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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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Anwar Ibrahim emphasises musyawarah culture for civil servant input
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasised the importance of ‘musyawarah’ or deliberation in Malaysia, stating that it is essential to provide civil servants with the opportunity to express their opinions when determining the nation’s course. Speaking at the Prime Minister’s Department monthly assembly, Anwar highlighted the crucial role civil servants play in making deliberations more meaningful and effective. Anwar, who also…
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Bear horror: Man loses eye in villagers’ forest foraging encounter
A man lost his eye when a group of villagers in Chanthaburi province were attacked by three large bears while foraging for forest produce. The incident, which occurred around 2.30pm yesterday, left Uthai, a 41 year old man, seriously injured with deep facial lacerations and his right eyeball missing. Multiple authorities collaborated to trek five hours to rescue the victim…
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Bangkok governor urges universities to join citywide cleanup efforts
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt recently participated in a Big Bangkok cleanup event at Swuniplex retail plaza on Asokemontri Road, organised by Srinakharinwirot University. The event saw the involvement of university lecturers and students, Watthana district office executive officials, and representatives from various networks and agencies. During his address, Chadchart praised the university for being a role model in environmental maintenance…
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Chinese gang caught selling overpriced amulets to tourists in famous Thai temple
Two Chinese men willingly surrendered as they were about to be arrested for their involvement in scamming tourists at a well-known temple in Chon Buri, Thailand. The gang had been selling sacred objects at inflated prices. Thai police established a connection between the two men and another group that was apprehended at Khaocheechan Temple in the Bang Sare area of…
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Plant of prosperity: Wealthy Wilson draws crowds in northern Thailand, leafing people in awe
Residents in Phayao, northern Thailand, flocked to witness a bizarre plant known as the “Wealthy Wilson” believed to bring luck and fortune to whoever owns it. The plant’s leaves have taken on an unusual shape, resembling the mythical creature called the Naga. This extraordinary sight has led to a surge of believers seeking lottery numbers from this mystical tree The Wealthy…
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Decorated soldier Roberts-Smith found guilty of war crimes in defamation case
Allegations of war crimes involving Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia’s most decorated living soldier, have left the nation grappling with difficult questions about its national identity and the role of its armed forces. When reports of the alleged war crimes first surfaced in 2017, Roberts-Smith launched a defamation case against the newspapers involved. However, on June 1, Judge Anthony Besanko ruled that…
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Ukraine recaptures villages, Russia shoots down fighter jet amid flooding
In a significant development, Ukrainian forces have managed to recapture three villages from Russian control in the southeast region, marking the first liberated settlements since the launch of their latest counteroffensive. Meanwhile, Russia’s defence ministry announced that it had downed a Ukrainian Su-25 fighter jet in the Kherson region and repelled three Ukrainian attacks in Zaporizhia. The aftermath of last…
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MPs set to condemn Boris Johnson in partygate inquiry conclusion
The parliamentary panel investigating allegations that Boris Johnson lied to Parliament regarding the “partygate” scandal is concluding its inquiry and is expected to deliver a harsh judgement. The former Prime Minister expressed outrage after receiving advance notice of the privileges committee’s conclusions, leading MPs to anticipate strong criticism of his behaviour. Before Johnson’s unexpected resignation as an MP, the committee…
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Malaysian PM and Health Minister uphold medical student scholarships
Malaysian Medics International (MMI) has expressed its gratitude and support towards Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Health Minister Zaliha Mustafa for their decision to continue public scholarships for medical students in Malaysia. This announcement comes after the Public Service Department (PSD) considered ending scholarships for students in medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy. MMI praised the government’s choice to prioritise the education…
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Minister slams Muafakat Nasional for misleading public with old news
Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil has accused Muafakat Nasional president Tan Sri Annuar Musa of misleading the public by sharing outdated news as if it were current. Fahmi questioned a Facebook post by Annuar that featured an article from 2014 in which DAP’s Beruas MP Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham advocated for Muslims to respect apostates. The post, which has…
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Eggs-traordinary crisis: Thailand’s soaring egg prices crack traders and consumers alike
The soaring cost of eggs in Thailand has left traders and consumers concerned, with some attributing the price hike to a shortage of supplies at farms and increased export demand. Wanchai Rungmitcharatsaeng, a 65 year old egg shop owner in Khon Kaen’s Mueang district, has been in the business for over 20 years and claims that egg prices have reached…
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Thrifty mother’s extreme frugal cooking raises concerns among netizens
A TikToker from Vietnam gained attention with her frugal cooking methods on social media after it was brought to netizens’ attention she spends between 7 and 22 baht per family meal. Netizens criticised the Vietnamese mother’s approach, concerned about the potential health impacts on her children. A Vietnamese TikToker, who currently has around 250,000 followers, garnered attention after posting budget…
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Mysterious bee nest sparks lottery buzz across Thailand
Lottery enthusiasts throughout Thailand are seeking lucky numbers for the upcoming June 16 lotto draw, following various news sources and tales of mystical encounters. Here is a roundup of the latest buzz around notable numbers and lottery stories enveloping the Land of Smiles. Legendary beehive numbers Tourists visiting the sacred site of a beehive nest under a particular Buddha statue…
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Bolt invests 300 million baht in Thai expansion amid ride-hailing competition
Estonian tech firm Bolt is set to invest 300 million baht in Thailand to bolster its presence in the country as part of its Southeast Asian expansion strategy. This move follows Bolt’s recent funding round, which raised 628 million euros at a valuation of 7.4 billion euros, earmarked for geographical growth. The company’s expansion adds to the fierce competition in…
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China and Thailand plan joint military cooperation to maintain regional stability
China expressed its readiness to enhance military cooperation with Thailand in a bid to maintain stability in the region. The two nations have planned a series of joint military exercises for the upcoming year. During a meeting in Beijing, China’s Defence Minister Li Shangfu assured Narongpan Jitkaewtae, the Royal Thai Army’s commander-in-chief, of China’s commitment to work closely with Thailand.…
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Impact of higher interest rates on Thai businesses and homebuyers
Concerns are rising among industry leaders that higher interest rates could negatively impact businesses, particularly small ones, and weaken the purchasing power of homebuyers. The Bank of Thailand’s Monetary Policy Committee recently voted to raise the policy rate to 2.00% from 1.75%, prompting state and private banks to follow suit. The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) warns that higher interest…
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New 135km canal to link Pasak River and Gulf, easing floods and droughts
The Royal Irrigation Department announced plans to construct a new canal that will connect the Pasak River to the Gulf of Thailand. The primary aim of this project is to alleviate flooding in the Central Plains basin during the rainy season and address water shortages during the dry season. Spanning 135 kilometres, the canal will originate in Tambon Roeng Rang, located…
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Textual ties: Netizens knot amused by groom’s wedding texts
A video of a groom texting on his wedding day left netizens scratching their heads. The video captures him texting on his mobile phone while leaving the church with his new bride. The video, initially posted to TikTok, has since been viewed over 43.8 million times, sparking widespread speculation. TikTok user @CynthiaUmunze initially uploaded a video but later removed it…
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Heavy rainfall to hit 37 provinces: Stay alert for flash floods
Heavy rainfall is expected in 37 provinces across Thailand this week, with a 60% chance of precipitation, according to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD). The country and parts of Bangkok are on alert for potential flash floods, prompting residents to exercise caution as accumulated rainfall increases the risk. These weather conditions are a result of low-pressure troughs affecting the northern…
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Newborn abandoned under train station, police search for mother
A newborn baby boy was discovered abandoned, crying near the lift entrance of a BTS Skytrain station in Bangkok. Local authorities and volunteer rescue teams rushed to the scene and took the child to a nearby hospital. Police are now reviewing CCTV footage to locate and prosecute the individual responsible for leaving the infant. At around 3am today, the alarm…
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Malaysia to introduce bill controlling smoking products, targeting youth
The Malaysian Health Ministry is set to present the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023 for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat. The bill, which has received cabinet support, is expected to be tabled by Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa. The legislation encompasses 23 proposed amendments and five new suggestions, making it more comprehensive by covering…
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Ofsted revisits inadequate schools within 3 months after head teacher suicide
Following the tragic suicide of headteacher Ruth Perry, Ofsted has announced changes to school inspections in England, including revisiting schools graded inadequate over child welfare within three months. Additionally, the complaints system will undergo a significant overhaul. Ruth Perry’s sister, Prof Julia Waters, stated that while the changes were a start, more substantial reforms were necessary. The Education Secretary, Gillian…
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Johor-Singapore economic region proposal gains momentum amid unique relationship
The potential establishment of a Johor-Singapore economic region is generating excitement among residents and business owners in Malaysia’s southern state of Johor. The idea, which aims to strengthen the state’s economic potential, has been discussed by the state government, the federal government, and the Singaporean government, but has not yet been raised as an official proposal. Johor and Singapore have…
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Health Ministry warned over medical officer oversupply projections in rural Sarawak
The Malaysian Health Ministry’s (MoH) projection of an oversupply of medical officers from 2026 to 2030 has raised concerns for healthcare services in the country, particularly in rural areas of Sarawak. Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Dr Annuar Rapaee, has called for a review of the projection, taking into account the demand for healthcare services and Malaysia’s…
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Wagner Group refuses Ministry contracts amid Russia’s defence directive
The Wagner Group, a Russian private military company, has declined to sign contracts with the Russian defence ministry, despite a directive issued by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu. The order, aimed at increasing the effectiveness of the Russian army fighting in Ukraine, required all “volunteer detachments” to sign contracts with the ministry by the end of June. Wagner Group founder Yevgeny…
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Djokovic claims record 23rd Grand Slam at French Open
Novak Djokovic has achieved a historic milestone as he secured his men’s record 23rd Grand Slam title, defeating Casper Ruud 7-6 (1), 6-3, 7-5 in the French Open final. This victory further strengthens his claim to be the greatest player of all time in men’s tennis. The 36-year-old Serbian surpassed rival Rafael Nadal, who missed this year’s tournament due to…
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Three Brits missing after Red Sea scuba boat catches fire in Egypt
Three British tourists have gone missing after a scuba diving boat they were on caught fire near Egypt’s Red Sea coast. The boat, named “Hurricane,” was carrying 12 crew members and 12 British passengers when it was engulfed in flames off the southern Red Sea resort town of Marsa Alam. Egyptian authorities have attributed the fire to an electrical short…
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Ukraine reports recapturing three villages in counteroffensive against Russia
Ukrainian forces have reportedly recaptured three villages in the southeast from Russian control, marking the first liberated settlements since launching a counteroffensive. In an unverified video published by Ukraine’s 68th Jaeger Brigade, soldiers raised the Ukrainian flag in the Donetsk region’s village of Blahodatne. Valeriy Shershen, spokesperson for Ukraine’s “Tavria” military sector, announced the initial results of the counteroffensive actions…
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Russia attacks evacuee boat in Kherson, kills three, amid dam flooding crisis
Three individuals lost their lives after a boat evacuating people from a flood-stricken area in Kherson, Ukraine, was attacked by Russian forces, according to the regional governor. The Nova Kakhovka dam, located on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River, was destroyed, causing widespread flooding and trapping numerous people. The governor, Oleksandr Prokudin, reported that Russian troops shelled the evacuation…
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11-year-old British girl killed in France over neighbour dispute
A tragic incident in north-western France has resulted in the death of an 11-year-old British girl, with her parents also sustaining injuries. The family was in their garden when the shooting occurred, which reportedly stemmed from an ongoing dispute between neighbours. The UK’s Foreign Office has confirmed its assistance to the British family following the event, which took place on…
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