Thailand News
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How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
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ESG Scoring pioneered by Thailand’s GSB for large business loan approvals
In a first for Thailand, the Government Savings Bank (GSB) is revolutionising its loan approval process. Chief executive Vitai Ratanakorn shared that GSB will introduce environmental, social and governance (ESG) scoring when deciding loans for sizeable businesses, requiring a credit limit of 500 million baht or more. This ESG scoring pioneering model aims to incentivise companies to contribute positively to…
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Thailand’s smartphone market holds promise despite economic strain
In these difficult financial times, Thailand’s smartphone market still carries incredible potential for device makers, particularly in high-end models, despite reduced support of handset subsidies by mobile operators, according to Oppo, a leading Chinese smartphone maker. With a market value exceeding 100 billion baht, Thailand’s smartphone market is regarded as a gem within Southeast Asia. The Senior Executive Vice-President at…
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Thai entrepreneur couple found dead in their home, baffling Nakhon Ratchasima community
The dead bodies of a Thai entrepreneur couple, with a gripping rags-to-riches tale, were found on their home turf after having been out of touch for four days. A time-stamped 4pm report confirmed the event unfolded yesterday in the Nakhon Ratchasima district, northern Thailand. The shocking discovery of a Thai entrepreneur couple, aged 48 and 43 years old respectively, came…
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Thai Android users lose money in ThaID app scam orchestrated via SMS
In an emerging threat to privacy and finances, Android smartphone users in Thailand are being entangled in a sophisticated cyber scam. Orchestrated through the pretence of updating the mobile app ThaID, the scammers acquire remote control of the victim’s phones, enabling them to steal funds. The Department of Provincial Administration (DPA) notified the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) of this…
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Food allergy: Thai woman’s severe reaction to buffet lunch prompts food safety warning
After eating at a well-known buffet, a woman suffered severe food allergy reactions. She took to TikTok to recount her ordeal, warning others of the potential risks associated with consuming food from such establishments, and calling for businesses to exercise more caution regarding food safety. The woman posted a video on TikTok. She said… “That this incident won’t happen to…
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Car fire: Luxury vehicle bursts into flames on Bhumibol Bridge, family escapes unharmed
A prestigious factory owner and his family barely escaped when their luxury vehicle spontaneously caught fire on the Bhumibol Bridge. The car fire incident took place while the man was driving his wife and three children home from a shopping centre. The entire car was scorched when the fire took hold, however, incredibly, there were no injuries. An investigator from…
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Thai police net 966 in nationwide operation against illegal firearms
In a month-long nationwide operation spanning from July 1, Thai police have succeeded in apprehending 966 individuals and seizing a notable amount of illegal firearms and ammunition. The operation’s deputy leader, Police General Torsak Sukwimol, delivered an update on the progress on Sunday. As of July 21, officers have sought out 1,658 targets across the country, netting nearly a thousand…
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Thai court mandates repositioning of wild elephant within 15 days
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) of Thailand is facing a new directive from the Nakhon Si Thammarat Administrative Court. The court ruling mandates the capture and repositioning of a wandering wild elephant known as “Phlai Chao Nga” within a stringent time frame of 15 days. The wandering pachyderm had ventured away from Tai Rom Yen…
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Thai waste segregation campaign saves 127.8 million baht in 5 months
The recent waste segregation campaign aimed at advocating for the proper segregation of household rubbish seems to be reaping rewards in Thailand, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). Aekvarunyoo Amarapala, a spokesperson for the BMA, revealed over the weekend that the last five months saw a considerable decrease in both the amount of garbage making its way to the…
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Ban Pong police raid pubs for underage drinking and drug violations
A thorough investigation has been instigated by Ratchaburi Provincial Police against five high-ranking officers stationed at Ban Pong police station, in light of a raid at two unauthorised pubs supposed to have allowed entry of teenagers, underage drinking, and drug consumption. The raid, initiated in the small hours of yesterday, resulted in the arrest of Thanawat Wijitcharasakul, aged 30 and…
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University students’ protest ignites over senators’ role
Activists comprising mainly students, as well as supporters of the Move Forward Party (MFP), held protests at the Kasetsart University, situated in the Bang Khen district of Bangkok, yesterday evening. The protests sparked from the increasing tension and anger against the seemingly prominent role individuals appointed as senators hold in the prolonged political disturbance of the country. This rally was…
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Thailand’s yearly military reshuffle may be delayed due to coalition government
In light of the formation of an impending coalition government, Thailand’s yearly military reshuffle might be subjected to a delay, as revealed by Prayut Chan-o-cha, who is concurrently serving as the Defence Minister and Prime Minister. His announcement was made on Friday, upon the closure of a Defence Council session. Expressing uncertainty about the timing of the reshuffle, Prayut said…
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Bangkok police shut illegal beauty clinic attracting foreign clients
In a decisive move against illegal medical practices in Thailand, police have shut down an illicit beauty clinic operating without authorisation in the Ekamai region of Bangkok. The unapproved facility, CCoco Beauty Clinic, was found operating on Thursday and immediately closed based on reports from the Department of Health Service Support. The entity of the clinic was discovered to be…
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Thai political parties resist joining Pheu Thai-led coalition
The political landscape in Thailand recently witnessed a dramatic event as Bhumjaithai, United Thai Nation, the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), and Chartthaipattana took a united stance against joining a Pheu Thai-led coalition. Their refusal hinged on one critical determinant – the participation of the Move Forward Party (MFP) in the coalition. Bhumjaithai’s leading figure, Anutin Charnvirakul, revealed the party’s solid…
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Former monk arrested for 10 million baht fraud through online religious artefact shop
Police arrested a former monk for defrauding people of over 10 million baht through his online religious artefact shop. His illicit proceeds were used for everyday needs, online gambling, and to rent accommodation for hiding. The arrest occurred near a bustling night market in the Phang Khon district of the northeast Sakon Nakhon province. Warakorn Kongu-tit, a 46 year old…
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Undocumented foreign workers caught in East Thailand: Illegal entry attempt foiled
Police in Chanthaburi, East Thailand, apprehended six undocumented foreign workers attempting to enter the country illegally. This action took place amid a nationwide crackdown in response to a directive by the Ministry of Labour, allowing for the registration of foreign labourers in the country. The apprehended individuals were caught following a high-speed pursuit. Under the command of Superintendent Khemarin Phitsamai…
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Mosquito mayhem: Dengue fever cases surge in Loei province, Thailand
Faced with a significant surge in dengue Fever cases, health officials from Thailand’s northeastern province of Loei have issued an urgent appeal for residents to exercise caution and intensify efforts to eradicate mosquito breeding sites. The province has reported 462 cases of the disease, with several patients requiring hospitalisation. Chanachai Bunyu, a leading provincial health official, disclosed that the ongoing…
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Tragedy in northern Thailand as durian picker loses life in perilous hillside fall
An incident in northern Thailand left locals in a state of shock, highlighting the dangers endured by durian pickers navigating treacherous terrain. Tragedy struck a community when a woman lost her life and her devastated son could do nothing but grieve. The disaster unfolded within a durian orchard in Laplae district, situated on the challenging hillside terrains of the northern…
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Tiktok user’s stunning story reveals funeral fiasco: The ‘not-so-dead’ elderly man
In a captivating twist of events, a TikTok user, going by the handle ‘Sellpae phopping,’ shared a remarkable tale of an elderly man who was mistakenly believed to be dead and had an already planned funeral. However, the story took an unexpected turn when it became clear that it was all a misunderstanding. Despite facing numerous challenges after a severe…
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Heartbreaking twist: Thai man discovers coworker’s lifeless body in truck, links it to son’s tragic death
A Thai man who discovered the lifeless body of his 29 year old coworker in the back of a truck parked in the Soi Tessaban Bang Pu 80 in the Samut Prakarn province near Bangkok believes that the dead man committed suicide because his son died. Amid the heart-wrenching cries of relatives and coworkers, Police Lieutenant Colonel Thertphum Duangprathum, deputy…
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MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat hailed as politician of the year in E-Saan Poll
The leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP) was hailed politician of the year according to an E-Saan Poll. The survey was compiled by the E-Saan Centre for Business and Economic Research (ECBER) of the Faculty of Management Science, Khon Kaen University, in the Isaan province of Khon Kaen. The annual “Rewards of E-Saan” poll aims to gauge the sentiments…
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Historic temple’s deja vu disaster: Second blaze ravages Wat Ratchabantom in Ayutthaya
As a blaze ravaged the 400 year old Wat Ratchabantom temple in Ayutthaya Province for the second time, the rear roof structure of its chapel, the principal Buddha statue, and various other sacred artefacts suffered significant damage. Police are currently investigating the cause of the fire, which broke out yesterday following a previous blaze. The inferno yet again erupted in the…
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Lottery quota scam: Investor dupes 10+ people, swindles staggering 40 million baht
In a dramatic turn of events, a business investor recently scammed over 10 people out of a staggering 40 million baht (US$1,166,180) through a lottery quota sale tactic. The victims gathered to present the case to Bangkok’s Central Investigation Bureau earlier today, hoping to expedite the search for the fraudulent businessman, known as “Sia Mo,” who is now on the…
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Tyre-rifying mishap: Pickup truck reverses over 5 year old, leaves tyre marks on his back
In a distressing incident in the northern province of Chaing Rai, a pickup truck reversed over a five year old boy, leaving tyre marks on the young victim’s back. The incident took place on Monday, July 17, at approximately 4.30pm when 54 year old Aryo Wuimae drove his pickup into Mae Yao Wittaya School premises to pick up his child.…
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Jackson Wang-demonium’ shakes Bangkok airport: Nine IB officers transferred for causing chaos
The Immigration Bureau (IB) announced the transfer of nine IB police officers after the hapless officers caused chaos at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok while fans lined up to see Hong Kong rapper, Jackson Wang. On Tuesday night, July 18, hundreds of Thai fans gathered at Suvarnabhumi Airport to welcome their beloved idol, Jackson Wang, who arrived in Thailand to…
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Thailand sees ten-year high in new business registrations, surpasses projections
The Business Development Department of Thailand’s Commerce Ministry reported an exceedance of its new business registration projections for the first half of the year. The original estimate of 42,000 to 45,000 new registrations translated to a practical figure of 47,286. A positive development which signals a thriving entrepreneurial climate. This buoyant climate has encouraged an upward revision of predictions for…
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Thai Smile Airways’ turbulent tiff: Passenger’s ‘left-behind’ fiasco halts takeoff in Chiang Mai (video)
A Thai Smile Airways flight had to make an emergency stop as it taxied down the runway after a foreign passenger demanded the plane returned to the terminal gate so he could pick up his left behind valuables at Chiang Mai International Airport. A Thai TikTok user, bandzlam, shared a video of the incident when a foreign man urged a…
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Fiery accident on Ayutthaya overpass leaves car ablaze after collision with 18-wheeler
A traumatic accident occurred in the early hours of this morning, as a sudden brake from an 18-wheeler led to a fiery collision on an overpass in the central Ayutthaya province. north of Bangkok. The vehicle crashing into the trailer was a passenger car unable to brake in time, resulting in an intense fire. Upon investigation at the scene, it…
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Road collapse: Residents demand quick compensation after elevated road project mishap
Prompted by the destructive downfall of a chunk of an elevated road project on Luang Phaeng Road situated in the Lat Krabang district on July 10, residents are fervently appealing to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) for a swift distribution of compensation and other financial aid post the unfortunate road collapse. A portion of the On Nut-Lat Krabang elevated road…
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Motorbike accident: Young woman dies, another critically injured in a fatal collision near Bangkok University
A tragic motorbike accident resulted in the death of a 23 year old woman, with another critically injured when their motorbike crashed head-on with a fully laden bus on Phaholyothin Road in Khlong Luang district, Pathum Thani, close to Bangkok University. In a hair-raising account, the bus driver recounted the moment the motorbike suddenly veered into his path at about…
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