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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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Thailand shuts down illegal Bitcoin mine worth 70 million baht
A major illegal Bitcoin mining operation was dismantled yesterday when police and the Provincial Electricity Authority raided an abandoned ice factory in Samut Sakhon, Thailand, seizing equipment worth over 70 million baht. A Myanmar national was found guarding the facility, which is believed to have caused the state a loss of 10 million baht per month in electricity. At 11am…
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Female boxer arrested for assaulting teen in Buriram jealousy
A former female boxer was arrested after assaulting a 15 year old girl whom she suspected of showing interest in her ex-partner during the Songkran festival celebrations. Following a bout of heavy drinking, the 26 year old former boxer unleashed a series of Muay Thai moves on the teenager, leaving her severely injured. The incident occurred on May 1, when…
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Ex-Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao receives four-month sentence
The former CEO of Binance and once a dominant figure in the cryptocurrency industry, Changpeng Zhao, was given a four-month prison sentence yesterday after admitting to violating anti-money laundering laws in the United States. The sentencing of Changpeng, commonly known as CZ, marks a landmark moment in the crypto industry, with two major figures now having been imprisoned. The sentence,…
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Woman sentenced for abducting child as future bride in China
A shocking scheme in Liupanshui, Guizhou Province, in China, where a woman named Yang abducted an 11 year old girl to groom her as a future bride for her eldest son, has led to prison sentences for both mother and son. The unusual case, which has sparked a furore on Chinese social media, underscores the enduring issue of child brides…
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Bangkok police bust couple for covert online ammo sales
In a major crackdown on the illegal arms trade, the Thai police arrested a couple for selling ammunition online. Yesterday, April 30, law enforcement officers apprehended 29 year old Sarawut, and his 19 year old girlfriend Nariporn, for their involvement in an illicit online ammunition business. Operating under the guise of selling film cameras, they cleverly masked their trade on…
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Qantas apologises for app glitch revealing user travel details
An apology was issued by Qantas, the Australian airline, due to a technology issue with its mobile application, which resulted in the exposure of users’ travel details such as their names, flights, and points. The apology followed media reports hinting at a data breach in the app used by frequent flyers, which inadvertently gave users access to other passenger’s travel…
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Thai lottery hopefuls dissect past May 2 draws for winning edge
Aspiring fortune-seekers keenly analyse historical lottery results, anticipating patterns that may predict future winnings. This analysis hones in on the statistics of the Thai Government Lottery, particularly for the upcoming draw, which is of significant interest as players strategize their next move in the hope of hitting the jackpot. Over the past ten years, the lottery numbers drawn on May…
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AoT tee up 3 billion baht compensation swing for RTAF
Thailand’s Defense Ministry spokesperson, Jirayu Houngsub, revealed yesterday that the Airports of Thailand (AoT) could be liable for a compensation payment of at least 3 billion baht to the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF). This potential payment is in relation to the Kantarat Golf Course, a property currently owned by the RTAF, which the AoT is considering repurposing. Previously, the…
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Thammasat University appoints new rector
One of Thailand’s most prestigious educational institutions, Thammasat University, has announced the appointment of Professor Supasawad Chardchawarn as its new rector. He replaces Associate Professor Gasinee Witoonchart, who has held the role since 2018. This significant development was revealed yesterday at 9am during the University Council’s final selection round, as reported by the Thammasat University Student Union (TUSU) on their…
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Thai government preps digital wallet scheme for 50 million citizens
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) is getting ready to support the government’s digital wallet scheme, aimed at benefiting 50 million Thai citizens. Under the direction of Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) will monitor the security of the 500-billion-baht (US$13.4 million) digital initiative. Simultaneously, the Digital Government Agency (DGA) will take charge of digital…
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Nakhon Phanom pub bust reveals drugs, minors and indecent acts
Police in Nakhon Phanom arrested the operators of a well-known pub for a series of legal infractions, including allowing minors on the premises and indecent performances, amid revelations of drug use among patrons. The establishment, known as AEC Nakhon Phanom, was also found to be operating beyond legally allowed hours, causing disturbances to nearby residents. The crackdown, led by Nakhon…
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Citi expands medium-sized business operations in Thailand, Asia
International bank Citi is set to aid the expansion of medium-sized businesses in Thailand and Asia. The move comes as economies in these regions experience high growth rates, presenting lucrative opportunities for companies to penetrate overseas markets. The managing director and head of Citi Commercial Bank (CCB) for Asia North, Australia, and Asia South, Gunjan Kalra, highlighted Asia’s rapid economic…
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Kasikornbank and SUN group fund Thai solar startup Ion Energy
Kasikornbank’s subsidiary Beacon Venture Capital has collaborated with Indonesia’s Solar United Network (SUN) Group to complete a Series A funding round for Ion Energy, a solar energy startup based in Thailand. The funding round closed at US$3 million. Ion Energy offers affordable, clean energy solutions to both residential and commercial sectors within Thailand. Beacon Venture Capital Managing Director Thanapong Na…
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Family suffers burns as fire razes home in Samut Songkhram
A Samut Songkhram family’s home was engulfed in flames early today, leading to three people sustaining burn injuries. The inferno, which broke out around 5am today, May 1, is believed to have been caused by an electrical short circuit due to the melting of wire insulation amid the sweltering heat. The property, a single-story wooden house, was completely destroyed, and…
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British tourist detained in Phuket for assaulting tuk tuk driver
Police in Phuket have detained a British national following an altercation involving a tuk tuk driver, where the foreigner was accused of physically assaulting the driver over a fare dispute. The incident, which was captured on CCTV footage, garnered significant attention on social media, leading to a swift police response. The confrontation took place on the evening of April 26,…
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SET extends deadline due to few presidential applicants
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) has delayed the application deadline for its presidential role until May 15, following a lack of applicants. The present president, Pakorn Peetathawatchai, is due to step down in September. The SET chairman role also remains unfilled after Pichai Chunhavajira’s recent resignation. The exchange is seeking candidates who can support its vision of making the…
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Thai labour ministry initiates farm worker scheme with South Korea
The Department of Employment (DoE) under Thailand’s Labour Ministry initiated a programme to deploy Thai workers to South Korea as seasonal farm labour. This scheme is the outcome of a meeting last month between Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, the Labour Minister of Thailand, and his South Korean counterpart, Lee Jung-Sik. During Pipat’s official visit to South Korea, he met with Kim Dong-yeon,…
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Thai baht finds its groove: Depreciation rate takes a dip
The Thai baht experienced a lessening in its depreciation rate in April, buoyed by an uptick in the country’s economic performance. A leading figure from the country’s central bank anticipates that the local currency will make a recovery in the second half of the year. In the initial quarter of this year, the baht saw a 7.8% decline against the…
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Scorching 44°C wave to hit upper Thailand, caution urged
Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a severe heat warning for upper Thailand, with temperatures expected to soar to a scorching 44 degrees Celsius in the northern, central, and northeastern regions. The capital, Bangkok, is also set to experience high heat levels, with temperatures predicted to reach 42 degrees Celsius. The public is advised to avoid prolonged outdoor activities and strenuous…
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Samut Sakhon recycling plant ablaze, emergency crews fight fire
A recycling plant in Samut Sakhon province has been engulfed in flames for over eight hours, with emergency services battling the blaze that has spread across the entire area. Nearly 20 fire trucks from Samut Sakhon and neighbouring Samut Songkhram provinces have been deployed to douse the intense fire that erupted in packed paper bales within the facility yesterday, April…
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Speeding pickup slams into trailer on Phaholyothin, driver hurt
A high-speed collision occurred today at 2am when a closed-box pickup truck crashed into the rear of a broken-down trailer truck on Phaholyothin Road in Pathum Thani province, Thailand. The driver of the pickup was seriously injured and trapped in the wreckage, necessitating urgent rescue efforts to save his life and transport him to the hospital. The incident, which took…
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Ex-teacher in Bangkok held for assaulting student
A former primary school teacher has been arrested in Bangkok for sexually assaulting a 13 year old student inside his car, despite the presence of the victim’s younger sister. The 44 year old man was apprehended by police while selling fried meatballs on a street in the capital, following an investigation into the incident on March 22. Somkiat, a former…
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NHSO forms team to probe Bangkok healthcare malpractice
Bangkok’s primary healthcare clinics have been hit with a staggering 3,771 complaints, prompting the National Health Security Office (NHSO) to form an investigative team to probe alleged malpractices. The NHSO issued a statement yesterday, April 30, addressing its commitment to resolve grievances from patients under the 30 baht universal healthcare scheme. These objections arose following the NHSO’s decision to modify…
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Thai workers shine in Taiwan’s Labour Day awards
Two Thai workers from Lampang did Thailand proud after being honoured with employee awards in Taiwan’s annual Labour Day ceremony, earning a personal meeting with the country’s president. The Taiwanese Ministry of Labour, responsible for the event, recognises both local and foreign workers for their contributions to various sectors. This year, the Thai men won accolades in the manufacturing industry.…
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Thai man nabbed for neighbour’s murder, claims adultery as motive
Police today arrested a Thai man for the murder of his neighbour at a condominium in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok. The killer insisted his motive was not a dog dispute but a result of long-term bullying and the deceased’s alleged adultery with his wife. The 47 year old killer, Narin “Sam” Prinkprayong, shot dead his neighbour, a 45 year old…
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Phone fumble leads to deadly pickup crash in Lampang
A tragic road accident occurred today when a woman driving a pickup truck dropped her phone, causing her to veer across the lane and collide head-on with an oncoming sedan, instantly killing the male driver and injuring a 19 year old passenger. In the district of Hang Chat, Lampang, police were alerted to a fatal collision at a U-turn near…
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Microsoft invests US$1.7 billion in Indonesia for AI, cloud services
Microsoft revealed its plan to invest US$1.7 billion in Indonesia, with the intent of enhancing the nation’s cloud services and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. This includes the construction of data centres, according to the company’s chief executive, Satya Nadella, who announced it today, April 30, during his visit to the country. Marking his first stop in a Southeast Asian tour,…
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Bangkok’s street sweepers: Deputy governor’s vendor crackdown
Lang Suan Road commercial area in Pathumwan, Bangkok, was bustling with activity this morning. However, not with the usual chaos of vendors setting up their street stalls, but a methodical inspection led by Deputy Governor of Bangkok, Chakkapan Phewngam, and his team of officials to clamp down on street vendor regulations, maintain public order and ensure cleanliness. This was not…
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High stakes: Illegal gambling operator busted in Pak Kret home
Police have recently clamped down on a significant illegal online gambling operation in the affluent Pak Kret district, arresting one Thai gambler named Mongkol. The 46 year old’s arrest took place at a luxurious residence in the Bang Phlap sub-district of Nontha Buri province. The operation unfolded today, as Major General Wacharat Sanngam, head of Provincial Police Region 1, along…
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Unlicensed Pattaya party villa raided restoring peace for locals
Peace has been restored in Pattaya, as a noisy, reportedly unlicensed pool villa was raided by authorities yesterday evening. The operation was spurred by complaints from residents, who were disturbed by the loud music and partying emanating from the villa. Weekit Manarojkit, the Banglamung District Chief, directed his deputy, Pornchai Sang-iad, to spearhead a team of officials in raiding the…
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