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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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Bedridden woman found dead after robbery in Ratchaburi
A bedridden woman was found dead in her home after being stabbed multiple times during a robbery in Ratchaburi province. The caretaker, who recently returned borrowed money to the victim, discovered her body at 4.45pm yesterday, July 16. Police Colonel Teerapong Sa-ard, an investigator from Baan Pong District Police Station, responded to the incident at house number 81/1, Moo 9,…
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Thai massage shop worker and Vietnamese client killed in electrocution
An electrocution during a flood outside a massage shop in the Isaan province of Udon Thani claimed the lives of a shop worker and her Vietnamese client on Tuesday, July 16. Officers from the Udon Thani Disaster Prevention Unit were called to transport an unconscious man and woman to a hospital. Witnesses suspected the pair was electrocuted due to floodwater…
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Thai House passes amnesty bills but snubs lese majeste cases
Thailand’s lower house approved three Promote Peaceful Society amnesty bills in their first readings yesterday, but rejected two others backed by the People’s Party and civil society networks, sparking criticism for excluding those charged under the kingdom’s harsh royal defamation laws. The passed bills, tabled by MPs from the United Thai Nation (UTN), Klatham, and Bhumjaithai parties, garnered overwhelming support.…
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Contractor from Surin scoops 12 million baht in lottery
A 53 year old contractor from Surin province has become a multimillionaire after winning 12 million baht from the national lottery. Yesterday, July 16, family and locals gathered at Saman Butsri’s residence in Samrong village to congratulate him on his newfound fortune after buying the winning tickets earlier that day. According to Saman, a lottery vendor visited his home that…
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Red flags at the border: Thai senator calls for crackdown committee
Thailand’s border tensions are escalating, and Senator Sawat Thatsana is calling for urgent action. Citing increased incursions, unresolved territorial disputes, and rising unrest in the Deep South, he is urging the Senate to establish a special committee to address the growing security crisis, strengthen cross-border relations, and safeguard long-term peace. Speaking yesterday, July 16, Senator Sawat pointed to several flashpoints…
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Man posing as police arrested for phone theft in Bangkok
A man impersonating a police officer was arrested for stealing a mobile phone, with a history of similar offences across various locations. Today, July 17, Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, together with Police Major General Noppasilp Phunsawat and other officials, apprehended 51 year old Wilai or Pang at a hotel on Lat Ya Road, Khlong San, Bangkok, seizing a mobile…
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9 karaoke bar workers arrested for assault on British tourist in Chiang Mai
Police arrested nine karaoke bar workers in Chiang Mai for the gang assault of a British tourist yesterday, July 16, following a dispute over alleged overcharging. Officers from Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station responded to public concerns after a video of the attack went viral on Thai social media. The footage showed a group of Thai men, along with one…
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Thai health officials warn against dangerous kids’ pimple popper toy
The Department of Health (DoH) has initiated a campaign to protect children from dangerous toys, including a new item dubbed the “pimple popper.” The campaign was introduced at the department’s Data Centre with participation from the Royal College of Paediatricians of Thailand, the Child Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention Centre, and the Foundation for Consumers. Director General Amporn Benjapolpitak expressed…
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Bangkok set to get soaked as rain reigns over Thai 46 provinces
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) today issued a weather forecast, warning of heavy rainfall across 46 provinces, including Bangkok, which is expected to experience rain in 70% of its area. Residents are advised to remain cautious of potential flash floods and landslides. Thunderstorms and heavy rain are anticipated in parts of the northern, central, and eastern regions, particularly affecting Mae…
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Jellyfish helliday turns toxic as ‘floating terror’ hits Phuket beach
Tourists are being urged to look but not touch after a host of venomous sea creatures, including a notorious stinger dubbed the “floating terror,” washed up on a popular beach in Phuket. Marine life officials have sounded the alarm after several dangerous sea critters, including the venom-packed Portuguese man o’ war, were discovered on the sands of Kata Noi Beach…
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Chiang Mai tops Asia’s best cities as Bangkok grabs 3rd place
Thailand has cemented its status as a tourism heavyweight after Chiang Mai was officially crowned Asia’s best city for 2025, leaving travel-hungry globetrotters buzzing with excitement. The prestigious ranking, released by Travel + Leisure, placed Chiang Mai at the very top of its coveted list, scoring a remarkable 91.94 out of 100. Bangkok wasn’t far behind, clinching third place with…
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Coway defends purifier quality after coliform bacteria claim by Thai celebrity
Renowned water purifier brand Coway reassured customers about the quality of its products after a Thai female celebrity claimed the water from her device contained high levels of coliform bacteria. The celebrity, Chanya Tamada, shared her concerns in a Facebook post on July 8, alleging that the water produced by her Coway purifier did not meet the advertised standards. Chanya…
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Farm fury erupts as US trade demands threaten Thai agriculture
Thailand is under mounting pressure as trade talks with the United States teeter on the edge of crisis, with farmers warning that Washington’s demands could devastate local agriculture and threaten national food security. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira confirmed today, July 16, that negotiations remain deadlocked as the US pushes Thailand to slash tariffs on pork, chicken,…
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Thaksin to hear lese majeste ruling on exile anniversary
All eyes are on Thailand’s Criminal Court as it prepares to deliver a high-stakes verdict in the lese majeste case against former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra—a decision that could reignite political tensions across the country. Today, July 16, Thaksin’s lawyer, Winyat Chartmontree, announced that the court had scheduled August 22 as the date for the ruling. Fittingly, the decision will…
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Thailand opens bidding for Bangkok-Nong Khai high-speed rail 2026
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is set to open the bidding process for the high-speed railway project between Bangkok and Nong Khai in the third quarter of 2026. SRT chief Veerath Amrapal led a public consultation meeting to introduce the study, review, and analysis of the project’s bidding documents. This initiative, part of the Thai-Chinese collaboration, aims to align…
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Thailand fights back as Myanmar pollution threatens health crisis
Thailand has launched an urgent crackdown on toxic cross-border pollution after dangerous levels of heavy metals were detected flowing into northern rivers from Myanmar, sparking fears of a looming health and environmental disaster. Yesterday, July 15, the Cabinet officially endorsed recommendations from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to protect communities along the Kok and Sai rivers, where contamination has…
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20-baht Bangkok train fare sparks clash over big business perks
Thailand’s transport boss has come out swinging against claims that the government’s 20-baht flat fare scheme is just a handout for big business, insisting it’s about easing the financial pain of ordinary commuters, not lining investors’ pockets. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit dismissed accusations from the main opposition People’s Party (PP), which alleged the low-fare policy is…
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Pattaya woman flees after forced cannabis gummy intake by South Korean man
A Thai woman escaped from a South Korean man in the early hours of this morning and sought help from locals in Pattaya after being forced to consume cannabis gummies. Officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station were called to a convenience store on Pattaya Sai Song Road at 3.36am today, July 16, to assist the 25 year old woman, identified…
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Topless Thai transwoman busted for beach stunt in Sri Lanka
A Thai transwoman has been slapped with a suspended prison sentence after strutting topless down a popular Sri Lankan surf strip, sparking outrage among conservative locals. The 26 year old tourist was arrested on Monday, July 14, in Arugam Bay, a laid-back beach resort nearly 400 kilometres from Colombo, after social media videos showed her strolling along the sand bare-chested.…
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Thailand anticipates record 2.4 million Indian tourists despite Air India crash
Indian arrivals to Thailand remain strong, despite a recent Air India aircraft accident, with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) forecasting a record 2.4 million arrivals from India this year. This resilience contrasts with a sluggish short-haul market trend. The TAT has announced that several airlines are interested in joining a forthcoming 750-million-baht flight stimulus programme. ASEAN Executive Director, Patsee…
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Thai contract teacher caught robbing gold due to gambling debts
A contract teacher was arrested after attempting a solo robbery of 22 baht of gold at a prominent shopping centre. He confessed his teacher’s salary was insufficient, compounded by online gambling debts, leading to his decision to commit the crime. Yesterday, July 15, Police Lieutenant Colonel Wathana Naipromraj, an investigator at Nam Yuen Police Station, received a report of a…
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Thailand plots digital baht revolution to lure big-spending tourists
Thailand is taking a bold leap to cash in on the crypto craze, with regulators unveiling plans to let foreign tourists spend their digital coins directly on everything from street food to luxury hotels. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), in partnership with the Bank of Thailand (BoT), announced a groundbreaking crypto sandbox programme designed to boost tourism and inject…
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Buzzing: Thai motorcyclist’s bee TikTok video sparks lottery fever
A Thai TikToker attracted the attention of lottery enthusiasts after posting a buzzing video showing a swarm of bees building a hive on the side mirror of a motorcycle parked by the roadside in the southern province of Surat Thani. The TikTok user, @pimpitchayasornk, shared the video on July 10 with the caption, “Go all out! #Lottery @LuckyNumbers #AllTimeLuckyLotteryNumbers.” In…
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Thai clinics exposed in massive gold card fraud scandal
A major healthcare scandal is rocking Thailand as the Ministry of Public Health cracks down on 16 clinics accused of defrauding the country’s universal health scheme out of nearly 30 million baht. Yesterday, July 15, Thanakrit Chitareerat, Secretary to the Minister of Public Health, revealed he had personally inspected several clinics in Sakhon Nakhon’s Song Dao district as part of…
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Bangkok’s ‘Thai Hot Guys’ restaurant to shut doors after 9 years (video)
Bangkok’s most flamboyant seafood joint—famous for its cross-dressing, muscle-bound waiters—will soon sashay off into history. Staneemeehoi, the legendary venue where diners were serenaded by dancing “Thai Hot Guys” in silky pyjamas and crop tops, has announced it will close on July 31 after nearly a decade of saucy performances. The closure comes as the restaurant’s lease at Hua Mum Night…
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Something smells fishy: Locals kick up stink over reservoir pollution fears
Residents of Nong Prue subdistrict in Chon Buri expressed their concerns about the suspected illegal wastewater discharge into Mabprachan Reservoir, an essential water source for locals. The issue emerged yesterday, July 15, near the reservoir’s exercise area, opposite a popular restaurant near the Hot Two Point intersection on Phonpraphanimit Road 34. Upon receiving the complaints, reporters visited the location and…
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Mentally ill man nabbed after bag theft at Phuket hospital
Chaos erupted at Vachira Phuket Hospital yesterday when a man suffering from mental illness allegedly snatched a nurse’s shoulder bag and bolted, sparking a frantic search across the city. The incident unfolded around 3pm yesterday, July 15, inside the outpatient examination room on the hospital’s third floor. Witnesses reported seeing the suspect grab the bag before sprinting out of the…
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Ham-fisted: Cambodian couple busted for illegal pork stall in Bangkok
A Cambodian couple was apprehended by police for illegally operating a pork stall in Bangkok’s Khlong Sam Wa district. The pair, identified as 31 year old Nga Phon and 30 year old Chanty Rav, were found selling fresh pork at a market in the Bang Chan subdistrict on Monday, July 14. The operation was led by Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom,…
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Thai man at large after brutal knife attack leaves 4 year old girl blind
A Thai man remains at large after brutally attacking a four year old girl in the Isaan province of Ubon Ratchathani, leaving the young victim blind. The attack occurred on June 28, but only recently came to public attention after the girl’s family sought help from a local social media influencer. The influencer, who runs the Facebook page Ban Hia…
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Chinese crew member dies after crane accident on cargo ship
Aa Chinese crew member suffered severe injuries from an accident on a cargo ship and later succumbed to his injuries at 3.15pm, yesterday, July 15. Deputy Director Natthaphon Sinpunpon of the Centre for Maritime Security in Surat Thani, along with officials from the Centre for Maritime Security Region 2, deployed a high-speed vessel, the Maritime Security 4003, to assist the…
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