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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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Thieves steal copper wires from Thai temple mortuary
Thieves struck again at Wat Pa Klong Bang Phuttharam, Udonthani, stealing copper wires and damaging the cooling system for the mortuary. The incident occurred yesterday at 7.30pm, causing significant distress among the locals. Police officers, along with the temple committee and locals, inspected the crime scene. They discovered that the thieves had used a hard object to pry open the…
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Thailand unveils plans for three elephant training centres
Plans to establish three elephant training centres in eastern Thailand have been unveiled by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment. The initiative aims to manage aggressive wild elephants that frequently disturb local communities in search of food. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), under the directive of Police General Phatcharavat Wongsuwan, will spearhead the creation…
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Thailand welcomes 20 million tourists in seven months
Thailand experienced a significant surge in tourism, welcoming 20 million foreign tourists in the first seven months of the year, marking about half of the pre-Covid-19 levels. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced on X, formerly Twitter, that from January 1 to July 25, more than 20 million international visitors arrived in Thailand, reflecting a 34% increase from last year. Acknowledging…
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Police arrest two men in call centre scam, seize SIM box
Police apprehended a Taiwanese man and a Thai man involved in a call centre scam, seizing a SIM box used for signal distribution. They face three charges after equipment detection led to their location. Yesterday, July 27, Chiang Rai Provincial Police Chief Manop Senakul, along with Deputy Chief Rattapol Noichangkit and Ban Du Police Station Chief Ananchak Kanoknopawat, interrogated Lin…
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Tourists found safe after getting lost in Chiang Mai forest
Two tourists, a Russian man and a Chinese woman, were found safe but exhausted after getting lost in the forest on Doi Nang Meh in San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai. The search and rescue operation involved local police and rescue teams. At 8.30pm yesterday, July 27, Poempool Chaisit, the head of the Village Headmen and Subdistrict Chiefs Club in On Tai…
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Manhunt for 64 year old after Trang dog dispute turns deadly
A manhunt is underway for a 64 year old man after a heated dispute over a dog led to a fatal shooting in Trang. He allegedly returned with a shotgun, aiming at his neighbour but accidentally killing a woman instead, before fleeing the scene. Police responded to the incident at 6.28pm yesterday, July 27. Watjayan Hirunsuwan, Deputy Inspector of Mueang…
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Woman killed in Chiang Mai domestic, husband claims self-defense
A tragic domestic dispute in Chiang Mai resulted in the death of a woman, with her intoxicated husband claiming self defence. Police were alerted to the incident at a rented house on Muendamprakot Road, Chang Phueak Subdistrict, late yesterday. Investigators from Chang Phueak Police Station, including Winitchai Pinitsak, along with rescue teams and a medical examiner from Maharaj Nakorn Chiang…
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Drunken Thai biker crashes into Chinese tourists in Jomtien
A night of leisure turned into a nightmare for two Chinese tourists in Jomtien when a drunken Thai biker crashed into their motorcycle, leaving both parties injured. The incident occurred on Thursday night, July 25, on Soi Boonkanjana 5. Rescue workers and police swiftly arrived at the scene, discovering two Thai men, visibly intoxicated and unresponsive, sprawled next to their…
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Thai man falls to death after argument with wife in Pathum Thani
A 30 year old Thai man fell from a dormitory in Pathum Thani province, leading to his death. The man’s wife revealed they had recently moved in only six days ago and had an argument before the incident, resulting in her locking him inside to calm him down. Police at Khlong Luang Police Station in Pathum Thani province received a…
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Thai Oil workers protest unpaid wages, ministry demands resolution
Hundreds of workers have been protesting outside Thai Oil’s refinery in Chon Buri since Wednesday, July 24 due to unpaid wages. The Labour Ministry has stepped in, urging relevant parties to resolve the issue promptly. Employees of Sinopec Engineering Group (Thailand) Co Ltd, a subcontractor for Thai Oil, initiated the protest after not receiving their salaries since May. The protest…
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Udon Thani park receives UNESCO World Heritage status
Phu Phra Bat Historical Park in Udon Thani is poised to be recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the cultural category today, as announced by Natural Resources and Environment Minister Phatcharavat Wongsuwan. Phatcharavat, who leads the national committee for world heritage protection, stated that the Thai delegation attending the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee in India…
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Heavy rain and high waves to hit 34 provinces in Thailand
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning for heavy rain from today until tomorrow, affecting 34 provinces, with risks of flooding and forest runoffs. High waves exceeding 2 metres are also expected at sea. Rainy conditions are anticipated over the holiday period, as the TMD forecasts weather between today and tomorrow, July 28. A moderate southwest monsoon is…
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Phetchaburi unveils arch to celebrate Thai king’s 72nd birthday
Phetchaburi Governor Nattachai Namphoonsuksan presided over the inauguration of a celebratory arch to mark the auspicious occasion of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua‘s 72nd birthday tomorrow, July 28, enhancing the area’s tourism appeal. Governor Nattachai led the ceremony with local government officials, students, and residents participating. The event took place in front of Ban Tha Takhro Mittraphap 192…
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Forensic report disputes self-defence claim in Thai pond murder
A forensic investigation has contradicted the testimony regarding the murder of a friend disposed of in a pond in Nakhon Sawan province. The suspect had announced the act a month in advance, and the woman involved denied any romantic relationship, asserting there was no love triangle. In the case of a 54 year old Thai man, Rung, who killed 53…
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What is the best property to invest in Thailand in 2024?
Q1 2024 has brought a mixed scenario for Thailand’s property market. Transaction volumes have dropped, yet there’s a modest rise in both property prices and annual yields. Amid the ongoing economic recession and market slowdown, Thai authorities are exploring legislative reforms to attract foreign investment. It’s crucial to differentiate between the resort property sector and condominiums bought with mortgages by…
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Siblings found dead in car at Nakhon Ratchasima temple
A pair of siblings were found dead in a car parked at a temple in Nakhon Ratchasima. The incident was reported around 9.30pm yesterday, July 26. Police Lieutenant Colonel Akkaradej Phengwong, an investigator at the Nakhon Ratchasima City Police Station, received a report of two deaths at Wat Nong Phai in the Pho Klang subdistrict, Mueang district. Upon arrival, officers…
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Thai police seize assets worth 23 million baht in drug crackdown
Thai law enforcement officials announced a significant crackdown on drug operations on Thursday, July 25, targeting 237 locations and seizing properties valued at over 23 million baht. The Thai Patrol and Special Operation Division (PSD), along with other relevant agencies, held a press conference at 1pm on Thursday to reveal the details of the extensive operation. Police aimed their efforts…
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Thai man rescued after two years of abuse by employers
A Thai man has been rescued and hospitalised after enduring two years of severe abuse and torture at the hands of his employers, a husband and wife, due to his inability to meet their sales targets. The 38 year old Thai man, Kong, was accompanied by social media activist Guntouch Pongpaiboonwet, also known as Gun Jompalang, when he filed a…
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Amnesty bill committee divided on Thailand’s lese majeste inclusion
The House Committee tasked with studying an amnesty bill has concluded its work but has not reached a decision on whether offences under Section 112, the lese majeste law, and Section 110 of the Criminal Code should be included. Pheu Thai MP and Committee Chairperson Chusak Sirinil announced that the panel has endorsed a report for submission to the House.…
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New bill to combat corruption in Thailand’s public sector
A new bill designed to streamline licencing and establish standards for government services is in the works, promising to be a significant tool in combating bribery and corruption in the public sector, according to Wissanu Krea-ngam, the prime minister’s legal adviser. Wissanu, during a lecture on preventing corruption in the public sector amid digital disruption, highlighted that this bill is…
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Efforts intensify to protect rare marine species in Andaman Sea
Efforts to protect rare marine species along the Andaman Sea have intensified, with new aerial surveys revealing the presence of dugongs, sea turtles, and dolphins, highlighting a thriving marine ecosystem. The initiative, spearheaded by senior officials, aims to conserve these precious resources. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Pachara Wongsoonsawat has shown significant concern for the…
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Elderly man escapes hospital in Central Thailand, found by police
An elderly man undergoing treatment for chronic alcoholism escaped from a hospital in Chai Nat, dressed in a patient gown still stained with blood. He was later found and detained by police. The man claimed he was attending a friend’s housewarming party. Local police officers in Chai Nat province began searching for a patient who had escaped from Chai Nat…
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Thai rapist attempts to kill 14 year old victim after her pregnancy
The family of a 14 year old Thai girl is seeking justice after an influential 72 year old man in the southern province of Surat Thani repeatedly raped the teenager for over a year and tried to kill her to conceal his crime after she became pregnant. The victim’s 49 year old mother, Suphannee, filed a rape complaint at Hua…
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Yala durian farmers struggle with low prices after export rejection
Durian farmers in Yala are facing severe financial hardship due to plummeting prices, with farm-gate prices ranging from 55 to 80 baht per kilogramme. Farmers are appealing for assistance to raise the prices to at least 100 baht per kilogramme. The issue arose after China rejected four shipments of durians, totalling approximately 17,000 kilogrammes, citing the presence of caterpillars. Investigations…
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Thailand’s economy to grow 2.7% this year
Thailand’s economy is projected to grow 2.7% this year, an increase from the previous forecast of 2.4%, driven by higher foreign tourist arrivals and stronger exports, according to the Ministry of Finance. Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul highlighted the positive outlook, attributing it to improving economic conditions among trading partners. He noted that growth could potentially reach 3% this year,…
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Thai cyber police seize gambling assets worth 190 million baht
Thai cyber police arrested the owner of two major online gambling networks, seizing assets worth 190 million baht. The websites reportedly used cartoon profile pictures to attract young gamblers. Police disclosed that the networks generated over 480 million baht annually. The Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) in Mueang Thong Thani announced the crackdown, which targeted the websites kingpigs1.com and duckystars.com.…
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Elderly woman killed at zebra crossing in Pathum Thani
A young man driving a Toyota Corolla Cross hit an elderly woman at a zebra crossing in Pathum Thani province, resulting in her death. The victim was a close relative of a local Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO) member, causing deep sorrow for the family. Deputy Inspector Adisak Kotchasak of the Khlong Luang Police Station received a report of a fatal…
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Swedish couple receives sacred tattoos in Nakhon Pathom
A Swedish couple participated in a traditional ceremony at Wat Sawang Arom in Nakhon Pathom, receiving sacred tattoos on their hands for good fortune and success. They also prayed to Thao Wessuwan, seeking blessings and lucky numbers. The lively atmosphere at Wat Sawang Arom in Khun Kaeo, Nakhon Chai Si district, was palpable as locals and international visitors gathered for…
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June exports fall 0.3%, first decline in three months in Thailand
Thai exports experienced a decline for the first time in three months in June, primarily due to reduced sales in the agriculture and food sectors, as reported by the Commerce Ministry on Friday. Despite this dip, the ministry remains optimistic about overall export growth in 2024. June exports decreased by 0.3% compared to the same month last year, falling short…
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Olympics sabotage: French trains targeted in coordinated attack
Hours before the much-anticipated opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, French rail company SNCF revealed that its high-speed network has been deliberately targeted by malicious acts intended to cripple the system. Several high-speed TGV lines to the west, north, and east of Paris have been hit, leading to significant queues at Montparnasse station, which serves destinations to the west of…
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