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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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Sponsored Digital nomading in Chiang Mai? What US$1,000 a month really gets you
Chiang Mai has become a popular destination for digital nomads due to its low living costs, rich culture, and active remote work community. The city offers affordable housing, tasty food, reliable internet, and many co-working spaces, making it a great...
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Bank of Thailand anticipates slower loan growth: Interest rates not main factor
The Bank of Thailand anticipates a slower pace of loan growth in the banking industry due to reduced demand, while asserting that rising interest rates are not the main factor impacting loan expansion. The central bank’s soft loan programme, which aimed to aid small and medium-sized enterprises, largely contributed to the increased borrowing during the post-pandemic recovery period. Sakkapop Panyanukul,…
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Stirring noodle drama: Chinese bride’s parents reject wedding gift, calling it a ‘souper’ insult
The parents of a Chinese bride refused to allow their daughter to marry her future husband after the groom gave them four boxes of instant noodles as a wedding gift. The parents said the groom’s present was insulting. Each region has its Chinese wedding traditions, but regardless of location, all parents want their daughters to have a dignified and respectable…
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Pattaya tour bus driver accidentally backs into girlfriend, severely injuring her
In an unfortunate incident, a Pattaya tour bus driver accidentally backed his bus into his girlfriend, severely injuring her. The accident occurred as she was attempting to guide the vehicle while it was being parked. The accident was reported to the Sawang Boriboon rescuers at 6pm yesterday. A rescue team promptly responded to the scene located on Chaiyapruek Road near…
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Krabi official caught demanding 100,000 baht fee for hotel license renewal
The Provincial Governor of Krabi removed the Permanent Secretary of the Mueang Krabi district from her position after she was accused of demanding 100,000 baht from a hotel in the province in exchange for an operating license. The Office of Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) reported to news agencies that the commission received a complaint from the owner of a…
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Timber regulations tightened, Thailand targets Siamese rosewood exports
The Commerce Ministry of Thailand recently announced two new regulations targeting the timber trade. Beginning on July 17, traders will be required to hold a certificate of import to import timber, processed wood, and wooden artefacts. Additionally, starting August 16, the export of Siamese rosewood (phayung) will be prohibited, Bangkok Post reports. The director-general of the Foreign Trade Department, Ronnarong…
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Siam Piwat Simon plans second Premium Outlets in tourist hotspot
Shopping mall operator Siam Piwat Simon Co is exploring options for the best location to open a second branch of Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok, focusing on provinces with a large local population and high foreign tourist numbers. Michael Tang, the company’s managing director, highlighted the importance of excellent transport infrastructure and convenient access for travellers when selecting the location for…
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An unlikely alliance: China and Palestine join forces, stirring US tensions (video)
In a move sure to infuriate the powers that be in the United States, China and Palestine yesterday agreed to establish a strategic partnership and seek to find solutions to peace and the “legitimate national rights” of the Arab state oppressed by Israel. Chinese President Xi Jinping yesterday welcomed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas with full military honours at the Great…
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Thai election concerns rise due to prolonged ballot box transport in Buri Ram
Concerns have been raised over the prolonged transportation time of ballot boxes in Buri Ram, following the recent general Thai election. A group of ten complainants from Non Suwan and Nong Ki districts filed a request with the Election Commission’s Buri Ram office, questioning why it took four and a half hours to transport the ballot boxes across a 20-kilometre…
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NACC investigation targets ex-House secretary over 15.4 million baht clock scandal
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) investigation is preparing to take legal action against Suwichak Nakwatcharachai, the former secretary-general of the House of Representatives, over allegations of his involvement in the irregular procurement of overpriced clocks worth 15.4 million baht for the parliament back in 2013. An inside source at the NACC revealed that a recent board meeting provided evidence supporting…
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Age-defying resurrection: Elderly Ecuadorian woman defies death, comes back to life (video)
In a shocking turn of events, a 76 year old Ecuadorian woman miraculously came back to life after she was pronounced dead by doctors just hours earlier. To the disbelief of her family, the woman, Bella, was found inside her coffin, breathing heavily and knocking on the lid, at her own funeral. Bella’s son, Gilbert, recounted the moment they realised…
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Bed of betrayal: Thai man stabs wife’s lover in naked shocker, flees
A Thai man stabbed his wife’s lover after catching the pair lying naked in bed before fleeing the scene of the crime. Officers from Rayong Police Station rushed to rescue the victim, 25 year old Boonkorn Saetiao, who sustained stab wounds at a house in Rayong province in the eastern part of Thailand. Boonkorn was found hiding in the house…
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Hidden photo in ancestral tomb unnerving, family turns to Thai-like numerals for clues
A Malaysian woman named Jennifer discovered a puzzling photograph of an unknown woman concealed beneath her grandfather’s tomb, which was over 20 years old. The two-inch image was accompanied by Thai-like numbers and an inscribed charm, as well as a one-cent coin. The family sought help from ceremony experts to eliminate any potential curse, and Jennifer gave the photo to…
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Thailand tourism thrives with 1,200% surge in Klook bookings
Online travel platforms continue to express optimism about Thailand’s tourism growth this year, propelled by a substantial increase in visitor arrivals. Wilfred Fan, Chief Commercial Officer at Klook, an online travel platform, stated that the company experienced a 1,200% increase in bookings for activities in Thailand year on year in the first five months of 2023. The top five markets…
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Tourism promotion: TCT urges government to market Thailand as prime retiree destination
Tourism promotion has driven the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) to urge the new government to market Thailand as a prime destination for retirees while advocating for regulatory changes that would encourage the development of the tourism industry. The TCT yesterday met with representatives from the Thai Sang Thai Party to discuss these proposed changes, following the party’s consultation with…
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Kamaa drama: Indian-owned club sparks chaos as tourists become targets in Pattaya (Video)
Staff from the Indian-owned Kamaa Club on Pattaya Walking Street attacked two Indian tourists yesterday. The victims fled the scene and have not yet filed a complaint with the police regarding the attack. The altercation was captured on video by a witness and later circulated on Thai social media platforms. The footage clearly shows the confrontation between the Indian tourists and…
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Elderly Thai man tragically killed in Buriram accident
A 64 year old Thai man was tragically killed in a car and motorbike collision in Buriram. The victim had just visited a food stall where he joked with the vendor about wanting to marry her. Within a minute of leaving, the horrific accident occurred. At around 1pm yesterday, Pol. Lt. Col. Prachak Khamnark, Deputy Inspector (Investigation) of Buriram’s Mueang…
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Thai community gathers to pay respects to turtle for good fortune
It was reported today that residents of Sai Kaew Community, Phimai district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, gathered at house number 127/1 to pay their respects and seek good fortune from a beautifully kept turtle, ‘Kai Toon.’ The turtle is owned by Sawang Saungsombat, a 62 year old local. Sawang explained that her son bought the turtle for her to care for…
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Young policeman dies in taxi collision, shattering dreams and family plans
A tragic incident claimed the life of Thai sub-Lieutenant Anawat Phongerd, a young policeman from the Metropolitan Police’s Naval Unit, who collided with a taxi when chasing a suspect on his motorcycle. Despite his dreams and future plans for education and family, 27 year old Anawat left this world far too soon. According to reports, Anawat was pursuing a suspect…
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Heavy rain persists across Thailand: Bangkok flood risk increases, boats cautioned
Heavy rainfall is expected across Thailand today, with Bangkok facing a 70% chance of flooding. Authorities are warning people to avoid boating activities during this period. The Meteorological Department has predicted 24-hour weather conditions, stating that a moderate southwest monsoon system is covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, while a trough is passing through Myanmar and…
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From war heroes to war zeros: The unjust treatment of Julian Assange
We live in a world where war criminals are celebrated, worshipped, and praised while those who hold them to account are vilified, abused and thrown in prison, as in the case of Julian Assange. We live in a world where George Bush and Tony Blair can lead the United States, United Kingdom, and allies into an illegal war in Iraq…
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On-the-job ride: Rookie worker accused of motorcycle theft, owner in hot pursuit
A worker was accused of stealing a motorcycle after just one day on the job, causing the owner to track him down. The incident occurred in the Mueang district of Udon Thani province on May 17. The owner finally found the thief in Pattaya with a female companion, immediately informing the police. Yesterday, 37 year old Kanitta Jaikhaan, who owns…
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Thai vocational students clash, leading to injuries
A clash between two groups of Thai vocational students yesterday resulted in injuries. The incident took place near a passenger terminal in Chachoengsao province, leading to police intervention and the questioning of one 16 year old student. Around 10 students from one vocational college had a standoff with a student from another technical institute, leading to a weapons-drawn clash before…
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Caught in bed: Cheating wife shields lover, demands husband admit mistakes
A married woman was caught red-handed with her lover, boldly protecting him even as her husband attacked them both physically. The cheating wife had tried to end her marriage unsuccessfully, and argued for her husband to own up to his mistakes, further infuriating him. Reporters said that in a viral case in China, a husband, alongside his friends, caught his…
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Polish protests erupt over restrictive abortion laws after pregnant woman dies
Protests have erupted across Poland as thousands of citizens voice their disapproval for the nation’s highly restrictive abortion laws, following the sepsis-related death of a five-month pregnant woman. Demonstrators marched to the health ministry headquarters in Warsaw on Wednesday, chanting slogans such as “Stop killing us” and holding placards stating “Hell for women.” The death of the woman, Dorota Lalik,…
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Serbian arrest of armed Kosovo police stirs tension, claims of kidnapping
Tensions have heightened as Serbian officials claim they have apprehended three armed Kosovo police officers within Serbian borders, whilst Kosovo authorities assert the officers were patrolling within their territory and were consequently “kidnapped.” Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, held Serbia responsible for the abduction and called for the officers’ release, claiming they were detained within Kosovo’s borders. In response, Serbian…
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Dorries awaits clarification on peerage before resigning as MP
The former culture secretary, Nadine Dorries, has stated that she will not officially step down until she receives clarification from Downing Street regarding why her peerage was not granted. In a series of tweets, Dorries addressed speculations surrounding her decision to delay her resignation from the House of Commons, which she initially announced her intentions to do on Friday. She…
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Malaysia’s Klang Valley sees singles’ high monthly spending due to cars
A recently published spending guide reveals that single individuals residing in the Klang Valley region of Malaysia must budget a minimum of RM2,600 per month if they own a car, and at least RM1,930 per month if they rely on public transportation. The guide seeks to provide a comprehensive outline of expenses for those living in this area, encompassing Kuala…
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Southern Baptist Convention expels churches over female pastors
In a move that highlights the conservative shift within the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), two churches have been expelled due to having female pastors. Delegates at the SBC annual meeting in New Orleans voted overwhelmingly against the appeals of Saddleback Church in Southern California and Fern Creek Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. The decision showcases the SBC’s unwillingness to adapt…
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Miami Mayor Francis Suarez enters 2024 presidential race as GOP contender
Tossing his hat into the ring, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez has joined the race for the 2024 United States presidential elections from the Republican camp. The son of a renowned Cuban American politician, Suarez recently filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission, marking the beginning of his campaign journey, as reported by various US media outlets. Suarez now becomes the…
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Fed halts rate hikes as inflation decline slows, growth outlook brightens
A halt in interest rate hikes has been announced by the Federal Reserve, reflecting a response to an unexpectedly robust economy and a reduced pace in inflation decline. In order to simultaneously tackle both economic risks and inflation control, the Federal Open Market Committee unanimously agreed to maintain the current interest rate range. In a statement following the announcement, Fed…
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