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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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Northeast Thailand: Teenager fatally shot after Carabao concert at Surin Elephant Festival
A 17 year old teenager was fatally shot during a violent confrontation at the Surin Elephant Festival today, following Thai rock band Carabao’s last concert at the festival. The annual event, which attracted over 20,000 spectators, took place at the Srinagarind Stadium in Surin, Thailand. Tensions escalated after midnight as groups of teenagers began to leave the venue. A heated…
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3D-printed coral islands to rejuvenate Phuket’s degraded reefs
The coastal waters of Racha Yai Island, south of Phuket, are about to witness a groundbreaking ecological restoration project. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) initiated a project to install 88 sets of 3D-printed coral larvae islands at Siam Bay, to restore the severely degraded coral reef in the area. At the helm of this inaugural installation was…
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Thai woman mysteriously disappears for week in southern Thailand
The family of a Thai woman who mysteriously disappeared over a week ago turned to a news agency to help find her. The family lost contact with her after she got into a car with two women outside Suratthani Rajabhat University in the southern province of Surat Thani on November 13. Channel 3 reported that the family urged the news…
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Southern Thailand: Police warn of online refill machine scams in Thepha district
Con artists are exploiting online refill machines to carry out fraud using money mule bank accounts, according to a warning issued by Thai police today. The alert today, November 22, was initially raised by the Sai Mai Must Survive (Sai Mai Tong Rot) Facebook page, which posted a video warning of the deceitful practice primarily occurring in Thepha district, Songkhla…
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Bangkok’s transit bombshell: BTSC to back 20 baht train rides but at what cost?
Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company (BTSC) is poised to back the government‘s bold move to limit train fares to a mere 20 baht on the city’s suburban rail network. However, there is a catch. BTSC CEO Keeree Kanjanapas revealed yesterday that this support comes with a crucial condition – the government must engage in talks with train operators to…
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Schoolboy in China chooses forest nap over long bus wait igniting nationwide reflection
An eight year old schoolboy disappeared whilst waiting for his school bus sparking a frantic search for several hours. Eventually, he was found sleeping in a nearby forest. Upon waking, he explained that he had decided to sleep there because of the long wait for the school bus. The incident happened in the city of Xi’an, China, and drew significant attention from…
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Infant death shrouded in mystery shocks family in Chanthaburi
The sudden and mysterious death of a four month old infant has shaken a family and a neighbourhood in Chanthaburi, Thailand. The baby, found lifeless in the arms of his 32 year old mother, Ka-na, at their home, sparked an immediate police investigation due to its unnatural occurrence. The family’s single-storey concrete house, situated on the edge of Kong Kang…
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Chiang Mai: DSI arrests woman in high-profile online gambling case
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) arrested a woman in connection with a high-profile online gambling case. The DSI today targeted a skincare clinic in the heart of Chiang Mai and apprehended Sasithon (surname withheld), who is linked with the bank account advertised on the online gambling website of the renowned AK47XXX network. The AK47XXX network is owned by the…
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Thai man killed in gas cylinder explosion during fire drill at sugar factory
A fire instructor lost his life today in a gas cylinder explosion during a safety drill exercise at the Thai Identity Sugar Factory in the northern province of Uttaradit. Uttaradit Municipal Office authorities conducted the fire drill at the factory at around 9am today, November 22. According to the Uttaradit Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department (UTT DDPM), the drill…
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Chinese begging gang suspect in Thailand nabbed after tip-off
A man suspected to be part of a Chinese begging gang was pursued by Social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet following a tip-off. The suspect, who was spotted begging at a local market around 10am today, in the jurisdiction of Jorrake Noi Police Station, is one of many believed to be taking advantage of the free visa period for Chinese…
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Northeast Thailand: Knife-wielding man causes chaos at school in Khon Kaen
A shocking incident occurred at a school in Khon Kaen when a mentally disturbed man wielding a knife chased teachers and students around the flagpole, leading to injuries. The man was later apprehended by the police. The incident took place at 8.30am, at Ban Namphu Hin Lat School in Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum province. The man, identified as 37 year old…
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Elderly man lands job at Thai restaurant, inspiring netizens
A 70 year old man found employment at a local Sukiyaki restaurant, Charoen Thai Sukiyaki Soi 4, despite his advanced age. This generous act by the restaurant’s owner sparked widespread admiration online, as it provides a lifeline for the elderly man who is the sole provider for his ageing mother. The restaurant’s owner, known as Soh Pu, revealed that the…
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Thai husband denies cheating and assaulting wife after lottery win
A Thai man defended himself after his wife accused him of cheating and physically assaulting her after winning 12 million baht in the Thai Government lottery. The 26 year old Thai woman, Janya Jai-ngam, yesterday, November 21, urged news agencies to share her story with the public and help her in a legal case against her 45 year old husband,…
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Thailand’s smart electronics and IT sectors set for growth with EV production
The Office of Industrial Economics (OIE) anticipates a significant surge in Thailand’s smart electronics, and IT sectors in the forthcoming year. The trigger for this expected growth is the commencement of production by global electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers within the country. The assembly of EVs is heavily reliant on electronics and IT products, hence the increased demand in these sectors,…
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Panda Lab exposes travel scam causing loss of 50 million baht to tourists
Prominent medical technician Panda Lab raised the alarm over a popular travel scam that has caused hundreds of victims to lose over 50 million baht. The Consumer Organisation Council has outlined channels for filing complaints. Today, Panda Lab’s Facebook page revealed that several hundred people have been victims of a prominent tour page. The victims had initially booked a tour,…
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Spa-demic resilience: Thailand’s wellness sector unaffected by global downturn says MSpa
Minor Hotels’ spa and wellness arm, MSpa International, declared that the current global economic downturn and geopolitical conflicts will not impact high-spending guests in Thailand’s wellness sector. The company’s group director, Sandie Johannessen, stated emphatically that the nation’s wellness centres continue to attract enthusiastic visitors for leisure trips and retreats, despite the global situation. Johannessen also pointed towards the affluent…
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Beauty blunder: Victims demand beauty clinic take responsibility for surgery failures
A Thai woman urged a beauty clinic in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, to take responsibility for the surgical mishaps that resulted in her developing gangrene and a forehead infection. Additionally, at least six others have also suffered adverse effects from procedures performed at the same clinic. The 32 year old victim reported the matter to the Consumer Protection Crime Suppression Division…
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Thai man arrested at Phuket Airport over computer crime charges
A 33 year old Thai man, accused of computer-related crime, was apprehended while attempting to depart from Thailand through Phuket International Airport. The arrest took place around 10.30pm on November 20, in the international departures hall, according to immigration officers stationed at the airport. The individual was sought after under arrest warrant No. 197/2566, issued by the Sisaket Provincial Court…
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Lam Chae reservoir: Halting off-season rice cultivation for water relief
The water crisis at Lam Chae reservoir in Nakhon Ratchasima has eased, with local authorities rushing to reserve water for the upcoming dry season. They have ceased water release and urged local farmers to halt off-season rice cultivation due to the reservoir’s water level being just half of its capacity. Lam Chae reservoir in Khro Buri district, Nakhon Ratchasima, is…
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Consumer groups challenge proposed electricity tariff rise
Consumer advocacy groups have opposed the proposed increase in electricity tariffs and have asked the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to review all data used to calculate the Fuel Adjustment Charge (Ft) to ensure fairness to the public. According to Prasart Meetem, the Chair of the Committee on Public Services, Energy and Environment of the Consumer Council, the estimated Ft charge…
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Swedish consulate inaugurated in Phuket, Thailand
The vibrant island of Phuket witnessed an auspicious occasion on November 20, as the newly appointed Swedish Consulate was officially inaugurated. Gracing the ceremony with her presence was Anna Hammargren, the Swedish Ambassador to Thailand. The ambassador, along with her entourage from the Swedish embassy in Bangkok, had embarked on a two-day tour to Phuket, which wrapped up yesterday, November…
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Binance CEO admits to money laundering, fined over US$4 billion
Changpeng Zhao, the chief executive of Binance, allegedly admitted to money laundering violations in a US court yesterday. The confession will result in the cryptocurrency exchange he founded paying more than US$4 billion in fines. Attorney General Merrick Garland said Binance’s success as the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange was partially due to its criminal activities. The Department of Justice (DoJ)…
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Thai barbecue restaurant’s prawn policy sparks online sensation
A viral sensation has struck the online world as a Thai-style barbecue restaurant in Khon Kaen province, called Nay Tawng Moo Kata, posted a sign prohibiting customers from using the communal mortar to crush fresh prawns. The restaurant fears potential allergic reactions, instead advising clients to mix their own at their tables. Nay Tawng Moo Kata, a buffet-style barbecue restaurant, sparked…
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Central Pattana Plc launches Black Friday 2023 #shocksales
Black Friday 2023 #shocksales is set to be launched by Central Pattana Plc, an entity responsible for the operation of 38 malls across the country and The Esplanade. Spanning three days, the major shopping extravaganza provides shoppers with numerous promotional opportunities mirroring the Black Friday sales in the United States, a customary retail period that follows Thanksgiving and marks the…
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Loei province cracks down on illegal burning to combat toxic smog
The province of Loei issued a stern prohibition on illegal burning in a bid to mitigate the toxic smog crisis. The measure is a response to the yearly increase of forest and sugarcane farm fires, particularly between December and March, which significantly contribute to PM2.5 dust particles in the atmosphere. These particles cause environmental and public health issues, elevating the…
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PM Srettha unveils proactive diplomacy for Thai global influence
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday unveiled a fresh approach to foreign policy, dubbed proactive diplomacy, aimed at empowering Thai representatives abroad to stimulate trade, investment, and tourism, and enhance Thailand’s global influence. The 61 year old prime minister detailed his proactive diplomacy policy at a yearly gathering, hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended by Thai ambassadors, consul-generals, commerce…
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Gun-cleaning itch turns tragic: 91 year old Thai man accidentally shoots himself in Chon Buri mishap
A 91 year old Thai man tragically lost his life while cleaning his gun at his residence in the Chon Buri province. The victim, Jian Wannapong, accidentally shot himself after using the gun to alleviate an itch in his ear. The report of her husband’s death was reported to Nong Prue Police Station by 75 year old Lamyai Boonchu, who…
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Elderly man dies in car crash en route to funeral in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
A 72 year old man lost his life in a fatal car crash while on his way to help organise a funeral. His vehicle crashed into an electricity pole in the middle of a road. The car crash accident occurred on Highway 309, near the Plan Poon u-turn in Phutthao subdistrict, Bang Pahan district in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province.…
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Thailand’s festive frenzy: Airbnb searches soar by 17% as global travellers flock to the Land of Smiles
Tourists are flocking to Airbnb in search of the ultimate Thailand experience during the upcoming Loy Krathong festival, set to light up the local waters on November 27 and 28. Data reveals a staggering 17% spike in searches for Airbnb stays, unveiling Thailand as the go-to destination for the festive season. Thailand’s capital Bangkok steals the spotlight as the most…
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Airlines request more flight slots into Thailand, CAAT reveals
A request for slot redistribution has been lodged by several airlines as they plan to increase flights into Thailand, reveals an insider from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). This request was presented to CAAT’s top executives at the 153rd Slot Conference that took place in Dubai from November 14 to 17. This biannual gathering, arranged by the International…
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