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 How much travel insurance should cost you in Thailand (By trip length)
When planning a trip to Thailand, travel insurance is a smart investment that can save you from unexpected costs. Whether it’s medical expenses, lost luggage, or trip cancellations, the right coverage can provide peace of mind and financial protection against...
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1200 baht flea market porcelain bowl fetches 25 million baht at Sotheby’s auction
A man’s US$35 (1240 baht) flea market find turned out to be a treasure worth a staggering 20,600 times more. A small porcelain bowl signifying Chinese art purchased for a modest price in New Haven, Connecticut in 2020 was recently auctioned off by Sotheby’s, fetching an exponentially higher value. As per Sotheby’s, the man, whose identity remains undisclosed, acquired the…
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Pouring woe: Thailand braces for heavy rain and rising tides
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) today issued a heavy to very heavy rain warning for most parts of Thailand. The announcement identified areas likely to be affected by sudden floods and flash floods. The southern region faces high sea waves, and citizens are urged to stay vigilant. The weather front, identified as a trough of low pressure, is moving north…
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Drug-fuelled man sets forest temple on fire, claiming supernatural instructions
A drug-addled young man set fire to a famous Udon Thani forest temple, claiming a supernatural entity ordered him to do so. The arsonist, identified as 24 year old Patiwat See-in, showed no remorse as he casually wandered off to eat Som Tum post-destruction. The temple fire, which occurred yesterday, sparked residents to plead with Thailand’s new government to crack…
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K9 heroes: Police dogs rescue missing toddler in Chiang Mai
Two K9 dogs successfully located and rescued a two year old boy who had gone missing from his distraught family’s residence in the northern province of Chiang Mai. The family of the child, named Copter, sought help from the Mae Fak Polie Station yesterday, September 5, at 1.30pm, after he disappeared from the family house. The house is located on…
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Canal mystery: Thai folk singer’s eerie demise clutching 17,000 baht in cash
A Thai folk singer mysteriously died in the Isaan province of Roi Et. Her lifeless body was found floating in a canal, clutching a shoulder bag containing 17,000 baht. A concerned local fisherman reported the shocking find to officers at Mueang Roi Et Police Station on September 5. He recounted that while fishing in the canal, he came across an…
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Terminal shock: Passenger stumbles upon dead Australian at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok
In a chilling and unexpected twist at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport last night, a passenger stumbled upon the lifeless body of an 82 year old Australian man, seated in eerie solitude within the airport’s bustling passenger terminal. The mystery surrounding his untimely demise is currently under investigation. Officers from the Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station were alerted to the foreign man’s…
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Tragic crash report unveils devastating loss of Leicester City’s beloved Thai chairman and crew (video)
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) finally concluded its report on the helicopter crash that tragically claimed the life of Leicester City‘s Thai chairman almost five years ago. The report, released by the AAIB last night, sheds light on the devastating incident that occurred near the King Power Stadium on October 27, 2018, resulting in the untimely deaths of Leicester…
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Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort offers stage spectacular seafront events
Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort is not only a dream destination for tropical escapes and family vacations – it has redefined the island’s MICE sector by providing a spectacular setting for beachside business meetings, stylish social gatherings and one-of-a-kind weddings. Situated just steps from the soft sands of Patong Beach on Phuket’s sunset coast, this stylish seafront…
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Tourism safety concerns: Thai Government urged to reassure China
The Thai administration is being prodded to collaborate with Beijing before implementing a visa-exemption scheme for Chinese tourists, as the country’s image suffers due to its portrayal as a transit hub for fraudulent activities in recent Chinese media, hindering tourism safety. A Chinese film titled No More Bets, which revolves around scammer networks in Southeast Asia, grossed a whopping US$505…
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Chinese ambassador backs visa perks to boost tourism
Han Zhiqiang, the Chinese Ambassador to Thailand, expressed support for the impending visa privileges aimed towards Chinese tourists. These measures are being considered by both governments, to bolster Chinese tourism and investment in their respective countries ahead of the approaching peak season. Han voiced his endorsement during an orientation for the 18th Mandarin for Government Officers Workshop. This event was…
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Phuket water management: ONWR takes action on shortages, flooding, and wastewater
Phuket’s enduring issues of water shortages, flooding and inadequate wastewater management are set to be addressed by the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR). Surasri Kidtimonton, the secretary-general of ONWR, recently visited the province to track the progress of the water management plan and forest preservation initiatives around Kathu district’s natural water resources. Although Phuket stands as a crucial…
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Lobster burger allergy sparks caution among seafood enthusiasts
A young man had a severe allergic reaction after eating a lobster burger from a well-known fast-food chain. He reported his experience on Facebook, stating he had never had seafood allergies before. This lobster burger allergy occurred shortly after the launch of the Lobster Burger, priced at 385 Taiwan dollars (427 baht). This limited edition burger was only available in…
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Palm oil factory fire in Patthalung causes over 3 million baht in damages
A palm oil factory in Patthalung was engulfed in flames, resulting in losses exceeding 3 million baht. The blaze required assistance from several water trucks to bring it under control. Police Lieutenant Colonel Paradanan Meeboon, the duty inspector of Patthalung’s City Police Station, received a report of a fire at the palm oil factory along the Patthalung-Hat Yai Road in…
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Thai thief’s pale for love: Beauty heist and boozy escapade
Police arrested a Thai man who stole 120 packs of skin-whitening products from a 7-Eleven convenience store in the Isaan province of Surin so his girlfriend would have radiant beauty like a superstar. He also stole vodka from a Lotus’s supermarket to throw parties with friends. The saga began when an eagle-eyed staff member at Lotus’s store caught the 38…
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Cyanide murder mastermind loses defamation case
The Criminal Court has dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by Sararat Rangsivuthaphan, known as Am, the alleged mastermind behind several murder cases involving cyanide, against Rapee Chumnanruen, who coordinated on behalf of the victims. The court’s decision came after evidence was presented proving Rapee’s statements made during a television interview about Am’s deception of authorities were true. Am’s lawyer, Thanicha…
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Malaysian family forgets freshman son at rest stop en route to university
A Malaysian family caught major attention online after a humorous mishap. The family forgot their freshman son at a rest stop on the way to his university in the state of Kedah. The story quickly went viral, reported Sanook. The amusing incident was shared on TikTok by Mohammad Khairul Azmi Ghazali, the older brother of the freshman who was left…
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Jealous wife takes knife in the back for unfaithful husband in karaoke bar brawl
A jealous wife tried to drag her husband from a local karaoke bar in the northern province of Chaing Mai but ended up being stabbed in the back as a brawl broke out in the establishment. The woman’s 30 year old husband, Jakkrit, told Channel 7 that the stabbing incident occurred at about 1.40am in front of a karaoke bar…
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Rare Tiffany Blue snake slithers into Suphanburi province, leaves locals ‘blue-tified’
The discovery of a Tiffany Blue snake in Suphanburi province has stirred up excitement and bafflement amongst residents and online viewers alike. As pictures of the unusual blue creature started to circulate online, questions arose about what kind of snake it was, whether it was venomous, and what one should do if one encountered it. The stunning sight of the…
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Thailand’s DES minister vows to combat online scams, roll out digital wallet
The new Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Prasert stated that he is prioritising combating online fraud and call centre scams, as well as launching the much-discussed digital wallet plan. The ministry, aligned with Pheu Thai Party goals, plans a digital wallet scheme by 2024, starting next year, offering 10,000 baht to all Thai individuals aged 16 and above via…
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Suspect’s wife arrested in Phuket ice cream shop owner murder
The death of a Phuket ice cream shop owner led to the arrest of the wife of the prime suspect. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) in Phuket successfully apprehended Ketsuda on Sunday, charging her with conspiracy to murder. The arrest followed an intensive manhunt for her spouse, Tharapong “Jack” Nabbua, who is still at large. Ketsuda was living with her…
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Pattaya Central Tunnel to install CCTV to deter motorcycle riders
Pattaya’s Central Tunnel, a vital shortcut for local commuters, has been the centre of a heated debate involving the city’s Mayor, Poramase Ngampiches, and the persistent motorcycle riders who choose to ignore established safety regulations. Despite a standing prohibition, an estimated 5,000 motorcycles continue to navigate the tunnel every month, leading to the proposal of a new deterrent – the…
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ThaiBMA warns investors about corporate bonds as firms struggle amidst pandemic
The Thai Bond Market Association (ThaiBMA) is urging caution among investors considering corporate bonds due to ongoing challenges faced by several companies in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. Ariya Tiranaprakit, ThaiBMA’s executive vice president, highlighted that three companies failed to meet debenture payments totalling 12.1 billion baht this year. Additionally, some firms struggled to adhere to corporate bond payment…
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Blue Strike 2023 Thai-Chinese naval exercise underway, navy commits to sunken ship recovery
In the Gulf of Thailand, off the coast of Chon Buri in the Sattahip district, a naval training exercise named Blue Strike 2023 is in full swing. This bilateral exercise between the naval forces of Thailand and China is a seven-day event, which started on Sunday, September 3 and is scheduled to wrap up on Sunday, September 10. This exercise…
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Thai man arrested for production of pornography livestream on Chinese app
Police swooped to arrest a Thai interpreter working on a porn set in Thailand that was livestreamed via a Chinese application. The police received a tip-off that a Chinese woman had turned Bangkok condominium into a porn set for her production team. The team produced explicit pornographic content and livestreamed it through an application. Viewers had to purchase a membership…
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Thai weather update: Heavy rain and storms expected across multiple regions
The Thai Meteorological Department warns of heavy to very heavy rainfall across Thailand and the potential for strong storms until September 6. The announcement further warns of flash floods and forest runoff, with high waves expected at sea on September 5. A strong monsoon trough is currently sweeping through the northern, northeastern, and upper central regions of Thailand, combined with a…
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Climate change hits Thai economy, calls for smart agriculture surge
The economy has been negatively impacted due to the challenges presented by climate change, leading to a decrease in farmers’ income because of reduced production, and affecting foreign investment. This has subsequently resulted in higher inflation and cost of living and impacted the export of agricultural products and food. This insight is according to a recent study conducted by the…
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Turkish investment scammer arrested for deceiving Thai woman
Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) officers arrested a Turkish man for operating an investment scam in Thailand after being tipped off by a Thai woman victim. Police discovered the foreigner has been operating the scam in Thailand for more than 10 years. A Thai woman yesterday filed a complaint against the Turkish man, 43 year old Onur Gungor, also known as…
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Monks with luxury backpacks ignite debate over wealth and religion
Two posh monks were spotted at an airport carrying luxury brand backpacks, causing a stir on social media. The high price of these accessories, which are out of reach for most ordinary people, but seemingly affordable for the monks, has left many in shock. The recent images shared on Weibo, a Chinese social media platform, sparked intense online debate. The two…
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Thai hotel industry fears revenue and tax loss over reclassifying small properties
The Thai Hotels Association (THA) voiced concerns over recent ministerial regulations that exclude accommodations with fewer than eight rooms and 30 guests from being classified as hotels. The THA predicts this new rule will result in a 15-20% decrease in hotel tourism revenue, heightened safety risks, and loss of tax revenue. This regulation, announced in the Royal Gazette, has been…
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Heroic Thai husband’s defence of pregnant wife ends in fatal stabbing
A Thai man defending his pregnant wife from an attack from a man with mental health issues wielding a knife was fatally stabbed in the chest. Bang Sao Thong Police Station officers were called to the stabbing scene in the Keha Muaeng Mai Bang Phi Village in the Bang Sao Thong district of Samut Prakarn at 12.30am today. On arrival,…
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