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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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Less than 5% pay rise for Thai employees this year
According to Aon Plc’s latest survey, Thai employees are set to experience a modest 4.9% pay rise this year, trailing behind their regional counterparts. The forecast anticipates a slight uptick from 4.7% last year but still falls short of the salary growth expected in Indonesia (6.5%), the Philippines (5.5%), and Malaysia (5%). Meanwhile, Singapore is projected to witness a 4%…
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Minivan collides with parked truck on Highway 36 in Chon Buri
A tragedy was narrowly averted when a minivan carrying 19 passengers collided with a parked timber truck on Highway 36 in Chon Buri. The unfortunate incident, which occurred on Wednesday, February 7, resulted in injuries to two passengers, while the remaining 17 escaped unscathed. The Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan rescue unit was called to the scene of the accident at 7.16pm.…
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Unsuspecting Singapore chef uncovers Thailand-based vice ring
A Singapore chef found himself entangled in a web of illegal vice activities linked to a Thailand-based syndicate. The Singaporean man’s involvement in the illicit operation not only led to his arrest but also shed light on the sophisticated and lucrative nature of the syndicate’s operations in Singapore. After befriending a woman he met at a karaoke lounge in Golden…
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Thailand News Today | Sedan falls into pit in Bangkok, Hazardous levels of ultrafine dust
The Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) has urged the Bank of Thailand to consider reducing interest rates at its next meeting, despite the economy showing signs of recovery. The TCC, led by chairman Sanan Angubolkul, highlighted the economy’s vulnerability to challenges such as geopolitical issues, the impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on shipping and energy prices, and the pressure on…
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Tragic scooter crash in Thailand leaves Queensland dad in coma with costly medical bills
A Queensland father’s life hangs in the balance after a scooter accident in Thailand left him in a coma, paralyzed, and burdened with astronomical medical expenses. The ordeal sparked a desperate plea for help as his family grapples with the overwhelming financial strain. Brenton Simmons faces a harrowing battle for survival after a fateful scooter ride in Thailand resulted in…
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Thailand gears up for World Songkran Festival
Preparations are underway for the World Songkran Festival, with a meeting set to take place next week, as per a statement given by Thapanee Kiatphaibool, the governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), on February 8. The meeting, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Interior, the private sector, and other relevant agencies, will focus…
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Thai Airways takes flight with new Boeing 787 jets
Thai Airways soared to new heights with a firm order for 45 Boeing 787 jets, potentially boosting the deal to around 80 aircraft, in response to the escalating demand for international travel, according to industry sources. The deal, set to be formally unveiled later this month, has already been reflected in Boeing’s published order backlog as a contract for 45…
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Trip.com foresees significant rise in Thailand tourism expenditure
On February 8, Bangkok bore witness to a revelation from Trip.com Group, a leading global travel service provider. The data released by the company predicts a notable increase in total trip expenditure for inbound bookings in Thailand. A substantial uptick of 44.3% has been projected for this year’s Chinese New Year (CNY) festive period compared to the CNY period in…
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The realities of PM2.5 in Thailand revealed by ‘Check Dust’
Thailand is facing a grave environmental crisis as PM 2.5 levels soar to dangerous heights, threatening the health of millions. The Thai Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI), in partnership with the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) and other relevant bodies, took decisive action to combat this escalating threat. The Check Dust application, utilising cutting-edge…
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Chinese man flies home in personal aircraft for Lunar New Year
The Chinese online community has been captivated by an image of a father and his young daughter taking a unique approach to returning home for the Chinese New Year: flying in a personal aircraft. The Lunar New Year, a time when millions undertake the arduous journey home, often leads to congested roads and transportation systems. To avoid this annual ordeal,…
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Thailand braces for severe weather as storms hit 17 provinces
A powerful weather front is currently affecting Thailand, with the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issuing a severe weather warning for 17 provinces. Eastern regions are expected to bear the brunt of the storm, with 30% of the area predicted to experience heavy thunderstorms, strong gusts of wind, and possible hail. The warning comes as a new high-pressure system from…
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13 year old Thai boy gives gift of life through organ donation
Doctors from Hua Hin Hospital and the Thai Red Cross Society paid tribute to a 13 year old boy who tragically passed away from a brain aneurysm, for his exceptional act of donating organs that will potentially save multiple lives. Patcharaphon Srilert’s family decided to honour his memory by donating his liver, kidneys, and heart valves to aid several patients…
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Thai tourism index for Q4 2023 signals risk of deflation
The Tourism Council of Thailand’s (TCT) quarterly index has reported a lower-than-normal confidence level for the fourth quarter of 2023, signalling concerns among operators about the risk of deflation and delayed fiscal budget disbursement. The Thai tourism index for the last quarter of the year scored 77, with 100 being the average; this is an increase from the third quarter’s…
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Royal Thai Navy busts illegal oil smuggling ring in South Thailand
The Second Naval Area Command of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) received a report about a boat allegedly involved in illicit oil smuggling to fishing vessels near Songkhla yesterday, February 8. In response, the RTN launched an investigation which uncovered a vessel specifically adapted for clandestine oil transportation, carrying an astonishing 10,000 litres of illicit oil intended for local fishermen…
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Thai PM proposes campus switch to diffuse student conflict at Rajamangala University
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday suggested that the relocation of Rajamangala University of Technology’s Uthenthawai Campus (Uthen) from its current location in Bangkok’s Pathumwan district could be the key to resolving its longstanding rivalry with Pathumwan Institute of Technology students. The 61 year old Thai prime minister emphasised that a change of location and a shift in student mindset are…
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Thai industrial authority partners with Japanese firms for green utility project
The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) is collaborating with Japanese firms, IHI Corporation and IHI Asia Pacific (Thailand) Co, on a green utility project at the Smart Park Industrial Estate in Rayong. The initiative, aimed at encouraging eco-considerate manufacturing, will involve a feasibility study on the development of renewable energy and green infrastructure. The study marks the first phase…
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Thai AirAsia boosts flights to visa-free Japan and China
In response to robust demand, Thai AirAsia is set to increase flights to coveted travel destinations like Japan and China, which offer visa-free access to visitors. The airline also plans to introduce a fresh route to Okinawa. The initiative comes from Thai AirAsia’s chief executive, Santisuk Klongchaiya, who also helms SET-listed Asia Aviation (AAV). According to him, the surge in…
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Supreme court weighs in on vote buying case against PPRP candidate
The Supreme Court is currently reviewing a vote buying case brought forth by the Election Commission (EC) against a candidate from the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) from Nakhon Sawan. The candidate, Pornwisit Jaemsai, is accused of vote-buying, an illegal practice that infringes the Organic Act on the Election of Members of the House of Representatives (2018). This announcement was made…
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Methamphetamine seizures double in Thailand amid increased smuggling
The second half of last year saw a significant spike in methamphetamine seizures in Thailand, with over 250 million pills intercepted, which is twice the quantity seized during the same period the prior year. This rise in the illegal drug trade is reportedly due to increased smuggling activities across the borders from neighbouring nations, as explained by Prime Minister Srettha…
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Teenage gang’s reign of terror over East Pattaya neighbourhood
A gang of teenagers wreaked havoc in a quiet neighbourhood on Soi Huay Yai 15 in East Pattaya with their disruptive antics lasting three consecutive nights. The gang, captured on CCTV cameras, was seen riding more than 10 motorcycles and unleashing a barrage of disruptive activities, including hurling firecrackers and explosive bottles, creating deafening disturbances that reverberated throughout the area.…
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Appeal to limit Chinese New Year’s paper burning to curb pollution
A pressing call to the public has been made by the Pollution Control Department (PCD), appealing for a reduction in the burning of paper offerings and incense during the Chinese New Year celebrations. This plea is part of a broader initiative to manage the increasing levels of ultra-fine PM2.5 pollutants during the season. The traditional burning of gold and silver…
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Honouring His Majesty’s 72nd birthday: Lord Buddha’s relics
The Department of Religious Affairs declared that rare relics of the Lord Buddha and his chief disciples Sariputra and Moggallana will be transported from India to be showcased at Sanam Luang, allowing the public to offer their respects from 9am to 8pm, starting from February 22 until March 19. Following this period, the relics will embark on a journey to…
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Van plunges into ravine on Chiang Mai-Pai route
A passenger van on the Chiang Mai-Pai route lost control of his vehicle and veered off the road, plummeting approximately 15 metres into a ravine yesterday evening. The vehicle was extensively damaged and all 14 passengers on board were injured. Emergency services, including local police, hospital medical teams, and military units, were dispatched to the scene to provide assistance and…
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Pheu Thai Party dismisses corruption concerns on 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme
The Pheu Thai Party dismissed a warning by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) concerning the government’s proposed 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme. Anusorn Iamsa-ard, a Pheu Thai list-MP, maintained that the government is open to feedback from all quarters and that the NACC’s concerns are premature as the scheme has not been implemented yet. “If the digital wallet scheme is delayed…
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13-year search ends in murder’s cruel revelation
A family’s relentless 13-year search for their missing daughter tragically ended with the arrest of a suspect and the confirmation that she had been murdered shortly after her disappearance in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China. The girl vanished on January 7, 2011, just metres from her home, prompting her parents to dedicate their lives to finding her, even offering a 100,000…
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Car falls into pit on Bangkok’s Songprapa Road, rescue underway
A car plunged into a construction pit in the Don Mueang district of Bangkok, sparking a flurry of online commentary and concern. The incident occurred on Songprapa Road near the Don Mueang Technical College, close to the Ozone Market One. At approximately 2.55am, the vehicle, identified as a sedan, lost control and fell into an open sewer pit that was…
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Elderly man alleges Chon Buri police assault after family dispute
A 73 year old man brought to light a troubling incident involving Chon Buri police, claiming officers handcuffed and assaulted him in front of his daughter after a family dispute led to a report of physical assault against him. , Jamras Dokmaiwhai, residing in Chon Buri Province with his daughters and wife, expressed his desire for justice after the alleged…
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Chamber of Thailand calls for cut in interest rates to boost recovery
The Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) expressed its expectations for the Bank of Thailand to consider a reduction in interest rates in its forthcoming meeting. The TCC argues that although the economy is on a recovery trajectory, it remains susceptible to various challenges. Sanan Angubolkul, the chairman of the chamber, acknowledged the decisions made by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)…
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Thai Honda forecast mild ‘declinecycle’ in domestic sales this year
Thai Honda Co, a leading motorcycle manufacturer and distributor, predicts a mild decline in domestic sales to around 1.7-1.75 million units this year. This anticipated dip is attributed to the newly implemented regulations aimed at managing high levels of household debt. In the previous year, Thailand recorded total motorcycle sales of 1.88 million units. For the coming year, sales of…
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Bangkok police seize 10 million meth pills, 60kg crystal meth in major drug bust
Following a two-month-long surveillance operation, the Narcotics Suppression Bureau of Bangkok’s Division 6 successfully dismantled three drug trafficking networks, seizing 10 million methamphetamine pills and 60 kilogrammes of crystal meth. The haul, intended for distribution in local communities, was intercepted at 1pm yesterday, February 8, at the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police Bureau Division 6. Assistant Commissioner of the National…
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