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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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Bangkok’s tourist boom fuelled by cross-dressing craze
In the heart of Bangkok’s cultural tapestry, temples and palaces stand as timeless monuments, attracting a staggering influx of tourists, now bolstered by an unexpected trend: The rise of cross-dressing among travellers. This unconventional craze, captured in a recent viral video, showcases groups of male tourists donning traditional Thai female attire as they explore the city’s iconic landmarks. Thapanee Kiatphaibool,…
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Ayutthaya police reel as young radio operator found dead
A tragic discovery was made at a police residence in Ayutthaya when a 26 year old young radio operator was found dead. Preliminary investigations suggest personal issues with a distant girlfriend may have preceded the event. Tragedy struck the police community in Ayutthaya when the body of Police Corporal Krisada, a 26 year old police at Marawichai Police Station, was…
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Food for thought: Microwave routine serves up stomach cancer scare
A man’s daily habit of warming his food in a microwave has led to a grim diagnosis of early-stage stomach cancer, leaving his doctors shaking their heads in dismay. The case highlights the potentially dangerous misuse of microwaves and plastic containers by many individuals unaware of the health risks involved. In a stark reminder of the health hazards associated with…
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Inside the thriving world of Venus clam harvesting
The shores of Naklua and Krating Lai Beach in the Banglamung district are buzzing with activity as locals and workers unite for a timeless tradition – Venus clam harvesting. Amidst the ebb of the tide, a remarkable sight unfolds daily on the sandy shores, drawing a crowd of 60 to 100 individuals, spanning all ages and genders. Armed with baskets…
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Khon Kaen intensifies raids to tackle rising drug issues
In a sweeping crackdown to combat the escalating drug epidemic, authorities in Khon Kaen, the city grappling with the country’s second highest rate of drug abuse, have initiated a series of targeted raids. Recent operations by the police have put the entire northeast community under scrutiny. The Provincial Police Chief of Khon Kaen, along with military, police, and administrative officers,…
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From civil servant to prime minister: Meet Singapore’s new leader
In a carefully choreographed succession plan, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is poised to take the helm as the nation’s fourth prime minister. At 51, the US-trained economist inherits the mantle from Lee Hsien Loong, who relinquished his position after a remarkable two-decade tenure. Wong’s journey from a civil servant to a political luminary gained momentum through his pivotal…
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Phayao jackfruit tree bears amulet-shaped fruit, spurs lottery fever
A peculiar jackfruit tree in Phayao province has become a source of excitement and superstition among locals after bearing fruit that resembles traditional Thai amulets. The tree, situated in front of the buildings of Ban Thung Pa Kha School in the Sri Thoi sub-district of Mae Chai district, is over 10 years old and stands approximately 3 metres tall. Its…
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Tragic birthday: Three year old girl killed by falling tree (video)
A severe thunderstorm in the central province of Uthai Thani resulted in a tragic incident where a falling tree claimed the life of a three year old girl on her birthday. Rescuers and medical workers rushed to a house in the Thap Than district of Uthai Thani after being alerted to a fallen tree. A 62 year old Thai woman,…
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Thailand’s transgender rights echoed by Pheu Thai Party
Efforts to champion transgender rights in Thailand have gained momentum, with Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the Pheu Thai Party, endorsing a push for legal recognition of transgender individuals. This initiative aligns with Thailand’s aspiration to host World Pride by 2030, showcasing the nation’s commitment to equality and inclusivity. At a recent event held at the Siam Discovery shopping centre, Paetongtarn…
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NBTC member corruption complaint thrown out
The Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases has dismissed a high-profile dereliction of duties complaint against NBTC bigwig Pirongrong Ramasoota. The ruling cited insufficient evidence to support the allegations. True Digital Group, a faction of True Corporation, ignited the legal firestorm back in March, accusing Pirongrong of stirring up trouble by dispatching notices to 127 TV and radio…
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Thai activist autopsy underway, lawyer seeks clear cause of death
The autopsy of political activist Nethiporn, also known as Bung Talu Wang, is currently underway, with the results expected later today. Lawyer Krisadang Nutcharas, a key figure from the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights Centre, attended the procedure at the Forensic Medicine Department of Thammasat University Hospital. The presence of Nethiporn’s sister, who has chosen to remain anonymous, was noted,…
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Beetle hunting dispute turns fatal in Kamphaeng Phet
A dispute over a hunting ground for capturing beetles in Kamphaeng Phet province turned deadly when a 46 year old man, enraged by a prior assault, fatally stabbed a 42 year old villager. The incident occurred yesterday in the Na Bo Kham area and escalated from a heated argument to a violent confrontation. The mother of the assailant attempted to…
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Woman’s luck soars after Thai temple ritual nets lottery win
A woman‘s luck continued to soar after she won a substantial lottery prize immediately following a traditional Thai ritual to boost fortune. The 32 year old Thai lottery winner returned to the temple to give thanks and participated in the ritual again, hoping for a repeat of her recent windfall. The temple at Wat Song Sawei, also known as Wat…
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Salting your food could increase your risk of stomach cancer
The hidden danger on your dinner table For many of us, reaching for the salt shaker is a reflex at mealtimes, adding a bit of flavour to our food. However, a recent by researchers from Austria and the United Kingdom reveals that this seemingly innocuous habit could significantly increase the risk of developing stomach cancer. The study found that people…
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Cathay-Siam Piwat partnership: Shopping rewards to travel perks
Overseas Cathay members are in for a treat as Cathay and Siam Piwat unveil an exciting enhancement to their partnership. The new scheme allows members to convert ONESIAM Coins to Asia Miles, offering unprecedented rewards both on the ground and in the air. Imagine strolling through the bustling malls of Bangkok and effortlessly converting your shopping rewards into travel perks.…
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Bangkok man gets mental health help after faeces-hurling habit
A Thai man is finally receiving treatment for mental illness after throwing his faeces at neighbours’ houses in the Ratchada area of Bangkok for over two years. A Thai woman named Pha sought help from social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet after reporting the incidents to the man’s parents, Phahonyothin Police Station, and various government organisations, but was ignored. Pha recounted…
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Thai Vietjet’s unbelievable offer on zero-fare flights
Thai Vietjet is making waves with an irresistible promotion, offering zero-fare tickets on all domestic and international flights from Thailand. These zero fares (excluding taxes and fees) are available for booking until Friday, May 17. The travel period spans from June 1 to February 28, 2025. This deal covers Thai Vietjet’s extensive domestic network from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to popular destinations…
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Shell shock: Power outage to hit Phuket’s Heroines Monument area
Residents and businesses around the Shell petrol station north of the Heroines Monument in Phuket will experience a power outage from 9am to 5pm tomorrow. The Provincial Electricity Authority’s Thalang branch (PEA Thalang) will be carrying out necessary improvements to the high-voltage network, resulting in a temporary disruption. The scheduled power cut is part of ongoing infrastructure enhancements in the…
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SMEs loans complications eased by Finance Ministry’s new AMC
The Thai Finance Ministry has scheduled the establishment of a new asset management company (AMC) for next month. This move aims to provide relief to beleaguered retail borrowers, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), by assisting them in clearing non-performing loan (NPL) statuses and embarking on a fresh financial journey. The collaborative effort between Government Savings Bank (GSB) and Bangkok…
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Elderly tourist’s nightmare ride: Abandoned and robbed in Pattaya
In a shocking incident that has raised serious concerns about tourist safety in Pattaya, the Tourist Police swiftly responded to a distress call on Monday. Concerned locals reported an elderly foreigner in distress at the J Intersection on Sukhumvit Road in the Sattahip district. The man, identified as 81 year old Israeli national Albert Mahlev, was found sitting by the…
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Tuk tuk driver faces 90 day suspension for overcharging tourists
In a recent development, the tuk tuk driver who overcharged a group of Japanese tourists has been summoned for further questioning on the incident following a swift response from transportation authorities. The driver demanded a fare of 1,500 baht per person for a short journey from Asoke to Thanon Thaniya, totalling a hefty 6,000 baht for the four passengers. In…
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Thailand Video News | Political activist dies after 65-day hunger strike, Woman suffers panic attack after Isaan rocket lands on lawn
In this Thailand video news, Alex and Jay unfold stories from across the country. Beginning with the nation mourning the loss of a political activist who succumbed after a 65-day hunger strike, the report highlights the intense political struggles within the country. Meanwhile, a woman in Isaan suffered a severe panic attack when a stray rocket landed on her lawn,…
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Pier pressure: Pattaya’s iconic sign vandalised, community shocked
In a shocking act of vandalism, Pattaya City’s cherished landmark, the PATTAYA CITY sign at Bali Hai Pier, has been defaced, leaving the community reeling. The iconic sign, once a proud emblem of Pattaya’s vibrant identity, now stands marred by thoughtless spray paint, a glaring symbol of disrespect. This landmark, adored by locals and tourists alike, represents more than just…
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Central Retail reports 6% revenue boost to 67.3 billion baht
Central Retail Corporation‘s first quarter earnings report revealed a robust performance, with a 6% revenue increase to 67.3 billion baht (US$1.84 billion). Significantly, the company’s net profit jumped by 14% to 2.52 billion baht (US$ 70 million) compared to the same period last year. Under the leadership of Yol Phokasub, the company has seen a notable shift towards omni-channel retailing,…
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Superrich faces stalled growth as tourists prefer travel cards
Renowned local money changer Superrich Currency Exchange (1995) Co, known by its SuperRich Orange brand, has faced a challenging start to the year with its transaction growth stalling at zero during the initial four months, despite an increase in foreign travellers. The stagnation in Superrich’s growth is largely due to the rising popularity of travel card services, which are increasingly…
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3 Thai man arrested for kidnapping Indonesian man for ransom
Police arrested three Thai men for kidnapping an Indonesian man, detaining him in a residence in the southern province of Phatthalung, and demanding a ransom of 2.3 million baht from the victim’s family. The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia sought assistance from officers of Mueang Phatthalung Police Station after receiving a report about the kidnapping of a 29 year…
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Justice minister vows action after hunger strike activist’s death
Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong announced plans yesterday to visit political activist Tantawan Tuatulanon, who has been on a hunger strike since late January. This decision follows the tragic death of fellow activist Netiporn Sanesangkhom who succumbed to cardiac arrest at Thammasat University Hospital yesterday. Minister Tawee expressed his condolences over Netiporn’s death, emphasising the government’s commitment to transparency. “A thorough…
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Thai noodle giant unfazed by minimum wage increase to 400 baht
The imminent nationwide increase in the minimum wage to 400 baht holds little concern for major noodle producer Thai President Foods PCL, the maker of the popular instant noodle brand Mama, which believes the company’s ability to adapt will mitigate any significant impact, highlighting instead the potential challenges this wage hike could pose to smaller enterprises and small and medium-sized…
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Thailand champions LGBTQ rights with World Pride 2030 bid
As Thailand gears up to potentially host the prestigious World Pride event in 2030, Siam Piwat Group is championing a progressive stance on LGBTQ rights. The property and retail giant has launched the “Celebration: Right to Love” campaign in anticipation of the same-sex marriage bill’s enactment by the end of the year. This legislative milestone would position Thailand as the…
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Man perishes as van crashes into canal near Pathum Thani
A tragic accident occurred this morning at 3.30am, when a man lost control of his vehicle, colliding with a parked pickup truck and crashing into a canal in Pathum Thani province, resulting in his death merely 1 kilometre from the safety of his home. The incident was reported to Police Lieutenant Wutichai, who led the investigation at the scene. The…
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