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 5 hidden healthcare costs in Thailand and how to avoid them
Thailand's healthcare system is affordable and supported by the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) scheme, offering essential services to most citizens. However, hidden healthcare costs can surprise patients and lead to unexpected expenses. These include specialist fees, insurance gaps, emergency services,...
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Drunk Thai man arrested for holding Russian woman hostage in Patong hotel
A Thai man, in a state of intoxication, was apprehended in Patong for allegedly keeping a Russian woman hostage in a hotel room. The incident, shrouded in mystery due to the ongoing investigation, was reported to the Patong police on Friday. The man, whose identity has been withheld by the authorities, was also found to be in possession of a…
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Pink Line mass-transit system offers free rides in November trial
Free rides are on the horizon for Thailand’s Pink Line mass-transit system in November as announced on the government’s Thai Khu Fah Facebook page. The 34.5-kilometre monorail system is currently undergoing trial runs, a crucial step in the preparation phase before its official launch, as revealed by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA). The Pink Line’s trial runs…
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Phuket authorities dismiss concerns over rising Russian population and mafia claims
Yesterday, Phuket authorities refuted allegations that the island has been overrun by Russians, including members of the mafia. These claims were sparked by a report in Al Jazeera earlier this week, which highlighted concerns among locals. Phuket locals fear that Russian tourists are snatching jobs usually held by Thais, operating unlawful businesses, and causing a surge in property prices, making…
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Pattaya authorities impose new rules on boat operators at Bali Hai Pier
In Pattaya City, the local authorities have put forth new stringent regulations to deal with issues plaguing boat operators at Bali Hai Pier. This includes the implementation of standardised ticket prices and a ban on herding tourists. Earlier this week, the Pattaya City Council convened to strategise and regulate tour boat operations and rules for operators. This was spurred by…
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Pattaya floating market in hot water: Fire disaster causes millions in losses
Pattaya’s Four Regions Floating Market succumbed to a fierce inferno, causing extensive damage and leaving a financial toll of at least 50 million baht. The fire, said to have ignited at a wooden restroom building, was reported at 8.30pm yesterday, with no significant injuries or fatalities reported as of yet. Located on Sukhumvit Road, the Four Regions Floating Market was…
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Gulf of Thailand spill scare: 60,000 litres of crude oil, but Chon Buri coast unharmed
The upper Gulf of Thailand has experienced a crude oil spill of 60,000 litres, however, marine ecology along the coast of Chon Buri remains unscathed, as reported by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources. Deputy Chief of the department, Apichai Ekvanakun, confirmed that the department’s teams had examined the coral reefs across five islands in the province. These islands…
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Golden gun drama: Russian tourist’s Phuket fright
A Russian woman filed a complaint to the police after a Thai man threatened her with his golden gun while hanging out at a hotel in Phuket. The Patong Police Station officers dashed to the scene and arrested the gun toting Thai man, 37 year old Kittiphum Mamark, at the hotel and seized his 9mm Beretta golden handgun and 14…
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Tuk-tuk tiff takes a toll: Driver’s wallet lighter after spat with Indian tourists
An incident in Patong involving an altercation between a tuk tuk taxi driver and his Indian passengers concluded with the driver being fined 500 baht. This news comes from the Patong Police, who shared with the Phuket Express that a dashcam video capturing the disagreement had circulated on social media platforms earlier this week. The video seemingly depicts a group…
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Thai government’s rainy day plan: Combating drought and El Nino
Confronted with the detrimental impacts of the El Nino weather phenomenon, the Thai government is mobilising to tackle the decreasing rainfall and drought plaguing the nation’s agricultural sector, according to Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Following a special Cabinet meeting yesterday, PM Srettha highlighted the government’s commitment to the welfare of the agricultural community and the nation at large. The…
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Commerce captain charts cost of living course: Cost-cutting and export-boosting ahoy
New Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai aims to address the cost of living and align product prices with production costs. He plans to expedite efforts to discover new export markets and enhance Thai shipping opportunities through increased trade negotiations. On his first day, Wechayachai emphasized his commitment to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin‘s policies and assured prompt attention to public concerns, especially…
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Jet-setting overseas scandal: Permanent secretary’s globetrotting sparks opposition outcry
A complaint has been filed against Dr Sirirurg Songsivilai, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI), over allegations of taking 32 overseas trips between March of last year and September of this year. The opposition has raised these concerns, calling for transparency and accountability regarding these travels. In response to a request for…
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Two-year run ends: Swedish drug trafficker captured in Koh Samui
A 60 year old Swedish man on the run for two years to evade drug trafficking accusations and a visa overstay in Koh Samui, was apprehended and taken into custody by the Surat Thani Immigration Police. The Swedish man, Reno Penti Olavi Martin, was arrested yesterday at approximately 7pm, on the orders of the Chief of the Immigration Police, and the…
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Thai man accused of sexually harassing 10 year old boys
A Thai man apologised to the mother of a 10 year old boy for reportedly sexually harassing him and a friend and sending lewd messages via Facebook Messenger during their novicehood. A 33 year old woman named A accompanied her 10 year old son B and her son’s friend C to file a complaint against a 31 year old Thai…
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Tragic tune: Thai pop star’s brother’s accident hits a sour note
The fatal accident involving the boyfriend of Lux, the younger brother of Thai pop star Bai Toey R-siam has seen an arrest. The driver of a white Mazda car who crashed into the motorcycle, resulting in the death of Phuchit Boontho or Phoom, Lux’s boyfriend, has been apprehended. The 31 year old suspect, Pronsak, was arrested yesterday after the accident…
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TikTok user unjustly tangled in theft web seeks legal aid in Thailand
A young Thai TikTok user is seeking legal assistance after finding himself implicated in a theft case. Despite clear evidence of his innocence, he was wrongfully accused due to false claims made by the real culprit. The TikTok user @tle_swrs yesterday posted a plea for help after being accused of theft in the middle of the night, completely unaware of…
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Bangkok’s condo market: Buyers rush for ‘ready-to-move’ amid sales slump
The second quarter of this year witnessed a significant slump in sales for newly launched condominiums in Bangkok. Buyers, gripped by mortgage rejection fears, exhibited a strong preference for ready-to-transfer units. Tritecha Tangmatitham, Managing Director at Supalai, highlighted that a staggering 70% of condo sales in the current year have been for completed units, underscoring a marked shift in consumer…
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Recruitment adventures: When job hunting in Thailand feels like a blind date
Navigating the waters of a job interview can often feel akin to treading the unpredictable path of a blind date. The entire process can be punctuated by uncertainty, ambiguity, and occasionally, a lack of respect and courtesy from the hiring party. An interviewee’s experience can be marred by a lack of information about the interview process: from the number of…
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Ticket turbulence: Thai airlines aim to price things right amid rising costs
Thai airlines plan to explain the accusations of raising ticket prices amid higher jet fuel costs. The Airlines Association of Thailand (AAT) announced it will host a seminar to clarify airfare structures and CAAT price regulations following consumer complaints. Nok Air CEO Wutthiphum Jurangkool stated that price increases mainly occurred during extended holidays due to high demand, impacting last-minute bookings.…
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On the right track: Thailand’s new transport minister charts course for infrastructure upgrade
Newly appointed Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit yesterday committed to enhancing Thailand’s logistics network, focusing primarily on the country’s railway and maritime transport infrastructure. In his first press briefing, Suriya stated that strategic plans are underway and will be made public in the coming week. Highlighting the importance of the logistics sector, which contributes nearly 15% to Thailand’s gross domestic product…
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Thai MP’s ‘carry-out’ leftovers kindness goes viral among netizens
An online discussion among netizens was prompted by an act of kindness by a member of Parliament for the Pheu Thai Party who hails from the province of Phrae. Following a session in the legislature, it was reported that MP Thossaporn Sereerak was spotted carrying bags stuffed with leftovers that he intended to give to people living on the streets.…
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Shock and recharge: Thailand’s EV sector hopes for spark
The Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT) expects greater manufacturer interest in Thailand’s EV sector. The latest incentive package might be less appealing than earlier ones. Current incentives consist of tax reductions and subsidies for car producers and importers. These incentives aim to boost EV production and consumption from 2022 to 2023. The incentives range from 70,000 to 150,000 baht…
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Sub-merging optimism: Thai’s submarine engine deal with Germany and China
The Thai government is hopeful of a renewed agreement with Germany and China, centring around the engine for a new submarine under construction in China. Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang conveyed his confidence in a mutually beneficial deal between the three nations. The discourse involves the potential installation of a German-made engine in the Chinese manufactured submarine, as initially stipulated by…
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TAT reveals 20 unique wellness itineraries to capture global attention
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently hosted a Thailand Wellness Business Make Over seminar aimed at encouraging health and wellness providers to devise creative offerings that appeal to the Global Wellness Tourism Market. A key aspect of the event was a wellness itineraries contest that successfully drew participation from a range of providers. Aligned with the Thai Government’s Thailand…
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Thai weather forecast: Heavy rain, storms, trouble brewing – stay vigilant
The Thai Meteorological Department warned today there will be heavy rain and thunderstorms, affecting 60% to 80% of areas in Thailand. The public is urged to stay vigilant due to the potential dangers from heavy and accumulated rainfall that may lead to flash floods and forest run-off, particularly in hillside areas near waterways and low-lying areas. In the northern region,…
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Fiery family feud: Drunk daughter sets fire to Mother in Isaan after sobriety plea
A drunk woman set fire to her 73 year old mother at a house in the Nong Hong district in Isaan province of Buriram after her mum urged her and her husband to stop drinking. The victim, 73 year old Preeda, revealed to Nong Hong District Office authorities that her 40 year old daughter, La, was the perpetrator. La poured…
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High-speed pickup collides with trailer in Khon Kaen, killing two instantly
A high-speed pickup truck collided with a trailer truck attempting a U-turn, killing two people instantly. The pickup driver, an employee delivering goods, and an unidentified passenger died at the scene. The incident occurred at 3am yesterday, near the Makro shopping centre, Chum Phae district, Khon Kaen province. At the accident scene, in the middle of the road at a…
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Flash flood rescue heroes: Kalasin’s disaster team saves tree-clinging locals in N.E. Thailand
Kalasin’s Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office swiftly came to the aid of locals trapped by flash floods, stuck to trees for up to 14 hours in northeastern Thailand. The local government, led by Thanaset Chaisongkramthanatat, the Mayor of Kuchinarai, called on officials to stay alert and assist affected citizens. Ongoing rainfall has already resulted in flash floods across four…
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JSCCIB to discuss Chinese goods influx and revise Thai economic forecasts
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) is preparing to discuss new economic challenges such as the influx of Chinese merchandise. The committee aims to formulate a fresh economic proposal for the Srettha Thavisin Pheu Thai Party-led government. The subjects are set to be discussed in the committee’s today’s meeting. The JSCCIB intends to confer with the new…
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Baht-ing for growth: Pheu Thai Party’s digital policy to boost Thai economy
The 10,000-baht digital currency policy handout by Pheu Thai is expected to inject an estimated 2 trillion baht into the country’s economy, according to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat. This initiative aims to contribute to a growth of at least 5% in the GDP by 2024. Julapun Amornvivat stated that the economy would get a boost from the widespread use…
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Promotion dinner ends in tragedy: Local chief’s link to gunman sparks deadly clash
A gunman, allegedly linked to a local chief, killed one highway police officer and critically wounded another on Wednesday night in the Mueang district of Nakhon Pathom province after a heated discussion about a promotion at a dinner meeting. The Crime Suppression Division (CSD) commander, Montree Theskhan, confirmed that CSD police, led by deputy Pornsak Laolujiralai, are actively searching for…
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