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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Close call: Buffalo rescued from deep well in Chon Buri (video)
A dramatic rescue unfolded yesterday when villagers banded together to save a buffalo named Mam, who had fallen into a deep well in Chon Buri province. The incident drew significant attention as the distressed animal, weighing over 500 kilogrammes, found itself trapped 7 metres below ground. The emergency unfolded at around 6.30pm, yesterday, December 10, when the Sawang Het Ban…
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Thai company accused of 3 billion baht condo scam
A financial scandal involving a company accused of deceiving people into buying condominiums has left victims in debt amounting to 3 billion baht. Pavena Hongsakul, chairperson of the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women, accompanied 70 victims to submit a formal request for investigation to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) yesterday, December 10. The victims, representing over 200 affected…
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Buriram abbot denies misconduct and firearm possession
Accusations against a revered abbot in Buriram province have emerged, involving inappropriate conduct and possession of a firearm within a temple. The abbot, however, firmly denies all allegations, asserting his innocence and urging Buddhist officials to investigate the claims thoroughly. Residents of Chorakhe Mak in Prakhon Chai district expressed concerns about the abbot’s alleged behaviours, which include sending explicit video…
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High stakes: Phuket cops bust illegal gambling ring with big names
Phuket police apprehended 14 individuals involved in an illegal gambling operation in Ratsada. Among those arrested were the wife of a local politician, the wife of a police officer, and a lawyer. Police acted on a tip-off, leading them to the property at 64/16 Soi Karn Keha 5. Officers arrived at 6.30pm yesterday, December 10 and surrounded the single-story house.…
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Airline industry poised to surpass US$1 trillion despite delays
The global airline industry anticipates surpassing US$1 trillion in revenue due to record passenger numbers, despite facing significant challenges in acquiring new aircraft, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Issues with Boeing and Airbus have caused delivery delays, impeding airlines‘ ability to upgrade their fleets with more efficient planes that could reduce fuel expenses while accommodating increased passenger…
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Myanmar man arrested in Thailand for fake visa stamp
Immigration police in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya apprehended a 23 year old Myanmar national for presenting a passport with a fake visa stamp. This arrest highlights the ongoing challenges of managing immigration and the use of counterfeit documents. The Burmese man, Min Thu Ko, was arrested on Monday, December 9 at the Immigration Office in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya when he…
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Thailand targets luxury and niche tourism for growth boost
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is setting its sights on four niche tourism markets for the upcoming year: wellness, luxury experiences, sports tourism, and honeymoons. This strategic focus aims to tap into the burgeoning trend of high-spending and luxury tourism, with the agency planning to introduce exclusive events across the country. According to Chiravadee Khunsub, the Deputy Governor for…
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Thai gambling boss attacks reporter during police questioning (video)
A notorious online gambling site owner recently attacked a reporter during police questioning, further intensifying the ongoing investigation into his criminal activities. The incident occurred yesterday, December 10, at Chaiyapruek Police Station in Nonthaburi, following the arrest of the suspect. The suspect, 38 year old Chakkrik Philaowan, has been under scrutiny for allegedly assaulting a 24 year old employee, identified…
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Charity dinner in Hua Hin to raise funds for impoverished children
Hands Across the Water, an Australian charity established to support victims of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, is hosting a charity dinner to raise funds for a commemorative charity run. The run, initiated by the charity’s founder, Peter Baines, began on December 1 and is set to conclude on December 26, marking the 20th anniversary of the devastating tragedy that…
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Moo Deng unharmed by tissue dropped by monkey, says zoo (video)
Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri province has clarified the circumstances surrounding an incident involving Moo Deng, Thailand’s famous pygmy hippo, and a piece of tissue paper. Concerns arose after a video surfaced online showing Moo Deng sniffing and chewing on the tissue, prompting worries about her health. Speculation initially suggested that a zoo visitor had dropped the tissue…
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Explosion leads to house fire rescue in Bangkok’s Yannawa district
A loud explosion startled residents who initially thought school students were causing a commotion, only to discover a raging fire engulfing a two-storey house. The urgency to save two women trapped inside heightened as they were unable to escape due to barred windows. At 2.10am yesterday, December 10, Somkriat Jaitrong, an investigator from Thung Mahamek Police Station, received a report…
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High school student fatally stabs junior at Sattahip school
A tragic incident unfolded in Sattahip, Chon Buri as police located a high school student from a prominent private school suspected of fatally stabbing a younger student. The altercation, which began as a challenge and escalated into a physical confrontation, ended with the first-year student succumbing to his injuries after being stabbed in the back. Police officers, including Thanaphon Klin…
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Teenagers mistakenly attack park officials at Ngao Waterfall
Eighteen teenagers riding nine motorbikes launched an attack intended for rivals from another district but mistakenly targeted park officials at Ngao Waterfall in Ranong, causing injuries to two officers. The incident unfolded when a 16 year old gunman confessed following the attack, which occurred yesterday, December 10, at 9.30pm. The chaos erupted when officers from Ngao Waterfall National Park were…
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Armed attack at Prachin Buri grilled chicken shop leaves three dead
A violent incident unfolded in Prachin Buri, Central Thailand, when a man in a frenzied state attacked a local grilled chicken shop, resulting in three fatalities. This alarming event has led police to conduct a thorough investigation to uncover the motive behind the attack. The perpetrator, identified as 38 year old Surath, also known as Jack, initially stormed a shop…
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Cyber police arrest woman for illegal money lending in Thailand
Cyber police conducted swooped to arrest a 33 year old woman involved in an illegal online money lending operation, charging exorbitant daily interest rates of 2,000 baht. She confessed, and substantial evidence was found at the scene. The operation unfolded yesterday, December 10, when police from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau led by Trairong Phiwpan and Wiwat Kamchamnan, instructed Phumiphat…
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Bodyslam singer hits the right note for cancer care in Phuket
The lead singer from popular Thai band Bodyslam is set to headline a charity concert in Phuket, aiming to raise 290 million baht for a new cancer-treatment centre at Vachira Phuket Hospital. This announcement was made during a press conference at the Phuket Merlin Hotel, with Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat and the singer, Artiwara Kongmalai, present. The concert is scheduled…
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Northern Thailand warms as southern provinces face heavy rain
A weather forecast from the Thai Meteorological Department today highlights drastic changes across the country. The northern regions face rising temperatures, while the south prepares for heavy downpours affecting nine provinces, with sea waves exceeding 2 metres. The current weather patterns indicate that a moderate high-pressure system or cool air mass covering upper Thailand and the South China Sea is…
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Thai parties unite to block anti-coup legislation
A political debate is brewing in Thailand as the United Thai Nation Party (UTN) and the opposition Palang Pracharat Party (PPRP) firmly rejected a proposed legislative amendment to prevent future military coups. The bill, drafted by Prayut Siripanich, a Member of Parliament from the ruling Pheu Thai Party, seeks to alter the Defence Ministry Administration Act. Akradet Wongpitakroj, a spokesperson…
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Busted in Bangkok: Undie-cover cops quash gay shindig rumours
In an eyebrow-raising update from Bangkok’s bustling Sukhumvit 31 stretch, police quashed rumours of a cover-up in an outrageous gay underwear bash that involved drugs but no glittering celebrity attendees. Police Major General Wittawat Chinkam, Metropolitan Police Bureau 5 chief, yesterday, December 10, convened a nearly two-hour session to dissect the scandal involving a group of gay men who threw…
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Actions speak louder: Police save mute woman from suicide near Pattaya
In the early hours of yesterday, quick-thinking police officers near Pattaya turned silent gestures into a powerful rescue mission to save a mute woman from committing suicide, proving actions truly speak louder than words. At 4.30am, yesterday, December 10, a critical call came in about a potential suicide near the busy Sukhumvit Road in the Sattahip district of Chon Buri.…
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Construction firm accused of 30 million baht fraud
A group of disgruntled individuals, led by Thammanun Tangtim, known as King of Saphan Mai, filed a complaint against a construction company owner for allegedly abandoning projects and withholding employee salaries, resulting in damages exceeding 30 million baht. The incident took place yesterday, December 9, at the Crime Suppression Division on Phahonyothin Road. Phrae, a former employee whose full name…
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Police in Bangkok arrest suspect, seize firearms in gambling case
Police in Nonthaburi apprehended a suspect linked to a notorious gambling website, seizing a cache of firearms and ammunition in the process. The arrest underscores ongoing efforts to bring the site’s elusive owner to justice, following a violent incident involving the website’s admin. Police moved swiftly to arrest 22 year old Natthaphong Kosasaeng, at a car park in Royal Mansion,…
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Thailand aims for 3.4 trillion baht tourism revenue by 2025
Thailand is setting its sights on a tourism boom with a newly launched strategy aimed at bolstering both international and domestic travel. With the tourism sector generating a substantial 1.892 trillion baht (US$56 billion) in 2023, the government is now targeting an impressive 3.4 trillion baht (US$100 billion) in revenues by 2025, aspiring to welcome over 40 million international visitors.…
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Beauty queen scammed out of 4 million baht by cyber criminals
Charlotte Austin, a beauty queen affiliated with Miss Grand Thailand, has reportedly fallen victim to a scam by a cybercriminal gang, resulting in a loss of 4 million baht. The perpetrators allegedly coerced her into a continuous 24-hour video call. The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) is currently investigating the incident but has not yet been able to contact Charlotte…
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Temperatures rise in Thailand, heavy rain persists in the south
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a forecast indicating a rise in temperatures across Thailand today, with increases of 1 to 2 degrees Celsius expected. However, the southern region will continue to experience heavy rainfall in some areas. The weather forecast for the next 24 hours reveals that the moderate high-pressure system or cold air mass currently covering the…
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Finnish man falls to death from 11th floor in Pattaya
A tragic incident unfolded at a condominium in Pattaya, when a 52 year old Finnish national fell from the 11th floor, dying from the impact. The shocking incident, known and insensitively named throughout Thailand as The Pattaya Flying Club, occurred shortly after midnight today, December 10, leaving witnesses and responders stunned. Police Lieutenant Manasak Polyeam of Pattaya City Police Station…
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Chon Buri MP’s father shot at rice porridge shop, suspect sought
A gunman targeted Sakda Nopsit, the father of a Chon Buri MP, leaving him seriously injured. The police have launched an investigation to track down the suspect. The incident occurred yesterday, December 9, at a rice porridge shop in Samet, Mueang Chon Buri. The police, led by Thanaphong Photi and accompanied by a team of investigators and Tri Khunnatham rescue…
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Driver hospitalised after pickup hits power pole in Bang Lamung
A driver found himself in hospital care after his pickup truck collided with a power pole in Bang Lamung. The incident occurred at 4.30pm, yesterday, December 9, in Soi Takean Tia, drawing emergency responders to the scene promptly. Upon arrival, they discovered a heavily damaged pickup truck entangled with a power pole, which had also suffered significant damage. The area…
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Thai crew’s fate uncertain as Myanmar delays release decision
The fate of the Thai crewmembers detained in Myanmar remains uncertain as the government awaits a decision from Nay Pyi Taw. Local officials are currently not empowered to authorise their release, following an incident near Ranong last week. Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed yesterday, December 9, that negotiations for their release continue, with Thai officials having formally requested permission to…
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Southern Thailand train services to resume after severe flooding
Train services in southern Thailand are set to return to full operation on December 12 following severe flooding that disrupted the rail network and caused significant damage to the tracks. The floods had forced all trains to terminate at Hat Yai station, impacting travel and logistics in the region. The State Railway of Thailand‘s Governor, Veeris Ammarapala, confirmed that services…
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