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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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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Myanmar raids arrest 29, uncover illegal gambling, scams
A recent operation in Myanmar’s Tachileik led to the arrest of seven Thai and 22 Myanmar nationals suspected of involvement in illegal online gambling and scams. The arrests, conducted by Myanmar’s State Administration Council (SAC), were reported by the Tachileik News Agency. From February 12 to February 14, all 29 people were detained. On February 12, the SAC apprehended the…
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Tourism surge in Pai threatens cultural identity and local harmony
Mae Hong Son‘s northern region of Thailand, known for its natural beauty and vibrant backpacking scene, faces challenges due to a surge in tourism. The district of Pai, once a serene market village surrounded by rice fields, hot springs, and rivers, has transformed into a bustling tourist destination. Its bohemian spirit, affordable lifestyle, and lively nightlife draw backpackers who often…
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Thaksin Shinawatra allowed to attend ASEAN meeting in Brunei
Thaksin Shinawatra has been granted permission by the Criminal Court to attend an ASEAN meeting in Brunei on Tuesday and Wednesday. This marks the second occasion the former prime minister is allowed to leave Thailand, following the provision of a 5-million-baht cash surety. The court, however, denied his requests to visit Vietnam and Cambodia during this period. Thaksin will be…
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Police operation rescues young foreign girls from Bangkok streets
On February 14, a police operation against panhandling in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit Road area led to the rescue of three young foreign girls. Lumphini police, alongside social workers and Ministry of Social Development and Human Security staff, conducted a sweep from Sukhumvit Soi 3 to the Asok intersection. The operation resulted in the apprehension of 13 homeless women, comprising one Thai,…
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Live casino streaming in Thailand in 2025: How providers are battling for market share
Thailand’s live casino streaming scene is really taking off in 2025. This is all thanks to some recent changes in the rules, as well as a growing appetite for online gambling. The big players in the industry are battling it out for the top spot using tactics like new technology, content tailored to local tastes, and major marketing pushes. This…
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Trump’s ‘Gold Card’ visa: A potential game-changer?
United States President Donald Trump has always sparked debate, and his recent proposal of a “gold card” visa is no different. This plan aims to create a new pathway to U.S. citizenship. The heart of the proposal is a $5 million investment in exchange for a visa, which could potentially change the landscape of U.S. immigration. The gold card visa…
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Challenges and innovations in Thailand’s education sector
Imagine sitting in a classroom where you’re expected to memorise entire textbooks, word for word. No critical thinking, no creativity—just pure repetition. Even if it sounds boring and frustrating! But you will be shocked when I tell you that that’s been the reality for many Thai students for years. But here’s the twist: education in Thailand is undergoing a major…
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Bad gift: Samut Prakan police hunt Valentine’s gold thief
The provincial police chief in Samut Prakan has ordered a manhunt for a thief who allegedly stole a gold necklace, claiming it was a gift for his girlfriend on Valentine’s Day yesterday. Police from Bang Kaew Station in Samut Prakan province responded to reports of a robbery at a gold shop located in a market behind Wat Nam Daeng in Bang…
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Thai man dies falling from tamarind tree in Udon Thani
A 65 year old man fell from a tamarind tree and died in Mueang district, Udon Thani province. Police Lieutenant Colonel Peera Rasri from the Mueang Udon Thani Police Station was notified of the accident, which occurred in the backyard of a house in Village 5, Nong Na Kham subdistrict. Medical personnel from Udon Thani Hospital and rescue volunteers from…
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Police detain 141 Myanmar migrants in Cha-am truck operation
Police in Cha-am detained over 100 Myanmar migrant workers found crammed into the back of a six-wheeled truck. The driver confessed to transporting the workers from Damnoen Saduak district to a destination in the south. The incident occurred at 10am yesterday, February 14 when Police Major Chaiyachon Arunrojrangsi of the Cha-am Police Station was setting up a checkpoint on the…
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Pattaya scrap yard inferno: Fire sparks 300K baht damage
A massive fire erupted at a scrap yard in Pattaya, causing up to 300,000 baht in damages and adding to growing air pollution concerns in the region. The Nong Prue Municipality’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department received reports of a raging fire at a scrap yard in Soi Thung Klom Tan Man 17 at 2pm on Thursday, February 13. Firefighters…
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Thai man falls from moving train in Lopburi, dies
Passengers on a train in Lopburi were startled when a man fell from a moving train and died. The incident occurred at 5.30pm yesterday, February 14, at Lopburi railway station. Police Lieutenant Thannadon Thiangsan from the Tha Hin Police Station, along with medical personnel from Ananda Mahidol Hospital and volunteers from the Por Tek Tung Foundation, were called to the…
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4-metre king cobra slithers into Chumphon woman’s kitchen
A 55 year old woman from Chumphon province was startled when a 4-metre-long king cobra, weighing over 8 kilogrammes, slithered into her kitchen while she was eating. She abandoned her meal and called emergency services for assistance. Sarawut Muangdaeng, head of the rescue unit of the Chumphon Charity Foundation in Sawi district, received a call from Jirawan, who resides at…
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Thai hospital suspends doctor amid medication sale probe
The Veterans General Hospital in Bangkok has suspended a female doctor from her medical duties amid an investigation into allegations of selling medication outside the hospital. The hospital assures a fair inquiry for all parties involved. The incident came to light when Thanadet Phengsuk, a Bangkok Member of Parliament from the People’s Party and deputy chairperson of the Military Commission, shared a…
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Pattaya’s iconic sign gets a dazzling upgrade
Pattaya City’s famous hillside sign is getting a stunning new look, with a high-tech lighting upgrade set to be completed by February 27. Deputy Mayor Manoch Nongyai recently inspected the site on Pratumnak Hill, where contractors demonstrated the state-of-the-art lighting system. “The Pattaya City sign has been a landmark for over 20 years, but time has taken its toll. This…
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Police confiscate illegal sexual enhancers worth 1.5 million baht
Police have seized and confiscated a range of sexual enhancement products branded as “Nam Phueng Pueng Pang” containing the active ingredient in Viagra, posing a potential danger to users. The operation, conducted yesterday, February 14, successfully seized items valued at over 1.5 million baht. Police Major General Pattanasak Bubpasuwan, head of the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD), led the operation…
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Azerbaijan eyes Phuket: Talks on direct flights and sister city plans
Phuket is on the radar for deeper ties with Azerbaijan. Governor Sophon Suwannarat rolled out the red carpet on Thursday, February 13, for Ambassador Elchin Rakub Ogul Bashirov of Azerbaijan at the Phuket Provincial Hall, where the two discussed ramping up diplomatic and tourism cooperation. With Phuket’s tourism boom in full swing: 13.1 million visitors raking in over 497 billion…
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Lottery fans turn to popular Facebook page for winning numbers
Lottery enthusiasts are paying close attention to the popular Facebook page Petchkla Dekchai Nam Chok for this week’s lottery guidance. The numbers for the draw tomorrow, February 16, have been revealed by the page, which has gained fame for its accurate predictions over multiple draws. For the upcoming lottery, Petchkla Dekchai Nam Chok has shared its favoured numbers for the…
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Bangkok braces for thunderstorms, high dust and hot afternoons
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts scattered thunderstorms in Bangkok and its vicinity, with cool mornings and hot, hazy afternoons. High dust levels persist. The next 24 hours will see weak high pressure over the upper northeastern region and westerly winds over the north, leading to cold mornings with fog in the north and northeast. Meanwhile, southerly and southeasterly winds…
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Most watched sports in Thailand
While Thailand may be best known for the likes of its rich cultural heritage, stunning views, and warm hospitality, it also has a thriving sports scene. There is a deep passion for traditional sports, such as Muay Thai, but there is increasing interest in international sports which are now gaining a strong following. Sports fans are now watching, and engaging,…
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Over 100 couples tie the knot in Phuket on Valentine’s Day
Romance filled the air in Phuket Town today as more than 100 couples gathered at the Mueang District Office to register their marriages in a joyful Valentine’s Day celebration. The event, which embraced love in all forms, saw couples from all backgrounds, including LGBTQIA+ partners, formalising their unions in a special ceremony. The festivities were led by Phuket District Chief…
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Thailand rolls out new tollway speed limits to enhance safety
Thailand’s transport ministry has introduced new speed limits for tollways, aiming to improve traffic flow and enhance safety. The regulation, issued under the Highway Act 1992, applies specifically to concession highways, marking the first time such roads have been subject to speed restrictions. Under the new rule, different vehicle categories must adhere to strict speed limits: Trucks over 2.2 tonnes…
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Tragic temple fire in New York kills Buddhist monk
A devastating fire tore through a Buddhist temple in The Bronx, New York City, early Wednesday morning, February 12, leaving two people dead, including a Buddhist monk. The blaze, which erupted around 6am, quickly engulfed the small temple and a neighbouring residence for monks, causing irreversible damage. FDNY Chief of Department John Esposito confirmed the tragedy. “We had fire throughout…
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Thailand’s MMA boom in 2025: How the Land of Muay Thai is embracing mixed martial arts
Thailand, long celebrated as the birthplace of Muay Thai, is experiencing a dynamic shift in its combat sports landscape. In 2025, the nation is witnessing an unprecedented surge in the popularity of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), signalling a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity in the fighting arts. Historically, Muay Thai has been the cornerstone of Thailand’s martial arts identity.…
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Drunken tourist brawl erupts in Phuket, sparks online outrage (video)
A wild street brawl involving foreign tourists outside Cafe del Mar in Kamala has set social media ablaze, reigniting debates over the type of visitors Phuket is attracting. The 1-minute, 37-second clip, shared by the โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต Facebook page today, February 14, captures the chaotic fight, with drunk tourists trading punches as stunned onlookers watched. The altercation began outside the…
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Volt-face: Volvo shifts gears with new EV offerings in Thailand
Volvo Car Thailand is gearing up for modest growth in car sales, capped at 5% this year, by revving up its appeal with fresh electric vehicle models and an innovative battery repair service. This bold strategy aims to keep long-term maintenance costs low for drivers and attract more eco-conscious consumers. Chris Wailes, managing director of Volvo Car Thailand and Malaysia,…
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Thai culture: Spiritual beliefs on social media
Thai culture is one of the most amazing cultures on Earth that you can explore because if you are connected to spirituality, this culture will amaze you. Thais have always been deeply connected to spirituality, with beliefs in ghosts, sacred rituals, and astrology. In the past, people would visit temples, consult monks, or seek fortune tellers in person, but now,…
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Thai woman found dead under tree after online gambling debts
A 22 year old woman was found dead beneath a mango tree in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, reportedly overwhelmed by debt after extensive online slot gambling. Her husband discovered her absence from their home around midday and later found her lifeless body yesterday, February 13. Police Lieutenant Colonel Suchart Rungrueng from the Thap Sakae Police Station received a report of…
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Meth haul over 50 million baht seized in Nonthaburi drug bust
A drug trafficking network was dismantled in Nonthaburi yesterday, February 13 at 3pm. The police seized a substantial haul, including 560,000 methamphetamine pills, 218 kilogrammes of crystal meth, and 3,163 ecstasy pills, valued at over 50 million baht. The arrest took place at a dormitory in the Bang Kraso subdistrict of Mueang Nonthaburi district on February 12 at 8pm. The…
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Foreign affair: Embassies huddle with RTP over trafficking drama
In a bid to untangle a complex web of human trafficking in Southeast Asia, Bangkok embassies have been summoned to the Royal Thai Police (RTP) headquarters for a crucial meeting. The agenda: sorting out who among the over 260 foreigners recently rescued from neighbouring countries are genuine victims and who might be wolves in sheep’s clothing. Under the spotlight are…
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