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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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Phichit governor probes school insurance scam at children centre
The governor of Phichit province in northern Thailand has ordered an investigation into an insurance fraud case involving a supposed agent deceiving parents at schools and child development centres. The parents were led to believe they had secured accident insurance for their children, but the money was never forwarded to the insurance company. This came to light following an incident…
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Pattaya gold robber arrested after daring heist in Lamphun
A 47 year old man has been arrested in Pattaya today following a swift investigation into a daring gold robbery in Lamphun province. The heist, which saw a suspect steal two gold necklaces worth over 500,000 baht, was solved thanks to the tireless efforts of Chon Buri Provincial Police. “The suspect was tracked down to a shopping mall in Central…
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Russian woman arrested in Phuket for illegal medical practice
Phuket’s tourist police have detained a 33 year old Russian woman for practising medicine without a licence. She allegedly offered injectable treatments to both Thais and foreigners across Phuket, promoting her services online. Police Colonel Narapon Wattanakorntawee, commander of the Tourist Police Division 3, instructed investigators to apprehend the Russian national, Viktoriia Freimark. The arrest followed complaints received by Police…
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Thailand brushes off Cambodia’s border threat as tensions simmer
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has downplayed Cambodia’s threat to stop importing Thai goods amidst escalating border tensions, asserting that Thailand has yet to implement any measures to cut electricity or Internet supplies to its neighbour. Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen recently accused Thailand of preparing to cut essential services along the border, which could include halting electricity and Internet connections.…
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Airline service charges set to rise at 6 Thai airports this October
In a move that will impact passengers at six key airports, the Department of Airports (DoA) has announced an increase in passenger service charges (PSC) for both domestic and international departures. Starting October 1, the domestic charge will rise from 50 baht to 75 baht per person, while the international charge will jump from 400 baht to 425 baht per…
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Dusit International eyes 16 billion baht revenue boost this year
Dusit International is set to bounce back in 2025, with the company projecting a revenue of 16 billion baht from its residential properties and reduced interest burdens. The company is confident in its recovery, as it moves closer to turning a profit, despite challenges faced in previous years. “Dusit International is on track for a strong turnaround,” said Suphajee Suthumpun,…
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PM Paetongtarn calls for proactive diplomacy to boost economy
In a bold call for action, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has urged Thai diplomats around the world to take a more proactive approach to support the country’s economy, navigate shifting global dynamics, and maintain peace in the region. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2025 annual meeting of Thai heads of missions in Bangkok, Paetongtarn outlined clear strategies for…
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Koh Larn registers 158 businesses in accommodation crackdown
To clean up Koh Larn’s rapidly expanding accommodation sector, Bang Lamung District Chief Patcharapat Srithanyanon announced the successful registration of unlicensed guesthouses and rentals on the popular tourist island. The crackdown, which aims to bring unregulated businesses into compliance, promises to improve transparency and foster sustainable development in the region. “Koh Larn has become a major destination for both Thai…
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SAO collapse: Final suspect turns himself in for prosecution
The investigation into the catastrophic collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building has taken a dramatic turn, with the final suspect in the case now facing prosecution. Chinese national Wu Bing Lin, also known by the Thai name Chanchai Rungrotthanacharoen, turned himself in to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) on Thursday, June 12, marking a significant step in…
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Pattaya to revamp entertainment zones and taxi system
To modernise and better serve the ever-growing number of tourists flocking to Pattaya, Bang Lamung district has unveiled major plans to overhaul its zoning regulations for entertainment venues and completely restructure the motorbike taxi system. This ambitious initiative was announced at a meeting chaired by District Chief Patcharapat Sritanyanon at the Takian Tia Municipal Office, attended by government leaders and…
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Indian man quizzed after bomb scare on Phuket flight
A 52 year old Indian man was arrested for questioning after a bomb threat forced an Air India flight to make an emergency landing at Phuket International Airport yesterday morning. The alarming incident triggered a swift security response, with 156 passengers onboard caught in the tense drama. The flight, AI 379, was en route from Phuket to Delhi when, around…
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Let it rain: Heavy downpours to drench Thailand
Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) has forecasted heavy rainfall for today across 44 provinces, with the northeast and eastern regions expecting the heaviest downpours. Residents are urged to anticipate potential flash floods and forest runoffs, especially in hilly areas and low-lying regions. Heavy rains are predicted for the northeast and east. Rain is expected in 51 provinces, with a 60% chance…
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Thai government backs new AI law to boost investment
The government has expressed readiness to endorse the current draft of principles for the artificial intelligence (AI) law, aiming to ensure uniform regulations for AI developers and service providers. The principles are designed to foster rather than deter investment. These principles address safety standards for AI systems, data management for AI development, and risk levels concerning personal data. Wisit Wisitsora-at,…
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Thai man’s mysterious skin blisters revealed as ‘skin worms’
A shocking Facebook post showing a man’s hand covered in painful, pus-like blisters has left many people guessing, only for doctors to reveal the bizarre cause: skin worm larvae, also known as Cutaneous Larva Migrans (CLM). The unusual condition, often referred to as “skin worms,” is caused by hookworm larvae that typically come from animals like dogs and cats, especially…
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Presumed dead man found alive after week in mangrove mud
Rescuers assisted a Thai man who was trapped in mud in a mangrove forest in the southern province of Chumphon for seven days, after a local fisherman discovered him and initially mistook him for a corpse. The 53 year old fisherman, Sila Wongpaen, fled the mangrove in shock and filed a report at Ban Wisai Nue Police Station, stating that…
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Air India flight AI171: Experts probe deadly takeoff crash (video)
A devastating crash involving Air India Flight AI171 has left 241 people dead and raised serious questions about what went wrong just moments after takeoff. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, plunged shortly after departing Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport yesterday, June 12, just 1.5km from the runway. The tragic incident marks the first fatal…
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Phuket pushes for gender equality with vibrant pride events
Phuket is taking bold steps towards inclusivity and gender equality with a major seminar and a packed Pride Month programme. Yesterday, June 12, the Phuket Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office hosted a seminar titled Our World is Equal: Awareness, Awareness, Awareness of Gender Equality (Pride for All) at the Seabed Grand Hotel in Wichit. Vice Governor Samawit Suphanphai, who…
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Major disruptions as Krungthai, GSB, SCB announce maintenance
Millions of customers across Thailand are bracing for significant service interruptions as three of the country’s biggest banks – Krungthai, Government Savings Bank (GSB), and Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) – prepare for extensive system maintenance. The planned outages will affect online banking, ATMs, mobile applications, and payment services, leaving many customers scrambling to complete transactions ahead of the disruptions. Krungthai…
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How Thailand’s new traffic fines are playing out?
Now that some time has passed since the Royal Thai Police (RTP) formalised their list of new traffic fines and sanctions, in effect since June 1, 2025, it would be an understatement to say that this change has done much to quench the scepticism of the public. The core of the new fines are the motorcycle helmet laws and operating…
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Pattaya launches new emergency medical training initiative
To enhance safety and attract more investment, Pattaya is rolling out a new emergency medical system project that aims to reassure both tourists and investors. Mayor Poramet Ngampichet recently welcomed Paisan Konjampa, Deputy Secretary-General of the National Institute for Emergency Medicine (NIEM), along with his team, to discuss the details of this exciting initiative. The NIEM team highlighted Pattaya’s status…
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New compensation policy for wild elephant attacks in Thailand
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has updated its financial assistance policy for those affected by wild elephant attacks, with a maximum payout of 500,000 baht. This new guideline, effective immediately, is designed to ensure timely and transparent compensation, with approved funds transferred within five working days. Director-General Atthapol Charoenchansa announced yesterday, June 12, that the…
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Tragic fall: Couple tumbles from bridge in northeast Thailand
A man and woman plunged from a bridge at Huai Chan Waterfall in Khun Han district, Sisaket province, in northeast Thailand yesterday after an evening of drinking turned deadly. The couple, aged 38 and 36, suffered serious injuries, and while the man survived, the woman tragically died in the hospital. Emergency services responded quickly, arriving at the scene where locals…
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Thailand video news | Air India jet crashes after takeoff in Ahmedabad, killing hundreds, MIFFest 2025 to screen 62 films from 48 countries in July
Today’s top stories in Thailand include a violent incident involving a security guard and two young boys, a 40-million-baht student visa scam tied to Chinese mafia networks, and an unsettling underwear-sniffing case caught on CCTV. Environmental concerns mount with toxic red dust seized at Bangkok Port and worsening landfill odors in Phuket. Internationally, the tragic crash of an Air India…
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Buddhist amulet saves Thai man from shooting in Bangkok restaurant
A Thai businessman survived a shooting at a restaurant in Bangkok yesterday, June 12, after a Buddhist amulet he was wearing reportedly blocked a bullet from piercing his chest. Officers from Bang Khen Police Station responded to reports of gunfire at a restaurant on Phahonyothin Road in Bangkok’s Bang Khen district. Upon arrival, they found a chaotic scene, with tables…
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Patient punches nurse in Nonthaburi hospital, cites disrespect
Police immediately transferred a male patient from the hospital to a detention cell after he punched a nurse in the face on Wednesday, June 11, at Pranangklao Hospital in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok. Excessive cannabis use is suspected to have played a role in the violent outburst. The assault occurred at around 2pm in front of the nurses’ counter on…
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Chon Buri woman slashes wrist in despair, rescued
A 54 year old Thai woman in Chon Buri was left in despair, turning to self-harm after a series of financial setbacks left her and her partner destitute. Yesterday evening, June 12, the woman, whose identity is withheld for privacy, attempted to slash her wrist and arm with a broken soy sauce bottle at her rented home in Nong Prue,…
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US State Department: Thailand safe for most, caution in south
Thailand’s travel advisory has been updated, and the verdict is in: the country is generally safe for tourists. However, there are some areas where extra caution is recommended, particularly in the southern provinces due to ongoing civil unrest. The US State Department has placed Thailand on its “Level 1” advisory for most of the country, meaning “Exercise Normal Precautions.” This…
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British man cheats death in horror Air India crash (video)
A British man has miraculously walked away from the burning wreckage of an Air India plane crash that killed at least 241 people, making him the sole known survivor in one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent years. The lucky survivor, 38 year old Vishwashkumar Ramesh, was seated in 11A on Air India flight AI171, which crashed into a…
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Thailand’s ageing F-16s, what’s the next move?
Thailand’s Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is facing an important challenge: how to replace its ageing fleet of F-16 fighter jets while keeping pace with regional security demands and budget realities. For decades, the F-16 has been the backbone of Thailand’s air defence. But with many of these jets approaching their retirement age, the RTAF has now shifted gears, looking…
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Cambodia’s Hun Sen calls for Thai film ban amid rising tensions
Cambodia is threatening to pull the plug on Thai culture and commerce as tensions with Thailand continue to boil over. Senate President Hun Sen has urged the Royal Government of Cambodia to consider banning Thai films and halting imports of Thai goods, citing rising hostility from Thai extremist groups. The bold remarks were made in a fiery social media post,…
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