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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 Top 10 reasons for expats to get a comprehensive health insurance in Thailand
Moving to Thailand offers a prospect full of excitement and adventure, but in the same vein, if any injuries were to occur (and god forbid it does), the local healthcare system can be confusing at first glance for many expats...
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Taxing choices: Thai Excise Department ponders single rate or weighty decision for cigarettes
Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Excise Department Director-General, announced that the department is deliberating over whether to implement a single tax rate or a weight-based tax for cigarettes. Currently, the tax structure is a two-tier system, with a 25% tax applied to cigarette packs retailing at up to 72 baht (US$2), aimed at reducing the impact on low-income individuals. Packs costing more than…
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Severe weather warning for 18 provinces in Thailand
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a severe weather warning today for 18 provinces spanning the north and south of the country. Heavy rains, strong winds, and hailstorms are expected, posing a potential danger to residents. The department advises people to avoid open areas and weakly constructed buildings. This weather forecast for the next 24 hours predicts another western…
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Rice rivalry: India’s export ban grains optimism for Thai prices
The ongoing ban on white rice exports in India is bolstering the optimism of local shippers that Thai rice prices will remain relatively high during the first half of this year. Chookiat Ophaswongse, the honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, expressed that global market prices are likely to stay around US$600 per tonne, a rate not seen in…
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Thai Prime Minister to woo global giants at World Economic Forum
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to meet with several leading global private companies, confident that these interactions will attract further trade and investment from abroad. These meetings will take place during the World Economic Forum (WEF) of 2024 and are expected to significantly benefit the Thai economy. Chai Watcharong, Prime Minister Office spokesperson, revealed that during the WEF…
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Concerns after two foreign women sunbathe in Chiang Mai temple
A Thai tourist called on the authorities to put up warning signs after spotting two foreign women sunbathing inside Chiang Man Temple in the northern province of Chiang Mai. The Thai tourist who witnessed the foreigners’ action took a picture and sent it to Channel 3 around 1.30pm yesterday, January 14. The picture showed two foreign women in shorts and…
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Hells Angels chief’s wings clipped in Bangkok bust: Fleeing Australia on fake wings
The Thailand Immigration Bureau (IB) swooped to arrest Hells Angels chief Rodrigo Elices who fled Australia on a false passport on charges of drug trafficking, smuggling and firearms at a luxury apartment in Bangkok. Thai officials revealed that Elices entered the country last month using an Italian passport with a suspected false identity. Fingerprints associated with the Italian passport were…
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AI surge anticipated in devices following CES reveals
Tech analysts are anticipating a surge in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) assistants in devices such as PCs and smartphones. This follows several AI-related announcements at the recent Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The new products include AMD’s Ryzen 8000 series of processors, the complete range of Intel’s 14th Gen processors, and a variety of laptops featuring…
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Thailand introduces 90-day visa for foreigners training in Muay Thai
Thailand has introduced a special visa scheme for foreigners visiting the country for Muay Thai training, allowing them to extend their stay from 60 to 90 days. The government set up the National Soft Power Strategy Committee to promote Thailand’s soft power, with Paetongtarn Shinawatra as Vice Chairman of the Board. The committee aims to promote soft power in 11…
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Bangkok residents warned of escalating air pollution, urged to work remotely
The Pollution Control Department (PCD) warned residents of Bangkok to prepare for an escalation in ultra-fine particle pollution in the air, which is anticipated to worsen by Wednesday. As a result of this alert, the PCD has implored individuals residing in the capital to opt for remote working until the situation improves. The intensifying accumulation of PM2.5 pollutants, according to…
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Thai government’s plan to open drug rehab centres in army barracks raises concerns
Civil society groups are expressing apprehension regarding the Thai government’s decision to establish drug rehabilitation centres, known as Rakjai centres, in 52 army barracks across the country. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin highlighted the nation’s drug issues on social media and outlined the government’s plan to utilise military premises for drug rehabilitation programmes. Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang has since been involved…
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PM Srettha to pitch Land Bridge megaproject at WEF
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to entice foreign investors towards the 1 trillion-baht Land Bridge megaproject during the World Economic Forum (WEF) which starts on Monday and concludes on Friday in Davos, Switzerland. PM Srettha will be accompanied by a team of cabinet ministers including Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, the Foreign Affairs Minister, and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, following an invitation…
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Prehistoric animal footprints discovered at Thai waterfall mark country’s oldest find
A groundbreaking discovery of prehistoric animal footprints, estimated to be 225 million years old, has been made at the Tat Yai waterfalls located on the border between Phetchabun’s Nam Nao district and Khon Kaen’s Phu Pha Man district. The revelation came from the Department of Mineral Resources, which stated that a team from the Mineral Resources Office Region 2 (Khon…
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Eerie spectacle in Thai village: Lottery number ritual stirs curiosity
At the Witching Hour, an eerie spectacle unfolded as villagers gathered to perform a lottery number ritual at the shrines of Mae Ya Oros and Mae Phan Phanpilai, the Kuman Thong. Yesterday, January 14, at the Mae Phan Phanpilai and Mae Ya Oros shrines in Kabin Buri district, Prachinburi province, locals sought luck and prosperity by inviting spirits to partake…
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Children’s Day ceremony in Satun turns tragic with rescue vehicle malfunction
Satun witnessed an unfortunate turn of events yesterday, as a Children’s Day ceremony in the Kuan Don Subdistrict took a tragic turn. A rescue vehicle, intended to demonstrate natural disaster operations, malfunctioned during the show, resulting in injuries to 44 children. Local media outlets reported that the incident occurred when a steel sling on the bridge vehicle, used for natural…
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Koh Samui set for tourism boost with influx of cruise liner visits
Surat Thani province’s popular resort island Koh Samui is expecting a significant boost in tourism this year, with 47 cruise liners set to dock and unload around 25,000 international travellers, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). As stated by Kanokkittika Kritwuthikorn, TAT’s director for Koh Samui, the majority of these tourists will be hailing from the United States, Europe,…
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Drunk driving incident leads to major car pileup in Pattaya
Early this morning, a serious car pileup occurred on Jomtien Beach Road in Pattaya, instigated by a Thai woman who, according to police, appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. The chaotic scene unfolded in front of Soi 8 around 2.30am today, with seven cars severely damaged and blocking traffic. The emergency services and local police were promptly dispatched…
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Thailand’s tourism authority to boost Chiang Mai visits with year-round campaigns
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is set to initiate year-round campaigns aimed at elevating tourism in Chiang Mai. The news was delivered by TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, who reported a surge in tourism in the region following the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions. From January to November of last year, Chiang Mai saw around 9.4 million tourists grace its attractions,…
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Thai model Yoko’s mysterious death: Cyanide, a staged scene and unresolved doubts
Yoko, a prominent Thai model, was found dead in her condominium following an argument at a party with her boyfriend. The incident took place on November 1 last year. The autopsy report showed the presence of cyanide in her body, which has led to doubts about the cause of her death. Yoko’s mother expressed her disbelief at the circumstances of her…
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Chinese man faces hefty bill for shattering supermarket escalator glass
A Chinese man, identified as Jue, faced a perilous situation at a supermarket in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China, when the glass railing of an escalator he had just used suddenly shattered. As Jue descended the escalator and lightly touched the glass railing, it violently shook and broke, leaving a large crack as immediate evidence. Jue was left stunned and motionless,…
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Youth gang wreaks havoc in Buriram, Thailand: Teen seriously hurt
A gang of reckless youths caused havoc on the streets of Buriram, Thailand. A 13 year old boy was injured after the group pursued and attacked him amidst moving traffic. The incident was followed by the gang posting a taunt on Facebook, ridiculing their victim. Following the incident last night, police are now urgently hunting down the culprits. Upon arrival…
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Chon Buri forest mystery solved: Charred body on forest tyres identified
The identity of a man whose charred body was found sitting on tyres in a forest has been ascertained. Chon Buri authorities discovered his national identity card in his trouser pocket and have asked for time to investigate the incident. They have also accelerated their efforts to track down the ruthless killer. The body was found in a forest on…
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Small aircraft crash in Chon Buri leaves one dead and another severely injured
Authorities are urgently investigating the cause of a small aircraft crash that resulted in the death of one German-Austrian pilot and the severe injury of another. The accident occurred a mere 20 minutes after takeoff. The small aircraft, an X-AIR or Rotax912 Ultra Light model, crashed in a cow pasture behind a tyre store in Huay Yai, Bang Lamung, Chon…
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Tragic accident post-Children’s Day event claims life of one sister, leaves two unconscious
On a sorrowful Children’s Day, three young sisters were involved in a fatal accident after returning from a late-night event where they had been hoping to win prizes. The incident occurred around 12.30am today when the motorcycle they were riding collided with an electricity pole in Prachin Buri province. The 12 year old older sister, who was driving the motorcycle,…
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Thailand’s Transport Ministry plans to increase airport slots for summer season
A surge in foreign arrivals expected for the summer season has prompted the Transport Ministry to direct the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) to expand the number of available airport slots. These slots, which denote the time-bound authorisation for airlines to take off and land, are set to be increased at key transport hubs, including Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang…
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Thailand’s new 30-baht plus healthcare scheme takes off
Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew expressed satisfaction with the new 30-baht plus healthcare scheme in Thailand, which was launched last Sunday in Roi Et province. The programme, operating under the One Card for All concept, allows members of the universal healthcare card scheme, also known as the gold card scheme, to access medical services from any hospital in Roi Et,…
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Shooting at Ratchaburi power plant leaves three dead
An unexpected shooting incident left three dead and one injured at a power plant in Damnoen Saduak, Ratchaburi today. The victims were identified as Phichet Luamlalai, 55 year old manager of HSR Pro Company, Chanrop Phadee, the 50 year old deputy manager of the same company, and Chakrit Nakpradit, the company’s 52 year old training instructor. The injured party was…
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Unpredictable weather warning for 40 northern Thailand provinces
A forecast from the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning for 40 provinces in northern Thailand of unpredictable weather conditions, including storms and hail, from January 13 to 16, 2024. Bangkok and its surrounding provinces are expected to experience a drop in temperature starting from today. The Director of the TMD, Karnwi Sitthijiphak, announced the fourth weather alert…
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Jehovah’s witness sues hospital over unwanted blood transfusion
A 53 year old Ecuadorian woman living in Spain, a Jehovah’s Witness, sued a hospital after she underwent surgery and was given a blood transfusion without her consent. Rosa Edelmira Pindo Mulla filled out three forms before the surgery in 2018, expressing her religious objection to any blood transfusion, even if her life was at stake. During the operation, however, doctors…
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Thai lithium deposits outmatch global counterparts boosting EV production
A Thai geochemistry specialist recently confirmed that two primary lithium deposits located in Phang Nga hold an elevated concentration of lithium, surpassing many other significant deposits worldwide. This discovery reinforces the Thai government’s ambitious strategy to establish Thailand as a key producer of electric vehicles (EVs) and their components. The lithium sites in this southern province have been identified by…
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Former labour minister seeks legal advice over alleged Thailand-Finland trafficking scandal
Former Labour Minister of Thailand Suchart Chomklin is seeking legal advice following allegations of involvement in a human trafficking and bribery scandal. The case in question pertains to the deployment of Thai workers to Finland for berry picking. Suchart vehemently denied receiving payments or engaging in any human trafficking activities related to this employment scheme. An ongoing investigation into the case…
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