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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 Pre-existing conditions? These expat insurance plans still have you covered
Many expats feel worried that their pre-existing health problems will stop them from getting insurance in a new country. This fear is common, especially when medical care can be expensive. But the good news is, some insurance, like the plans...
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Tourism Authority of Thailand eyes sustainable green strategy
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has revealed its renewed commitment to promote the country as a ‘sustainable destination’, championing environmental conservation. TAT’s Governor, Thapanee Kiatphaiboon, unveiled this green strategy, aiming to familiarise international travellers with Thailand’s proactive stance towards embracing global sustainability trends. Thailand, known for its vibrant culture, exotic cuisine, and picturesque landscapes, is now determined to enhance…
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Morocco earthquake leaves 2000+ dead, untold damages
A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck Morocco late Friday night, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The catastrophic event claimed the lives of more than 2,000 people, with the toll expected to rise as rescuers grappled with challenging conditions to reach remote mountain villages and hard-hit areas. This seismic catastrophe marked the most significant earthquake…
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Retiring Phuket Governor Narong participates in traditional merit-making walk
Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew is set to retire by the end of this month. The governor took part in a 2.5-kilometre merit-making walk in Old Phuket Town earlier today. The walk involved 15 monks, including Governor Narong. Narong recently undertook a 15-day ordainment as a monk at Wat Pa Phutthaphot Hariphunchai in Lamphun province on August 26 under the religious…
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Police target Kamnan Nok mafia networks linked to extortion
The Royal Thai Police launched a scheme to dismantle the mafia networks, including the Kamnan Nok mafia recently accused of extorting bribes from overloaded trucks in Nakhon Pathom. The plan was announced by Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, Thailand’s Deputy Police Commissioner and one of the country’s most recognised law enforcement figures. The action is in response to a shocking string…
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Flash floods in Mae Hong Son cause havoc, woman missing
Thailand has been battered with extreme weather this year, from severe droughts to massive storms leading to rough seas and flooding. Now, the northern province of Mae Hong Son is grappling with the aftermath of severe flash floods triggered by hours of relentless rainfall. A village in Tambon Huai Pha of Muang district bore the brunt of the deluge, with…
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Visa-free policy for Chinese tourists may boost economy, workload
The first meeting of the new government’s Cabinet this week will discuss the predicted increase in workload for authorities as they prepare to implement a proposed visa-free policy for Chinese visitors. The policy is viewed as a major strategy to boost Thailand’s tourism sector, expected to generate massive revenue, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The prime minister has consistently…
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Thailand considers barter trade with China for submarine amid procurement issues
The Defence Minister of Thailand revealed that the government is considering various alternatives, including a barter trade arrangement or the purchase of fertilisers from China, to resolve the ongoing issues concerning the procurement of a submarine for the navy. Sutin Klungsang spoke on the matter at a seminar discussing Thai security and geopolitical challenges, hosted by Rangsit University’s College of…
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Ex-official Kamnan Nok accused of orchestrating police chief’s assassination at dinner party
Evidence gathered by Thai police indicates that Praween Chankhlai, aka Kamnan Nok a former subdistrict head of tambon Thakong in Nakhon Pathom’s Muang district, orchestrated the assassination of a senior highway police officer during a dinner party at the 35 year old’s residence on Wednesday evening. Deputy National Police Chief, Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, who is leading the investigation, revealed…
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Pattaya hosts educational E-Sports tournament for high schoolers
An electrifying E-Sports tournament for high school students took place yesterday in Pattaya City. The event was a collaborative endeavour by the Department of Cultural Promotion, Sripatum University, and the city itself. The competition, hosted at Mueang Pattaya 11 School, brought together the excitement of competitive video gaming, otherwise known as E-Sports, with the thrill of competition. As the digital…
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Pheu Thai’s Chai Watcharong set to become new government spokesperson
Chai Watcharong, a 64 year old veterinarian and party-list member of Pheu Thai is set to take up the mantle as the new government spokesperson. Positioned 91st on the party list, Chai has confirmed he is prepared to face the challenges of the role. The cabinet is set to officially instate Chai as the government spokesperson this Wednesday. Previously, Chai…
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Australian Chevron LNG workers’ strike unsettles global gas markets
Following unsuccessful negotiations, liquefied natural gas (LNG) workers at Chevron Corp’s key sites in Australia initiated partial strikes yesterday, a move that has unsettled global gas markets. This news spurred gas futures in Europe, causing them to leap by as much as 13%, illuminating the region’s susceptibility in the aftermath of last year’s energy crisis. Spot LNG in Asia also…
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New refugee screening system stirs fear among asylum seekers
Bangkok is home to a church where Vietnamese refugees find a temporary haven from lives fraught with fear of arrest or deportation. This is because Thailand, having not signed up for the UN Refugee Convention, does not have a system in place to differentiate between refugees and other migrants, resulting in thousands of individuals living under the radar. Soon, a…
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Patong launderette thief selling stolen items for rent money
Patong police have captured a thief responsible for numerous thefts at a local launderette. The 30 year old suspect, a native of Songkhla Province, was apprehended at a dormitory near the Q Speed Wash & Dry launderette on Nanai Rd in Patong. The arrest took place yesterday afternoon, followed by the accused thief being taken to Patong Police Station for…
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Digital wallet initiative and anti-corruption boosted by Thai deputy PM
Yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, hosted a meeting with the governors of the country’s provinces. The discussion revolved around the ministry’s key objectives, including loyalty to the highest institution, the implementation of anti-corruption measures, and the support for Pheu Thai’s 10,000 baht digital wallet initiative. The meeting took place at Centara Grand at Central Plaza Lat…
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Local official surrenders in police investigation of highway patrolman murder
In Nakhon Pathom, a high-ranking local government official, commonly known as Kamnan, submitted himself to the local law enforcement authorities following the murder of a highway patrol officer. This unfolding complex story involves 34 year old Praween ‘Nok’ Janklai fondly referred to as ‘Kamnan Nok’ within his community. The sub-district headman willingly turned himself in to the authorities at the…
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Parliament to curb food waste and costs after social media row
Parliament president Wan Muhamad Noor Matha has vowed to investigate and address the issue of food waste in the parliamentary canteen, following a social media debacle involving a member of parliament and left-over meals. The debate over gratuitous meals and beverages offered to parliamentary members caught public attention following a social media incident involving a Move Forward MP Sirilapas Kongtrakarn,…
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Tom Kha Gai hits top spot in global chicken soup ratings
A traditional Thai chicken soup, Tom Kha Gai, took top honours in the 10 Best Rated Chicken Soups in the World list, as revealed by the TasteAtlas global food mapping site this week. The coconut cream soup, infused with galangal, clinched the first spot with a stellar rating of 4.7 out of five stars, outshining 1,376 other entries. Brimming with…
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Pink Line mass-transit system offers free rides in November trial
Free rides are on the horizon for Thailand’s Pink Line mass-transit system in November as announced on the government’s Thai Khu Fah Facebook page. The 34.5-kilometre monorail system is currently undergoing trial runs, a crucial step in the preparation phase before its official launch, as revealed by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA). The Pink Line’s trial runs…
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Bangkok Airways eyes investment in proposed Phangnga airport to boost tourism
Bangkok Airways has expressed keen interest in an investment in the proposed airport in Phangnga if the government chooses to shift from a public scheme to a collaborative public-private partnership. The fresh investment is seen as a strategic move, as the new airport holds immense potential to become Thailand’s next tourist hotspot. The Thai government’s contemplation over investment into the…
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Phuket authorities dismiss concerns over rising Russian population and mafia claims
Yesterday, Phuket authorities refuted allegations that the island has been overrun by Russians, including members of the mafia. These claims were sparked by a report in Al Jazeera earlier this week, which highlighted concerns among locals. Phuket locals fear that Russian tourists are snatching jobs usually held by Thais, operating unlawful businesses, and causing a surge in property prices, making…
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Pattaya authorities impose new rules on boat operators at Bali Hai Pier
In Pattaya City, the local authorities have put forth new stringent regulations to deal with issues plaguing boat operators at Bali Hai Pier. This includes the implementation of standardised ticket prices and a ban on herding tourists. Earlier this week, the Pattaya City Council convened to strategise and regulate tour boat operations and rules for operators. This was spurred by…
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Thai taxi drivers seek incentives to shift to electric vehicles
Taxi drivers across Thailand, represented by the Thai Public Taxi Association, are petitioning the country’s transport minister for a financial incentive package to facilitate their switch to electric vehicles (EVs). Association Chairman, Sadit Jaitiang, plans to bring up this key concern during a vital meeting slated for next Friday with Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit. The meeting is expected to address…
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Pattaya floating market in hot water: Fire disaster causes millions in losses
Pattaya’s Four Regions Floating Market succumbed to a fierce inferno, causing extensive damage and leaving a financial toll of at least 50 million baht. The fire, said to have ignited at a wooden restroom building, was reported at 8.30pm yesterday, with no significant injuries or fatalities reported as of yet. Located on Sukhumvit Road, the Four Regions Floating Market was…
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Thailand makes headlines: Top 30 ranking in US News & World Report’s Best Countries List
Thailand secured a place in the top 30 of the American media company US News & World Report’s 2023 Best Countries list. The Royal Thai Embassy in Washington DC spread the good news on Facebook today drawing attention from Thai netizens and news agencies. The list was created considering each nation’s global performance in various aspects. For example, daily life…
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Gulf of Thailand spill scare: 60,000 litres of crude oil, but Chon Buri coast unharmed
The upper Gulf of Thailand has experienced a crude oil spill of 60,000 litres, however, marine ecology along the coast of Chon Buri remains unscathed, as reported by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources. Deputy Chief of the department, Apichai Ekvanakun, confirmed that the department’s teams had examined the coral reefs across five islands in the province. These islands…
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Golden gun drama: Russian tourist’s Phuket fright
A Russian woman filed a complaint to the police after a Thai man threatened her with his golden gun while hanging out at a hotel in Phuket. The Patong Police Station officers dashed to the scene and arrested the gun toting Thai man, 37 year old Kittiphum Mamark, at the hotel and seized his 9mm Beretta golden handgun and 14…
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Phuket Airport taxi turmoil: Grab’s entry drives cabbies to complain
Phuket’s International Airport taxi drivers filed an official complaint about reduced income following the inclusion of Grab as an authorized service at the airport, effective from last Friday, September 1. The complaint was submitted by Chukiat Panyawai, President of Phuket Business Car Service Cooperative Limited, to Rewat Areerob, President of Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO), on September 6. Members of…
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Tuk-tuk tiff takes a toll: Driver’s wallet lighter after spat with Indian tourists
An incident in Patong involving an altercation between a tuk tuk taxi driver and his Indian passengers concluded with the driver being fined 500 baht. This news comes from the Patong Police, who shared with the Phuket Express that a dashcam video capturing the disagreement had circulated on social media platforms earlier this week. The video seemingly depicts a group…
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Thai government’s rainy day plan: Combating drought and El Nino
Confronted with the detrimental impacts of the El Nino weather phenomenon, the Thai government is mobilising to tackle the decreasing rainfall and drought plaguing the nation’s agricultural sector, according to Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Following a special Cabinet meeting yesterday, PM Srettha highlighted the government’s commitment to the welfare of the agricultural community and the nation at large. The…
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Village head surrenders to police over involvement in lieutenant’s murder case
Praween Chanklai, also known as the village head Nok, a suspect in the murder case of Police Lieutenant Siwakorn Saibua, surrendered at Nakhon Pathom Police Station. The incident occurred at around 4.30pm yesterday, following the death of Lieutenant Siwakorn during a meal. Praween, who had a worried look on his face, refrained from commenting or interacting with a large number…
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