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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 Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run
Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...
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Thailand’s herbal market worth skyrockets to 90,000 billion baht
Minister of Health Santi Prompat highlighted the significant growth in the market for Thai massage and food as a form of soft power for the nation. He also emphasized the rising value of herbal consumption, which has increased to 90,000 billion baht, making Thailand the third highest in Asia. This occurred during a special assembly and policy communication meeting at…
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Devotees flock to restored twin shrines in Ratchaburi following mysterious fire
A mysterious fire at the revered twin shrines of Yaay Niam and Yaay Nom in Ratchaburi province has not deterred devotees, who continue to flock to the site for blessings. The shrines, believed to be nearly 100 years old, were restored after being burnt down on November 2 under unexplained circumstances. Devotees from across the province and beyond are known…
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Former PM Prayut Chan-o-cha appointed as Thailand Privy Council member
Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun yesterday appointed the former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to the Privy Council of Thailand. The Royal Gazette yesterday, November 29, officially announced that His Majesty deemed it fitting to appoint an additional Privy Councillor at this time. The king has graciously chosen former Prime Minister Prayut for this appointment. The Privy Council is a body…
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Nationwide security guards training initiative kicks off with labour of love from ministry, police, and army
A nationwide training initiative targeting security guards is set to be launched, courtesy of the Labour Ministry, police force, and army. This initiative, aimed at improving the skill set of guards, was discussed yesterday in a meeting convened by Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. Also in attendance were Watcharapol Bussamongkol, ex-president of the Security Services Association of Thailand (SSAT), and representatives…
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Bangkok MP’s challenge to Computer Crime Act dismissed by Constitutional Court
Bangkok MP Rukchanok Srinork, representing the main opposition Move Forward Party (MFP), faced a setback yesterday when the Constitutional Court dismissed her petition concerning the constitutionality of Section 14 of the Computer Crime Act. The court’s decision came via the Criminal Court, which is currently presiding over a case against Rukchanok. The charges against Rukchanok, stemming from a tweet she…
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Unforeseen transfer of DSI chief prompts investigation into pork smuggling
The abrupt transfer of Department of Special Investigation (DSI) director-general Police Major Suriya Singhakamol has prompted the House Committee on Agriculture and Cooperatives to seek answers from the government. Pol. Maj. Suriya’s reassignment came into the limelight immediately after he conducted a search related to the smuggling of pork at the CP Axtra Plc headquarters, previously known as Siam Makro.…
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Thai finance ministry considers beverage tax restructure to boost tourism
A proposed restructuring of the beverage tax framework is under consideration by the Finance Ministry, as revealed by the permanent finance secretary, Lavaron Sangsnit. The restructure aims to bolster tourism and domestic spending. This Friday, Lavaron plans to engage in a discussion with officials from the Customs Department and the Excise Department. The proposed measures align with Thai governmental policies…
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Thailand’s export sector sees recovery with third month of growth
The Director-General of the Fiscal Policy Office, Pornchai Thiraveja, announced that the export sector is showing signs of recovery, marking its third month of consecutive growth. Despite a year-on-year contraction of 2.7% in the value of exports between January and October, monthly figures indicate a resurgence, with an 8% rise in October to US$23.5 billion. Quarterly analysis shows a decrease…
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Hamas releases two more Thai captives, 19 now freed
The release of two additional Thai captives from the Israel- Palestine conflict occurred on Tuesday night, bringing the total number of freed Thai citizens to 19, with a remaining 13 still in custody. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced via the Twitter social media platform that Pattanayut Tonsokree and Owat Suriya had been liberated at 11pm local time and were immediately…
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Southern Thailand battles surge in whooping cough cases
A surge in pertussis cases, commonly known as whooping cough, has prompted public health bodies to urge individuals, particularly in southern Thailand, to get vaccinated. So far this year, almost 100 Thai residents have been diagnosed with the infectious disease. The Disease Control Department disclosed yesterday that there have been 93 confirmed cases of pertussis between January 1 and November…
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Thailand’s shrimp exports forecasted to surge by 10% next year
A 10% surge in Thailand’s shrimp exports is on the horizon for the upcoming year, brought about by a minor uptick in local shrimp production and bolstered demand primarily from the United States. Thai Shrimp Association President Ekapoj Yodpinit disclosed that shrimp production in Thailand this year mirrored the previous year’s figure of 280,000 tonnes. Meanwhile, the country’s shrimp exports…
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Long-beaked echidna not extinct, rediscovered after 62 years
The long-beaked echidna, a mammal thought to be extinct for over 62 years, has been unexpectedly spotted in the Cyclops Mountains of Indonesia. This discovery was reported today by the Seub Nakhasathien Foundation on their Facebook page. This elusive creature, also known as Attenborough’s long-beaked echidna, was named after English naturalist David Attenborough, who last encountered it in 1961. The…
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Motorcyclist dies in accident, rider a suspected drug dealer
A fatal accident unfolded on Motorway 7 inbound to Chon Buri in the early hours of today, resulting in the death of a motorcyclist, suspected by Banglamung police to be a drug dealer. The incident occurred near the 4-kilometre marker in the Nong Pla Lai sub-district of Banglamung district, Chon Buri province. The first team on the scene, led by…
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TikTok user’s edible Krathong attracts catfish swarm during Loy Krathong Festival (video)
An unusual celebration of the Loy Krathong Festival was made memorable by TikTok user @sweeteiei18. The user decided to float her Krathong, a traditional Thai floating lantern, in a pond filled with catfish at her home today, November 29. However, what was meant to be a serene moment quickly turned into a hilarious spectacle as the school of catfish rapidly…
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Revolutionising borders: Thai and Malaysian prime ministers unveil mega checkpoint for trade and tourism
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim orchestrated a historic agreement this week, with plans to improve border trade through the new Sadao checkpoint in Songkhla province. The leaders converged at the customs office of the newly minted Sadao border checkpoint on November 27 with both governments pledging to turbocharge road access to the Thai side…
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BLACKPINK’s Lisa spotted at PSG v Newcastle UCL match sparking relationship rumours
Social media is abuzz following the appearance last night of BLACKPINK’s Lisa at a UEFA Champions League football match between Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle. This news comes after all four BLACKPINK members made history in the K-Pop scene by attending The Korean State Banquet and receiving the honour of the English royal decorations. While Jisoo, Jennie, and Rosé have returned…
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Thai police bust major drug ring, seize assets worth 100 million baht
A notorious drug ring operating in the provinces of Pathum Thani and Yala was disrupted by Thai police, leading to the confiscation of assets amounting to nearly 100 million baht. Eight individuals, including the 32 year old alleged ringleader, were arrested across seven locations. The arrests, executed yesterday, November 27, were the result of warrants issued by the Yala Provincial…
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Pikachu to delight fans at Pattaya’s Central Shopping Centre
Pattaya‘s Central Shopping Centre will soon be a haven for Pokémon enthusiasts. Pikachu, the universally adored Pokémon character, is set to make a grand appearance, promising a delightful experience for visitors. The charming character will be available for various interactive activities such as meet-and-greet sessions, dance performances, and exciting meet-and-treat sessions. These activities are slated to start on December 2…
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Prime Minister Srettha’s extravaganza: Loy Krathong festivities and flood prevention
In a dazzling display of civic duty and celebration, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, accompanied by his wife Dr Pakpilai, immersed themselves in the magic of the Loy Krathong Festival in Sukhothai. The dynamic duo, adorned in traditional attire, partook in the age-old tradition of launching intricately decorated floats, or krathong, onto waterbodies to honour Phra Mae Khongkha, the revered Goddess…
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Jealous ex-lover triggers fatal market shooting in Nakhon Pathom
A brutal act of jealousy took place in a bustling market when an ex-lover saw his former flame with her new partner. The disgruntled man and his gang launched an attack on the new boyfriend, who later succumbed to gunshots. Police were swift to apprehend the culprits, who admitted to the crime, fuelled by unbearable jealousy. At approximately 1.30am today,…
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Thai model’s husband and glamorous ring busted in love scam raid
Thai authorities apprehended suspects in a love scam, including the husband of a prominent Thai model, unravelling a web of deceit that has left hearts broken and assets frozen. Thai law enforcement cracked down on a syndicate orchestrating investment and love scams. In a series of dramatic raids across Bangkok and Samut Prakan, five suspects found themselves on the wrong…
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Australian tourist allegedly pickpocketed on bus to Pattaya’s Loy Krathong
An Australian tourist was left in dismay after being allegedly pickpocketed on a tour bus during his journey to partake in the Loy Krathong celebrations in Pattaya. On November 27, an Australian tourist in his 30s reported the theft to Police Lieutenant Colonel Natchaphon Saengsi, the Deputy Superintendent in charge of investigations at Pattaya Police Station. Jeevarass Palasunoram shared that…
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Bangkok MP Chaiyamphawan joins Thai Progress Party following MFP expulsion
Bangkok MP Chaiyamphawan Manpianjit faces expulsion from the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) following accusations of sexual harassment. The MP has now found a new political home, joining another party, a move that ensures he retains his position in the House. The announcement about Chaiyamphawan’s shift to a new party was made late last night, November 28, by his spokesperson,…
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Female Bangkok teacher accused of sexually assaulting schoolgirl
A 12 year old schoolgirl from the Nong Chok district of Bangkok accused a female teacher of sexually assaulting her and luring her into sending explicit pictures and pornography. Thai social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet accompanied the 12 year old girl, known as A, and her family members to file a complaint against the teacher at Nong Chok Police…
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Rat drops into hotpot at popular Chinese restaurant, sparking outrage
A pleasant meal with friends at a renowned hotpot restaurant in China took a terrifying turn when a large rat fell from the ceiling, landing next to the hotpot they were dining from. The rat hotpot incident, which occurred on November 26, sparked outrage amongst the diners and many netizens who later saw the video of the incident online. The…
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Fairytale fiasco: Thai wedding woe as caterer goes AWOL, bride’s big day ruined
A fairytale Thai wedding in Chaiyaphum turned into a nightmare when the hired caterer failed to show up, leaving the bride and her family to scramble for a last-minute solution. The bride, 24 year old Sukanya Chaiwongsa shared her distress on social media as she recounted the disastrous day on November 25, when she had to resort to serving hotpot…
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Chachoengsao truck collision claims life of local street vendor
A tragic incident took place at 9.30am today when an 18-wheel truck collided with a motorcycle, resulting in the death of a local street vendor. The event occurred on the temporary two-lane road in front of the Luang Por Utama temple, in the city of Chachoengsao. The police and emergency medical services from the Buddha Sothon Hospital were promptly on…
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Chiang Mai: Explosion at longan plantation claims three lives
Tragedy struck a longan plantation in Ban Chai Ngam village of Mae Waen subdistrict, Phrao district, Chiang Mai yesterday when an explosion claimed the lives of three workers. The incident occurred as they were making a flowering stimulant mixture, resulting in an immediate fatality for two female workers – one Thai and one from Myanmar. Another worker, a man from…
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Unusual wedding in Guangdong sparks online debate over sudden marriages
A wedding in Guangdong province, China, sparked online discussions due to the unusual demeanour of the couple. The bridegroom appeared deeply unhappy, while the bride seemed emotionless. Neither showed any sign of a smile, making the atmosphere both tense and melancholy. The bride, slim and tall, had a unique facial feature – the absence of a chin, making it appear…
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Thailand’s power play: Hosting mega IMF and World Bank meetings in 2026
The Chief of the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) unveiled Thailand‘s ambitious proposal to host the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank in 2026. On October 15, the Finance Ministry, Bank of Thailand, and IMF and World Bank reps threw ink on a memorandum of understanding, sealing the deal for Thailand to reclaim its throne as…
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