groups as the Thai economy slows to a crawl. Minutes from the recent Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting reveal mounting concerns about loan quality deteriorating across the board. This could lead banks to become even…
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MG shifts gears as Thai pickup production hits the brakes amid slowdown
SAIC Motor-CP has hit the brakes on its Thai pickup truck production. The pause by the Chinese-Thai collaboration producing MG vehicles, comes as the domestic car market takes a downturn, although there’s hope for a reboot once conditions steady. While MG Sales (Thailand) hasn’t disclosed specific production figures for diesel pickups, company Vice-President Pongsak Lertruedeewattanavong reassures consumers. “Pickups aren’t our…
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Bangkok chills as the north blows in, while the south stays soaked
Bangkok is experiencing strong winds and a drop in temperature, which mirrors the cooler conditions in the north and northeast. Meanwhile, heavy rain persists in parts of the south. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts that a high-pressure system or cool air mass is affecting upper Thailand, leading to cooler temperatures and strong winds, with some thunderstorms expected in the…
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High hopes: Thai pilots poised to reclaim skies amid foreign pilot row
The Thai Pilots Association (TPA) is quietly optimistic about reclaiming the nation’s skies. Following reassurances from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), it’s anticipated that the temporary lift allowing foreign pilots on domestic routes will not stretch on, revealed TPA President Teerawat Angkasakulkiat. “The Cabinet’s resolution, with its vague deadlines, allowed each wet lease agreement to endure for six…
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Man arrested for using fake licence plate in Phang Nga
A man has been arrested by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and Highway Police after being caught with a fake licence plate in a bizarre case of forgery in Phang Nga. The suspect, identified as Nattawut, was taken into custody for the offence of forgery and use of forged official documents after a swift police operation. The case began in…
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Thai food takes Tokyo: Commerce Ministry serves up 2 billion baht export success
The Ministry of Commerce successfully facilitated Thai food exports exceeding 2 billion baht during the FOODEX Japan 2025 event in Tokyo. Sunanta Kangvalkulkij, Director General of the Department of International Trade Promotion, stated that the department collaborated with the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Office of Commercial Affairs in Tokyo to present 59 Thai companies at the event. Held…
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Cambodian monks disrobed in Pattaya for breaching Buddhist rules
Three Cambodian monks were stripped of their saffron robes in Pattaya after locals complained they had broken traditional Buddhist rules. The incident unfolded when the trio was spotted on the notorious Walking Street, a vibrant nightlife hub, late at night, begging for food – a clear violation of Buddhist practice. Buddhist monks are traditionally permitted to ask for food only…
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PM Paetongtarn asks Thais to don elephant pants for Songkran
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is encouraging all Thais to wear elephant pants from their respective provinces during the upcoming Songkran water festival to promote Thai culture and local identity. The prime minister made the call before chairing the first meeting of the National Soft Power Strategies Committee at Government House. Wearing a pair of blue elephant pants from Kanchanaburi, which featured…
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Mountain B pub owner sentenced to 5 years for deadly fire (video)
The owner of the renowned Mountain B nightclub, faces five years’ imprisonment following the fire in 2022 which claimed 26 lives and injured multiple partygoers and workers. The Mountain B fire was one of the most widely reported incidents of 2022, garnering significant public attention. The incident took place at around 12.45am on August 5 of that year. The blaze…
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Dutch tourists fined for provocative dancing on Bangla Road, Phuket
Two Dutch tourists have been slapped with a fine after being caught dancing provocatively in the middle of Patong’s infamous Bangla Road, Phuket, late last night, in a display that left many onlookers stunned. At around 10.20pm yesterday, March 18, the two women were filmed dancing near Soi Sea Dragon, with the video quickly circulating on the LINE application. The…
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Pickup truck crash in Phatthalung kills woman, injures another
A pickup truck lost control and collided with a car before crashing into a fried chicken shop, resulting in the death of an 87 year old woman and injuries to an 80 year old. The driver apologised but, remarkably, refused to explain the incident. Police Lieutenant Kriangkrai Limwongsakul of Mueang Phatthalung Police Station yesterday, March 18, received a report from…
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Zero baht, zero excuses: VietJet Thailand unveils sky-high savings
Budget travellers, get ready! VietJet Thailand is rolling out a jaw-dropping promotion with flight tickets starting from 0 baht (excluding taxes and fees), giving passengers the chance to travel across Thailand and beyond for next to nothing. But act fast—the deal is only available for bookings from March 18 to 22, covering travel between April 20 and October 25 (excluding…
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Tomboy twins flee Pathum Thani after fatally stabbing Burmese man
Police are searching for Burmese tomboy twins who fatally stabbed a Burmese man outside an apartment in the central province of Pathum Thani on Sunday. The motive for the murder remains unknown. Officers from Lam Luk Ka Police Station investigated the fatal stabbing outside an apartment in the Lam Luk Ka district of Pathum Thani at around 7pm on Sunday,…
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Bad karma: Ex-builder nabbed for 16m baht amulets, gold theft
A former construction worker has been arrested for stealing 107 amulets and 35 baht worth of gold from a renowned amulet trader’s home, resulting in a loss of approximately 16 million baht. The arrest took place after a thorough investigation by the police in Lat Krabang. Today, March 19, at 9am, Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, the Metropolitan Police Chief,…
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Ex-security guard found dead in abandoned Nonthaburi building
The body of a former security guard was discovered in a dilapidated building amidst piles of rubbish. A friend, unable to reach him by phone, found the decomposed body after detecting a foul odour. Officers from the Rattanathibet Police Station in Nonthaburi, along with staff from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, responded to a report at 10.30am yesterday, March 18, of a…
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Bangkok man arrested for alleged harassment of teen in park
A 28 year old man from Ubon Ratchathani was arrested for allegedly harassing a 17 year old girl in a public park. The incident, which took place at 10pm on March 17, involved the suspect, Max also known as Nantawat, diverting the teenager off her intended route and attempting to assault her in a secluded area. The arrest was made…
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Tractor traction: Uthai Thani cops defend noisy farmer’s arrest
Police in Mueang Lansak district, Uthai Thani province, addressed social media criticism regarding the arrest of a man for modifying his tractor’s exhaust system, creating excessive noise. Residents lodged complaints, prompting police to issue a warning rather than make an arrest, acknowledging the challenges faced by local farmers. On March 16 at 11am, Lieutenant Naruepol Chanthates, a duty officer, alongside patrol…
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Nan’s worst: Thai man arrested for lewd video call blackmail
A 26 year old man from Nan province has been arrested for allegedly luring a young girl into a lewd video call and subsequently blackmailing her. The incident, which occurred in 2024, led to the alleged pervert’s arrest yesterday, March 18, by senior officers including Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom and Police Lieutenant General Napasilp Phulsawat. The suspect, Chanoknan, was…
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No vacation panic: Phuket hoteliers stay cool on visa cut fears
Phuket hoteliers are not overly concerned by the government’s potential move to shorten visa-free stays for tourists, despite concerns that it might impact the local tourism industry. According to Suksit Suvunditkul, Thai Hotels Association’s southern chapter chief, the average length of stay for European guests is only around two weeks, while those seeking longer stays typically opt for condominiums. “If…
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Smoke scare at sea: Pattaya tourist boat evacuates 35 passengers
A tourist boat carrying 35 Russian passengers yesterday narrowly avoided disaster after a massive cloud of black smoke engulfed the vessel near Sak Island. Fortunately, quick-thinking by the captain and emergency services ensured a safe outcome for everyone on board. The Marine Disaster Prevention Radio Center (Marine Rescue) in Pattaya received an urgent report at 10am yesterday, March 18, of…
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Bangkok bust: 191 unit raids luxury home, nabs drug dealer
The 191 police unit conducted a raid on a luxurious residence in the Wang Thonglang district of Bangkok, arresting a man involved in drug possession. The operation, which took place yesterday, March 18 at 10.30am, resulted in the seizure of substantial evidence, including 313 ketamine vape pods, 80 bags of ketamine, 53 ecstasy pills, and 38 disposable e-cigarettes. The operation…
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Fire at Mae Sot customs warehouse destroys over 50 vehicles
A raging fire has torn through a customs warehouse in Mae Sot, Tak province, destroying more than 50 confiscated vehicles. The fire, which broke out yesterday, March 18, around 8pm, remains uncontrollable despite the tireless efforts of local fire services. The blaze started behind the new customs checkpoint, near the second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge in Tha Sai Luat subdistrict, Mae…
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Tourist, not monk: Thai man surrenders after dangerous snake ride
A Thai man dressed in a monk robe surrendered to the police after a video of his dangerous ride on a Pattaya road with a snake draped over his shoulder went viral. He insisted that he was a tourist, not a monk. The 40 year old witness, Bang-on Chom-ngam, shared the video of the motorcyclist riding recklessly with a snake on…
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Thai-speed ahead: PM revs up talks for F1 grand prix in Thailand
Could Thailand be the next country to host a glamorous Formula One (F1) Grand Prix? Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has opened the door to this exciting possibility, holding high-level talks with Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of the Formula One Group, about bringing the iconic motorsport event to the kingdom. Yesterday, March 18, Thai government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsab confirmed that the…
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Two men detained for smuggling crystal meth worth 50 million baht
Two men have been detained for attempting to smuggle 54 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine on a flight. Police were astonished at their ability to evade airport scanners. The suspects confessed to being paid 20,000 baht each to transport the drugs, which were delivered to them by a contact from Laos. Yesterday, March 18, at the Provincial Police Headquarters in Udon…
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Charged & brewed: Phuket thief busted for beer & batteries theft
A 39 year old man has been arrested after he was caught stealing beer and batteries from a 7-Eleven store in Patong, Phuket, with the police tracking him down using CCTV footage and his distinctive clothes. Officers from Patong Police Station, led by Police Colonel Chalermchai Hirasawat, apprehended the suspect on Sunday, March 16, following a theft reported on March…
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British smuggler arrested on Koh Samui with 165kg of cannabis
Police yesterday arrested one of the leading British cannabis smugglers following the discovery of illegal dried cannabis flowers in the luggage of his British friend, who had left Thailand via Samui International Airport. Thai officials launched a sweeping crackdown on foreigners illegally smuggling cannabis from Thailand to the UK, managing to arrest 13 foreign suspects, including 10 British nationals, one…
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PM rejects opposition’s request for full 30-hour debate control
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has not approved the opposition’s request to control the entire duration of a 30-hour censure debate. She acknowledged that determining the length of the debate is not within her authourity. Yesterday, March 18, the Thai PM commented that the opposition’s request might not be logical, a sentiment echoed by the coalition government, which found the demand excessive.…
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Indian gang no match for Belgian MMA fighter in Pattaya
Four Indian men gang attacked a Belgian mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter over a parking issue outside a condominium in Pattaya at the weekend but were no match for the Belgian man’s skills. The Belgian fighter, 22 year old Maxim Arbille, and his Thai girlfriend shared the details of the altercation with Channel 8 today, March 19. The couple explained…
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