News
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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Foreign man caught stealing shoes and umbrella outside Phuket salon
A foreign man was caught on CCTV footage stealing shoes and an umbrella left outside a salon in Phuket yesterday, November 19. The owner of a salon in the Ratsada sub-district of Phuket shared the security camera footage of the theft with the Newshawk Phuket Facebook page. The salon owner had temporarily closed the shop to run a personal errand…
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Singaporean scam suspect caught hiding in Isaan village
A Singaporean man wanted for his role in a Cambodia-based scam was arrested in northeastern Thailand, where he was found hiding at his Thai wife’s home. The suspect, 32 year old Eng Sie, also known as Brian, was apprehended in Dong Lan subdistrict, Si Chompu district, Khon Kaen province. Officers from the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) tracked him down…
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Hong Kong man arrested in Bangkok for call centre scam and drug possession
Police arrested a man from Hong Kong for operating a call centre scam and possessing drugs at his home in Lat Krabang, Bangkok, on Tuesday, November 18. Officers from the Metropolitan Police Bureau raided a house on Soi Lat Krabang 1ก/7, where the Hong Kong suspect, Tsai Chun-Ming, was identified as the homeowner. Tsai was wanted following a complaint by…
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Pattaya performers scammed as organisers vanish with 430k
A comedy troupe and musicians were left high and dry in Pattaya after a fake event organiser disappeared with over 430,000 baht intended for their fees, prompting a police investigation. The incident unfolded on Tuesday, November 18, near the entrance of Soi Khao Talo, where an outdoor concert was due to feature popular comedian Foy Thong Chuen Yim, young singer…
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Chinese tourist dies in budget hostel Bali after Suspected pesticide poisoning
Indonesia – A backpacking trip to Bali ended in tragedy for a 25-year-old Chinese tourist found dead in her hostel bunk. What began as a dream holiday turned into a nightmare at a budget accommodation in the popular Canggu district. Deqing Zhuoga was staying at the Clandestino Hostel, known for its $9-a-night rates. The hostel is now the focus of…
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Thailand crowned world’s best food destination in 2025
Thailand has been crowned the world’s best country for food, after a global survey revealed what travellers really crave: bold flavours and unforgettable dishes. Condé Nast Traveller, a prestigious US-based travel magazine, has named Thailand the No.1 country for food in its annual Readers’ Choice Awards 2025. Scoring a near-perfect 98.33 out of 100, Thailand wowed voters with its bold…
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Thailand video news | Teen saved from Ayutthaya bridge jump, Russian suspect arrested in Bangkok over 12-million-baht scam
In Thailand video news, Alex brings updates from across Thailand and Southeast Asia. Today’s stories feature a police rescue in Ayutthaya, an on-stage fall involving Miss Universe Jamaica in Thailand, and a light-hearted hitchhiking moment that sent a British TikToker viral. Teen saved from Ayutthaya bridge jump Two Ayutthaya police officers rushed to stop a 15-year-old boy from jumping off…
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Thailand plans to extend civil servants’ retirement age from 60 to 65
The government plans to extend the retirement age for all civil servants from 60 to 65 in response to declining birth rates and the country’s transition to an ageing society. Deputy Prime Minister for Legal Affairs, Bowornsak Uwanno, discussed the progress of the study on extending the retirement age for civil servants, as assigned by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Bowornsak…
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Wife arrested for shooting husband over ‘throuple’ relationship request
A 60 year old woman shot her 35 year old husband in Nakhon Pathom yesterday, November 19, after he returned to his ex-wife and asked her to accept a throuple relationship. Police from Nakhon Chai Si Police Station responded to reports of a shooting at a house in Soi Khun Kaew 10, Khun Kaew sub-district, where they found the injured…
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Phuket MP demands action over forestland grab scandal
A Phuket MP has called on officials to investigate the illegal construction of buildings on protected forestland after claims of encroachment surfaced. Phuket’s forestland is under fresh scrutiny as Members of Parliament call for a full investigation into illegal construction encroaching on protected public land and animal pastures at Laem Phromthep. At a press conference held at Parliament yesterday, November…
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American tourist on drugs leaps from Pattaya condo balcony
An American tourist in Pattaya was seriously injured after leaping from a second-floor balcony while allegedly under the influence of hallucinogenic drugs. The incident occurred around 8.16am on Tuesday, November 18, at a condominium on Soi Thapphaya 7. Rescue workers from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation rushed to the scene after receiving reports of a man falling from the building.…
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Thailand may delay decision on scrapping Cambodia border pacts
A Thai House committee reviewing controversial border MoUs with Cambodia is seeking more time to decide whether to recommend their cancellation. A parliamentary committee tasked with reviewing two controversial memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between Thailand and Cambodia is requesting a 30-day extension as it struggles to sift through a mountain of evidence. The current deadline is December 3, but committee…
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Indian gang arrested in Pattaya online gambling condo sting
Five Indian men were arrested in Pattaya after police raided a condominium where they were allegedly running an illegal online gambling operation. Immigration police, led by Police Colonel Napaspong Khositsuriyamani and Police Lieutenant Colonel Kawinwat Arayasutirawong, raided the property on Thepprasit Soi 17 in the Nong Prue area of Bang Lamung district. The bust followed intelligence reports that a group…
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Chilly blast hits Thailand as monsoon brings storms south
A cold spell is sweeping across Thailand as a powerful high-pressure system brings strong winds, falling temperatures and stormy seas to several regions. A strong high-pressure system from China is extending over upper Thailand, triggering a cold snap across the north, northeast, and parts of the south. Morning temperatures are dipping sharply, particularly in northern regions, where residents woke up…
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Thailand opens doors to inclusive tourism with Taiwan visit
Thailand welcomed a group of Taiwanese travellers with mobility disabilities for a five-day pilot tour, aiming to promote the country as an inclusive destination. The initiative is part of a pilot programme led by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in partnership with the Association of Thai Travel Agents. The group, hailing from FLOW, Inc., a Taiwanese social enterprise that…
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Police investigate death of woman found on beach in Prachuap Khiri Khan
Police are investigating the death of a Thai woman whose body was discovered on Laem Kum Beach in the Thap Sakae district of Prachuap Khiri Khan province on Monday, November 17. Officers from Thap Sakae Police Station were alerted at around 12.30pm after reports of a body discovered roughly 500 metres from Rocky Point Resort. When police arrived, they found…
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Police rescue teenage boy from suicide attempt on Ayutthaya bridge
Two police officers stepped in to save a 15 year old boy from a suicide attempt on a bridge in Ayutthaya province yesterday, November 18. Police Senior Sergeant Major Itsara Samakrob and Police Lance Corporal Thanachai Thianthong were dispatched to a bridge in the Pratu Chai district after receiving a report about a suicide attempt. At the scene, officers found…
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Phuket tattoo artist says Australian client skipped 15,000 baht bill
A tattoo artist in Patong, Phuket, has accused an Australian man of failing to pay for a completed tattoo session worth 15,000 baht, after making an initial deposit. The incident occurred on November 18 at Dragon Ink Patong Phuket tattoo studio. The artist shared photos of the man across multiple Facebook groups to warn other businesses in the area. In…
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Thai budget deficit dips by 8.4% as economy stumbles on
Thailand’s Cabinet approved a new fiscal plan projecting reduced budget deficit and increased spending, aiming to stabilise the economy amid weak growth. Thailand’s government has announced an 8.4% reduction in the national budget deficit for the 2027 fiscal year, signalling a cautious step towards stabilising public finances amid a sluggish economy. Yesterday, November 18, the Cabinet approved a medium-term fiscal…
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Miss Teen Cambodia contestant accuses Thailand of starting war (video)
A Miss Teen Cambodia contestant sparked controversy when she tearfully accused Thailand of provoking conflict during a speech at a national pageant event. The woman accused Thailand of instigating conflict and demanding the return of 18 Cambodian soldiers. The moment unfolded during the pageant finals and was later uploaded to TikTok by the account @queencambodiaofficial_17. The video, which quickly went…
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PM Anutin denies bending jail rules to help Thaksin
Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has denied accusations that his government amended prison regulations to help a former leader avoid jail or aid political allies. Speaking to reporters at Government House today, November 19, Anutin, also leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, defended changes relating to inmate medical transfers, sentence suspensions, and alternative detention arrangements. Critics suggested the revisions were politically…
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Thailand pushes sustainable gem industry with GIT standard programmes
The Gem and Jewellery Institute of Thailand, or GIT, has launched a new national initiative to advance Thailand’s position as a global hub for sustainable gem and jewellery production. The programme, titled Thailand Towards a World Sustainable Gem and Jewellery Hub, aims to help SMEs meet international standards in sustainability, governance, and environmental responsibility as global trade rules continue to…
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Police clarify viral bribe video is from 2019, officer dismissed
The Metropolitan Police Bureau clarified that the viral video showing a police officer demanding a bribe at the Morchit Bus Terminal in Bangkok was old footage from 2019, and the officer in question had already been dismissed from duty. Recently, former Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, accused more than 200 police officers of…
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Bangkok Remand Prison chief axed after misconduct scandal
A Bangkok prison director was removed from his post after a raid revealed staff misconduct, prompting the Ministry of Justice to launch an internal investigation. The Ministry of Justice has transferred the director of Bangkok Remand Prison following a surprise inspection that uncovered staff involvement in illegal activities. The move is part of a broader effort to ensure transparency and…
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Bangkok Bank courts the rich with no-forex travel card
Bangkok Bank (BBL) is targeting high-net-worth clients with a new travel card and a credit card strategy that prioritises assets over income to drive growth. The bank is focusing its credit card strategy on high-net-worth individuals with assets under management (AUM) of at least 10 million baht. BBL, led by executive vice-president Shoke Na Ranong, is now prioritising applicants’ AUM over…
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Newborn baby girl’s body found dumped near Bangkok railway
A newborn’s body was discovered near a railway in Bangkok, shocking residents and prompting police to launch an urgent investigation to find the person responsible. The discovery was made yesterday, November 18, in a banana grove at the end of Wutthakat Soi 3, close to the railway tracks. Police Lieutenant Sirote Khayankan, deputy inspector of Talat Phlu Police Station, responded…
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Customer accuses Michelin-starred Jay Fai of poor service, bias
Jay Fai, a one-Michelin-star restaurant in Bangkok, is facing renewed criticism after a customer alleged she was denied entry and told to “mind her manners” for arriving before her dining companions. A Thai woman shared a video online documenting her experience at the restaurant, which she claimed demonstrated poor customer service. She called on others to stop supporting the venue…
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Key flight routes cancelled in Thailand, including at Suvarnabhumi
Several flights were cancelled at major Thai airports, including Suvarnabhumi, causing travel disruption for passengers on domestic and international routes. Travellers across Thailand have been hit by a wave of unexpected flight cancellations, causing widespread disruption at Udon Thani, Phuket, and Suvarnabhumi airports. The cancellations, affecting both domestic and international routes, have left passengers scrambling for alternative arrangements. At Udon…
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Thailand video news | Thai woman dies after forced squats in Cambodia scam, Thailand declares five native cat breeds national pet treasures
In Thailand video news, Alex and Jay bring you updates from across Thailand and Southeast Asia. Today’s stories cover the death of a Thai woman forced to work in a Cambodian scam centre, an American tourist suffering a painful reaction to a black henna tattoo in Bangkok, and a Thai influencer facing criticism after filming a disrespectful clip near Mount…
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Aussie journalist faces Thai trial over Malaysia blog posts
An Australian journalist living in Thailand will face trial after publishing blog posts criticising Malaysia, prompting legal action and international concern. Murray Hunter will stand trial in Thailand on December 22 after being charged with defamation over articles critical of the Malaysian government. The 64 year old Aussie, who resides in Hat Yai, faces prosecution following a complaint lodged by…
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