News
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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Experts seek public backing for 2024 SMR nuclear plan
Energy experts urge a shift in public perception of nuclear technology to support the Energy Ministry’s push for small modular reactor (SMR) projects in the 2024 power development plan. SMRs, defined by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as nuclear power technology with capacities up to 300 megawatts per unit, offer about one-third of the generating capacity of traditional nuclear…
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Chinese tourists accused of killing kitten with luggage
Thai netizens condemned two foreign tourists for kicking and running their luggage over a kitten, leading to its death in Soi Phayanak near Ratchathewi BTS Station in Bangkok. The tourists were widely assumed to be Chinese. News Facebook page Social Hunter 2022 shared pictures of the dead animal and the tourists, reported to be Chinese, on Sunday, July 28. The…
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Noodle disaster: Jet ski capsizes leaves trio in Chao Phraya River
Three young men riding jet skis to enjoy a bowl of noodles found themselves in peril when one of their jet skis capsized in the Chao Phraya River near Bangkok. The incident prompted a rescue operation but the men managed to return safely to shore near Nonthaburi Pier. Volunteer officers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation yesterday, July 29, at 8pm, received…
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Big D Gerrard exposes taxi driver watching pornography
Big D Gerrard encountered a taxi driver watching pornography in the car while stopped at a traffic light. The singer shared a video of the incident on TikTok, questioning how one would feel if their daughter had to ride in such a taxi. Big D Gerrard, whose real name is Brian Gerard Ukrit Willie Broad Don Gabriel, posted the video…
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Thai monk in southern Thailand accused of sexually abusing dogs
A Thai monk, and acting abbot at a temple in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat, denied bestiality and sexually abusing dogs, claiming the other two monks attempted to ruin his name. Several local news agencies in Nakhon Si Thammarat reported that a worker at the temple announced to locals that the acting abbot, 42 year old Daeng, sexually…
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Heavy rain, strong winds wreak havoc in Pattaya and Na Kluea
Heavy rain and strong winds battered the coastal areas of Pattaya and Na Kluea today, causing significant damage to property and infrastructure. The Meteorological Department of Thailand predicted heavy rain in 80% of the area, focusing particularly on the Eastern region and Bangkok. Additionally, the Southern Andaman coast and the Gulf of Thailand were expected to experience waves up to…
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Thief caught on camera breaking into Pattaya apartments
A daring thief was caught on security cameras sneaking into an apartment building in Pattaya’s Soi Buakhao and breaking into unlocked rooms to steal valuables. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of July 20, was documented on security footage later released by the apartment owner to alert the public. Local reporters visited S.B. Apartments in Soi Buakhao after…
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British man rescued after falling off cliff in northern Thailand
Tourist Police officers rescued a British man on Sunday who fell off a cliff at Pai Canyon in the northern province of Mae Hong Son. Mae Hong Son Provincial Tourist Police Office were alerted to the accident at about 8am on Sunday, July 28. Police officers and rescuers from the Pai Samakki Foundation then rushed to the scene. Upon arrival,…
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Thailand anticipates record 2.2 million Russian tourists in 2024
Thailand’s tourism sector is set to witness a surge in Russian travellers, with projections indicating a record 2.2 million arrivals next year, buoyed by a new 60-day visa-free scheme. However, a shortage of aircraft in Russian airlines poses a challenge, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). In 2025, TAT aims for a 7.5% increase in revenue, targeting 39…
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MFP to lift the curtain: Bangkok gym gear scandal in the spotlight
The Move Forward Party (MFP) called for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to disclose the results of its investigations into alleged corruption within a procurement programme for gym equipment. Suphanat Meenchainan, MFP MP for Chatuchak, Bang Khen, and Lak Si, announced the procurement irregularities came to public attention online in June. The BMA reportedly faced procurement issues at nine of…
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Thai-ing up loose ends: Fake prosecutor’s fraud case grows
An investigation into a Thai man accused of posing as a prosecutor and engaging in fraudulent activities is expanding, according to a source from the prosecution. Thai police are delving deeper into the actions of Mongkol Preesukkasem, who was apprehended last Thursday, July 25, while delivering a law enforcement lecture at a high school in Nonthaburi. Taling Chan police in…
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Baby Hawksbill turtle rescued from marine debris at Rawai Beach
A baby Hawksbill turtle was rescued from a heap of marine debris washed ashore at Rawai Beach. The young turtle was discovered yesterday, July 28, by staff from Rawai Municipality, who promptly notified the Sireetarn Marine Endangered Animals Rescue Centre, under the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR). Weighing 1.8 kilogrammes and with a shell measuring 27.5 centimetres wide…
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Thailand’s longest train tunnel shut after passenger dust complaints
Thailand’s longest train tunnel has been temporarily closed by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) just after its inauguration due to passenger complaints about thick dust inside. The chief of the SRT governor’s office, Ekarat Sri-arayanpong, reported that passengers on northeast-bound trains experienced discomfort from dust while passing through the Pha Sadet tunnel in Saraburi province. As a result, the…
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Woman injured by flying steel plate on Samut Prakan expressway
A woman sustained injuries when a large steel plate flew through her windscreen, cutting her neck and cheek on an elevated expressway in Samut Prakan. The incident took place around 6pm yesterday, July 28, near the 19th-kilometre marker on the Bangkok-bound side of the Burapha Withi (Bang Na-Bang Pakong) expressway in Tambon Bang Chalong, Bangphli district. Police and rescue workers…
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Busted: ‘Smoke and mirrors’ shop nabbed for untaxed cigs, vapes
Two women have been apprehended for selling untaxed cigarettes and illegal vaping paraphernalia at a shop in Soi Pha-niang, Moo 5, Ratsada. The illicit operation netted them more than half a million baht over the past three months. The 23 year old Sarinya Phonkaew, from Satun, and the 25 year old Chonlada Chuewong, registered as living in Chalong, were detained…
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Human skeletal remains found washed ashore in Phuket
Human skeletal remains, including a pelvis and upper leg bones, were discovered washed ashore in Phuket, prompting an investigation. The remains, likely those of a male, are estimated to have been deceased for over eight weeks. Local officials also found documents in a pair of trousers nearby. Police Lieutenant Natthee Pichitchai Nithimeth, Deputy Inspector of Wichit Police Station in Phuket,…
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Bad Apple: Thailand ad blunder sparks boycott fury (video)
A condescending new advertisement by US giant Apple sparked outrage in Thailand, with locals threatening to ditch Apple and their iPhones for Samsung. Thai resident and English teacher David William, who boasts 1.6 million Facebook followers and 2.9 million TikTok followers, slammed the ad on his TikTok account @davidwilliamdw. His critique of the ad, The Underdogs: OOO (Out Of Office)…
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Thailand secures 98.5 billion baht for data centres, cloud projects
Government backing for investments in data centres and cloud service projects in Thailand aims to position the nation as a digital economy hub, according to government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin considers these investments crucial for the digital economy’s growth and believes they will establish Thailand as a significant investment destination for the international community. Transforming Thailand into…
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Foreign tourists found safe after night search in Doi Nang Mo forest
San Kamphaeng police, forest officers, and other relevant agencies initiated a search at 8.30pm yesterday, July 28, for two missing foreign tourists who had become lost in the Doi Nang Mo forest area near the Mae Pha Nhaen Reservoir in Chiang Mai. The search was prompted by the coordinates sent by the tourists before their signal was lost. The dense…
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Japan urges ASEAN to prioritise hybrids over EVs for sustainability
Japan advocates for hybrid vehicles as an effective path for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to reach sustainable development goals. During the Economic Security and Supply Chains seminar, Yasuyuki Todo from the Faculty of Political Science and Economics at Waseda University cautioned ASEAN about over-relying on the electric vehicle (EV) industry. He pointed out that since Asean mainly…
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Thailand’s walking tourism boosts local culture, sustainability
Walking tourism is increasingly popular as travellers seek to immerse themselves in local cultures and explore neighbourhoods more intimately. The United Nations Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) notes that walking tourism fosters a deeper connection with local communities, nature, and culture. This growing trend aligns with the global push for sustainable tourism and satisfies the rising demand for outdoor activities. However, the…
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Thailand’s steel sales drop 8.7% amid cheap Chinese imports
Thailand’s steel industry faced sluggish sales in the first five months of this year due to reduced spending on construction projects and the influx of cheap imports from China, according to Tata Steel (Thailand) Plc (TSTH), a subsidiary of India’s largest steelmaker. Long steel product consumption fell by 8.7% year-on-year to 2.47 million tonnes as stated by Tarun Kuma Daga,…
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Energy Ministry’s new bill targets stable oil and LPG prices
The Energy Ministry’s new bill aiming to control domestic oil and cooking gas prices requires a public hearing to assess its impact on oil traders and government revenue, according to an energy expert. Currently under review by the Council of State, the bill proposes the establishment of a new commission, akin to the Energy Regulatory Commission, to regulate retail prices…
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New fund to boost Thai stock market by 90 points this year
A significant new fund is set to begin investing in the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) in the latter half this year, potentially boosting the index by approximately 90 points, according to Bualuang Securities (BS). The Vayupak Fund, which promises a minimum return of 3%, is anticipated to start with a minimum value of 100 billion baht. Around 90 billion…
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Pattaya restaurant owner urges police to catch serial thief
A restaurant owner in Pattaya is urging the police to apprehend a thief who has repeatedly targeted her business. Boonyarat, the 40 year old owner of Chill Out 84 restaurant in Soi 5, Nongprue sub-district, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province, reported the incidents to the local police. The restaurant has been hit three times within this month alone. On…
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Thailand to ASEAN: Let’s get digital for ‘byte-sized’ unity
Thailand urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to enhance integration by adopting a unified digital economy system, supporting sustainable development, and ensuring regional security through existing mechanisms. Speaking at the 57th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Vientiane yesterday, July 28, Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa emphasised the growing interest of many countries and international organisations in engaging with ASEAN.…
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Thailand PM faces ousting over controversial appointment
Debate is intensifying over whether Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin should be ousted from office following his controversial decision to appoint Pichit Chuenban, a former convict, as a PM’s Office Minister in the latest Cabinet reshuffle. Former senator Wanchai Sornsiri expressed confidence that the Constitutional Court will likely dismiss the case against PM Srettha, pointing out that no court ruling has…
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Thai Senate to cut standing committees amid reduced membership
The Senate is poised to reduce the number of its standing committees to align with the decreased number of senators in the Upper House. Concerns have been raised that this reduction could affect the chamber’s functionality in government. The Senate will debate this issue in its second meeting tomorrow, July 30. Mongkol Surasajja, recently elected as Senate speaker, confirmed that…
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Thai police arrest two women for illegal orthodontic services
Thai police recently apprehended two women for providing illegal orthodontic services after learning the trade online. The two suspects were charged with selling prohibited fashion braces without a licence and practising dentistry without proper certification. Police Major General Wittaya Srisrisaraphap, Commander of the Consumer Protection Police Division, directed the operation alongside other senior officers. They led the raid that resulted…
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Sergeant killed in Pattani clash as two officers injured
A recent clash in Pattani tragically resulted in the death of an officer during a law enforcement mission. Two other officers are currently receiving medical care following the incident. The incident occurred yesterday when security forces conducted a coordinated operation to apprehend insurgents in Na Ket, Khok Pho District, Pattani. During the operation, insurgents threw a grenade at the officers,…
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