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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 Planning to extend your Thai visa? Why health insurance is more important than ever
If you plan to stay longer in Thailand, having health insurance is now more important than ever. Thai immigration often asks for proof of medical coverage when you apply to extend your visa. This applies to many types of visas,...
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Bangkok hitchhiker’s fury: Helmet-wielding road rage riles driver
An angry Thai hitchhiker refused to apologise after scaring a Thai woman and smashing her car with a motorcycle helmet on an expressway in Bangkok on March 9, saying the victim was unhelpful by refusing to give him a ride. The victim, Panhathai Buranaprasoetkun, recounted the incident and shared dashcam footage on Facebook to warn other women travelling alone. Panhathai said…
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Thailand’s casino odds looking up as House Committee wraps study
The potential of casino legalisation in Thailand took a significant step forward with the House Committee on casino legalisation concluding its comprehensive study on the matter. Senior figures from the Pheu Thai Party have revealed that the study’s findings will be presented to parliament in the coming week. The special House Committee, chaired by Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, completed…
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Manhunt for TikTok star’s ex after grim find in Thai temple pond
Authorities launched a manhunt for the ex-partner of a TikTok star after her body was discovered in an abandoned pond at a well-known temple in Nakhon Si Thammarat province. The gruesome discovery was made yesterday, prompting an immediate police investigation into the murder of the 32 year old influencer, Thuzar Aung, known by her nickname, Sa. Residents alerted the police…
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Chinese man discovers forgotten bank deposit of 1.5 million baht
A 70 year old Chinese man recently discovered a long-forgotten bank deposit of 1.5 million baht, originally made 20 years ago, that had accumulated a significant amount of interest. Managing personal finances varies from person to person but it’s critical to remember where your savings are deposited. A 70 year old man from China received a phone call from his…
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Buddha comeback: Stolen Ayutthaya-era relic found, worth millions
A significant cultural relic has been recovered following a brazen theft from Wat Pratu Sarn in Suphan Buri province. The priceless statue, an Ayutthaya-era Buddha image, along with other valuables estimated to be worth over 10 million baht, was stolen in the early hours of yesterday and found abandoned by the roadside. Authorities are now urging the return of the remaining…
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MFP could be dissolved over lese majeste law reformation plan
The Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) requested the Constitution Court to consider dissolving the Move Forward Party (MFP). This request comes as a response to the MFP’s efforts to reform the lese majeste law, also known as Section 112 of the Criminal Law. Thai lawyer Teerayut Suwannakaesorn previously asked the Constitution Court to take action on the MFP and its…
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Tides of tranquility disrupted: Yaba drug bust rocks Phi Phi, Krabi
The peaceful waters of Phi Phi Island and Haad Nopparat Thara Beach in Krabi, renowned tourist spots in Thailand, were disrupted by an unforeseen drug bust. The authorities apprehended two tour speedboat captains upon uncovering methamphetamine tablets, locally referred to as Yaba, concealed aboard their vessels. The first arrest transpired off the coast of Phi Phi Island Pier, according to…
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Songkran sees more stringent alcohol sales regulations
In a bid to curb road accidents caused by drunk driving during the extended World Songkran Festival, which spans from April 1 to 21, the Public Health Ministry initiated stringent measures to control the sale of alcohol, particularly to minors. Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew outlined the festival’s divisions: a preparatory stage running from April 1 to 10, the main…
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Thai Pakdee Party leader acquitted in defamation suit
Dr Warong Dechgitvigrom, the leader of the Thai Pakdee Party, emerged triumphant today as the Criminal Court acquitted him in a high-stakes defamation suit brought forth by Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, the former leader of the now-defunct Future Forward Party. Amidst the legal theatrics, Thanathorn, now at the helm of the Progressive Movement, was conspicuously absent as the verdict echoed through the…
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HTMS Sukhothai search mission closes with five still missing
The Royal Thai Navy (RTN), in collaboration with their US counterparts, embarked on a salvage mission to untangle the mystery surrounding the sunken corvette, HTMS Sukhothai. Despite their efforts, five missing crew members are still yet to be found. Admiral Chatchai Thongsaard, Commander in Chief of the Royal Thai Fleet, disclosed the harrowing details of the operation. “Our joint endeavour,…
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Bangkok braces for thunderstorms as severe weather hits Thailand
Bangkok and 25 other provinces across Thailand are bracing for thunderstorms, as the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issues a severe weather warning for the next 24 hours. Bangkok is expected to see heavy rainfall in 20% of its area, accompanied by strong gusts of wind. The south faces turbulent seas with waves forecasted to exceed 2 metres in storm-affected areas.…
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Farang mafia: Phuket businesses welcomes Thais, sometimes
Businesses in Phuket have denied favouring foreign tourists over Thai residents and visitors. Business operators in the popular seaside resort of Thailand, particularly entertainment venues and vehicle rental shops, expressed pleasure in welcoming Thai tourists but acknowledged that they might encounter being turned away from certain businesses or during specific times. The controversy unfolded as Thai and foreign netizens shared…
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Flight chaos averted as man tries opening emergency door
A passenger’s curiosity nearly led to disaster on a domestic flight in China from Qingdao, Shandong Province to Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, when he attempted to open the emergency door just before takeoff. Fortunately, a vigilant flight attendant acted quickly to secure the door and inform her colleagues of the perilous situation. The incident, which caused considerable alarm among the cabin…
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March 16 Thai lottery draw stirs excitement with number patterns
The Government Lottery Office (GLO) is set to draw the next batch of Thai lottery prizes on Saturday, March 16, a highly anticipated event that has sparked a flurry of interest among lottery enthusiasts. The March 16 lottery draw, which takes place at the GLO in Nonthaburi, follows a longstanding tradition that has seen a decade’s worth of numbers bringing…
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DJ opens fire on Bangkok karaoke restaurant owner
A violent incident shattered the calm of a Bangkok neighbourhood yesterday as a DJ at a local karaoke restaurant opened fire on the establishment’s owner before turning the gun on himself. Police are now gathering evidence and witness testimonies to understand the motivation behind the attack. Police Lieutenant Atthapol Pongpradit, Deputy Investigator at Bueng Kum Police Station, was alerted to…
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Government revenue falls short due to dip in oil taxes
There’s been a shortfall in the government’s revenue collection for the first four months of the 2024 fiscal year, largely due to a sharp drop in oil taxes. This data was disclosed by the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) director-general, Pornchai Thiraveja, who highlighted that the government’s net revenue for the period of October 2023 to January 2024 was 824 billion…
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Retired Thai police officer survives attack by American bully
A retired Thai police officer narrowly escaped death when an American man allegedly assaulted him by choking him at a local village grocery store yesterday. The incident was reported to the police, who are investigating the matter and ensuring justice for both parties involved. The peaceful routine of a village grocery store was shattered when a 59 year old retired…
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Pilatus Marine to expand LPG marine transport across Asia
Pilatus Marine, Thailand’s leading liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) marine transport operator, is set to expand its services throughout Asia. The move forms part of a strategic initiative to increase its customer base and cater to the rising demand for marine transport of LPG and olefins, a crucial ingredient in plastic production. According to Chief Executive, Varawit Chimtawan, the expansion is…
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Pipe bomb attack rocks coffee shop in southern Thailand
A gas station coffee shop in Pattani province, southern Thailand, became the target of a harrowing pipe bomb assault where five individuals were injured including a two year old boy. Upon meticulous scrutiny of CCTV footage, authorities unveiled a disturbing sequence of events. Four assailants, mounted on motorcycles, clandestinely approached the gas station’s rear road. Two of them, riding pillion,…
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Thai man survives black bear attack during ant egg hunt (video)
A Thai man survived an attack by an Asian black bear while hunting for ant eggs within the Dong Yai Wildlife Sanctuary in the Isaan province of Buriram at the weekend. The victim’s wife, 56 year old Warn Chernprakone, shared details of the incident on Sunday, March 10 with Matichon. Warn explained that her 60 year old husband, Phumin Joysaku,…
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PM Srettha’s international trips sparks questions
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has been travelling the world at an unprecedented pace, with trips clocking up significant air miles. Since assuming office in September last year, PM Srettha has been on more overseas trips than the average travel blogger. In a whirlwind 176 days in office, the Bangkok-born PM has been constantly hopping between continents. His itinerary reads…
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Thai PM defends 138 million baht Government House refurb budget
The allocated budget of 138 million baht (US$3.8 million) for the refurbishment of the Government House of Thailand, has been strongly defended by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The budget has been a subject of criticism due to its perceived high cost. Nonetheless, the prime minister clarified yesterday, March 11, that the funds would be used for the comprehensive renovation of…
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Foreign man sexually assaults pregnant horse in Phuket
CCTV cameras at a horse farm in the Thalang district of Phuket province featured a foreign man sexually assaulting a pregnant horse, causing the animal to suffer a miscarriage. The horse owner revealed that the foreigner was an 18 year old American from Fairfax County, Virginia named Steven Lee Snyder, adding that the perverted teenager had committed this disturbing act multiple…
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Thailand Video News | Airlines slash Songkran fares 20%, Thailand declares Ramadan start on March 12
In this video, Jay delivers updates on the latest developments across the nation. Thailand unveils ambitious plans for film development, accompanied by a significant funding proposal of $200 million. Meanwhile, airline companies are grabbing attention as they reduce ticket prices for the upcoming Songkran festivities. Tragically, a farmer in Uthai Thani succumbs to smoke inhalation while burning grass. Additionally, Thailand’s…
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DSI denies releasing Sanga Kungwan’s wife amid tax fraud probe
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) refutes allegations of releasing Sanga Kungwan’s wife from detention to reunite with her husband overseas. Sanga, a dual Myanmar-Thai citizen from Ranong, is suspected of evading authorities through a terrestrial border exit after his involvement in a fraudulent 18-billion-baht tax case came to light. Sanga’s intricate scheme involved counterfeit documentation for non-existent oil exports,…
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Flavour triumph: Thai chef whisks up victory as Asia’s Best Female Chef 2024
In a culinary coup of epic proportions, a female Thai chef has clinched the prestigious title of Asia’s Best Female Chef 2024 at the illustrious Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards. Pichaya Soontornyanakij’s victory isn’t just about her gastronomic prowess, it’s a clarion call for breaking barriers in the male-dominated culinary sphere. Scheduled to receive her laurels at Asia’s 50 Best…
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Oppenheimer sweeps the Oscars with seven awards
Los Angeles witnessed the triumph of the biographical masterpiece, Oppenheimer, at the Academy Awards on Sunday. The film, detailing the life of the atomic bomb’s inventor, bagged seven Oscars, including the coveted Best Picture and Best Director, awarded to Christopher Nolan. The accolade of Best Actor went to Cillian Murphy, an Irish actor, for his impeccable depiction of the physicist…
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Scandal hits Government House with 500,000 baht lawn
The eagerly awaited overhaul of Government House’s front lawn, allegedly costing a staggering 498,352 baht, is on the brink of completion, according to insider sources. An informant disclosed that Green Value Co Ltd clinched the lucrative project due to its unbeatably low bid among three contenders. Utilising Paspalam grass, renowned for its resilience in scorching climates and durability against heavy…
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Laundrygate: Defence Ministry of Thailand digs into laundry scandal
The Ministry of Defence launched an investigation in response to a viral video alleging a soldier was compelled to wash his commander’s wife’s underwear. Rear Admiral Thanitpong Sirisawetsak, the ministry’s spokesperson, emphasised the urgency of the probe, aiming to confirm the authenticity of the footage and the identity of the purported soldier. The 51-second clip, circulated over the weekend, purportedly…
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Wallaya Chirathivat shapes Thailand’s retail industry
Thailand’s retail industry has been dramatically shaped by the innovative leadership of Wallaya Chirathivat, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Central Pattana Plc (CPN). As the head of one of the country’s most influential retail and property development firms, Wallaya’s strategies have led to significant advancements in the retail sector and her achievements have been recognised both locally and…
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