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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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Planning to extend your Thai visa? Why health insurance is more important than ever
If you plan to stay longer in Thailand, having health insurance is now more important than ever. Thai immigration often asks for proof of medical coverage when you apply to extend your visa. This applies to many types of visas,...
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Bangkok care centre exposed for covering up abuse of old Alzheimer’s man
A caretaker at an elderly care centre in the Bang Kapi area of Bangkok physically abused an old man with Alzheimer’s, prompting his daughter to share the story with the media in her quest for justice. The 59 year old woman, Tayanat Kajornnapapong, brought the abuse to public attention because the care centre and Lat Phrao Police Station failed to…
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Fuelling the festivities: Petrol and diesel prices cut for Songkran
Motorists are getting a Songkran surprise as Thailand’s Oil Fund slashes petrol and diesel prices by 1 baht per litre—just in time for the holiday travel rush. Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, who also chairs the Oil Fuel Fund Management Committee, announced that the price cut will be rolled out in two phases. The first reduction of…
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Sour deal: China squeezes out 19 Thai products over safety fears
China has slammed the brakes on 19 Thai products, including sweetened condensed milk, citing safety concerns and labelling issues. The move, part of a broader crackdown that saw 357 shipments from 38 countries rejected in January this year, has sent shockwaves through Thailand’s export sector. According to the Ministry of Commerce, the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) released…
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Drunk Thai woman attempts hara-kiri after dispute with husband
A Thai woman today attempted to perform hara-kiri, cutting open her stomach, after a dispute with her husband while they were both drunk at a rented house in Chiang Mai province. Officers from Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station and rescuers arrived at the two-storey house in the Mueang district of the province at about 2am, today, March 24, after receiving…
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Thailand warns vaping could lead to 5 years in prison
Following the Government of Thailand’s recent decisive action on e-cigarettes or vapes, anyone caught with the illegal items could face up to five years in prison and a hefty fine. Residents are also encouraged to report vape users or vendors through an official mobile application. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has now taken a firm stance against vaping, despite having previously supported…
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Phuket cops bag major methamphetamine suspect in Thalang bust
Phuket police collared a major drug suspect in Thalang, seizing a staggering stash of methamphetamine. The dramatic operation, spearheaded by Thalang Police Chief, Police Colonel Nikorn Chuathong, unfolded on Friday, March 21. Leading the charge was Police Lieutenant Colonel Suchart Luecha and his team of investigators from Thalang Police Station. Their target? Prasan “Him” Nopparat, a 45 year old alleged…
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Fake cash chaos: Phuket cops probe tourists over dodgy dollars
Phuket police are on high alert after two foreign women allegedly tried to exchange fake US dollars at a local currency exchange. Officers were called to the exchange near a major Cape Panwa hotel on Saturday, March 22, after staff became suspicious of six US$50 bills. The women, whose nationalities remain undisclosed, handed over the notes in exchange for 9,750…
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2 suspects arrested, 2 police injured in illegal gun crackdown
Two Thai police officers sustained injuries during a shooting while carrying out an illegal gun crackdown in Bangkok at the weekend. One suspect was arrested at the scene, while another surrendered the following day. A 62 year old witness reported the shooting on Soi Sook Anan in the Kannayao district of Bangkok to Kannayao Police Station at about 8.30pm on Saturday,…
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Pattaya police beef up patrols to tackle crime surge
In response to a recent spike in criminal activities, Pattaya police rolled out a robust initiative to keep the city’s streets safe. Officers today, assembled at Pattaya City Police Station to deploy newly trained patrol units dedicated to maintaining order and preventing crime. This move comes after a series of unsettling incidents. Notably, a 71 year old British tourist was…
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Speeding driver causes major crash, minor injuries reported
A major collision occurred between an employee bus and a speeding pickup truck driver when the bus attempted a U-turn on Phan Thong-Ban Kao Road in Phan Thong district, Chon Buri, at 5.30am this morning, March 24. The pickup truck, unable to stop in time, crashed into the rear of the bus. Police are reviewing CCTV footage for further investigation.…
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Thai motorcycle taxi rider loses nearly 30,000 baht in fake dollar scam
A Thai motorcycle taxi rider lost nearly 30,000 baht after a scammer tricked him into exchanging fake dollar banknotes at a bank in Samut Prakan province near Bangkok. The motorcycle taxi rider, 43 year old Saksan Phungphat, carried his baby boy to seek help from Channel 3 after police allowed the scammer to remain at large despite his loss of…
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Two homes gutted, Pattaya residents burned in frantic fire escape
A raging fire tore through a residential area in Pattaya, leaving two homes in ruins and two people injured as they desperately tried to save their belongings. The blaze erupted at 1pm, yesterday, March 23, in Soi Thung Klom-Tanman 15, prompting a rapid response from Nongprue police, firefighters, and Sawang Boriboon rescue teams. Three fire engines rushed to the scene,…
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Thai doctor mysteriously dies in bloodstained shorts in Bangkok condo
A Thai doctor mysteriously died in his condominium in the Thonglo area of Bangkok. The doctor’s body was discovered in his bed by his boyfriend yesterday, March 23. Officers at Thong Lo Police Station were alerted to the death of the doctor, 37 year old Prakit, at 8.33am yesterday. The person who reported the incident was Prakit’s boyfriend, whose name…
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Minister demands tighter security after student clash at MBK Centre
The minister for higher education urged for enhanced security measures, particularly in shopping malls, following a confrontation at MBK Centre in central Bangkok at the weekend. Supamas Isarabhakdi, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, yesterday, March 24, announced her intention to request the Royal Thai Police Office to bolster security in high-risk locations. She also emphasised monitoring…
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Truck-stop terror: Motorcyclist smashes into lorry near Pattaya
A 21 year old Cambodian motorcyclist was left seriously injured after colliding with a parked 18-wheeler on Sukhumvit Road, Bang Lamung, near Pattaya. Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre was alerted to the crash at 2.06am, yesterday, March 23, near the Krating Lai Bridge, heading towards Bangkok in Chon Buri province. Rescue volunteers and medical teams rushed to the scene. A…
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United Nations urges Thailand to collaborate for sustainable future
A United Nations official called on the Government of Thailand, private sector, and communities to collaborate for the nation’s sustainable future. Kanni Wignaraja, Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at the United Nations Development Programme, highlighted the need for inclusivity in these efforts. During her recent visit to Thailand for the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development 2025, held from…
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Thai woman shot dead in cemetery over 50 million baht inheritance dispute
A Thai woman yesterday surrendered to police for shooting dead her sister-in-law at a cemetery in Chon Buri following a dispute over an inheritance of 50 million baht. The 52 year old Thai woman, Kantana-on Ditprasert, was found dead at a cemetery in the Si Racha district of Chon Buri at around 6pm on Saturday, March 22. Kantana-on worked as…
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Slow progress in Thaksin hospital aid probe due to limited info
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) reported that the investigation into allegations of government officials aiding former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in obtaining medical treatment at the Police General Hospital (PGH), bypassing prison detention, is progressing slowly due to limited access to information. Saroj Phungramphan, the NACC Secretary General, stated yesterday, March 23, that their team is gathering evidence, including witness…
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Pattaya motorbike thief crashes student’s birthday bash
A Pattaya motorbike thief become a party pooper in the early hours of this morning, ruining a student’s birthday party celebrations, as revealed by a social media post that’s gone viral. CCTV footage from yesterday, March 23, at 8pm revealed a daring theft unfolding in Soi Buakhao. The clip captured a thief effortlessly making off with a black Honda PCX—license plate…
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Thailand urged to review new co-payment health insurance rule
The Thailand Consumer Council (TCC) urged the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) to reevaluate the new co-payment health insurance rule, calling it unjust for consumers and ineffective in addressing fundamental issues. Implemented on March 20, the rule requires policyholders to cover up to 50% of medical expenses, replacing the previous comprehensive coverage plan. Post-Covid-19 pandemic, rising healthcare costs and an…
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Ex-police officer shoots sister-in-law in Bangkok property dispute
A former officer from Samrae Police Station fatally shot his sister-in-law and critically injured his sister during a heated argument over property rights at their home. The incident occurred at 1.04pm yesterday, March 23, in Bang Mod, Chom Thong district, Bangkok. Police Lieutenant Thanathat Ratsameepupa, Deputy Inspector from Tha Kham Police Station, received the call and arrived at the scene…
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Thaksin wades into Thailand debt storm with bold bailout plan
Former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has reignited debate over the country’s mounting debt crisis, urging the government to buy up bad loans to help struggling households. The 75 year old’s proposal? The state should step in, purchase non-performing loans (NPLs) from financial institutions, and wipe debt-ridden individuals off the National Credit Bureau’s blacklist. But not everyone is convinced by…
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Storm warning: Thai provinces brace for a real reign of terror
The Meteorological Department of Thailand has forecasted severe weather conditions for today, March 24, predicting heavy rain in nine provinces, affecting 20% of the areas. Northern Thailand is expected to face extreme heat, with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celcius (°C). A low-pressure system due to heat is covering northern Thailand, while a weakening high-pressure system or cool air mass…
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Toddler takes the wheel: SUV crash kills two children in Buriram
A female SUV driver crashed and killed two children, aged nine and 13, on a motorcycle in the Isaan province of Buriram on Saturday, March 22. The SUV driver’s two year old child reportedly sat on her lap and grabbed the steering wheel, leading to the crash. The fatal accident was reported to officers at Satuek Police Station and the…
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Bear’ly survived: Thai fisherman’s face torn off in horror mauling
A Thai fisherman miraculously survived after a ferocious bear attack left him horrifically disfigured, ripping off most of his face, nose, and upper lip in a single devastating swipe. The 60 year old victim was also mauled on the neck and stomach by what experts believe was an Asiatic black bear, a species known to attack humans when threatened. It…
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Thief steals gold worth 7.8 million baht in Ayutthaya heist
A lone thief armed with a gun stole gold worth over 7 million baht in under a minute at a shopping mall in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. The incident occurred at 6.30pm yesterday, March 23. The deputy investigator at Phra In Racha Police Station received a report about the armed robbery at a gold store located within a shopping mall…
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Massage gets a rub down: Thailand cracks whip on shady parlours
The Thai government is cracking down on dodgy massage parlours that are tarnishing the reputation of nuad Thai, as the industry faces a shortage of 50,000 skilled practitioners. The Ministry of Public Health is stepping in to restore the craft’s credibility, amid concerns that inconsistent standards and seedy businesses have led to Thai massage being wrongly linked to brothels. Adviser…
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House of cards tumbles: Cops bust Hua Hin gambling ring
Six suspects have been rounded up in a dramatic police raid on an illegal online gambling empire operating out of Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan. The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) swooped in on LAVAMAX1688, a shadowy betting network that had raked in over 8 million baht in just eight months. With arrest warrants issued for seven people, officers stormed…
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PPRP’s Prawit to challenge PM Paetongtarn in censure debate
Attention has focused on the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader, Prawit Wongsuwon, amid speculation regarding his recruitment of Pheu Thai Party MP, Police Captain Chalerm Yubamrung, for the upcoming censure debate against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. They are anticipated to present serious allegations against the government. PPRP Secretary-General, Paiboon Nititawan, confirmed that Prawit will speak following the opening remarks by…
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Illegal nightclub raid in Nakhon Pathom uncovers drug use
In Nakhon Pathom‘s Samphran district, administrative officials conducted a raid at 3am this morning, March 23, at an unlicensed nightclub, discovering 81 patrons with traces of illegal drugs. The Department of Provincial Administration led the raid operation at a local nightclub called Neon Pub following reports of narcotics being available on the premises. During the raid, officials secured the exits…
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