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Thailand news, politics, business, crime, lifestyle, and tourism—stay updated with breaking news and in-depth analysis from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond.
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Sponsored How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
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Thai government: King’s birthday to bring 72,000 rai land allocation
In honour of His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday, the Thai government has earmarked 10 initiatives, one of which includes the allocation of 72,000 rai of military-owned land for public use. These projects were unveiled yesterday during the second meeting of the celebratory committee, presided over by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is the leader of the ruling…
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Police investigation into mysterious death rules out foul play
A police officer’s body was discovered beside a flat in the jurisdiction of the Police Region 5 in Chiang Mai yesterday, sparking an investigation that has ruled out foul play but suggests a tragic personal issue as the cause. The investigation team is set to further interrogate relatives and friends tomorrow, following the incident reported yesterday. A grim discovery was…
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Suspicion clouds Thai political scene with doubts over senatorial election
The air is thick with suspicion in Thailand’s political arena as experts cast doubts on the upcoming senatorial election. Associate Professor Prinya Thaewanarumitkul, a voice from Thammasat University’s Faculty of Law, raised concerns about potential manipulation and delays in the voting results during a panel discussion organised by the Thai Journalists Association. “The Election Commission’s deadline for announcing results on…
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Pregnant Thai woman accuses doctor of sexually assault
A pregnant Thai woman accused a doctor at a clinic in Samut Prakarn province near Bangkok of sexually assaulting her by inappropriately touching her private parts and asking intrusive questions about her sex life. The 25 year old pregnant woman Bee, and her 28 year old husband, turned to non-profit organisation Saimai Survive for help in seeking an explanation and…
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Map Ta Phut fire: Company hero’s selfless act ends in tragic death
A selfless act of bravery by a 36 year old company employee attempting to close a valve on a tank moments before a gasoline explosion has tragically cost him his life. The incident occurred during a fire at the Map Ta Phut Tank Terminal in the town of Map Ta Phut, Rayong province, resulting in one fatality and several injuries.…
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Thai stock market poised for upward surge after rocky start
After a downward trend in the first half of the year, Thailand’s stock market is predicted to come back in the second half, with a 2.7% decline year-to-date making it one of the worst global performers. This potential recovery is anticipated to be driven by a combination of growing fiscal budget disbursement, a weaker baht, and a revival in tourism and…
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Phuket seaplane to take flight by year-end in tourism boost
The holiday island of Phuket is slated to receive a seaplane service by the end of the year, a move steered by the Transport Ministry as an extension of the government’s aviation hub policy. Deputy Transport Minister, Manaporn Charoensri, revealed the development during a workshop yesterday. The aviation hub policy, Manaporn elaborated, was orchestrated by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The…
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Tick-tock blow: Court fines NACC for Prawit watch probe
In a significant blow to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and its office, the Central Administrative Court has levied fines for concealing the results of its probe into former deputy PM Prawit Wongsuwon’s infamous watch collection. Veera Somkwamkid, a prominent political activist, revealed the court’s ruling today, slapping both entities with a fine of 5,000 baht each for non-compliance. Moreover,…
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Chon Buri road accident leaves two critically injured
A harrowing collision between a motorcycle and a pickup truck earlier today in Chon Buri resulted in two critically injured individuals, one of whom is in severe condition. The accident, captured by CCTV footage, occurred when the pickup truck driver suddenly opened the door, causing the oncoming motorcyclist, unable to stop in time, to crash into it with full force.…
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Man with cannabis on AirAsia flight arrested at Sri Lanka Airport
A 32 year old club dancer’s audacious attempt to smuggle a staggering 500 million Sri Lankan Rupees (approximately 61 million baht) worth of cannabis into Sri Lanka was thwarted by vigilant officers at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). The culprit, whose identity remains undisclosed, fell into the hands of the Police Narcotics Division following a meticulous investigation. Inside his luggage,…
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Sandal scandal: Guard foils thief’s walk-out, no croc-ing about
A security guard thwarted a Lacoste sandal thief at a shopping mall in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok after she attempted a brazen walk-out after trying on the shoes and even asked the guard to pay for her stolen goods. Lacoste store staff, in the Bangyai neighbourhood, reported the incident to Bangyai Police Station yesterday, May 8 and urged officers to…
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Thailand’s silver screen success with ‘Mother of the Bride’ in Phuket
Thailand’s tropical gem, Phuket, steals the spotlight in the upcoming Netflix rom-com Mother of the Bride, set against the stunning backdrop of Anantara Layan Phuket Resort and Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas. Directed by Mark Waters and featuring Hollywood heavyweights including Brooke Shields, Miranda Cosgrove, and Benjamin Bratt, this film not only showcases Thailand’s natural beauty but also cements its…
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Cebu Pacific launches direct flights to Don Mueang Airport
Cebu Pacific will soar between Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) three times a week, whisking eager travellers away on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, starting July 16. This latest addition boosts Cebu Pacific’s Manila-Bangkok flights to a whopping 17 times weekly, making it easier than ever to experience the magic of Thailand.…
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Phuket authorities to tackle pollution for tourism and ecosystem
In a bid to protect the local environment and maintain the tourist appeal of Phuket, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) Police General Patcharawat Wongsuwan urged local authorities to take firm action against pollution. The concern comes amid an increasing accumulation of fishing net waste and monsoon debris in Phuket and its adjacent marine areas,…
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Thailand’s biometric scheme for Myanmar nationals
Thailand’s latest move has sent shockwaves through the region as the government unveils a plan to gather biometric data from Myanmar nationals. But behind the guise of healthcare efficiency lies a shadow of suspicion and fear. To streamline healthcare for its transient population, Thailand has launched a controversial programme, gathering iris and face biometrics from Myanmar nationals. But as concerns…
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Commerce Minister aims to boost Thai-Japan trade
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Phumtham Wechayachai, embarked on an international mission to amplify Thailand’s soft power and enhance Thai-Japan trade. This trip, scheduled for May 11-12, will take the Minister to Tokyo, Japan, where he will participate in the 24th Thai Festival Tokyo event. Wittaya Maneenet, the Ministry of Commerce spokesperson, clarified that the purpose of the…
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Ex-narcotics chief’s video tantrum on evading arrest causes uproar
A video has surfaced, causing a massive uproar as Police Lieutenant General Rewat Klinkesorn, the former head of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, was shown advising a teacher on how to have his students attack comedian Udom Taepanich, without leaving evidence that could lead to police arrest. The clip has sparked a debate about the ethics of such actions and the…
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Military’s risky rice plan revealed
Thailand’s Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang unveiled a bold plan regarding the nation’s rice surplus, promising to purchase rice stored under a contentious scheme. Responding to the alleged disclosure by Deputy PM and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, Sutin confirms that a portion of the 15,000-tonne rice stockpile could be destined for the bellies of military personnel. Sutin addressed concerns about oversupply.…
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Thailand’s seaplane tourism venture set for December
Deputy Minister of Transport Manaporn Charoensri paved the way for Thailand’s first seaplane tourism venture yesterday in Phuket, by inaugurating a three-day workshop titled First Seaplane Operations Toward Thailand’s Aviation Hub. Manaporn asserted that the initiative was in line with Prime Minister Settha Thavisin’s policies focused on revitalising the national economy, enhancing air transportation efficiency, and positioning Thailand as a…
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Did violent tunes hint at Thai heiress’s grim fate?
A fresh discovery has been made on the murder of Thai heiress Kamonnan Thiamphanit, known as Angela, as haunting echoes of violent tunes reverberated through the luxurious halls of her Hyde Park mansion. In the heart of London’s opulent Hyde Park, tragedy struck when 27 year old Angela was found brutally murdered in her lavish £4 million (approximately 184 million…
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Expats in fury: UK pension policies spark election rebellion
As the UK gears up for a pivotal General Election, British expats in Thailand are raising a storm over frozen pensions and government neglect. In Thailand, British expats like Kevin Hoye and Anthony Peters are feeling the heat of political discontent. Hoye, a former Tory loyalist, finds himself disillusioned by frozen pension policies, while Peters, hailing from the sunny shores…
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Comedian seeks justice after drunk driver blames him for accident
A Thai comedian is fighting for justice after a drunk driver allegedly blamed him for causing a car accident on the Ratchaphruek Road in Bangkok on March 21. The intoxicated woman allegedly tried to evade charges with help from a former senior soldier. The comedian, 43 year old Prasert Prasertsunthon, known by his stage name Tummeng Terd Terng, recounted the…
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Jurassic World 4 to film in UK, Thailand, and Malta (video)
A fresh scoop from industry insiders has unleashed details about the highly anticipated Jurassic World 4, revealing filming locations including the UK, Thailand and Malta. The franchise director, Gareth Edwards is set to take audiences across the globe through his cinematic lens to London, the exotic locales of Thailand and the picturesque landscapes of Malta. “We’re thrilled to bring the…
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Former Thai police officer arrested in murders of 2 men 9 years ago
Special Service Division (SSD) officers yesterday arrested a former police officer at his home in the southern province of Narathiwat in connection with the murders of two Thai men nine years ago in 2015. The SSD officers, also known as Commando Police, apprehended the 39 year old former Police Sergeant Komkrit at his home in the Cho-airong district of Narathiwat…
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Shock delay: Phuket’s electrifying free bus service hits a roadblock
The eagerly awaited launch of Phuket’s electrifying free bus service has been put on hold until May 17, as revealed by the local business consortium, Phuket City Development Co Ltd (PKCD). This unexpected detour stems from licensing procedures that have hit a few bumps in the road, causing the delay. PKCD, in conjunction with the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation, expressed…
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Sexcapades scam: Bangkok conman caught with pants down
A notorious Bangkok conman operating within the sex industry, known by the alias “Meen Rama 3” has been apprehended in a sting operation orchestrated by the Bangkok Metropolitan Police. The 33 year old man, Kittikorn, was arrested for posing as a modelling agent to deceive and assault more than 50 young sex workers, as well as for robbing them of…
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Thief in lion’s clothing: Dance troupe man nabbed
A 37 year old man associated with a lion dance troupe was apprehended for a string of thefts targeting drunk individuals and the homeless sleeping in public areas. A 37 year old man was arrested following a police operation in Bangkok’s Thonburi district after being under investigation for mobile phone and cash thefts, which he admitted to committing to finance…
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Viral sensation meets silver screen at Planet of the Apes premiere
The Thai girl photographed aiming an air gun at a monkey in a viral, award-winning picture, was guest of honour at the gala premiere of the Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes movie at Siam Paragon mall in Bangkok yesterday. She shared her experiences of living with troops of monkeys in the central province of Lopburi. ” Back in…
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High stakes: Thai PM leads talks on weed reclassification
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin spearheaded a meeting yesterday to discuss the country’s narcotics issues and the potential reclassification of cannabis as a type 5 narcotic drug. The conference saw the involvement of key officials such as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, the newly appointed Minister of Public Health Somsak Thepsuthin and the Minister of Justice,…
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Phuket governor and British ambassador discuss tourist safety
Sophon Suwannarat, the Governor of Phuket, hosted Mark Gooding, the British Ambassador to Thailand, in a meeting on May 7, focusing on the safety of tourists. The meeting, which took place at the Phuket Provincial Hall, aimed to foster relations between Phuket and the British Government. Governor Sophon emphasised the importance of ensuring the safety of tourists, particularly by reducing…
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