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 Is tap water in Thailand safe to consume?
Wondering if you can drink the tap water in Thailand? From brushing your teeth to filling up a bottle, it’s helpful to understand a few basics. Tap water safety in Thailand varies by location, and while some people use it...
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Bangkok free water refill plan to reduce plastic use
Central Pattana, alongside influential partners, spearheads the Bottle Free Seas campaign, urging Bangkokians to swap the bottle for reusable options. With a staggering 70 million plastic bottles drowning Bangkok monthly, the initiative aims to flood the city with free water dispensers, starting with the iconic Central World shopping mall. The campaign, a collaborative effort between Central Pattana, the Bangkok Metropolitan…
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Long-haul tourism to boost Thai tourism revenue in 2024
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) anticipates that long-haul tourism will significantly bolster Thai tourism revenue in 2024, contributing seven percentage points more than pre-pandemic levels. This was discussed last week as the Minister for Tourism and Sports, Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, met with TAT executives to deliberate on next year’s market strategies. The government has set a goal of 3.5 trillion…
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3.48 trillion budget approved by Cabinet for next year
Prime Minister Srettha, in a post-Cabinet meeting press conference declared that the budget bill, meticulously scrutinised by the Office of Council of State, will be delivered for approval. Typically, budget bills are sealed and delivered before the fiscal year kicks off in October. However, this year’s extravaganza faced a dramatic delay, thanks to the intricate dance of forming a coalition…
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Tourism operators demand improved marine safety in Thailand
Recurring incidents of marine accidents in Thailand’s popular tourist destinations have prompted tourism operators to call on government authorities for an improved marine safety with alert system and tighter regulation of unlicensed boats. This plea comes in the wake of multiple boat sinkings in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Numerous tourism boats, operating in highly frequented locations…
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Thai elderly seek help from ThaiHealth for palliative care
Speaking at a pivotal seminar on palliative care, Dr Pongthep Wongwatcharapaiboon, the director of ThaiHealth’s healthcare development division, laid bare the heartbreaking reality. “The statistics for 2021 are staggering – 12.5 million elderly people in Thailand, with nearly 47,000 bedridden and suffering. We need your assistance to provide the specialised care they deserve.” These vulnerable patients are at risk of…
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Ring in the New Year with a bang at centralwOrld Bangkok Countdown 2024
Brace yourselves for the grandest New Year’s bash as ‘centralwOrld Bangkok Countdown 2024’ gears up to create a world-class entertainment phenomenon. With over 500 million baht invested, this free concert at the ‘Times Square of Asia’ is bringing together more than 200 Thai and international artists for a night of non-stop entertainment. The event is brought to you by the…
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Drunk driver claims 1 life and leaves another in critical condition
A drunk Thai driver crashed an SUV into a motorcycle on a road in the Isaan province of Maha Sarakham, claiming the life of one victim and leaving another one in critical condition. Channel 7 showed CCTV footage of a black SUV driving against the direction of traffic and hitting a motorcycle directly yesterday, December 25. The date of the…
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Pope’s plea for peace amidst global turmoil: Christmas celebrations overshadowed by war
In a world marred by conflict, Pope Francis ushered in Christmas with a heartfelt call for peace, acknowledging the grim shadows cast by Israel’s clash with Hamas and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The festive spirit, however, found a haven in the hearts of children globally, who tracked Santa and his reindeer on a 3-D interactive website. Revellers worldwide embraced holiday…
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New Year gift baskets examined to ensure safety
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), alongside the Consumer Protection Board and other state agencies, was on a mission to expose potential dangers lurking in New Year gift baskets. Their crackdown involved a meticulous inspection of major shopping hubs, supermarkets, online retailers, and even alms-giving sets to ensure compliance with stringent Thai food safety regulations. BMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Wantanee Wattana,…
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Erawan Shrine: The bombing and astonishing comeback
Towering over the vibrant Ratchaprasong Square, Erawan Shrine, haven to the Hindu god Brahma outshines seven other shrines dedicated to deities like Ganesha, Trimurti, Uma, Lakshmi, Chatumaharajika, Indra, and Narayana. But amidst the spiritual serenity, tragedy struck in 2015, when the Erawan Shrine became the unexpected target of a bombing, claiming 20 lives and injuring 125. Shockingly, an ethnic Uighur…
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Party entertainer seeks justice after unpaid fee and death threat
A female party entertainer sought justice after a Thai man refused to pay 2,000 baht for her services and made a death threat against her. The man’s father stepped forward to pay the price. The 23 year old party entertainer named Mo asked news agencies to spread her story and help her seek justice. Mo explained that a male client,…
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Toshiba Corporation gets booted from Tokyo Exchange but Toshiba Thailand stays
After a staggering 74-year run, Toshiba Corporation on the Tokyo Stock Exchange faces delisting and a subsequent takeover. However, Toshiba Thailand Ltd emerges unscathed, asserting its independence and vowing to power on. “Unfazed by the storm in Japan, Toshiba Thailand is business as usual.” Having severed ties with its Japanese parent years ago, the company stands resilient in the face of…
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Pattaya: Free rabies vaccinations in January
Pattaya‘s Department of Public Health and Environment proposed free vaccinations to battle rabies in 2024. The crusade covers a wide stretch of neighbourhoods, from the trendy Naklua (Moo 1 to 7) to the vibrant Nong Prue (Moo 5, 6, 9 to 13) and the serene Huay Yai (Moo 4). This groundbreaking initiative is not just about jabs; it throws in…
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Waves ban on Pattaya boats after tourist catamaran capsizes
The Marine Department, Pattaya Office, imposed a ban on small boats venturing into the Pattaya sea. With a red flag fluttering halfway up the mast yesterday, December 25, the Department issued a stern warning to fishing boats, jet skis, speedboats, and towing boats, urging them to stay ashore amid the turbulent waters. Large fishing vessels escaped a categorical ban but…
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Intoxicated tourist’s festive frolic on Pattaya Walking Street
On Pattaya Walking Street, a tourist found himself in the spotlight after refusing to foot the bill for his drinks, stirring a peaceful intervention by the local law enforcement on December 24. The tourist, whose identity remains undisclosed, showcased signs of inebriation, becoming uncooperative in settling his tab amounting to 198 baht. Responding swiftly to the distress call from the…
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Thailand’s NSTDA building AI ecosystem for ethical standardisation
The artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem is under construction by Thailand‘s National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA). The move is part of an effort to establish ethical and standardisation measures to prevent AI misuse, as confirmed by the agency’s director, Chukit Limpijamnong. The NSTDA has been working on setting up the ecosystem, recognising AI’s role in bolstering economic and social…
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Americans’ top 3 festive escapes: Italy, Japan, and Thailand take the lead
Italy reigns supreme as the ultimate festive haven, clocking in nearly 93,000 average searches from September to December this year. An ever-popular year-round destination, Italy transforms into a winter wonder with charming markets, exceptional skiing facilities, and high-altitude luxury in the Italian Alps – a must-visit for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Taking an unexpected second place is Japan, with 33,275.49 average…
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Update: Progressive social security triumphs in historic election
In a groundbreaking victory, the Progressive Social Security group clinched triumph in the nation’s inaugural Social Security Board (SSB) election on December 24, as the final vote count approached completion. The election, a pivotal moment in shaping the future of social security, saw the selection of 14 new board members by members of the Social Security Fund (SSF). Half of…
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MFP Pita to face court on January 31
The Constitutional Court has slated January 31 to give its ruling in the case against former Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat and the party itself. The stakes are high, with accusations flying that they aimed to dismantle Thailand’s constitutional democracy, placing the revered King as the head of state, through a controversial election campaign seeking to amend the…
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PM’s festive fashion fiasco: Srettha Thavisin’s Christmas socks surprise
In a yuletide twist at Government House, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin turned heads yesterday, December 25, sporting eye-catching red and green Christmas socks that left reporters questioning their powers of observation. The festive saga unfolded when the prime minister breezed into the reporters’ room, bearing gifts of decadent Italian panettone, each weighing a generous 10 kilogrammes. The sweet and buttery…
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Thai MICE boom faces hurdles next year
Thailand‘s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) industry, once on the brink, surged back to 80% of its 2019 glory this year, however, a looming slowdown in 2024 raises eyebrows. Thailand’s MICE industry is poised for a remarkable recovery, reaching 80% of its pre-pandemic revenue in 2019. President of Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA), Sumate Sudasna, highlights Thailand’s allure as…
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Phuket taxi driver drives away foreign woman over air conditioning dispute
A Thai taxi driver faced criticism for a viral video of him chasing away a foreign passenger by pulling her out of his cab. The driver defended himself saying the foreign woman kicked his car door over an air conditioning dispute. The Facebook page, โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต (meaning so brutal, Phuket province), shared a video when a Thai taxi driver pulling…
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Japan revs up Thai automotive industry: Major automakers inject 150 billion baht boost
In a move set to ignite Thailand‘s automotive industry, four major Japanese car giants are gearing up to pump a staggering 150 billion baht into manufacturing electric vehicles (EVs) in the country. This collaboration underscores Thailand’s ascent as a powerhouse in the automotive world and spotlights the government’s triumphant push towards an electrifying future. Four heavyweight Japanese automotive juggernauts are…
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340 tonnes of seized narcotics to be burnt, says government
In an unprecedented move to combat the soaring drug crisis, 340 tonnes of seized narcotics are set to go up in flames at the Bang Pu Industrial Estate in Samut Prakan over a two-week operation commencing today, December 26. Led by Justice Minister Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong and Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew, the ceremonious drug incineration aims to create…
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Thai man arrested with 60,000 files of spycam pornography
Officers from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau arrested a Thai man in the southern province of Prachub KirKhan for possessing and selling spycam pornography and found 60,000 files of pornography in his possession. The Internet Crimes Against Children Unit of the High-tech Crime Division received a complaint about the Twitter account KingSpy ราชาแอบถ่าย. The account invited Twitter users to join…
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Vietnamese man arrested in Khon Kaen for murder of his Vietnamese friend
Police arrested a Vietnamese man for the murder of his Vietnamese friend in the northeastern province of Khon Kaen. The suspect claimed he stabbed a fellow Vietnamese man to death because he tried to rape his wife. A Vietnamese man, 37 year old Hoang Van Tang, was stabbed in the stomach in a rented room in Soi Suksanti 8 in…
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Thai taxi driver steals 1.1 million baht watch from Japanese passenger
A Thai taxi driver took a two-hour detour to steal a luxury watch worth 1.1 million baht from a Japanese passenger in the Thonglor neighbourhood of Bangkok. The Japanese victim filed a complaint at Thonglor Police Station on December 19 that he lost his watch, an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore model, valued at 1.1 million baht, in a taxi…
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Drug addicted and mentally ill Thai man stabs police officer to death
A drug addicted and mentally ill Thai man went on a rampage and stabbed a Thai police officer to death in the northeastern province of Nakhon Panom. The deceased officer, police Lieutenant Itsarawut Phonrat, of the That Panom Police Station, was called to check on a Thai man, 49 year old Arnudate Chaipanya, in the Um Mao district of Nakhon…
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Vietnamese man murders compatriot over insults to girlfriend in Khon Kaen
A Vietnamese man viciously attacked and killed his compatriot who made fun of his Laotian girlfriend. The horrifying incident, which took place in a rented room, led to the duo fleeing across the country on a motorcycle. However, they were apprehended by police in Khon Kaen. The 37 year old victim, Huang Wien Thang, from Vietnam, was found in a…
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Young man dies in horrific road accident in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
A 25 year old man tragically lost his life in a shocking road accident when his all-new pickup truck veered off the road and collided with a large tree in the early hours of today. The horrifying crash, which occurred at 1.25am today, led to the dismemberment of the man’s limb and his instantaneous death. The wreckage of the bronze-silver…
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