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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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    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...

  • Pattaya cracks down on illegal ramps to tackle drainage issues

    Pattaya cracks down on illegal ramps to tackle drainage issues

    Pattaya is cracking down hard on illegal ramps obstructing public footpaths, with officials warning that unauthorised structures will be removed and could result in legal action. The renewed effort aims to tackle recurring drainage issues caused by the concrete ramps, which have long been a source of frustration for residents. This week, municipal teams from the Office of Public Works,…

  • Injured Thai man lies to protect drunk girlfriend after car crash

    Injured Thai man lies to protect drunk girlfriend after car crash

    A Thai man took the blame for a car crash in the central province of Chachoengsao to protect his drunk girlfriend, asking her to leave him at the scene despite suffering a head injury himself. Officers from Bang Pakong Police Station were alerted to the incident at around 3am today, June 27, after a sedan crashed into an electricity pole…

  • People’s Alliance rallies to protect Koh Kut, oust Thai PM

    People’s Alliance rallies to protect Koh Kut, oust Thai PM

    The People’s Alliance for Democracy has kicked off a movement to protect Thailand’s sovereignty over Koh Kut, rallying against neighbouring Cambodia’s claims on the island. The movement, led by Kanyut Boonloy, a former civil servant and local leader, gathered around 200 people in Trat yesterday, June 26. Residents, civil servants, former civil servants, students, and merchants donned yellow shirts, waving…

  • Flash floods devastate Chiang Rai: Homes and farmland destroyed

    Flash floods devastate Chiang Rai: Homes and farmland destroyed

    Chiang Rai province is reeling from catastrophic flooding after continuous heavy rainfall last night and this morning. Flash floods and mountain runoff have wreaked havoc across several districts, with Phaya Mengrai and Wiang Chai hit the hardest. The torrential downpours caused rivers of rainwater to cascade rapidly from the mountains, flooding low-lying areas and causing water levels to surge unexpectedly.…

  • Thai govt urged to scrap casino bill over constitutional concerns

    Thai govt urged to scrap casino bill over constitutional concerns

    A Senate committee reviewing the controversial casino bill has called on the government to withdraw its draft legislation, warning that it could violate multiple sections of Thailand’s 2017 Constitution. Yesterday, June 26, Senator Veerapun Suvannamai, the chair of the panel, highlighted that the bill may breach Sections 3, 58, 63, and 65 of the Constitution. He explained that the legislation,…

  • Aussie man searches for long-lost Thai mother, makes public plea

    Aussie man searches for long-lost Thai mother, makes public plea

    A 38 year old Australian man is making an emotional plea for help as he embarks on a mission that has consumed his entire life—finding his Thai mother. Jeffrey, who was separated from his mother when he was just a child, has spent decades searching for answers, clinging to the hope of a reunion. Born in Phuket, Jeffrey lived with…

  • PAO official escapes rape attempt by colleague at Pathum Thani love hotel

    PAO official escapes rape attempt by colleague at Pathum Thani love hotel

    A female official from a Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) narrowly escaped a rape attempt by a colleague at a love hotel in the central province of Pathum Thani on June 19. The victim complained to Kukot Police Station, accusing a member of the Khlong Luang PAO, Noppanan “Tee” Noocharoen, of attempted rape. The victim is reportedly a PAO official from a…

  • Black beauty: Rare leopard spotted at Phetchaburi national park

    Black beauty: Rare leopard spotted at Phetchaburi national park

    Another rare black leopard has been spotted in Kaeng Krachan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Thailand. The sighting, which took place on Wednesday, June 25 at 5.20pm, sparked excitement among nature enthusiasts and wildlife experts. This breathtaking encounter was captured at the 18-kilometre mark of the park, a popular spot for butterfly-watching, highlighting the park’s rich biodiversity. Park Chief Mongkol Chaiphakdi…

  • Phuket airport tightens security, passengers urged to arrive early

    Phuket airport tightens security, passengers urged to arrive early

    Phuket airport is on high alert following the discovery of an explosive device hidden in an abandoned motorcycle on its premises. Passengers are urged to arrive at least two hours early from today, as security measures have been tightened in the aftermath of the threat. The warning comes after bomb experts successfully neutralised the device found on Wednesday night, June…

  • Thailand’s 36% US tariff at risk: Will minister secure a deal?

    Thailand’s 36% US tariff at risk: Will minister secure a deal?

    Thailand is on the edge of a crucial trade deadline with the US, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira announced today that he will be heading to the US next week for urgent trade negotiations. With Thailand facing a 36% tariff on its exports unless a deal is struck, time is running out for the kingdom to…

  • Pattaya sports complex plagued by delays and corruption concerns

    Pattaya sports complex plagued by delays and corruption concerns

    A staggering 774 million baht sports complex in Pattaya, Chon Buri, designed to serve as a national hub for sports events, has been left in a state of neglect and disrepair since its construction began in 2008. Yesterday, June 26, Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), led by Secretary-General Saroj Phueng-ramphan, conducted an on-site inspection of the Eastern Region National Sports…

  • Gunmen at large after fatal shooting of Thai businessman in Kanchanaburi

    Gunmen at large after fatal shooting of Thai businessman in Kanchanaburi

    Two suspects remain at large following the fatal shooting of a Thai businessman in the car park of a construction materials store in the central province of Kanchanaburi. The 51 year old victim, Sittikorn, also known as Sia Piak, was gunned down outside the store in the Pak Phraek sub-district of Mueang district on Wednesday, June 25. Sittikorn and his…

  • Thailand Video News | Cannabis advocates plan mass protest over recriminalisation push, South Korea bans dog meat—but what happens to 500,000 dogs?

    Thailand Video News | Cannabis advocates plan mass protest over recriminalisation push, South Korea bans dog meat—but what happens to 500,000 dogs?

    Cannabis advocates and opposition groups plan large-scale protests in Thailand, while criminal cases involving teachers, robberies, and fraud shake public trust. Meanwhile, regional cooperation improves as Thailand and Cambodia ease border tensions, and Vietnam rolls out landmark free public education. Other notable developments include South Korea’s historic dog meat ban, chaotic nightlife incidents in Pattaya, and a bear disrupting flights…

  • Thai student attacked in New York, transport staff criticised

    Thai student attacked in New York, transport staff criticised

    A 26 year old Thai student and aspiring model was attacked and robbed in New York, prompting concerns about the lack of assistance from Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) staff. She was forced to flag down a vehicle to seek help from police. A Facebook user shared details of the incident today, June 27, highlighting a warning for Thai nationals to…

  • Fugitive Irishman caught in Thailand after 415-day visa overstay

    Fugitive Irishman caught in Thailand after 415-day visa overstay

    Immigration officers in Krabi apprehended an Irish national who overstayed his visa by 415 days. Yesterday, June 26, Police Lieutenant General Panumas Boonyalak, along with senior immigration officials, coordinated with the Irish police to locate the suspect, who has a history of criminal activities in Ireland. The Irishman is reportedly involved in numerous crimes, including 12 offences related to drug…

  • Police drives against traffic flow and fatally crashes woman in Ratchaburi

    Police drives against traffic flow and fatally crashes woman in Ratchaburi

    A police officer, who was reportedly drunk, drove against the flow of traffic and crashed into several motorcycles, resulting in the death of a 64 year old woman in the central province of Ratchaburi yesterday, June 26. The fatal accident occurred at 7.55am on Song Phon Road, in front of an Isuzu car showroom. A motorist stuck in traffic on…

  • Chon Buri farmer busted with 10,000 meth pills in sting

    Chon Buri farmer busted with 10,000 meth pills in sting

    A routine undercover operation in Nonthaburi turned into a major drug bust when Bang Lamung Police apprehended a 42 year old farmer attempting to smuggle 10,000 methamphetamine pills across provincial lines for sale in Chon Buri. The arrest took place at 12.30pm yesterday, June 26, outside a convenience store in the Sai Yai subdistrict of Nonthaburi province. Acting on a…

  • Pattaya kidnap: Russian journalist extorted for over 2.5 million baht

    Pattaya kidnap: Russian journalist extorted for over 2.5 million baht

    A Russian journalist was left traumatised and nearly 2.5 million baht poorer after being kidnapped, assaulted, and extorted by a gang of fellow Russians. The harrowing ordeal took place in Pattaya, with the victim, identified as David, a special correspondent for a Russian news agency, left with bruises and marks of assault. Yesterday, June 26, at 9pm, Pattaya City Police…

  • Bomb plot in Phuket: 6 suspects arrested, officials continue search

    Bomb plot in Phuket: 6 suspects arrested, officials continue search

    Officials are searching for two more bombs, which the suspects claimed to have hidden on Surin Beach in Phuket. All six criminals involved in the bomb plot were arrested. Officers from Mueang Phang Nga Police Station apprehended two suspects, 29 year old Muhama Wadeng and 27 year old Sulaiman Gaza, in the southern province of Phang Nga at 3.30am on…

  • Alcohol sales hours to change in Thailand starting today

    Alcohol sales hours to change in Thailand starting today

    In a major shake-up to alcohol sales in Thailand, the Royal Gazette has announced that new regulations will take effect starting today. Under the new rules, the sale of alcoholic beverages will be restricted to specific hours, but there are three major exceptions. Here’s what you need to know about the changes that will affect bars, restaurants, and travellers. Yesterday,…

  • Heavy rainfall and flash flood continue to batter Thailand

    Heavy rainfall and flash flood continue to batter Thailand

    Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) has forecasted heavy rainfall in the country’s upper regions, affecting 70% of two provinces today. A total of 43 provinces are expected to experience severe weather, with warnings issued for potential flash floods, forest runoff, and landslides. The heavy rain is attributed to a monsoon trough stretching across northern Thailand and Laos, merging into a low-pressure…

  • NACC probes justice minister, DSI chief over senate collusion

    NACC probes justice minister, DSI chief over senate collusion

    Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has launched an investigation into the actions of Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong and the director general of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), Police Major Yutthana Praedam, following allegations of misconduct during the investigation into alleged collusion in the Senate elections. The NACC’s decision to establish a committee to investigate the two officials follows a formal complaint lodged by…

  • Thailand and Cambodia relax border rules amid tensions

    Thailand and Cambodia relax border rules amid tensions

    In a significant move to ease tensions, the Royal Thai Army (RTA) has temporarily relaxed regulations at four border checkpoints in Sa Kaeo province, allowing Thais and Cambodians to cross the border after days of strict closures. The announcement, made by the Burapha Task Force today, June 26, comes amid increasing calls for a relaxation of the blanket border closures…

  • Woman caught smuggling exotic food from Thailand into Australia

    Woman caught smuggling exotic food from Thailand into Australia

    In a daring attempt to smuggle over 62,000kg of exotic foods into Australia, a woman has landed herself behind bars after her plan to flood the Sydney black market with illegal goods was thwarted by vigilant border agents. The woman, who tried to import a variety of goods from Thailand, used mislabelled polystyrene boxes to ship the products. Inside, agents found a disturbing range of items,…

  • Phuket’s tsunami drill to test readiness with 1,000 participants

    Phuket’s tsunami drill to test readiness with 1,000 participants

    In a massive push to strengthen Thailand’s disaster response, more than 1,000 people will take part in a major tsunami drill in Kamala tomorrow as part of the national disaster response exercise, C-MEX 25. The drill, aimed at enhancing readiness and coordination across six Andaman coastal provinces, is set to be the largest exercise of its kind in recent years. The…

  • Teacher busted with drugs, weapons, and wildlife in Phang Nga

    Teacher busted with drugs, weapons, and wildlife in Phang Nga

    A 53 year old school teacher in Kuraburi, Phang Nga, was arrested in a major crackdown on illegal activities following an operation aimed at suppressing drugs and wildlife crime in the region. Today, June 26, Governor Pairot Petchyuan ordered a security operation, which saw local officials, including District Chief Kittipong Maneesri, set up a checkpoint on Mae Yai Bridge Road. The…

  • Missing autistic teen in Bangkok prompts urgent search

    Missing autistic teen in Bangkok prompts urgent search

    A 17 year old autistic teenager has been reported missing after leaving school to visit a swimming pool located within the Huai Khwang flats yesterday, June 25. The Facebook page FM91 Trafficpro has shared a post seeking assistance in locating the teenager, Nong Suea, from the Huai Khwang area. Nong Suea, whose full name is Chawakon Hengyai, is described as…

  • Bangkok Airways cancels flights to Lampang and Mae Hong Son

    Bangkok Airways cancels flights to Lampang and Mae Hong Son

    Bangkok Airways announced the temporary suspension of its flights between Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Lampang starting from October 26. This decision, which has left many passengers concerned, also affects the route between Bangkok and Mae Hong Son, which will be suspended from July 1. The airline revealed that the suspensions are due to fleet maintenance and commercial considerations, though it reassured passengers that alternative options would still be available. Despite the…

  • Phuket’s luxury real estate boom raises green space concerns

    Phuket’s luxury real estate boom raises green space concerns

    Phuket’s latest luxury real estate development, Utopia Urban Glam, has made waves as it positions itself as a key driver of the island’s economic growth. The seven-storey building, currently under construction in Rawai’s Saiyuan area, boasts 110 residential units and a range of high-end amenities, including seven swimming pools, a private cinema, a fitness centre, and a rooftop Sky Lounge. The…

  • Cambodian woman with missing arm arrested after Sa Kaeo protest

    Cambodian woman with missing arm arrested after Sa Kaeo protest

    A Cambodian woman with a missing arm has been arrested following her participation in a protest at the Khlong Luek border checkpoint in Sa Kaeo province. The protest arose as a large group of Cambodians demanded that Cambodian officials reopen the border, having waited on the Thai side for nearly eight hours. Despite the efforts of Thai military personnel to…