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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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Amber heat-health alert as UK braces for weekend temperatures up to 30C
An amber heat-health warning has been implemented as parts of the United Kingdom are predicted to reach 30C in the upcoming days. The amber alert, signifying that high temperatures may affect all age groups and impact the health service, covers eastern and southern England, as well as the Midlands. Forecasters anticipate that this weekend’s temperatures will be 5C to 10C…
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Chiang Mai bank embezzlement scandal: 70 million baht stolen from cooperative
Five former Chiang Mai bank employees, including a former manager, have been accused of forging signatures to embezzle 70 million baht from the San Pa Tong Agricultural Cooperative. The cooperative has had to use reserve funds to pay dividends to its members following the alleged fraud. Chaiwiset Deesuwan, Chairman of the San Pa Tong Agricultural Cooperative Board, and Suchitra Mano,…
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Mysterious man terrorises Thai vet, police late to respond
A mysterious man terrorised a veterinarian living and working at her animal clinic in Thailand’s Rayong province. The vet called the police, and the 191 emergency line was busy. The police arrived hours later but said they could not detain the suspect because he was “out of control.” The vet was alarmed when an unidentified man, approximately 25 to 30…
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Teen dies in e-bike crash after police chase, IOPC investigates
A 15-year-old boy, identified as Saul Cookson, tragically lost his life after his e-bike collided with an ambulance following a police pursuit in Salford. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon when Greater Manchester Police (GMP) traffic officers followed the teenager until their vehicle was obstructed by bollards. Saul continued riding until the fatal collision took place on Langworthy Road. The…
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Edinburgh man charged with murder of local father, breaches bail conditions
A man has been charged with the murder of a well-loved father in Edinburgh. Emergency services responded to a report of an injured man within a flat on Primrose Street at around 2.30pm on Tuesday. Local resident Garry O’Neill was pronounced dead at the scene. In a statement released through Police Scotland earlier this week, O’Neill’s family said: “He was…
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English Heritage urges sensory exploration at historical sites
English Heritage, the charity responsible for preserving numerous historical landmarks across the UK, has installed signs encouraging visitors to engage their senses and appreciate the sites without the distraction of their mobile phones. The signs, which include messages such as “Caution echoes of the past can be heard here” and “Beware this view will live long in the memory,” aim…
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Glastonbury urges fans to avoid disposable vapes for eco-friendly festival
Glastonbury Festival organisers have urged attendees not to bring disposable vapes to the event, citing environmental concerns and potential hazards at waste centres. The request has been added to the festival’s guidance list, along with other items such as excess packaging and non-biodegradable body glitter. Attendees are also encouraged to avoid disposable wipes, as even biodegradable ones can break down…
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Teen dies in e-bike crash with ambulance after police chase in Salford
Saul Cookson, a 15-year-old boy, tragically died after his e-bike collided with an ambulance in Salford. The teenager was being pursued by traffic officers, who had to abandon the chase when their vehicle was obstructed by bollards. The accident occurred on Langworthy Road shortly after the police halted their pursuit. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is now investigating…
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Penang Pakatan Harapan considers Umno leaders for next state administration
Penang Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Chow Kon Yeow has announced that the coalition is open to including Umno leaders in the next state administration if they return to power. However, these Umno leaders must first secure their seats in the state election, which is expected to take place in July. Chow, who is also the chief minister of Penang, clarified…
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Ex-Perlis MB faces false claims, money laundering charges totalling £460k
The Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court is set to hear the case of former Perlis menteri besar, Azlan Man, who faces five charges of making false claims and five charges of money laundering. Judge Azura Alwi granted the prosecution’s request to transfer all five false claims charges to the Sessions Court, and a trial date is being sought. Azlan, 64 years…
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Gunman surrenders after fatal shooting of 2 men in Phitsanulok, Thailand
A 41 year old Thai man named Badin, who killed two men with an M16 rifle, has surrendered at the Wat Bot Police Station in Phitsanulok province, following the intervention of a local politician. The suspect, who disappeared after the shooting, will be questioned by authorities to establish the motive behind the brutal attack. Authorities announced this morning at 10.30am that…
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Police close in on parang-wielding duo after Cheras shootout and scam arrests
Authorities in Kuala Lumpur are closing in on two suspects who evaded capture after a recent shootout with police in Taman Supreme, Cheras. While not providing specific details, Kuala Lumpur Police Chief Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain confirmed that a team has been formed to locate the two foreign men thought to be connected to several break-ins in the area. The…
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Thai school expels students after mother assaults teenage girl
Dispute between students escalates as one mother assaults another student outside school, demanding compensation and causing psychological distress for the girl involved; the school expels both students. Recently, a Thai mother assaulted a teenage girl outside a secondary school in Samut Sakhon, hitting her with a bag, after the girls resolved their dispute in May. The mother demanded 20,000 baht (US$580)…
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Thailand’s NBTC mulls supervision of OTT platforms for fair telecoms
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is weighing the potential regulation of over-the-top (OTT) platforms in Thailand to create a level playing field and ensure equal treatment in the telecom sector. Despite major foreign OTT platform providers having established operations offices in Thailand and adhering to value-added tax (VAT) payment rules, the regulator is contemplating whether these operators should…
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Tragic plunge: Irishman leaps from 23rd-floor condo in Bangkok
In a tragic incident this morning, an Irishman allegedly took his own life by leaping from the 23rd floor of his condominium located in the Bang Kae district of Bangkok. The distressed man, identified as Callum Mackay, was reported to be grappling with financial difficulties and feeling overwhelmed by the pregnancy of his girlfriend. Upon receiving the distressing news of…
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Elderly Thai woman dies in house fire alongside 20 baht of gold
A tragic fire in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province claimed the life of a 76 year old Thai woman, leaving her husband heartbroken. The fire, which broke out at their wooden house today at 9.30am, destroyed the entire building and reportedly engulfed an estimated 20 baht of gold. The incident occurred at a high-stilt wooden house in Bang Sai district’s…
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Phuket fishing boats pass inspections, no illegal activity found, officials say
Recent inspections of fishing boats operating in Phuket waters have shown no signs of illegal activities, such as human trafficking or compromised working conditions, according to officials. The random inspections were conducted on five boats and aimed to ensure workers’ rights were being upheld, with checks on employment and working conditions, valid working permits, and wages being paid in the…
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Ratchaburi fruit seller boosts sales with lively dance and vibrant attire
At the bustling Sri Mueang Market in Thailand’s Ratchaburi Province, 51 year old Sorawat Leuang-ngamkham has found a unique way to attract customers and boost sales of his fruits and vegetables. He dances and shucks coconuts dressed in vibrant colours, providing a lively and eye-catching scene for passersby. When visiting the market, one can’t help but notice Sorawat displaying his…
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Binance.US drops dollar trading amid banking partners’ withdrawal
Binance.US, the American subsidiary of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, announced that it will cease offering trading services in United States dollars. This decision comes after the company’s banking partners withdrew support due to pressure from federal regulators. The inability to trade in US dollars is a significant setback for Binance.US, as one of the primary functions of a cryptocurrency…
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Highway scandal shuffles easy pass cops to Yala’s police operations centre
The Highway Police Division’s acting commissioner transferred 42 of the department’s officers involved in the easy pass sticker scandal to the Royal Thai Police Operations Centre in the southern province of Yala. The identities of each officer have not been revealed. The easy pass sticker scandal was uncovered by Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn at the beginning of…
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Teka Construction shifts focus to non-condo projects for revenue growth
Teka Construction Plc is shifting its attention towards non-condominium projects, housing developments, and construction materials in an effort to decrease its dependence on high-rise residential projects. Chief Financial Officer Suphon Chongchintaraksa revealed that the company plans to broaden its scope and clientele to encompass various construction projects, including international schools, warehouses, shopping centres, and government sector developments. “Construction work in…
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Young man ordains to thank heroic student who saved life with CPR after crash (video)
Three months after a near-death motorcycle accident, a young Thai man, Jame, has entered the monkhood to express his gratitude to a heroic 17 year old student, who performed CPR and saved his life. The student, Kanasak Nakte, is a volunteer rescuer in Surat Thani province in South Thailand. The incident took place on February 15, when a motorcycle collided…
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Trump faces federal indictment over classified document hoarding
The legal reckoning for Donald Trump has finally arrived, as the former president faces a seven-count federal indictment after a lengthy investigation into his alleged hoarding of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago residence. This unprecedented move against a former president has been described as a “politically momentous” and “seismic event.” Trump’s previous avoidance of being held accountable seems to be…
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Trump charged over classified files, faces historic federal indictment
Former US President Donald Trump has been indicted on charges related to his handling of classified documents after leaving the White House. Trump, 76 years old, faces seven charges, including unauthorised retention of classified files, as reported by US media. The charges have not yet been made public. This marks the second indictment of Trump and the first-ever federal indictment…
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Anwar Ibrahim prioritises people over personal experience at Umno Assembly
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasised the importance of prioritising the interests of the people and the country over personal experiences during his attendance at the Umno General Assembly 2023 in Kuala Lumpur. As the Pakatan Harapan chairman, Anwar focused on promoting unity and strengthening his Unity Government to continue benefiting the nation. Anwar stated, “What’s important is performing the duties…
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Thai firms eye investment deals in Saudi Arabia
Thailand and Saudi Arabia are forging strong economic ties, with several collaboration deals in progress. Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, recently visited Saudi Arabia with a Thai delegation led by Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai. During the visit, it was announced that PTT Oil and Retail Business Plc (OR) plans to establish petrol stations in Saudi Arabia,…
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Rice corruption: MFP probes suspicious 12.5 million baht event spending
The Move Forward Party (MFP) has initiated an inquiry into allegations of irregular expenditure related to an event organised by the Department of Rice. The party has warned that the incoming government will not tolerate rice corruption. During a press conference, MFP deputy spokesperson Karoonpon Tieansuwan revealed that the party had received a complaint from officials within the Ministry of…
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Police raid Bangkok’s Thonglor district, arrest 2 women for drug possession
Police and Narcotics Control officers conducted a raid in Bangkok’s Thonglor district, arresting two Thai women possessing illegal drugs and detaining tourists for drug testing. During the operation, several persons were found to have ingested methamphetamine and ketamine, with voluntary rehabilitation announced for some of them. At around 12.30am this morning, police and narcotics control officers led by Pol. Lt.…
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Thai air-con component exports to US soar amid heat wave surge
Rising heat waves in the United States have driven a surge in Thailand’s exports of air-conditioner components during the first quarter. The increase in demand has led to air-conditioner parts becoming the top product category benefiting from the generalised system of preferences (GSP) privileges awarded by the US. The Foreign Trade Department reported that Thai exporters utilised GSP privileges worth…
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Thailand nurse resignations up to 7,000 yearly due to low pay, heavy workload
A concerning trend has emerged in Thailand‘s state-run hospitals, with up to 7,000 nurses resigning each year due to heavy workloads and insufficient overtime pay. This is despite an annual influx of 10,000 new nursing graduates, according to the nurses’ union and Nurses Connect. The alarming rate of Thailand’s nurse resignations has prompted calls for the government to implement more…
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