Thailand News
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Sponsored 5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
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Thailand’s plan to extend Songkran raises eyebrows and 5.1 billion baht in soft power bid
Thailand‘s iconic Songkran Festival might be turning into a month-long water extravaganza in a bid to boost the country’s soft power, or a potential disaster waiting to happen? Thailand’s political arena is buzzing with controversy as the Pheu Thai Party, led by Paetongtarn Shinawatra, unveils an audacious plan to extend the beloved Songkran Festival. The goal? To solidify the nation’s soft…
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Are bread krathongs harming Bangkok’s public park ponds?
Environmental advisor to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Pornporm Wikitsate, exposed the negative impacts of biodegradable Krathongs on public park ponds after the recent Loy Krathong Festival. The public, in a bid to reduce waste and protect the environment, had opted to float Krathongs made from bread. However, the aftermath was not as environmentally friendly as anticipated. Pornporm questioned whether bread…
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Chon Buri: Motorbike rider meets tragic end in crash with parked lorry in Bang Lamung
A motorbike rider crashed into the rear of a parked 18-wheel lorry which proved to be fatal in Bang Lamung, Chon Buri yesterday, December 2, at 12.16am. The incident took place on the Pattaya-Rayong bypass road, and the Nong Prue police were immediately alerted. Upon receiving the distress call, Pattaya rescue teams were promptly dispatched to the scene. The grim sight…
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Update: Luxury gambling den busted in Nonthaburi – 49 arrested, owner denied bail
In the heart of Ngamwongwan, Nonthaburi, a luxury gambling den concealed within a hotel was recently exposed, leading to the capture of 49 individuals, comprising gamblers and employees alike. This took place on November 30 and was a significant operation spearheaded by Rattanathibet police officers. Officers immediately began the process of questioning the suspects, subsequently pressing charges against them. Following…
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Significant earthquake in Mindanao Philippines triggers tsunami warning but spares Thailand
The Philippines experienced a significant earthquake near the island of Mindanao, triggering a tsunami warning. The quake, measuring 7.5 in magnitude, didn’t affect Thailand, according to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD). Japan also issued a tsunami warning in response to the seismic activity occurring on December 3. At 9.57pm yesterday, December 2, the TMD stated the earthquake in Mindanao, Philippines.…
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Thailand’s embassy in Beijing ramps up efforts to enhance national image
A concerted effort to rejuvenate Thailand‘s image among the Chinese population is being championed by Benjamin Sukanjanajtee, the Charge d’Affaires of the Royal Thai Embassy in Beijing. Benjamin emphasised that the Thai government should also focus on enhancing the quality of Thai products to amplify the nation’s reputation in China. Sukanjanajtee expressed his conviction that despite recent incidents which have…
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Elderly Thais targeted by scammers posing as bank agents
Scammers posing as bank agents targeting elderly Thai citizens have recently swindled multiple victims out of their savings. A 68 year old housewife lost 1.5 million baht (US$44,000) to such a scam after she was led to believe she was eligible for a government financial aid scheme. The fraudsters presented her with two receiving options for the supposed aid: a…
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Overwhelmed businesswoman registers for Thai government’s debt relief scheme
A businesswoman, burdened with an overwhelming debt, registered for an out-of-system debt relief scheme. She owes money to 14 lenders and faces the daily challenge of finding more than 7,000 baht for interest payments at a rate of 20%. This move comes after the government, under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, has been focusing on resolving out-of-system debt issues for citizens…
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Fire destroys textile warehouse, 100 million baht loss
A devastating fire blazed through three textile warehouse facilities in the Kabin Buri district of Prachin Buri province, causing an estimated damage of over 100 million baht. The fire, which lasted for over eight hours, was reported in the early hours yesterday at the S. Chutima textile warehouse facility, located in Lat Takhian subdistrict. The textile warehouse compound, spanning an…
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Massive 14 million methamphetamine pill haul intercepted in Laos
A mammoth haul of over 14 million methamphetamine pills, destined for Thailand, was intercepted in Vientiane with five suspects taken into custody. The monumental seizure was achieved during an operation carried out from November 28 to 30, conducted by the drug suppression police in Laos. Among those apprehended in the methamphetamine crackdown operation were four individuals from Laos and a…
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Tragic death of camping enthusiast in modified vehicle sparks police investigation
A tragic incident unfolded in the town of Buriram, where a camping enthusiast was found dead in his modified vehicle. The 57 year old camping enthusiast, known as Warayuth, was discovered by a friend after he spent the night camping on private land. The cause of death remains unknown and police are investigating. Upon arrival at the scene, police found…
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Tourists injured in ride malfunction at International Silk Festival
Tourists were injured when a giant squid ride at the International Silk Festival malfunctioned, causing a piece to break off and hit the ground. The accident, which occurred during the last ride of the day yesterday, December 1, resulted in three people sustaining injuries. Following the incident, authorities swiftly stepped in, providing immediate medical assistance to the injured and transporting…
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Fatal night-time collision on Uthai Thani road claims teenage life
A tragic collision on a dark road resulted in the death of a 17 year old high school student and injured two others yesterday, December 1. The incident occurred on the Khao Khong Chai-Ban Pa Ao route, in Uthai Thani’s Lan Sak district. The vehicles involved were an E-Tan pickup carrying a full load of rice, a Honda PCX scooter,…
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Thailand ambulance crew narrowly escapes attack by drug-crazed patient
An ambulance crew had a near-death experience when they were attacked by a patient yesterday, December 1. The patient’s relatives had obscured information, not disclosing that the patient was in a drug-induced frenzy. The patient turned violent, using an electric saw to attack the ambulance, with no one coming to the rescue. The driver’s quick thinking allowed the whole team…
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Chevrolet Captiva catches fire on Phaholyothin Highway
A grey Chevrolet Captiva caught fire on the side of Phaholyothin Highway, Highway No.1, Moo 2, Khao Tha Phra, Mueang Chai Nat, at around 7pm yesterday, December 1. The car, registration number KG 1615 Nakhon Sawan, was quickly spotted by local security officials from the Teachers Savings Cooperative of Chai Nat, who immediately rushed to the scene with a fire…
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Popular snack vendor finds 100,000 baht stolen from Chiang Mai home
A popular snack vendor known for her revealing outfit, returned to her Chiang Mai home yesterday, November 30 to find nearly 100,000 baht had been stolen from her safe. The 27 year old vendor, Aranya Abhaiso, also known as Olive Tokyo No Bra, suspects the culprit to be someone close to her and is preparing to file a police report.…
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Thai drug addict leaves 9 year old boy fighting for life in shocking Isaan attack
Police arrested a Thai drug addict after he attacked three victims in the Isaan province of Nakhon Panom on November 29. Among the victims were a nine year old boy who is battling to save his life and another individual who sustained serious injuries. Phonsawan Police Station officers swiftly responded to the incident at Phon Sawang Temple in the Phonsawan…
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Firefighter criticised for unprofessional conduct in fire incident (video)
A rescue worker has come under criticism for demonstrating power and being unprofessional by stepping on and kicking a junior firefighter while responding to a fire. The incident was brought to light when a Twitter user named Red Skull posted a video of the event online. The behaviour, deemed inappropriate, especially in front of locals, sparked widespread online criticism. “So…
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Thai Commerce Ministry plans new year mega sale
The Thai Commerce Ministry has unveiled plans for a new year mega sale, an extensive retail event, to alleviate living costs for the local population. The sale, which is being presented as a new year’s gift to the citizens, is set to take place at Muang Thong Thani from December 20 to December 24. The Commerce Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, reported…
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Thai man punches neighbour to death after conflict over dog waste
A Thai man reportedly punched his neighbour to death on the side of the road in the northern province of Lampang after a dispute over dog waste. The killer claimed he acted in self-defence. Mueang Lampang Police Station officers and a rescue team rushed to the scene on Lampang-Ngao road at 7.45am today, December 1. The deceased, 68 year old…
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Shinawatra greenlights 5.1 billion baht for soft power industries and Songkran
The Soft Power National Development Committee, headed by Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has approved a budget of 5.1 billion baht to boost 11 industries in Thailand, including the Songkran festival. The plan includes a grand Songkran celebration, dubbed the World Water Festival – The Songkran Phenomenon, to draw international tourists to Thailand. The announcement was made on December 1. The Soft Power…
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Young women ignore safety warnings at Phu Chi Fah, sparking concerns
Two young women risked their lives by crossing a safety line at Phu Chi Fah viewpoint to take photographs, triggering concerns from officials about a potential increase in copycat behaviour. Phu Chi Fah National Park in Thoeng, Chiang Rai, reported the incident occurred at 6.04am on October 26, and issued a public warning on their page. The tourist attraction has…
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Pregnant Burmese woman begs thief to return 240,000 baht’s worth of gold
A pregnant Burmese woman turned to social media to convey her heart-wrenching disappointment and appeal to a thief for the return of gold accessories valued at over 240,000 baht, which were stolen from her. The Burmese victim shared an image of now-empty gold containers along with a video capturing her emotional plea on social media. In the video, she tearfully disclosed…
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Thai dancer reports ex-partner for physical abuse and animal cruelty
Doing Good Foundation founder Dr Panadda Wongphudee and Dr Darunee Sutthipithak, known as Pecky Sritanya, yesterday, accompanied a 32 year old dancer who suffered physical abuse, to Bang Khen Police Station. The dancer, Pattiporn (surname withheld), reported to Deputy Investigation Officer Rattichai Piyawet that her former boyfriend, 33 year old Prakasit from Nan province, had subjected her to physical abuse,…
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Chon Buri: Four Cambodian men posing as fake monks apprehended in Si Racha
Four Cambodian individuals posing as fake monks were apprehended by immigration police on a mountain near a community in the Si Racha district, Chon Buri. They were disguised as fake Buddhist monks in yellow robes, residing in makeshift shelters. The operation was carried out this morning, December 1, following residents’ grievances about several Cambodian nationals masquerading as monks and asking…
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Thai man jailed for up to 10 years for illegally selling tiger carcasses
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) and related departments arrested a Thai man for running an online shop illegally selling tiger carcasses and other protected animals. This comes in the wake of the arrest of two individuals in January this year for selling tiger carcasses online. The case was connected to another suspect managing a Facebook…
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NACC scandal: Former Deputy Secretary-General’s shocking assets cover-up lands him in Supreme Court snare
The Supreme Court delivered a decisive blow to Prayat Puangjumpa, the former deputy secretary-general of the National Counter-Corruption Commission (NACC). Prayat’s appeal, aimed at overturning a false asset declaration conviction, was mercilessly rejected, resulting in a suspended jail sentence and a hefty fine. The Supreme Court, in a plenary meeting, upheld the previous court’s ruling, affirming a four-month suspended jail…
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Political prognosis: Advisor probes Thaksin Shinawatra’s health and cell
The health status and incarceration conditions of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra have come under the scrutiny of Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, an advisor to the Parliament Committee on Budgeting Study and Budget Administration Follow-up. Somchai is pressing the government to shed light on Thaksin’s situation, 100 days after his transfer to the Police General Hospital following chest pain, hypertension, and low…
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Thai Prime Minister to review proposed energy tariff increase
Srettha Thavisin, the Thai Prime Minister, is set to convene a meeting with the relevant bodies following the revelation that the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) intends to surge the energy tariff from 3.99 baht per unit to 4.68 baht per unit from January to April next year. This proposed increase has stirred renewed demands for a revamp of the nation’s…
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Thai Ministry of Interior launches online registration for debt assistance
The Ministry of Interior has initiated a programme to assist citizens struggling with off-system debt, inviting them to enrol either online or in-person from today, December 1, until February 24 next year. This scheme is part of the government’s efforts to alleviate the impact of high-interest-rate debts on the populace. For online registration, individuals can visit the website https://debt.dopa.go.th. The…
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