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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 New in July: Save 10% for life on family health plans in Thailand
Cigna has a special offer this July for families in Thailand. When you sign up three or more people on a family health plan, you will save 10% on your premiums for life. This deal helps you get affordable, high-quality...
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Quake fake! Thailand tsunami terror just a cartoon cliffhanger
Holidaymakers were left rattled this week after a bizarre social media frenzy warned of a massive tsunami hitting southern Thailand tomorrow, July 5. But the country’s top weather experts have poured cold water on the scare, insisting the “quake prophecy” is nothing more than a comic book fantasy. The bogus warning claimed that deadly waves would smash into Chumphon and…
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Tomorrowland hits Thailand: Chon Buri to host mega festival
Thailand is about to crank up the volume. The world’s most famous electronic dance festival, Tomorrowland, is finally coming to Asia — and Chon Buri is set to become the epicentre of a billion-baht party. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), confirmed the blockbuster news this week. “Tomorrowland has decided to choose Chonburi Province, Thailand, for…
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Thai woman injured as iron rods fly off pickup on Khon Kaen road
A Thai woman sustained serious injuries and received eight stitches after iron rods slid off a pickup and pierced her head while she was riding a motorcycle in the northeastern province of Khon Kaen. Thai social media users widely shared dashcam footage of the incident, sparking panic among motorists, particularly motorcyclists. The video depicts the woman parking her motorcycle near…
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From pests to baht: Thailand’s monitor lizards set to make a killing
Monitor lizards, one of Thailand’s most fearsome protected reptiles, are set to go from wild pests to wallet-fillers, after the government announced plans to flog them for just 500 baht a pop. Officials confirmed that only licensed buyers will be allowed to buy the parent stock, which will be sold by the Department of National Parks (DNP) and come complete…
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Pattaya’s purge: Homeless camps cleared in sweeping crackdown
Pattaya’s shiny tourist image is taking a battering and city leaders are scrambling to clean it up. In a dramatic crackdown this week, police swept through beaches, bridges and backstreets, clearing homeless encampments, beggars, and suspected human trafficking victims in an attempt to reclaim public spaces. The operation, ordered by Mayor Poramet Ngampichet, brought together municipal police, the Social Welfare…
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Bar from grace: British man gets 21 years for human trafficking
A British man has been reportedly sentenced to 21 years in prison after being found guilty of human trafficking at a notorious Pattaya bar, Bangkok Criminal Court heard. William Bilton originally from Barrow-in-Furness, was the manager of Flirt bar, a venue in Soi 6 of the seaside resort of Pattaya, when police raided it two years ago and hauled off dozens…
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New marine protection zones established around Koh Phayam
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has introduced new marine and coastal protection zones around Koh Phayam in Ranong. The initiative aims to safeguard the area’s rich biodiversity from the growing environmental challenges posed by tourism, fishing, and coastal development. Environment Minister Chalermchai Sri-on declared the implementation of a fresh ministerial regulation for the region. Published in the Royal…
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Thailand Video News | Thailand to require cannabis shops to become clinics under new law, Russian MMA fighter shocked during victory celebration at weed boxing event
Thailand is tightening cannabis laws, requiring dispensaries to register as medical clinics. Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul has dismissed interim PM rumours amid political uncertainty. Pattaya is promoting itself in Japan through the Osaka roadshow, while safety concerns arose after a Russian MMA fighter was electrocuted during a Weed Boxing Championship. A Thai sapodilla ice cream won top honours at the…
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Wage war: Hotels reel as 400-baht mandate hits hard
The government’s new minimum wage hike has sparked outrage among hoteliers already hanging by a thread. While Bangkok politicians celebrate, many in the provinces are calling it a death sentence for small businesses. On Tuesday, July 1, the Cabinet approved raising the daily minimum wage for hotel workers nationwide to 400 baht, with the decision fast-tracked into law via the…
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Thai massage slammed after tourist breaks out in pus-filled bumps
A US doctor has slammed Thailand’s backstreet rubdown scene after a tourist’s cheap Thai massage turned into a festering medical horror show. Dr Joe Whittington, an emergency physician from California, issued a stark warning to travellers after a man paid just US$5 (around 180 baht) for a leg massage in a grimy alleyway and woke up the next morning covered…
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Casino bill meltdown: Government on brink amid public fury
Thailand’s controversial casino bill to legalise vast entertainment complexes could collapse, as ministers rush to ease public outrage and political divisions. The government is now widely expected to withdraw the Entertainment Complex Bill from the House agenda, just days before MPs are set to meet on July 9. Chousak Sirinil, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, revealed yesterday, July…
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Busted: Phuket grocery shop doubled as Yaba drug den
A quiet neighbourhood grocery shop in Phuket has been exposed as a brazen front for drug dealing, after stunned officials swooped in on a sting operation that netted hundreds of methamphetamine (meth) pills. The arrest unfolded on Wednesday evening, July 2, at around 6.30pm, in Baan Phru Samphan, Thepkrasattri subdistrict. Phuket Provincial Defence Officer Akkara Suwatthikul led the raid, backed…
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Thai exports in firing line as Trump dumps trade talks for tariffs
Donald Trump has fired the starting gun on a global trade showdown, ditching complex negotiations in favour of one-size-fits-all tariffs that could hammer dozens of economies, including Thailand. From today, July 4, the US will begin sending formal letters to countries across the world, listing fixed tariffs on their exports into America. The blanket rates will range from 20% to…
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Siam Piwat and Huawei join forces to woo Chinese tourists
Thailand’s tourism industry is pulling out all the stops to win over high-spending visitors in an increasingly fierce global travel market. Now, a blockbuster partnership between Siam Piwat Group and tech titan Huawei promises to transform the way Chinese tourists experience the Land of Smiles. Siam Piwat, the powerhouse behind retail icons like Siam Paragon and ICONSIAM, has teamed up…
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Bangkok tailor arrested for stealing from unlocked cars
A tailor in Bangkok was arrested for allegedly stealing bags from unlocked cars to solve his debts, claiming unpaid tailoring jobs led to his actions. Three victims reported losses totalling over 130,000 baht. Yesterday, July 3, at 11pm, Police Major General Khomsit Rangsai of Bang Khun Thian Police Station led a press conference announcing the arrest of 48 year old…
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Grammar gaffe puts Thai deputy education minister in hot seat
Thailand’s freshly appointed deputy education minister has come under fire, not for policy blunders, but for her punctuation. Dr Ying Linthiporn Varinvacharoj, unveiled this week as part of the kingdom’s new Cabinet, found herself facing a grammar grilling after social media users spotted basic Thai language slip-ups in her old Facebook posts. A popular Thai-language Facebook page called her out…
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Red Bull tycoon tops Thailand rich list with US$44.5 billion fortune
Red Bull really does give you wings—especially if your name is Chalerm Yoovidhya. The co-owner of the world-famous energy drink has officially been crowned Thailand’s richest man this year, boasting a staggering net worth of US$44.5 billion (1.4 trillion baht), according to Forbes magazine. Chalerm’s jaw-dropping fortune saw an eye-watering leap of US$8.5 billion, marking a 24% surge from the previous year.…
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Pattaya bar workers fed as tourist drought bites hard
Struggling bar workers in Pattaya were served a dose of comfort this week, in the form of steaming noodles and basic supplies, as tourism dries up and bar owners face mounting bills. Lisa Hamilton, President of the Pattaya Nightlife Business Association, yesterday, July 3, led a charitable drive on Walking Street, handing out dry food, eggs, instant noodles, and over…
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Seasonal deluge: Heavy downpours continue to drench Thailand
Heavy rainfall is predicted for 70% of areas across north, northeast, and East Thailand today, with 41 provinces facing heavy downpours and severe weather conditions. Flash floods are anticipated, including in Bangkok, as a strong monsoon trough affects the region. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) indicates that heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in the upper north, upper northeast,…
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Masked burglar robs gran as family dog wags tail at thief in Pattaya
A bold daytime robbery has rocked a quiet Thai village, with a knife-wielding masked burglar stealing gold and jewels worth over 130,000 baht while the victim’s pet dog wagged its tail at him. The shocking heist happened between 10am and 11am on July 3 in Huay Yai, Chon Buri, when 67 year old Siriporn Kerdkum popped out for groceries, only…
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Norse Atlantic soars with new Thailand routes, slashes US services
Norse Atlantic Airways is ramping up its winter schedule, adding four exciting new routes connecting Europe with Thailand as part of its ongoing expansion into Southeast Asia. Set to launch in October and December, these new flights are designed to tap into the surging demand for travel to Thailand, one of the top destinations for European leisure travellers. The carrier…
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Phuket kicks off health expo to boost wellness tourism
Phuket is on a mission to become the world’s top wellness tourism hub, and the island is off to a strong start with the launch of the Phuket Health Expo 2025. Kicking off yesterday, July 2, the five-day event, held at Central Festival Phuket, aims to position the island as the ultimate destination for health, wellness, and lifestyle tourism. The…
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Skin scare: Thailand warns of itchy rash this rainy season
Thailand’s rainy season brings more than just wet weather—health officials are now alerting the public to a skin condition that commonly strikes during these damp months: Pityriasis Rosea. The Department of Medical Services has issued a health advisory urging citizens to be on the lookout for this uncomfortable rash that can affect thousands. Deputy government spokesperson Sasikarn Wattanachan revealed that…
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Thai sapodilla ice cream scoops top prize at Gourmand Awards 2025
The Thai food industry once again proved its potential on the international stage, with a sapodilla ice cream winning a top prize at the Gourmand Awards 2025. The deputy spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office, Sasikan Wattanachan, announced today, July 3, that the Thai government would like to extend its congratulations to Watsarapong Radomsitthipat after his sapodilla ice cream brought…
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Phetchabun temple dismantles building after decade-long dispute
The committee behind a prominent temple in Phetchabun has dismantled a religious building after a decade-long dispute. The founder of the building offered a different perspective, stating the centre was established today, July 3. A Facebook user posted a video showing an excavator demolishing structures at the religious centre within a temple in Na Chaliang subdistrict, Nong Phai district, Phetchabun.…
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Bangkok to dim down blinding billboards with new regulations
Bangkok’s skyline is about to get a little less dazzling, as the Bangkok Metropolitan Council takes action to tackle the growing issue of excessively bright billboards. In a bid to protect residents’ eyes and prevent dangerous distractions for drivers, the council has approved a new regulation to limit light intensity from illuminated advertisements. Yesterday, July 2, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt…
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Thai cannabis dispensaries must become medical clinics to stay legal
Cannabis dispensaries in Thailand will need to transition into medical clinics to operate legally, according to the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine. Doctor Somlerk Jeungsmarn, the department’s chief, stated that a draft ministerial regulation is in development to manage the medical use of cannabis, as the government aims to tighten its regulations on the plant. This regulation will…
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Karon love triangle turns deadly: 2 men stabbed in brawl
A fatal knife fight between two Myanmar nationals has left both men dead after a violent confrontation over a suspected love affair in Karon. The brutal clash, which took place near the entrance of a hotel staff dormitory, shocked the local community. Police were called to the scene at approximately 10.45pm yesterday, July 2, where they found the two men,…
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Cha-am bypass opens key intersection as part of major expansion
The long-awaited opening of a new intersection on the Cha-am bypass is set to revolutionise travel between Cha-am and Hua Hin, with the newly launched overpass marking a significant step in the ongoing development of Highway 37. The overpass, located at the Huai Ta Paet intersection in Sampraya subdistrict, Cha-am district, opened to traffic at the end of last month,…
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Trang police arrest more suspects in 200,000 baht murder case
Police in Trang province apprehended two more suspects in the abduction and murder of 33 year old Taweechai Promsangchan. The investigation reveals links to a drug trafficking gang, with a shocking detail that firearms were handed to minors for the execution. The murder was allegedly commissioned for a fee of 200,000 baht. The case began when Taweechai’s body was discovered…
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