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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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Lampang drug bust nets 400,000 meth pills worth 500,000 baht
Thai authorities in Lampang successfully intercepted a significant drug trafficking operation, seizing 400,000 methamphetamine pills hidden within a vehicle’s spare tyre. The arrest took place following a meticulously planned operation that culminated in a routine traffic stop that turned into a major drug bust. The Governor of Lampang Province Chatchawal Chayabutr and Police Major General Phumipat Nawatrakulphisit, the Provincial Police…
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Gold prices in Thailand soar, buyers urged to stay updated
Gold prices in Thailand saw a rapid increase, urging interested buyers to check the latest updates. Today, April 26, the price for gold ornaments surged to 41,350 baht, marking a 100 baht rise from the previous day’s close as reported by the Gold Traders Association (GTA) at 9.04am. The global gold spot price hovers around US$2,333 (86,379 baht) per ounce,…
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Ride-sharing driver arrested for firing gun at Jomtien Beach
Pattaya police apprehended a ride-sharing driver in the early hours of yesterday, following an incident of the driver discharging a firearm into the sea, which provoked fear among tourists near Jomtien Beach. The incident took a turn at around 2.36am, near Soi 16, where the sounds of gunshots rippled through the calm sea air. At that moment, Bang Lamung District…
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Thai commerce minister to boost fruit exports to China via Laos
An evaluation of the Boten and Mohan checkpoints’ capacity to facilitate Thai fruit exports to China is on the agenda for Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. This is part of a strategy to ease the exportation process of Thai fruit during the 2024 harvest season, with shipments expected to commence at the end of April. The ministry’s spokesperson, Wittayakorn Maneenetr, reported that…
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Bangkok school directors get 20-year sentences for bribery
The Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases in Thailand handed down 20-year prison sentences to the former director and the former deputy director of Samsenwittayalai School. The two were found guilty of accepting bribes from parents, colloquially termed “tea money,” to secure their children’s admission to the school in 2017. Additionally, the court ordered the pair to pay…
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Cambodian arrested in Pathum Thani amphetamine bust
Thai police and various authorities arrested a Cambodian woman at a home in Nong Suea, Pathum Thani who is believed to be involved in the notorious drug ring known as First Klong Luang. Officers found more than they expected, not one, but 2.8 million amphetamine pills. The woman in question was identified as Saraitus On, a 30 year old Cambodian…
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Government orders nationwide inspection of chemical warehouses
Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke announced yesterday that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin mandated an immediate inspection of all chemical warehouses across the nation. The directive follows a string of fires reported in recent weeks, the latest being at President Chemical Co Ltd’s warehouse in Bangkok’s Chom Thong district in the Bang Mot neighbourhood. Locals reported the fire yesterday at 2.10am, noticing…
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Thai narcotics control destroys 22 tonnes of illicit substances
A significant operation to destroy illicit substances and illegal narcotics was carried out by Police Lieutenant General Panurat Lakboon, the Secretary-General of the Office of the Thai Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) on Wednesday. The substances reportedly weighed a staggering 22 tonnes. These substances were collected from 68 individual cases. The substances consisted of 17,806.87 kilogrammes of amphetamine, 2,871.77 kilogrammes of…
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Asian millennials and Gen Z prefer regional travel, says Marriott
Rising travel expenses have led to an increase in intra-regional tourism among Asia-Pacific’s Gen Z and millennial tourists, according to Marriott International. The younger adults, keen on saving for their travels, are opting for trips within their region. In 2023, intra-regional travellers accounted for over 60% of bookings in the Asia-Pacific region, a significant increase from the 40-50% before the…
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Summer storm unroofs homes in Chaiyaphum
A devastating summer storm recently struck the Chaiyaphum province, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The community of Ban Na Sao was hit by a severe storm yesterday, resulting in significant damage to over 10 houses. The powerful storm, characterised by strong winds, caused widespread blackouts throughout the village, tearing roofs off houses and granaries with alarming ease.…
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Phuket authorities bust illegal kratom operation targeting teens
Authorities in Phuket apprehended a 21 year old man for his involvement in the illegal production and trade of kratom juice targeting local teenagers in the Srisoonthorn area. The operation took place in a Village 5 property where the illegal substance was being prepared on Wednesday afternoon. Officials discovered a significant volume of kratom juice being prepared for distribution. Approximately…
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Toyota’s electric pickup fleet revs up Thai beaches
Toyota’s groundbreaking project in Pattaya showcases nine fully electric Hilux Revo pickup trucks revamped for public transport, marking a pivotal moment in Thailand’s automotive landscape. Reflecting Japan’s determination to reclaim the electric vehicle (EV) market throne from Chinese rivals, this initiative aims to redefine urban transit in the Land of Smiles. Surapoom Udomwong, Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor Thailand…
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Malaria on rise in Thailand: Tak province tackles ticklish trouble
Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) reports a surge in malaria cases, notably in the Tak province, where the majority of the 2,913 infections have been identified since January. Other areas affected include Mae Hong Son, Kanchana Buri, Ranong, and Prachuap Khiri Khan, with 60% of the patients being foreigners, as per the department’s data. The DDC Chief, Thongchai Keeratihuttayakorn,…
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Thailand Video News | Heatstroke fatalities reach 30 as heat index reaches 52 degrees, Australians in Phuket gain easy access to visa services
In this Thailand video news, Alex covers a range of stories, from heatstroke deaths reaching 30 to a US Carrier Strike Group revisiting Thailand after three years. Other highlights include a Thai woman arrested for impersonating a neurosurgeon, visa services now accessible for Australians in Phuket, and the unveiling of an ex-Deputy PM’s luxury car collection worth 87 million Baht.…
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Fintech friends: Thai-Australian pact seals future prosperity
A landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been inked between the Thai Fintech Association and FinTech Australia, setting the stage for increased collaboration in the burgeoning financial technology sector. The agreement was signed this week, reflecting both nations’ commitment to enhancing their fintech industries. The Deputy Chair of FinTech Australia, Brian Collins, acknowledged the vast potential for growth in Thailand…
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Feline fury: Cat owner claws for justice after high-value heist
A cat owner’s fury led to a heated confrontation at a police station following a burglary that resulted in the escape of several high-value cats. The incident, which took place yesterday, saw the arrest of a 44 year old man, Narin (surname withheld), in Nontha Buri for stealing property and inadvertently releasing the cats. The police operation, which unfolded at…
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Man found dead in Udon Thani rice field pit, accident suspected
A tragic accident unfolded amid a tranquil rice field in Udon Thani province, where a man lost his life in a cement water pit under mysterious circumstances. Yesterday, local authorities discovered the body of a 51 year old man, identified only by his first name, Saiya, submerged head-first in a water storage facility. The discovery was made following an alert…
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Company executive arrested for DUI and police assault in Bangkok
A high-level global company executive faces legal consequences after being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and assaulting a police officer during a checkpoint operation in Bangkok. The incident occurred early on Tuesday when the executive, driving a black Mercedes-Benz, was stopped at a breathalyser checkpoint along the motorway in Suan Luang district. Upon inspection, police found the…
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Thailand sees surge in foreign investment in Q1
Thailand has seen a recent surge in foreign investment, according to recent statistics from the Thai Ministry of Commerce. Government spokesperson Chai Watcharong yesterday, April 25, unveiled these numbers, highlighting a significant upsurge in foreign investment within the first quarter of 2024. A staggering total of more than 35 billion baht has been funnelled into the Thai economy by foreign investors,…
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Rayong hazardous waste plant sees another fire
A hazardous waste storage plant in Rayong, owned by Win Process, witnessed another fire incident on Wednesday night. The surrounding area was found to have high concentrations of dangerous chemicals in the air, reported the Thai authorities. The fire began at the Ban Nong Pawa village-based plant in Tambon Bang But of Rayong’s Ban Khai district and was yet to…
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Japan zoo gender mix-up: Male hippo turns out to be female
In a revelation that has stunned both visitors and staff, Osaka Tennoji Zoo unearthed a surprising twist regarding Gen-chan, a hippo believed to be male since its arrival from Mexico’s Africam Safari in 2017 at the tender age of 5. The zoo dropped a bombshell on its website, disclosing that Gen-chan is, in fact, a female. Mexican authorities had assured…
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Police chase tactics questioned after fatal crash
A tragic incident unfolded when a police chase in Nakhon Ratchasima ended with a motorcycle crash that claimed two lives. The pursuit, which occurred on the Tuesday, evening of April 23, involved officers from Chaloem Phra Kiat Police Station tailing a suspect on a motorcycle, wanted for theft. The police were initially following the suspect from behind a school in…
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Hand grenade found in Thai suburb leaves locals shaken
On the peaceful streets of Wat Boon Samphan, Bang Lamung, Chon Buri, a sinister surprise lurked beneath the serenity as a fully operational type M26 hand grenade on Monday. The discovery, made by 73 year old security guard Pratum Chomsuwat, unfolded as he meticulously cleared the area with a grass trimmer, stumbling upon the lethal device near a modest cement…
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Thai gold shop owner saves parents hundreds on student uniforms
A gold shop owner in Roi Et province has become a local hero by offering a unique solution to parents struggling with the cost of student uniforms. Wimol Archasantisuk, the brains behind this heartening initiative, turned heads with his generosity. Wimol, the compassionate owner, embarked on a mission to ease the financial burden on parents gearing up for the new…
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Hoofing havoc: Rampaging army horses cause chaos in London
In a scene straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster, the heart of London turned into a battleground as army horses, spooked during a routine military exercise, broke free and charged through the city streets, pursued by police. The drama unfolded in central London’s Belgravia, where an ordinary morning took a terrifying turn. Eyewitnesses watched in horror as the majestic creatures…
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Bangkok riverside estate lists at 200 million baht
A Facebook post advertising a house for sale along the Chao Phraya River on Charansanitwong Road in Bangkok sparked widespread interest and surprise with its staggering 200 million baht price tag. Social media users have been buzzing about the post, shared in an exclusive group for luxury properties, presenting a prime piece of land with a view of the Sapaya…
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Karaoke bar owner nabbed for trafficking girls in Thailand
Authorities have arrested a karaoke bar owner for allegedly trafficking underage girls from Thailand and Laos, some under 15 years old, into sex work. Today the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) conducted a raid, led by Police Major General Sarawut Jantawong and his team, apprehending 63 year old Rombai at her establishment in Pakkad District, Bueng Kan Province. The operation was…
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Myanmar junta’s secret deal with China
Myanmar’s junta is stirring up a storm yet again, as their home minister jets off to China for clandestine security discussions with Beijing’s top brass. Myanmar’s Lieutenant-General Yar Pyae slipped under the radar, embarking on a covert voyage to China for what’s touted as a working visit with China’s Minister for Public Security, Wang Xiaohong. The rendezvous, scheduled from April…
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Crackdown on counterfeit cosmetics reveals 100 million baht scam
Thai authorities have dismantled a significant counterfeit cosmetics operation, seizing a vast array of fake beauty products and exposing an international supply chain orchestrated by Chinese investors. The fraudulent enterprise, which relied heavily on online platforms to distribute counterfeit cosmetics, generated sales exceeding 100 million baht per year. The crackdown followed a series of consumer complaints regarding the quality of…
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Thai woman impersonates neurosurgeon, scams over 1 million baht
In a significant operation, Thai police arrested a 35 year old woman for impersonating a neurosurgeon and defrauding medical staff and officials, alongside scamming a love interest resulting in losses of over 1 million baht. The suspect, identified only as Suwanaumpha or “Pla,” was apprehended yesterday in Bangkok. She was wanted on charges of fraud and entering false information into…
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