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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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Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run
Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...
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Phuket art festival: Thai dancers to take over Venice canals
In an unprecedented cultural spectacle, Thai dancers commandeered Venice’s iconic gondolas, leaving locals and tourists in awe as Phuket stakes its claim as the next global art hotspot. Thailand’s Office of Contemporary Art and Culture, under the Ministry of Culture, held a press conference in Venice, Italy, on Monday, September 2 to promote the Phuket Biennale 2025. Modelled after the…
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Drunken Hong Kong taxi thief crashes into police station
A man who stole a taxi in Hong Kong ended his wild ride by crashing into a police station gate on Wednesday. The chaos unfolded around 4pm local time, on Wednesday, September 4, when a 41 year old taxi driver, surnamed Hau, reported a terrifying incident at the Long Ping Commercial Centre in Yuen Long district. According to Hau, a…
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Phuket pickup truck crash kills two teens, another one critical
Tragedy struck in the early hours of this morning as two teenagers lost their lives and a third remains in critical condition following a horrific high-speed crash on Thep Krasattri Road in Phuket. The white Isuzu D-Max pickup truck they were travelling in veered out of control and smashed into a palm tree, leaving devastation in its wake. Emergency services were…
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Covid chaos hits Thai Cabinet: 2 deputy ministers sidelined by virus
Incoming Deputy Interior Ministers Songsak Thongsri and Sabeeda Thaised have been forced into isolation after testing positive for Covid-19 during routine RT-PCR tests at Government House. Both ministers, from the Bhumjaithai Party, will have to delay their official duties as they recover, a government insider revealed. Songsak, who has held his post since 2019, and first-timer Sabeeda, daughter of outgoing…
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China: Wealthy woman’s traffic tantrum leaves soldier hospitalised (video)
A shocking road rage incident in Qingdao, eastern China, left social media in uproar after a wealthy woman, driving a luxury SUV, violently attacked a former soldier. The drama unfolded on August 28, when the 38 year old woman, surnamed Wang, attempted to recklessly reverse her Land Rover into oncoming traffic, causing chaos on the road. After multiple failed attempts…
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Thai stocks hit 18-month high as baht rallies post new govt formation
Thai stocks surged to their highest levels since March last year, with the baht also experiencing a significant rally. This boost in financial markets follows the formation of the new government, sparking optimism over policy continuity. The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) Index rose by as much as 2.9%, driven by gains in the packaging, information and technology, and petrochemical…
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Former local chief shot dead in Lopburi, suspects on the run
A former local administrative chief was fatally shot outside a house in Moo 5, Nikhom Lam Narai, Chai Badan district, Lopburi province. Witnesses reported that two assailants had been lurking for an hour before ambushing the victim and fleeing on a motorbike. Officers Phukanwik Chotiksathien, Chaimit Sitthipoon, and Winai Khamsuk interviewed the 55 year old administrative chief Thawatchai Thongtae’s 60…
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Pathum Thani abbot agrees to repay 10 million baht debt
A resolution has been reached after a late-night investigation led by the local ecclesiastical head. The abbot of Wat Phuet Udom, who borrowed nearly 10 million baht, has agreed to settle the debt. A 57 year old woman claimed that the abbot of Wat Phuet Udom in the Klong 13, Phuet Udom subdistrict, Lam Luk Ka district, Pathum Thani province,…
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Thailand’s new transport centre boosts regional logistics hub status
Airports of Thailand Ground Aviation Services (AOTGA) anticipates that its newly inaugurated Multimodal Transportation Centre at Suvarnabhumi Airport will bolster Thailand’s position as a regional logistics hub, enhancing goods transportation among Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam (CLMV). The new centre is designed to integrate various transportation modes, including land, rail, sea, and air, with the added benefit of consolidating customs…
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Teeing off comeback: Laguna Phuket at the heart of tourism revival
Laguna Phuket, a luxurious 2,500-rai resort complex, is at the heart of Phuket’s tourism resurgence. After the pandemic’s brutal hit to the travel industry, Laguna Phuket Vice President Paul Wilson shares how this iconic destination has not only weathered the storm but emerged stronger than ever. “Laguna Phuket’s prime location in Cherng Talay, with its luxury hotels, 18-hole golf course,…
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Floods drive August inflation up 0.35% due to rising food prices
Rising prices of fresh vegetables and fruit, influenced by flood-damaged production areas, have driven up inflation by 0.35% in August. Director-General of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO), Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, reported that headline inflation in August saw a 0.35% year-on-year increase. The surge in food prices, particularly fresh vegetables and fruit, was primarily due to flooding in agricultural regions,…
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Thai trade talks push for expanded ASEAN market access
Thai representatives, led by Thatchayanpol Apimontechabutr, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Trade Negotiations, recently participated in the 11th ATIGA Upgrade Negotiation Trade Negotiating Committee (ATIGA-TNC) meeting in Malaysia. The meeting, held over four days, aimed to accelerate negotiations for a comprehensive conclusion by the middle of next year. The Thai Department of Trade Negotiations prioritises Free Trade Agreement (FTA)…
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New customs centre at Suvarnabhumi aims to boost Thai logistics
Airports of Thailand Ground Aviation Services (AOTGA) has inaugurated a new Customs Service Centre at Suvarnabhumi International Airport’s Free Zone 3, designed to boost Thailand’s logistics industry. Covering over 4,872 square metres and costing 150 million baht, this centre aims to streamline various transport and warehousing services. Sirivat Towachirakul, General Manager of AOTGA, announced the launch, highlighting its strategic importance…
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Fatal car crash on Wat Phra Dhammakaya bridge leaves one dead
A tragic car accident occurred on the bridge over the Wat Phra Dhammakaya intersection, resulting in one fatality and three injuries. The incident involved multiple vehicles, with a white Honda and a black Mazda 2 colliding before another Mazda 2 was also hit. At 12.05am today, September 6, Kriengkrai Sri Mai, an investigator at Khlong Luang Police Station, received a…
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Thailand removes CRC reservation on refugee children’s rights
Thailand has taken a monumental step to protect refugee children by fully embracing a crucial international convention. The country’s final reservation to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) has officially been withdrawn, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding children’s rights. H.E. Cherdchai Chaivaivid, Thailand’s Ambassador to the United Nations in New York, formally deposited the Instrument of Withdrawal…
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Jealous bus driver steals taxi to spy on girlfriend, gets arrested
A driver from bus Line 8, driven by jealousy after his girlfriend took leave to visit her hometown, stole a taxi to spy on her and was subsequently apprehended by the police. The 25 year old pleaded for leniency, citing his responsibility for his four year old child. Yesterday, September 5, police officers, including Kanthaphon Wanna, Niwet Nilwadee, and Setthawut…
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Thai woman survives attempted kidnapping in Chiang Rai (video)
A Thai woman issued a warning to other women after a group of men in an SUV stalked and attempted to kidnap her on a road in the northern province of Chiang Rai. The 22 year old woman shared security camera footage when she sought help from a resident in the Mae Yao district of Chiang Rai province. She posted…
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House passes 3.7 trillion baht budget plan after tepid debate
After a three-day debate that barely sparked a fire, the House of Representatives finally pushed through the colossal 3.7 trillion baht budget bill for the 2025 fiscal year. In a vote held late last night, the bill was approved by a margin of 309 to 155, with four MPs opting to abstain, leaving no one without a voice. Deputy Prime…
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Former Pheu Thai MP sentenced to prison for corruption
The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders sentenced Somying Buabut, a former Pheu Thai MP, to three years and four months in prison and fined her 100,000 baht for corruption related to the construction of a futsal field. The sentence has been suspended for three years. Yesterday, September 5, the Supreme Court delivered its verdict on case number…
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Single mother in Buriram struggles to care for bedridden son
A single mother in Buriram has been left with no option but to leave her job to care for her bedridden son, leading to severe financial hardship. The local community has tried to help but the situation has become untenable, prompting calls for external assistance. A family in Thai Charoen village, Pakham district, Buriram province, is facing extreme poverty due…
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RTA denies overpricing claims on mess trays purchase
The Royal Thai Army (RTA) firmly denied accusations from the People’s Party (PP) regarding the alleged overpricing of mess trays. These claims were presented during the scrutiny phase of the national budget expenditure bill earlier this week. The opposition party accused the army of allocating an excessive portion of its budget to purchase approximately 10,000 mess trays at prices significantly…
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Thai police arrest major Kamphaeng Phet loan shark
Thai cyber police arrested a major loan shark in Kamphaeng Phet after debtors reported him for charging exorbitant interest rates and threatening them. Borrowers were subjected to interest rates of 16,000 baht per day, leading to fear and harassment. The arrest of the loan shark, Pallop, took place yesterday, September 5, when Police Lieutenant General Worawat Watnakornbancha ordered a raid…
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Fans mourn the passing of Thai rock band Carabao’s drummer
Fans of 80s Thai rock band Carabao are mourning the loss of Chawalit Chalorngpong, known as Ko Carabao, who passed away peacefully yesterday, September 5. The band’s official page shared the sad news with a heartfelt message, expressing condolences and bidding a fond farewell to Ko. Carabao, renowned as one of Thailand’s most influential music groups, has been a staple…
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Fishermen reel in CPF with 2.4 billion baht ‘tilapia’ suit
Local fishermen in Samut Songkhram filed a lawsuit with Bangkok South Civil Court against Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF), seeking over 2.4 billion baht (US$71.6 million) in compensation for damages caused by the uncontrolled spread of blackchin tilapia in the province. Panya Tokthong, a member of the Upper Gulf of Thailand Preservation Network and Mae Klong Community Lovers Network, led the…
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Nine railway projects worth 661 billion baht set for Cabinet approval
Nine railway projects totalling 661 billion baht (US$19.7 billion) in investment are set for Cabinet approval next month, according to Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote. Among these is the 357-kilometre second phase of the Thai-Chinese high-speed train system. Six of the nine projects are double-track rail routes requiring 298 billion baht (US$8.9 billion). These routes include the 285-kilometre Paknam Pho-Den…
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Thailand set to advance casino project with 80% public approval
Newly-appointed Deputy Finance Minister Julaphan Amornvivat recently discussed the progress of the Entertainment Complex (Casino) project following the completion of public hearings, where over 80% of respondents expressed approval. This project, which has its origins in Parliament, is now set to move towards discussions among coalition parties before being submitted to the Cabinet and Parliament for further consideration. Julaphan highlighted…
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72 year old Thai man loses 21,500 baht in sex membership scam
A 72 year old Thai man from Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, lost 21,500 baht to a sex membership scammer. He was tricked into applying for a membership that supposedly granted access to sexual services allegedly provided by attractive university students. The 72 year old victim, Phon, sought help from Mueang Nonthaburi Police Station yesterday, September 5. He asked the police…
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Thailand video news | An Indian man goes crazy, damages hair salon, Laos detains duo over satirical pothole fishing video
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex covers the stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia countries. From a chaotic incident involving an Indian man causing havoc at a Bangkok salon to the tragic death of a teenage girl after a ketamine overdose, the show covers a wide range of topics. The headlines also include the arrest of a duo smuggling…
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Indian tourists arrested in Pattaya for stealing camera battery
Pattaya Tourist Police apprehended two Indian tourists on their first day in Thailand for allegedly stealing a camera battery and then strolling along Walking Street. Police Lieutenant Colonel Piyapong Ensan, Chief of Pattaya Tourist Police, along with other officers, arrested yesterday, September 5, at 5.16am two Indian nationals, identified as 29 year old Abhishek and 28 year old Akash (surnames…
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Nonthaburi woman found dead in car after going missing
A tragic incident unfolded when an elderly woman was found dead in a car after going missing from her home. The discovery was made by the car’s owner, who was alerted by a foul smell. Police investigated the scene. At 1pm yesterday, September 5, Police Lieutenant Panpat Setbuppha from Bang Bua Thong Police Station in Nonthaburi province received a report…
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