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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 Why health insurance costs more each year and how expats in Thailand can save more money
Each year, many expats living in Thailand see their health insurance premiums go up and often without a clear reason. This can be frustrating, especially when you're trying to plan your budget. But by understanding why prices rise and learning...
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Govt orchestrates return of Thai nationals stranded in Myanmar via China
The Thai government is orchestrating the return of 162 stranded Thai nationals from Myanmar’s Shan state through Kunming, China, as the conflict between the Myanmar military regime and local ethnic factions intensifies. The Deputy Police Chief, Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, revealed this repatriation strategy yesterday. The chosen route was verbally agreed upon during a recent meeting with Chinese and Myanmar…
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Foreign hero’s good deed ends in Pattaya Beach brawl: Man injured trying to stop transwomen tiff
A foreign man sustained severe injuries when he attempted to break up a fight among three Thai transwomen on Pattaya Beach. A viral video of the fight between the Thai transwomen went viral on Thai social media. The footage depicted two transwomen assaulting another individual on Pattaya Beach, right in front of Baywalk Residence. The victim, a transwoman, suffered injuries…
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Russian tourist’s iPhone odyssey: Close call on Phuket taxi
A Russian tourist had a close call when he inadvertently left his iPhone in a taxi on his way to Phuket International Airport last Friday. The tourist, whose identity remains undisclosed, was able to retrieve his phone in a nick of time before his flight back to Russia took off, all thanks to the combined efforts of the Phuket Tourist…
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Domestic violence surge in Thailand sparks renewed action
A surge in domestic violence cases in Thailand prompted a reminder from authorities that victims are not alone and assistance is readily available. Social Development and Human Security Minister, Varawut Silpa-archa, emphasized a year-round approach to ending violence, not just during November which is internationally recognized as the month for ending violence against women, children, and families. “If violence is…
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Green glow or green go? Viral lights stir aurora confusion above Thailand’s national park
Images of a bright green light above Kaeng Krachan National Park in the southern province of Phetchaburi went viral on Thai social media. Netizens said it was the first-ever aurora display in Thailand while one scientist dampened spirits somewhat saying it was just the green fishing light. Facebook page Khao Panoentung Scenic Point at Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi…
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Urak Lawoi sea gypsies celebrate traditional Loy Reua festival in Phuket
Sweeping waves gently nudged a hand-carved boat off the coast of Koh Siray, east of Phuket Town, marking the culmination of the week-long Loy Reua festival. Celebrated by the Urak Lawoi sea gipsies, the festival is a time-honoured tradition where a boat, brimming with offerings, is set adrift as an offering to the spirit of the sea in hopes of…
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Timber thieves’ tumble: Thai police bust illegal logging gang in 33 million baht raid
In a daring crackdown on timber thieves’ crime, Thai police stormed a deforestation gang’s hideout in central Thailand, arresting one woman while four suspects managed to escape. The operation followed the discovery of illegal wood logs valued at approximately 33 million baht hidden in a warehouse in Phetchabun by officials from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation.…
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How Phuket’s once tourism-reliant Greater Bangtao is tranforming into an international ‘Gold-Coast’ community
Phuket’s once-quiet beachside west coast community of Bangtao is experiencing an unparalleled surge in real estate development. According to new research from C9 Hotelworks, there are currently 7,842 condominium units (click to see upcoming project map). Added to the supply influx are just over 2,400 upscale and luxury homes, which equate to a pipeline of more than 10,000 residential units…
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Guestless wedding shocks rural Chinese village
In a small rural village in Guizhou Province, Southwestern China, a grand wedding took place with over 100 Chinese tables meticulously set up to celebrate the union of a groom and his bride. However, the most startling aspect of this extravagant event was the complete absence of guests. At the guestless wedding, not a single villager from the community attended…
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Weather warning: Thailand braces for varied conditions in multiple regions
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a weather warning for Thailand today. Over the next 24 hours, various regions of the country will experience different weather conditions. In the northern and northeastern regions, morning fog is expected, with a 20% chance of thunderstorms in specific areas. These areas include Chiang Rai, Phayao, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phitsanulok, and Sukhothai. Temperatures…
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Road crash mystery: Woman’s fatal fall on Burapha Withi Expressway
In the early hours of today, a baffling road crash incident unfolded on the Burapha Withi Expressway, which left authorities puzzled. Police Lieutenant Warayut Jenwichumaet, Deputy Inspector of the Bang Pakong Police Station in Chachoengsao Province, led an investigation alongside the Chachoengsao Rescue Unit and the Burapha Withi Expressway Rescue Team. Their mission was to unravel the mystery surrounding a…
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Internal Security Agency stresses crucial role in addressing Deep South conflicts
The Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) reaffirmed its critical function in resolving conflicts within the Deep South and upholding national security during a recent press conference led by Major General Winthai Suvaree, ISOC’s spokesperson. The discussion also addressed the Move Forward Party’s (MFP) proposal to dissolve ISOC and tackled prevalent misconceptions surrounding its responsibilities. Maj. Gen. Winthai underscored the significant…
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Prime Minister announces initiatives to attract foreign investment in EEC
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin unveiled a strategic plan during a mobile meeting aboard special train No 995 aimed at intensifying efforts to allure foreign investment into the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). Departing from Bangkok Station in Hua Lumphong and heading to Laem Chabang Station in Chon Buri’s Sri Racha district, the prime minister took the opportunity to assess and survey…
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Thai Foreign Minister donates 3 million baht to UN for Palestine refugees
In a compassionate gesture, Panpri Phahitthanukon, Thailand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, acted as a representative of his nation on November 3, in donating 3 million baht (US$84,451) to the United Nations (UN) to provide aid to Palestine refugees. This generous contribution is aimed at offering support during a tumultuous time in the Gaza Strip and expresses Thailand’s condolences for those…
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Public Health Ministry launches Mini Thanyarak drug rehabilitation centres nationwide
The Public Health Ministry unveiled the establishment of 42 Mini Thanyarak drug rehabilitation centres across 27 provinces as part of an initiative aimed at having such facilities operational nationwide by the year-end. Announced by Dr Cholnan Srikaew, the Minister of Public Health, this effort falls under the One Province, One Mini Thanyarak campaign, a crucial component of the Ministry’s Quick…
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Two more Thai workers in Israel confirmed dead, one taken hostage
In a distressing turn of events, two more Thai nationals working in Israel have been confirmed dead, and another has been taken hostage, as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This escalates the already devastating situation in the region, with the death toll among Thai workers climbing to 34 and the number of Thai hostages held by Hamas rising…
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Thai police crack down on multi-million baht online gambling den
In a significant move on November 2, the Thai Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) officers conducted a press conference unveiling the results of a raid on the high-stakes gambling establishment known as UFAV8. The operation resulted in the seizure of assets valued at more than 150 million baht (US$ 4,222,555). The alleged mastermind behind the infamous online gambling hub, identified…
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Illegal firearm imitations uncovered in Bangkok warehouses raid
In a recent operation conducted on November 2 by the Anti-Trafficking In Persons (ATP) officers, two warehouses located in the Suksawat area, Rat Burana, Bangkok, were thoroughly searched following a warrant from the Thonburi Criminal Court. During the search, police made a startling discovery: the warehouses harboured an extensive stash of illegal blank guns and BB guns, totalling more than…
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El Nino-induced drought disrupts Indonesia’s rice production, hikes prices
Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest economy, is grappling with a severe disruption to its rice production due to the extreme El Nino phenomenon. This drought-induced shortage has led to a surge in rice prices, impacting small businesses and consumers. Yanto, an East Jakarta food stall owner who caters to the lower-income bracket, has seen a significant profit decline since August, unable…
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Chon Buri: Russian man causes multiple motorcycle collision, refuses alcohol test and tries to escape
Today at 2am Pattaya police received report of a multiple motorcycle collision which involved a Russian man in Bang Lamung, Chon Buri. The Pattaya City rescue team was dispatched to the incident scene on Pattaya Third Road. Three motorcycles crashed on an intersection road with four individuals suffering from minor injuries. A 32 year old mobile app taxi rider and…
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Thailand economy: Fiscal position to suffer due to government policies like digital wallet scheme
Thailand’s fiscal position is predicted to face a downturn in the medium term, according to analysts, as the government advances populist policies such as the digital wallet scheme. BMI, a division of Fitch Solutions, forecasts that the nation’s budget deficit will escalate from 2.9% in the current fiscal year to 3.6% in the following fiscal year. This is due to…
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Thailand sees 2.3% rise in fuel consumption amid economic growth
Thailand has witnessed a 2.3% surge in fuel consumption in the initial nine months of this year, averaging at 154 million litres daily, in harmony with the country’s economic expansion, according to the Department of Energy Business. There was an upswing in the demand for most fuel types, except for diesel, which saw a minor decline of 4.5% to 69.2…
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Fog, light rain forecast in northern Thailand, south braces for heavy rainfall
The Thailand Meteorological Department (TMD) today forecasts foggy conditions and light rain in some parts of northern Thailand, while heavy rainfall continues in some southern areas. The 24-hour forecast suggests that high atmospheric pressure or a cool air mass is gradually weakening and covering the upper northern parts, north eastern region, and the South China Sea. This, combined with the easterly…
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Soft power strategy: Thailand targets 11 sectors with a focus on Muay Thai
Thailand’s National Soft Power Strategy Committee, established in September following the Cabinet formation, has recently identified 11 key sectors for soft power implementation. The Committee intends to action the Thailand Creative Content Agency (THACCA) Act, which will facilitate a unified agency to dictate policies across these sectors. The sectors in question span a broad range of creative industries: fashion, books,…
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Four Thailand provinces extend nightlife venue hours to boost economy
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, and Phuket, four prime Thai provinces, are all set to extend the operational hours of their nightlife venues including bars and pubs until 4am. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the decision, which is set to come into effect from December 15, as part of an initiative to boost domestic tourism and the economy. PM Srettha…
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Thailand to cut retail gas price following energy conservation fund resolution
A significant resolution was announced by the director-general of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency, Prasert Sinsukprasert, on November 2. The pronouncement concerned a resolution on the Fund of Energy Conservation, which is set to bring about a substantial reduction in the retail gas price of Gasohol 91 by 2.50 baht per litre. This change is slated to take effect from…
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MFP to challenge government amidst internal controversies
The Move Forward Party (MFP), the main opposition party in Thailand, is preparing to challenge the government in a general debate. Critics suggest this is a tactic to divert public attention from the party’s controversies. For the first time, the MFP is exercising its constitutional power to initiate a debate against the government, scheduled for early next year. Although the…
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Bangkok MFP MP defends against sexual harassment claims, refuses to resign
Bangkok’s Move Forward Party (MFP) MP, Chaiyamphawan Manpianjit, more popularly known as Puaut, who was recently admonished by the party for alleged sexual harassment claims, voiced his respect for the party’s decision yesterday. At the same time, he defended his innocence and declined to step down despite growing calls for his resignation. This controversy follows the expulsion of fellow party…
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Pattaya’s Jomtien Beach to host inaugural Lullah festival
The sandy shores of Pattaya‘s Jomtien Beach are poised to host the inaugural Lullah Fest 2023 Street Food & Party On The Beach. This vibrant event, set to take place from November 17 to 19, is already stirring up excitement. The festival will feature an array of tantalising street food, engaging entertainment, and a lively beauty pageant. Earlier this month,…
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Nonthaburi: Teenage girl arrested for promoting underage prostitution on Twitter
The local Pakkret police apprehended a 19 year old woman, who was reportedly operating an illicit Twitter account promoting underage prostitution services. The arrest occurred at a hotel in Klong Khachen, Mueang district, Phichit, while she was allegedly delivering a 17 year old girl to a client. The suspect, identified as Petch (pseudonym), confessed to her role as the administrator…
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