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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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Man attacks ex-girlfriend, leaps from seventh floor in Samut Prakan
A violent incident occurred in Samut Prakan, where a 24 year old man, Somschai, attacked his ex-girlfriend and her friend with a knife before jumping from the seventh floor of an apartment building. The police received the report at 4.30pm yesterday, August 25, responding promptly alongside emergency services to the scene at a residence in Bang Sao Thong district. Upon…
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Khao Kheow Zoo probes late-night intruder drama
Mystery trespassers who sneaked into Khao Kheow Open Zoo at night have triggered a police investigation and a sweeping safety review at one of Chon Buri’s most popular tourist attractions. Zoo officials confirmed today, August 26, that police had been called in after the unauthorised entry earlier this month. The incident, they warned, posed a potential risk not only to…
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Opposition MPs hit with 300 million baht energy defamation suit
Three senior members of the opposition People’s Party (PP) are facing a massive defamation lawsuit from one of Thailand’s energy giants, accused of smearing its reputation in a row over electricity pricing. PP leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut and list MPs Woraphob Wiriyaroj and Supachot Chaiyasat appeared at the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road yesterday, August 25, for a preliminary hearing in…
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Thai troops to retaliate against Cambodian border encroachments
Thai soldiers have been granted permission to retaliate immediately if Cambodian troops are detected encroaching on Thai territory. This decision follows reports of Cambodian soldiers, believed to be from the Bodyguard Headquarters unit of Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, being observed near the border monitoring Thai patrols. On August 24, the 2nd Army Region accused Cambodian soldiers of illegally entering…
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Fitness trainer in Bangkok severely injured in fall from building
A 35 year old fitness trainer fell from a three-storey building within Soi Suksawat 62, sustaining severe injuries. The exact cause remains unclear, pending an interview with the injured party. The incident occurred at 10.30pm on August 25, when officers from Rat Burana Police Station and volunteers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation responded to the scene in Bang Mod,…
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20-baht flat fare on Bangkok trains postponed to November
The Transport Minister postponed the launch of Bangkok’s 20-baht flat train fare scheme from October to November, admitting that two relevant bills cannot be approved in time. The registration for the 20-baht train fare policy was announced yesterday, August 25, allowing Thai citizens to travel on the BTS and MRT networks for a flat fee. The initiative is aimed at…
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Unlicensed tourists hit with fines in Phuket road blitz
Phuket’s tourist roads are under the spotlight after police revealed more than 17,000 foreigners have already been fined this year for driving without a licence. Phuket Provincial Police Commander Major General Sinlert Sukhum confirmed the staggering figure at a provincial meeting yesterday, August 25, chaired by Governor Sophon Suwannarat at Phuket Provincial Hall. Between August 1 and 22 alone, police…
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Four arrested in northern Thailand with 8.2 million meth tablets
On August 25, police in the north announced the arrest of four people in connection with two major drug smuggling cases, seizing over 8.2 million methamphetamine tablets and two vehicles. The suspects admitted to having evaded capture on three previous occasions. Police Lieutenant General Kritthapol Yeesakhorn, alongside Lampang provincial officials, including Nitiya Pongpanich, deputy governor of Lampang province, disclosed details…
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Thailand video news British Couple’s Thai Retirement Dream Shatters in Legal and Financial Crisis,Bangkok Launches 20-Baht Train Fare Registration Despite Legislative Hurdles
Thailand faces a week of contrasts, from tense border disputes and diplomatic appeals to sweeping policy shifts and cultural milestones. The army’s shoot-to-kill directive against Cambodian troops underscores rising regional frictions, while protests in Phnom Penh spotlight the fallout of recent clashes. Domestically, a legal crackdown on drunk driving, storm alerts, and Bangkok’s push for a 20-baht train…
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Thai actress faces 2 years in jail for drunk driving but sentence suspended
A Thai actress faces two months’ imprisonment after confessing to drunk driving and refusing an alcohol test at a checkpoint in Bangkok on Sunday, August 24. Her sentence was suspended for two years. The 33 year old actress, Marie Broenner, and her alleged boyfriend, businessman Asakon “Boss” Singsikornkun, were caught on a viral video arguing heatedly with police officers at…
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Thai goods smuggling thwarted at Cambodia border (video)
In the district of Aranyaprathet, Sa Kaeo province, Thai officials intercepted an attempt to smuggle Thai goods into Cambodia. While patrolling at Ban Nong Prue, Moo 7, Phan Suek subdistrict, the Burapha Task Force and the 1204th Ranger Company identified two suspicious people pushing carts loaded with large sacks. Upon noticing the officials, the suspects abandoned the carts and quickly…
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SmartLynx Thailand lands first jet ahead of big launch
A new player is taxiing onto Thailand’s aviation scene as Thai SmartLynx Airlines has taken delivery of its very first aircraft, an Airbus A320, signalling its ambitious entry into the country’s skies. The 13.4 year old narrowbody jet, now carrying the Thai registration HS-SXA, touched down at Bangkok Don Mueang Airport on August 22. Previously flown by SilkAir, the A320…
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British expat’s £1.5 million Thai dream ends in jail nightmare
What began as a dream retirement in Thailand for a British expat spiralled into a nightmare of prison cells, financial ruin, and heartbreak. Martin Savage, a 65 year old retired engineer, says a bitter boundary row with a neighbour over a driveway ultimately cost him everything: his £1.5 million (around 67.5 million baht) property portfolio, his retirement fund, and his…
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100 Myanmar nationals arrested for illegal entry into Thailand
Yesterday, August 25, at 1.30pm, 100 Myanmar nationals were apprehended for illegally entering Thailand through natural routes. The group, comprising 62 men and 38 women, navigated their way through forests and waterways over four days, eventually being captured in Kanchanaburi province. The operation was initiated by Kanchanaburi Governor Athisan Intra, Major General Atsadawut Panyarachun, commander of the 9th Infantry Division,…
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Phuket tourists ignore beach red flags, attacks lifeguards
Foreign tourists spat on and assaulted Thai lifeguards on Nai Han Beach in Phuket yesterday, August 25, after the guards warned them not to swim in the sea for their own safety. Witnesses filmed the attack and shared the video with the Newshawk Phuket Facebook page to expose the tourists’ violent behaviour and demand action from local police and relevant…
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Pickup’s sudden turn leaves Pattaya bikers in agony
A routine morning ride turned to chaos in Pattaya yesterday when a motorcycle slammed into a pickup truck, leaving two young riders with serious injuries. At around 9am yesterday, August 25, the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Team rushed to the scene of the collision on Chaiyaphruek Road in the Pong-Khao Mai Kaew area. The crash involved a grey Forza 350…
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Chiang Rai drug bust uncovers 3.5 million meth tablets
Police, military, and administrative officials collaborated in Chiang Rai to dismantle a major drug trafficking gang, seizing 3.5 million methamphetamine tablets and 60 kilogrammes of crystal meth at a petrol station. The operation led to further asset seizures, including cash and properties. On August 24, law enforcement agencies, including the Office of the Narcotics Control Board and regional police, conducted…
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Hua Hin’s old station gets flashy facelift to lure tourists
Thailand’s iconic Hua Hin railway station is on track for a major facelift, with the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) promising a sweeping revamp to boost tourism, jobs, and safety. SRT Governor Veeris Ammarapala visited the historic station this week to expedite the project and inspect the new passenger facilities. He met with Prachuap Khiri Khan Governor Sitthichai Sawatsaen to…
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Tropical storm Kajiki brings heavy rain and strong winds to Thailand
Tropical Storm Kajiki made landfall in Thailand this morning, impacting upper northeastern regions before weakening and moving into Nan province by the evening. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning for heavy rainfall in 40 provinces today, August 26. Over the next 24 hours, heavy rain is expected in areas of northern, upper northeastern, eastern, and western southern…
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Thai man loses 40,000 baht after allowing friend to access debit card
A Thai man finally received justice nine years after losing 40,000 baht to a trusted friend, whom he had allowed access to his debit card and password. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) arrested 65 year old Suthee, who had been evading capture for nine years. He was charged with two offences committed against his colleague in 2016, including: Section 269/5…
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Brake failure causes truck crash on steep Mae Hong Son road
A 10-wheel truck transporting fertiliser to Mae Hong Son experienced brake failure while descending a steep slope on Road 108. To prevent a more severe accident, the driver opted to steer the vehicle into a hillside, resulting in injuries yesterday, August 24. Police from the Mae Sariang Police Station in Mae Hong Son were informed of the truck’s collision with…
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Bangkok launches 20-baht train fare registration amid legal uncertainty
The registration for the 20-baht flat fare on Bangkok’s train networks began today, August 25, with the scheme promised to take effect on October 1, despite three relevant bills still awaiting Parliamentary approval. The Ministry of Transport, under the supervision of Pheu Thai Party member Suriya Juangroongruangkit, launched the scheme to reduce living costs for Thai citizens, aiming to increase…
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Man steals lottery tickets worth over 27,200 baht in Bangkok
A man has been apprehended for stealing 272 lottery tickets worth over 27,200 baht, confessing his motive was to pay overdue instalments on his car. The incident occurred outside a noodle shop on Panya Inthra Road in Khan Na Yao district, Bangkok. The vendor had left the tickets with a friend while visiting the restroom. The thief threatened the friend,…
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Dutch tourists attacked by foreigners outside Phuket hotel
Police in Phuket are investigating after two Dutch tourists were assaulted by two unidentified foreign men outside a hotel in Karon early on the morning of August 23. The incident took place around 12.15am on Kata Road, according to the Karon Police. The victims, identified as Maximilian and Michelle, reported to the police that they were approached by two male…
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Brazilian tourist detained after rooftop incident in Patong
In the early hours of August 23, police and rescue personnel in Patong responded to an incident involving a Brazilian tourist on the roof of a massage parlour on Thaweewong Road. The sight of the tourist caused safety concerns and alarmed residents. The Patong Police received the report at approximately 2.45am. Led by Lieutenant Colonel Chittawan Pengkaew, officers, along with…
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Thai inmate caught after escaping coffee shop job to see newborn baby
A male inmate faces additional jail time after escaping from a prison in Nonthaburi near Bangkok on Saturday, August 23, allegedly because he missed his five month old baby. The Department of Corrections urged residents to assist officials in tracking down the prisoner, 33 year old Anuchit Sooksud, who escaped while working at Hubpoei Coffee Shop, operated by Nonthaburi Provincial…
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Man arrested for staging car accidents to claim over one million baht
The Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) arrested a 26 year old man, Anucha, for staging four car accidents in a month to fraudulently claim insurance payouts, causing damages exceeding one million baht. His accomplices are also under investigation. The arrest, led by Police Colonel Krit Worathat and his team, took place today, August 25. Anucha was apprehended at his residence…
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Chinese-born Cambodian man attacked for eating neighbours’s crab
A group of Chinese men and their Thai employee attacked a Chinese-born Cambodian neighbour in Chon Buri for eating crab worth 4,000 baht, which was wrongly delivered to his home. The 34 year old victim, identified as Mar Tu, shared CCTV footage of the incident with Thai news agencies in a bid to seek justice. He said he feared the…
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Internet technician dies after tragic fall in Udon Thani
A tragic incident occurred when a 33 year old internet technician, Theeraphop or Esso, fell from a high-voltage pole, resulting in his death. The accident took place at 6pm on August 24 at Baan Dong Udom-Nong Sai entrance, Mueang district, Udon Thani province. Rescue workers from the Udonthani Promoting Dharma Foundation received the report and quickly rushed to the scene.…
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Wild elephant kills rubber tapper in Chachoengsao tragedy
A tragic incident occurred yesterday, August 24, when a wild elephant attacked and killed a 66 year old rubber tapper, Abdulloh Kariya, in a rubber plantation in Chachoengsao province. The event was witnessed by his 20 year old nephew, Aris, who was shocked by the incident. Chai Khemmonta, the village head of Ban Khlong Takian, reported the incident to the…
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