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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 Planning to extend your Thai visa? Why health insurance is more important than ever
If you plan to stay longer in Thailand, having health insurance is now more important than ever. Thai immigration often asks for proof of medical coverage when you apply to extend your visa. This applies to many types of visas,...
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Phuket eyes jackpot as entertainment complex bill hits Parliament
Thailand’s long-debated entertainment complex bill is finally on the table, with Parliament expected to deliberate the high-stakes proposal by April 9, according to chief government whip Wisut Chainarun. The bill, greenlit by the Cabinet on March 27, is awaiting a confirmed submission date. If not ready for April 3, it will almost certainly be up for debate on April 9.…
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Pickup hit by train in Surat Thani, two dead, three injured
A tragic accident occurred when a pickup truck was hit by a train at an unauthorised crossing between Ban Thung Pho Junction and Maluan in Phunphin district, Surat Thani, resulting in two fatalities and three injuries. The incident took place yesterday, March 30, at 6.43pm. Officers from Phunphin Police Station, along with rescue teams and medical personnel, arrived at the…
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Phuket stunner snatches Miss Grand Thailand 2025 crown
It was a night of glitz, glamour, and grand victories as Phuket’s own Saranrat “Gotchabell” Pueakpipat dazzled her way to the Miss Grand Thailand 2025 crown. The 7pm showdown on March 29 saw the stunning beauty queen claim the title, marking Phuket’s third win and its first-ever back-to-back victory in the pageant’s history. Saranrat’s poise, elegance, and flawless performance in…
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Tragic truck accident in Phetchabun claims two children’s lives
A six-wheel truck accident in the Phetchabun Province resulted in the tragic deaths of two children under 10 and left three adults seriously injured. The crash occurred yesterday, March 30, when the truck overturned, colliding with a pedestrian bridge in front of the Pananikom Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital on the Saraburi-Lom Sak Road in Mueang district. The Phetchabun Provincial Road…
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Lottery fans eye Shinawatra family for April 1 lucky numbers
Lottery enthusiasts are eagerly observing for potential lucky numbers for the draw on April 1, after Aim Pinthongta Shinawatra Kunakornwong, daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, shared a photograph on March 19. The image posted on her personal Instagram account showed her accompanied by her husband, Natthaphong Kunakornwong, and her father, Thaksin, paying respects to a renowned monk, Kruba…
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Suspect arrested after fatal stabbing of teen in Nonthaburi
An incident involving the fatal stabbing of 17 year old at a petrol station in Bang Bua Thong district, Nonthaburi province has seen new developments. The attack occurred in the early hours of March 26, when the victim, Anuchit, was assaulted by a group of four youths and stabbed five times in the chest. By March 30, police had apprehended…
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Crack scare sparks Bangkok evacuations but no quake recorded
Panic swept through parts of Bangkok this morning as multiple buildings were evacuated over reports of mysterious vibrations and cracks, despite the Government of Thailand insisting there was no earthquake. The drama unfolded around 10am, today, March 31, with affected locations including Building A of the Government Complex on Chaeng Watthana Road, the Ministry of Labour in Din Daeng, and…
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Bhumjaithai MP faces possible expulsion for Kla Dharma ties
The Bhumjaithai Party is reportedly considering the expulsion of Khon Kaen Member of Parliament (MP) Ekkarat Changlao after he was recently seen attending a Kla Dharma Party event held to establish a branch in the northeastern province. Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of Bhumjaithai, revealed that party members have put forward a proposal to review Ekkarat’s actions and potentially remove him from…
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Lottery winners flock to Chon Buri temple for blessings
Devotees are flocking to Wat Khao Chong Lom in Chon Buri’s Si Racha district to pay homage to the towering 9.9-metre statue of Thao Wessuwan Thonglon, especially after a recent lottery win attributed to the deity’s blessing. This marks the fourth instance this year where someone has won first prize after praying at the temple. Yesterday, March 30, a woman…
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Pattaya man dies after fall during scrap metal theft at condo
Police yesterday were alerted to the discovery of a body at an abandoned eight-story condominium in Pattaya after a plan to steal scrap metal and electrical wires from the condo went south. Police and rescuers yesterday, March 30, found the body of 50 year old Somjai on the second floor, his head severely injured. It appeared that he had been…
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Chinese men face charges for illegal entry at Bangkok disaster site
Four Chinese men are facing legal action after being caught illegally entering a restricted area where a building collapse occurred and removing 32 documents. Police are now investigating the incident, which took place at the new State Audit Office construction site yesterday, March 30. Police Major General Napasil Poonsawat, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, confirmed the unauthorised removal…
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Earthquake causes up to 100 billion baht damage, economy unaffected
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira stated that the recent earthquake damage has not impacted the economy, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to support affected individuals. Reports suggest that up to 5,500 buildings in the capital might have sustained damage, with total financial losses potentially reaching 100 billion baht. Pichai mentioned on March 28, the day of the earthquake, that the ministry,…
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Father in Nakhon Phanom assaults toddler son amid drug influence
A father under the influence of methamphetamine in Nakhon Phanom allegedly attacked his young child, dunking the toddler’s head underwater. Concerned residents reported the incident, prompting district officials to intervene. The father later confessed, claiming anger over the child’s actions. Yesterday, March 30, Somsak Boonchan, the district chief of Mueang Nakhon Phanom, was alerted by residents of Chum Chon Noi…
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Quake rumbles Thailand but Phuket stands firm
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat reassured residents and tourists that the island remains untouched by the powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that rocked Myanmar and sent tremors through Bangkok. The quake, which struck Mandalay on Friday, March 28, was felt across northern Thailand, but Governor Sophon confirmed that Phuket, nearly 2,000 kilometres away, has seen no impact on its infrastructure or tourism industry.…
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Foreign man arrested for vandalism in Pattaya, locals outraged
A foreign man was arrested by Pattaya police after being caught vandalising public property with graffiti. The suspect, whose identity has not been revealed, was detained on Saturday, March 29 shortly after concerned locals alerted police to the act. Many residents have demanded stricter measures against foreign tourists who break Thai laws. Suggestions from the public included making the suspect…
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Phayao’s ancient pagoda draws lottery seekers, fortune seekers
Residents of Phayao have flocked to pay respects and seek fortune at the recently unearthed seven-tiered ancient pagoda, believed to be over a thousand years old. Discovered in a field, the relic has become a focus for lottery enthusiasts hoping to find lucky numbers. The pagoda’s spire was found during the construction of the Den Chai-Phayao-Chiang Rai double-track railway, near…
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Thailand hosts 6th BIMSTEC Summit, fostering regional ties
Thailand is set to host the 6th Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit from April 3 to 4, according to reports from the Thai government. Government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub announced yesterday, March 30, that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is preparing to welcome leaders and representatives from six member countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal,…
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Storm warning: Thailand braces for wild weather chaos
Thailand is in for a wild ride today as the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warns of severe summer storms set to batter 34 provinces. Expect torrential rain, howling winds, hailstorms, and even lightning strikes in some areas. The extreme weather is being fuelled by a moderate high-pressure system sweeping in from China, hitting northeastern Thailand and the South China Sea.…
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Thai Board of Trade caught in tariff crossfire over Uyghur issue
Thailand’s business leaders are urging firms to stay agile amid fears that the ongoing Uyghur issue could disrupt trade talks. Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the Thai Board of Trade, warned it’s too early to predict the fallout but said businesses must adapt to survive. Companies are being urged to make the most of Thailand’s 16 free trade agreements (FTAs) with…
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Bangkok updates earthquake impact, Din Daeng expressway reopens
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has issued an update on the earthquake situation, focusing on addressing traffic issues and coordinating with the Expressway Authority. The Din Daeng expressway is operational by 5am today, March 31. At 5pm yesterday, March 30, Deputy Governors, Associate Professor Tawida Kamolvech and Wisanu Supsompol provided a daily briefing on the earthquake at the Bangkok Command Centre…
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Bangkok building collapse rescue mission continues amid structural challenges
Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Industry Minister Ekanat Prompan visited the site of the Office of the Auditor General building collapse, which was caused by an earthquake on January 28. Approximately 50 people are still trapped under the debris. A committee has been established to investigate the cause of the collapse, with a deadline of seven days for their…
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Canadian man found unconscious after domestic dispute in Pattaya
Police responded to an early morning call yesterday regarding a domestic disturbance involving a Canadian man at a residence in Pattaya. Upon arrival at the scene, officers found a 47 year old man called James unconscious on the floor. James was discovered yesterday, March 30, with bruises on his body, indicating a violent altercation had taken place. Rescue teams from…
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Thai minister demands building collapse answers from Chinese firm
Thailand’s interior minister has demanded answers within seven days after the shocking collapse of the State Audit Office building in Bangkok, constructed by a Chinese company, during last week’s earthquake. Rescuers are still working at the disaster site in Chatuchak district, with at least 12 confirmed dead, 33 injured, and 78 people still unaccounted for. Four Chinese workers have already…
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Thai military aids Myanmar after deadly 7.7-magnitude quake
Thai military personnel are set to aid Myanmar in rescue and recovery efforts following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that caused extensive damage. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra directed Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai to consider deploying military resources to assist earthquake relief operations in Myanmar, as stated by Deputy Defence Minister Nattapol Nakpanich yesterday. A team comprising 49 search and rescue members, medical…
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Myanmar earthquake affects Bangkok, 17 dead, 83 missing
An earthquake centred in Myanmar on Friday, which wreaked havoc in Thailand too, has resulted in significant damage and casualties. The tremors were strong enough to rock Thailand, causing the collapse of a 30-storey building under construction on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road in Chatuchak district, Bangkok. Many condominiums in the city also sustained damage. According to the Erawan Centre’s report…
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Secret drug discovery raises questions over Shane Warne’s death in Thailand
New revelations have emerged regarding the circumstances surrounding the death of Australian cricket legend Shane Warne, with claims that a powerful sex drug was discovered at the scene but later removed by police. Fifty-two-year old Warne passed away in March 2022 while on vacation with friends on the Thai island of Koh Samui. A postmortem concluded that the former cricketer,…
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Family demands answers after woman’s fatal fall during earthquake
A 24 year old woman has raised concerns following her sister’s mysterious death after falling from a condominium during Friday’s earthquake, which rocked Thailand and Myanmar. The incident involved 28 year old spa manager, Mon, who fell from the 13th floor to the 5th floor. Her sister, Rin, has questioned the absence of using the fire escape, suspecting foul play…
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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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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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