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    Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?

    Thailand’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?...

  • Flooding from Doi Suthep damages temple in Chiang Mai

    Flooding from Doi Suthep damages temple in Chiang Mai

    A torrent of muddy water from Doi Suthep wreaked havoc at Wat Phala, located at the base of the mountain in Chiang Mai, severely damaging the temple’s roof and walls. This sudden flood followed continuous heavy rains in the region. Reporters highlighted the aftermath of the relentless downpour that drenched Chiang Mai city and Doi Suthep yesterday, September 27. The…

  • Flood kills 300 pigs at Lampang farm, causes 21 million baht loss

    Flood kills 300 pigs at Lampang farm, causes 21 million baht loss

    Over 300 pigs have died after being submerged for three days due to a sudden flood at a farm in the northern province of Lampang, causing significant damage estimated at 21 million baht. The owner of the farm expressed the devastating impact of this year’s flood. The incident occurred at Krissana Farm in Ban Watthana, Sobprab subdistrict, Sobprab district, Lampang…

  • IKEA launches furniture buy-back for Thai flood relief effort

    IKEA launches furniture buy-back for Thai flood relief effort

    IKEA has partnered with the Mirror Foundation to buy back furniture and help restore homes in northern Thailand affected by flooding. This initiative aims to return these homes to their former beauty. IKEA announced this campaign on its Facebook page, stating, “In these difficult times, our collective help is crucial. IKEA is collaborating with the Mirror Foundation to support flood…

  • Pattaya police detains illegal immigrant beggars

    Pattaya police detains illegal immigrant beggars

    Police in Pattaya detained several illegal immigrant beggars yesterday, September 27, to preserve the city’s reputation as a world-class tourist destination. Beginning at 6pm, Chon Buri Immigration, Pattaya City officials, and the Chon Buri Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office launched a coordinated crackdown targeting illegal immigrants begging in high-traffic tourist areas. Officials inspected locations around Wat Chaimongkol on…

  • Thai police arrest five in Korat for Facebook scam

    Thai police arrest five in Korat for Facebook scam

    Thai police have apprehended five individuals involved in a scam that involved creating fake Facebook pages to deceive people into transferring money for sacred objects. The arrests were made following a detailed investigation by the Metropolitan Police Bureau. Police Lieutenant General Thiti Saengsawang, Police Major General Nopasin Poolsawas, and other senior officers from the bureau directed their team to conduct…

  • Phuket’s waste crisis worsens with tourist surge

    Phuket’s waste crisis worsens with tourist surge

    Phuket grapples with a mounting waste crisis as tourism surges post-pandemic. The island’s waste disposal plant now receives 1,100 tonnes of garbage daily, a significant rise from 742 tonnes in 2022 and 961 tonnes last year, according to deputy governor Norasak Suksomboon. Norasak highlighted these challenges at the 25th Inter-Islands Tourism Policy Forum, where 150 global tourism leaders and policymakers…

  • What to do in Bangkok this weekend (September 27 to 29)

    What to do in Bangkok this weekend (September 27 to 29)

    Are you excited for the weekend? With heavy rain in the forecast for Bangkok this weekend, now is the perfect time to explore the city’s best indoor activities. From film festivals and craft beer tastings to vibrant performances and live comedy, there’s no shortage of exciting options to keep you entertained. And below, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best things…

  • Chiang Mai launches cleanup after floods ease in commercial areas

    Chiang Mai launches cleanup after floods ease in commercial areas

    Workers have launched a campaign to clean roads and remove debris in downtown Chiang Mai following the easing of floods in some commercial areas. Chiang Mai Municipality initiated the operation at 5pm yesterday, September 27 to revive economic activity in the bustling northern tourism hub. The effort is divided into five zones, including areas near the Naowarat Bridge and the…

  • Chinese woman saved from 8 million baht scam in Thailand

    Chinese woman saved from 8 million baht scam in Thailand

    A Chinese woman lured into transferring over 8 million baht to a ruthless call centre scam gang has been found safe in Samut Prakan after weeks of torment. The 42 year old Chinese woman, Song Xiuhua, was discovered in a Bang Phli district apartment by officers from the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), after a frantic search sparked by her family’s…

  • Kathu: Thai man shoots himself after affair argument

    Kathu: Thai man shoots himself after affair argument

    A 31 year old Thai man is fighting for his life in hospital after a shocking self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head during a heated argument with his wife over an affair at their Kathu condo last night, September 26. The late-night drama unfolded around 11pm, with police and rescue workers rushing to a condo on Phra Phuket Kaew Road…

  • Thai tax riddle: Elite Visa holders off the hook?

    Thai tax riddle: Elite Visa holders off the hook?

    Whispers on Facebook’s Elite/Privilege Group suggest that holders of the controversial five to 20 years visa could dodge the Thai Revenue Department’s (TRD) new tax ruling. Starting January 1 this year, assessable income sent from abroad by Thais or foreigners residing in Thailand for at least 180 days will be subject to personal income tax. A group member claimed, after…

  • Pizza the action: Foreign man wreaks havoc at Phuket pizzeria

    Pizza the action: Foreign man wreaks havoc at Phuket pizzeria

    An unidentified foreign man went on a rampage in the Thalang district of Phuket in the early hours of this morning and physically assaulted the Thai owner of a pizza shop near Phuket International Airport. The Phuket Times reported on the incident today. The report included pictures of the injured Thai pizza shop owner, a damaged car and restaurant, as well…

  • Doggone floods: Soi Dog races to feed Chiang Rai’s stranded paws

    Doggone floods: Soi Dog races to feed Chiang Rai’s stranded paws

    In a race against time, the Soi Dog Foundation dispatched a dedicated team to Chiang Rai to evaluate and address the urgent food needs of pets devastated by recent floods. Partnering with local officials, they aim to provide vital assistance to animals caught in the crisis, including the astonishing figure of 7,650 dogs and cats. Soi Dog’s staff, in collaboration with…

  • Reel deal: Thai man is squids in with government digital wallet

    Reel deal: Thai man is squids in with government digital wallet

    Among the many recipients of the government’s digital wallet handout is a 66 year old Thai man who transformed his share into a thriving small business selling grilled squid. State welfare cardholder Suwit Inrat, also known as Uncle Ood, received the handout money via his Krungthai Bank account around 2am today, September 27, prompting Suwit to spring into action. With…

  • Thailand 7-Eleven stores now accept QR code payment

    Thailand 7-Eleven stores now accept QR code payment

    Shoppers, rejoice! Thailand’s 7-Eleven stores just made paying for your snacks and drinks easier with the introduction of PromptPay QR code payments. But while customers love the convenience, smaller grocery stores may be facing a fresh nightmare. 7-Eleven’s official Facebook page announced today the rollout of PromptPay, a move that left fans buzzing. “Tears are flowing #Consumers, what do you…

  • Thai teen sexually assaulted by drug dealer at Chon Buri temple

    Thai teen sexually assaulted by drug dealer at Chon Buri temple

    A 17 year old Thai girl is seeking justice after being repeatedly sexually assaulted by a drug dealer at a temple in Chon Buri province. Officers from Mueang Chon Buri Police Station were called to a restaurant in the Mueang district of Chon Buri province to question the teenage victim, named Dao. She claimed that the drug dealer named Noi…

  • Thailand’s 20-billion-baht airport expressway takes off in 2030

    Thailand’s 20-billion-baht airport expressway takes off in 2030

    The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) is gearing up to launch public-private partnerships (PPPs) next year for the ambitious 20-billion-baht Srinakarin-Suvarnabhumi Airport expressway project. With an anticipated opening in 2030, this project is poised to streamline access to the bustling Suvarnabhumi Airport, enhancing the travel experience for both locals and tourists alike. EXAT Deputy Governor Katpachon Udomthampakdee, recently led the…

  • New centre in Thailand aims for tier 1 status in trafficking fight

    New centre in Thailand aims for tier 1 status in trafficking fight

    In a high-stakes move to bolster its international standing, Thailand has opened a new centre aimed at tackling human trafficking, with eyes set on earning the coveted Tier 1 spot in the US State Department’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) ranking. The Thailand Victim Identification and Referral Centre, located in Don Mueang district, is part of a nationwide effort to curb…

  • 11 provinces warned of rising Chao Phraya River levels

    11 provinces warned of rising Chao Phraya River levels

    The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) has alerted 11 central provinces along the Chao Phraya River to brace for rising water levels as the Chao Phraya Dam in Chai Nat increases its water drainage rate. RID acting Director-General Det Lekwichai issued the warning yesterday, September 26, to the governors of Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya,…

  • Thailand’s tourism industry urged to embrace global sustainability standards

    Thailand’s tourism industry urged to embrace global sustainability standards

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in partnership with leading international sustainable tourism organisations, yesterday, September 26 hosted a high-impact seminar titled Action Alert! Accelerating Towards Sustainable Tourism in Thailand at the Avani+ Riverside Hotel, Bangkok. The event was organised to help Thai tourism businesses prepare for the impending environmental regulations set by the European Union, which are expected to…

  • Off-key: Ex-folk singer politician hits sour note in corruption scandal

    Off-key: Ex-folk singer politician hits sour note in corruption scandal

    A former Thai folk singer-turned-politician has been booted from his position as mayor of Khlong Luang district in Pathum Thani province after being entangled in a major corruption scandal. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) ruled that a case involving shady dealings during the Covid-19 pandemic had enough weight to warrant his immediate removal. The axe fell swiftly, with Interior Minister…

  • Gen Z goes wild for Thailand’s ‘Mutelu’ faith economy

    Gen Z goes wild for Thailand’s ‘Mutelu’ faith economy

    A new survey by Zanroo, a social media data expert, revealed that young Thais are leading the charge in an occult frenzy, racking up billions of engagements online. Zanroo’s study found that Gen Z, those aged 12 to 27, show the highest interest in Mutelu – a term derived from the Indonesian horror film Mutelu: Occult War. The word now…

  • Flooding devastates Chiang Mai tourism, occupancy drops to 50%

    Flooding devastates Chiang Mai tourism, occupancy drops to 50%

    Flooding in northern Thailand has severely impacted tourism in Chiang Mai, with many visitors cancelling their plans, according to the Tourism Council of Chiang Mai. The Ping River recently reached its highest levels since 2011, causing significant flooding in Mueang Chiang Mai, including its key business and tourism districts. Outer districts, such as Mae Rim, known for its natural parks…

  • Drug-fuelled biker blames exhaustion from work for injuring 2 cops

    Drug-fuelled biker blames exhaustion from work for injuring 2 cops

    A drug-fuelled Thai biker tried to blame work fatigue, not his drug habit, after ploughing into two cops on Phahonyothin Road in Bangkok. Despite his claims, police found nine Yaba pills stashed on him at the scene. Bang Khen Police Station arrested the 25 year old Thai man, Sudkhet, yesterday, September 26, at around 6.30pm near Soi Phahonyothin 48 in…

  • Phuket police cracks down on noisy bikes and rowdy teens

    Phuket police cracks down on noisy bikes and rowdy teens

    Phuket Provincial Police have ramped up efforts to tackle the nuisance of roaring motorbikes and unruly teens as the island gears up for the famous Vegetarian Festival and the peak tourist season. At a press conference held at Phuket City Police Station, Region 8 Police Commander Police Lieutenant General Surapong Thanomchit announced the ongoing campaign, spearheaded by Phuket Provincial Police…

  • Thai woman held hostage, sexually assaulted by ex in Bangkok

    Thai woman held hostage, sexually assaulted by ex in Bangkok

    A Thai woman made a daring escape after being held hostage and sexually assaulted by her ex-boyfriend for four days in his Bangkok condo. The victim, 31 year old Am, is still receiving chilling death threats and has turned to a top Thai government official for help. Am sought out the Public Health Minister’s advisor, Thanakrit Jitaree, after her ex-boyfriend…

  • Two women arrested with 120,920 meth pills from Laos in Loei

    Two women arrested with 120,920 meth pills from Laos in Loei

    Two women were arrested after being caught with 120,920 methamphetamine pills in their vehicle. They confessed to having received the drugs from Laos and have been charged with possession of a Category 1 controlled substance. Today, September 27, in an operation aimed at tackling drug trafficking along the border, Yuttana Chokchai, Deputy Commander of the Loei Provincial Police, along with…

  • Gypsy cash dash: Phuket locals swarm ATMs for 10k baht handout

    Gypsy cash dash: Phuket locals swarm ATMs for 10k baht handout

    Hundreds of sea gypsies in Phuket flocked to ATMs at Laem Tukkae, Koh Sirey, Ratsada subdistrict on Wednesday, September 25, as part of the Thai government’s 10,000 baht handout scheme for vulnerable citizens. The scheme, aimed at state welfare cardholders and disabled individuals, is part of a broader economic stimulus programme. A national report noted that the sea gypsies, still…

  • Landowner battles coach company over unpaid rent in Bangkok (video)

    Landowner battles coach company over unpaid rent in Bangkok (video)

    A landowner is embroiled in a dispute with a coach company that has not paid its rent for years and refused to vacate the premises. Despite a court order to leave, the company’s owners remain defiant, citing legal technicalities. The conflict began when a TikTok user, @yokeie, posted about a coach company failing to pay rent for its parking and…

  • Truck crashes into canal after driver struck by unidentified object

    Truck crashes into canal after driver struck by unidentified object

    Thai police are on the hunt to find out what mysterious object struck a lorry driver on the head as he sped along the Chon Buri bypass. The driver was knocked out cold, sending his truck careering into a crash, and leaving him with serious injuries. Officers from Mueang Chon Buri Police Station rushed to the scene of the six-wheel…