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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Thai commerce minister targets US for premium rice exports boost
Thai Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, during his visit to the US, affirmed his determination to boost exports of premium rice and other food products from Thailand. His ambition is to amplify exports of rice and food items from the Land of Smiles by 1.75 billion baht. The US, Thailand’s second largest trading partner and the principal importer of Thai hom…
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Thai-German man arrested for sexually assaulting daughter and distributing child porn
Officers from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) arrested a half Thai half German man in northeastern Thailand on January 14 for sexually assaulting his seven year old daughter and distributing child porn online. The Federal Criminal Police Office of Germany, Bundeskriminalamt (BKA), handed over information and evidence on the Thai-German suspect, identified only as Tony, to the DSI on…
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Thai trio arrested for fraud and coercion in job scam
Three Thais were arrested yesterday for fraud and coercion by tricking victims into a job scam and by forcing them to open mule accounts in the eastern region and West Thailand. Police Major General Saruti, Sopha District, Commander of the Provincial Crime Suppression Division, Pol. Col. Pattanaphong Sriphinphao, Superintendent of Region 2, Provincial Crime Suppression Division, Pol. Lt. Col. Narong…
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PTTEP boosts gas production at Erawan to avoid hefty fine
PTT Exploration and Production Plc (PTTEP) is stepping up gas production at the Erawan gas block in the Gulf of Thailand to avoid a hefty fine. The penalty would be due to a failure to supply the volume of gas stipulated in a contract signed with PTT Plc, Thailand’s sole gas dealer. The chief executive of PTTEP, Montri Rawanchaikul, expressed…
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Frenchman arrested in Chiang Mai for selling fake ID cards
Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) officers arrested a Frenchman in the northern province of Chiang Mai for making and selling fake identification (ID) cards of French citizens. Unfortunately, another French suspect managed to evade the arrest. The French authorities discovered the sale of counterfeit ID cards on the dark web. These fake identities were used to commit several crimes in…
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Reef-rescue ripples: Marine department dives deep to tackle 338kg ghost net near Rin Island
In a splash of environmental heroism, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, along with volunteer divers, dove into action to tackle a colossal problem near Rin Island in Chon Buri’s Sattahip district. On Wednesday, January 17, the team embarked on a mission to untangle a whopping 338kg ghost net that had ensnared a coral reef. Prompted by concerned divers,…
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Cannabis crusade: A glimpse into the Thailand’s cannabis law reforms in 2024
In 2021, Thailand made great strides in its approach to cannabis regulation, becoming the pioneer nation among its Southeast Asian counterparts to decriminalize the use and possession of marijuana. This groundbreaking move has led to an explosion of marijuana-related businesses throughout the country and propelled Thailand into new economic territories. Thailand strives towards cannabis regulation reform The growth of this…
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Heavy-duty: Thai police to crackdown on overloaded trucks
The Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) has been empowered to crack down on trucks exceeding legal weight limits. Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul inked the amendment to the ministerial order, marking a significant shift in highway law enforcement, disclosed ministry spokesperson Trisulee Trisaranakul yesterday, January 18. Before this regulatory facelift, only local highway officials, primarily from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), wielded…
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Thai activist Arnon Nampa sentenced to four years in prison for royal defamation
Activist and lawyer Arnon Nampa has been given a four-year prison sentence by the Criminal Court. Arnon was charged with violating the lèse-majesté law under Section 112 of the Criminal Code and the Computer Crime Act. This decision comes after 39 year old Arnon was found guilty of defaming the monarchy, a crime carrying a maximum sentence of 15 years.…
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Thai PM tweets from the top: Srettha’s Swiss summit scoop at Davos World Economic Forum
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin took to his Twitter account to keep his compatriots in the loop about his diplomatic encounters in Davos, Switzerland at the World Economic Forum (WEF). The 61 year old Thai prime minister spared no detail in sharing snippets of his discussions with a constellation of influential figures at the WEF. From rubbing shoulders with executives of…
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Phuket’s Cafe Del Mar faces police action over noise pollution
Phuket’s much-loved entertainment hotspot Cafe Del Mar had a brush with the Kamala police recently over an issue of noise pollution disturbing residents. This internationally known beach club found itself in hot water when the Kamala police declared that the volume of their music was exceeding acceptable levels. This was causing considerable disruption to the peaceful existence of the locals…
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Thai PM hails Thailand as top Airbnb hotspot and UK Telegraph’s 6th best destination this year
Thailand emerged as the ultimate getaway for Chinese tourists, clinching the top spot on Airbnb‘s coveted list and securing the 6th position in The Telegraph’s must-visit destinations for 2024. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke revealed that Thailand outshone all rivals on Airbnb’s hotel booking platform during the winter season of December 2023 to February 2024. “Thailand is the most sought-after destination…
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What to do in Bangkok this weekend (January 19 – 21)
Who’s ready for the weekend? As always, Bangkok will be full of exciting things to see and do! But if you find yourself unsure of where to start your weekend adventure, worry not—we’ve got your back. Here are the best things to do in Bangkok this weekend (January 19 – 21). Things to do in Bangkok (January 19 – 21)…
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Thai man faces record 50-year sentence for royal defamation
A Thai man from Chiang Rai faces an unprecedented 50 year imprisonment sentence for royal defamation. This comes after the Court of Appeal added to his existing convictions, according to a report by Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) released on today. The sentence, delivered to 30 year old Mongkol Busbas Thirakot, is reportedly the longest ever served for offences…
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Suspects arrested for murder of Chumphon orchard owner
The Thai Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) apprehended two suspects in Bang Lamung, Chon Buri, following the murder of a durian orchard owner in Chumphon last December. The durian orchard owner was identified as 54 year old Thawat (no surname given). The perpetrators were identified as 62 year old Pramote (surname withheld) and 59 year old Niyom. A police investigation found that…
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Vietjet Air and Trip.com join hands for better travel service
Vietjet Air signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with global travel giant Trip.com Group to provide a more convenient experience for travellers worldwide. Passengers are in for a treat as Vietjet Air’s official website will soon serve as a one-stop-shop for a plethora of travel offerings from Trip.com Group. From hotels to airport transfers, attractions, and activities, travellers can effortlessly…
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Thailand uncovers human trafficking operation worth over 117 million baht
A year-long investigation into human trafficking led by Thailand’s National Police Office, under the command of Police Lieutenant General Torsak Sukwimon and Pol. Lt. Gen. Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn resulted in the arrest of a man from Bangladesh. The suspect, 46 years old Asraf, has been involved in a clandestine human trafficking network, charging each individual between 100,000 and 150,000…
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Bangladeshi nationals arrested at Phuket Airport over counterfeit visas
Five Bangladeshi nationals found themselves on the wrong side of the law at Phuket International Airport, after a failed attempt to breach Thailand’s borders with counterfeit visas. The arrests were made yesterday, around 11.30am by vigilant Phuket Immigration Department officers. The incident came to light late that night, with the airport’s immigration officers providing a detailed account. The alleged perpetrators,…
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RTA sergeant questioned over double murder at Nakhon Phanom petrol station
A Royal Thai Army (RTA) sergeant is now under intense interrogation in connection with the chilling double murder of two petrol station workers last month. Police Major General Thawatchai Thungpao, Nakhon Phanom police chief, led the operation yesterday afternoon, January 17, alongside crack investigators from Nakhon Phanom’s Muang station and Provincial Police Region 4. The suspect, still awaiting identification, is…
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Thai woman’s kind gesture betrayed as masseuse swipes 18,000 baht (video)
A Thai woman’s act of kindness was betrayed when she hired an unemployed neighbour as a masseuse in the northern province of Lampang. The masseuse repaid her kindness by stealing around 18,000 baht from the Thai woman. The victim, Tan, filed a complaint at Khelang Nakorn Police Station on January 16 after she caught the 52 year old masseuse named…
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Clean Air Bills passed in Thai Parliament
At the House of Representatives, lawmakers united across party lines to pass seven Clean Air bills after an exhilarating debate which concluded with an overwhelming 443 votes in favour and just one abstention. A coalition of government and opposition parties, alongside a civil society organisation, orchestrated this legislative symphony. To ensure meticulous examination, a formidable 39-member committee, comprising both government…
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Thai cyber police bust child porn ring with over 15,000 members
Cyber police widened their investigation following the arrest of the administrator of a secret group selling child pornography clips, with over 15,000 members and a membership fee of 100 to 200 baht. The arrest comes after the suspect was apprehended on drug charges today, January 18. The operation was led by Police Colonel Chusak Khanadnit and Police Lieutenant Colonel Runglerd…
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Thai man arrested for stealing 3.4 million baht from 97 year old woman
Police arrested a light-fingered Thai man for stealing 3.4 million baht from a 97 year old Thai woman by transferring money to his bank account 127 times using a mobile banking application. A community leader, Jadesada Cha-onchom, accompanied the 97 year old victim, identified only as A, to file a complaint against the alleged 24 year old thief, Thanaphat Jaipeng,…
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Drowsy driver crashes pickup into Ayutthaya eatery, residents in shock
A pickup truck crashed into a local eatery in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya causing shock and turmoil among the residents. The driver, a 30 year old woman, reported falling asleep at the wheel during her journey home. The event did not result in severe injuries or fatalities, thanks largely to the vehicle’s fortunate miss of an electricity pole. At around…
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Phuket man fatally stabbed in family feud over neighbourhood disputes
A dispute between a man and his brother-in-law culminated in a fatal stabbing that left one dead and another injured in Phuket. The argument took place within their neighbouring homes, where they previously had disagreements due to proximity. The incident was reported to Phuket’s Wichit Police Station around 8.30am, prompting an immediate response. Upon their arrival, local first responders and…
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Adani eyes Landbridge project for connecting India to Japan and Korea
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin met with the chairman of the Indian company Adani Group during the World Economic Forum (WEF), held in Davos, Switzerland. Adani Group, known for their extensive investments in developing ports and airports, expressed a strong interest in the Landbridge project, aimed at connecting India’s transportation to Japan and Korea, said the Thai PM. “Adani Group’s investment…
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From threads to trends: Chiang Mai couple behind Thailand’s elephant pants phenomenon
In Chiang Mai, a business duo are turning Thailand’s iconic elephant pants into a global trend. Hailing from Chiang Mai, Kingkarn Samorn, the Managing Director, and Jakkaphum Samorn, the Director of Chinrada Garment Company, are the masterminds behind the rise of this iconic fashion phenomenon. From a small home office in 2013 to a sprawling modern factory in 2018, the…
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5 kids aged between 8 and 17 arrested for house theft and drug party
Police arrested five kids aged between 8 and 17 for breaking into a house, holding a drug party inside, and stealing valuables in the Isaan province of Udon Thani. The homeowner, 42 year old Wuttinan, filed a complaint with Mueang Udon Thani Police Station officers on January 15 after returning home to find his home had been ransacked and several…
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Thai herbs: Nature’s secret weapon against deadly PM2.5 dust
Whilst Bangkokians battle with the silent killer, the potent PM2.5 air pollution, the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine unveils a game-changing solution to combat the notorious dust particles threatening the health of residents in the capital city. Amidst rising concerns over the long-term health impacts of PM2.5 exposure, Dr Taweesilp Visanuyothin, the face of the Centre for Covid-19…
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Democrat Party’s dwindling popularity prompts talks of new political formation
The Democrat Party is grappling with dwindling popularity as internal disputes have left it in a state of chaos. The party, known for its astute opposition role, recently reviewed the government’s budget bill for 2024 in a parliamentary debate. However, the past few years have seen the party suffer from various setbacks, including the departure of experienced party members and…
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