Thailand News
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Thailand’s delayed 2024 budget bill presented in Parliament
The delayed budget bill for this year, amounting to 3.48 trillion baht (US$101.52 billion), was presented today by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin in the House of Representatives. This event marked the start of a three-day debate among lawmakers. PM Srettha emphasised the importance of the budget to Parliament. “The budget is crucial in moving the economy forward.”…
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Thai man surrenders after stabbing his wife’s lover to death
A Thai man surrendered to the police after he stabbed the lover of his wife to death outside a convenience store in the central province of Ratchaburi. Officers from the Ban Pong Police Station were called to investigate the death of the 67 year old Thai man named Wanchai outside a convenience store in the Ban Pong district of Ratchaburi…
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Essential ascent: Despite fiscal twists, analysts predict vital goods to drive economic lift-off
Despite the financial rollercoaster, essential goods are set to expand. Analysts declare that essential goods will help boost the economy. The Thai Chamber of Commerce’s recent survey predicts a 1.5% dip in purchasing power, attributed to escalating interest rates, inflation, and the lingering pandemic hangover. Undeterred, consumers are rallying around staples like food, beverages, personal care products, household items, and…
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Thai man surrenders to police following fatal assault on girlfriend
A 34 year old man today surrendered to local police in the Nonthaburi province of Thailand, following accusations of causing fatal injuries to his girlfriend. The incident took place at the Bang Sri Mueang Police Station, where the accused, Thanawat, was interrogated by law enforcement officials. The accused was brought to the station in the early hours by his relatives.…
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Thailand’s interior ministry initiates nationwide waste bank scheme
The Ministry of Interior Thailand has launched a nationwide initiative, collaborating with 7,773 local administrative organisations (LAOs) across the country, to establish at least one waste bank in each LAO within 60 days. This scheme is part of a broader effort to improve environmental conditions and promote sustainable living among Thai citizens. Sutthipong Juljarern, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry…
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Special tactic: Thai police pays respect to buffaloes to clear road (video)
A great number of people have read the book or seen The Horse Whisperer movie, now get ready for the buffalo whisperer after a video shared by Bang Chan Police Station went viral showing a Thai officer whispering sweet nothings in the ears of two buffaloes blocking a road in Bangkok. The Horse Whisperer is a 1998 movie based on…
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Covid-19 cases skyrocket after new year holiday
As the world ushered in the new year with hope, statistics revealed a rapid surge in Covid-19 cases across Thailand, leaving experts scrambling for answers. The Covid wave is intensifying, sending shockwaves through the medical community. According to an epidemiologist from Chulalongkorn University, hospitalisations have soared by 7% compared to last week. Associate Professor Thira Woratanarat warns that respiratory problems linked…
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Surprise drug test at Phuket’s Ratsada Pier reveals shocking find
At the heart of Phuket‘s east coast, a pivotal marine tourism hub, Ratsada Pier, was the scene of a surprise drug testing operation today. The results revealed a shocking find – one out of the 18 boat captains and crew members tested had traces of drugs in their system. The harbour, also known as Rassada Harbour, is managed by Seatran…
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Thai PM gives ultimatum on Mor Chit 2 bus terminal
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin issued a stern warning to a Transport Company chief, threatening dire consequences if the Mor Chit 2 interprovincial bus terminal isn’t swiftly improved. The ultimatum comes on the heels of public outrage and scathing remarks from Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Suphanat Minchaiynunt, who exposed the terminal’s grim conditions. Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke declared yesterday, January…
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Thailand’s tourism revenue surges by 44% as new year ushers in boom
The start of the new year saw a significant boom in Thailand’s tourism sector, with a 44% spike in tourism-related revenue. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) attributes this surge to the visa-free scheme and extended entertainment hours in select provinces. Thapanee Kiatphaiboon, the Governor of TAT, revealed that the country amassed a staggering 54.4 billion baht (US$1,588,321,152) from December…
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Tying the knot with change: Thailand raises marriage age to 18 in human rights stride
The Thailand Cabinet has embraced a proposal to elevate the minimum age of marriage from 17 to 18, aligning with global human rights standards. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is spearheading this change, aiming to bring the country in line with international principles. Deputy government spokesperson Rudklao Suwankiri disclosed that amendments to the Civil and Commercial Code, along with…
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English national arrested in Phuket over violent tuk tuk altercation
A violent altercation involving a gun and a tuk tuk in Phuket led to the arrest of an English national. The incident, which occurred on the evening of January 1, involved the suspect, identified as 38 year old Jamie, hitting his co-passenger with a hidden firearm. The argument escalated within the tuk tuk while en route to a café in…
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Foreigner steals from renowned Thai designer’s store, Vatanika seeks online help (video)
Well-known fashion designer, Vatanika Patamasingha Na Ayudhaya, affectionately known as Prae, recently took to her personal Instagram account to seek help identifying a foreign man who allegedly stole glasses from her clothing store VATANIKA in Chidlom. The post, which included CCTV footage from within the store, has sparked a flurry of comments and shares across social media platforms. The 44-second…
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Export of Thai fruit faces competition from China
Deputy Commerce Minister Napintorn Srisunpang reveals a bumpy road ahead, with China’s market becoming a fierce battleground for Thai fruit exporters. In the opening 10 months of last year, Thailand exported 1.74 million tons of fruits, pocketing 174.27 billion baht. Thailand’s fruit royalty, including durians, longans, mangosteens, mangoes, and pineapples, dazzled the export scene. However, trouble lurks in the dragon’s…
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Golden blunder: Granny’s 2 million baht treasure trashed by unwitting grandkid
A 60 year old woman lost over 2 million baht in gold after it was mistakenly thrown out with the rubbish by her unaware grandchild. The fortune was later discovered by a waste collector, who initially believed it to be counterfeit. The police were involved in the recovery of the gold, and it was returned to its rightful owner. Wandee today…
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Thai vet’s estranged husband links cult and depression to shocking double suicide exit
The estranged husband of a Thai vet believes his wife committed suicide with his 12 year old daughter because she suffered from depression and her involvement in a cult that advocated peculiar rituals as a means to attain freedom. The vet’s employee, 52 year old Thaweesak Boonthawee, found the dead bodies yesterday, January 2, at his employer’s home in the eastern…
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Ko Mai Thon speedboat accident: Captain found drug positive
A speedboat collision off Mai Thon Island near Phuket on New Year’s Eve claimed the life of a five year old Russian girl, with others facing life-threatening injuries. The tragedy took a bizarre turn as reports surfaced, revealing that the 41 year old captain, currently on life support, tested positive for an amphetamine-related substance. Phuket authorities are now under scrutiny,…
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Yellow Line’s wheel deal: MRT mishap takes a detour, hits taxi, driver escapes unscathed near Bangkok
After the MRT Pink Line mishap a week ago, another train accident was reported yesterday when the wheel of an MRT Yellow Line carriage fell off and hit a taxi on Thepharak Road in Samut Prakarn province near Bangkok. Fortunately, the driver escaped any injury. Samrong Nuea Police Station officers received a report of the accident at 6.30pm yesterday, January…
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Thai Smile Bus to decommission gas vehicles, focuses on electric fleet
Thai Smile Bus (TSB) company announced its commitment to clean air and environmental sustainability with plans to decommission its entire fleet of 350 natural gas-fuelled vehicles (NGV) buses by the end of the month. Kulpornpath Wongmajarapinya, TSB Chief Executive Officer, revealed that over 95% of the NGV buses have been already phased out, including the latest batch of 58 buses…
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Thailand’s new reserves to boost tiger population
Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation set plans in motion to create new wildlife reserves in Ratchaburi and Kanchanaburi. This move is part of a broader initiative to bolster the tiger population across the western forest complex. The reserves are anticipated to serve as a link between Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Uthai Thani, and…
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Fatal accident in Ayutthaya as tyre burst leads to van crash
A tragic incident struck a passenger van when one of its tyres unexpectedly burst, leading to the vehicle colliding with a tree. This unfortunate event resulted in one fatality and several injuries. The accident transpired at 5am today on Rojana Road, en route to Ayutthaya, near both a school and a PTT petrol station. The van had been commissioned by…
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Thailand and China to implement mutual visa-free travel from March
Beginning in March, Thailand and China will roll out a mutual visa-free agreement. This arrangement means that citizens from both countries will not need to apply for visas when travelling to the other country. The scheme was announced by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin after a Cabinet meeting, and it will take effect from the first day of March. The initiative…
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Thai central investigators capture Pattani’s wanted criminal at hospital
In a successful operation, Thai central investigative officers apprehended a wanted criminal at Pattani Hospital in Mueang, Pattani, on January 1. The 33 year old suspect, identified as Manase, was arrested based on a warrant issued by the Pattani Provincial Court. The charges levied against him include conspiracy to attempt murder on officers, obstruction of officers performing their duties, possession…
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Thailand tourism soars with 28 million visitors in 2023, dominated by Malaysia and China
A surge in international tourism has been witnessed in Thailand, with the Thai Minister of Tourism and Sports, Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, disclosing that over 28 million foreign tourists graced the country in 2023. This massive inflow of tourists contributed to an impressive income of over 1.2 trillion baht (US$35 billion). The leading countries, from where these tourists hailed, were Malaysia, with…
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Horrifying domestic incident in Udon Thani village leaves woman with multiple wounds
A horrifying domestic incident unfolded yesterday in the village of Ban Na Chum Saeng, Udon Thani province of Thailand. The victim 53 year old Nongyao, was assaulted by her husband, 55 year old Boonruang, resulting in nine wounds on her neck and three on the back of her head. The incident was reported by Veeraphon Raksa Meruang, an admin of a…
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EXAT officer under fire for offensive new year Facebook post
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) punished an officer for insulting drivers who use expressways for free during the new year holiday by calling them “dogs.” The Facebook post of the officer, whose identity was not revealed, went viral on Thai social media on December 31. In the post, the female officer included a picture of a new year party…
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Weather alert: Thailand bracing for cold snap and heavy southern rainfall
Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a cold weather warning across the country, with foggy conditions expected in the morning. The southern region continues to experience severe flooding due to heavy rainfall in eight provinces. The level of airborne dust particles remains significantly high due to weak winds, resulting in poor air ventilation. A high-pressure area or cold air mass covers…
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Eight new Thai airlines set to launch amid anticipated travel recovery
This year, eight new Thai airlines are set for take off, anticipating a continued recovery in leisure travel and anticipating around 35 million foreign tourists. Among them is Cool Airlines, which intends to provide scheduled services on medium to long-haul international routes. This comes following approval from the Ministry of Transport for operating licenses, as stated by the Civil Aviation…
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Thai woman and Lao man shot dead at Isaan petrol station
Police are searching for a ruthless gunman who shot dead a Thai woman and Lao man at a petrol station in the Isaan province of Nakhon Panom. Security cameras at the scene where the two victims worked were out of order. The deaths of the 33 year old Lao man, Prommajak Sisupha, and 50 year old Thai woman, Witchuda Sisuming,…
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71 year old groom’s lavish wedding to 32 year old bride stirs debate
An unconventional wedding between a 71 year old groom and his 32 year old bride recently sparked a stir on Chinese social media. The groom’s generosity during the wedding a dowry worth almost 600,000 baht – and the striking age gap of nearly 40 years between the couple has triggered widespread speculation about their motivations for marriage. The ceremony took…
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