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Sponsored Why health insurance costs more each year and how expats in Thailand can save more money
Each year, many expats living in Thailand see their health insurance premiums go up and often without a clear reason. This can be frustrating, especially when you're trying to plan your budget. But by understanding why prices rise and learning...
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Casino clash: Paetongtarn blasts Anutin for twisting Xi’s words
Thailand’s suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra fired back at Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul, accusing him of distorting Chinese President Xi Jinping’s views on Thailand’s controversial casino policy. Speaking in her capacity as culture minister, Paetongtarn took aim at Anutin’s claim that President Xi had voiced strong objections to Thailand’s plans for entertainment complexes that include casinos. “Xi offered various…
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Weed crackdown: Thailand to force cannabis shops to hire doctors
Thailand’s cannabis boom is about to get a massive reality check. Starting later this year, thousands of cannabis retailers will be legally transformed into healthcare facilities—and required to have a doctor on-site to dispense weed. At a packed press conference yesterday, July 8, Thanakrit Jit-areerat, Secretary to the Minister of Public Health, announced that the Department of Thai Traditional and…
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Illegal street race disrupts highway traffic, sparks public outrage (video)
A recent incident involving illegal street racing on a public highway caused significant traffic disruption, igniting public outrage. Groups of racing enthusiasts closed the road to stage a drag race, leading to prolonged traffic congestion. Many online users criticised the event, questioning the whereabouts of law enforcement and the lack of intervention. The event occurred on July 8, when TikTok…
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Student scammed: Fake landlord steals rent in Thai Facebook con
An engineering student’s quest for affordable housing ended in heartbreak after he was duped into paying rent on a property he wasn’t allowed to enter. Siwakorn turned up at Mueang Nonthaburi Police Station this week clutching evidence of a slick rental scam that cost him every baht he had saved for accommodation. “I just wanted to save money on rent,”…
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Bangkok taxi driver arrested with methamphetamine pills
Officers, including Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom and Police Major General Pallop Aeremla, arrested 46 year old man in front of a petrol station on Charoen Rat Road, Bang Kho Laem district, Bangkok. He was found with nine methamphetamine pills and drug paraphernalia in his possession while sitting in a red taxi with registration number ทห1579 Bangkok. Police were patrolling…
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Wave of caution: Patong stages tsunami drill to save lives
Patong is set to go into full emergency mode this month, as officials prepare to evacuate the town in a massive tsunami drill that could one day mean the difference between life and death. Patong Mayor Lalita Maneesri announced the ambitious exercise yesterday, July 8, during a high-level meeting at the Patong Municipality Office. “The safety of everyone in Patong—residents,…
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Sweet crisis: Thailand races to rescue record longan harvest
Thailand’s mountains of sweet, golden longans are about to become a blessing and a headache all at once. Agriculture Minister Atthakorn Sirilattayakorn has ordered an all-hands-on-deck operation to tackle a record-breaking longan crop that’s expected to flood markets and risk crashing prices in the coming months. Speaking after chairing the first Policy Committee on Quality Longan Production Management meeting of…
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Online date vanishes with Thai man’s pickup after resort stay
A Thai man lost his pickup to a woman he met online after they arranged to meet at a resort in the Isaan province of Chaiyaphum on Monday, July 7. The 56 year old victim, Pramuan, filed a complaint with officers at Mueang Chaiyaphum Police Station after the theft. He was unable to identify the suspect beyond knowing her as Ead,…
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Fermented fury: Barefoot pensioner splashes Hun Sen portrait
Bangkok commuters were treated to a bizarre spectacle on Monday, July 7, when a barefoot pensioner splashed fermented fish sauce over a portrait of Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, earning himself a small fine and a lot of attention. Retired tennis coach 69 year old Thewa Sritawan set out from his home in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi province, before dawn, carrying…
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Monks defrocked in Prachin Buri for drug use and theft
Three monks and four temple disciples were apprehended at a prominent temple in Prachin Buri province for drug use, following complaints of frequent thefts and Buddha statue defacement. The suspects were defrocked before legal proceedings commenced. Police in Prachin Buri received complaints about monks and disciples at Wat Sawang Arom (Khok Hom) engaging in theft and vandalism, including decapitating Buddha…
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Thailand’s quiet bond with South Sudan takes off
Thailand has been quietly deepening its ties with Africa’s youngest nation, South Sudan, blending trade, peacekeeping, and even a dash of royal philosophy. Although diplomatic relations between the two countries remain limited—largely because South Sudan only gained independence in 2011—recent developments show that Thailand sees real opportunity in this far-flung relationship. The first formal step came on December 5, 2013,…
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Thai police shut down ketamine beverage site in Samut Prakan
Thai police, in collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), recently dismantled a ketamine beverage production site in Samut Prakan. The operation uncovered 13 new flavours mixed with sweet syrup, leading to the confiscation of over 2,000 bottles valued at more than 250,000 baht. At 4pm yesterday, July 8, Police Colonel Weerapong Khlaitong, head of Division 4 of the…
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Khon Kaen council member accused of assaulting two young girls
A recently elected municipal council member in Khon Kaen has been accused of sexually assaulting two eight year old girls in a local village. The incident, which occurred on July 6, has caused significant concern in the community. According to reports, the two victims, referred to as Girl A and Girl B, went to play at a friend’s house in…
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Tangmo’s mother greenlights Netflix documentary on mysterious death
The mother of the late actress Nida “Tangmo” Patcharaveerapong expressed her approval for Netflix to produce a documentary about her daughter’s case. The cause of Tangmo’s death remains a subject of controversy, and her mother, Panida Siriyudthayothin, continues to pursue justice. The legal action was brought against the friends who were present during the fatal boat trip, including: Idsarin “Gatick”…
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Upcoming music festivals in Thailand you won’t want to miss (July to December 2025)
The best festivals in Thailand have a bit of everything, from big-name bands and DJs to full-on weekends with art, wellness, and even barefoot island raves. And this year, the lineup looks better than ever, with old favourites returning and new names to get excited about. Sure, we love catching dedicated artist performances (and there are so many great concerts…
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Rainy horror: Phuket-bound tour bus topples in ‘killer curve’ crash
A late-night bus journey turned into a terrifying ordeal after a Phuket-bound tour bus flipped over on a notorious bend, injuring 11 people and stranding dozens more in the pouring rain. At 8.30pm yesterday, July 8, Police Lieutenant Sunantha Rotphet of Phetchaburi City Police Station received reports of the accident on the southbound stretch of Phetkasem Road at kilometre 151…
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Thailand’s short-haul bookings dip, long-haul travel remains strong
Airlines reported that forward bookings for short-haul markets for the remainder of the year are weak, contrasting with the long-haul segment, while some carriers have shown interest in the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) stimulus campaign. Deputy Governor of International Marketing for Asia and South Pacific at TAT, Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, said that tourism in the second half of the…
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3 thieves arrested for stealing luxury bags worth over 1 million baht
Police arrested three suspects for stealing luxury bags worth over 1 million baht from a house in Bangkok and attempting to sell them. The victim filed a complaint at Phetchakasem Police Station after the theft occurred at a residence in Soi Phetchakasem 67, Bang Kae district, between 4.30am and 5am on July 4. Eleven luxury brand handbags were stolen from…
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Thailand flexes soft power with food and film frenzy
Suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared Thailand’s creative soft power the key to global influence at a major Bangkok forum. Speaking yesterday, July 8, at the second annual SPLASH – Soft Power Forum 2025, held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, Paetongtarn pulled no punches about the government’s ambitions to elevate Thailand’s soft power to dazzling new heights. “Creative culture…
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Drug suspects in Phuket: 1 pill, 1 gun, 1 boat shop of trouble
It was an early wake-up call with handcuffs for three drug suspects in Phuket after a series of dawn raids uncovered meth pills, crystal ice, and a stash of illegal firearms, including a boat mechanic armed to the teeth. The dramatic swoops kicked off at 3am yesterday, July 8, in Srisoonthorn and Koh Kaew, led by narcotics chief Chaiporn Yangchin…
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Cambodian monk arrested for illegal stay in Thailand
Immigration police in Sisaket province apprehended a Cambodian monk residing illegally in Thailand after locals became suspicious of his unusually fluent Thai but a lack of a passport. The arrest, which took place yesterday, July 8, was directed by Police Major General Waritsiri Leelasiri, commander of Immigration Division 4, and Police Colonel Manuwat Kosanan, deputy commander of the same division.…
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Disaster at sea: RTN drills for shipwreck chaos off Phuket
Phuket is gearing up to tackle maritime catastrophes head-on, staging an elaborate simulation of a passenger ship disaster that could save lives when real tragedy strikes. The Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre Region 3 (Thai-MECC 3), based at the Royal Thai Navy (RTN)’s Third Naval Area Command at Cape Panwa, spearheaded the operation yesterday, July 8, in Phuket Town as…
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Man caught with 2.75 million meth pills in Bangkok
A man was apprehended with 2.75 million methamphetamine pills in the back of a black Mitsubishi Pajero, intended for distribution in Bangkok. The suspect, a 36 year old named Samrit, claimed it was only his second time transporting drugs, earning 30,000 baht per trip. Yesterday, July 8, Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, alongside several…
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Fatal curve: Landlord’s life ends in horror smash on pattaya bend
A Pattaya landlord was killed in the early hours of yesterday morning after losing control of his car on a notorious bend and ploughing into a house wall. The 61 year old, Bang-oen Wiang, who managed rental row houses in the area, died at the scene despite frantic efforts by emergency crews to revive him. The crash occurred at 1.36am,…
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Thailand nominates traditional dress for UNESCO heritage status
The Ministry of Culture has formally proposed the traditional Thai costume, Chud Thai, as an intangible cultural heritage item for consideration by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). The proposal is set to be reviewed in 2026. The ministry has dismissed as “baseless” the social media rumours suggesting that Cambodia‘s nomination for its traditional weddings would include…
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RISE 2025 to empower women in hospitality with full-day learning event in Phuket
A powerful new initiative to elevate and empower women in hospitality is set to launch in Phuket this August. RISE 2025 – Reshaping Hospitality by Empowering Women is a full-day learning experience focused on career growth, skill-building, and inclusive leadership. The event is co-organised by C9 Hotelworks, Mrs B Group, and Delivering Asia. Created especially for professionals across the hospitality,…
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Rare Asiatic golden cat filmed in South Thailand national park (video)
A camera trap hidden deep in Khao Luang National Park in Nakhon Si Thammarat captured rare footage of the endangered Asiatic golden cat striding through its natural habitat. Park Chief Haritchai Ritchooay revealed yesterday, July 8, that the scientific team and Patrol Unit 2 were behind the remarkable discovery. The image offers a glimpse into the rich biodiversity thriving in…
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South Korean man causes pile-up on Pattaya road, 8 cars damaged
A South Korean man caused a pile-up involving eight vehicles on Sukhumvit Road in Pattaya at approximately 11.30pm yesterday, July 8. The Sawang Borriboon Dhammastan Rescue Foundation was called to administer first aid to a victim of the crash, which occurred in the Bang Lamung district of Pattaya. The victim, whose identity was not disclosed, fortunately sustained only minor injuries.…
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Chinese man busted for flaunting guns in Pattaya mansion
A Chinese man’s craving for social media fame has landed him in hot water after he brazenly posed with firearms in a luxury Pattaya mansion, triggering a full-scale police raid. Officers from the Tourist Police Division swooped on the high-end residence on Thepprasit Road early yesterday morning, July 8, armed with a court warrant. The operation followed reports that 47…
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Rain check: 32 provinces braced for a soaking as storms roll in
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) today issued a weather warning, forecasting heavy rain across 32 provinces in Thailand, with 60% of the areas expected to experience significant rainfall. Residents in Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Chanthaburi, and Trat are advised to remain cautious of the potential hazards from heavy rain, including flash floods and forest run-off, especially in…
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