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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 Why long-term expats in Thailand say insurance is worth every baht
Thailand’s warm weather, low cost of living, and good healthcare attract many long-term expats, including retirees and remote workers. Life here feels easy and affordable, but medical costs can be high if something goes wrong. Private hospitals are popular because...
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Malaysian garage owner uses forklift on cars blocking his shop (video)
A Malaysian garage owner took a stand against inconsiderate drivers who persistently parked their vehicles, blocking his property, leading to a viral sensation. Fed up with the obstruction caused by visitors during the Thaipusam festival, he resorted to using a forklift to move the offending vehicles. During the approach to the Thaipusam festival, a surge in visitors to the Batu…
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Groom honours late bride in solo Malaysian wedding ceremony (video)
In a poignant ceremony that has resonated across social media, a groom proceeded with his wedding despite the absence of his bride, who had tragically passed away from lymphoma shortly before the event. The groom, identified as Daniel, had originally married his partner, Nofar, in Japan during the Covid-19 pandemic, with plans to hold a traditional ceremony in her native…
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Breakthrough in Chanthaburi murder case as key suspect detained
The arrest of a key suspect known only as Ja Pui marked a significant breakthrough in the murder investigation of 77 year old Panithi Kosalanun, whose body was found in a fruit orchard pond about 100 metres from her home in the Markham district of Chanthaburi province. Following intense questioning, a 40 year old man, Krit, confessed to the crime…
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Thai woman saved after drunk boyfriend lets friend rape her (video)
Police intervened after a report of a drunk Thai man allegedly allowing his friend to rape his girlfriend in a rented room in the eastern province of Trat. The two men denied the allegation. Officers from the Trat Provincial Police received an attempted rape report at 2am today, January 25, and visited the incident scene in Soi Tashare in the Mueang…
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Pattaya authorities bust illegal marijuana operation, four arrested
The tranquil coastal city of Pattaya was the scene of a significant law enforcement operation yesterday when Banglamung district officials, public health experts, and local police descended on an unauthorised marijuana operation. The collaboration resulted in the apprehension of four individuals and the confiscation of numerous cannabis products. The identities of these individuals remain undisclosed. The accused, now under arrest,…
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Pita Limjaroenrat’s triumphant return to Parliament after iTV shareholding court case
In a sensational comeback, former Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat reclaimed his spot in the Parliament today, delivering a scathing critique of the government’s 500-billion-baht digital wallet scheme. The prime ministerial candidate, now leading the opposition, spared no words as he labelled the scheme a potential long-term burden for the country. “I miss the Parliament atmosphere.” Having successfully…
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Thai gold prices plummet, buyers encouraged to act
The Thai Gold Traders Association (GTA) disclosed a significant drop in gold prices, prompting those interested in purchasing to act quickly. The price of gold ornaments tumbled by 150 baht, comparing the closing price on January 24, which stood at 34,650 baht per baht-weight. Today the latest figures from the association’s website, reported at 9.06am, show a marked decrease in…
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From Thai cave hero to Aussie royalty: Dr Richard Harris set to become next Lieutenant Governor
The doctor who played a pivotal role in the Thai cave rescue in Chiang Rai is now destined to become South Australia‘s next Lieutenant Governor. Dr Harris, hailed as the linchpin of the rescue mission in 2018, undertook vital medical assessments and provided crucial advice on the safest extraction methods for 12 trapped children, aged between 11 and 16, and…
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YouTubers Jung and Cullen grapple with overzealous fans in Thailand
Two popular YouTubers, Jung and Cullen, have become the darlings of Thailand, capturing the hearts of the nation with their endearing content and love for Thai culture. However, their rise to fame has not been without its challenges. The duo has recently found themselves at the centre of a controversy that raises questions about the boundaries between public figures and their…
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Long-awaited arrest of Ufun pyramid scheme executive’s wife in Si Sa Ket
The long arm of the law finally reached Ratthakitbovorn, the wife of a Ufun online pyramid scheme executive, in Sisaket, nearly a decade after she disappeared. She was apprehended on Thursday, in front of a house in the Muang district of this northeastern province, by officers from the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD). The Ufun scheme swindled around 14,700 people…
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Pathum Thani police close in on teen gang after knife attack
In a swift response to a brutal attack by a gang of youths in Pathum Thani, local police are intensifying their efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects. The incident involved a group of eight to nine teenagers forcing a young man to stop his motorcycle and subsequently attacking him with a knife, causing severe injuries. The police have reassured the…
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Homeless Thai man stabs woman over dispute 15 years ago (video)
Bangkok police officers arrested a 74 year old Thai homeless man who stabbed a woman over a dispute they had some 15 years ago. The victim, Phanee Saetae, was admitted to a hospital in the Bang Kae neighbourhood of Bangkok at about 7am on January 21 with cut and stab wounds across her body. Phanee is in stable condition but…
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Paws and ponder: Annual military dog auction raises tails in northern Thailand
Curiosity piques as the Department of Military Animals at the Army Canine Centre in Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima unveils its annual spectacle, the military dog auction. Dog lovers and curious minds are in for a treat as we unravel why these heroic canines end up on the auction block. Contrary to popular belief, these military dogs aren’t rejected. Instead, they…
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Cyber Police dismantle Phitsanulok fake officer scam costing victim 90,000 baht
The Cyber Police recently busted an online fraud ring for impersonating police officers from Phitsanulok and scamming nearly 90,000 baht from a victim by claiming their bank account was involved in a money laundering case. The arrest of 27 year old Worapong was made today, following an investigation by high-ranking officers from the Special Investigation Division. The scam began with…
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Elon Musk warns Chinese automakers set to drive global rivals off the road
Tesla CEO Elon Musk issued a stark warning, predicting that Chinese automakers will demolish global competition if trade barriers are not enforced. This statement highlights the intense pressure the leading American electric vehicle (EV) company faces from Chinese rivals such as Build Your Dreams (BYD), which are rapidly expanding their global presence. Musk’s warning follows recent developments where BYD, supported…
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Billion-baht pyramid scam suspect nabbed after years on the run
Law enforcement officials apprehended a key figure in a multibillion-baht pyramid scheme after more than a decade on the run. The wife of the owner of Ufun Store, accused of orchestrating a fraudulent chain-share operation that deceived thousands of people, was arrested in Sri Sa Ket province. The criminal operation, which has caused financial damages amounting to billions of baht,…
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Thailand’s retail sector expects double-digit growth driven by private consumption and online retail
Anticipating a robust year ahead, Thailand’s retail sector is poised for a double-digit expansion. The growth is primarily spurred by a surge in private consumption and the government’s stimulus measures, such as the Easy E-Receipt tax refund scheme and a boom in online retail. However, the rising cost of living is a cause for concern, as stated by the Economic…
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Pattaya’s traffic nightmare: Deputy mayor tackles commute delays
In a bid to combat the chaos caused by the never-ending construction along Sukhumvit Road, Pattaya, Deputy Mayor Manot Nongyai took matters into his own hands, leading a team on a mission to bring relief to frustrated commuters. Accompanied by reps from the contracted company, Pattaya police, and Engineering Office staff, the Deputy Mayor rolled up his sleeves and descended…
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Astrological shift promises wealth and stress relief for zodiac signs
Mercury’s auspicious orbital shift this month has sparked excitement among astrology enthusiasts, with forecasts promising substantial financial gains and stress relief for several zodiac signs. The celestial movement is said to herald a period of prosperity and positive transformation, as detailed by the popular astrologer known as Achan White, who has recently revealed what the stars hold for each of…
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Thailand to launch green investment trusts for forestry initiatives
Thai regulatory bodies are paving the way for the establishment of investment trusts dedicated to forestry and tree-planting initiatives. These new financial products, dubbed green investment trusts, are part of an effort to diversify the capital markets and provide financial support to sectors that align with carbon neutrality goals. Pornanong Budsaratragoon, the secretary-general of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC),…
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Phetchabun taskforce dismantles illegal resorts in forest reserve
Authorities in Phetchabun province acted swiftly on a tip-off regarding encroachment upon the Khao Polklon Forest Reserve. In a coordinated operation, the Tiger Forestry Taskforce, along with other units, detained five individuals linked to luxury resorts and a café constructed illegally in the Khao Kho area. The mission underscored the government’s commitment to preserving national forest reserves and highlighted the…
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Thai women in cross-cultural marriages unite to tackle the challenge of widowhood
For Thai women residing in Germany, the abrupt demise of a German spouse plunges them into a bewildering maze, especially when language differences compound the already overwhelming grief of widowhood. The Thai Women Network in Europe (TWNE) recently took the initiative to address this dire situation, organising a two-day event in Hua Hin. Chongcharoen Sornkaew Grimsmann, former president of TWNE,…
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Prince Mahidol award 2023 goes to two American scientists
Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn yesterday awarded the Prince Mahidol Award for 2023 to two American scientists, Professor Dr Napoleone Ferrara, a medical researcher, and Professor Dr Barry H Rumack, a public health expert. The award is a global recognition of their scientific contributions that have significantly advanced medical treatments. The ceremony took place at the Chakri Maha…
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Thai man arrested for attempting to rape 74 year old distant relative
Locals rescued a 74 year old Thai woman after her 42 year old distant relative attempted to rape her in the Satuek district in the Isaan province of Buriram. The 74 year old victim, Mongpramoon, filed a complaint with Satuek Police Station officers that her distant relative, Uthen Jampanuan, stole 400 baht and tried to rape her yesterday morning, January…
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Jive at Dong Tan: Beach-turned-bazaar sparks excitement in Jomtien
Dong Tan Beach has turned into a night bazaar, buzzing with commerce, stirring both excitement and disarray among local businesses in Jomtien. The once tranquil beach now hosts a nightly spectacle, drawing sellers and buyers alike, transforming this coastal haven into the vibrant Dong Tan Night Market. The market’s meteoric rise in popularity has, however, birthed a set of challenges.…
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MFP supports Pheu Thai’s two charter amendments referendums
The Move Forward Party (MFP) backs Pheu Thai‘s proposal for two referendums on charter amendments, promising to reshape Thailand‘s political landscape. Parit Wacharasindhu, an MFP list-MP and the party’s spokesperson, declared on Tuesday, January 23, the MFP’s full-throated endorsement of Pheu Thai’s deputy leader, Chusak Sirinil’s, proposition for just two referendums, stating that it’s a cost-effective and time-efficient approach. Not…
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Bangkok bus passengers and soldiers unite to save ailing boy
A spontaneous act of kindness unfolded this morning when a mother and her son, who suffers from an autoimmune disorder, were travelling by bus to Ratchawithi Hospital. The son experienced a seizure on air-conditioned bus number 168 along Rama IX Road at 9.30am. The driver, Anirut Wanwang, and the bus conductor, Nopparat Thanapetchpiboon, along with other passengers, sprang into action…
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AirAsia X expansion sparks unprecedented growth
AirAsia X soared to new heights, carrying a staggering 890,289 passengers in the fourth quarter of 2023, experiencing a 2.6-fold increase year-on-year. Passenger Load Factor (PLF) has risen to 82%, a remarkable three-percentage-point surge. The surge comes on the heels of an impressive 2.5-fold increase in seat capacity, making it a clear winner in the aviation race. During the quarter…
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Thai police officer kills boyfriend of his friend’s daughter in Bangkok
A Sutthisan Police Station officer shot dead the boyfriend of his friend’s daughter outside the victim’s house in Huay Kwang district of Bangkok last night. The officer’s disapproval of the relationship was cited as the motive behind the tragic incident The death of the 25 year old Thai man, Thitiwat Auayklang, was reported to Huay Kwang Police Station at 7pm,…
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Tourism minister presents six proposals to boost ASEAN relations
The Minister of Tourism and Sports received the Cabinet‘s approval for six proposals set to revolutionise ASEAN tourism. The Cabinet’s green light paves the way for Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol to champion regional partnerships at the 27th Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers in Vientiane, Laos. In an exclusive statement on January 23, Minister Sudawan disclosed the approved documents, each designed to…
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