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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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How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
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Teen fugitives caught in sugarcane field after detention escape
Two young male suspects, 13 and 14 years old, involved in separate robbery and methamphetamine possession cases, have been caught after escaping from a juvenile detention vehicle in Chaiyaphum province. They were found hiding in a sugarcane field after confessing to a local cattle herder. The incident occurred on Tuesday, February 11, when the two boys jumped from a juvenile…
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Elderly man killed by grandson in Udon Thani sword attack
An 88 year old man was killed at his home in Mueang district, Udon Thani province yesterday. A 29 year old suspect fled the scene with a long sword and remains at large. The incident occurred around 5pm, yesterday, February 12, with local police, including Police Colonel Pattanawong Chanpol and emergency services, responding to the scene. Phon sustained multiple injuries…
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Smog predicted for 53 Thai provinces as Bangkok chokes on dust
Bangkok and a staggering 53 out of Thailand’s 76 provinces today were engulfed in perilously high levels of ultrafine dust, with the Central Plain and east of the country bearing the brunt. The alarming report comes from the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), painting a grim picture of air quality across the nation. As of 8am, today, February…
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Ex-alcohol chief toasts potential gains from lifting drink sales ban
Former chairperson of the Alcohol Beverage Business Association recently discussed the potential economic benefits of lifting the ban on alcohol sales from 2pm to 5pm as well as on religious holidays. The move aligns with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s directive to review regulations that hinder economic stimulation and contradict tourism promotion policies. Thanakorn Kuptajit highlighted that revisiting these restrictions, including the…
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Chinese tourists lead 4.8m visitors to Thailand, boosting revenue
Over 4 million tourists have visited Thailand since the start of the year, with Chinese visitors leading the numbers. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong announced yesterday that from January 1 to February 9, Thailand hosted 4.8 million international tourists, contributing more than 234.9 billion baht in revenue. Chinese tourists ranked highest with 825,617 arrivals, followed by Malaysia with 617,631,…
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Pattaya Beach stabbing: Suspect caught, drugs found, police investigate
In the early hours of this morning Police Lieutenant Chaowalit Suwanmanee, Deputy Chief of Investigation at Pattaya City Police Station, responded to a report of a violent altercation at Pattaya Beach, near Soi 10. Police and rescue workers from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Pattaya City rushed to the scene at 1.06am, today, February 13. Upon their arrival, they encountered numerous Thai and…
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Iran seeks to boost tourism ties with Thailand
Iran aims to enhance tourism exchanges with Thailand, as stated by its ambassador during an event celebrating Iran’s National Day in Bangkok on Tuesday, February 11. Nassereddin Heidari, the Iranian envoy in Bangkok, highlighted that over 50,000 Iranians visited Thailand as tourists last year, establishing it as a favoured destination. Iran hopes to see this figure rise. Tehran is eager…
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Making waves: ONWR dives into final stretch of water plans
The Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) is racing to wrap up its ambitious water management plans across 22 river basins this year, as revealed by its Secretary General, Surasee Kittimonthon. The countdown is on as the agency pushes to safeguard the nation’s vital waterways. Already ahead in the game, the ONWR has finalised strategies for the lower southern…
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Man arrested for child porn chatroom exploitation in Khon Kaen
A man has been detained for the sexual assault of underage boys and for distributing videos of the incidents in a paid online chat group in Khon Kaen. The man, 31 year old Warit, was apprehended at a residence in Ban Hat district during a raid conducted by the Cyber Crime Investigation Division 3 (CCID3) yesterday, February 12. The operation…
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Get ready to go ‘Joe Cool’ as Snoopy soars over Pattaya’s kite fest 2025
Get ready for a sky full of wonder as the Pattaya International Kite on the Beach 2025 prepares to dazzle tourists and residents alike with a Snoopy theme. The kite extravaganza, proudly brought to you by Central Pattaya in partnership with the City of Pattaya, the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Pattaya Office, the Pattaya Business & Tourism Association, the Marine…
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Thailand braces for rising heat and southern thunderstorms
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) today forecasts increasing temperatures with hot weather during the day and thunderstorms expected in southern provinces of Thailand. Mariners have been advised to exercise caution due to the high seas. In the next 24 hours, a weakened high-pressure system is affecting northeastern Thailand, resulting in cool morning temperatures and hot conditions during the day. The…
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Thai woman fatally struck crossing dim road in Pattaya
A local Thai woman lost her life after being struck by a car on a perilously dim road beneath a darkened overpass in Bang Lamung. At 10.06pm, Tuesday, February 11, the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre received a chilling report of a fatal collision on the notorious stretch of Highway 331, heading towards Sattahip, in Chon Buri province’s Bang Lamung…
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AI and automation: How tech is reshaping the workforce
Technological advancements are revolutionising the workforce, altering job roles and increasing productivity across various sectors. Innovations like artificial intelligence and automation are redefining the future of employment. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has documented a significant shift in the workforce due to these emerging technologies. McKinsey’s detailed report highlights automation’s role in streamlining processes, boosting efficiency, and creating new job…
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Teenagers escape custody vehicle in Nakhon Ratchasima
Two teenagers escaped from a custody vehicle while being transported to a juvenile detention centre. The incident occurred at 3.30pm yesterday, February 11, near a traffic junction at Pakham Market, Mueang subdistrict, Phra Thong Kham district, Nakhon Ratchasima province. The two boys, aged 13 and 14 years old, were involved in separate cases, one for robbery and the other for…
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Teenager tragically killed by harvester in Kamphaeng Phet
A tragic incident occurred in Kamphaeng Phet when a 15 year old boy from Phetchaburi, working in a sugarcane field, was killed by a sugarcane harvester. Relatives claimed the boy was asleep in a furrow, unnoticed by others. Yesterday, February 11 at 2.30pm, Lan Krabue Police Station was informed that the sugarcane harvester had pulled the boy into its machinery…
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Norwegian parents’ cave tour with baby in Thailand sparks debate
A Norwegian couple, known for documenting their global adventures, recently revealed an unconventional solution to include their 10 month old son on an adventure trip in Thailand. The destination of the Norwegian couple, 32 year old Tora and 31 year old Marcus, was the Emerald Cave, a sea cave that leads to a hidden lagoon and beach, accessible only by swimming,…
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Pregnant woman mourns husband shot by police in Bangkok theft
A nine-month pregnant woman was left in mourning after her husband was shot dead by police during a motorcycle theft incident in Bangkok. The man, part of a gang involved in stealing motorcycles, was confronted by investigators and shot after allegedly threatening officers with a firearm. The family claims the police response was excessive. The shooting occurred near the entrance…
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Explosion and fire in Samut Sakhon claims two lives
An explosion and ensuing fire engulfed a six-storey commercial building, claiming two lives in Samut Sakhon. The fire, initially reported at 5am today, February 12, was tackled by firefighters from various local organisations who managed to contain it to a limited area. Police Lieutenant Phuwarit Palatja from Bang Nam Chuet Subdistrict Police Station received reports of the fire at a…
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Tragedy in Trat as rubber worker kills toddler
A 25 year old rubber-tapping labourer was apprehended by the police for the murder of a one year old boy in Bo Rai, Trat province. The incident, involving multiple stab wounds, occurred after he allegedly consumed methamphetamine and claimed he was threatened by the child’s father. Police Colonel Thanapon Temsara, deputy inspector at Bo Rai Police Station, reported the arrest…
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Thai boy forced into inappropriate acts by foreign students
An incident involving a seven year old Thai boy being forced by four foreign students to perform inappropriate acts at a school has emerged. The boy’s mother reported the incident to the police, who have been accused of dismissing the boy’s claims as playful experimenting among children. According to reports, the boy, who is in the first grade, was allegedly…
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Phuket probes kindergarten injuries amid social media uproar
Officials in Phuket have launched an investigation into alleged student injuries at Patong Kindergarten following concerns highlighted on social media. A high-level meeting was convened on February 10, with officials committing to a comprehensive and impartial inquiry. Attendees of the meeting included Phuket Vice Governor Ronnarong Thipsiri, Patong Mayor Chalermsak Maneesri, Deputy Mayor Lalita Maneesri, Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee, senior…
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Russian tourist dies after Pattaya boat slide incident
A 33 year old Russian tourist died following a medical emergency after using a tour boat slide near Koh Sak in Pattaya Bay on February 11 at 5pm. The Pattaya Marine Rescue Division publicly identified the tourist. The Marine Disaster Division of Pattaya City and the Sawang Boriboon Foundation Rescue Unit dispatched a speedboat to retrieve Andrew Anganov, who had…
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Phuket cybercrime bust: Six arrested in online gambling crackdown
A significant operation against international cybercrime in Phuket has led to the arrest of six people, including three Taiwanese nationals, connected to a complex online gambling and money laundering scheme. This was part of an initiative by the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB). The arrests were publicised yesterday, February 11, at the CCIB headquarters in Bangkok. The operation, named Hunting…
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Chinese factories in Thailand raided for legal violations
Three Chinese-owned factories in Samut Sakhon’s Mueang district were raided and had their operations suspended for multiple legal violations. The Industry Ministry and the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division of the Royal Thai Police led the inspections after residents raised concerns about night-time black smoke emissions. The factories were engaged in metal smelting and processing non-hazardous waste like…
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Thailand’s temperatures rise slightly despite chilly mornings
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts a slight warming trend despite cold morning temperatures. The Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea will experience waves of about 1 metre, prompting caution for seafarers yesterday, February 11. An update for the next 24 hours highlights that while temperatures in upper Thailand are set to rise by 1 to 3 degrees Celsius,…
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Eerie occurrence: Music plays on after car crashes in Ratchaburi
In an unusual incident, a car involved in a crash mysteriously began playing a country music song, despite a damaged battery and the keys being turned off. The incident was captured in a TikTok video, which left social media users puzzled. Yesterday, February 10, Chakkrit Hadee, the owner of a slide car garage and a related car cemetery, shared his…
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Thailand launches global task force to combat human trafficking
Thailand is stepping up its fight against human trafficking and scam call centres by establishing an international coordination centre to rescue victims trapped in Myanmar, Police Inspector-General Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot announced. Speaking from Tak province yesterday, February 10, Thatchai confirmed that the centre will work with international law enforcement to track down and free people, regardless of nationality, who…
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Foreign motorcyclist flees after hitting Thai delivery rider (video)
A Thai food delivery rider is seeking justice after a foreign motorcyclist hit him on a road in Pattaya and immediately sped away, even though he was injured in the accident. The 35 year old victim, Surasak, shared dashcam footage of the incident with various news agencies to locate the foreign motorcyclist. He told Channel 7 that the incident took…
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More planes to take off as Thailand summer travel surges
Thailand’s skies are set to get busier as flights increase across major airports under the new northern summer schedule, which kicks off next month. With international travel rebounding, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) confirmed a significant rise in flight slots at the nation’s busiest airports. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced that Suvarnabhumi Airport has secured 1,202 daily flight…
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Fare play: Bolt driver warns after Indian couple scams free airport ride
A Thai Bolt driver took to social media to issue a warning to others after an Indian couple tricked him into providing them with a free ride to Phuket International Airport. The driver urged the Facebook news page โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต (which translates to Phuket is brutal) to share his story and warn others not to fall victim to similar fraudulent…
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