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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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Thai bus firms under siege as Chinese rivals drive them up the wall
The Thai bus industry is under siege with Chinese bus operators flooding the market with cut-rate prices and dodgy tactics, leaving Thai companies struggling to keep up. The Thai Transportation Operators Association has sounded the alarm on this cut-throat competition. Wasuchet Sophonsathien, the association’s president, laid bare the ongoing crisis. Illegal foreign bus operators are muscling in on the market,…
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Thailand braces for heavy rain and flash floods in 44 provinces
Today’s weather forecast from the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) warns of increased rainfall across 44 provinces, with heavy rain expected in 70% of these areas. Citizens are advised to be cautious of sudden flooding and flash floods. The TMD predicted that Thailand will experience increased rainfall, with heavy rain in some areas, particularly in the upper northern region and…
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Koh Samui eyes approval of 12.1 billion baht cruise terminal
A new cruise terminal in Koh Samui, set to open in 2032, aims to significantly boost tourism in Surat Thani, Thailand, according to Deputy Caretaker Minister Manaporn Charoensri. Manaporn, along with Caretaker Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, visited Koh Samui to review the progress of major transport infrastructure projects. Suriya revealed that the ministry has several new initiatives underway to enhance…
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Thaksin suggests reacquisition of private transit projects for 20 baht
The Transport Ministry is considering establishing an infrastructure fund aimed at repurchasing mass rapid transit projects from private entities, following a proposal by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Public ownership of these services could potentially allow for a standard fare of 20 baht per ride. Caretaker Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced yesterday, August 24, that the ministry intends to explore the…
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Thai police raid reveals underage exploitation at a semi-pub
A recent raid by the Thai police at a semi-pub restaurant in Chaiyaphum province uncovered illegal activities involving underage girls. The operation led to the arrest of the owner and three girls under 20 years old, who were found offering illicit services. The raid took place yesterday, August 24, when the Chaiyaphum Provincial Police, led by Police Major General Suchart…
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Tunnel collapse in Nakhon Ratchasima leaves three missing
A tunnel collapse at the Khlong Khanan Chit high-speed rail station in Nakhon Ratchasima left three people missing. The Nakhon Ratchasima governor ordered immediate rescue efforts. The incident occurred approximately 3 to 4 kilometres from the tunnel entrance. Today, August 25, Chaiwat Chuenkosum, the Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima, instructed Kanachanon Srijaroen, the District Chief of Pak Chong, to inspect the…
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Phuket landslide leaves 13 dead, 19 injured, 209 homes damaged
Rescue officials in Phuket concluded the search for missing individuals following a devastating landslide. All 13 missing persons have been found dead and the disaster has left 19 injured and impacted 209 households. Phuket Governor Sophon Suwann announced the end of the search operation after the bodies of all 13 missing individuals were located. The landslide occurred in the Kata subdistrict…
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Former official arrested for negligent road work, 38 warrants
Police apprehended a former provincial administrative organisation president in Bangkok, who is accused of negligent road work in Chaiyaphum, leading to multiple injuries among locals. The individual, identified as 54 year old Yothin was also found to have 38 outstanding arrest warrants related to cheque violations. The operation was directed by Police Major General Montree Teskan, commander of the Crime…
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Thai man turns himself in after woman found dead in Khon Kaen
A man connected to the last moments of a woman found dead by a pond has come forward to the police, shedding light on the incident. The 51 year old woman, referred to as Somchok, was discovered dead near a pond in Khuean Ubolratana, Ubolratana, Khon Kaen. Medical professionals attributed her death to pre-existing health conditions. The last person reportedly…
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Police arrest contract killer after 33 year manhunt in Lopburi
Police in Lopburi province yesterday apprehended a contract killer who escaped a 33 year prison sentence after a failed assassination attempt at a hotel. Chief of Police Supakorn Chantabut, along with Deputy Chief Siwawong Damrongsatchasi, alongside other officers successfully arrested the 56 year old contract killer, Paisan, yesterday, August 24. The arrest took place in Chaibadan district, Lopburi province. The…
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Armed robber targets gold shop in Nakhon Si Thammarat
An armed robber struck again at a gold shop in Nakhon Si Thammarat, following the exact pattern of a previous heist. The incident took place close to the store’s closing time, causing panic among employees and shoppers. The robbery occurred at Yaowarat Gold Shop inside Lotus Department Store in Thung Song, Nakhon Si Thammarat. The assailant, dressed in black and…
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Illegal Bitcoin mine in Ratchaburi causing power shortages raided
Police raided a hidden Bitcoin mining operation in Ratchaburi, uncovering over 900 mining rigs and revealing illegal electricity use that caused power shortages in the community. The raid was led by Deputy Superintendent Chumphon Sukphakdi of Ratchaburi City Police Station, along with Jumnong Chanwong, Chief District Officer for Security, Yotsaphon Chaibulwat, District Officer, and officials from the Provincial Electricity Authority…
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Tourist Police crack down on illegal tour operators in Pattaya
The Tourist Police Bureau’s Investigation Division arrested several individuals operating illegal tour businesses in a decisive move to safeguard Thailand’s tourism industry. This operation, under the direction of Police Lieutenant General Saksira Pueak-am, Commander-in-Chief of the Tourist Police Bureau, alongside his Deputy Commanders in Cheif Police Majaor General Phongsayam Mee-khanthong and Police Majar General Kritsana Warit, underscores the government’s commitment…
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Oil stains littered across Jomtien Beach prompts cleanup efforts
Tourists at Jomtien Beach in Pattaya were met with an unfortunate sight as oil stains marred the sandy shores, clinging to their bodies and clothes. Numerous complaints from tourists regarding stubborn oil stains that couldn’t be washed off at Yinyom Beach prompted a cleanup effort by officials. The investigation revealed oil stains scattered across the beach and floating in the…
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Patong leaders back legalising sex work for safety and health
Patong’s key figures unanimously support the legalisation of sex work, asserting that it will enhance safety and health protection for sex workers and their clients. President of the Patong Entertainment Business Association (PEBA) Weerawit Kreuasombat highlighted the current paradox of Thailand’s stance on its renowned sex industry. “Thailand is known for its sex industry, yet maintains a hypocritical stance towards…
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Bangkok airports high-speed rail project hits the brakes
The high-speed rail project set to connect Bangkok’s three major airports has been thrown into limbo, as contract amendments grind to a halt. The delay is blamed on the lack of a new chairman for the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee, a role that must be filled by the incoming Cabinet—still nowhere in sight. The ambitious 276.5-billion-baht project promises…
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Bangkok restaurant owner found dead in car after marital woes
A restaurant owner was found dead inside her car in a secluded alley in Bangkok. Police revealed she had been stressed and upset about her husband’s infidelity. Friends were unable to contact her throughout the day. Police discovered the body of a 21 year old woman, identified as the owner of a restaurant in the Phutthamonthon Sai 5 area, in…
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Chiang Mai temple halts 19-metre statue plan after public outcry
Wat Phra That Doi Kham in Chiang Mai has decided to halt its plan to build the world’s tallest Taowesuwan statue, standing at 19 metres, after facing significant opposition from locals and social media users. The revered temple, located in Mae Hia, Mueang district, had initiated a ceremony to install the giant statue’s feet, intending to provide devotees with a…
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Thai government destroys counterfeit goods worth 325 million baht
Thai officials recently conducted a significant destruction of counterfeit and pirated goods in an effort to combat intellectual property rights violations. The ceremony took place at the Air Defence Command headquarters in Don Mueang, Bangkok, and was led by Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Phumtham, alongside Deputy Commerce Minister Napintorn Srisangpang, Commerce Ministry Permanent Secretary Wuttikrai Leeviraphan,…
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Bangkok: Thai man arrested for exploiting schoolgirl via dating app
Police apprehended a man exploiting a 16 year old schoolgirl through a dating app, producing and distributing explicit videos for profit, earning up to 30,000 baht monthly. Bangkok police, led by Police Major General Saruti Kwangsopa, arrested 25 year old Naphadol, also known as Ohmmy Aklok, under charges of human trafficking and the production or distribution of child pornography. The arrest…
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Thai king’s son reveals lung infection in candid hospital post
Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, son of the King of Thailand, shared an update about his health while lying in a hospital bed with an oxygen tube. He revealed that he has a lung infection caused by a virus. Vacharaesorn posted a story on his Facebook account yesterday, showing himself in a hospital bed with an oxygen tube in his nose. “Still here,…
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Flood aid dispute in Nan province over meal box distribution
Drama unfolded over the distribution of donated meal boxes to flood victims in Nan province yesterday. A heated debate arose after a member of the Facebook group, Original Nan Community Market posted about their frustrating experience trying to obtain food aid. “I braved the floodwaters to request two meal boxes from the Suan Tan Temple foundation. The response I got…
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Food Republic to close last Thai branch on November 22
Food Republic’s final branch in Thailand, located at Central Plaza Grand Rama IX, will close its doors on November 22. The company expressed gratitude to its loyal customers in a Facebook post, marking the end of an era for the popular food court chain. Food Republic has been a well-known name in the food court industry, originally hailing from Singapore.…
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Intoxicated Thai man berates MRT rescue team after escalator fall
A Thai man, reportedly intoxicated, fell down the escalator at Phahon Yothin MRT station, only to berate rescue personnel who came to his aid, claiming to be a high-profile journalist. The incident was reported by a Facebook page, where MRT Phahon Yothin station staff detailed the events. According to the post, the incident occurred around 2pm yesterday when the intoxicated…
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Chon Buri police arrest 100 migrant workers in construction site raid
Chon Buri Immigration Police conducted a significant raid on a construction site yesterday, leading to the arrest of over 100 migrant workers who now face possible deportation. This operation was spearheaded by Police Colonel Napaspong Khositasuriyamanee, Chief of Chon Buri Immigration, and took place in Soi Takhian Tia 20, Takhian Tia subdistrict, Bang Lamung district. During the inspection, the site…
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Frenchman robbed by transgender individual on Pattaya songthaew
A Frenchman in Pattaya reported being robbed by a transgender individual who slashed his bag and stole his mobile phone before fleeing. Pascat Gaston Pair Francais, a 71 year old French national, filed a complaint with Pattaya police yesterday at 2am. He recounted that while riding a songthaew from Soi Buakhao to Soi 6, someone had secretly slashed his bag…
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Death toll in Phuket landslide rises to 9, including 2 Russians
The death toll from the flash flood and landslide in Phuket rose to nine, with two of the deceased being Russian nationals. Ten people were injured while dozens remain missing. The heavy rain from 1am today, August 23, led to a flash flood and landslide in the community near Kitti Sangkatam Temple in the Mueang district of Phuket. The residential area located…
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Thailand drafts new law to restructure oil prices
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy announced the completion of a draft law aimed at restructuring oil prices. This law is currently under review by a team of legal and energy experts before being presented to the Cabinet and later to the House of Representatives for consideration. Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga emphasised his commitment to ongoing projects despite the…
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Pattaya to co-host Chon Buri music festival this September
Pattaya City is preparing to co-host the Chon Buri International Music Festival in the Rain this September at Pattaya Beach. Yesterday, August 22, a meeting took place at Pattaya City Hall, with Mayor Poramase Ngampiches leading the discussions about the festival’s organisation. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) launched a project aimed at boosting tourism in five of Thailand’s most…
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Thai police seize crystal meth stash hidden in cement ware
Thai police scored a major win against international drug traffickers after uncovering a massive stash of crystal methamphetamine (Ice) hidden in decorative cement items at Bangkok Port. The drug bust was carried out by the Seaport Interdiction Task Force (SITF) on Wednesday, August 21. During a routine inspection at the Khlong Toei district, officers stumbled upon two suspicious boxes in…
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