Hot News
Stay updated with the latest Hot News in Thailand, featuring in-depth reporting and analysis of local events and goings on! We bring you breaking news, in-depth reports, and exclusive interviews covering a wide range of Thailand-focused topics, from Crime and Politics to Tourism and Business.
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Sponsored How much is Thai health insurance?
Health insurance in Thailand is essential for expats and locals, providing financial protection and access to quality care. Costs depend on age, health, and coverage level, with basic plans being cheaper but limited and comprehensive plans offering more benefits at...
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Red Bull tycoon files lawsuit for 50 million baht over bribery claims
Red Bull energy drink magnate Chalerm Yoovidhya launched another defamation lawsuit, this time targeting a news outlet and four individuals, seeking 50 million baht in damages over bribery allegations. Chalerm disputes claims made by Police Colonel Wirut Sirisawatibutr, a former police officer turned columnist for Sueb Jark Khao. The allegations suggest the tycoon paid a 300-million-baht bribe to shield his…
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Thailand to lower meth possession threshold to one tablet
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health is pushing for regulatory changes that will classify anyone caught with more than one methamphetamine tablet as an offender, a shift from the current threshold of five tablets. This proposal aims to close a controversial loophole that has allowed individuals found with up to four tablets to be treated as addicts requiring rehabilitation instead of…
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Deadly debt dispute: Burmese man shot at Khon Kaen hospital
A gunman shot dead a Burmese man last night while the victim was receiving treatment and awaiting surgery at Khon Kaen Hospital in Isaan. The suspected motive behind the murder is believed to be related to debt. The fatal shooting occurred in a male ward on the fifth floor of a building at Khon Kaen Hospital around 11pm last night,…
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EC to clarify court ruling impact before Sunday Senate elections
The Election Commission (EC) is set to clarify the implications of a Constitutional Court ruling, which agreed to examine a petition challenging four contentious provisions in the Senate election law. This comes just before district-level voting is scheduled nationwide for Sunday. The court declined to issue an injunction, indicating no severe consequences were anticipated if the Senate election proceeded. The…
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Royal birthday bash amidst political firestorm
Defence Minister Sutin Klungsaeng has directed the military to orchestrate grand celebrations for His Majesty the King’s 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary next month, even as tensions escalate over a controversial political amnesty bill. Preparations for the King’s 72nd birthday on July 28 are underway while Parliament debates whether to include Article 112 in the amnesty bill, which imposes up to…
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Bangkok governor probes overpriced gym equipment purchases
Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt acknowledged discovering unusual procurement patterns in gym equipment purchases for two sports centres managed by City Hall, with one treadmill costing as much as a car. Chadchart addressed public concerns yesterday regarding the procurement for the sports centres at Waree Phirom Park in Khlong Sam Wa district and Wachirabenchathat Park (Suan Rod Fai) in Chatuchak district.…
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Pathum Thani: Severed hands of teen girl found in plastic bag
In a gruesome discovery, police yesterday found what they believe to be the severed hands of an 18 year old girl, allegedly murdered by her boyfriend earlier this week. The chilling case began to unfold on Wednesday when Ranya Saensuriwong’s body was discovered beneath an elevated expressway in the Mueang district of Pathum Thani. Wrapped in a bedsheet and bound…
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Thai cop’s samurai swordplay in love triangle scandal
A Thai police officer in the central province of Nakhon Pathom has been accused of attacking his wife with a samurai sword on May 31 after she discovered his clandestine affairs with several women. The victim, identified as 37 year old Karn, sought help from social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet after filing a complaint against her husband at Phokaew…
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Extend-a-signal: NT tunes in for spectrum band extension
National Telecom (NT) is poised to seek an extension from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) to continue utilising three spectrum bands beyond their expiration in September 2025. The requested extension, spanning 90 days, aims to ensure a seamless transition for NT’s current customers to alternative bands. NT intends to maintain operations on the 850MHz, 2100MHz, and 2300MHz bands,…
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Bonding issues: Political turmoil shakes Thai investor confidence
Thailand’s escalating political risks are making foreign investors hesitant about the nation’s bond market, despite a cautious return in May after a six-month break. In May, global funds bought US$511 million worth of Thai bonds, a notable difference compared to larger acquisitions in Indonesia, India, and South Korea. Comparative indicators of foreign investment show Thailand lagging behind its regional counterparts.…
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Australian man arrested in Pattaya for multiple offenses and mafia connections
Immigration Bureau officers arrested an Australian man in Pattaya for multiple offences in his home country and his connection to a foreign mafia gang in Phuket. Officers arrested the Australian, identified only as Grey, at his luxury home in Pattaya after discovering his connection to the mafia gang. However, officers did not provide full details about the group. The Immigration…
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Peso power play: CIMB targets record 75 billion in loans for 2024
CIMB Bank Philippines, a subsidiary of Malaysia’s CIMB Group Holdings Bhd, announced an ambitious lending target of over 75 billion pesos (US$1.28 billion) to Filipino customers this year. This represents a 23% increase compared to 2023, according to the bank’s chief executive officer. Chief Executive Officer Vijay Manoharan disclosed the bank’s plans during a press conference, stating that CIMB Bank…
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Think Pink, Think foodpanda! It’s Pink Day with ‘Want it? foodpanda it!’
Have you ever noticed a surge of pink in June? That’s because June 23rd marks “Pink Day”, a day dedicated to celebrating the colour and the message of equality it embodies! While the exact origin story remains a bit fuzzy, some believe The Color Association of the United States established Pink Day to promote inclusivity. On this day, everyone –…
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Thai reggae band member loses 8 million baht to contractor scam
A prominent member of the popular Thai reggae band Magenta reported being defrauded by a contractor during the construction of his house, resulting in financial losses of nearly 8 million baht. A member of the band, 38 year old Kittipong Watthanarach, and his 30 year old wife, Artitiya Anthrabut, alleged that a well-known contractor in Khon Kaen scammed them. They…
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Kanchanaburi police race to rescue British teen’s lost luggage
Kanchanaburi Tourist Police swiftly responded to a report concerning a British teenager who yesterday left his shoulder bag on a taxi’s roof. The 19 year old man, identified as Southgate, had travelled from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi and forgotten his bag, containing his passport, a 50 baht banknote, and some foreign currency, on the taxi’s roof upon arrival at his guesthouse.…
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SET unveils plan to boost foreign and family business investments
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) unveiled a strategic business plan targeting foreign industries operating in Thailand and family businesses, aiming to boost market capitalisation. SET executives highlighted the shift in investment trends, particularly post-pandemic, with technology stocks rising as traditional businesses adapt to the digital age. SET officials noted that the Thai market has faced trust and confidence issues…
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Thai couple claim American tenant damaged rented house (video)
A Thai couple accused an American man of breaking his tenancy contract on their rented house in the northern province of Phitsanulok and trashing the house. The couple lodged a complaint with the police against the American for vandalising their residence but he has not yet been summoned for questioning or charged. Frustrated by the lack of progress, the couple…
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The best methods for learning the Thai language
If you are planning to stay in Thailand, then learning Thai may be a good idea as it can be handy and help you survive long-term. Different methods of learning Thai can offer different benefits, and it really depends on what method is convenient depending on your needs. Learning Thai with a mobile phone app If you’re a complete beginner…
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Italy’s Republic Day celebrated in Bangkok marks 156 years of ties
Italy’s Republic Day celebration saw a gathering of ministers, authorities, VIPs, ambassadors, celebrities, and other dignitaries at the Four Seasons in Bangkok yesterday, in an event showcasing the longstanding ties between Italy and Thailand. Highlighting the significance of the occasion, Paolo Dionisi, the Ambassador of Italy, reflected on the historic referendum of June 2, 1946, when Italians chose to form…
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Tourist association unveils 11-point plan to bolster tourism
The Federation of Thai Tourist Associations (FETTA) unveiled an ambitious plan aimed at revitalising Thailand’s tourism sector, proposing an 11-point strategy to bolster the industry’s resilience and competitiveness. Following extensive consultations with tourism entrepreneurs and private sector stakeholders, the plan aims to position Thailand as a leading global tourist destination. FETTA’s proposal encompasses a range of initiatives designed to enhance…
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Thailand automotive sales in 2024
Thailand’s car market is all over the place in 2024. After a tough 2023 with a 9% drop in sales and a slow economy, there’s some hope. Toyota, for example, wants to boost sales by 4%, aiming for 277,000 units to keep its big market share. Electric cars (EVs) are the big thing. Even though the first quarter of 2023…
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Teen killed by speeding BMW in Phuket hit-and-run tragedy
A tragic accident occurred when a 14 year old boy riding a motorcycle was hit and dragged to his death by a speeding BMW. The driver fled the scene but later turned himself in to the police. At 11.30pm yesterday, Thanom Thongpan, an investigator at Thalang Police Station in Phuket, received a report of the incident on Thepkrasattri Road, outbound…
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Thai export growth set to miss target amid global challenges
The anticipated growth in Thai exports this year is poised to fall short of expectations due to a mix of external and internal hurdles, as outlined by a recent assessment from a private sector panel. During its recent meeting, the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) upheld its projection for export growth in 2024, estimating it to…
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Husband of ex-actress charged for 93 million baht porn site
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) filed charges against the husband of a former famous actress, the owner of a website that intercepted and distributed pornographic material, causing damages exceeding 93 million baht. The Deputy Director of the Technology and Information Cases Division, Ratchaphruek Chudam, along with a team of special case investigators, yesterday, June 5, submitted 121 investigation files,…
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PM Srettha sees a revenue-boosting recipe for Q4
Thailand’s government is exploring strategies to enhance state revenue, with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressing optimism about economic improvement in the fourth quarter. The Bangkok-born PM convened a meeting yesterday with Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, and representatives from key revenue collection agencies, including the Excise Department, the Customs Department, and the Revenue Department, to discuss…
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Teenage murderer attempts suicide after killing girlfriend
A teenage murderer’s suicide bid failed yesterday after he killed and dismembered his 18 year old girlfriend and dumped her body under a motorway in the central province of Pathum Thani. The body of a naked woman with no hands, which was found under the Udon Ratthaya motorway yesterday, was identified as 18 year old Waranya, also known as Ming…
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Severe weather warning for 34 provinces with heavy rainfall
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning for severe weather conditions impacting 34 provinces today. Heavy rainfall is expected to continue, with the northern region experiencing particularly significant precipitation, covering 70% of the area. Flash floods and forest runoffs are anticipated. The 24-hour weather forecast, starting from 6am today until 6am tomorrow, indicates that a moderate monsoon trough is…
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Thai monk stole Buddha statues and antiques to fix broken car
Police arrested a Thai monk for stealing Buddha statues and antiques from three temples in the northern province of Phitsanulok. The thief claimed he committed the theft for the first time because he needed money to fix his car. The Commander of Phitsanulok Provincial Police, Nikhom Kruenopparat, informed ThaiRath that on the evening of Tuesday, June 4, a 59 year-old…
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Jealous ex-husband shoots rival after child’s birthday party
A tragic incident unfolded in Phetchaburi when a former husband, driven by jealousy, shot his ex-wife’s new partner with a 9mm gun, leading to the latter’s death. The incident took place after a child’s birthday party. Police Colonel Wanchai Khaoram, Director of Phetchaburi Provincial Police Station, rushed to the emergency room of Phra Chom Klao Hospital in Phetchaburi upon receiving…
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Police crackdown on illegal immigrants in Sisaket railway market
Police in Sisaket intensified their crackdown on illegal immigrants, focusing on the railway market area. The operation aims to prevent potential threats to the safety of locals and tourists. Police detained Thonglueng Chuyad, a 31 year old resident of Mueang Phon Thong in Champasak, Laos. She was apprehended for entering and staying in Thailand without proper documentation. The arrest was…
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