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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...

  • Baan Khao Din checkpoint stays open amid Cambodia closure rumours

    Baan Khao Din checkpoint stays open amid Cambodia closure rumours

    The permanent border checkpoint at Baan Khao Din, Khlong Hat district, Sa Kaeo province, remains open amidst increased security measures by immigration and military personnel. This follows rumours in Cambodia about a potential border closure on June 2. The Thai-Cambodian border trade market, known as Sri Phen Market, continues to operate with Cambodian traders arriving as usual, albeit in fewer…

  • Icomos experts to assess Wat Phra Mahathat for World Heritage status

    Icomos experts to assess Wat Phra Mahathat for World Heritage status

    Experts from the International Council on Monuments and Sites (Icomos) are set to visit Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in Nakhon Si Thammarat province this week. They will assess the site for potential recognition as a World Heritage Site. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment recently received a report from Chayanan Pakdeejit, secretary-general of the Office of Natural Resources and…

  • Motorbike clash in Pattaya leads to serious assault

    Motorbike clash in Pattaya leads to serious assault

    Two women on a motorcycle allegedly exited a side street, leading to an altercation that resulted in a serious assault. The incident, which involved a man being attacked with a bottle, occurred in the early hours of June 3. Emergency services from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan in Pattaya and police from the Nong Prue station responded to the scene in Soi…

  • State Audit Office scandal: 25.8m baht contract under scrutiny

    State Audit Office scandal: 25.8m baht contract under scrutiny

    Renewed attention has focused on the collapsed State Audit Office (SAO) building after a recent report highlighted ongoing irregularities in its construction beginning in 2009. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) found evidence last year supporting allegations against former Auditor-General Khunying Jaruvan Maintaka and others, concerning a 25.8 million baht design contract related to the project. The building was originally intended…

  • Five arrested in Customs electronic cigarette theft investigation

    Five arrested in Customs electronic cigarette theft investigation

    The investigation into the theft of electronic cigarettes from the Customs Department is progressing, with five people arrested and one suspect still at large. Police Major General Witthawat Chinkham, commander of Division 5, confirmed that there is no police involvement, although it is suspected that insiders may have provided information regarding the stolen goods. The suspects, who all know each…

  • Cambodia to escalate Thai border dispute to World Court

    Cambodia to escalate Thai border dispute to World Court

    Cambodia plans to escalate its border dispute with Thailand to the World Court after a recent exchange of gunfire between the countries’ soldiers. As reported by the Khmer Times, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet informed the National Assembly that the government intends to file a complaint with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to address the persistent issue. “Cambodia would…

  • Tourists overpay 22,000 baht for coffee, cafe resolves issue (video)

    Tourists overpay 22,000 baht for coffee, cafe resolves issue (video)

    Two foreign tourists inadvertently paid over 22,000 baht for two coffees at a café in Nakhon Ratchasima province, but the situation was amicably resolved. A still image from the Mount Wind Tree Cafe’s Facebook page shows a foreign cyclist unintentionally overpaying by nearly 22,000 baht. This incident took place on May 31 at the Mount Wind Tree Cafe, located in…

  • Drug conspiracy arrest: aspiring Ratchaburi village headman detained

    Drug conspiracy arrest: aspiring Ratchaburi village headman detained

    A 41 year old man, aspiring to be the village headman in Bang Phae district, Ratchaburi province, was arrested at his residence. On June 1 at 3pm, police apprehended Sunan under a warrant issued by Ratchaburi Provincial Court, dated May 15, for his involvement in a drug-related conspiracy. The arrest operation was led by Police Major General Wachiraphong Amornapitak, Ratchaburi…

  • Elderly man allegedly stabs wife in Bangkok home after argument

    Elderly man allegedly stabs wife in Bangkok home after argument

    A tragic incident unfolded when an elderly couple’s argument led to a fatal stabbing in their Bangkok home. A 69 year old man, in a fit of anger, allegedly stabbed his 77 year old wife, who suffered from dementia, following a dispute in their residence on Charan Sanitwong 37 in the Bang Khun Si subdistrict. Police Lieutenant Virat Menthakul from…

  • Fire at Chanthaburi resort damages fitness building and equipment

    Fire at Chanthaburi resort damages fitness building and equipment

    A fire broke out at a renowned resort hotel in Chanthaburi, damaging fitness equipment and a fitness building after a golf cart caught fire. The incident occurred at 9.30pm yesterday, June 2, in Mueang district, Chanthaburi province. Police coordinated with the Phatthavee subdistrict municipal fire department and rescue teams to extinguish the blaze. Upon arrival, the fire was rapidly consuming…

  • Motorcyclist dies in tragic crash on Chon Buri U-turn bridge

    Motorcyclist dies in tragic crash on Chon Buri U-turn bridge

    A 25 year old man tragically died after his motorcycle collided with a bridge railing on a U-turn bridge in Mueang district, Chon Buri. The accident, which occurred yesterday, June 2, resulted in fatal injuries, including a skull fracture and broken neck. Police Lieutenant Chinawat Thisala from Mueang Chon Buri Police Station responded to the incident on Sukhumvit Road, inbound…

  • Thai Airways and Turkish Airlines sign joint business agreement

    Thai Airways and Turkish Airlines sign joint business agreement

    Thai Airways and Turkish Airlines have signed a Joint Business Agreement (JBA) to enhance flight services between Bangkok and Istanbul. The collaboration was formalised during the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting in New Delhi, India, marking a significant step in strengthening relations between Thailand’s flagship carrier and Turkey’s national airline. The agreement builds upon Thai Airways’ successful launch of a…

  • 37 Thai provinces issued warning for heavy rain and storms

    37 Thai provinces issued warning for heavy rain and storms

    The Meteorological Department has announced that 37 provinces in Thailand are under a weather warning due to a moderate southwest monsoon affecting the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. Heavy rain is expected to impact 60% of Bangkok today, June 3. The weather forecast for the next 24 hours predicts thunderstorms and isolated heavy rain across several regions…

  • 4.5 magnitude quake hits Chiang Mai, no damage reported

    4.5 magnitude quake hits Chiang Mai, no damage reported

    The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) reported a 4.5 magnitude earthquake centred in Mae Pang subdistrict, Chiang Mai province, prompting the director-general, Phasakorn Boonyalak, to instruct four provinces to monitor the situation closely. The DDPM swiftly initiated damage assessments in the affected areas, utilising the Cell Broadcachinst alert system. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) promptly sent out the…

  • Man found dead in Surat Thani hot springs pool

    Man found dead in Surat Thani hot springs pool

    A 55 year old man was discovered deceased in a hot springs pool in the Phunphin district of Surat Thani early today, June 2. Police indicated that the man had a pre-existing medical condition which might have led to a loss of consciousness, resulting in drowning. Media reports identified the deceased only as Wichan from Nakhon Si Thammarat. He was…

  • Man in Khon Kaen confesses to grandmother’s murder after argument

    Man in Khon Kaen confesses to grandmother’s murder after argument

    A 49 year old man has confessed to killing his 87 year old grandmother, whom he had been caring for, following an argument. The incident occurred in Khon Kaen province, where the victim had recently adopted him as her son and left him all her property. Today, June 2, Police Colonel Chalit Morakotsriwan, along with his team and Deputy Police…

  • PM leads Bangkok Pride 2025 as Siam Piwat powers month-long festival

    PM leads Bangkok Pride 2025 as Siam Piwat powers month-long festival

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra opened the Bangkok Pride Parade 2025 yesterday, June 1, marching through the Siam area alongside key Cabinet members, including Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, Prime Minister’s Office Minister Jiraporn Sindhuprai, and Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool. They were joined by Bangkok Pride chair Waaddao Ann Chumaporn, Bangkok Deputy Governor Sanon Wangsrangboon, UN…

  • Suspect detained after deadly container warehouse theft in Bangkok

    Suspect detained after deadly container warehouse theft in Bangkok

    A suspect involved in a group theft at a container warehouse under the Port Authority of Thailand has been detained. The incident saw a group of four to five people steal confiscated electronic cigarettes, stored in containers by customs officials. The theft occurred at a stadium warehouse but was interrupted by security guards. In their escape attempt, the thieves’ van…

  • American tourist dies in Phuket motorbike accident after heart attack

    American tourist dies in Phuket motorbike accident after heart attack

    A 56 year old American tourist passed away in Patong on May 31, following a suspected heart-related medical emergency while riding a motorbike. The incident occurred on 50 Pi Rd in the evening, and the deceased was identified as Larry Dean Chupp Jr from Georgia. Police and rescue services arrived at the scene at approximately 7pm. Investigation officer Police Lieutenant…

  • Cattle farmer shot dead near ordination event in Phetchaburi

    Cattle farmer shot dead near ordination event in Phetchaburi

    A 32 year old cattle farmer, Sakditat, was fatally shot nine times near a religious ordination celebration in Phetchaburi. Police have identified a suspect and are investigating a personal conflict as a possible motive. The incident occurred yesterday, June 1, along the Nong Bo–Bo Huai road in Don Yang subdistrict, Mueang district, Phetchaburi province. Police Lieutenant Prakit Tonmaithong from the…

  • Woman abducted in Trat as police chase white van

    Woman abducted in Trat as police chase white van

    A white van blocked a black Mitsubishi car, prompting a woman to flee for help, only to be pursued and assaulted by a man who then dragged her into the van and drove away. Police in Mueang district, Trat province, are urgently tracking the vehicle, but the woman’s fate remains unknown. At 6pm yesterday, June 1, Police Lieutenant Colonel Therdkiat…

  • Man tragically shot in Phetchabun mall car park

    Man tragically shot in Phetchabun mall car park

    Surveillance footage captured a tragic shooting incident outside a shopping mall that left a man dead while waiting to pick up his girlfriend from her last day of part-time work. The event, which occurred yesterday, June 1 at 7pm in Phetchabun province’s Bueng Sam Phan district, caused panic among shoppers. Police from Bueng Sam Phan Police Station, along with a…

  • Algerians gang arrested for theft at Suvarnabhumi Airport

    Algerians gang arrested for theft at Suvarnabhumi Airport

    A gang known as the Algerians was apprehended at Suvarnabhumi Airport, accused of pickpocketing tourists and using stolen credit cards to purchase luxury goods. The suspects were reportedly targeting crowded locations like train stations and airports. The suspects, identified as 59 year old Kej Omer and 58 year old Hammouda Ahmad, both of Algerian nationality, were arrested under warrants issued…

  • Thailand lottery winners scoop 78 million baht jackpot

    Thailand lottery winners scoop 78 million baht jackpot

    A lottery draw in Thailand resulted in a significant win for two people, with a combined prize of 78 million baht. Yesterday, June 1, the Government Lottery Office announced the winning numbers for the draw. The first prize number was 559352, with additional prizes for other categories. Notably, a man from Chiang Rai won 54 million baht (US$1.64 million), while…

  • Bangkok’s new city plan expected by 2027 amid zoning changes

    Bangkok’s new city plan expected by 2027 amid zoning changes

    Bangkok’s updated city plan is anticipated to be implemented in 2027, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). Initially drafted in 2013 and set for enforcement in 2019, the plan was postponed by the Ministry of Interior for further reviews on water and environmental zoning. Deputy Bangkok governor Wisanu Subsompon stated that the fourth revision of the city plan is…

  • Illegal hazardous waste exporter caught running toxic trade operation

    Illegal hazardous waste exporter caught running toxic trade operation

    A key suspect involved in the illegal hazardous waste trade has been apprehended, operating three companies engaged in the processing and export of toxic industrial dust, contravening multiple laws, according to the Ministry of Industry. Industry Minister Akanat Promphan assigned Thitipas Choddaechachainun to lead a special task force investigating 11 steel factories utilising induction furnace (IF) technology in Rayong. This…

  • Heavy rain forecast for 28 Thai provinces, Bangkok affected

    Heavy rain forecast for 28 Thai provinces, Bangkok affected

    The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has forecast heavy rain for 28 provinces across Thailand, particularly affecting Bangkok, which may experience rain in 60% of its area. Residents are advised to exercise caution yesterday, June 1. Over the next 24 hours, northern and northeastern Thailand will see significant rainfall in some areas, while southern regions will experience thunderstorms. This is due…

  • Global communities unite at centralwOrld to celebrate Pride Month 2025

    Global communities unite at centralwOrld to celebrate Pride Month 2025

    Over 300,000 people marched through Bangkok today, ending their Pride Parade journey at centralwOrld in a powerful celebration of love, diversity, and unity. This year’s event was the first Pride Parade since Thailand officially enacted the Marriage Equality Law, making it a historic moment for the LGBTQIAN+ community both in Thailand and globally. Under the theme Born This Way, the…

  • Bangkok Pride 2025 to make global history with record-breaking parade

    Bangkok Pride 2025 to make global history with record-breaking parade

    Bangkok Pride 2025 is set to break records and expand its reach beyond the Thai capital, with more than 40 provinces across Thailand joining the festivities. In Bangkok, the main events will take place from 30 May to 1 June at Siam Paragon, Siam Centre, Siam Square One, and Lido Connect under the theme Born This Way, a powerful celebration…

  • Woman gives birth in rescue vehicle as public eyes registration number

    Woman gives birth in rescue vehicle as public eyes registration number

    A 22 year old woman gave birth to a baby boy on a rescue vehicle after experiencing severe labour pains. Both mother and child are safe. The incident has sparked interest in the rescue vehicle’s registration number among those seeking good fortune. The woman shared her experience on Facebook, announcing the birth of her son today, June 1, at 3.48am.…