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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 Planning to extend your Thai visa? Why health insurance is more important than ever
If you plan to stay longer in Thailand, having health insurance is now more important than ever. Thai immigration often asks for proof of medical coverage when you apply to extend your visa. This applies to many types of visas,...
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District official accused of workplace affair and misconduct
The permanent secretary of the Art Samart District Office in the Isaan province of Roiet has been accused of having a scandalous affair within the workplace and granted special leave days to his alleged lover. On Thursday, July 20, the Facebook page, Watchdog (ปฏิบัติการหมาเฝ้าบ้าน), shared a picture of a Thai woman with text on the top of the picture saying… “Phi…
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ESG Scoring pioneered by Thailand’s GSB for large business loan approvals
In a first for Thailand, the Government Savings Bank (GSB) is revolutionising its loan approval process. Chief executive Vitai Ratanakorn shared that GSB will introduce environmental, social and governance (ESG) scoring when deciding loans for sizeable businesses, requiring a credit limit of 500 million baht or more. This ESG scoring pioneering model aims to incentivise companies to contribute positively to…
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Thailand’s smartphone market holds promise despite economic strain
In these difficult financial times, Thailand’s smartphone market still carries incredible potential for device makers, particularly in high-end models, despite reduced support of handset subsidies by mobile operators, according to Oppo, a leading Chinese smartphone maker. With a market value exceeding 100 billion baht, Thailand’s smartphone market is regarded as a gem within Southeast Asia. The Senior Executive Vice-President at…
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Thai entrepreneur couple found dead in their home, baffling Nakhon Ratchasima community
The dead bodies of a Thai entrepreneur couple, with a gripping rags-to-riches tale, were found on their home turf after having been out of touch for four days. A time-stamped 4pm report confirmed the event unfolded yesterday in the Nakhon Ratchasima district, northern Thailand. The shocking discovery of a Thai entrepreneur couple, aged 48 and 43 years old respectively, came…
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Thailand’s economy eyes rebound in 2023 buoyed by China’s booming influence
A light of hope has started to shine on the future of Thailand’s economy as we look forward to this year, and China’s influence as a significant driving force cannot be ignored, so suggests a leading Thai economist. The said economist, Kirida Bhaopichitr, who honours the position of Director for the Economic Intelligence Service at the Thailand Development Research Institute…
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Food allergy: Thai woman’s severe reaction to buffet lunch prompts food safety warning
After eating at a well-known buffet, a woman suffered severe food allergy reactions. She took to TikTok to recount her ordeal, warning others of the potential risks associated with consuming food from such establishments, and calling for businesses to exercise more caution regarding food safety. The woman posted a video on TikTok. She said… “That this incident won’t happen to…
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Car fire: Luxury vehicle bursts into flames on Bhumibol Bridge, family escapes unharmed
A prestigious factory owner and his family barely escaped when their luxury vehicle spontaneously caught fire on the Bhumibol Bridge. The car fire incident took place while the man was driving his wife and three children home from a shopping centre. The entire car was scorched when the fire took hold, however, incredibly, there were no injuries. An investigator from…
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Thai police net 966 in nationwide operation against illegal firearms
In a month-long nationwide operation spanning from July 1, Thai police have succeeded in apprehending 966 individuals and seizing a notable amount of illegal firearms and ammunition. The operation’s deputy leader, Police General Torsak Sukwimol, delivered an update on the progress on Sunday. As of July 21, officers have sought out 1,658 targets across the country, netting nearly a thousand…
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Bluebottle influx at Phuket’s Layan Beach: officials urge caution
Layan Beach has seen the arrival of Portuguese man-o-war, commonly referred to as ‘bluebottles’, washed ashore by the tide. Beachgoers are urged to observe caution and remain vigilant in light of this current issue. This concern was brought to the public awareness by an avid reader of Phuket News who discovered four to five bluebottles on the shoreline on a…
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Thai court mandates repositioning of wild elephant within 15 days
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) of Thailand is facing a new directive from the Nakhon Si Thammarat Administrative Court. The court ruling mandates the capture and repositioning of a wandering wild elephant known as “Phlai Chao Nga” within a stringent time frame of 15 days. The wandering pachyderm had ventured away from Tai Rom Yen…
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Extended Thai public holidays offer rare six-day break amidst King’s birthday
In the week ahead, residents and visitors in Phuket are encouraged to soak up a rare bounty of public holidays, set across five out of six consecutive days. Starting next Friday (July 28), the nation will unite to celebrate the 71st birthday of the King. Adding to the festive period, two significant Buddhist events, Asarnha Bucha Day and Khao Phansa…
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Bhumjaithai Party proposes bill to safeguard Thai hajj pilgrims stranded abroad
A groundbreaking solution is on the horizon as the Bhumjaithai Party‘s Southern working committee strategises a preventative measure; proposing a bill to safeguard Thai hajj pilgrims from potential misery abroad brought about by issues back home. Astoundingly, above 500 pilgrims hailing from Yala, Thailand found themselves in an unfortunate entanglement, trapped and unsupervised on arrival in Saudi Arabia during the…
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Thai waste segregation campaign saves 127.8 million baht in 5 months
The recent waste segregation campaign aimed at advocating for the proper segregation of household rubbish seems to be reaping rewards in Thailand, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). Aekvarunyoo Amarapala, a spokesperson for the BMA, revealed over the weekend that the last five months saw a considerable decrease in both the amount of garbage making its way to the…
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Pattaya entertainment venues near U-Tapao airport get 24-hour operations approval
In an effort to stimulate the tourism sector, the Thai Cabinet has given the nod to a proposal that promotes round-the-clock operations of Pattaya entertainment venues. However, this permit is specifically allocated to the region around U-Tapao International Airport. The allowance is aimed at servicing transient passengers who wish to enjoy a relaxing drink while awaiting their flight schedules, not…
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Ban Pong police raid pubs for underage drinking and drug violations
A thorough investigation has been instigated by Ratchaburi Provincial Police against five high-ranking officers stationed at Ban Pong police station, in light of a raid at two unauthorised pubs supposed to have allowed entry of teenagers, underage drinking, and drug consumption. The raid, initiated in the small hours of yesterday, resulted in the arrest of Thanawat Wijitcharasakul, aged 30 and…
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India’s rice export halt stirs concerns of 10% surge in Thai rice prices
Potential tremors in the global rice markets may soon be felt in Thailand as India calls a halt on non-basmati white rice exports, according to high-ranking industry insiders. The abrupt decision, communicated by Indian authorities this week, immediately ignited concerns among Thai rice traders and industry power players, with predictions of an imminent 10% surge in local rice prices. The…
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Thai hotel chains unfazed by political uncertainty, anticipate revenue growth
Despite the ongoing political uncertainty, Thailand’s major hotel chains remain optimistic, as long as the situation stays peaceful and avoids any violent unrest. Centara Hotels and Resorts (CHR) and Minor International Plc voiced their confidence in their ability to weather any potential political storms, providing the environment remains stable. Gun Srisompong, the chief financial officer of CHR, stated that any…
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Torrential rain in Rayong causing unavoidable flash floods
In Rayong province, located in Eastern Thailand, the tranquillity was shattered as several hours of torrential rain created havoc, resulting in several homes in the area being flooded. The intense deluge led to an onslaught of water on Road 3191 located in the Nikhom Patthana District. The event, reported as a flash flood, occurred in the wee hours of the morning…
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Thailand’s yearly military reshuffle may be delayed due to coalition government
In light of the formation of an impending coalition government, Thailand’s yearly military reshuffle might be subjected to a delay, as revealed by Prayut Chan-o-cha, who is concurrently serving as the Defence Minister and Prime Minister. His announcement was made on Friday, upon the closure of a Defence Council session. Expressing uncertainty about the timing of the reshuffle, Prayut said…
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Pattaya cannabis shop employee outwits rent scammer
A deception attempt was recently unearthed at a cannabis shop located on the busy street of Pattaya Second Road. A swindler, cowardly hiding behind a mask and the guise of a landlord, tried to trick an innocent shop employee into handing over a sum of 25,730 baht, claiming it to be due for shop rent. The incident came to light…
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Alleged ammunition theft from naval base prompts stern response from Thai Navy
In the face of theft allegations, the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has exerted tactical measures to address the claims linked to a significant disappearance of ammunition from a naval base. The accusations are centred on an officer, who once held the position of chief petty officer second class and was entrusted with the supervision of the arsenal situated at the…
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Phuket’s Nanai Rd undergoes partial closure for resurfacing
Phuket‘s Patong Municipality announced a partial closure of Nanai Rd, starting from today till August 5, for resurfacing amidst the persistent traffic challenges caused by ongoing flood works in Phra Metta Rd. The resurfacing work, expected to span a period of two weeks, prompts the necessity of one-way traffic regulation at separate sections of Nanai Rd. The municipality confirmed this…
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Russian man’s drunken rampage damages multiple cars in Phuket
The tranquillity of Phuket was disturbed as a 26 year old man of Russian nationality, intoxicated and in an aggressive state, carried out a frenzy of destruction, damaging multiple cars in the Wichit district. Local residents alerted the authorities, reporting an aberrant individual committing acts of wilful damage outside a condominium near a department store in Wichit on a Friday…
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Three-way crash on Phuket’s main road leaves one hospitalised
A road mishap involving three vehicles on Phuket‘s principal thoroughfare, Thepkrasattri Rd, ended with one individual hospitalised and two others escaping serious injuries. The unfortunate incident occurred yesterday morning. Reports detailing the accident indicate that the event transpired on Thepkrasattri Rd in Koh Kaew. The repercussions led to one individual being ferried to Thalang Hospital for immediate medical attention. Notification…
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Bangkok police shut illegal beauty clinic attracting foreign clients
In a decisive move against illegal medical practices in Thailand, police have shut down an illicit beauty clinic operating without authorisation in the Ekamai region of Bangkok. The unapproved facility, CCoco Beauty Clinic, was found operating on Thursday and immediately closed based on reports from the Department of Health Service Support. The entity of the clinic was discovered to be…
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Pattaya police crack down on motorbike gang linked to murder case
In a significant crackdown on international crime, Pattaya law enforcement carried out a successful operation against the notorious ‘Outlaws’ motorbike gang. The group has been identified as a major player in criminal activities, with links to the chilling murder case of German businessman Hans Peter Mack. The subsequent operation led by Deputy National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Surachate Hakparn resulted…
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Thai political parties resist joining Pheu Thai-led coalition
The political landscape in Thailand recently witnessed a dramatic event as Bhumjaithai, United Thai Nation, the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), and Chartthaipattana took a united stance against joining a Pheu Thai-led coalition. Their refusal hinged on one critical determinant – the participation of the Move Forward Party (MFP) in the coalition. Bhumjaithai’s leading figure, Anutin Charnvirakul, revealed the party’s solid…
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Stabbing spree at Seoul’s Sillim subway station leaves 1 dead, 3 wounded
South Korea’s capital city of Seoul witnessed a chilling incident of violence near the Sillim subway station. A man in his thirties embarked on a perilous stabbing spree inciting widespread terror. The consequences of the attack were fatal, with one man in his twenties losing his life, and three others sustaining injuries. One among the injured is reported to be…
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Undocumented foreign workers caught in East Thailand: Illegal entry attempt foiled
Police in Chanthaburi, East Thailand, apprehended six undocumented foreign workers attempting to enter the country illegally. This action took place amid a nationwide crackdown in response to a directive by the Ministry of Labour, allowing for the registration of foreign labourers in the country. The apprehended individuals were caught following a high-speed pursuit. Under the command of Superintendent Khemarin Phitsamai…
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Move forward, step back: Thailand’s election winner yields to Pheu Thai Party to form govt
Thailand’s General Election winner, the Move Forward Party (MFP), and its leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, have agreed to step back and make way for the Pheu Thai Party to lead the coalition parties and form a government. The MFP Permanent Secretary, Chaitawat Tulathon, today, July 21, revealed the party’s struggles over the past two months during a press conference. The conservative…
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