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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The 5 best luxury villa rentals in Koh Samui by The Luxury Signature
Koh Samui has long been known as one of the world’s finest luxury travel destinations. Its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and crystal-clear waters create an idyllic setting that attracts travellers seeking an escape from the everyday grind. And opting to...
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Unlock the future with ChatGPT 5: Release date and breakthrough features unveiled
As the AI community and technology enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the release of ChatGPT 5, there is a growing buzz around what OpenAI’s latest iteration will bring to conversational AI. Given OpenAI’s track record of pioneering advancements in this field, it’s understandable why the potential launch has garnered significant attention. Although the exact release date remains undisclosed, insights from industry insiders…
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Thai tourism industry supports reintroduction of 300 baht tourist fee
Tourism industry stakeholders in Thailand voiced their support for the reintroduction of a 300 baht fee for incoming tourists, viewing it as crucial for generating funds for tourism development. The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) intends to discuss the project’s necessity with Sermsak Pongpanich, the incoming tourism minister. Surawat Akaraworamat, TCT’s Vice President, said that the Thai Chamber of Commerce…
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American YouTuber swings from fame to shame in Thailand
Police arrested an American YouTuber at his home in Pattaya yesterday after he physically assaulted his Thai girlfriend by hitting her with a golf club. The man claimed the attack was staged for a video on his YouTube channel. The Thai woman, 20 year old Kanittha, and her younger sister sought assistance from a 55 year old maid named Anchulee…
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South Africa and Thailand boosts agricultural ties
The agricultural sector has become a significant beneficiary of the thriving bilateral relationship between Thailand and South Africa, revealed South Africa’s Ambassador to Thailand, Darkey Africa in a recent interview. This conversation was held to commemorate three decades of South African democracy and the bilateral relationship between the two nations including a strengthening of agricultural ties. Africa underscored the positive…
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Thailand’s govt backs AI industry and boosts digital infrastructure
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced that the government is ready to support the AI industry and enhance the country’s digital infrastructure. The statement was made at the Microsoft Build: AI Day Event at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, where he welcomed around 2,000 developers and business and technology leaders. “AI has changed many aspects of our lives, workplaces, and business…
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Phuket tourism industry hit by escalating water shortage
Phuket‘s tourism sector is grappling with an escalating water shortage crisis, as hotel operators face rising costs due to the scarcity. Thanet Tantipiriyakit, the Phuket Tourist Association President, yesterday, May 1, called on the government for a sustainable solution to the annual water deficits. He cited that the primary reservoirs, Bang Wad, Klong Kata, and Bang Neow Dum, are currently…
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Khon Kaen school deputy caught for soliciting mid-term bribes
A school deputy director in Khon Kaen has been apprehended by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) on the grounds of soliciting tea money from parents for mid-term admissions. The arrest was a result of a parent’s complaint against the deputy director. The school director, according to the complaint, is associated with a school under the Khon Kaen Primary Educational Service…
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Impersonator accused of extorting 15,000 baht from migrants
An alleged highway police impersonator in Chon Buri has been accused of extorting 15,000 baht from three migrant workers for not carrying their passports. The incident, which was captured in a video clip and shared on Facebook, reveals a man dressed like a police officer demanding the sum from the workers, threatening legal action that could result in a fine…
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Chon Buri manhunt for suspects in sexual assault of two sisters
Two men have been accused of a heinous crime involving a sexual assault on two underage sisters, aged 14 and 16, in Chon Buri province, as reported yesterday, May 1. The 35 year old mother of the victims, identified by the pseudonym A, has lodged a formal complaint with the police, alleging that her daughters were lured and subsequently assaulted…
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Ex-executive kicks police officer’s face during DUI arrest in Thailand
In a highly publicised incident, an intoxicated former female executive was arrested for driving under the influence and assaulting a deputy police commander during her apprehension. This confrontation, involving high-profile individuals and captured on video, has sparked a media frenzy and intense public debate over issues of conduct and law enforcement in Thailand. The former executive, known as Khun Meow,…
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Cabin crew reveals top three seats to avoid in economy class
In recent guidance, an airline cabin crew member has identified the three worst seats in the economy class and advised passengers to avoid them if possible. When booking flights, especially in economy class, passengers often seek the best available comfort within the constraints of their budget. The advice from the cabin crew member aims to enhance passenger comfort by steering…
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Beach peace patrol: Police unite to silence the noise after shooting
In a collaborative effort to maintain peace and tranquillity, officials from Banglamung and Pattaya police conducted an inspection of Jomtien Beach in the early hours of today. Responding to the residents’ complaints about noise and fireworks, this initiative was also a reaction to a shooting incident that took place on the night of April 25, which stirred panic among tourists.…
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Thailand shuts down illegal Bitcoin mine worth 70 million baht
A major illegal Bitcoin mining operation was dismantled yesterday when police and the Provincial Electricity Authority raided an abandoned ice factory in Samut Sakhon, Thailand, seizing equipment worth over 70 million baht. A Myanmar national was found guarding the facility, which is believed to have caused the state a loss of 10 million baht per month in electricity. At 11am…
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Female boxer arrested for assaulting teen in Buriram jealousy
A former female boxer was arrested after assaulting a 15 year old girl whom she suspected of showing interest in her ex-partner during the Songkran festival celebrations. Following a bout of heavy drinking, the 26 year old former boxer unleashed a series of Muay Thai moves on the teenager, leaving her severely injured. The incident occurred on May 1, when…
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Ex-Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao receives four-month sentence
The former CEO of Binance and once a dominant figure in the cryptocurrency industry, Changpeng Zhao, was given a four-month prison sentence yesterday after admitting to violating anti-money laundering laws in the United States. The sentencing of Changpeng, commonly known as CZ, marks a landmark moment in the crypto industry, with two major figures now having been imprisoned. The sentence,…
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Actress Aom Sakaojai files police complaint against cyberbully
Renowned Thai actress Aom Sakaojai reported a case of severe online harassment to the police, triggered by explicit and threatening comments on one of her Facebook posts. Today, May 1, at 10am, Aom approached Deputy Inspector Chalerm Noppakarn of RomKlao Police Station to take legal action against the cyberbully identified by the Facebook name Nui Yabot. The incident began on…
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AoT tee up 3 billion baht compensation swing for RTAF
Thailand’s Defense Ministry spokesperson, Jirayu Houngsub, revealed yesterday that the Airports of Thailand (AoT) could be liable for a compensation payment of at least 3 billion baht to the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF). This potential payment is in relation to the Kantarat Golf Course, a property currently owned by the RTAF, which the AoT is considering repurposing. Previously, the…
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Thai police dismantle major illegal online gambling rings
Thai police delivered a significant blow to the online gambling industry with the dismantling of two major illegal betting websites. The operation, dubbed ZERO BET, saw the seizure of nearly 10 million baht (US$270,000) in cash and luxury assets, including high-end vehicles like Lamborghinis and BMWs, totalling over 60 million baht (US$1.6 million) in value. The investigation revealed an annual…
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Thai government preps digital wallet scheme for 50 million citizens
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) is getting ready to support the government’s digital wallet scheme, aimed at benefiting 50 million Thai citizens. Under the direction of Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) will monitor the security of the 500-billion-baht (US$13.4 million) digital initiative. Simultaneously, the Digital Government Agency (DGA) will take charge of digital…
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Nakhon Phanom pub bust reveals drugs, minors and indecent acts
Police in Nakhon Phanom arrested the operators of a well-known pub for a series of legal infractions, including allowing minors on the premises and indecent performances, amid revelations of drug use among patrons. The establishment, known as AEC Nakhon Phanom, was also found to be operating beyond legally allowed hours, causing disturbances to nearby residents. The crackdown, led by Nakhon…
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British tourist detained in Phuket for assaulting tuk tuk driver
Police in Phuket have detained a British national following an altercation involving a tuk tuk driver, where the foreigner was accused of physically assaulting the driver over a fare dispute. The incident, which was captured on CCTV footage, garnered significant attention on social media, leading to a swift police response. The confrontation took place on the evening of April 26,…
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SET extends deadline due to few presidential applicants
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) has delayed the application deadline for its presidential role until May 15, following a lack of applicants. The present president, Pakorn Peetathawatchai, is due to step down in September. The SET chairman role also remains unfilled after Pichai Chunhavajira’s recent resignation. The exchange is seeking candidates who can support its vision of making the…
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Thai baht finds its groove: Depreciation rate takes a dip
The Thai baht experienced a lessening in its depreciation rate in April, buoyed by an uptick in the country’s economic performance. A leading figure from the country’s central bank anticipates that the local currency will make a recovery in the second half of the year. In the initial quarter of this year, the baht saw a 7.8% decline against the…
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Scorching 44°C wave to hit upper Thailand, caution urged
Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a severe heat warning for upper Thailand, with temperatures expected to soar to a scorching 44 degrees Celsius in the northern, central, and northeastern regions. The capital, Bangkok, is also set to experience high heat levels, with temperatures predicted to reach 42 degrees Celsius. The public is advised to avoid prolonged outdoor activities and strenuous…
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Ex-teacher in Bangkok held for assaulting student
A former primary school teacher has been arrested in Bangkok for sexually assaulting a 13 year old student inside his car, despite the presence of the victim’s younger sister. The 44 year old man was apprehended by police while selling fried meatballs on a street in the capital, following an investigation into the incident on March 22. Somkiat, a former…
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Thai man nabbed for neighbour’s murder, claims adultery as motive
Police today arrested a Thai man for the murder of his neighbour at a condominium in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok. The killer insisted his motive was not a dog dispute but a result of long-term bullying and the deceased’s alleged adultery with his wife. The 47 year old killer, Narin “Sam” Prinkprayong, shot dead his neighbour, a 45 year old…
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Phone fumble leads to deadly pickup crash in Lampang
A tragic road accident occurred today when a woman driving a pickup truck dropped her phone, causing her to veer across the lane and collide head-on with an oncoming sedan, instantly killing the male driver and injuring a 19 year old passenger. In the district of Hang Chat, Lampang, police were alerted to a fatal collision at a U-turn near…
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Microsoft invests US$1.7 billion in Indonesia for AI, cloud services
Microsoft revealed its plan to invest US$1.7 billion in Indonesia, with the intent of enhancing the nation’s cloud services and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. This includes the construction of data centres, according to the company’s chief executive, Satya Nadella, who announced it today, April 30, during his visit to the country. Marking his first stop in a Southeast Asian tour,…
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High stakes: Illegal gambling operator busted in Pak Kret home
Police have recently clamped down on a significant illegal online gambling operation in the affluent Pak Kret district, arresting one Thai gambler named Mongkol. The 46 year old’s arrest took place at a luxurious residence in the Bang Phlap sub-district of Nontha Buri province. The operation unfolded today, as Major General Wacharat Sanngam, head of Provincial Police Region 1, along…
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Unlicensed Pattaya party villa raided restoring peace for locals
Peace has been restored in Pattaya, as a noisy, reportedly unlicensed pool villa was raided by authorities yesterday evening. The operation was spurred by complaints from residents, who were disturbed by the loud music and partying emanating from the villa. Weekit Manarojkit, the Banglamung District Chief, directed his deputy, Pornchai Sang-iad, to spearhead a team of officials in raiding the…
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