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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 Airways offers free date changes after Thailand earthquake
Thai Airways has announced ticket refunds and travel date changes for domestic and international flights due to an earthquake in Thailand on March 28. Passengers with Thai Airways tickets issued globally before March 29 and with bookings for travel between March 28 and April 10 can take the following actions: Passengers can change their travel dates without incurring change fees.…
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Thai restaurants waive charges for earthquake-affected diners
Following the devastating earthquake that struck several provinces in Thailand on March 28, numerous restaurants in shopping malls in the kingdom have shown compassion by waiving charges for customers who fled without paying. The earthquake, which caused significant damage in Bangkok, including building collapses, resulted in injuries and fatalities. Many high-rise buildings suffered structural cracks. The earthquake occurred during the…
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Earthquake chaos exploited for drug trade, 2.5m pills seized
Drug traffickers exploited the chaos following an earthquake to transport illegal substances, resulting in the seizure of over 2.5 million methamphetamine pills. Police apprehended 42 year old Ekalak Krataijun when his pickup truck was found without a registration plate on March 29. The arrest was reported by the superintendent of Highway Police Station 1, Subdivision 8, of the Highway Police…
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Debt dispute leads to fatal shooting at Samut Prakan factory
A dispute over a debt yesterday led to a fatal shooting at a factory in Samut Prakan. CCTV footage captured 53 year old Kan, a creditor, arriving on a motorcycle with his friend Toy, a 48 year old, to retrieve a debt of over 1,000 baht from Man, an employee at the factory. Present with Man were his friends, including…
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Eleven arrested for illegal gold mining in Kanchanaburi
Officials from the Department of Conservation Area 3, led by Chutidet Kamnonchanut, collaborated with Thong Pha Phum National Park officials and the Surasi Task Force to arrest 11 people for illegal gold mining and wildlife hunting. The operation took place yesterday, March 29, in the Pilokki forest area, Thong Pha Phum district, Kanchanaburi province, after reports of such activities in…
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Bangkok sees surge in building crack reports post-earthquake
Reports of building cracks across Bangkok have surged to almost 6,000 cases via Traffy Fondue. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is adjusting its system to ensure timely action by volunteer engineers. Bangkok Deputy Governor Sannon Wangsrangboon yesterday, March 29, disclosed that after the earthquake, over 2,100 cases of building cracks were reported within a day. By midday, this number had…
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Detained Thai crew return home after Myanmar pardon
Four Thai crew members, detained by Myanmar officials since November last year, returned to Ranong province yesterday afternoon. Ras Chaleechan, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, led a Thai delegation, including members of the Thailand-Myanmar Township Border Committee and senior officials from relevant agencies, via speedboat to Myanmar’s Kawthaung province to receive the crew members. The Myanmar government released them following…
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Bangkok hospital evacuates patients after Myanmar earthquake tremors (video)
Hospital beds were set up in a sports hall in Bangkok as patients were evacuated from Rajavithi Hospital due to concerns over damage from a powerful earthquake. The 7.7-magnitude quake struck central Myanmar on March 28, followed by a 6.7-magnitude aftershock, causing tremors to be felt as far as Bangkok, located over 1,000 kilometres away. Patients at Rajavithi Hospital were…
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Shaky structure blamed for Chatuchak earthquake disaster
A deadly collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building during construction in Chatuchak, Bangkok, has left dozens trapped and three confirmed dead after an earthquake struck the city. The devastating incident, which occurred during the building’s construction, has sparked widespread concern. According to Suriyachai Rawiwan, Director of the Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department, the collapse of the building was…
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Thailand book fairs return after Myanmar earthquake disruption
The Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (PUBAT) announced that the 53rd National Book Week and the 23rd International Book Week will resume as normal today, March 29, following a temporary closure due to an earthquake. The statement confirmed the reopening times from 10am to 9pm at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. The earthquake, measuring 8.2 on the Richter…
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Chiang Mai condo closed after cracks appear post-Myanmar quake
Yesterday, the Chiang Mai municipality ordered the closure of a luxury condominium complex due to visible cracks on the building’s structure, following a significant earthquake. Residents have been barred from entering the premises to ensure their safety. According to the Meteorological Department (TMD), the earthquake occurred at 1.20pm yesterday, March 28, with its epicentre in Myanmar, registering a magnitude of…
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Earthquake panic: Over 100 evacuated from Pathum Thani hospital
An earthquake in Pathum Thani province caused noticeable tremors, particularly affecting high-rise buildings, including an 18-storey medical centre at Pathum Thani Hospital. The management and medical teams, along with rescue volunteers from Ruamkatanyu Foundation and Poh Teck Tung Foundation, swiftly evacuated over 100 people, including ICU patients and staff. Doctor Ninnat Mookdee, director of Pathum Thani Hospital, stated that while…
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Thailand seeks UNESCO status for Loy Krathong festival
Thailand is set to propose the inclusion of the Loy Krathong festival in the Intangible Cultural Heritage list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, as announced by Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol. The Loy Krathong festival was officially declared a national cultural heritage in 2011. Minister Sudawan…
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PM cuts Phuket meeting to respond to Bangkok earthquake
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was forced to cut short a crucial meeting with Phuket officials yesterday after receiving urgent news of the devastating earthquake that struck Bangkok. At 12.30pm, March 28, the 38 year old Thai premier was in the middle of a high-level meeting in Phuket, reviewing the island’s development plans and tourism policies, when she received an emergency…
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Fatal fall: Crane operator dies in Bangkok earthquake
A crane collapse during an earthquake in the Bang Pho area in Bang Sue district, Bangkok, resulted in the death of a crane operator after he fell from the machinery. The incident occurred at 1.30pm yesterday, March 28, at a condominium construction site in Chatuchak district, Bangkok. Police Lieutenant Colonel Itthikorn Treeprapakorn from Taopoon Police Station reported that the earthquake…
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Pattaya hospitals evacuate patients after Myanmar earthquake
Hospitals in Pattaya and Bang Lamung were thrown into action yesterday afternoon, March 28, after a massive earthquake in Myanmar sent shockwaves through the region, prompting emergency evacuations. At 1.20pm yesterday, March 28, the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) reported a 7.4-magnitude earthquake with its epicentre located in Myanmar at 21.682°N latitude and 96.121°E longitude, approximately 326 kilometres northwest of Mae…
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Pattaya waitress begs for justice after brutal attack
A Pattaya waitress claims she was brutally beaten by coworkers in a shocking street attack, then abandoned by police. On Thursday, March 27, at 9.30pm, 28 year old Bua (surname withheld) submitted video footage to the media, accusing police of dragging their feet in investigating a violent assault that left her and two colleagues hospitalised. The incident unfolded on Sunday,…
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Krungthai Bank reveals quick way to spot fake transfers
Think you’ve been paid? Better check again. Krungthai Bank is warning customers to double-check their transfer slips, revealing a dead-easy way to tell if that proof of payment is legit, or a scam. In a post made yesterday, March 28, via its official Facebook page, Krungthai Care, the bank urged customers to learn how to spot fake transfer slips to…
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Thailand’s ditching arrival cards—but the digital fix is a mess (video)
Thailand is finally ditching its notorious TM6 paper arrival form—but don’t celebrate just yet. From May 1, every foreigner entering the country must now navigate the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system. And as usual, it’s already a hot mess. The government has launched an operational website for the TDAC, which is set to replace the old-school blue-and-white forms used…
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Thai provinces brace for summer storm with hail, strong winds
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued the seventh warning for a summer storm expected to hit today, with several provinces in north and northeast Thailand likely to experience thunderstorms, strong winds, hail, and possible lightning. The warning is effective until Tuesday, April 1. The announcement details that from today, March 29 to April 1, northern Thailand will face summer storms…
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Retired officer surrenders after Phrae shooting over gamecock dispute
In Phrae province, a retired police officer allegedly shot and injured three people, including his relatives and a neighbour, following an argument over poisoned gamecocks. The 66 year old suspect later surrendered to the police after a prolonged negotiation. Today, March 28, Police Colonel Sutthipote Thananchai, deputy inspector from the Mueang Police Station in Phrae, was informed by Paveena Choksakulthaveesap,…
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Police dismantle online gambling mule account network in Thailand
Police operations yesterday led by Police Major General Witthaya Sriprasertpab, in collaboration with Police Colonel Suriyasak Jirawat, resulted in the raid of 10 locations in Khon Kaen and Samut Sakhon provinces. The operation targeted a syndicate involved in supplying mule bank accounts for online gambling networks. Twelve suspects were arrested under warrants issued by the Khon Kaen Provincial Court on…
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Bangkok raid leads to 58 arrests for illegal employment
Immigration officials conducted a comprehensive inspection of 10 entertainment venues in Bangkok, resulting in the arrest of 58 people for illegal employment practices. The operation, yesterday, March 27, led by Police Major General Prasat Khemmaprasit, targeted karaoke bars and host bars in areas like Bang Bon, Bang Khun Thian, Khlong Toei, and Rom Klao. The inspection revealed that only two…
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Thai police arrest two men for social media firearm threats
The Technology Crime Suppression Division in Mueang Thong Thani announced the arrest of two men who posted images of firearms on social media to intimidate their rivals. The suspects, 25 year old Satawat and 26 year old Pirawit, confessed to using the weapons to collect debts for a financier. Police Lieutenant General Trirong Phiwphan, along with other officials, detailed the…
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Body found in Phetchaburi forest ends week-long search for missing man
A body has been discovered in a deep forest in Phetchaburi province, ending a week-long search for the 65 year old father of a local assistant village headman. The discovery was made yesterday, March 27, by a search operation team from the Sawang Sanphet Thammasathan Foundation. The deceased, identified as Thongjuea Kaewkong, was found in the forest of Ban Thung…
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Sisaket police seize illegal firearms cache in major raid
In Sisaket province, police raided a weapons cache and illegal firearms production site used for criminal activities, seizing 18 firearms and various ammunition. Yesterday, March 27, Khun Han district chief Pawit Rattawan and Colonel Anek Promta, commander of the 3rd Special Task Force of the Suranaree Force, along with investigative police from Khun Han Police Station, arrested Ekaphon Namwan. They…
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Bangkok tower collapses in deadly quake: 40 trapped in rubble
Over 40 people remained trapped inside a building which collapsed near Chatuchak Park in Bangkok this afternoon after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar today, Friday March 28. Police, government officials and emergency services, confirmed that 43 workers remain trapped inside the rubble. Seven workers managed to escape the disaster. Rescue operations are underway, with teams from the National…
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Mother seeks help as children rescued from abusive father in Krabi
Pavena Hongsakul, chairman of the Pavena Hongsakul Foundation for Children and Women, yesterday disclosed a distressing case involving a 28 year old woman from Krabi province. The woman reported that her former partner, a 29 year old man, had taken custody of their two children, aged 10 and seven, and refused to allow her to visit them. Miw alleged that…
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Malaysian tourist overcharged by motorcycle taxi in Hat Yai
A Malaysian tourist recently shared an experience on Facebook about being overcharged by a motorcycle taxi in Hat Yai, Thailand. The tourist reported paying a 1,000 baht (US$30) fine for parking in a restricted area and an additional 300 baht (US$9) for a short motorcycle taxi ride. This sparked widespread discussion regarding the excessive fare. Police Major Sittichai Pradap from…
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Phuket splashes 4 million baht on motorcycle safety blitz
Phuket is gearing up for a major road safety push after receiving more than 4 million baht in funding to combat its deadly traffic problem, with motorcycles firmly in the crosshairs. On March 26, Transport Officer Atcha Buachan chaired a high-level meeting at the Phuket Provincial Transport Office to outline the province’s road safety strategy for the fiscal year 2025.…
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