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Sponsored Planning to extend your Thai visa? Why health insurance is more important than ever
If you plan to stay longer in Thailand, having health insurance is now more important than ever. Thai immigration often asks for proof of medical coverage when you apply to extend your visa. This applies to many types of visas,...
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Phuket officials to target ‘bad foreigners’ to enhance tourism
The island of Phuket, a popular tourist hotspot, was the stage for a significant meeting yesterday. The Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Police Immigration Bureau, Pol Lt Gen Itthiphon Ittisanronnachai, made a request to Phuket officials to assemble a task force to zero in on bad foreigners, thereby offering the Immigration Bureau the aid they require to tackle the situation.…
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Thai woman accuses colleague of poisoning her with cleaning fluid
A Thai woman accused her colleague of poisoning her by adding bathroom cleaner to her drinking water. The water is being tested to identify the dangerous substances. The victim’s daughter, Niparpon Suwanphan, shared pictures of her mother, 57 year old Anong Suwanphan, in hospital and said in the caption that Anong was admitted to the hospital after drinking water with…
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Christmas exodus: Hong Kongers flock abroad, but tourists stay home
‘Tis the season for Hong Kongers to fly out, with a staggering 1.32 million jetting off for the Christmas holidays over the past three days. However, the city’s tourist hotspots are left feeling a bit like a Christmas pudding without the sauce, as inbound visitors lag behind. The numbers tell a tale of two cities: Hong Kong residents embraced the…
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23 year old arrested in Phuket for causing ex-girlfriend’s blindness
A 23 year old man was arrested by police for causing blindness to his former girlfriend after she shared her seven-year torment online. The woman, who was forced to wear a prosthetic eye after losing one in the assault, had posted a video on TikTok detailing her ordeal. In her post, she shared that her former boyfriend had physically abused…
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Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun from ‘Parasite’ passes away
Acclaimed South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, renowned for his role in the Oscar-winning film Parasite, has been discovered lifeless in a car at a prominent Seoul park. The 48 year old actor was found unconscious today, December 27, and while it remains unclear whether he took his own life, reports suggest he left a note before departing his home. Lee…
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Thai TikToker allegedly tricks woman and leaves her in debt
A Thai woman is seeking help after she could not contact a charming Thai TikToker who allegedly tricked her into marrying him and later left her to repay 200,000 baht in debt alone. The Thai woman, identified only as P, sent a letter to a famous host of a news programme on Channel 3, Kanchai Kamnedploy, to ask him to…
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Thailand marks 19th anniversary of devastating tsunami with somber memorial
Yesterday marked the 19th anniversary of the devastating tsunami that struck Thailand. To commemorate this somber occasion, Sarawut Srisakukam, the head of the Mai Khao Tambon Administrative Organisation, led an official memorial service at the Wall of Remembrance, located at the Mai Khao Cemetery. This ceremony was attended by high-ranking local officials and members of the local community, all brought…
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Thailand’s export surge signals global economic boom
Thailand‘s exports have skyrocketed for the fourth month in a row, unleashing economic fireworks just in time for the festive season. Thailand’s exports are on a jaw-dropping winning streak, marking a fourth consecutive monthly surge in November. Ministry of Commerce Permanent Secretary Keerati Rushchano explains this economic rollercoaster. “Exports of goods showed a remarkable expansion across the board, with agricultural…
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Bitcoin value dips as traders speculate on potential US ETF impact
Bitcoin’s value fell by 2.4% in the last 24 hours, trading at US$42,400 (1.4 million baht) on yesterday in Singapore. This comes as traders speculate on how the potential approval of the first US exchange-traded funds (ETFs) investing directly in the digital asset could impact crypto markets. Despite the recent dip, Bitcoin has seen a significant rise of 156% this…
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Thai astrology 2024: Year of the Horse to see wealth increase
The astrological predictions of 2024 indicate a promising year for those born in the Year of the Goat. Notably, financial fortune is expected to favour those born in the Year of the Horse, who will witness an increase in income and improved liquidity, with a high probability of being able to pay off debts. Meanwhile, the Year of the Rat…
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Sattahip: Man nabbed with pot and blade outside petrol station toilet
A man was apprehended by Sattahip police for a bizarre combination of vices – smoking marijuana and brandishing a knife just outside a petrol station women’s restroom on December 23. The shocking episode unfolded when an alert local reported the man’s suspicious behaviour, prompting a swift response from law enforcement. Responding to the call, investigators, joined by officers from the…
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Flood disaster in Narathiwat province affects 158,000 people
The latest reports from the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department in Narathiwat province reveal a flood disaster triggered by downpours, affecting 13 districts and over 158,000 people. Seven lives have been lost, primarily in the Rueso and Ra-ngae districts. The calamity which started on December 22, affected 497 villages in 77 subdistricts across 13 districts. The devastation has impacted 41,442…
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Yingluck Shinawatra’s shocking courtroom triumph: Acquitted and warrant revoked
Former Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has emerged victorious in the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division, shattering legal expectations and leaving political pundits in disbelief. Not only has she been acquitted of malfeasance, but a once-looming arrest warrant has also been revoked. The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions delivered a bombshell verdict yesterday, December 26, clearing former…
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Thai lottery predictions stir excitement ahead of 30 December 2023 draw
The latest lottery numbers for December 30 are causing quite a stir among lottery enthusiasts as they anticipate the upcoming draw. Various sources have contributed their predictions, including popular TikTok user, nid8857 from Pathum Ratcha Technic Solar Cell, who shared three different sets of numbers: 897627,097627,288,2048,942,042. In another interesting turn, a local named Sawang revealed she had seen the number…
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TikTok star Mae Pla pleads for justice for son’s assault
Renowned Thai TikTok sensation Mae Pla has taken her fight for justice to the highest authority after her son and his friend were allegedly brutalised by security personnel at a popular Chon Buri pub. Visiting the Thai National Police Headquarters yesterday, December 26, the 44 year old influencer, Mae Pla aka Nawarat Phurinpuwadon met with Police Lieutenant General Achayon Kraithong,…
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Phuket simplifies visa extensions with new online system
Phuket, the vibrant tourist hub of Thailand, has taken a significant step forward in its immigration policy. The Immigration Bureau Commissioner, Pol Lt Gen Itthiphon Itthisanronnachai, announced on yesterday that foreigners residing in Phuket under any of 12 different types of visas can now apply for visa extension through an online portal. This announcement was part of Lt Gen Itthiphon’s…
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Thai workers fleeing conflict zones for lucrative jobs in South Korea: 7,000 positions up for grabs
The Korean-Thai Chamber of Commerce (KTCC) is set to revolutionise the South Korean job market, offering a glimmer of hope for thousands of Thai workers escaping the turmoil in Israel. The KTCC, having sealed the deal with the Thai government, is now gearing up to negotiate with South Korean local government officials, aiming to open the doors to Thai workers…
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Former prison officer arrested for stealing 3 million baht from inmates
Officers from the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) arrested a former prison officer for stealing about 3 million baht from more than 1,000 inmates after evading arrest for 10 years. The crime took place at the Central Prison in the central province of Nakhon Sawan in 2013. The suspect, 45 year old woman named Matira, was found stealing the money…
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Bangkok free water refill plan to reduce plastic use
Central Pattana, alongside influential partners, spearheads the Bottle Free Seas campaign, urging Bangkokians to swap the bottle for reusable options. With a staggering 70 million plastic bottles drowning Bangkok monthly, the initiative aims to flood the city with free water dispensers, starting with the iconic Central World shopping mall. The campaign, a collaborative effort between Central Pattana, the Bangkok Metropolitan…
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Chinese tourists boost Thailand’s hotel sector with rapid recovery
The number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand is on a rapid recovery trajectory this month, a trend analysts predict will continue into the Chinese New Year on February 10. This resurgence is expected to provide a much-needed boost to local hotels during this peak season. Statistics from December have shown a revival in visitors from key markets such as China,…
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PM Srettha visits devastated Narathiwat amidst ongoing Thai Floods and regional cooperation talks
Ravaging floods in Thailand’s southernmost provinces prompted Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to visit Narathiwat on Tuesday. The region has been devastated by a persistent low-pressure system causing flash floods. Despite the water receding somewhat, significant property damage is evident. In addition to Narathiwat, the Prime Minister’s itinerary included a trip to Phuket. Here, he had dinner with his Malaysian counterpart,…
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South Korean man arrested for smuggling endangered tortoises in Bangkok
Officers at the Wildlife Checkpoint at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok arrested a South Korean man on December 25, for attempting to smuggle seven radiated tortoises, an endangered species, out of Thailand. The chief of the checkpoint, Narongrit Sukprakarn, were checking passengers’ baggage at the international departures terminal on the third floor of the airport and spotted the suspicious…
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Thai elderly seek help from ThaiHealth for palliative care
Speaking at a pivotal seminar on palliative care, Dr Pongthep Wongwatcharapaiboon, the director of ThaiHealth’s healthcare development division, laid bare the heartbreaking reality. “The statistics for 2021 are staggering – 12.5 million elderly people in Thailand, with nearly 47,000 bedridden and suffering. We need your assistance to provide the specialised care they deserve.” These vulnerable patients are at risk of…
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Srettha Thavisin confident to complete term, dismisses coalition expansion
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed intentions to complete his four-year term, reiterating the stability of the current coalition government. He dismissed any plans of incorporating the opposition Democrat Party into the government coalition at this time. When questioned about the government’s ability to fulfil its four-year term, Thavisin confidently spoke about the collective effort of the cabinet ministers in serving…
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Ex-ship captain identified as head of major drug ring
A prominent former ship’s captain has been identified by the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) as the operator of a substantial drug trafficking ring, from which 1.2 tonnes of ketamine and nearly one tonne of ya ice were confiscated earlier this month. The NSB disclosed this information during a briefing at its headquarters, unveiling the outcome of a covert operation named…
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Thailand considers humanitarian centre for Myanmar refugees
The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs is considering the establishment of a humanitarian assistance centre along the Thai-Myanmar border. The proposed centre aims to aid Myanmar refugees fleeing the internal conflict between junta forces and rebel minority groups. Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara confirmed ongoing discussions with Myanmar officials yesterday about this initiative, prompted by the dire circumstances within Myanmar and…
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Bangkok safety centre being set up for secure New Year celebrations
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has initiated a safety centre to enhance security measures for the upcoming New Year festivities, strongly urging the public to adhere to the established safety protocols throughout the celebration period. This move was announced by Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt this Tuesday, who shed light on the specifics of a safety regulation that has been issued in…
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Thailand’s cabinet approves one-year import permits for animal feed raw materials
The cabinet has greenlit policies for next year’s import of raw materials required in animal feed production, such as animal feed corn, soybean meal, and fish meal. The intention behind this move is to back local production. A significant change in this year’s policy is the annual approval of import permits, a reduction from the previous term of three years.…
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Drunk driver claims 1 life and leaves another in critical condition
A drunk Thai driver crashed an SUV into a motorcycle on a road in the Isaan province of Maha Sarakham, claiming the life of one victim and leaving another one in critical condition. Channel 7 showed CCTV footage of a black SUV driving against the direction of traffic and hitting a motorcycle directly yesterday, December 25. The date of the…
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Pope’s plea for peace amidst global turmoil: Christmas celebrations overshadowed by war
In a world marred by conflict, Pope Francis ushered in Christmas with a heartfelt call for peace, acknowledging the grim shadows cast by Israel’s clash with Hamas and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The festive spirit, however, found a haven in the hearts of children globally, who tracked Santa and his reindeer on a 3-D interactive website. Revellers worldwide embraced holiday…
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