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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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How much does it cost to see a doctor in Thailand?
Thailand is known for its high-quality yet affordable healthcare system, but how much does it really cost to see a doctor? As an expat, this question might be crucial for budgeting your health needs. The answer depends on whether you...
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Court orders BMA to pay 11 billion baht to BTS for Green Line operations
The Central Administrative Court has ordered the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and its investment arm, Krung Thep Thanakom Co Ltd, to pay 11 billion baht in unpaid operation and maintenance (O&M) fees to Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTSC). The ruling, delivered today, September 29, requires the debt, covering services between June 2021 and October 2022, to be…
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Anutin outlines new policies on tourism, trade, and constitutional reform
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul laid out his government’s policy direction in Parliament today, September 29, with a strong focus on tourism recovery, economic reform, and regional diplomacy. Anutin said restoring tourist confidence and tackling scams that target visitors were top priorities, alongside promoting domestic travel. He also stressed the need for a peaceful resolution to tensions with Cambodia and pledged…
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Thai millionaire market owner found dead in Ratchaburi canal
A female millionaire disappeared from her home in Ratchaburi province yesterday, September 28, before her body was found floating in a canal. Officers from Photharam Police Station were alerted to the discovery of a body in the Mae Khlong Canal at around 11.30am. The woman was dressed in a yellow shirt and white and green striped shorts. She bore no…
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Thailand video news MG Car Smashes Into Shop in Chiang Mai, Tourists Escape Harm, Man Becomes Disabled After Selling Kidney to Buy iPhone
Thailand’s week was marked by high-stakes diplomacy, law-enforcement scandals, and headline-grabbing incidents. From the foreign minister accusing Cambodia of ceasefire violations at the UN, to police probes over tourist extortion in Chiang Mai, a viral naked dance arrest in Phuket, and a restaurant brawl in Ayutthaya, public safety and tourism issues loomed large. Meanwhile, a man’s tragic kidney sale for…
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Indian actor quits Cambodia tourism role amid border tensions with Thailand
Indian actor Gagan Malik announced his resignation as Cambodia’s Tourism Goodwill Ambassador on Saturday, September 27, following a border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. He declared, “Thailand is my second home.” Malik is best known for his leading role as Lord Buddha in the film Sri Siddhartha Gautama. He renounced Hinduism and embraced Buddhism in 2014, later becoming an outspoken…
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Thaksin requests royal pardon, justice ministry confirms
The Ministry of Justice has confirmed that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has officially submitted a petition for an individual royal pardon, which has now advanced to the Secretariat of the Cabinet for further consideration. Thaksin filed the request on September 10, one day after the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions sentenced him to one year…
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People’s Party to target ministers in Anutin’s policy debate
The People’s Party (PP) is preparing more than 20 MPs to speak during the upcoming Parliamentary debate on Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s policy statement, set for Monday and Tuesday, September 29 to 30. The party plans to raise urgent policy issues and question the qualifications of certain Cabinet ministers, although no names have been disclosed. Sirikanya Tansakul, deputy PP leader…
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Thailand and Japan join forces to tackle call scams and cybercrime
Thai police are stepping up cross-border efforts with Japanese authorities to combat call centre scams and cybercrime. The partnership between Thailand and Japan took a step forward following a high-level visit to Osaka last week. From September 16 to 21, Police Lieutenant General Jirabhop Bhuridej, commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), led a Thai delegation to Japan to exchange ideas…
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Bangkok governor slams contractor for Udomsuk flood
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has criticised a contractor after unexpected flooding hit Udomsuk Road, a location that “should not have flooded,” during heavy rainfall over the weekend. The flooding, which began late Saturday, September 27, and continued into the early hours of Sunday, also impacted Phra Khanong and Bang Na districts. Chadchart, joined by Deputy Governor Wisanu Subsompon and the…
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Foreign couple filmed having sex in sea off Jomtien Beach in Pattaya
Police urged the public to await further investigation after a video showing a foreign couple having sex in the sea off Jomtien Beach in Pattaya sparked widespread online backlash. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Thaiger (@thethaigerofficial) The explicit act came to light after the news Facebook page ท่านเปา (meaning Bao Gong) shared a…
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Chinese tourist attacked in Pattaya after alleged snarky bar comment
A Chinese tourist was hospitalised after being struck on the head with a bottle during a late-night altercation in Pattaya early yesterday morning, September 28. The incident took place on Chaloem Phrakiat 25 Road in South Pattaya, prompting an immediate response from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Unit and Pattaya City Police. Emergency responders arrived to find a 29 year old…
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Thailand braces for heavy rain and flash floods in 42 provinces
Today, September 29, the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a weather warning for 42 provinces across Thailand, highlighting the risk of heavy rain and potential flash floods and landslides. Bangkok and its surrounding areas are also included in this alert, with the possibility of strong waves in the sea. The forecast for the next 24 hours indicates severe rainfall in…
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Man’s kidney sale for iPhone leaves him disabled at 31
The story of a Chinese man who once sold a kidney to purchase an iPhone 4 and iPad 2 has resurfaced, highlighting his current life at 31 years old. He is now permanently disabled, unable to work, and requires lifelong dialysis, serving as a stark lesson about the consequences of a hasty decision made at 17. In 2010, the iPhone…
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Ayutthaya restaurant brawl leaves owner’s father injured (video)
Yesterday, on September 27, the Ayutthaya brawl between a restaurant owner and a customer escalated to a physical altercation and car collision, leaving the restaurant owner’s father seriously injured. Police are set to summon all involved for questioning. Police Lieutenant Colonel Samart Raksasat, an investigative officer in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya district, responded to reports of a dispute involving vehicles…
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Transport pioneer Je Kiew dies at 88, leaves billion-baht legacy
The passing of Suchinda Chirdchai, fondly known as “Jae Kiew,” marks the end of an era for Thailand’s transportation industry. The 88 year old businesswoman, who founded the Cherdchai Tour and Cherdchai Industry, built a multi-billion-baht empire from humble beginnings. Suchinda was born on March 20, 1937, in Nakhon Ratchasima province, the sixth child in an ordinary family. Despite completing…
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Thai minister accuses Cambodia of violating ceasefire at UN assembly
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow addressed the United Nations General Assembly, accusing Cambodia of provocative actions and breaching a ceasefire agreement with Thailand. His remarks were a response to Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sokhonn Prak, who claimed Cambodian civilians had faced eviction and an unprovoked attack. The Cambodian official was likely referencing Thailand’s efforts to reclaim parts of Ban Nong…
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MG sedan crashes into Chiang Mai shop, narrowly missing tourists
A red MG sedan crashed into a popular Mala shop in Chang Phueak, Chiang Mai district, narrowly missing two foreign tourists and other patrons. Police are investigating the incident that occurred yesterday, September 27. Surveillance footage captured the moment the vehicle collided with the shop, where both local and international tourists were dining. The tourists fled in panic, with one…
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Historic Phuket temple hall demolished for safety despite local upset
Residents of Thalang District in Phuket have expressed their dismay following the unexpected demolition of the main ordination hall at Wat Phra Nang Sang, an ancient temple with a history spanning over 250 years. The building, known as the Ubosot, was central to religious ceremonies and rituals. The Ubosot, adorned with murals depicting local history and legends, was a symbol…
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Malaysia strengthens halal economy through digital ecosystem and partnerships
Malaysia has positioned itself as a major force in the global halal economy by building a strong digital halal ecosystem that provides financing, advisory services, and business intelligence to help local SMEs expand abroad. This model, which underpins Malaysia’s success in exporting halal products, is now being adapted to support neighbouring Thailand in strengthening its own halal sector. Malaysia and…
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Military crackdown at Sa Kaeo border nabs 19 in trafficking bust
Military forces from the Eastern Border Special Task Force arrested 19 individuals in connection with an international human trafficking network at the border region of Ban Non Khilek, Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province. The operation, carried out today, September 28, also uncovered illegal substances on the group’s leader. The operation was led by Colonel Chainarong Kasee, commander of the Aranyaprathet…
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Lawyers in Thailand accused of faking papers to steal estate
Heirs in Thailand filed a complaint against lawyers who allegedly forged documents to seize assets in a case now under investigation by legal authorities. A representative of a deceased estate has filed a formal complaint against several lawyers, accusing them of conspiring to forge legal documents and unlawfully seize assets worth over 57 million baht. Yesterday, September 26, Chanwut Mekraksawanit,…
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Man stabs friend to death in jealous rage at Korat party
A 49 year old man allegedly stabbed his friend to death and injured his wife during a drinking session in Nakhon Ratchasima, northeastern Thailand, reportedly driven by jealousy. The fatal incident occurred on Thursday, September 25, in the Phimai district of Nakhon Ratchasima province, when the suspect, identified as Prasong, allegedly lost control after seeing his wife, Toei Namsai, speaking…
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Bags of cannabis dumped outside Udon Thani home baffle locals
Villagers in Udon Thani were shocked when sealed bags of cannabis were found dumped outside a house, prompting a police investigation into the source. Residents of Ban Si Wilai in Mueang district, Udon Thani, were left both alarmed and confused after discovering 16 bags of dried cannabis dumped outside a home yesterday, September 26. The incident was reported to local…
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Intoxicated man rescued after sprinting into Jomtien sea
A man was rescued from the sea at Jomtien Beach after running into the water while intoxicated, prompting an emergency response late at night. Emergency services in Pattaya were called into action after a 36 year old man had to be rescued from the sea at Jomtien Beach, near Dongtan Curve, late on Thursday, September 25. The incident occurred around…
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Lotto hopefuls flock to Ang Thong’s 200 year old ‘lucky tree’
Locals in Ang Thong province, central Thailand, gathered at a revered temple tree, hoping to uncover lucky numbers as the next lottery draw approaches, continuing a long-held tradition. As lottery fever grips Thailand once again, residents of Pho Thong district in Ang Thong are heading to Chulamuni Temple, hoping to uncover lucky numbers from the famed Mae Ya Sroi Thong…
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Thais urged to check credit yearly and escape debt traps
With debt hanging over many Thai households, financial experts are urging citizens to take control, starting with a yearly credit check and smart planning. The National Credit Bureau (NCB) is encouraging Thai citizens to review their credit reports annually to monitor their debt and prevent financial fraud. The advice comes amid rising concerns over Thailand’s high household debt, which now…
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Teen futsal player dies in motorbike crash on Bangkok bridge
A teenage futsal player died and his friend was injured when their motorbike crashed into a truck on a Bangkok bridge during the early morning hours. The incident occurred around 1am today, September 27, on Bang Khun Si Bridge, a four-lane bridge heading towards Ratchaphruek Road. The grey Yamaha NMAX, registered in Bangkok, was found overturned at the scene with…
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Californian man found dead in Patong hotel room
An American tourist was found dead in his Patong hotel room, prompting police to launch an investigation into the cause of death. Police have launched an investigation after a 31 year old American man was found dead in his hotel room on Nanai Road in Patong, Phuket. The tourist, who had travelled from California and checked into the hotel alone,…
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More Thai women opting out of motherhood, survey shows
A nationwide survey conducted by the Thai Health Department has revealed that only 63% of Thai women aged 19 to 49 wish to have children, raising concerns about future birth rates and the need for stronger state support around reproductive health. The study, which included 404 women with an average age of 34.2, also found that just 53% possessed sufficient…
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Patong’s promenade revamp drags on with no end in sight
A major promenade upgrade in Patong has fallen behind schedule, with only partial progress made and no confirmed completion date. The long-awaited redevelopment of the Thaweewong Road promenade in Patong has hit a major snag, with only 30% of the work completed, well past its deadline and with no firm end date in sight. Kittisak Morasilp, Director of Patong Municipality’s…
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