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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 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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Black kitten survives 240km ride under car and finds forever home in Udon Thani
A black stray kitten survived after clinging to the drive shaft under a car for 240 kilometres and eventually found a forever home in the Isaan province of Udon Thani. The 58 year old railway officer, Wipachet Soikliao, called rescuers from the Songserm Dham Udon Thani Foundation to help him and his colleagues search for a cat in their welfare…
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MP Rangsiman wins defamation case against ex-senator Upakit
In a major legal victory for opposition MP Rangsiman Rome, the Criminal Court has acquitted him of defamation charges brought by former senator Upakit Pachariyangkun. The court ruled that Rangsiman’s remarks were made in good faith, as part of his duty as a Member of Parliament, and did not constitute defamation. The case stemmed from comments Rangsiman made on April…
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Swedish fraudster arrested in Pattaya in transnational crime bust
A major fraud case has led to the arrest of a Swedish national in Pattaya as immigration police continue their crackdown on transnational crime. The 39 year old suspect, identified as Ludde, was apprehended in a condominium in the bustling tourist district, following a red notice warrant issued by European authorities. The suspect, wanted by Stockholm courts and European law…
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Thailand’s cannabis crackdown: New rules could kill the green rush
Thailand promised to introduce tough new rules to regulate the sale and use of cannabis products in the country. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin signed a new regulation yesterday, June 24, which aims to crack down on widespread cannabis sales, restricting usage and access even further. Under the new rules, all cannabis purchases will now require a medical prescription. Consumers…
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Bhumjaithai’s no-confidence motion delayed until July
As the political scene in Thailand heats up, the Bhumjaithai Party’s attempt to initiate a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is likely to be delayed. The chief government whip, Wisut Chai-aroon, indicated that a censure debate could take place in late July, advising the newly formed opposition party to exercise caution before rushing into its role. Responding to…
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Thai businessman loses 22 million baht to mistress, posing as royalty
A Thai businessman lost about 22 million baht to a romance scammer who also posed as royalty to gain his trust. The victim, Thian, and his family appeared on the news programme Hone Krasae to share their story with the public in the hope of finding a solution. Thian explained that he and his wife, Joei, operated a window-cleaning business, but…
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Phuket deputy mayor jailed for corruption, 4 others appeal verdict
A corruption scandal in Phuket continues to unfold as Deputy Mayor Thaworn Chirapattanasophon faces a four-year jail sentence for his alleged involvement in a botched construction project. The case, which has caught the attention of both local and national authorities, centres around the Bang Yai Canal construction project that was never completed according to the contract. Despite this, an extension…
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English teacher in Nonthaburi arrested for indecent conduct with students
Police officers in Sai Noi district, Nonthaburi, apprehended 42 year old Thai English teacher from a local college following allegations of indecent conduct involving five students. The arrest, yesterday, June 24, followed a warrant issued by the Nonthaburi Provincial Court, no. J.836/2568. The investigation began when unusual electricity consumption at the director’s unoccupied residence raised suspicions. The power usage had increased…
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Police uncover Thai nominee company in 500 million baht scheme
Thai police conducted searches in three provinces to target a nominee company run by Chinese investors that leased heavy machinery. It was discovered that Thai employees were designated as the company’s directors, with transactions exceeding 500 million baht. Police Major General Thanphoom Charupraphat, commander of the Economic Crime Suppression Division, directed Police Colonel Naruephon Karuna and Police Colonel Krit Woratat…
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Pattaya releases 100,000 shrimp and sea snails to boost marine life
Pattaya is taking significant steps to protect its coastal ecosystem with a major marine animal release event. Deputy Mayor Krissana Boonsawat led the initiative, which saw the release of 100,000 juvenile whiteleg shrimp and 1,000 spotted Babylon sea snails into the sea off Jomtien Beach. Organised in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries, the Coastal Aquaculture Research and Development Centre…
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Speeding car crashes into Bangkok home, killing one
In the early hours of this morning, a tragic car accident occurred when a vehicle lost control and crashed into a residential house near the entrance of Soi Seri Thai 16 in Khlong Kum, Bueng Kum, Bangkok. The incident, reported at 5.30am, today, June 25, was attended by Bueng Kum police and volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation. Upon arrival, the…
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Anutin rejects cannabis mishandling claims, opposes casinos
Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul rejected accusations that his party mishandled the cannabis policy, particularly its medical use, and distanced himself from proposals to legalise casinos. Speaking out on the issue, Anutin dismissed the government’s recent plan to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic, allowing only medical use, as a reversal of Bhumjaithai’s earlier work, claiming that his party had already…
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Chinese investment boosts amulet trade in Bangkok’s Pantip Plaza
The amulet business in Bangkok’s Pantip Plaza is booming, with foreign investors, especially from China, driving the trade of Thai Buddhist amulets and sacred objects. The market, once dominated by Thai collectors, has transformed into a major hub for Chinese investors, who have set up shop in the mall to cater to their fellow countrymen. Despite a slight downturn in…
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Man arrested for selling drugs to Koh Pha Ngan tourists
A 22 year old man was arrested for persistently offering drugs to tourists for beach parties on Koh Pha Ngan. The incident occurred at 4pm yesterday, June 24, when Police Lieutenant Vinij Boonchit, Tourism Police Section 5, Division 2, with his investigative team, apprehended Sarayuth with 73.82 grammes of crystal methamphetamine and 150 methamphetamine pills. The arrest took place near…
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Sabotage suspected after 3 locals injured by exploding electrical appliances
Three residents in the central province of Lop Buri sustained injuries in explosions after using electrical appliances retrieved from a landfill. Police now suspect the incidents were deliberate rather than accidental. Officers from Ban Mi Police Station were alerted to an explosion at a house in the Chon Mueang sub-district on Monday night, June 23. Two people were injured, including…
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Cambodian man dies in storm drain fishing tragedy
A Cambodian man’s tragic death in a storm drain has prompted a warning against fishing in such locations. The 33 year old, identified as Chuean Ra, also known as Yao, was found dead yesterday, June 24, after being trapped for 72 hours in a drain at a water treatment station in Nakhon Ratchasima. On June 22, rescue services received a…
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Teenagers arrested for bombing outside Chai Wan Hospital
Thirteen unruly teenagers were apprehended following an incident where they threw homemade bombs outside Chai Wan Hospital in Udon Thani. The explosions, eight in total, alarmed patients and medical staff. The group, who were later caught by the police, claimed they had learnt to create the bombs via the popular YouTube channel. Police Colonel Ratphonchai Pensongkhram from Chai Wan Police…
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China and Thailand strengthen ties on 50th diplomatic anniversary
In a bold reaffirmation of its commitment to strengthening relations with Thailand, China’s Foreign Ministry has pledged to enhance cooperation on law enforcement and mutual growth. This comes as a nine-member Thai delegation, led by Tej Bunnag, Secretary General of the Thai Red Cross Society and former foreign minister, visits Beijing to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between…
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Thai jeweller sues lawyer over vulgar outburst in car park dispute
A Thai jewellery store owner filed a lawsuit against a lawyer for provoking a dispute and using vulgar language in the car park of a restaurant in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok. Aticha Thangklang, owner of KK Luxury Gems, posted a video of the confrontation on his Facebook page on Monday, June 23. The incident occurred in the car park of…
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Drunken Turkish teenager gets slapped by Thai woman in Bangkok
A drunken Turkish teenager kicked off on Bangkok’s backpacker strip after losing his passport and ended up slapped, tackled, and cuffed after lashing out at a Thai woman near Khao San Road. The 18 year old was arrested in the early hours of yesterday, morning, June 24, after a booze-fuelled meltdown that turned violent, leaving bystanders shocked and police dragging…
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5 caught crossing Thai-Cambodian border, paid 4,000 baht each
Thai police apprehended five people attempting to unlawfully cross the Thai-Cambodian border. The incident occurred at 7am, today, June 25, when a team from the Burapha Force, along with the Aranyaprathet Task Force and the 12th Ranger Mobile Unit, detained one man and four women. They were caught in a sedan during a scheduled pick-up at the border area of…
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Jurassic World: Rebirth to boost Thai tourism (video)
Thailand prepares to see a significant tourism boost thanks to the global release of Jurassic World: Rebirth, a major Hollywood blockbuster that chose the kingdom’s stunning landscapes as its backdrop. The film, which had its world premiere in London and New York, was primarily shot in Thailand, featuring breathtaking locations in Krabi, Phang Nga, and Trang. Not only will Jurassic World:…
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Grandmother flees to temple to escape loan sharks in Chon Buri
A grandmother, burdened with caring for her four grandchildren, sought refuge in a temple in Chon Buri province after being pursued by loan sharks. Unable to repay the money borrowed for her grilled catfish business, she faced threats and harassment, forcing her to live in hiding. Her grandchildren, all boys, range from 4 to 12 years old. The family’s plight…
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AirAsia celebrates 16 years of success with exclusive trip to Krabi
AirAsia is celebrating its 16th consecutive title as the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline, and they did it in style with a special trip to Krabi. In partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the airline hosted over 120 key opinion leaders (KOLs) and media representatives from across Asia, aiming to promote Green Season travel and showcase Krabi as a…
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Family finds rare two-headed snake in Chiang Mai home
A family in Phayao, returning to their home in Chiang Mai, discovered a two-headed snake while cleaning their house. The unusual find yesterday, June 24, was made at house number 40/2 in Mueang Don Luang, Nong Tong subdistrict, Hang Dong district. While cleaning a wardrobe, the family found the snake, approximately 40 centimetres in length, with yellow and black colouring…
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Cambodia assures SEA games go ahead despite border tensions
Despite growing political tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, the kingdom’s athletes are pushing forward with their preparations for the upcoming 33rd SEA Games, set to take place in Bangkok this December. Vath Chamroeun, Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC), reassured the public that the ongoing border dispute will not interfere with the prestigious sporting event. Speaking…
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Neigh-sayers: Thai boy trots to school stardom
A Thai boy in the central province of Ang Thong has gone viral on social media for riding a horse to school. The school director supported the idea, saying it is part of the school’s soft power initiative. The 16 year old boy, Teeraphat “Ten” Ransawaranon, drew attention from Thai media for his unique way of commuting to Wiset Chai…
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Burglar caught in Bangkok with stolen Buddha statues and amulets
Bang Khen police officers apprehended a burglar who targeted homes in the Ram Inthra area, stealing Buddha statues and amulets to sell to collectors for online gambling funds. At 4pm yesterday, June 24, Police Colonel Anan Warasat from Bang Khen Police Station, along with Deputy Police Colonel Sunpich Sirisoonthorn, Police Lieutenant Adul Phothakan, Police Lieutenant Suwapich Insingh, and the Bang…
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Tragic fire claims life of 78 year old woman in Chon Buri
A tragic fire engulfed a luxury home in Chon Buri, resulting in the death of a 78 year old bedridden woman. The incident occurred at 4am today, June 25, when local police and firefighters were alerted to a blaze at a residence in Soi Baan Piyawat 2/2, village 3, Samed subdistrict, Mueang district. Emergency services promptly arrived at the two-storey…
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Thai military may close Surin temple amid border tensions
Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stated yesterday that local military commanders may advise the closure of Ta Muen Thom Temple in Surin province if tensions at the Thai-Cambodian border escalate. The temple, along with the nearby Prasat Ta Kwai, has become a focal point in the ongoing border disagreement. Recently, there were complaints from Thai citizens regarding inappropriate behaviour by Cambodian…
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