News
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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Each year, many expats living in Thailand see their health insurance premiums go up and often without a clear reason. This can be frustrating, especially when you're trying to plan your budget. But by understanding why prices rise and learning...
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Village fund fraud suspect arrested for 8 million baht scam
Today, August 19, police from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) launched the Village Fund Zero Fraud operation, arresting a suspect accused of defrauding a village fund of nearly 8 million baht. The suspect, 57 year old Jiranat or Noi from Nakhon Pathom, was apprehended under a warrant issued by the Criminal Court on August 16. He faces charges of fraud,…
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Thai army asserts Baan Nong Chan is within Thai territory
The Royal Thai Army asserts that Baan Nong Chan, situated near the Thai-Cambodia border in Sa Kaeo province, is within Thai territory, countering claims by Cambodian officials and residents. In response to Cambodian complaints regarding the army’s installation of barbed-wire fences near Ban Nong Chan in Khok Sung district, Royal Thai Army spokesman, Major General Winthai Suvaree, clarified yesterday, August…
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Ancient cave unearthed in northern Thailand jungle
Thailand’s archaeological map has just grown richer after forest rangers stumbled upon a mysterious cave in the remote wilds of Phitsanulok province. The three-day patrol, carried out from Thursday, August 14, to Saturday, August 16, in the Khwae Noi forest watershed, was initially intended to monitor wildlife in the Phu Khat Wild Animal Protection Area. But instead of just tracking…
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Illegal cosmetics factory in Chachoengsao shut down
A clandestine cosmetics manufacturing factory in Bang Pakong district, Chachoengsao province, was dismantled after police discovered unlicensed production activities. Approximately 234,699 items worth over 20 million baht were seized, allegedly intended for export. Today, August 19, Police Major General Pattanasak Bubpasuwan, the chief of the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD), directed Police Colonel Weeraphong Klaihong and Police Lieutenant Colonel Anusara…
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Father urges army to uncover real motive behind soldier’s fatal rampage
The father of a Thai soldier who shot two civilians before taking his own life in Surin province dismissed an emotional breakdown as the motive for the shooting and urged the Royal Thai Army (RTA) to conduct a further investigation. Private Ratthapoom Thepsiri was found dead in a forest in Kap Choeng district on August 15, after he shot two men…
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Thailand video news | Fatal Pattaya Crash, ‘TouristDigiPay’ crypto-to-baht pilot initiative to boost tourism spending
In Thailand video news, Alex reports on a range of stories from across the country. Highlights include an investigation into Jay Fai’s crab omelette pricing, a fatal motorbike stunt in Pattaya, and a Dutch-Thai couple’s escape from border clashes. Other stories cover public outrage over a tourist assault in Patong, the arrest of an Australian drug smuggler, and a crypto-to-baht…
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Thailand launches world-first crypto tourist pay scheme
Thailand has thrown open the doors to a digital revolution in tourism, unveiling the world’s first system allowing foreign visitors to convert cryptocurrency into Thai baht for everyday purchases—from pad thai stalls to 7-Eleven counters. The pilot project, called TouristDigiPay, launched yesterday, August 18, under the watch of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira. Unlike crypto-payment models abroad,…
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Pheu Thai backs Paetongtarn amid court ruling on leaked audio
Yesterday, August 18, the Pheu Thai Party expressed unwavering support for the suspended Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, ahead of the Constitutional Court’s decision concerning a leaked audio clip. The party also dismissed the likelihood of the Bhumjaithai Party rejoining the coalition, even if there were changes in leadership. Visuth Chainaroon, a Pheu Thai list-MP and chief government whip, stated that…
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Judicial misconduct cases addressed by Supreme Court in Thailand
On August 18, a meeting of the Committee of Judicial Affairs was held at Ratchaburi Direkrit Room, Justice Court Building on Ratchadamnoen Road. Presided over by Supreme Court President Chanakarn Theeravejpolkul, the committee addressed several significant judicial misconduct cases. The committee reviewed a report on a judicial official accused of violating ethical standards by filing an unjustified lawsuit against a…
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Bangkok tops global Gen Z city list
Move over New York and London—Bangkok just stole the spotlight as the ultimate Gen Z city in the world. The Thai capital has clinched the- top spot in Time Out’s 2025 global ranking of the Best Cities for Gen Z, leaving some of the world’s most iconic destinations trailing in its wake. The survey gathered insights from over 18,500 locals…
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Chao Phraya River residents warned of potential flooding risk
The Royal Irrigation Department has issued a warning to residents in low-lying areas along the Chao Phraya River, advising them to prepare for potential flooding on August 21. Increased water discharge from the Chao Phraya Dam is expected due to recent heavy rainfall. The Royal Irrigation Department’s alert anticipates water discharge from the Chao Phraya Dam to increase to 1,200-1,500…
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Temple abbot denies resignation amid donation scrutiny
At 4pm yesterday, August 18, Somporn Somakheng, the temple’s caretaker, visited Phra Ratchawisutthiprachanat, also known as Luang Por Alongkot, the abbot of Wat Phra Baht Nam Phu in Lop Buri province. This visit followed widespread rumours that the abbot had submitted his resignation amidst scrutiny over donation management at the temple. The abbot, however, clarified through a video sent to…
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Trang resident encounters king cobra in home, rescue captures snake
A 74 year old resident of Trang province was startled when a large snake entered her home and sought refuge under a wardrobe. The snake, identified as a deadly king cobra, was eventually captured by rescue workers. The incident occurred on August 18, when Phinyo, the homeowner, discovered the reptile in her house in Mueang district. Despite her previous experience…
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SAO wins transparency award despite collapsed building scandal
The State Audit Office (SAO) won first place as the most transparent and integrous government department in Thailand, but the public expressed disagreement, citing allegations of corruption linked to the collapse of the under-construction headquarters in March. The Office of Integrity and Transparency Assessment (ITA), under the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), announced the results of its annual evaluation of government…
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Lampang motorcycle thief caught with screwdriver method in Samut Prakan
Police have apprehended a 39 year old man from Lampang, known for stealing motorcycles with only a screwdriver, throughout the city. He confessed after being arrested at a restaurant parking lot in Thepharak subdistrict, Mueang district, Samut Prakan province, today, August 19. The arrest was led by Police Colonel Narupon Karuna, along with Police Major Patiphan Pensuk and Police Captain…
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Cockfighting champ: Korat rooster sold for 6.5 million baht
A record-breaking cockfight has rocked Thailand’s underground scene after a champion rooster, fresh off a multimillion-baht victory, was sold for a staggering 6.5 million baht. The feathered fighter, Fakhamram, earned his reputation on Sunday, August 17, after defeating rival bird Jao Kaotao in a high-profile showdown at the Kaew Khok Krot cockfighting stadium in Nakhon Ratchasima province. The prize pot?…
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Massive drug haul found floating in Samut Songkhram canal
Police in Samut Songkhram province were alerted by locals to a large cache of crystal methamphetamine, nearly 100 kilogrammes, found floating in a canal. The discovery has prompted an extensive investigation into the drug network involved. On August 18, Police Lieutenant Chananthip Ongkhlueab, Deputy Inspector at Mueang Samut Songkhram Police Station, received a report of narcotics in the Lampradong canal…
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Drunken blunder: Pattaya waitress’s bike stolen outside bar
A bar waitress in Pattaya lost more than just her buzz after a staff birthday party—she lost her motorbike too. At around 5.06am yesterday, August 18, 25 year old Sumitra Saengarun reported that her black GPX motorcycle had been stolen from outside the Red Cat Bar on Pattaya Beach Road, just metres from Pattaya City Police Station. Sumitra, who works…
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Man arrested after gold theft attempt at Lotus Mall in Tak
A 28 year old man was apprehended after attempting to steal gold from Wang Tokang Gold Shop in Tak Province’s Lotus Mall yesterday, August 18. The suspect, who hails from Mueang district, allegedly feigned interest in buying gold but aroused suspicion, prompting the staff to alert security. As he attempted to flee with a gold necklace, the police present in the…
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Khon Kaen murder: man killed in drinking dispute
An 80 year old man was killed by a 75 year old villager following a dispute over a 56 year old woman in Khon Kaen. The altercation occurred during a drinking session at the woman’s house yesterday, August 18. The victim, identified as 80 year old Boon, was struck on the head with a hoe by Chalerm, a resident of…
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Thai army accuses Cambodia of placing new landmines at border
The Royal Thai Army has confirmed that recent landmines discovered along the Thai-Cambodian border were newly placed by Cambodian soldiers for tactical purposes, not remnants from past conflicts. Major General Winthai Suvaree, the army’s spokesperson, highlighted this distinction during a discussion on August 18 following accusations from Cambodian officials. Yesterday, August 18, senior Cambodian minister Dr Lee Thuch and Heng…
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Heavy rain warning for 25 Thai provinces amid monsoon changes
Today, August 19, the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a weather forecast warning for 25 provinces in Thailand, predicting heavy rainfall in the north and northeastern regions. Residents are advised to remain vigilant against potential dangers, including flash floods and forest runoff, especially in areas near slopes, waterways, and low-lying regions. The monsoon trough is moving across northern Thailand and…
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Stray dog in Songkhla melts hearts begging for toy from claw machine
A stray dog in the southern province of Songkhla has gone viral on Thai TikTok after being filmed begging for a toy from a claw machine. The TikToker who captured the moment was praised by netizens for giving the dog his first-ever toy. The videos were shared by 23 year old Kannika “View” Eabsamrong, on her TikTok account, @i.view12, on…
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Jay Fai under scrutiny after YouTuber charged 4,000 baht for crab omelette
The Department of Internal Trade announced plans to investigate food pricing at the Michelin-recommended restaurant Jay Fai in Bangkok, after a well-known YouTuber claimed she was charged 4,000 baht for a crab omelette that should have cost 1,500 baht according to the menu. Thai YouTuber Pitchaya “Peachii” Chaychana, better known as Peachii Stephen Oppa, shared her experience on X on…
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Thai flying trainer dies after Phuket glider crash with Russian student
A Thai flying trainer died in hospital today, August 18, after he and his Russian student crashed a glider on the side of a road in the Thalang district of Phuket yesterday, August 17. The accident occurred at around 4.30pm along the Mueang Mai–Paklok Road near Phuket Airpark in the Paklok sub-district. Two people were injured, 40 year old Thai…
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Thai cancer patient faces scrutiny over 1.6 million baht donation
The public demanded that a female cancer patient clarify her treatment costs after she launched a donation campaign and raised 1.6 million baht, yet only around 587,000 baht appeared to remain in her bank account. A Thai woman, identified only as Bew, took to her Facebook account, CarBew Donlaya, to share with her followers that she is battling stage three…
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Thai and Cambodian officials clash over legitimacy of landmines
The Royal Thai Army (RTA) and the director of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) engaged in a disagreement over the legitimacy of Cambodian PMN-2 anti-personnel landmines displayed during an inspection event in Sisaket province on August 16. CMAC director Heng Ratana questioned the authenticity of the mines, noting they were still fitted with safety pins, which raised doubts about…
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Fatal collision on Phuket bypass road claims young motorcyclist
A tragic accident occurred today, August 18, when a motorcycle collided with the rear of an 18-wheeled cement truck, igniting a fire and resulting in a fatality. The incident took place on the inbound lane of the Phuket bypass road, near a shopping mall in Ratsada subdistrict, Mueang district, Phuket province. The crash involved a big bike with Phuket registration,…
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Dutch man and Thai wife recount escape from border clashes to ambassador
A Dutch man, who has a Thai wife, recounted the moment when he and his family escaped border clashes and claimed Cambodia initiated the violent attack during a meeting with the Ambassador of the Netherlands. Thai Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiamphongsa and Royal Thai Army Spokesperson Winthai Suwaree led ambassadors and representatives from 33 countries and international organisations to survey…
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Thai uncle with history of drug use beats niece to death in Trang
Police yesterday, August 17, arrested a Thai man for beating his niece to death at a house in the southern province of Trang on Saturday, August 16. The Siam Ruamjai Pu-in Rescue Foundation was alerted to the incident at 10.36am on Saturday and rushed to the scene, a house in the Huay Yod district of Trang, to transport the victim,…
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