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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 8 Atelier Residence is poised for growth: Phuket’s investment hotspot in the making
Phuket’s residential real estate market is no longer defined only by beachfront villas and short-stay resort condominiums. The island is now seeing sustained interest from international investors targeting long-term yields, capital stability, and access to full-scale lifestyle infrastructure. Looking at...
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Thai cyber police bust child porn ring with over 15,000 members
Cyber police widened their investigation following the arrest of the administrator of a secret group selling child pornography clips, with over 15,000 members and a membership fee of 100 to 200 baht. The arrest comes after the suspect was apprehended on drug charges today, January 18. The operation was led by Police Colonel Chusak Khanadnit and Police Lieutenant Colonel Runglerd…
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Thai man arrested for stealing 3.4 million baht from 97 year old woman
Police arrested a light-fingered Thai man for stealing 3.4 million baht from a 97 year old Thai woman by transferring money to his bank account 127 times using a mobile banking application. A community leader, Jadesada Cha-onchom, accompanied the 97 year old victim, identified only as A, to file a complaint against the alleged 24 year old thief, Thanaphat Jaipeng,…
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Thai horror breaks new ground: The Cursed Land unleashes chilling Islamic spirits
Thai horror films have long captivated audiences with their spine-chilling tales rooted in local ghosts and mythology but The Cursed Land, a Thai-Malay language horror film, is being recognised at the International Film Festival Rotterdam for challenging preconceived notions and introducing audiences to a realm of demonic entities and Thai Muslim identity. The Cursed Land, directed by Panu Aree and co-directed…
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Drowsy driver crashes pickup into Ayutthaya eatery, residents in shock
A pickup truck crashed into a local eatery in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya causing shock and turmoil among the residents. The driver, a 30 year old woman, reported falling asleep at the wheel during her journey home. The event did not result in severe injuries or fatalities, thanks largely to the vehicle’s fortunate miss of an electricity pole. At around…
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Bogus bucks: 2 Thai men nabbed for selling fake US dollar bills, 1 suspect still at large
Crime Suppression Division (CSD) officers arrested two Thai men for selling fake US dollar bills at a petrol station in the Isaan province of Buriram. Another suspect successfully evaded arrest and remains at large. Police in Buriram province received several reports about the use of counterfeit US dollar banknotes and discovered that most of the fake bills allegedly came from…
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Phuket man fatally stabbed in family feud over neighbourhood disputes
A dispute between a man and his brother-in-law culminated in a fatal stabbing that left one dead and another injured in Phuket. The argument took place within their neighbouring homes, where they previously had disagreements due to proximity. The incident was reported to Phuket’s Wichit Police Station around 8.30am, prompting an immediate response. Upon their arrival, local first responders and…
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China’s population plummet, two million decline in a year
China witnessed a massive decline in population last year with a decrease of two million, marking the nation’s second consecutive annual dip, according to government reports. The aftermath of Covid-19 restrictions lifting unleashed a demographic whirlwind, unveiling unforeseen challenges for the once-populous Asian giant. The statistics bureau disclosed that deaths surged by a staggering 690,000, reaching 11.1 million – more…
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Adani eyes Landbridge project for connecting India to Japan and Korea
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin met with the chairman of the Indian company Adani Group during the World Economic Forum (WEF), held in Davos, Switzerland. Adani Group, known for their extensive investments in developing ports and airports, expressed a strong interest in the Landbridge project, aimed at connecting India’s transportation to Japan and Korea, said the Thai PM. “Adani Group’s investment…
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5 kids aged between 8 and 17 arrested for house theft and drug party
Police arrested five kids aged between 8 and 17 for breaking into a house, holding a drug party inside, and stealing valuables in the Isaan province of Udon Thani. The homeowner, 42 year old Wuttinan, filed a complaint with Mueang Udon Thani Police Station officers on January 15 after returning home to find his home had been ransacked and several…
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On Nut-Lat Krabang elevated road construction to resume in March
The halted construction of the On Nut-Lat Krabang elevated road, following a catastrophic collapse five months ago, is set to recommence in March. The plan is currently being revised by the Public Works Department of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). The elevated road, located on Luang Phaeng Road in Lat Krabang district, experienced a tragic collapse of a 600-metre section…
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Thai herbs: Nature’s secret weapon against deadly PM2.5 dust
Whilst Bangkokians battle with the silent killer, the potent PM2.5 air pollution, the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine unveils a game-changing solution to combat the notorious dust particles threatening the health of residents in the capital city. Amidst rising concerns over the long-term health impacts of PM2.5 exposure, Dr Taweesilp Visanuyothin, the face of the Centre for Covid-19…
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Democrat Party’s dwindling popularity prompts talks of new political formation
The Democrat Party is grappling with dwindling popularity as internal disputes have left it in a state of chaos. The party, known for its astute opposition role, recently reviewed the government’s budget bill for 2024 in a parliamentary debate. However, the past few years have seen the party suffer from various setbacks, including the departure of experienced party members and…
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Thailand vows to support Myanmar with humanitarian aid at Davos
Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, declared the nation’s commitment to supporting troubled Myanmar through humanitarian aid during the 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The meeting, which included international representatives, also featured Vice Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow. Parnpree emphasised Thailand’s proactive and innovative efforts to foster peace, stability, and unity in…
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Significant reduction in lead contamination at Thailand’s Klity Creek
The Department of Pollution Control reported a significant reduction in lead contamination within Thailand’s Klity Creek in Kanchanaburi Province. The contamination levels have plummeted from over 100,000 micrograms per kilogramme to 3,000mg/kg, a marked improvement since the pre-rehabilitation era. Chayawee Wangcharoenrung, the director of the Department’s Domestic Wastewater Management Division, stated that Klity Creek is subjected to rigorous scrutiny every…
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Majority of Thailand’s national parks to close for periodical hiatus
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced the seasonal closure of 134 out of 156 national parks, giving tourists and local visitors a heads-up. The annual shutdown, managed by the National Park Office under the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), is a strategic move aimed at steering Thailand towards sustainable environmental management. With closures differing across parks…
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Thailand’s EV sales projected to double by year-end
Thailand is set to witness a significant spark in electric vehicle (EV) sales, potentially doubling the figures by year-end, driven by Chinese manufacturers and approximately US$2.4 billion in government incentives, bolstering consumer demand. Krisda Utamote, Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand President, forecasted that new battery EV registrations might exceed 150,000 by the year’s end in a recent interview in Bangkok.…
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Thailand targets 23.1 million MICE visitors by fiscal 2024
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has set a target to attract a minimum of 23.1 million meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) visitors by fiscal 2024. Through this, they aim to generate a revenue of 136 billion baht, which equates to 75% of the income recorded in 2019. TCEB President Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya noted that the challenge…
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Former Transport Minister Saksayam found guilty in shares concealment case
The Constitutional Court has declared former Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob guilty of concealing his shares and ownership in a construction company that scored numerous projects from his own ministry, with the ruling of a 7-1 vote. According to the court, Saksayam’s ownership of Buricharoen Construction Co Ltd was confirmed, as alleged by 54 opposition MPs. One judge, Wiroon Saengthian, was notably…
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SEC allows securities firms to offer spot Bitcoin ETFs to elite investors
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is in the process of permitting securities firms to offer spot Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) trading to institutional and high net worth (HNW) investors. The information became public when InnovestX Securities, a unit of SCB X Group, announced on its website that it had recently discussed the matter with the SEC and obtained approval…
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Police officer involved in fatal road accident causing female doctor’s death gets 10-year sentence
The Court of Appeals increased the sentence of a police officer who fatally struck a doctor on a Bangkok zebra crossing. Police Lance Corporal Norawit Buadok, riding a red Ducati big bike, crashed into ophthalmologist Waralak Supawat-Jariyakul on January 21, 2022. The tragic incident occurred in front of Bhumirajanagarindra Kidney Institute Hospital on Phya Thai Road. Waralak, flung into the…
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Juvenile violence sparks national police chief’s call for tougher laws
In a bid to curb the alarming rise in violent crimes committed by young offenders, National Police Chief Police General Torsak Sukvimol ordered a comprehensive review of all criminal cases involving youngsters over the past five years. The objective is to assess whether the existing juvenile criminal laws should be revamped to enforce stricter penalties for violent offences, said Pol.…
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VGI’s bold move to dominate BTS Lines
In the fast-paced world of out-of-home (OOH) media, VGI Plc is gearing up for innovative plans for advertising space on Bangkok’s bustling BTS lines. VGI’s CEO, Nelson Leung reveals the plans. “Global media is evolving but targeting the right audience at the right time remains paramount.” With the OOH sector rebounding from pandemic challenges, VGI sets its sights on exploiting…
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Teenager brandishes firearm in public, fears mother poisoning him for insurance
A 19 year old man was taken into custody by Surat Thani City police after he was spotted brandishing a firearm at a busy road intersection. The youth claimed he was scared of his mother, who he believed was trying to poison him to claim life insurance money. The incident occurred at 2.15am today, January 18 at the intersection of…
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Tragic discovery of woman’s body in Pattaya condo
A shocking discovery was made in a condominium in Nong Prue Subdistrict, Pattaya when an unpleasant odour led to the uncovering of a deceased woman’s body. The deceased was identified as 30 year old Romnalin, who hadn’t been seen or heard from for nine days. The discovery was made yesterday, January 17, as reported by Thanakorn Sueatrong, Deputy Inspector of…
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Thailand’s insurance sector sees 4.5% growth, aiming for 1 trillion baht by 2026
The insurance sector in Thailand has seen a robust expansion of 4.5%, with the Office of the Insurance Commission (OIC) projecting insurance premiums to hit the 1 trillion baht (US$28,184,510,000) mark by 2026, a significant leap from the present 800 to 900 billion baht figure. Such an outlook was shared by Chuchatr Pramoolpol, the secretary-general of the OIC. Chuchatr revealed…
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Teen girl found drowned in Pak Pha Ying Canal after distressing messages
The body of a 15 year old girl was discovered drowned in the Pak Phing Canal after a two-day search by authorities. The girl, identified as Neem, had been missing since the evening of January 16. The teenager had previously sent distressing audio and video messages to a friend at 1am on January 16 before her disappearance. Neem, who was…
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Storm warnings for southern provinces as Thailand braces for cold snap
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) warns of storms hitting eight southern provinces with sea waves exceeding 2 metres. Meanwhile, the upper part of the country continues to experience cold weather today. For the next 24 hours, the moderately high-pressure area covering the northeastern part and the South China Sea is weakening, while the westerly wind at the upper level…
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Public Health Ministry to use AI for depression diagnosis
The Public Health Ministry announced plans to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into its online platform to aid in the diagnosis of depression. Revealed yesterday by the permanent secretary for public health, Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, this move is part of a broader effort to boost mental healthcare in the country. The AI system, named the Detection and Monitoring Intelligence Network for…
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Thailand’s central bank bans prepayment charges in new lending regulation
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) has introduced a new responsible lending (RL) regulation that bans charges for debt prepayment and restructuring across all consumer loan products. The regulation, which comes into effect on January 1, impacts various financial institutions such as banks, non-banks, asset management companies, and specialised financial institutions. However, the ban does not apply to fees for mortgage…
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Thailand aims for 40 million tourists and 3.5 trillion baht revenue
The goal of 40 million international tourists and an ambitious revenue target of 3.5 trillion baht (US$ 98,348,390,000), as set by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, remains a tall order for this year, according to the Tourism and Sports Ministry. Still, the ministry plans to attract longer stays and increase spending through a range of measures, including soft power products, safety…
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