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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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  • Royal battleships make a reefinement splash as underwater tourism sets sail off Koh Tao

    Royal battleships make a reefinement splash as underwater tourism sets sail off Koh Tao

    The royal battleships Su Phairin and Han Hak Satru just took their last splash as they were submerged undersea to form refinement ambassadors. Rear Admiral Charasakiat Chaiphan, commander of the 2nd naval area, led the initiative, all part of the underwater learning park project to take the plunge into underwater tourism. The two decommissioned vessels found their new home off…

  • Thai chicken vendors drum up controversy by winging it to rip off South Korean YouTubers (video)

    Thai chicken vendors drum up controversy by winging it to rip off South Korean YouTubers (video)

    Thai vendors of a renowned deep-fried chicken store in the southern province of Songkhla faced criticism from Thai netizens for overcharging two South Korean YouTubers. The controversy erupted following a video posted by the foreigners, showcasing their purchase of six pieces of fried chicken and two boxes of rice for 520 baht. The South Korean YouTuber, Cullen shared a video…

  • Shore thing: Coastal encroachment sparks wave of controversy in Chon Buri

    Shore thing: Coastal encroachment sparks wave of controversy in Chon Buri

    Chon Buri’s local authorities lodged complaints yesterday against a resort proprietor and a village leader, accusing them of encroaching on a coastal region in the Sattahip district by constructing a ramp. The ramp was being erected behind a now-defunct resort in Tambon Samae San in Moo 1, an area under investigation following a complaint about suspected coastal encroachment. Following the…

  • Deputy duo digs in to root out mafia-style gangs, promises ‘crime-busting’ harvest

    Deputy duo digs in to root out mafia-style gangs, promises ‘crime-busting’ harvest

    Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, yesterday expressed his firm belief in Chada Thaiset, his deputy, to successfully combat mafia-style gangs and diminish their influence on local administrative organisations across Thailand. The 56 year old deputy PM entrusted Thaiset with a nationwide mission last week to scrutinise all influential local leaders suspected of affiliations with mafia-like gangs and…

  • Six dead after lift plummets 40 floors at construction site in India (video)

    Six dead after lift plummets 40 floors at construction site in India (video)

    A tragic accident occurred in Thane, India, where a high-rise construction site’s lift fell 40 floors, resulting in at least six fatalities. Five of the deceased died instantly and one later in the hospital. Additionally, three more sustained injuries. The incident transpired around 6pm local time on Sunday, September 10. The Thane Fire Brigade was promptly alerted and successfully rescued…

  • Health harmony: National Health Board unites government and private sector for healthier policies

    Health harmony: National Health Board unites government and private sector for healthier policies

    Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew announced the formation of a National Health Board (NHB) to unify various ministries and private sector roles in handling macro-health policies. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will chair the board, creating a central hub where the government and private sector can join forces to drive health policy in the country. Cholnan stressed that the NHB will…

  • Silent film chaos: Man attacks transwomen at mall theater for shushing

    Silent film chaos: Man attacks transwomen at mall theater for shushing

    A Thai man physically assaulted two transwomen at a theatre in a shopping mall in Chon Buri after the two asked him to stop talking while watching a movie. The victims, 27 year old Cher and 26 year old Joy decided to share the story with ThaiRath as the attacker claimed that he was powerful and knew a lot of…

  • Man survives shocking train collision at notorious Thailand train station

    Man survives shocking train collision at notorious Thailand train station

    A 55 year old man miraculously survived a collision with a train at the deserted Khlong Khwang Klan train station in Chachoengsao province yesterday. His body was thrown into a narrow tunnel underneath the station’s platform after being hit by train number 849, an Ultraman model electric diesel locomotive pulling more than 30 container cars. The station, located in Moo…

  • Thai-EU FTA talks set to roll, aiming for a trade-tastic deal within two years

    Thai-EU FTA talks set to roll, aiming for a trade-tastic deal within two years

    Talks on a free-trade agreement between Thailand and the European Union (Thai-EU FTA) are set to kick off next week, to finalise the deal within a two-year timeframe. The Department of Trade Negotiations, under the Thai Commerce Ministry, is spearheading the negotiations. Auramon Supthaweethum, the department’s director-general, revealed that a team from various state agencies is being prepped for the…

  • Thai police probe suicide of deputy director after meal with colleagues

    Thai police probe suicide of deputy director after meal with colleagues

    Closed-circuit surveillance footage has revealed the timeline of events leading up to the unfortunate demise of Police Lieutenant Colonel Wachira, Long Thai Song, the Deputy Director of the 2nd Army Division, also known as Berm. After forensic examination and evidence collection by doctors from Phumiphol Hospital and police officials, the body was sent for an autopsy at the same hospital.…

  • Severe thunderstorms warning issued for 41 Thai provinces: potential floods threaten residents

    Severe thunderstorms warning issued for 41 Thai provinces: potential floods threaten residents

    The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning for severe thunderstorms across 41 provinces today. Northern and northeastern regions are expected to be the hardest hit, with 80% of these areas expected to experience heavy rainfall. This downpour may lead to sudden flooding, posing danger to residents, particularly those residing in mountainous areas, near water flow paths and in low-lying…

  • Charged up and rolling: GAC Aion sparks production of maiden battery EVs by June 2024

    Charged up and rolling: GAC Aion sparks production of maiden battery EVs by June 2024

    GAC Aion New Energy Automobile, the electric vehicle (EV) wing of Guangzhou Automobile Corporation (GAC), China’s second-largest EV purveyor, outlined plans to initiate the assembly of its maiden battery EVs by June 2024. The production is slated to occur at the brand’s nascent factory within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). Gu Huinan, GAC Aion’s managing director, anticipates the assembly of…

  • SET falls as Thai government’s new policies fail to convince investors

    SET falls as Thai government’s new policies fail to convince investors

    The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) experienced a slight decline yesterday as the newly elected government‘s policy statement failed to impress investors. Analysts have raised concerns about the lack of specific timelines and the feasibility of implementing these policies. The Srettha Thavisin administration’s key policies include a 10,000 baht digital wallet to stimulate domestic demand, energy price reductions, tourism promotion,…

  • Shanghai crab feast video cracks the Internet: Busty beauty steals spotlight over seafood

    Shanghai crab feast video cracks the Internet: Busty beauty steals spotlight over seafood

    A video posted by a stunning woman from Shanghai, China, focusing on a crab feast with her family, took an unexpected turn when netizens seemed more interested in the busty beauty than the food. The clip initially shared to celebrate her brother’s impressive crab catch and the subsequent sumptuous meal, soon saw viewers commenting with lots of innuendo. “The crabs…

  • Newly discovered Nishimura comet visible in Thailand this Sunday

    Newly discovered Nishimura comet visible in Thailand this Sunday

    Keep your eyes pointed upwards this weekend as Thailand will be treated to a rare celestial sighting. The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) has revealed that the Thai population might have the opportunity to observe the newly discovered Nishimura comet this Sunday evening as it approaches the sun. The comet, officially tagged as C/2023 P1 and named after…

  • Nok scandal unveils dark secrets: Investigation into accused official’s wealth surfaces

    Nok scandal unveils dark secrets: Investigation into accused official’s wealth surfaces

    In the wake of the ongoing scandal unfolding involving a high-ranking local official allegedly organizing the murder of a police officer, investigators are now looking into the wealth amassed by the accused, 35 year old Praween Chanklai, also known as Nok. This incident has led the police to widen their investigation to include an examination of Nok’s significant wealth and assets.…

  • Stray dog sanctuary’s ‘leash’ of hope in jeopardy as land lease nears end

    Stray dog sanctuary’s ‘leash’ of hope in jeopardy as land lease nears end

    In an unexpected turn of events, Hope for Strays Foundation, a registered non-profit organisation, is facing a critical situation. Located in Nongprue, to the east of Pattaya, the Foundation is a sanctuary for over 300 dogs. However, the impending end of the land lease in March of next year has put the existence of the shelter in jeopardy. A new…

  • Corruption crisis: Gunshots echo in ongoing scandal surrounding local sub-district headman Nok

    Corruption crisis: Gunshots echo in ongoing scandal surrounding local sub-district headman Nok

    In the ongoing story of corruption and murder, new surveillance footage has surfaced, rendering audible the sound of four consecutive gunshots emerging from the residence of Praween Chanklai, also known as Nok, a local sub-district headman, reported Khaosod. Nok yesterday he surrendered himself to the local law enforcement authorities following the murder of a highway patrol officer. Nok is under…

  • Police chief commits suicide after death of subordinate

    Police chief commits suicide after death of subordinate

    The Superintendent of Highway Police Division 2 committed suicide today at his house in the Pathum Thani province near Bangkok. Police General Wachira Yaothaisong reportedly had been battling depression and was said to be stressed over the death of his subordinate, Police Major General Siwakorn Saibua. The Highway Police Inspector, Siwakorn, was murdered at a gathering at the house of…

  • Stray puppy becomes millionth animal to be neutered and vaccinated by Soi Dog Foundation

    Stray puppy becomes millionth animal to be neutered and vaccinated by Soi Dog Foundation

    A one-eyed stray puppy in Thailand has become the millionth animal to be neutered and vaccinated by the animal welfare organisation Soi Dog Foundation. Aptly named ‘Million’, the homeless puppy was taken in by one of the foundation’s mobile sterilisation teams after she was found on the streets of Nakhon Si Thammarat, and soon after became the millionth animal to…

  • Laos-link drug bust: Thai police seize 100,000 illicit tablets in holy heist

    Laos-link drug bust: Thai police seize 100,000 illicit tablets in holy heist

    Police today swooped to arrest a group of drug traffickers operating between Thailand and Laos and confiscated over 100,000 tablets of illicit substances. The operation unveiled a drug trafficking route originating from neighbouring Laos, with deliveries strategically timed before Buddhist holy days, as Laotians traditionally abstain from immoral activities on such sacred occasions. The arrest operation, led by Rutthaphon Naowarat,…

  • Fallen mystery: Thai mother seeks answers in daughter’s Japan condo death

    Fallen mystery: Thai mother seeks answers in daughter’s Japan condo death

    A Thai woman demanded an investigation into the death of her 23 year old daughter who mysteriously fell to her death from the eighth floor of a condominium in Japan, just one day after her arrival. The mother, 48 year old Somporn, reached out to the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women yesterday, September 10, seeking assistance to find the…

  • Thai thief’s muddy caper: Stolen food cupboard’s bizarre journey

    Thai thief’s muddy caper: Stolen food cupboard’s bizarre journey

    In a truly ‘food for thought‘ incident in Surin’s Isaan province, a baffled Thai homeowner recounted an odd story involving a thief who swiped his food cupboard, only to ditch it nearby, all thanks to an unexpected ‘muddy munch’ venture. The Thai man, Weerayut Choowa, reached out to the Daily News to share his unusual story. Weerayut stated that he’d…

  • Visa mishap leaves dog stranded at Atlanta Airport for three weeks

    Visa mishap leaves dog stranded at Atlanta Airport for three weeks

    After an agonising three-week separation, a relieved owner was reunited with her beloved dog at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world. The heartwarming dog reunion was an emotional moment as they were once again in each other’s arms. The dog, who had been missing, was discovered to be in good health despite showing signs…

  • Thailand cracks down on illicit artefact racket: Trio arrested with trove of history

    Thailand cracks down on illicit artefact racket: Trio arrested with trove of history

    A significant victory was recorded in the fight against the illicit trafficking of cultural artefacts in Thailand with the apprehension of three individuals suspected to be key figures in the racket. The police, in conjunction with the Fine Arts Department, successfully conducted an operation which led to the arrest of these suspects and the recovery of about 1,000 historical artefacts.…

  • Reckless car drifting stunt in busy Chon Buri intersection sparks outrage

    Reckless car drifting stunt in busy Chon Buri intersection sparks outrage

    An online video showing a car recklessly drifting in the centre of a major intersection, causing distress among residents, has drawn widespread criticism. The incident occurred last week and was shared recently by a Facebook user. The video depicts the car performing a dangerous drift stunt without any regard for the pedestrians crossing the road or other vehicles halted at…

  • Cable chaos near Phuket Airport: Theft and damage probe takes off

    Cable chaos near Phuket Airport: Theft and damage probe takes off

    Phuket Provincial Police are accelerating the investigation into the recent theft and damage of power and communication cables near Phuket International Airport. The cables, located by the road leading to the aircraft control tower, were targeted by unknown culprits who managed to cut and steal them, leading to damages amounting to 50,200 baht. The investigation is being led by Police…

  • Pedestrian accident: Pickup kills elderly woman en route to doctor

    Pedestrian accident: Pickup kills elderly woman en route to doctor

    A tragic pedestrian accident occurred when a woman was killed by a pickup truck while on her way to the doctor. Despite the driver’s attempt to flee, a six-wheeled truck managed to block his escape. The deceased’s daughter revealed that her mother was heading to the doctor without informing her children as she did not want to disturb them due…

  • Ex-mother-in-law’s gift of an antique bowl worth over 14 million baht

    Ex-mother-in-law’s gift of an antique bowl worth over 14 million baht

    A 30 year old woman was left stunned after discovering a seemingly antique bowl, a parting gift from her ex-mother-in-law, was worth over 14 million baht. The revelation occurred on the popular television show Asset Appraisal on China Central Television (CCTV), where experts evaluate the worth of various items brought in by participants. The woman, who had recently divorced her…

  • Thai government plans central budget use for farmers’ debt relief

    Thai government plans central budget use for farmers’ debt relief

    The Ministry of Agriculture is planning to utilise the central budget to support farmers’ debt relief in case next year’s budget is delayed. The ministry is aligning its plans with the government’s policies, especially Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s strategy of reducing production costs. In an interview before announcing the policy, Deputy Ministers of Agriculture and Cooperatives Chaiya Phromma stated that…