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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 Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?
Thailand’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?...
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Iran’s traditional wooden lenj boats face extinction as modern vessels take over
Hassan Rostam, a 62 years old Iranian captain, has navigated the Strait of Hormuz aboard his traditional wooden lenj for four decades. However, he sadly witnesses these hand-built vessels being replaced by more economical, faster boats. Lenjes have sailed Gulf waters for centuries, their unique form reflecting regional maritime customs similar to the dhows of the Arabian Peninsula. Rostam, who…
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Record number of internally displaced people due to overlapping crises
An unprecedented “perfect storm” of overlapping crises forced tens of millions to flee within their own countries last year, sending the number of internally displaced people (IDPs) soaring to an all-time high. In 2022, a record 71.1 million IDPs were registered, up 20% from the previous year. This staggering increase was a result of mass displacement due to Russia’s war…
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Altercation between foreigner and Phuket cab driver makes waves
An altercation between a foreign motorbike rider and a Phuket cab driver is making waves. The popular Facebook page Phuket Times reported that the incident happened in front of a famous nightclub in Kamala. In a post early yesterday morning, the page wrote that the taxi driver, Adisak, had parked his car and was waiting for customers. A foreign motorbike…
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Streaming platforms battle for anime market dominance
As anime’s popularity continues to reach new heights, major streaming platforms are vying for dominance in the lucrative market. Fuelled partly by the pandemic, this animated genre has grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry, with the global market valued at US$28.6 billion in 2022, according to Grand View Research, and expected to double by 2030. Aya Umezu, CEO of Tokyo-based entertainment…
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Nigerian drug dealer and romance scammer arrested in Phuket
A Nigerian man, previously arrested for drug-related offences and deported from Thailand, was arrested yesterday by officers from the Phuket Provincial Immigration Office and Chalong Police Station for his drug dealing and romance scam activities in Phuket. According to the police report, the 40 year old Nigerian, Harrison Shinonzo Onyema, was deported in 2018 for overstaying his visa and selling…
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Bank of Thailand to relax rules on Chinese yuan use for trade this year
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) plans to ease regulations on the use of China’s yuan for trade this year, aiming to mitigate the effects of currency volatility, according to BoT Deputy Governor Mathee Supapongse. Ongoing discussions between the central bank and its Chinese counterpart are focused on promoting the usage of the Chinese currency. China is a significant trade partner…
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Latest update on ITV status and legal disputes in Thailand
According to the latest updates on the status of the troubled television station ITV, the company ceased operating in March 2007. However, they have maintained their status as a legal entity to continue their legal battle against the Prime Minister’s Office. This information comes from a post on the Facebook page of Anupong Chaiyariti, the deputy director of the Thai…
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Thai consumer confidence reaches 38-month high in April
Consumer confidence in Thailand experienced an 11th consecutive month of growth in April, hitting a 38-month high, according to a recent survey. It revealed that the continued recovery in the tourism sector, combined with increased activities in anticipation of the May 14 election, were major contributors to this boost. The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) reported that…
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China increasingly uses yuan for trade with Russia, sidelining the dollar
China has significantly raised its use of the yuan for purchasing Russian commodities in the past year, with almost all its procurement of oil, coal, and some metals from the neighbouring country now settled in the Chinese currency instead of US dollars, multiple trading executives with direct knowledge of the situation have revealed. The shift towards using the yuan to…
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South African cracks head open in fight over 9,000 baht go-go bar bill in Pattaya
A South African tourist cracked his head open during a fight about a 9,000 baht drinks bill outside a go-go bar on Pattaya’s Walking Street in Chon Buri province, eastern Thailand, last night. Police took him to the station where he agreed to pay. In the middle of the night, officers at Mueang Pattaya Police Station were informed that a foreign tourist…
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Philippine economy grows 6.4 per cent in first quarter, beating expectations
The economy of the Philippines experienced a 6.4% expansion in the first quarter compared to the previous year, according to the country’s statistics agency. This development surpasses expectations, with analysts previously predicting a 6.1% annual growth in the gross domestic product (GDP). On a quarterly basis, growth slowed to 1.1% compared to the earlier reported 2.4% expansion in the previous…
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RTN officer’s crooked web of deception: Evicts pregnant wife for pregnant mistress
A Royal Thai Navy (RTN) officer’s crooked web of deception, cheating, and abuse has resulted in his wife becoming homeless and leaving both his wife and mistress pregnant. The homeless, six-month pregnant wife, Aey, sought the help of a lawyer to file a complaint and seek justice from the RTN after her RTN officer husband evicted and replaced her with…
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Disney reduces streaming losses but sheds subscribers as earnings meet expectations
Walt Disney has reported a reduction in streaming losses by US$400 million from the previous quarter; however, the company also experienced a drop in subscribers. The entertainment giant shared this information on Wednesday as part of its recent quarterly earnings release, which fell in line with Wall Street expectations. Following the report, shares of Disney declined by 4.4% during after-hours…
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Extreme rainfall impacts China’s rice yields, study reveals
Extreme rainfall has reduced China’s rice yields by 8% over the past two decades, according to a study led by researchers from the country. The research, published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Food, discovered that the effects of extreme rainfall on rice yields were similar to those of extreme heat. Projections show that by the end of this century, extreme…
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Toyota projects 10% profit growth and five-fold increase in EV sales this year
Toyota Motor Corp revealed on Wednesday that a 10% increase in operating profit is expected during this business year, as sales of pure electric vehicles (EV) are predicted to surge five-fold with a reduction in global supply chain disruption caused by the ongoing chip shortage. The ambitious growth plan was introduced by the newly appointed CEO, Koji Sato, who entered…
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China’s shrinking birth rate impacts baby product manufacturers
A decline in China’s population is creating a challenging environment for the country’s baby and children’s product manufacturers, as domestic sales plummet and companies grapple with finding alternative revenue streams. As the world’s largest market for baby food and diapers, valued at US$37.9 billion annually, prepares to contract for the first time, firms are turning their attention to products for…
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Gecko caught on camera stealing Covid medication from homeowner’s wall, leading to lottery number inquiries
A homeowner in Rayong, Thailand, was recently surprised to find a large tokay gecko clinging to the wall and swinging a green medicine pouch, stirring up laughter and concern in the local community. This unusual incident was caught on video and was posted on social media by Nayika Silalarat, who then received numerous questions about the house number, as some…
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Scammer couple sentenced to 12,000 years in prison each in Thailand
Thailand’s Criminal Court sentenced a Thai couple to 12,640 years in prison each yesterday after finding them guilty of operating a Ponzi scheme with damages amounting to billions of baht. The court ruled that Wantanee Tippaveth and her boyfriend Metee Chinpa committed 2,528 acts of fraud between March 9, 2019, and October 30, 2020. Wantanee and Metee convinced hundreds of…
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China faces backlash over pressure on dissidents abroad but remains undeterred
China is currently facing a strong backlash from Western countries such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, regarding its controversial efforts to pressure dissidents and their advocates abroad. Despite arrests, expulsions, and investigations taking place, Beijing remains persistent and undeterred in its actions. Isaac Stone Fish, founder and CEO of Strategy Risks, suggests that the increasingly assertive…
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Deep concern over Myanmar violence dominates Asean Summit
Southeast Asian nations expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence in Myanmar, condemning a recent attack on a convoy of diplomats delivering humanitarian aid in the country. The crisis in Myanmar, which is under junta rule, has been a dominant topic of discussion at this week’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Indonesia, as the regional bloc has…
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Phuket motorcycle taxi rider fined for overcharging and threatening passenger
A motorcycle taxi rider in the Patong neighbourhood of Phuket has been fined 2,500 baht after trying to overcharge and threaten a passenger. The incident was reported by 32 year old Wilaiwan Khormobklang to officers at Patong Police Station yesterday, May 10. The rider, identified as Prasertchai, operates on Rat Uthit 200 Years Road in Patong sub-district, Kathu district, Phuket.…
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Myanmar peace plan progress lacking, says Indonesia’s president
Despite having agreed to implement a peace plan with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) two years ago, Myanmar’s ruling military has made no significant progress, according to Indonesia’s president. Speaking on the second day of the ASEAN leaders’ meeting in Labuan Bajo, President Joko Widodo stressed the need for the bloc’s unity in deciding the next steps to…
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Thailand targets high-spending Middle Eastern tourists for tourism growth
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is focusing on attracting high-spending visitors from the Middle East in the latter half of this year, with the goal of utilising this market as a new tourism growth engine. Apichai Chatchalermkit, TAT’s deputy governor for tourism products and business, has stated that since Thailand re-established full diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia in early…
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Stranded in paradise: Viral video shows 85 tourists trapped in water near Thai Cave
A video clip of 85 tourists waiting in the water near a cave in South Thailand after an issue with their boat has gone viral on social media. The video shows the tourists, who are all wearing life jackets, holding on to each other as they wait for their boat to return. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, May 6,…
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Growing global demand for gold amid banking sector turmoil and geopolitical tensions
The global demand for gold from investors is witnessing an increase due to instability in the banking sector, geopolitical tensions, and a challenging economic environment, prompting individuals to turn to the precious metal as a safe-haven asset, according to the World Gold Council (WGC). The WGC’s most recent Gold Demand Trend report revealed that demand for gold bars and coins…
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Swarm of giant honey bees cause chaos at Thailand airport
A swarm of giant honey bees caused quite the buzz at Khon Kaen Airport in northeast Thailand yesterday, causing delays to two flights and stinging six members of ground staff who all required hospitalisation. As soon as Thai AirAsia flight FD3260 from Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport landed on the runway at Khon Kaen Airport yesterday, a colony of giant honey…
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Nine arrested after violent confrontation at Bangkok police station over detained teen
Nine individuals found themselves under arrest following a brutal clash outside a police station in Bangkok involving law enforcement and a group supporting a 15-year-old girl detained for over 40 days on allegations of royal defamation. The arrestees, comprising seven men and two women, included Tantawan “Tawan” Tuatulanon and Orawan “Bam” Phuphong. Earlier this year, the two individuals had engaged…
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Mixed responses to calls for ending compulsory military service in Thailand
Academics and human rights defenders have provided mixed responses to the increasing calls to end compulsory military service in Thailand, intensifying as the May 14 polls approach. The Move Forward Party and the Pheu Thai Party have both pledged they will terminate compulsory service in favor of voluntary enlistment if they win the elections and form the next government. These…
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Thai food exports forecast to grow despite challenges
Despite economic uncertainties, inflationary pressures, foreign exchange fluctuations, and rising production costs, Thai food exports are predicted to grow by 2.1% to 1.5 trillion baht this year. The main factors supporting this outlook include the government’s policies to stimulate economic growth, the country’s reopening after the pandemic, global supply chain shortages, increased concerns about food safety, and the high-quality standards…
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Bangkok governor plans more water pumps to prevent flooding as thunderstorms forecast
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced plans to install additional water pumps throughout the city to prevent flooding, as weather experts predict thunderstorms will hit the capital this week. The 56 year old city chief visited the Prawet Burirom Canal in the Prawet district and inspected the drainage system at the nearby Muang Thong Garden Village on Tuesday. The Bangkok governor…
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