Hot News
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Sponsored 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?...
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Teen gang nabbed after robbing Cambodians and boasting online
A teenage gang who robbed Cambodian youths of their clothing and belt buckles while flaunting their actions on Facebook was apprehended by the police. The incident took place at around 9.30pm yesterday, according to the investigative team at Bang Phli Police Station. The investigation led officers to a house in Bang Pla, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan Province. Authorities had…
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Thailand slips to 47th in global travel rankings
The World Economic Forum (WEF) unveiled its Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024, and the results have left many surprised. Released on May 21, the Index provides a comprehensive evaluation of the global travel and tourism landscape, assessing the essential conditions required for investment and operation in the sector. According to the report, Thailand has slipped to the 47th position…
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Man high on marijuana crashes car, cuddles pets & smiles at cops
A heavily intoxicated man driving under the influence of marijuana crashed his car into a power pole and refused to leave the vehicle, instead choosing to cuddle with his dog and cat while smiling at officers. The incident occurred yesterday at approximately 10.46pm in Soi Wat Boon Sumpan 9, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri Province. Police from…
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Panel to auction 15,000 tonnes of rice from Yingluck era
A dedicated panel has been established to manage the auction of 15,000 tonnes of rice remaining from the contentious rice-pledging scheme initiated during former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s tenure. This announcement came from Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. The panel is set to draft the terms of reference (ToR) for the auction, with completion expected by the end of this month.…
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Drug dealer’s crash claims lives of two students in Sa Kaeo
A drug dealer yesterday crashed a pickup into a baht bus, killing two students in the Isaan province of Sa Kaeo. The fatal accident occurred on No. 3259 road in Sa Kaeo province at about 7am yesterday, May 23. The pickup, a white Mitsubishi Triton, crashed into a baht bus carrying students from Wang Prai Witthayakhom School. The pickup was…
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Japan considers extending tourist visa waiver for Thai citizens
Japan is contemplating an extension of its tourist visa waiver for Thai citizens due to rising concerns over its potential discontinuation next year. This matter surfaced during discussions held in Tokyo between Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and his Japanese counterpart, Yoko Kamikawa. Trade and investment relations were the primary focus of their meeting. However, the visa waiver programme was also…
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Heavy rain warning issued for 35 provinces in Thailand
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning for heavy rain, predicting a high probability of rainfall across 80% of the northern and central regions of Thailand, impacting 35 provinces. Bangkok is also expected to experience significant weather conditions, with risks of sudden flooding and forest runoff. Today, May 24, the TMD forecasted the weather for the next 24…
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The rise of augmented reality and virtual reality
As the trend of working from anywhere solidifies, the complexity of re-establishing an office-like setting at home becomes increasingly conspicuous. This issue extends beyond simply acquiring ample space or sufficient privacy the inconveniences associated with transporting large-scale monitors are also noteworthy. Here, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) emerge, offering potential solutions to these obstacles. Envision metamorphosing your residential…
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Big Joke leads petition to oust NACC over corruption claims
Thailand’s suspended Deputy National Police Chief, Police General Surachet Hakparn, known as Big Joke, initiated a campaign in Pattaya to gather signatures for the removal of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). The event, held yesterday at the J A Plus Hotel, aimed to address accusations of corruption, unexplained wealth, and severe ethical breaches against the NACC. Big Joke highlighted the…
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Actresses take the stage to accuse manager of sexual assault
Several actresses have come forward as victims of sexual assault perpetrated by a male celebrity manager. Three of them have taken steps to pursue legal action against the accused. Thai social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet accompanied the three actresses to file a complaint against their former manager at Kannayao Police Station yesterday, May 22. The three actresses included 27…
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Myanmar national arrested for samurai sword attack in Bangkok
Authorities in Bang Khun Thian arrested a 21 year old Myanmar national for attacking a teenager with a samurai sword, leaving the victim seriously injured. The incident occurred yesterday when Ye Min Htit, reportedly angered by taunts, retaliated violently. Earlier today, authorities led by Police Major General Prasong Anomanee and Police Colonel Kritidech Chanphet, apprehended Ye Min Htit. The arrest…
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Villagers in Thailand turn to Doraemon for rain
In a quirky twist to tradition, villagers in Thailand have ditched live cats for plush toy versions of the beloved Japanese cartoon character Doraemon in their rain-calling rituals. Amid severe heatwaves, this change has not only brought relief but also garnered amused and supportive reactions from netizens across Japan and China. One netizen observed that the Doraemon ritual shows we…
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China’s military drills around Taiwan, ‘punishment’ for new president
China’s military announced today that it has started two days of military exercises encircling Taiwan, calling the drills a ‘strong punishment’ against the island’s new president and a ‘stern warning’ against outside interference. The drills follow the inauguration of Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te on Monday, whom Beijing has condemned as a separatist. According to China’s Eastern Theater Command overseeing the…
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70% of Thais clueless about upcoming senatorial elections
A new poll revealed that nearly a quarter of Thais are unaware of the upcoming senatorial elections, while a whopping 70% do not understand how the new election system works. This startling revelation comes as the nation prepares for elections from June 9 to 26, where thousands of candidates will vote among themselves to elect 200 senators. The poll, conducted…
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Thai trade envoy spices up talks with Shanghai to stir-fry ties
In a significant move to bolster economic ties, Thai trade representative Narumon Pinyosinwat met with Zhao Zhuping, Deputy Secretary-General of the Shanghai municipal government yesterday. The discussion centred on expanding trade and investment between Thailand and Shanghai. “Chinese investors sought the highest number of investment privileges from the Thai government last year.” Narumon noted that 430 projects valued at 160…
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Thailand’s MICE industry shakes up IMEX Frankfurt 2024
A dazzling display of Thai hospitality took centre stage at IMEX Frankfurt 2024 as 36 Thai exhibitors united under the Thailand Pavilion. Representing Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, and Phang-nga (Khao Lak), the delegation comprised 20 hotels and resorts, 11 DMCs and organisers, two venues, one airline, one association, and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). TCEB President Chiruit Isarangkun Na…
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British man apologises for drunken assault of gas station worker
The recent incident involving a 25 year old gas station attendant, who was the victim of a drunken assault by a foreign man, has now reached a resolution with justice prevailing. The foreign man, identified as Anthony Davis, has been approached by the Udon Thani Provincial Police and has subsequently come forward, acknowledging his wrongdoing and expressing remorse for his…
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Northeast Thailand: Wildlife officer mauled by bear survives attack
A brave wildlife officer narrowly escaped death after being mauled by a ferocious bear while patrolling a remote mountain in northeast Thailand. Danai, a 39 year old officer from the Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary in Chaiyaphum province, was conducting a routine patrol through dense woodland last Friday, May 17 when an Asian black bear emerged, attacking Danai with its powerful…
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Jewish independent to challenge Keir Starmer in UK election (video)
Sir Keir Starmer yesterday declared the July 4 General Election announcement by United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was the “moment the country” had been waiting for. While the opposition leader believes it’s a foregone conclusion that the Labour Party will triumph, this may not necessarily be the case. Andrew Feinstein, a former Member of the National Assembly of South…
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Thai Constitutional Court accepts petition against PM Srettha
The Constitutional Court accepted a petition calling for the removal of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin over his decision to appoint a minister with a criminal record. Despite this, the court narrowly voted 5-4 not to suspend the Bangkok-born PM from his duties while awaiting its final ruling. A panel of nine judges convened today to consider the petition submitted by…
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Tourists behaving badly: Locals protest for better respect
Thailand is not the only country in the world with badly behaved tourists. As Ibiza and Mallorca say no to tourists coming to party, it’s becoming increasingly clear that expectations on travellers in the world’s most popular destinations are changing. In recent months, Thailand has seen an increase in crime committed by foreign tourists, from illegal employment to property damage…
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App-alling Thai man: Admits to sexual assault of multiple taxi riders
A Thai man sexually assaulted an app-based motorcycle taxi rider in Bangkok and astonishingly confessed to assaulting other riders during previous rides. The victim took to social media to share a video of him arguing with his passenger over the sexual assault on the footpath in Bangkok. The video was posted on a Facebook page, เพื่อนRiDer ไม่ทิ้งกัน (meaning friends for…
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The difference between ChatGPT-4 and ChatGPT-4o
Ever wondered what sets ChatGPT-4 apart from its newer sibling, ChatGPT-4o? As technology evolves at lightning speed, keeping up with the latest updates is crucial, especially for Gen Z, who thrive on cutting-edge advancements. ChatGPT-4o promises improved speed and responsiveness, making interactions more seamless. It also boasts enhanced capabilities in analysing video content and better accuracy in understanding audio and…
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Thai government urged to regulate booming influencer industry
With the explosive growth of social media and e-commerce, the role of influencers has never been more prominent. Recognising the immense economic potential, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) calls for the Thai government to implement regulations and provide support for this burgeoning career path. In 2023, the ASEAN region boasted approximately 13.5 million influencers, according to Nielsen.…
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Record sea temperatures devastate coral reefs and marine life
Record sea surface temperatures in Thailand’s eastern gulf coast are causing severe damage to the region’s aquatic life, raising concerns among scientists and local communities. Coral reefs that were once vibrant and colourful, situated about 5 metres underwater, have turned white due to coral bleaching. This phenomenon indicates deteriorating health caused by elevated water temperatures. Data reveals that sea surface…
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Pichit exit rocks premiership boat amid legal storm
Pichit Chuenban, the Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, has resigned after a legal complaint from senators that threatens the premiership of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Pichit’s resignation follows a bombshell petition from 40 senators, urging the Constitutional Court to scrutinise the qualifications of both Prime Minister Srettha and Minister Pichit, alleging they fall short under Article 160 of…
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Body found beneath electricity control panel on Bangkok footpath
A Thai road sweeper discovered the body of an unidentified man beneath an electricity control panel on a footpath along Romklao Road in Bangkok after noticing an unpleasant odour while working. Road sweeper Panadda Ngokngam reported the dead body to traffic police officers at a nearby police booth around 6.40am today, May 23. The incident was then reported to Min…
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10 million baht asset seiure of drug smuggling logistics company
In a significant crackdown on drug smuggling and trafficking, police in Chiang Rai made a substantial breakthrough yesterday, apprehending three suspects at a logistics and transport company for their alleged involvement in smuggling over 2 million methamphetamine (Yaba) pills. The Mae Sai Task Force Operations Command and the 327th Border Patrol Police, led by Police Colonel Raphat Boonma, the Commander…
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US imposes major tariffs on Chinese EVs and semiconductors
The United States recently imposed substantial tariffs on Chinese products, focusing particularly on electric vehicles (EVs) and semiconductors. This move is expected to push China to expand its EV manufacturing within Asia, with Thailand emerging as a significant export hub, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). President Joe Biden’s administration cited Beijing’s unfair trade practices as the reason for…
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Video evidence: Thai monk gropes sleeping passenger’s breasts
Another Thai monk disgraced his Buddhist faith by sexually assaulting a woman while travelling from Bangkok to Chon Buri on a bus, by groping her breasts when she fell asleep. The victim, 67 year old Siriporn Kamnok, took to social media to warn women travelling alone on public transport to be aware of sexual assaults, even from a monk. Siriporn…
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