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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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Thailand’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?...
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Stars align for change: Astrologer predicts transformative year
This year heralds a period of significant transformation, according to renowned astrologer Acharn Lak Rachasi. She predicts a shift from adversity to prosperity for many, starting after April 30, with fortunes of the zodiac signs taking a turn for the better. She has made bold declarations about the coming year. According to her insights, 2024 is set to be a…
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Lecturer dies in Pathum Thani car crash, boyfriend injured
A fatal car crash in Pathum Thani province claimed the life of a 28 year old female lecturer and left her boyfriend injured when their vehicle collided with an electricity pole early in the morning. The accident occurred when something appeared to cut in front of their car, causing the driver to lose control. At around 1.30am today, Pathum Thani…
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Boardroom balance: Thailand trails in female representation stakes
Thailand falls slightly short of the Southeast Asian average for women in board positions, with 19% compared to 19.9%, as revealed in the 2023 Women in the Boardroom report by Deloitte Global. This figure also remains behind the global average of 23.3%. Nevertheless, Thailand ranks second in Southeast Asia for female chief executives, equalling Singapore’s 11.9% and sitting just behind…
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Thailand implements blueprint for responsible tourism management
Concerns about overtourism are intensifying globally as popular destinations like Venice start imposing daily entry fees and Japan attempts to divert tourists to less-visited provinces. Thailand, expecting 40 million foreign arrivals this year, faces similar challenges. The Deputy Governor for Domestic Marketing at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Somradee Chitchong, emphasised the lack of a tourism-carrying capacity blueprint in…
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Thailand ramps up border telecom crackdown to curb crimes
A crackdown on crimes facilitated by local telecom signals at Thailand’s borders has been ramped up by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). This move followed an emergency meeting between the regulator and private telecom operators to address potential criminal activities in these areas. NBTC Deputy Secretary-General Trairat Viriyasirikul revealed that in many border regions, there have been instances…
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Thai stock market set for a drop due to US inflation
Kasikorn Asset Management (K-Asset) anticipates a downward trend in the Thai stock market over the forthcoming quarter, prompted by a slow decrease in US inflation and interest rates. The asset management firm advises investors to mitigate risk through portfolio diversification, targeting the US and Indian stock markets. K-Asset CEO Wajana Wongsupasawat forecasts an additional drop in the Thai market in…
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Syntec construction prioritises data centre projects
Public traded contractor Syntec Construction formed a dedicated team to manage the growing demand for data centre construction projects, particularly from industry heavyweights. This initiative is part of Syntec’s business strategy for this year, which prioritises bids for data centre construction owing to their heightened demand across the industry, according to Chief Executive, Somchai Sirilertpanich. The company has expanded its…
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Mysterious death near Chi River: Woman found handcuffed
An unidentified woman, approximately 40 to 50 years old, was found dead in mysterious circumstances in a scrubland near the Chi River, with her hands locked behind her back. Officers from Changhan Police Station in Roi Et Province yesterday, May 5, were alerted to a body discovered in a scrubland area by the Chi River in Ban Leng Kha, Din…
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Illegal fireworks frenzy disrupts Jomtien Beach bliss
The tranquil serenity of Jomtien Beach in Pattaya was disrupted last night by the clamour of illicit fireworks. In response to a spate of complaints from residents about noise pollution, Banglamung officials swiftly intervened, leading to the arrest of three vendors illegally selling the pyrotechnics. The three individuals, whose identities have not been disclosed, were apprehended near The Now Hotel.…
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RTN officers sail in to save the day after baht bus-bike bust-up
Four Royal Thai Navy (RTN) officers from the Special Affairs Unit of the Sattahip Naval Base rushed to aid the victims of a collision between a motorcyclist and a baht bus in Chon Buri. The officers, who were on a routine patrol near a local fresh market, sprang into action to assist a 48 year old Thai man who was…
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Summer storm wreaks havoc in Hat Yai, southern Thailand
The city of Hat Yai in Songkhla was hit by a severe summer storm yesterday, resulting in significant damage to public infrastructure. Billboards and electricity poles were toppled by the powerful gale. The incident occurred at 3pm, yesterday, May 5, and was covered by local media. Remarkably, despite the storm’s intensity, no injuries or fatalities were reported. The destructive storm…
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Chinese businessmen extorted for 2.5 million baht in Bangkok
Bangkok was the scene of a daring extortion case involving five Chinese businessmen and a group of Thais, including law enforcement officers, yesterday, May 5. A press conference, held by Din Daeng police and other relevant agencies, revealed the shocking incident where the businessmen were forcibly detained and extorted for 2.5 million baht. The incident began unfolding on April 25…
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Thai government boosts welfare benefits for workers
Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke indicated that the Thai government is committed to improving welfare benefits to enhance the quality of life for all workers in the country. This commitment follows a recent roll-out of new regulations aimed at supporting the needs of the informal workforce, a significant demographic in Thailand. “The government is determined to push for regulations that will…
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Chinese tourists roll with the non-ed visa punches in Phuket
A group of Chinese tourists swept into Phuket this weekend, kickstarting Thailand’s tourism revival under the Non-Immigrant ED Visa, playfully dubbed the Non-Ed Visa. This special pass unlocks the punchline: tourists can now spar in Muay Thai classes, stretching their stay to a whopping 90 days, delivering a knockout blow to the former 60-day limit. The welcoming party at Phuket…
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Myanmar man ignores swimming warning, drowns at Phuket beach
Tragedy unfolded as a 20 year old Myanmar man drowned at Kalim Beach in Phuket. Despite the presence of a red no swimming flag, Nay Myo Zaw and his friends decided to swim in the area. The incident transpired around 12.23pm yesterday, May 5, with local authorities promptly informed. Nay Myo Zaw arrived at the beach with three of his…
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Thai farmers feeling the heat: Climate change threatens crop yields
Farmers in Thailand are facing a significant threat from climate change, with an alarming drop in crop yields predicted over the next seven decades. This growing crisis has prompted calls for the government to implement strategies to safeguard food security. Witsanu Attavanich, a lecturer in economics at Kasetsart University, is at the forefront of research into the impact of climate…
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Thailand schools advised to halt in-person teaching during extreme heat
The Basic Education Commission’s secretary-general issued guidance to all school administrations to halt in-person teachings during periods of extreme heat. Thanu Wongchinda’s announcement, made yesterday, aims to safeguard the health of both students and teachers, considering the potential risk of heat stroke. The first half of April is predicted to bring intense heat, particularly affecting regions such as the northeast,…
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Motorcyclist severely injured in Maha Sawat tunnel crash
A motorcycle accident in the Mahai Sawan tunnel en route to Dao Khanong left a man with severe injuries. The incident occurred early this morning, and emergency personnel were quickly dispatched to the scene to assist. Motorcycle accidents are an unfortunate but common occurrence on the roads, and the Mahai Sawan tunnel has been the site of another serious mishap.…
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OnlyFans creator fined in Bangsaen for explicit beach display
A content creator on the adult platform OnlyFans has been fined by Bangsaen police for a sexually explicit public display after her video garnered over two million views. The incident, which took place on the popular Bangsaen Beach in Chon Buri province, involved the woman engaging in sexual acts with a fan. The video, initially posted between November and December…
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Patong police increase beach patrols to curb illegal activities
Patong police and officials from Patong Municipality ramped up their patrols on Patong Beach to clamp down on violations such as the illegal sale of fireworks and night-time alcohol vending. The increased surveillance, which began on May 3 at 11pm, also seeks to enforce restrictions on the setting up of tables and chairs on the beach. The raid was directed by…
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Drugged man causing disturbance on Pattaya road apprehended
With a swift response from Pattaya police and local civilians, a man under the influence of drugs and causing a disturbance on Pattaya Central Road was apprehended in the wee hours this morning, May 5. The incident began at 3.30am when a report reached Deputy Superintendent of Pattaya Police Station, Police Lieutenant Colonel Chaowalit Suwanmanee, about a man behaving erratically…
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Thailand imposes hefty fines on e-cigarette importers to curb sales
The Customs Department of Thailand imposed a hefty fine on e-cigarette importers, now demanding double the item’s value plus tax in an attempt to curb the increasing sales among the public, particularly the youth. Panthong Loykulnan, the spokesperson for the department, announced yesterday that importers of e-cigarettes, barakus, shishas, and e-barakus will be mandated to pay a fine equivalent to…
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Severe storms hammer Uttaradit and Phrae medical facilities
Unexpected severe storms hammered medical facilities in Uttaradit and neighbouring Phrae on May 3, signalling the imminent arrival of the rainy season, according to the Public Health Ministry. Uttaradit Hospital, located in Mueang district’s city centre, bore the brunt of the storm, with intense wind gusts causing extensive damage, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin reported yesterday. Four surgery and internal…
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Chinese interpreter linked to notorious gang arrested in Thailand
A 36 year old Chinese-language interpreter was apprehended on May 3 due to his ties with a criminal gang notorious for kidnapping Chinese nationals. The arrest took place in the Din Daeng district following an abduction incident on April 25, as reported by Deputy Metropolitan Police Bureau Commissioner Noppasin Poonsawat. Theerachai Chaloemwanpen was apprehended by the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) alongside…
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Thai hailstorm causes 3 million baht damage, kills 21,000 chickens
A devastating hailstorm, with stones as large as chicken eggs, wreaked havoc in Chaiyaphum, causing widespread damage, including significant losses for a local poultry farm where power outages led to a tragic number of chicken deaths. The storm, which occurred yesterday, May 4, also resulted in damaged homes and infrastructure, with preliminary estimates placing the cost at over 3 million…
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Over 40 million baht in valuables stolen from Thai businesswoman
The theft of over 40 million baht worth of cash, diamonds, and gold from a prominent businesswoman’s home in Phetchaburi has sent shockwaves through the community, with close associates being eyed as potential suspects. On the evening of yesterday, May 4, local police were alerted to the robbery at a two-story concrete residence in the Mueang Phetchaburi district. Virunpat Vichittapanyarak,…
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Thai man arrested in Pattaya for threatening girlfriend with gun
A Thai man was apprehended by Pattaya City police in the early hours of yesterday, May 4, following allegations of threatening his girlfriend with a firearm and discharging it into the air at Pattaya Beach on March 13. The unsettling event caused quite a stir among foreign and local beachgoers, given that the area was still bustling with activity when…
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Government employee found dead in rural Uthai Thani
A local government employee tragically lost his life in a harrowing nighttime incident in Uthai Thani Province, which has left the community in shock. The 57 year old man was found dead beside an electric pole on a concrete road connecting the villages of Nong Yang and Nong Chang last night. Notably, the incident occurred at 10.30pm, when the area’s deputy…
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Saraburi explosion prompts health checks for chemical risks
The health implications of a fireworks factory explosion in Saraburi province are under rigorous scrutiny following orders from the Public Health Minister. The incident, which resulted in one fatality, has prompted immediate investigations to ensure the safety of the local environment and public health. Today, May 4, the Public Health Minister, Somsak Thepsuthin, addressed the fireworks factory explosion in Saraburi…
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Chiang Mai sting seizes 5.6 million meth pills with teen involved
A drug bust in Chiang Mai province led to the shocking discovery that a 14 year old boy was among two individuals apprehended with a massive haul of 5.6 million methamphetamine pills. The early morning operation conducted by the police successfully intercepted the drug transport before it could pass through a checkpoint. Chiang Mai police, in an orchestrated sting operation,…
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