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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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Thailand’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?...
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Thailand shifts gears to keep diesel costs cruising under control
In a bold move to soothe the sting at the forecourts, the Oil Fuel Fund Office (OFFO) unveiled its plan to keep Thailand’s diesel prices under a breezy 33 baht per litre, even though the current subsidy scheme is revving to a halt. This decision steers from an unexpected upturn in OFFO’s finances, courtesy of plummeting global oil prices. Fiscal…
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Malaysian tourist falls from Phuket hotel balcony onto parked car
A Malaysian tourist‘s trip to Phuket took a dramatic turn when she fell from a hotel balcony in Patong, landing on a parked car below. The incident occurred early today, November 1, sending shockwaves across the bustling tourist area. The local police in Patong responded swiftly to an emergency call at 4.37am, arriving at the hotel situated on Rat-U Thit…
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Pattaya security guard investigated after knife threat in parking row
A condominium security guard in Pattaya’s Jomtien area is under investigation after allegedly brandishing a knife at a resident over a parking dispute. The incident, which had raised concerns about future safety, involved 46 year old Ek and his partner, 49 year old Am, who reported the matter to the police. Ek recounted the incident that occurred yesterday, October 31,…
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Phuket woman injured by stray bullet during Halloween evening
A Halloween evening in Phuket took a terrifying turn when a woman was unexpectedly struck by a stray bullet while outside her residence in Srisoonthorn. The incident occurred yesterday evening, October 31, raising concerns about safety in the usually peaceful neighbourhood. The Thalang Police, along with rescue workers, responded promptly to the distress call from Moo 8, Srisoonthorn, arriving around…
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Thailand plans retirement lottery for over 60s, launching 2025
Thailand’s Deputy Finance Minister announced plans to present the retirement lottery scheme to the Cabinet for approval next month, aiming to begin sales in the first quarter of 2025. The scheme proposes extending the eligible age for purchasing lottery tickets to over 60 years. Paophum Rojanasakul addressing the progress of the retirement savings lottery, stated that the proposal is expected to…
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Shocking tragedy: Electrician electrocuted in building mishap
An electrician tragically lost his life due to electrocution while working on the electrical installation of a newly constructed rental building. His death was discovered by a colleague who noticed he had not joined the team for lunch. Police received a report yesterday, October 31, at 3pm regarding the unfortunate incident at a rental room in Chong Kham, Mueang district,…
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Samut Prakan resident critically injured in Halloween shooting
A dramatic incident unfolded on Halloween night in Samut Prakan, where a man was left critically injured after being shot twice. The young man managed to flee on his motorbike for over 10 kilometres, seeking help from locals. Emergency responders from Samut Prakan Hospital rushed to provide first aid to 29 year old Komkrit after the shooting. He sustained gunshot…
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Udon Thani man arrested for child prostitution scheme
A 42 year old man was arrested for facilitating child prostitution after disguising himself as a food delivery rider in Udon Thani. The man, Yutthasart, allegedly charged clients 1,000 baht and deducted 200 to 300 baht from the children involved. Police Colonel Phatthanawong Chantapol, along with the investigative team from Udon Thani Provincial Police, announced the arrest, citing charges of…
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Investigation launched into lawyer accused of 71 million baht fraud
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) chief confirmed a thorough investigation has been conducted into a high-profile fraud case involving a prominent lawyer accused of defrauding an individual out of 71 million baht. The case, filed by Jatuporn “Madam Oi” Ubonlert, accuses prominent lawyer Sittha Biabangkerd of deceiving her into investing in an online lottery business. Police Major General Montri Teskan,…
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Jealousy turns deadly: Man shot at Mae Sot restaurant
A tragic incident unfolded at a restaurant in Mae Sot when a 34 year old man was shot dead by the establishment’s owner, a retired civil servant, in a fit of jealousy. The altercation, which escalated into a deadly confrontation, took place in the early hours of today, November 1. The incident occurred around 3am when the police, led by…
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South Korean man takes an ‘unfare’ ride in stolen Bangkok taxi
Police yesterday arrested a South Korean man for stealing a taxi parked near a petrol station in the Chatuchak neighbourhood of Bangkok. Officers from Bang Sue Police Station arrested the South Korean man, 52 year old Kim Hwangil, yesterday, October 31, shortly after he stole a blue Toyota Altis taxi with the registration plate ทฬ 9000 Bangkok, from 38 year…
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Spooky scenes: Police raid leaves partygoers haunted by drug bust
A Halloween night raid on two popular pubs in Chanthaburi left partygoers in disarray as police discovered nearly 100 people with drugs in their system and multiple underage patrons. The crackdown now seeks a five-year closure of the venues. The operation took place around 1:30am today, November 1, initiated by Anutin Charnvirakul, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.…
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Teen accidentally fires homemade gun, injures friend in Pathum Thani
A 19 year old man accidentally discharged a gun, injuring himself and critically wounding his friend at a convenience store. Police swiftly responded, discovering a homemade pen gun at the scene. The incident occurred in the early hours of today, November 1. At 3.30am, police were alerted to a shooting incident at the entrance of Soi Rangsit-Pathum Thani 14, Pathum…
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KO tragedy: British boxing hopeful’s final round in Pattaya hotel
A young British boxing hopeful was found lifeless at the swanky Vogue Hotel in Pattaya, Thailand. The grim discovery of Joshua Goldstone in the early hours of Wednesday, October 30, has left friends and fans reeling, as the boxer’s Australian mate is battling for his life amidst the scandalous surroundings of a potential drug overdose. The 21 year old fighter’s…
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British man injured in Nongprue prompts emergency response
A British man was found injured near Nong Yai Railway Road in Nongprue, Bang Lamung, prompting emergency responders to arrive at the scene. The incident unfolded when locals noticed the approximately 40 year old man, who was shirtless and only wearing socks, with noticeable scratch wounds on his body. He appeared agitated and was shouting but unable to communicate effectively…
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Police officer in drunk driving crash escapes legal action
A troubling police corruption case has emerged involving an officer allegedly driving while drunk, resulting in a collision with a parked car, yet faced no legal repercussions. The incident, which took place four months ago, raised concerns over potential bias and inadequate investigation. The incident occurred previously on June 20, when a red Mazda parked on the roadside within the…
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Cyber cops caught in 300 million baht web of greed
Nine Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) officers and three additional suspects allegedly attempted to extort 300 million baht from a Vanuatu-Chinese couple. Ten suspects were arrested while two others remain at large. The Vanuatu man named Sai and his Chinese wife reported to officers at Bang Sue Police Station that a group of men claiming to be police officers swindled…
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Pattaya police detain 11 homeless individuals causing disturbances
Eleven homeless people were taken into custody by Pattaya police after causing disturbances to both residents and tourists. The operation, which took place on October 30 at 10am, was spearheaded by Wichak Phetnooch, Senior Community Development Officer. A team of 50, comprising officers from Pattaya Police Station, social development officials, police volunteers, and special operations officers, conducted a thorough search…
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Heavy rain alert for 33 provinces in Thailand as temperatures drop
Weather warnings have been issued for 33 provinces in Thailand, forecasting heavy rain covering 30% of areas due to a new wave of cold air bringing strong winds and a significant temperature drop expected tomorrow, November 2. From November 2 to 5, the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) indicates moderate to relatively strong high-pressure system from China is expected to…
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Karon police ‘taxi’ the bull by the horns: No more illegal rides
Karon police have hit back at online accusations claiming they’ve been lax in tackling illegal taxi operations. In a bold announcement, they revealed that a whopping 208 illegal taxis have been stopped and seized since the start of July. In a statement released earlier yesterday, October 31, Karon Police reassured the public that their officers have been conducting checkpoints at…
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Thailand’s BRICS dreams: Up in the air but not grounded yet
Thailand’s bid for membership in the influential BRICS international organisation remains up in the air, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). The Government of Thailand is currently weighing the economic implications of joining this powerful bloc, with a decision pending in the House. BRICS, which boasts heavyweights like Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, the UAE, Iran, Egypt,…
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Thailand’s cultural treasures shine bright: No.8 in global rankings
Thailand has secured a top spot in cultural heritage, ranking eighth out of 89 countries, according to a recent US News & World report. This prestigious ranking catapults Thailand into the elite league of culturally rich nations, celebrated for its vibrant traditions and historical significance. The American media powerhouse determined the rankings based on five crucial attributes: cultural accessibility, rich…
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Black Friday starts now – Grab 10% off your health insurance plan
If you’re an expat living in Thailand, you’ve likely experienced the complexity of navigating healthcare abroad. With Black Friday rolling in, it’s the perfect time to secure a health insurance plan that provides peace of mind and a safety net when you need it most. For a limited time, you can grab 10% off your health insurance, a smart move to…
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Thai schoolboy stabs classmate over school bus seat dispute
A Thai schoolboy from a school in the northern province of Sukhothai today stabbed his classmate on a school bus, reportedly following an argument over seats. Officers from Sri Satchanalai Police Station were called to investigate the stabbing on a school bus parked along a road in the Sri Satchanalai district of Sukhothai at around 7.30am, today, October 31. The…
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Knicker-fetish thief targets black and pink panties in Pathum Thani
Police officers are on the hunt for a man with a ladies’ knicker fetish, specifically targeting black and pink ones. The kinky suspect, who has been travelling by pickup truck, has been stealing underwear from residents in the central province of Pathum Thani. One of the victims, 35 year old Sukanda Kaewkanya, filed a complaint at Sam Khok Police Station…
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‘Fries’ for change: Waste Not, Want Not turns grease into green efforts
Surat Thani Municipality launched a notable initiative titled Waste Not, Want Not, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by recycling used cooking oil. The project, in collaboration with the New Biodiesel Company, encourages residents to exchange used cooking oil for fresh Rin Tip brand oil. The agreement was signed yesterday, October 30, at Surat Thani Municipality’s conference room by Prachert…
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Thai gold sparkles up: Price hike ignites buyer frenzy
Thailand’s gold market is glittering even brighter today, as prices soar once again, lighting a fire under eager buyers. The Gold Traders Association (GTA) reported a shiny new high, with gold jewellery prices jumping by 100 baht since yesterday, October 30, now shimmering at 45,000 baht per baht weight. Today’s morning memo from the GTA at 9.10am set the domestic…
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Teenagers’ trouble brews: Duo ‘crashes’ party, sparks punch-up
Two teenagers forcibly entered a home where four men were drinking and instigated a confrontation, resulting in a physical altercation. The incident, which took place yesterday, October 30, at 10.30pm, led to the police from Non Sung Police Station in Udon Thani being summoned to a village in the Non Sung sub-district. Upon arrival, the police found the two teenagers,…
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Thailand’s digital ad spend to surpass 30 billion baht in 2024
Digital ad spending in Thailand is set to exceed 30 billion baht (US$890 million) this year, reflecting the country’s growing embrace of digital platforms. According to the Thailand Digital Ad Spending Report for mid-year 2024, jointly released by the Digital Advertising Association of Thailand and Kantar Insights Thailand, digital advertising expenditure is projected to reach 33.8 billion baht (US$1 billion),…
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School scandal: Education official in hot water for midday snooze
The Office of the Basic Education Commission is investigating an educational official in the southern province of Prachuap Khiri Khan who was allegedly sleeping at work and finishing her duties early after lunch. The Facebook pages ปฏิบัติการหมาเฝ้าบ้าน (Watchdog Anti-corruption Organisation of Thailand) and ร้ายกาจ (Wicked!) shared pictures and videos of the official, identified only as “Aunty Fon,” sleeping on duty…
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