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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 Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?
Thailand’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?...
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Rosewood racket busted: Task force and national park collaborate to thwart illegal loggers in northern Thailand
The Phaya Sue Task Force, in collaboration with Huai Nam Dang National Park, apprehended a network involved in the illegal logging of rosewood in the Srai Ngam forest area, Pai district, Mae Hong Son province. The operation, which resulted in the seizure of a significant amount of evidence, was conducted on September 12. Attapol Charoenchansa, who is acting on behalf…
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Vanishing act: Teenager’s mysterious disappearance drives desperate family to fortune teller
A teenager has been missing from her home for five days, leading her distraught mother and grandfather to seek help from a fortune teller. The 16 year old disappeared from her home in the Huana Khum district in Udon Thani province, on the morning of Friday, September 8, and has yet to return. Nong Kaem’s mother, Saengchan Uansangkram, along with her…
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Southern gem: Thailand’s newest international airport set for maiden flight
Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport, situated in southern Thailand, is poised to start a trial run of its state-of-the-art international passenger terminal, valued at 1.4 billion baht, on September 19. This development marks an eagerly anticipated step towards its recognition as Thailand’s latest international airport. Originally designed primarily for domestic flights, the airport has responded to the escalating demand for international…
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Caw machine caper: Doll quest lands child locked in prsion, sparks daring rescue mission
Toys have an irresistible allure for children, and their determination to acquire them can lead to unexpected escapades. In a recent incident, believed to have unfolded in China, a young child’s desire to claim a doll from a claw machine took an unexpected turn. The child ingeniously managed to get inside the machine but overlooked the critical exit plan, prompting…
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Chiang Mai’s lottery fever heats up with political numbers and auspicious figures in high demand
The lottery fever is high in Chiang Mai as numbers related to politics are still in demand. The excitement is palpable as people continue to purchase lottery tickets from various stalls located across key areas, including Mahidol Road, Chiang Mai-Lamphun Road, and several morning markets in each district, railway stations, transport terminals, and large stalls at different points. Prices remain…
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Activists demand ex-PM Thaksin’s return to prison amid health condition scepticism
A coalition of political activists and reform campaigners, led by Pichit Chaimongkol, yesterday demanded the reinstatement of public faith in the rule of law. They have urged Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to ensure the re-incarceration of former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra. The 74 year old former PM, who recently returned from a 15-year self-imposed exile on August 22, had a…
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Restroom rumble: Toilet squabble turns fatal for elderly security guards in central Thailand
In a shocking, tragic twist, a dispute over a less-than-pristine toilet spiralled into a fatal altercation between two elderly security guards in Nakorn Pathom, central Thailand. The 75 year old victim found himself grievously wounded in the abdomen and leg, the unfortunate outcome of a heated argument. The assailant, a 60 year old security guard, initially evaded capture, but later…
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Southern Thai community shaken by drug-infused gay sex scandal involving abbot
A startling revelation has ruffled the robes of both locals and monks alike in the tranquil southern province of Phattalung after a sinning abbot had been dealing in more than just sermons, he was caught offering drugs to men in the community in exchange for gay sex, leaving the community in disbelief. A woman who lives near the temple told…
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Unbelievable delivery drama: Chinese woman’s surprise birth in hospital bathroom
A Chinese woman who was experiencing abdominal pain was surprised when she unexpectedly gave birth in a hospital bathroom, despite her prior insistence that she was not pregnant. The baby fell into the toilet bowl. This surprising incident took place at a hospital in Yangzhou, located in Jiangsu Province, China, and left both the patient and medical staff astonished. On…
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Apple’s sweet surprise: iPhone 15 lineup set to juice up Thailand’s smartphone sales
Apple Inc’s new line of iPhone 15 models is set to boost Thailand’s smartphone sales in the fourth quarter, say industry analysts and a mobile phone distributor. In the premium smartphone market in Thailand, Apple and Samsung devices continue to reign. Apple debuted the iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max on Tuesday. Thai consumers will be…
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Thailand tourism shifts focus to Kazakhstan amid slow Chinese tourism recovery
Chinese tourists aren’t expected to immediately surge to 700,000 arrivals per month, despite a prospective Thailand tourism visa–free scheme, due to safety concerns and lower flight frequencies, currently at half of their pre-pandemic 2019 levels. Phuket’s tourism operators are instead setting their sights on Kazakhstan, to be granted visa-free entries from September 25 to February 29, 2024. Travel agents see…
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Former Thai senator and MP candidate denies involvement in child prostitution
A 15 year old girl who was rescued from prostitution accused a former high-ranking politician of buying sexual services from the teenager. The politician in question is identified as a former senator and Pheu Thai Party candidate. Baan Mor Police Station officers arrested a Burmese woman on Tuesday, September 12 for forcing her 15 year old daughter into prostitution in…
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One year old survives truck collision in Sumatra, heart-wrenching video goes viral
An Indonesian one year old toddler stunned the world as he crawled out of a truck wreckage following a collision on Sumatra Island. The incident occurred on September 9 in the province of Lampung. The heart-wrenching video, which went viral on social media, showed the boy crawling from the crushed vehicle and seeking his mother. The video also showed Sri…
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The tale of twins: A cautionary chronicle of cigarettes and sun-kissed skin
In a riveting revelation that has sent shockwaves through the scientific community and beyond, 61 year old American identical twins, Jean and Susan, have emerged as prominent examples of how lifestyle choices can influence one’s appearance, becoming representatives of their generation in this regard. The sisters, who could once pass for mirror images, now look as if they’ve been separated…
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Minister’s pork order: 4,300 tonnes of smuggled pork ‘trashed’ in Sa Kaeo landfill
The Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Thamanat Prompow commanded that the disposal of approximately 4,300 tonnes of unlawfully smuggled pork be carried out in a Sa Kaeo landfill. The pork was earlier seized at Laem Chabang port during a Department of the Special Investigation (DSI) probe in July. The confiscated shipment, valued at over 500 million baht, comprised 161 containers.…
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Former provincial chief’s journey ends in tragic car crash on Rama II Road
A former Provincial Chief of Prachuap Khiri Khan province tragically lost his life in a car crash. The fatal incident occurred this morning, when his Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, registered in Prachuap Khiri Khan, crashed into a roadside barrier on Rama II Road, flipping the vehicle and ending fatally. The deceased, identified as 55 year old Prakit, was an esteemed figure…
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Coin collector’s dream: UK 20p coin sells for 1,000 times face value in eBay bidding frenzy
A rare United Kingdom 20 pence coin fetched a price 1,000 times higher than its face value. The coin was auctioned on eBay, triggering a bidding war that lasted for a week and ended with a final price of 232 pounds (10,350 baht). On September 11, the Daily Star reported on the extraordinary auction on eBay. The coin in question,…
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Energizing savings: Government’s cost-cutting shock eases financial pressure
The Employers’ Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry (EconThai) expressed approval for the Thai government’s latest move to slash both electricity and diesel costs. This initiative is aimed at alleviating the financial pressure on households and businesses. The reduction in power tariff was confirmed yesterday, following Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin‘s policy statement announcement in parliament, reports Bangkok Post. The new…
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From self-doubt to success: UK plus-size model’s confidence journey pays off
Captivating fans with her stunning looks and prominent bust, a 30 year old plus-size model from Newcastle in the United Kingdom, earns around 2 million baht per month. However, the self-confidence she radiates today wasn’t always present in the plus-size model. Laura Morgan entered the modelling industry five years ago, inspired by her friend, Playboy model Nina Woolley. Morgan’s captivating photos…
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Firearm amnesty: Illegal Thai gun owners given 30 days to ‘trigger’ compliance
In an attempt to crackdown on illegal firearm possession, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin drafted a 30-day amnesty for gun owners without permits. They now have a month to turn in these firearms at any police station before stricter enforcement measures are applied. This initiative was implemented yesterday, September 13, following a raid where a team of 100 officials targeted 21…
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Phantom tuk tuk: Patong locals urge hit-and-run driver to step into the light
A tuk tuk driver in Patong, Phuket, who was involved in a hit-and-run incident with a tourist, is being urged to come forward by locals. The incident took place yesterday at 7.45pm. The tourist victim, who was walking on the pavement with his friends, was knocked over when he stepped onto the road. The impact of the collision sent him…
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Wild west drama unfolds at Samui Airport: Minibus driver shoots Grab driver in fiery clash
Samui International Airport in the southern province of Surat Thani turned into a scene from a Western movie after a minibus driver shot a Grab driver following a heated dispute. Bophut Police Station officers rushed to a parking area of the arrival passenger terminal in the airport to investigate the shooting scene. Officers discovered travellers were shocked by the incident…
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Rain reigns: Homes flooded in surprise deluge in Phayao, northeast Thailand
A torrential rain shower caused mayhem as it dampened the spirits of over 100 households in Phayao province in northeast Thailand. Locals hastily scurried to relocate their possessions to more sheltered spots. The relentless rain, which persisted both day and night, resulted in a cascade of water from the woods, spilling into the Mae Tam River. The resulting flood inundated…
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Pattaya market plunder: Thief swipes 14,000 baht worth of goods from parked car
A recent theft at a bustling market in South Pattaya, Banglamung district, Chon Buri, left a 26 year old woman bereft of her valuables worth over 14,000 baht. The incident unfolded under the cover of darkness on Monday, September 11, with the thief making a swift and unwelcome entry into her parked car. The market, known for its lively atmosphere…
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Hanoi inferno: Devastating apartment fire claims 56 lives, leaves 37 injured
A devastating fire that engulfed a ten-storey apartment complex in Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, tragically claimed at least 56 lives. The fire, which began on the evening of September 12, left an additional 37 people injured, who are currently receiving treatment in the hospital. Hanoi Firefighters worked tirelessly to control the blaze and rescue trapped residents from the apartment block. Nguyen…
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Rain reigns: Severe weather warning blankets 43 Thai provinces with flood fear
The Thai Meteorological Department issued a severe weather warning for 43 provinces in Thailand, with heavy continuous rain, affecting 80% of the area in the north and northeast regions, including Bangkok. This sudden rainfall could potentially cause flash flooding and forest runoffs. The storm is caused by a strong monsoon trough passing through Myanmar, the upper part of northern Thailand,…
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Time to shine: MFP leader Pita makes it to Time100 Next list
Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat has been included in the TIME100 Next list unveiled by the American news magazine, Time. Time magazine recently released its annual TIME100 Next list, which aims to recognise individuals who have excelled in their respective fields and have had a significant impact on and served as an inspiration to others in their communities.…
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Car engine snake-tastrophe: Late-night drive in Bangkok takes a twist with surprise python visit
A woman’s late-night drive took a slithery turn when a python, perhaps seeking a different kind of ‘carb’uretor, surprised her by emerging from the engine compartment after she returned from a meal. At around 1am on September 14, emergency services from the Thung Mahamek Fire Station were called to a parking lot in front of a convenience store in the…
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Charlie’s con game crumbles: Sattahip’s wily restaurant scammer finally caugh
A habitual offender yesterday was apprehended in the district of Sattahip, Chon Buri province. Charlie Rodmuang, allegedly known for his cunning tactics, had been targeting restaurants in Sattahip, duping the owners with fraudulent orders. The 55 year old’s modus operandi involved identifying establishments where the proprietors were alone and convincing them of large food orders. Charlie would then lure the…
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Thai netizens’ hearts warmed by heroic duo’s life-saving heart delivery, rain or shine
Thai netizens showered praise upon a dedicated traffic police officer and doctor for their successful efforts in delivering a life-saving heart organ from a hospital in Samut Sakhon province to Bangkok, despite heavy rain and severe traffic jams. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated, as a heart can remain viable outside the human body for no more than…
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