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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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Bangkok gears up for eighth round of FTA talks with EFTA
Bangkok is preparing to host the eighth round of free trade agreement (FTA) discussions with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), scheduled to take place from January 30 to February 2. The Thai government aims to wrap up the negotiations by the middle of this year. Chotima Lemsawasdikul, the director-general of the Trade Negotiations Department, has confirmed that the discussions will…
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Thailand aims to be among top five Asian tech ecosystems
Aspiring to rank among Asia’s top five tech ecosystems within the next decade, Thailand is currently focusing on the development of smart industries, particularly in tourism, healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing, according to a statement by a corporate innovation accelerator. Dr Kid Parchariyanon, CEO and co-founder of RISE, the accelerator, insisted that the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), along with nurturing…
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Thailand expects 1-3°C temperature drop amid strong high-pressure system
Thailand is bracing for a further 1 to 3 degrees Celsius drop in temperatures as a strong high-pressure system covers the nation and the South China Sea. This Meteorological Development of Thailand (TMD) is set to bring cooler to cold conditions, accompanied by strong winds across various parts of the country, including the greater Bangkok area. The northern region is…
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Thai ministries to patrol schools post operational hours following assault
The aftermath of a shocking assault on a school teacher in Chiang Rai last week has instigated the Education Ministry to collaborate with the Interior Ministry and Royal Thai Police (RTP). The objective is to ensure local law enforcement officers patrol schools after operational hours. A 38 year old man was responsible for the severe injuries inflicted on a female…
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Thailand aims to become Asian aviation hub, says Thai PM
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin outlined plans to transform Thailand into an Asian aviation hub. The announcement was made during his keynote speech at the Thailand 2024 The Great Challenges event. He highlighted the government’s focus on tourism and the introduction of several measures to boost the industry, including reciprocal visa exemption programmes. A reciprocal visa exemption deal will be signed…
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Thai government insists on land bridge project amidst criticism, seeks international investors
Despite facing criticism, the Thai government remains determined to proceed with its Land Bridge project, inviting foreign investors and prioritising environmental implications, especially in headwater regions. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke, addressing a mobile Cabinet meeting in Ranong, confirmed the government’s intent to engage foreign investors post the project’s promotion by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin at three international events. These included…
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Eight year old wing-foiling prodigy aims for record-breaking 110-kilometre Gulf of Thailand journey
In a display of sheer talent and determination, an eight year old kid is set to embark on a groundbreaking journey across the Gulf of Thailand. Thailand’s wonder kid, Thanawat Promwaen, aka Shane from Pattaya, plans to cover an astonishing 110 kilometres, soaring from Pattaya to Pak Nam Pran near Hua Hin. If successful, Shane will etch his name in…
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36 Laotian babies to receive life-saving surgeries in Thai hospitals
In a heartwarming collaboration, 36 Laotian babies grappling with congenital heart defects are set to undergo free life-saving surgeries in Thai hospitals this year, thanks to a groundbreaking Thai-Lao medical cooperation scheme. The initiative is a beacon of hope for these young patients in Laos, where limited surgical equipment poses a significant challenge. The Thai Red Cross Society, Chulalongkorn Hospital,…
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Nachat under fire for offhand infidelity quip about singer’s wife
Social media erupted with criticism towards actor Nachat Chantaphan, following the resurfacing of a clip where he seemingly teases Pumpui Pantipa, wife of the famous singer Gavin Duval, about infidelity. The video in question, titled Inside Pumpui 30+ Million Home & Car – Exposing Nikki’s Past Flirtations, dates back to December 2023. It features a lighthearted tour of Pumpui’s residence,…
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Vietnamese village brings incense stick tradition to social media
In the quaint Incense Village of Quang Phu Cau, nestled in the northern part of Vietnam, a vibrant transformation is underway. Dang Thi Hoa, a seasoned artisan with three decades of incense stick craftsmanship, finds herself not just steeped in tradition but riding the wave of Instagram fervour. Lunar New Year, locally known as Tet, has taken on a whole…
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Community rallies to fund funeral for Thai grandmother
A heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded in the small community of Khao Kuba in Thailand, as 62 year old Pranom succumbed to the challenges of caring for her bedridden 12 year old grandchild, Nong Tong. Nong Tong, who has been disabled since birth, grapples with severe muscular weakness. The grieving family, already burdened by sorrow, encountered the additional challenge of lacking the…
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4 Thai TikTokers attack woman after illegal business exposed
Police arrested four famous Thai TikTokers after they brutally attacked a Thai woman at a condominium in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok. The attack was allegedly triggered by suspicions that the victim and her friend disclosed information about their illegal business on social media. The 18 year old victim, Autsamanee, also known as Gam, filed a complaint at Bang Sri Mueang…
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Thai Constitutional Court ruling spares Pita stating iTV not mass media
The Constitutional Court’s panel of judges has ruled ex-Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat not guilty in the iTV shareholding case regarding his membership in the House of Representatives. The court met at 9.30am today, January 24, to discuss and vote in the case where the Election Commission (EC) had requested to decide the case of Pita who is…
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Thailand’s minister calls for industrial sector transformation
Thailand Industry Minister Pimpatra Vichayakul likened the nation’s industrial sector to a sleeping tiger ready to awaken and roar, emphasising the need for a transformation towards S-Curve industries. This declaration came during the Thailand 2024: The Great Challenges seminar held yesterday, January 23, at the Pullman King Power Hotel in Bangkok. Pimpatra highlighted the government’s role in supporting local and…
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Sue Perkins dives into the exotic unknown in Thailand: Lost, laughter, and a dash of tears
Prepare for a laughter-infused adventure as Channel 5 unveils its latest gem, Sue Perkins: Lost in Thailand. The comedic maestro herself takes on Thailand in a three-part series produced by Oliver Wright’s indie sensation, Coming Up Roses. In an exclusive chat, Sue Perkins shares her thoughts on the Southeast Asian country. “Thrilled to embark on another travel escapade with Channel 5,…
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Sea blooms: Underwater magic in Trang Sea as marine Sakura wows tourists
The underwater world of Koh Waen in the Trang Sea has become an awe-inspiring spectacle, drawing tourists to its depths for a glimpse of the marine Sakura blossoms, a phenomenon so unique it’s likened to witnessing cherry blossoms beneath the waves. It’s here that adventurers and romantics alike converge, as the area hosted the world’s first underwater wedding ceremony, cementing its…
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Cyber cops collar loan shark for high-interest loans with sex repayment
Cyber police arrested a Thai man in the southern province of Trang yesterday for offering high-interest loans and allegedly forcing debtors to repay debts with sex. “loan-shark love: Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau officers came across videos posted by the 38 year old loan shark, Thaweesak, on social media where he publicly shamed debtors unable to repay his loans. Further investigation…
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Biometric system glitch at Suvarnabhumi Airport causes passenger delays
Suvarnabhumi International Airport faced significant disruptions early this morning when its biometric immigration system malfunctioned, causing delays and a rapid build-up of passengers. Immigration police swiftly implemented contingency measures to mitigate the impact on flight schedules. In the predawn hours of yesterday, Suvarnabhumi Airport’s immigration department was thrown into chaos as the biometric system encountered technical issues around 4.30am. Chaired…
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Teen duo assaulted by Thai gang seeks justice after slow probe
A violent encounter left two teenagers severely injured after being attacked by a motorcycle gang known as Klong 10 in Pathum Thani Province, Thailand. The incident, which took place two months ago, has seen little progress in the investigation, prompting the victims to seek assistance from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB). On the night of November 30, last year, 18…
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Thai passport holders visa waiver with China boosts tourism
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the imminent signing of a visa waiver agreement between Thailand and China. The deal, to be sealed on Friday during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Thailand, promises to liberate citizens from both nations to explore each other’s territories freely, igniting a tourism revolution. Addressing the crowd at the Thailand 2024 – The…
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Experts warn of looming crisis for Thai economy
Dr Pipat Leungnamritchai, the chief economist at Kiatnakin Phatra Bank warned that the Thai economy is treading on thin ice, relying on unsustainable factors for growth. According to a recent exposé by Krungthep Thurakij on January 20, the nation’s financial stability is hanging by a thread. Dr Pipat highlighted the precarious reliance on low-interest rates, fiscal stimuli, and the booming tourism…
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Dispute over Thailand’s tallest Thao Wessuwan statue escalates
A contentious dispute has erupted over the world’s tallest statue of the deity Thao Wessuwan, as the landowner, who had initially agreed to a sale, has now backed out. This sudden change has caused confusion and concern among the devotees. In a press conference convened at the Sathan Saphan Bun Association in Rayong Province, 27-year-old Chakkrit, renowned for his charitable…
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Man arrested for attempted sexual assault on elderly relative
A 42 year old man was arrested after a failed attempt to sexually assault a 74 year old woman in her home. The incident, which occurred yesterday, January 23, was interrupted by villagers who came to the woman’s aid after hearing her screams. The suspect, Uthen (surname withheld), admitted to the crime, stating that he had been drinking since 3pm…
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Transwoman thief allegedly tricks victim into oral sex to steal assets
A Thai man caught a transwoman thief in the act of attempting to steal from a parked pickup on a road in the central province of Ayutthaya and turned her into the police. The transwoman reportedly tricked drunk victims by offering them oral sex before stealing from them. The witness, 26 year old Sittichai Watechadate, reported the attempted theft by…
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Southeast Asia capitalises on China’s Australian lobster ban
The protracted ban on Australian rock lobsters by Beijing has prompted Southeast Asian countries to capitalise on the opportunity, increasing their seafood exports to China. As the ban continues, the shift in sourcing may become irreversible, experts predict. New Zealand currently dominates the Chinese market for rock lobsters, holding nearly 40% of the total market share, based on data from…
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Thai naval forces intercept tax-evading oil vessel near Ta Lu Island
An oil-carrying vessel, illegally modified and suspected of tax evasion, was intercepted and detained by the Royal Thai Fleet near Ta Lu Island in Rayong province, in the Gulf of Thailand on Monday, January 22. The incident took place in the Sattahip district of Chon Buri, following a tip-off that led to the naval forces taking swift action. Originally registered…
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Ex Thai politician agrees to compensation, rape charge dropped
Chon Buri police dropped a rape charge against an accused former Thai politician saying the case did not qualify as rape while the politician’s brother agreed to pay the victim female party entertainer 36,000 baht in compensation. The 35 year old Thai party entertainer, named Bee, filed a complaint against the former Thai politician, identified as Gun, on January 20,…
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Saraburi mayor arrested on bribery allegations involving construction contracts
Prachum Khwanmuang, mayor of tambon Talad Noi municipality in Saraburi province, was apprehended by authorities yesterday, January 23, due to alleged allegations of bribery. Accused of taking a 12% bribe for authorising the payment of construction contracts, his illicit gains are estimated to be around 700,000 baht. The arrest took place in front of Sing Buri Wetchakarn Hospital in the…
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Wat Choeng Khao festival merges spiritual rites with lively concerts
The annual festival at Wat Choeng Khao in Saraburi Province promises to be a vibrant blend of religious reverence and festive entertainment as it welcomes visitors to participate in various activities from February 9 to 25. Headlined by celebrated artists including Pu Pongsit and Monkan Kankoon, the event is set to deliver a full-scale concert experience, alongside the opportunity to…
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Thai PM announces stimulus measures amidst economic crisis
Acknowledging Thailand’s struggling economy, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who also serves as the Finance Minister, said today the government is set to introduce a series of stimulus measures to bolster growth. This revelation comes amidst criticism from Bank of Thailand‘s (BoT) Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, who argued that the government’s efforts will not rectify the underlying structural problems at the root…
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