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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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From shy nerd to top bar host: Tokyo graduate earns up to 4 million baht monthly
The transformation of a shy nerd to a top bar host earning up to 4 million baht per month (US$115,540) is the story of Esuke, an engineering graduate from Tokyo University, Japan. Esuke’s journey from a reserved bookworm to a charismatic host in Shinjuku, Japan, within a year has taken many by surprise. Esuke, during his high school years, was…
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Thai health officials urge pertussis vaccination amid whooping cough outbreak
Following a severe outbreak of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, Thai health officials are urging parents to get their children vaccinated. The announcement was made today (December 26) by Chalermphol Osothpromma, the director of the Disease Control Office 12 in Songkhla. He revealed that there have been 45 confirmed cases in the health district 12, with one death in…
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Pattaya: Free rabies vaccinations in January
Pattaya‘s Department of Public Health and Environment proposed free vaccinations to battle rabies in 2024. The crusade covers a wide stretch of neighbourhoods, from the trendy Naklua (Moo 1 to 7) to the vibrant Nong Prue (Moo 5, 6, 9 to 13) and the serene Huay Yai (Moo 4). This groundbreaking initiative is not just about jabs; it throws in…
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Waves ban on Pattaya boats after tourist catamaran capsizes
The Marine Department, Pattaya Office, imposed a ban on small boats venturing into the Pattaya sea. With a red flag fluttering halfway up the mast yesterday, December 25, the Department issued a stern warning to fishing boats, jet skis, speedboats, and towing boats, urging them to stay ashore amid the turbulent waters. Large fishing vessels escaped a categorical ban but…
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Thai woman searches for lost winning lottery tickets to claim 24 million baht
A Thai woman is looking for her four lost lottery tickets that won the 24 million baht jackpot in October two months ago. She asked the Government Lottery Office (GLO) to investigate because she wrote her name and phone number on the back of the tickets. The 59 year old woman, Monta Ekwittayopart, sought help from a non-profit organisation Reclaim…
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Frangipani tree blooms after five years sparking luck beliefs in Phimai district
In the first blossoming in five years, a Frangipani tree has caused excitement in the community of Nakhon Ratchasima’s Phimai district. The residents fervently believe that a blooming Frangipani brings luck and prosperity, especially around the New Year. This particular tree is planted in front of the house numbered 127/1, owned by Sawang Suwongsombat, 62 years old. The locals have…
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Intoxicated tourist’s festive frolic on Pattaya Walking Street
On Pattaya Walking Street, a tourist found himself in the spotlight after refusing to foot the bill for his drinks, stirring a peaceful intervention by the local law enforcement on December 24. The tourist, whose identity remains undisclosed, showcased signs of inebriation, becoming uncooperative in settling his tab amounting to 198 baht. Responding swiftly to the distress call from the…
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Thailand’s NSTDA building AI ecosystem for ethical standardisation
The artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem is under construction by Thailand‘s National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA). The move is part of an effort to establish ethical and standardisation measures to prevent AI misuse, as confirmed by the agency’s director, Chukit Limpijamnong. The NSTDA has been working on setting up the ecosystem, recognising AI’s role in bolstering economic and social…
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Thai woman shares experience in helping airline catch thief on plane
A Thai woman issued a warning to air travellers, recounting her experience in helping an airline to catch a thief who stole money from a fellow passenger during a flight from Bangkok to Hong Kong. A Facebook user, Kanya Chumsana, shared her experience of witnessing a theft and aiding in the arrest to a Facebook group called Travelling in Europe…
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Americans’ top 3 festive escapes: Italy, Japan, and Thailand take the lead
Italy reigns supreme as the ultimate festive haven, clocking in nearly 93,000 average searches from September to December this year. An ever-popular year-round destination, Italy transforms into a winter wonder with charming markets, exceptional skiing facilities, and high-altitude luxury in the Italian Alps – a must-visit for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Taking an unexpected second place is Japan, with 33,275.49 average…
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Police officer fatally stabbed while calming drug addict in Nakhon Phanom
In a tragic incident, a police officer lost his life while attempting to pacify a known drug addict in That Phanom district, Nakhon Phanom, on Sunday. The late officer, Pol Lt Issrawut Kopolrat, served as the deputy crime suppression chief at That Phanom station. The unfortunate event unfolded in Ban Choke Amnuay in tambon Ummao, where a 49 year old…
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Update: Progressive social security triumphs in historic election
In a groundbreaking victory, the Progressive Social Security group clinched triumph in the nation’s inaugural Social Security Board (SSB) election on December 24, as the final vote count approached completion. The election, a pivotal moment in shaping the future of social security, saw the selection of 14 new board members by members of the Social Security Fund (SSF). Half of…
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MFP Pita to face court on January 31
The Constitutional Court has slated January 31 to give its ruling in the case against former Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat and the party itself. The stakes are high, with accusations flying that they aimed to dismantle Thailand’s constitutional democracy, placing the revered King as the head of state, through a controversial election campaign seeking to amend the…
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PM’s festive fashion fiasco: Srettha Thavisin’s Christmas socks surprise
In a yuletide twist at Government House, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin turned heads yesterday, December 25, sporting eye-catching red and green Christmas socks that left reporters questioning their powers of observation. The festive saga unfolded when the prime minister breezed into the reporters’ room, bearing gifts of decadent Italian panettone, each weighing a generous 10 kilogrammes. The sweet and buttery…
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Ambulance blocked by pickup truck in Pattaya sparks social backlash
A white pickup truck blocking an ambulance on its way to tend to a foreign patient experiencing chest pain has sparked a social backlash. The incident occurred yesterday, December 25, with the 48 year old poster of the clip, Taveeporn, urging people to make way for ambulances. The incident took place near a condominium close to the scene of the…
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Family of 4 rescued after 13 hours in flood in southern Thailand
A family of four members took to social media to plead for help after spending 13 hours in a flood at their home in the southern province of Narathiwas, and they were safely rescued by authorities. A Facebook user, Angles Keef, shared a picture of her family members submerged in chest-high floodwaters yesterday, December 25. She sought assistance in the caption…
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Thailand tightens border control to curb illegal wildlife smuggling
A concerted effort to tighten borders and stifle illegal wildlife trafficking is underway in Thailand, led by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. The department is collaborating with multiple state agencies responsible for border control to clamp down on wildlife smuggling gangs. This action is part of the country’s observance of National Wildlife Protection Day. Narongrit Sookprakan,…
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Thai MICE boom faces hurdles next year
Thailand‘s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) industry, once on the brink, surged back to 80% of its 2019 glory this year, however, a looming slowdown in 2024 raises eyebrows. Thailand’s MICE industry is poised for a remarkable recovery, reaching 80% of its pre-pandemic revenue in 2019. President of Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA), Sumate Sudasna, highlights Thailand’s allure as…
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Phuket taxi driver drives away foreign woman over air conditioning dispute
A Thai taxi driver faced criticism for a viral video of him chasing away a foreign passenger by pulling her out of his cab. The driver defended himself saying the foreign woman kicked his car door over an air conditioning dispute. The Facebook page, โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต (meaning so brutal, Phuket province), shared a video when a Thai taxi driver pulling…
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Pink line monorail’s free trial period may extend after conductor rail failure
The Pink Line monorail system‘s operator will be approached by the Transport Ministry to extend the free trial period after a section of the line was forced to shut down on Sunday due to a failure of the track’s conductor rail. The closure, as of Monday, has impacted seven stations from Nonthaburi Civic Centre (PK01) to Pak Kret Bypass (PK07).…
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Middle-aged man tricks viewers using AI face-swapping technology on TikTok
A TikTok user, @aifaceai, caused a stir on social media after revealing the true identity of a seemingly attractive female streamer. The streamer was initially believed to be a beautiful woman, given her natural demeanour, and seemingly no use of beauty filters. However, when the artificial intelligence (AI) software was suddenly switched off, the viewers were left in shock as…
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340 tonnes of seized narcotics to be burnt, says government
In an unprecedented move to combat the soaring drug crisis, 340 tonnes of seized narcotics are set to go up in flames at the Bang Pu Industrial Estate in Samut Prakan over a two-week operation commencing today, December 26. Led by Justice Minister Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong and Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew, the ceremonious drug incineration aims to create…
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Pregnant vendor in Surat Thani killed in tragic road accident: leaves two children orphaned
A tragic road accident claimed the life of a pregnant vendor in Surat Thani, leaving her two children orphaned. The driver, a young woman, lost control of her pickup truck, crashing into the roadside vendor and causing significant property damage. Witnesses claim that following the accident, the driver showed no remorse and didn’t check on the injured, instead, she fled…
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Thailand’s film boom: Global collaboration opportunities
Thailand is famous for its friendly people and welcoming culture. This beautiful country cherishes traditions yet is open to modern ideas and values. Buddhism and the monarchy have always been the anchors of the people and provide order, and stability and bring the Thai people together. Thailand also embraces progress which makes its capital city considered one of the best…
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Brutal assault at Chon Buri nightclub leaves young men seriously injured
Tan, a 21 year old victim of a brutal assault at a well-known nightclub in Chon Buri was dragged out from the bathroom and beaten, leaving him and a friend seriously injured. The incident, which happened in the early hours yesterday, was sparked by a misunderstanding that the young men were using drugs in the club’s bathroom. Tan revealed that…
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Bangkok driver warns of aggressive young windscreen washer
A Thai driver issued a warning to other motorists after a young windscreen washer showed violent behaviour and threatened him for refusing his windscreen washing service at Asoke Intersection in Bangkok. Anyone driving cars in Bangkok may be familiar with young boys or girls selling garlands or offering car window wiping services on roads. They seized opportunities of the heavy…
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Life sentence for Pattalung man in attempted murder case
37 year old Chawalit Thongduang, also known as Paeng Nahonod, has been sentenced to life imprisonment by a Pattalung provincial court for the attempted murder of an officer back in 2019. The court verdict was announced today, following Paeng’s escape from the hospital at 10am. The case, number 175/2565, had a total of five defendants, with the Pattalung provincial prosecutor…
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Female ranger survives rape attempt but faces resignation pressure
A female Thai ranger faced resignation pressure from her superior after she filed a complaint against a soldier who attempted to rape her with the Royal Thai Army (RTA). The female ranger, 28 year old Chonlada Charoenram, reached out to the social media influencer, Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet, after being forced to resign even though she was the victim. She tried…
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South Thailand hit by extensive flooding due to heavy rain
South Thailand has been hit by extensive flooding over the last two days due to relentless heavy rain, impacting Narathiwat and Yala provinces. The flood has affected 67 sub-districts across 16 districts, disrupting the lives of thousands of inhabitants. The inundation in Narathiwat has flooded nine districts on Monday morning, including Waeng, Sukhirin, Chanae, Rangae, Sungai Padi, Si Sakhon, Cho…
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Taiwanese YouTuber sparks debate with controversial naked sushi party
The wealthy Taiwanese YouTuber, Chao Ge, sparked internet buzz after posting pictures of a birthday party he had arranged for a friend. The standout feature of the celebration was the naked sushi, where various Japanese dishes were served on the body of a naked woman, used as an alternative to a dining plate. Chao Ge is widely recognised as the…
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