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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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Double sorrow: Bus accident claims lives of two university students in Bangkok
Chorakaenoi Police Station officers were alerted to a devastating road accident on Chalong Krung Road in Bangkok‘s Lat Krabang district, involving a public bus and resulting in the tragic death of two university students. Upon reaching the scene, officers were confronted with a heart-wrenching sight – the lifeless bodies of two female students lay beneath the red-white bus numbered 1013.…
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Teen pregnancy scandal in Samut Prakan: Uncle accused of sexual abuse
The mother of a teenage daughter filed a complaint against the 15 year old’s uncle for rape leading to her pregnancy in Samut Prakan province. The teenage girl’s 37 year old mother stated the uncle has been sexually abusing her daughter since she was 14. She is eight months’ pregnant. The pair arrived at Bang Sao Thong Police Station to…
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Veterans Association leader arrested in Buriram, potential fundraising scam suspected
The head of a Veterans Association was detained by the Bang Kruai District Police amid a concert announcement in Buriram province. The police, acting on a warrant dated July 5, apprehended the Veterans Association head, 46 year old Jomkacha (surname reserved), during a news conference where the association was announcing a forthcoming concert by the band THE POLICE 191, set…
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Nonthaburi shopping centre halts escalator after flip-flop mishap causes safety concerns
A footwear mishap at a bustling shopping centre in Nonthaburi caught the attention of onlookers and spurred immediate safety precautions. A video shared by Pook Saranya, a TikTok user, revealed a flip-flop getting trapped in an escalator, creating a temporary halt in its operation. Subsequent attempts by a custodian and a security officer to retrieve the trapped footwear are captured…
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Dolphin attacks increase around Japan’s Suishohama beach, causing alarm
A recent dolphin attack on tourists in the town of Mihama, Fukui Prefecture, Japan, caused widespread alarm. The incident happened yesterday, when four beachgoers, including a man in his sixties and another in his forties, were attacked by dolphins near Suishohama beach – the first sustaining bites to his hand and broken ribs, the latter suffering arm bites. The overall…
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Bangkok student’s offensive gesture triggers backlash: Netizens condemn racism and lack of respect toward black teacher
A video of a rude Bangkok student raising her middle fingers to a black teacher has been condemned by Thai netizens. The student in the video, her friend, and her friend’s racist mother were also slammed by netizens for their disrespectful behaviour and racial discrimination. The video was initially posted on Instagram by a student from a high school in…
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Sisaket lorry driver nets 12 million baht lottery win amidst family funeral rites
A lucky woman from the Rasi Salai district in Sisaket province landed a lottery jackpot of 12 million baht. Originating from an online app purchase, the fortunate digits came in the wake of a funeral ceremony for her grandmother in northeast Thailand. Deferred by ongoing funeral rites, the bounty remains uncollected. The 31 year old woman (name withheld), who works…
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Surin’s senior sensation: 60 year old man hits the jackpot, becomes multi-millionaire in Thai lottery
A 60 year old man from Ta Prao in Surin province in northeast Thailand is suddenly a multi-millionaire after scooping the jackpot in yesterday’s Thai lottery, taking home a cool 12 million baht from two first prizes and two digit-end tickets. Suchati Rerobroy’s life took an unexpected turn when his daughter-in-law called him, suggesting he will no longer live in…
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Beagles save the bacon: Illegal pork sausages sniffed out, preventing ASF outbreak at Bangkok airport
Department of Livestock Development (DLD) officers swooped to prevent an outbreak of Asian Swine Fever (ASF) thanks to the agency’s trusty beagles sniffing out a traveller’s illegal pork sausages at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. DLD Deputy Director and spokesperson Sophat Chavarnkul provided a report on the operation conducted by the DLD-Quarantine and Inspection K9 Unit at the airport yesterday, July…
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Thai finance chief cautions reform balance to prevent tax shock on economy
Krisada Chinavicharana, the permanent secretary at the Finance Ministry, sounded the alarm bell for the incoming government, stating that the proposed tax reforms aiming to bump up the revenue should not produce a shockwave effect on the economy. Currently, tax revenue stands at just 14% of the GDP, falling short of the expected 15% or 16%, Krisada said. He stated……
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Magazine ranks Thailand 9th best retirement spot on Earth
Thailand secured its position as the world’s ninth-best retirement spot on International Living Magazine’s 2023 Annual Global Retirement Index. The index ranks countries based on their suitability for retirees, taking into account various factors including cost of living, cost of healthcare, cultural activities, and more. In the 2023 index, Thailand shares the spotlight with other popular retirement destinations such as Portugal,…
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Rainfall reigns: Tropical storm Talim puts Thailand on umbrella alert
The Thai Meteorological Department recommends the nation gets its umbrellas out as heavy rainfall bears down on Thailand, providing a tangible reminder of the dramatic effects of tropical storm Talim. The Meteorological Department issued a weather alert for several provinces in the country as the storm continues to show its relentless power. An urgent weather bulletin cautions citizens, particularly those…
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Thai railway eviction saga: Low-income residents face displacement for high-speed project
The ongoing tale of the imminent relocation of the Bun Romsai community, along with over 100 other residents residing alongside a railway track in Phaya Thai district, Thailand, continues to unfold. Having called this area home for over two decades, community leader Chao Kerdaree candidly shares insights into the upcoming eviction, which has been instigated by the State Railway of…
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Phuket to face power cuts for PEA Thalang’s system enhancements
The Thalang division of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA Thalang) issued a statement declaring two separate power interruptions planned for tomorrow. The blackouts are reported to impact both residences and businesses in the areas of Bang Tao and Pa Khlok, Phuket. The Bang Tao power cut, specifically in the region of Cherng Talay, is scheduled from 9am through to 4.30pm.…
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Affordable and enriched living in Thailand attracts foreign investors
Thailand is making waves on the world stage with what International Living defines as its attractive blend of enriched living at pocket-friendly costs. The gem in the Thai living appeal seems to be the lucrative real estate sector where, as International Living puts it: “Foreigners are able to buy condos very easily and there are bargains everywhere.” Along with attractive…
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Phuket kickstarts Tsunami Walk & Run aiming to boost evacuation awareness
Over 900 people yesterday took part in the Tsunami Walk & Run event in Mai Khao, Phuket. The initiative was undertaken to increase consciousness about tsunami evacuation routes. Boontham Lertsukekasem, the Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, was on the ground to inaugurate the Walk & Run for Tsunami Learning 2023 event formally, kicking off proceedings at…
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Rubber plantation horror: Hunt underway for murderer of Thai and Burmese victims
Police are currently conducting a search for the murderer responsible for the deaths of a Thai man and three Burmese men in a rubber plantation in the Sawee district of Chum Phon province in the southern part of Thailand. A 42 year old man, Surachai Somnuek, discovered the dead body of his father, 60 year old Prayong Somnuek, on the…
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Vibrant pink Siam tulips in northeast Thailand draw tourists
Nature enthusiasts and flower fans have flocked in their thousands to Sai Thong National Park in Chaiyaphum province to witness the breathtaking sight of a vast field of blooming pink Siam tulips. The influx of tourists began over the weekend, with visitors eagerly capturing photos and selfies amidst the stunning display. Spanning four districts – Nong Bua Rahaew, Thep Sathit,…
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Thai woman swept away in South Korean floods
A Thai woman working illegally in South Korea has tragically become one of the victims of the devastating flash floods, which have claimed the lives of at least 37 people and left nine others missing. As 9,000 residents grapple with the aftermath of this natural disaster in the East Asian nation, the extent of the destruction is becoming apparent. According…
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German politician’s damning critique of NATO raises questions about alliance’s purpose (video)
As global leaders gathered at the NATO summit in Lithuania last week, seeking to ratify the membership of Sweden and discuss Ukraine’s eligibility, German politician Sevim Dagdelen delivered a scathing indictment of what the North Atlantic Treaty Organization stands for. The 47 year old German Left Party member dissected NATO hypocrisy, lies and smoke and mirrors with the precision of…
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Young Kuwaiti man risks leg amputation after Pattaya motorbike accident (video)
In a recent tragedy, a 19 year old Kuwaiti man is facing the risk of having his leg amputated after a motorbike accident in Pattaya early yesterday morning. The incident occurred when the motorbike he was riding as a pillion grazed against a concrete street barrier on South Pattaya Road. Sawang Boriboon rescuers received arrived on the scene near Bali…
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UK seals deal to join trans-Pacific trade group CPTPP
It was officially announced today that the United Kingdom signed the treaty enabling its inclusion into the prominent trans-Pacific trade group, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). This development marks the addition of the first new participant into this significant pact since its establishment in 2018. As the doors open for the UK, the stage is now…
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South Korean woman’s tragic death in Phuket sparks suicide investigation
Phuket Police were alerted early this morning to the tragic death of a 43 year old South Korean woman in her residential bathroom in Rawai. Police believe it was suicide. Police were informed of the case at 7am. The response team arrived at the incident location, a two-story townhouse located on Patak Soi 1. The ground floor of the establishment…
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Bank of Ayudhya predicts pivotal role of politics in Thailand’s economy
In light of the current political climate, a division of the renowned Bank of Ayudhya suggests that the upcoming political decisions could significantly steer Thailand’s economy this year. This report highlights the pivotal role of swift administrative formation in stabilising the economy and buoying investor confidence. However, the prospect of an emerging minority government raises considerable concerns over its potential…
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New Russian consulate opens in Phuket deepening Thailand-Russia ties
Sergey Lavrov, the Foreign Affairs Minister of Russia, unveiled the new Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Phuket at Royal Phuket Marina. The high-profile event, which took place yesterday, marked a significant development in the evolving diplomatic bonds between Thailand and Russia. Lavrov arrived at Royal Phuket Marina at 4pm where Phuket Vice Governor Amnuay Pinsuwan, flanked by a…
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Swinging into trouble: Golfer faces prosecution for ‘fore’-bidden activity in Thai national park (video)
In a bid to uphold the sanctity of national parks, Thai authorities at Khao Yai National Park are preparing to prosecute a golfer who dared to engage in sporting activity such as illegal golfing within the protected vicinity of Sai Sorn Reservoir. This reservoir, nestled within the heart of the national park, is not only home to a diverse array…
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China’s courier sector sees notable growth, June industry report reveals
China’s courier sector exhibited noticeable growth in June, according to a recently-released industry update. As per the State Post Bureau, the index illustrating the development of express delivery for June showcased a notable increase. Recorded at 366.3, it marked a tectonic jump, expanding by 26.6% compared to the same timeframe the prior year. Parsing the various sub-indices provides an even…
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Phuket water supply tests could leave residents dry for days
In a recent announcement, the Phuket arm of the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) outlined water supply test plans to execute a series of step tests over the upcoming three days. The measures are aimed to confirm the water pressure within the main supply pipes – a move that will impact several residences and businesses throughout different regions in Phuket. Upon…
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Phuket’s narcotic crackdown: Two arrested with meth, heroin in Pa Khlok
Within the scope of the ongoing narcotic crackdown spearheaded by Thalang Police of Phuket, two people have been arrested, one carrying more than 700 methamphetamine pills colloquially known as Yaba, crystal meth (ya ice), and a small volume of heroin. Nikhom, known as Nas, a 45 year old resident of Phang Nga, was apprehended yesterday in a rented establishment in…
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Thailand battles marine pollution with 507 tonnes of waste collected in 2020
Marine pollution issues have impinged on Thailand‘s coastal regions, with increasingly alarming statistics emerging, according to updates from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Throughout last year, there were reports of 22 oil spill events within the Gulf of Thailand, and an astonishing 507 tonnes of various waste gathered from surrounding seas, as noted by deputy government spokeswoman, Traisulee…
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