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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Sponsored Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run
Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...
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Historic Saraburi hotel destroyed by fire after 50 years
A historic hotel in Saraburi, which stood for over 50 years, was destroyed by a fire late at night yesterday, August 5. At 10.20pm, Police Lieutenant Colonel Paitoon Pankluaymai, Investigator at Mueang Saraburi District Police Station, was informed of a blaze at the I-Nguan Hotel, located near the railway station in Saraburi province. He relayed the information to his superiors…
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Thailand, Israel launch major cybersecurity collaboration workshop
Thailand and Israel have inaugurated their most extensive government-to-government cybersecurity workshop to date, aiming to enhance bilateral cooperation and strengthen cybersecurity resilience. Beginning yesterday, August 5, the Thailand-Israel Cybersecurity Workshop is organised by Thailand’s National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) alongside the Israeli embassy in Bangkok. This event, spanning three days, takes place at the Carlton Hotel in Bangkok and gathers…
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Army officer found dead in car at Bangkok mall
A 37 year old army officer was found deceased in his car in a shopping mall parking lot in Bangkok’s Bang Khen district. Police discovered the vehicle filled with smoke and a stove beside the driver’s seat. Despite resuscitation efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after. The incident occurred today, August 6, around 1.10am, when patrol officers from Bang Khen…
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Thunderstorms and heavy rain forecast for Thailand regions
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts thunderstorms and strong winds in upper northern and northeastern Thailand on August 6, with heavy rain in several provinces. Residents are advised to be cautious of potential flooding or other weather-related hazards. A low-pressure system over northern Vietnam, coupled with a prevailing southwesterly monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand,…
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Police probe cement truck crash near Phuket café
Police have concluded that unstable terrain was to blame for a truck crash behind a café in Kathu last week, after a fully loaded cement mixer tumbled down a hillside and landed just metres from a busy coffee shop. The incident occurred at around 12.30pm on Thursday, July 31, behind Coffee in Farm, a café across from the Tin Mining…
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Thailand fights back: Border clashes, US tariffs shake nation
Thailand’s acting prime minister has vowed to steer the country through two of its biggest recent challenges—border violence with Cambodia and a US tariff bombshell—while rallying citizens with promises of support, peace, and unity. In a televised address today, August 5, titled Overcoming Two Crises, Moving Forward Together, Deputy Prime Minister and Acting PM Phumtham Wechayachai said the nation had faced…
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Indian man claims ladyboys in Pattaya stole his gold
A late-night stroll turned into a jewellery heist for one Indian man in Pattaya—at least, that’s what he’s telling police. Today, August 5 at 2.36am, 27 year old Indian national and jewellery shop owner Hemanth Kumer filed a theft report with Pattaya City Police, claiming two ladyboys made off with his 150,000-baht gold necklace. According to Kumer, the incident occurred…
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Thailand falls behind Japan and Vietnam in tourism race
Thailand’s once-booming tourist scene has hit a bump in the road. The kingdom welcomed 19.29 million international arrivals between January and July this year—a 6% drop compared to the same period last year, according to data released by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Meanwhile, regional rivals are leaving Thailand in the dust. Japan raked in 21.5 million foreign visitors…
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Pattaya police launch ‘Clean Station’ blitz to impress tourists
Pattaya police are scrubbing up their image with a bold new Clean Station campaign, aiming to boost public trust and impress international tourists through spotless facilities and stricter hygiene standards. In a move to boost public confidence and impress tourists, Chief of Pattaya City Police Station Police Colonel Anek Sarathongyoo launched the Royal Thai Police (RTP)’s Clean Station campaign, a…
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Grab’s AI translator and big discounts woo Thailand’s expats
Grab Thailand is turning its attention to Thailand’s growing expat population — and it’s rolling out smart features and generous perks to win them over. With more than 5.3 million non-Thai residents now living in Thailand—an 8% jump since 2019—the company has seen delivery orders from expats skyrocket by over 50% in the past 12 months, signalling a major shift…
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Gruesome murder mystery unfolds in Trang forest
In the depths of a dense forest in Trang province, a deceased man was found in a gruesome state, with his mouth gagged and his hands and feet bound. Believed to have been dead for four days, the discovery was made yesterday, August 4. The police are now working to unravel the circumstances surrounding this murder. Police from the Rassada…
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Thailand plans tax break on foreign income
The Thai Revenue Department is fast-tracking new legislation to exempt Thai citizens from income tax on earnings sourced from abroad within the current year. Revenue Department Director-General Pinsai Suraswadi stated that the proposed law would exempt Thai citizens from income tax if they bring foreign-sourced income into Thailand within two years of earning it. The details are under discussion at…
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Thai Air Force denies Cambodia’s MK-84 bomb purchase claims
The Royal Thai Air Force has refuted Cambodia’s claims of purchasing MK-84 bombs from Israel, suggesting that a neutral third party should verify the allegations. They emphasised that their operations comply with international laws and humanitarian principles, along with the right to self-defence. Today, August 5, Heng Ratana, director of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), alleged that the MK-84…
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Phuket man arrested for raping unconscious woman on video
A 40 year old man has been arrested in Phuket after he allegedly raped his girlfriend’s unconscious best friend and secretly filmed the assault. Police say the shocking incident occurred after a birthday party earlier this year. The suspect, Yotsaphan Wichetwarinwet, originally from Hat Yai, was apprehended by officers from Wichit Police Station while applying for a job at a…
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Abbot wounded in temple shooting, suspect flees in Loei
Two abbots were involved in a late-night altercation that escalated into a shooting at a well-known temple in Chiang Khan. A bullet struck one abbot near his left ear, and the gunman fled in a sedan. Police are currently investigating the incident and pursuing the suspect. Today, August 5, police from the Chiang Khan Police Station reported an incident yesterday,…
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Thailand video news | North Korea applauds Thai-Cambodian ceasefire, Phuket launches second phase of drug crackdown
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jay bring you a mix of major developments and unusual moments from across the country. From North Korea praising the Thai-Cambodian ceasefire to Phuket’s intensified drug crackdown, the headlines also include new traffic ticket reforms, a drone ban in Pattaya, and a miraculous forest rescue in Phitsanulok. Meanwhile, Leicester City FC weighs in…
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Major illegal cigarette smuggling ring busted in Kanchanaburi
A significant illegal cigarette smuggling operation was thwarted by the Ladan Yao Task Force of the Surasi Forces, capturing a man transporting nearly 10 million baht worth of contraband cigarettes. The incident occurred today, August 5, at the 9th Infantry Division headquarters, where Commander Major General Atsadawut Panyarachun, leading the Surasi Forces, coordinated with Athit San Intra, the Governor of…
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Unidentified foreign woman’s body found on Kamala Beach, Phuket
The body of a foreign woman was found washed up on Kamala Beach, Phuket, on the evening of yesterday, August 4, prompting an investigation by local police and forensic officials. The identity of the woman has not yet been established. Kamala Police were informed of the incident at approximately 6.30pm. Police Lieutenant Colonel Thanapop Rattanaburi, a forensic doctor from Vachira…
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Thailand’s booze ad crackdown clears final Senate hurdle
Cheers are being silenced in Thailand — at least on your screens. The Thai Senate has passed controversial new amendments to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, tightening restrictions on how alcohol can be promoted, advertised, and even associated with public events. With 105 votes in favour, 2 against, 12 abstentions and 1 non-vote, the bill sailed through the second and…
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Phuket police arrest trio, seize over 6,000 meth pills
Thalang Police in Phuket have detained three people suspected of drug trafficking, confiscating more than 6,000 methamphetamine pills, known locally as ya bah, and over 300 grammes of crystal meth, referred to as ya ice, during a targeted operation against a local drug network. The apprehensions occurred yesterday, August 4, led by investigators from Thalang Police Station under Police Lieutenant…
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Thai Airways shares take off again after 5-year pause
After five years of being grounded, Thai Airways (THAI) shares are finally cleared for takeoff. Trading of the national carrier’s stock will resume on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) yesterday, August 4, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s dramatic recovery from one of the biggest corporate meltdowns in Thai history. The move follows THAI’s exit from court-supervised debt…
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Pattaya convenience store clash leaves one injured in love triangle row
In Pattaya’s Nongprue subdistrict, an altercation occurred outside a convenience store yesterday, August 4, resulting in injuries to one person. The incident was reported at 10.06pm, prompting a swift response from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Unit and Banglamung Police. Upon arrival at Moo 6 in Nongprue, police discovered a scene of disarray with damaged items scattered around. The injured…
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Phuket drug bust nets 6,000 pills and ‘Ice queen’ ringleader
Three suspected drug traffickers are behind bars after police seized more than 6,000 methamphetamine (meth) pills and over 300 grammes of crystal meth (Ice) in a major Phuket sting. Thalang Police moved in yesterday, August 4, targeting a known drug network operating in Thepkrasattri. Officers arrested 27 year old Bank, his 24 year old girlfriend Pop, and 29 year old…
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Swedish tourist arrested for flying drone over Pattaya Beach
In Pattaya, Thailand, on August 3, at 10pm, Pattaya Special Affairs officers apprehended a 28 year old Swedish tourist for operating a drone over Pattaya Beach without the necessary permission. The tourist, whose name has not been disclosed, was questioned with the help of an interpreter. He explained that he had just arrived in Pattaya and was attempting to capture…
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Cambodian beggars with babies flood Pattaya streets
Beggars clutching babies have returned to Pattaya’s bustling streets, as Cambodian women flood tourist zones in desperate bids for survival. On Sunday night, August 3, reporters uncovered scores of Cambodian beggars scattered throughout the city, particularly outside convenience stores and nightlife hotspots. Despite repeated crackdowns, the same faces reappear just weeks after being deported. This time, they’re back — and…
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Cambodian workers flock to border to return home
Around 500 Cambodian workers gathered at the Ban Khlong Luek permanent border crossing in Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province, seeking to return to Cambodia. Many were accompanied by children and carried numerous belongings, as they queued to cross the border. The primary reason provided for this mass return was phone calls from family members urging them to come home immediately.…
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Thai government lifts poker ban in shock legal U-turn
Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has signed an order to legalise poker gambling, paving the way for the game to be recognised as an international sport and potentially opening doors for future competitions on Thai soil. Speaking to the media yesterday, August 4, Phumtham confirmed he had signed a ministerial order legalising poker under specific conditions. “It’s a sensitive matter…
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Cambodian drones dominate border surveillance, Thai Defence Ministry confirms
Recent surveillance activities along the border have revealed that most drones originate from Cambodia, as confirmed by the Defence Ministry. Deputy Defence Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit stated yesterday, August 4, that all incursions have been recorded, complete with photographic evidence and coordinates. Although the majority of drones observed along the border are from Cambodia, Nattaphon noted that the drone seen in…
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Truck driver charged after Phuket underpass carnage injures 3
A truck driver has been charged with reckless driving after a violent crash in Phuket’s Darasamut Underpass left three people injured and several vehicles smashed in a high-impact pile-up. The chaos unfolded last Friday, August 1, when the driver, behind the wheel of a palm oil truck, slammed into four vehicles while heading towards Chalong. Police say the trucker, who…
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Woman found dead at bus stop on Suwinthawong Road
A woman’s body was discovered under a roadside bus stop shelter along Suwinthawong Road, heading towards Chachoengsao province, on the evening of yesterday, August 4. Police Colonel Pakorn Chukhaw from Min Buri Police Station reported the incident at 7.40pm. Medical examiners from Police General Hospital and Poh Teck Tung Foundation officials were called to the scene. The location was a…
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