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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 Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?
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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Former Thai PM Thaksin returns to Chiang Mai after 17 years
A remarkable event unfolded in Thailand’s northern city of Chiang Mai when former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned to his hometown. Accompanied by his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who also leads the Pheu Thai party, and other family members, Thaksin arrived via private jet at precisely 9.28am on March 14. On his arrival, the Deputy National Police Chief, Surachet Hakparn,…
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Transgender woman faces 25 years behind bars for lese majeste
A transgender woman has been slammed with a hefty 25-year prison sentence for lese majeste and computer crimes. In a swift ruling from the Southern Bangkok Criminal Court, the 26 year old defendant, Maggie, faced the grim reality of her fate today. Lawyers from Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) disclosed details of the verdict, shedding light on a case fraught…
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Thailand tokes on new approach: CBD-infused Marijuana oil to fight drug addiction
The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) has initiated a pioneering programme utilising marijuana oil infused with high levels of CBD to combat drug dependency. Dr Thewan Thanirat, DTAM’s deputy director-general, unveiled the innovative prescription, named Karun Osoth, a concoction of coconut oil and CBD meticulously balanced to 10 milligrammes of CBD per millilitre of coconut oil. This…
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‘Wai Khru’ ceremony proposed as cultural heritage
To celebrate Thailand’s rich cultural heritage, Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob today announced plans to propose the inclusion of the Wai Khru ceremony in UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage. Taking approximately six months to meticulously craft the proposal, the ministry aims to showcase the profound tradition of students expressing gratitude and reverence towards their teachers, a practice deeply rooted in…
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73 year old Thai man swindles friends to pay party entertainers
Police arrested a 73 year old Thai man at his house in the Huay Kwang district of Bangkok after he swindled millions of baht from his friends to pay for two female party entertainers. A Thai man filed a complaint against his 73 year old friend, Charnyut Saelok, accusing him of swindling about 300,000 baht. The victim explained that Charnyut…
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MFP: Is Thaksin really sick or just playing politics?
Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Rangsiman Rome cast doubt on the transparency of Thailand’s government regarding the health status of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. During a three-day visit to his hometown of Chiang Mai, questions arose about Thaksin’s sudden discharge from hospital and his subsequent busy schedule, prompting Rangsiman to demand answers. Rangsiman challenged the government’s narrative, highlighting Thaksin’s…
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Thai workers set to transform South Korea’s shipbuilding industry
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn secured an agreement during his recent visit to Seoul as 3,000 Thai workers are set to revolutionise South Korea’s shipbuilding sector. The minister, in a high-stakes meeting at Lotte Hotel Seoul, clinched a deal with representatives from five top South Korean shipbuilders: HD Hyundai Heavy Industry, Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, Hyundai Samho, Samsung Heavy Industries, and Hanwha…
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Bite back: Call for Thai Parliament to ban shark fin consumption
To safeguard marine ecosystems, WildAid and Love Wildlife Foundation penned an open letter to Thailand’s Parliament, urging an immediate halt to the serving and consumption of shark fin. This call to action follows shocking revelations of shark fin soup being dished out at Parliament House, sparking outrage among conservationists and environmentalists alike. In a detailed plea to the President of…
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Goat gala: Trang farmers flock for barnyard costume contest
A group of goat farmers gathered in Trang province for a barnyard bash like no other: a goat costume competition. Decked out in dapper cowboy attire and more, these hoofed contenders showcased not only their looks but also their smarts and health. At the Agricultural Productivity Enhancement Learning Center in Kantang District, Trang Province, the inaugural event unfolded with nine…
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Senior citizens allege scam by sales company promising car prize
A group of senior citizens filed a complaint with the Economic Crime Suppression Division, alleging deceptive practices by a direct sales company that offered party tickets with a chance to win a luxury car as a prize. The event, which took place at 10am today, March 14, is now under investigation after claims surfaced that the company lured older adults…
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Thai cops probe groping incident by foreign men in Bangkok
Thai police are investigating two foreign men who allegedly sexually assaulted some Thai women by groping their bottoms while the women were working on Khao San Road in Bangkok on Monday. A Thai woman shared pictures and videos of the two foreign men on her Twitter account on Monday, March 11 after the assaults. She urged netizens to help her…
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Italian-Thai development grapples with liquidity crisis amid scandals
Thailand’s leading construction firm, Italian-Thai Development Plc (ITD), is grappling with a liquidity crisis that has alarmed investors, regulators, and rating agencies. This scenario follows a series of local corporate scandals and debt defaults that have already unnerved the market. ITD confirmed yesterday, March 13, that it is seeking new loans from banks to alleviate the current cash crunch that…
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Phuket mayor guarantees drought-proof supply for dry season
The Phuket Town mayor confirmed that the Phuket City Municipality has a sufficient water supply to sustain residents throughout the remainder of the dry season. However, he is encouraging residents to be mindful of their water consumption. Currently, the municipality’s water reserves are 80% full, according to Mayor Saroj Angkanapilas. This supply is anticipated to be ample for producing tap…
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Thai envoy unveils plan for Taiwanese investment boom
In an exclusive interview with CNA on Tuesday, the executive director of the Thailand Trade and Economic Office (TTEO), declared the nation’s readiness for an influx of Taiwanese investment, particularly in electronic manufacturing and construction projects. Narong Boonsatheanwong highlighted Thailand’s emergence as a Southeast Asian electronics manufacturing powerhouse, with a burgeoning global reputation for printed circuit board (PCB) production. Drawing…
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Nearly a million pay respects to Buddha relics in northern Thailand
Nearly one million devotees paid homage to the sacred Buddha relics over four days, as the revered artefacts were temporarily enshrined in Ubon Ratchathani before being transferred to Krabi province on March 14, as part of a ceremonial procession. This event marked a significant moment in Thai religious history, showcasing the deep reverence the population holds for such important symbols…
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Thai school exam paper sparks debate on academic freedom
A seemingly routine social science exam paper ignited a firestorm of controversy across Thailand, leaving citizens and educators alike questioning the boundaries of academic freedom. The exam, which tasks students with discussing contentious issues ranging from Thai society and the monarchy to the commercialisation of Buddhism, thrust Wat That Thong High School into the spotlight. But it’s not just the…
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Foreign couple caught having sex near mall entrance in Pattaya
Locals in Pattaya urged police to investigate a viral video showing a foreign couple having sex in public near the entrance of the Terminal 21 shopping mall. A Facebook user, Denis Krungtep, shared the video on his account yesterday, March 13, with a caption that read, “Pattaya again?” The 25-second-long video was recorded from the opposite side of the shopping…
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Hong Kong pet owners among top spenders in Asia-Pacific
The pet industry in Hong Kong is witnessing steady growth, with pet owners investing nearly HK$700,000 (3.2 million baht) on average in their pets’ lifetimes. This positions them as one of the top spenders in the Asia-Pacific region’s pet care sector. According to a survey conducted by OneDegree, a pet insurance company, 526 pet owners in Hong Kong were found…
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Thailand’s industrial ethanol: A game-changer in green economy?
Thailand is on the cusp of an industrial transformation as experts push for a major shift in ethanol production. Isares Rattanadilok na Phuket, Vice President of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) called to liberate the country’s ethanol potential, aiming to slash reliance on imports and catapult Thailand into a green economic powerhouse. The FTI has unearthed Thailand’s abundant capacity…
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Two suspects killed in Pattani dawn shootout with Thai forces
A dawn raid in the Saiburi district of Pattani Province turned into an intense shootout yesterday, resulting in the deaths of two suspects following a security operation by the Thai military and police forces. The incident began at 5am today, March 14, when more than 50 officers surrounded a rented home believed to be harbouring individuals wanted for national security…
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Cash cow: Albino buffalo sells for record 18 million baht
A rare albino buffalo from Phetchaburi has charged into the record books, fetching a staggering 18 million baht, marking it the most expensive buffalo deal in Thai history, proving that this buffalo truly stands out from the herd when it comes to valuable livestock. Renowned for its breathtaking beauty and colossal stature, Ko Muang Phet isn’t just another farm animal,…
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Mother seeks justice for son’s death in hit-and-run in West Thailand
In an appeal for accountability, a 42 year old mother from Ban Krut in Prachuap Khiri Khan sparked an outcry over the death of her 25 year old son in a hit-and-run incident on March 8. Aomruthai Krajanswang, gripped by grief, seeks justice against the alleged perpetrator, believed to be a German national, who allegedly has shown no signs of…
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Patong businesses deny service refusal to Thai nationals
The vibrant tourist hotspot of Patong in Phuket has come under scrutiny amid allegations circulating on social media platforms. Claims suggest that certain local businesses have been denying service to Thai nationals. In response to these allegations, Weerawit Kreuasombat, the President of the Patong Entertainment Business Association (PEBA), has stepped forward to speak on behalf of the businesses in question.…
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Singaporean motorist lashes out at Thai police officer over fine
A Singaporean man attacked a Thai police officer after he was fined for riding a motorcycle without a license and a helmet in Phuket. The incident occurred when traffic officers from the Cherng Talay Police Station stopped the Singaporean man, 37 year old Lim Jia Jie, at the Cherng Talay Intersection checkpoint on March 13. Lim was riding a motorcycle…
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Thailand Video News | Thai-EU visa-free agreement in the works, Motorbike and Car taxi drivers brawl in Pattaya
In this video, Alex and Jay delve into a series of recent events capturing Thailand’s dynamic landscape. From diplomatic negotiations to local conflicts and legal crackdowns, Thailand is experiencing a whirlwind of headlines. Join us as we explore Thailand’s pursuit of a visa-free agreement with the EU, clashes between cabbies and their customers in Pattaya, a traffic accident involving massive…
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Phuket ramps up tourist security measures ahead of visa-free travel
The national commander of the Tourist Police, Police Lieutenant General Saksira Phueakam, and Police Major General Manat Sriwongsa, Deputy Commander of the Immigration Bureau, arrived in Phuket yesterday in a bid to enhance the safety and convenience for tourists visiting the popular holiday destination. The visit saw them accompanied by Police Major General Phopphon Chakkaphak, Commander of Tourist Police Division…
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Wheel deal: Wheelchair activist challenges airline’s boarding ban
A complaint has been lodged against an airline by an activist bound by a wheelchair, after the airline prohibited him from boarding, arguing that he did not have an escort. Kritsana Lalai, representing the Network for Transport Mobility for All, presented his complaint to Varawut Silpa-archa, the Minister for Social Development and Human Security. Reacting to the situation, the minister…
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Update: Thaksin sets off for Chiang Mai with Paetongtarn
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra emerged from Chan Song La residence, alongside his youngest daughter and Pheu Thai party leader, Paetongtarn Shinawatra ready to take off for his hometown, Chiang Mai. At the crack of dawn, precisely at 5.19am, the duo paid their respects at the revered Bangkok City Pillar shrine, before departing on a jet plane bound for Chiang…
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Homeless man critically injured in brutal knife attack in Pattaya
In a shocking turn of events in Pattaya, a man was found critically injured following a brutal knife attack. The incident transpired in the wee hours of March 13, under the overpass near Motorway 7, Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, Chon Buri province. The news of the attack was relayed to Nongprue police, who, in collaboration with highway patrol and rescue…
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Thai police hunt Tajik suspect in Russian man’s murder in Phuket
Thai police identified a Tajik man as a suspect in the murder of a Russian man at a cannabis farm in Phuket. The accused foreigner already left Thailand on March 12. A 34 year old Thai man, Burin, filed a report on the missing Russian man, 42 year old Artur Mkhitarian, at Chalong Police Station yesterday, March 13. Burin explained…
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