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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 Is private health insurance in Thailand worth it? Real costs vs risks explained
Thailand has a strong healthcare system with both public and private options. Public hospitals offer affordable care, but many people, including expats, choose private health insurance for faster service, modern facilities, and more treatment choices. To decide if private health...
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Police seize 68 motorcycles in Bangkok street racing crackdown
Police in Bangkok apprehended a large group of motorcycle riders racing on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, seizing 68 motorcycles and detaining both racers and their supporters. The operation followed reports on social media about the planned gathering. At 12.30am yesterday, October 23, Phuchong Mae-thung, a traffic control officer from the Vibhavadi Rangsit Traffic Control Centre, led over 60 traffic police officers in…
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Bangkok launches new measures to combat PM2.5 pollution
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is set to implement new measures aimed at reducing air pollution, specifically targeting PM2.5 fine dust pollution. BMA spokesperson Aekvarunyoo Amrapala revealed that Bangkok’s PM2.5 dust levels often surpass the safe threshold of 50µg/m³ from November to March due to stagnant air conditions. To combat this, the BMA has directed all district offices to start…
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Thailand braces for tropical storm and cool winds in 24 provinces
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a weather warning today, October 24, highlighting heavy rain in 24 provinces and urging vigilance regarding the powerful tropical storm Trami. Northern Thailand will experience cool weather and strong winds, while the southern seas will see high waves. The weather forecast for the next 24 hours indicates that upper Thailand will have minimal rainfall,…
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Bangkok drug gang suspect at large after shooting at police
A suspect from a drug gang in Bangkok remains at large after firing five shots at police to facilitate his escape. His accomplice, who was apprehended, was found with 160,000 methamphetamine pills and 1 kilogramme of crystal methamphetamine hidden in the car’s boot. Yesterday, October 22, around 10.30pm, police officers led by Rangsang Sonsingh, along with Sanchai Keerirat and Wutthichai…
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Homemade bomb explodes in Pattani, no casualties reported
A homemade bomb exploded late last night in Mueang district, Pattani, a southern border province. The incident resulted in no casualties. The explosion occurred at Kalapo intersection in Tambon Chabang Tikor around 10pm, yesterday, October 22. Fifty-minutes later, bomb experts arrived at the scene and discovered remnants of the device, including pieces of a plastic bottle, an electronic circuit, nails,…
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iCon fraud scam hits 71 in Phuket, losses reach 19.5 million baht
Seventy-one people in Phuket have fallen victim to the iCon fraud scam, with losses amounting to 19.5 million baht (US$580,530), confirmed Phuket Provincial Police Commander Sinlert Sukhum. The number of victims has surged from 48, as announced by Sinlert on October 18. Individuals affected by the scam are still urged to report their cases to the Royal Thai Police complaints…
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Holy scam! Monk and mate nabbed for fake charity con in Rayong
Police apprehended a monk and his accomplice for fraudulently collecting donations under the guise of a religious charity in Rayong, Thailand. The offenders placed donation bins at various shops, falsely claiming to represent a defunct temple. Today, October 23, law enforcement officials responded to reports of fraudulent activity involving donation bins placed in multiple shops along the roads in Rai-Tamnanpa,…
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Private island in Trat listed for sale at 1.8 billion baht
A private island on Koh Kham in Trat Province has been listed for sale at 1.8 billion baht. The island, spanning approximately 10 rai (about 4 acres), is one of the top 10 most beautiful islands in Thailand. A Facebook user recently posted in a luxury home sale group that Koh Kham, the most beautiful island in Trat, is available…
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Woman accuses Kamphaeng Phet headman of sexual abuse
A 21 year old woman has come forward to accuse a village headman in Kamphaeng Phet province of sexually assaulting her over a year, resulting in a sexually transmitted disease (STD). She claims the assailant threatened to kill her if she revealed the abuse. The victim, identified as A, reported the incidents to the police with the assistance of Prakakrit…
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Cooler weather in north Thailand, rain persists in Bangkok
Weather conditions in Thailand are changing, with cooler temperatures in the north and northeast, while Bangkok and the east continue to experience rain. The Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand face moderate waves. Travellers to the Philippines should check the weather before departing. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasted the next 24 hours from today, October 23, indicating that…
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Kit and run: Thief brazenly changes into stolen sports uniform in Pattaya
In a bold and shameless act, a brazen thief stole a schoolboy’s sports kit from a house in Pattaya and had the audacity to change into it right in front of a security camera! Yesterday, October 22, reporters spoke to Songwut Thiangsiri, who had taken to social media to warn locals, revealing that the crook had swiped his son’s sports…
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Koh Chang businessman fights illegal jetties causing coastal erosion
A business operator in Koh Chang appealed to the Interior Ministry’s Damrongdharma Centre to assist in the demolition of two large, unlawfully constructed concrete jetties that he claims are worsening coastal erosion. Kitti Yimrewat, the businessman, argues that these jetties, which he describes as comparable to buildings due to their massive size, have detrimental effects on nearby coastal areas. He…
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Bangkok university under fire for substandard aircraft repair course
A Bangkok university is under intense scrutiny following allegations of offering a substandard aircraft repair technician course, charging nearly 1 million baht in total fees. The Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Ministry has launched a formal investigation into the matter. Supamas Isarabhakdi, the minister, directed the ministry’s permanent secretary, Supachai Pathumnakul, to establish an investigative team. This action follows…
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Police race to arrest Tak Bai massacre suspects before deadline
National police chief Kitrat Phanphet issued an urgent directive to locate all suspects involved in the 2004 Tak Bai massacre before the statute of limitations expires on October 25. Police General Kitrat provided an update on the arrest efforts, noting the critical time constraint with only two days left. More than 80 individuals lost their lives following a crackdown on…
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Andaman International Airport ready for takeoff by 2030
The House Committee for Transportation is actively monitoring the progress of Andaman International Airport‘s construction in Phang Nga, which is set to open by 2030. Committee chairman Kroomanit Sangpoom, a Pheu Thai MP for Surin, announced that panel members inspected the project site in Khok Kloi and Lo Yung sub-districts of Takua Thung district. This visit aimed to assess the…
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Thai man arrested for stealing from Russian couple in Phuket
Police arrested a Thai man for stealing from a Russian couple while the victims were enjoying Kata Beach in Phuket. The Russian couple, whose identities remain undisclosed, filed a theft complaint at Karon Police Station at around 8am on October 18. They reported that they visited Kata Beach and left their belongings unattended while enjoying the beach. The victims saw a…
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Weed out the thieves: Phuket cannabis shops on high alert after 100k baht heist
Cannabis shop owners in Phuket issued a warning regarding two foreign thieves who stole over 100,000 baht worth of cannabis from several shops across the province. The victims urged the Phuket Times to warn other cannabis shops in the province to be cautious of two young foreigners posing as customers and taking the opportunity to steal products. The page included…
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True Corporation amps up for royal spectacle along Chao Phraya
True Corporation supercharged its 5G, 4G, and WiFi networks ahead of the grand Royal Barge Procession sailing down the Chao Phraya River. This dazzling event journeys from Rama VIII Bridge to Wat Arun, promising top-notch connectivity for everyone eager to catch a glimpse. With extensive network testing already complete, True Corporation ensures they’re ready not just for the recent rehearsal…
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Banking on gains: Thai banks ‘interest’ed in profit uptick for 2024
Thai banking sector profits have seen a modest uptick for the first nine months of 2024, buoyed by rising interest and fee incomes. Yet, the backdrop of swirling economic uncertainties has kept banks on their toes, continuing to stash away hefty reserves for potential loan losses. The pack of 10 Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) listed banks and their subsidiaries…
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Port progress ‘pier’-fectly on track: Laem Chabang sailing ahead
Laem Chabang Port’s third development phase is sailing ahead, now reaching around 45% completion, with Pier F poised to debut by late 2027, Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri confirmed. This ambitious project forms a cornerstone of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Development Plan and is among the top 15 infrastructure priorities under the Paetongtarn Shinawatra administration. However, the latest report…
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Iranian man caught impersonating police to rob tourists in Bangkok
Officers in Bang Rak apprehended an Iranian man impersonating a police officer to search tourists’ bags and steal cash. The suspect was finally caught at the Sadao checkpoint while attempting to flee to Malaysia. Police Major General Samart Phromchat, with local officers and immigration police, arrested 53 year old Ghiasi Arefhossein on charges of theft by impersonation. The arrest was…
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Andaman Riviera set to ‘pave’ the way with final report in February
The ambitious Andaman Riviera project, a 50 billion baht (US$1.5 billion) initiative to construct over 600 kilometres of new roads along Thailand’s Andaman coast, is set to see its final report completed in February. The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OPT) confirmed the development yesterday, October 21. Chaiwat Sangkhaphak, OTP Division Director for Transport and Traffic System…
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Sky’s the limit: Mysterious pillar ‘clouds’ over Ubon Ratchathani
A mysterious pillar, or column, rising from rainbow-hued clouds has enchanted the skies above Ubon Ratchathani, capturing the attention and imaginations of residents alike. The striking phenomenon, immortalised in a photograph shared on the Facebook page มีด่าน อุบลราชธานี, sparked a flurry of intrigue and speculation about its origins. “What’s this pillar? Yesterday, October 21, at 5.35pm on Ubon Khueang Nai…
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Thai nationals in Korea prepare to exorcise ‘little ghosts’
Thai nationals in South Korea launched a new service aimed at facilitating the arrest of illegal Thai workers, also known as “little ghosts,” who have disputes with their clients. The Facebook page Poetry of B*tch shared details of this unusual new service yesterday, October 22. The service, operated by Thai people in South Korea, offers assistance to those who want…
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ICONSIAM propels Thailand to the forefront of global destinations
ICONSIAM, the global landmark on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, is employing an Experiential Marketing strategy aimed at creating exceptional experiences and reaffirming its status as a must-visit global destination. In collaboration with partners from all sectors, ICONSIAM is investing up to 300 million baht to launch over 60 marketing campaigns throughout the final quarter of the year, culminating…
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Political unrest impacts Thailand’s stock market performance
Political turbulence, both on the domestic and international fronts, is tempering the growth prospects of the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), despite the Thai index briefly surpassing the 1,500-point mark. Analysts note that the Election Commission’s (EC) recent decision to investigate Thaksin Shinawatra for potentially exerting undue influence over the ruling Pheu Thai Party is a significant factor. The political…
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Thai husband forgives wife in monk-y business affair scandal
A Thai husband in the Isaan province of Buriram is ready to forgive his wife after discovering she was having an affair with a drug-addicted monk. Unfortunately, his wife chased him out of their home and attempted to bail the monk out of detention. The husband, 31 year old Tone, filed a complaint against 37 year old monk Ek after…
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Sedan’s reckless cut leaves pickup all washed up in canal drama
In a shocking crash caught on dashcam, a white sedan recklessly cut in front of a pickup truck, sending it careening off the road and into a canal. Three passengers had to smash the window to escape the sinking vehicle. The incident unfolded on the Khok Kruat to Don Kwaen route, near the entrance to Ban Nong Song Hong in…
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Three arrested in Bangkok for 28 million baht tax evasion
Three company directors were arrested for tax evasion by issuing fake invoices and evading VAT, causing over 28 million baht in damages to the Revenue Department. The arrests, which took place yesterday, October 21, were conducted by the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD). Police Major General Phutthidet Boonkrapue ordered the operation, with Police Colonel Chatchawan Chuchaiyarit, Police Lieutenant Colonel Watit…
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Filipino pickpockets in Bangkok get ‘Thai’d up by the cops
Thai police apprehended a group of Filipino pickpockets targeting tourists in a prominent hotel in the Phaya Thai area of Bangkok. The suspects are now facing charges for their night-time theft activities. The arrest occurred yesterday, October 21 at approximately 4pm, led by Police Major General Witwat Chinkam, along with other high-ranking officials from Thonglor Police Station. Seven Filipino suspects,…
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