News
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 Why health insurance costs more each year and how expats in Thailand can save more money
Each year, many expats living in Thailand see their health insurance premiums go up and often without a clear reason. This can be frustrating, especially when you're trying to plan your budget. But by understanding why prices rise and learning...
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Man dies in motorcycle crash with roadside bin, daughter devastated
A heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded when a man died after his motorcycle collided with a roadside bin. The incident, which occurred at 1pm yesterday, December 29, left his daughter devastated. Earlier that morning, he had made a seemingly ominous comment about buying something for her if he survived the day. Police officers from Klong Ha Police Station, led by Police Lieutenant…
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Thai man arrested for stabbing Danish tourist in Patong
A 27 year old Thai man has been apprehended by Patong Police after allegedly stabbing a Danish tourist early on December 28. The swift action by senior officers at Patong Police Station led to the arrest following the incident which left the tourist injured. The suspect was detained at a residence on Soi Kralim 6, located off Phra Barami Road…
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South Korean man missing after boat capsizes near Koh Pha Ngan
A South Korean man remains missing after a long-tail boat capsized at around 3am yesterday, December 29, in the sea near Koh Pha Ngan, an island in the southern province of Surat Thani. A boat driver was tested positive for drugs. The accident occurred on a long-tail boat named Phichitchai, which departed Rin Beach on Koh Pha Ngan and was…
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Young man arrested in Bangkok with modified gun after police chase
A young man found himself in hot water after leading police on a chase, ultimately being apprehended with a firearm in his possession. The incident occurred today, December 30, when officers from Bang Khen Police Station, led by Anan Warasart, apprehended 20 year old Tawan in the Ram Inthra 5 area of Bangkok. Tawan was found with a modified blank…
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Van drivers’ feud in Sattahip leaves one injured amid passenger poaching row
A heated dispute among van drivers in Sattahip escalated into a physical altercation on December 28, resulting in injuries to one individual. Police were alerted to the incident at a public van terminal in Sattahip, Chon Buri province, prompting a swift response from both police and rescue teams. Upon arrival, officials found a man named Chatree Deekhuntod suffering from facial…
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3 foreigners killed in fire at Khao San Road hotel in Bangkok
A fire broke out at a hotel on Thani Road near the Khao San Road neighbourhood of Bangkok last night, December 29, resulting in three fatalities and seven injuries. The fire started on the fifth floor of the six-storey Ember Hotel, at around 9.20pm. ThaiRath reported today, December 30, that the blaze originated in room 511, which was completely burned down…
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Phuket man demands justice after brutal attack on mother and girlfriend
A shocking incident of violence in Phuket has prompted a man to turn to social media to demand justice following a brutal attack on his mother and girlfriend in Srisoonthorn. This assault, captured on CCTV around 3am on December 26, has been brought to the public eye by a family member seeking accountability for the perpetrators. The incident unfolded as…
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Endangered animal smuggling ring busted at Chatuchak Market
A clandestine network involved in the smuggling of endangered animals has been exposed at Chatuchak Market, according to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP). Director-General Atthapol Charoenchansa revealed that a millionaire businessman, who collects exotic animals, attempted to import a baby gorilla from Türkiye. Details about the businessman remain undisclosed as investigations continue. Police have initiated…
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Teen dies in tragic gun accident in Samut Prakan
A tragic accident unfolded when an 18 year old mechanical student from a well-known school accidentally shot himself in the groin while handling a gun, leading to his untimely death. The incident occurred when he attempted to pull the weapon from his trousers, according to a younger friend present at the scene. At around 3.30am yesterday, December 29, officers from…
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Monk killed, driver injured in Rayong lorry-car collision
A devastating accident at a notorious intersection in Rayong has resulted in the death of a monk and left a driver critically injured. The collision involved a lorry and a car, with the lorry crashing the car into a roadside house wall. This incident occurred at an intersection lacking traffic signals, a factor that has contributed to numerous accidents in…
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Jeju Air plane crash death toll rises to 179, including 2 Thai women
The death toll from the Jeju Air plane crash at Muan International Airport in South Korea yesterday, December 29, has risen to 179, including two Thai women. Jeju Air flight 7C2216, which departed from Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok bound for Muan Airport in South Korea, reportedly crashed into a wall at the destination airport at around 9am yesterday. The…
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Passenger bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai catches fire, no injuries
A dramatic incident unfolded when a passenger bus travelling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai caught fire, engulfing the vehicle in flames. Fortunately, all passengers escaped unharmed. The fire occurred around 9pm yesterday, December 29, when the Lampang Province’s 191 Radio Centre reported the blaze near kilometres 671-672 on Phahonyothin Road in Sop Prap district, Lampang. Immediate assistance was requested from…
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How much does it cost to see a doctor in Thailand?
Thailand is known for its high-quality yet affordable healthcare system, but how much does it really cost to see a doctor? As an expat, this question might be crucial for budgeting your health needs. The answer depends on whether you have health insurance or not, and the difference can be significant. Let’s explore the costs, compare insured versus uninsured expenses,…
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Fire at Lopburi hospital ICU leads to 81 patient evacuation
A blaze erupted at Ananda Mahidol Hospital, specifically in the basement ICU, prompting the swift evacuation of 81 patients. The governor of Lopburi led the emergency response team on site to manage the situation efficiently. Yesterday, December 28, an intense fire broke out late at night in the ICU section of Ananda Mahidol Hospital, located in Lopburi’s Mueang District. This…
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Phuket teacher investigated for alleged molestation of students
A teacher from an elementary school in Phuket is currently under investigation following allegations of molestation made by the parents of two young students. These serious claims have prompted police to look into the matter, raising concerns about the safety of children at the institution. Deputy Chief of Investigations at Phuket City Police Station, Pawiinuch Kongsut, shared details of the…
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Japanese man killed in Pattaya stabbing after intervening in dispute
A Japanese man tragically lost his life following a stabbing incident in Pattaya, with the alleged perpetrator being a Thai-English man embroiled in a dispute with his girlfriend. The incident escalated when the Japanese victim intervened, resulting in his untimely death. The confrontation occurred early this morning, December 29, on Pattaya Third Road, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri.…
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Police investigate call centre gang at Thai-Cambodian border
Police and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) have conducted a thorough investigation at the Aranyaprathet border, focusing on a 25-storey building suspected to be the base of a call centre gang, following information provided by Thaksin Shinawatra, a former Prime Minister. At noon yesterday, December 28, Thachchai Pitaneelabutr, the Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, along with Natthathorn…
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Pattaya man seriously injured by wife in new year’s knife attack
A construction worker in Pattaya found himself in a dire situation when his wife, angered by his refusal to return home from new year’s celebrations, attacked him with a knife. The incident, which took place at a construction camp in Soi Mab Yai Lia 22, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung, Chon Buri, left the man with severe facial injuries, including a…
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Phuket communities recognised for innovative food waste reduction project
Phuket’s Cherng Talay Tambon Administrative Organisation and Baan Haad Surin Community have earned recognition as model communities for their exceptional work in the Raksa Food project, commonly known as Food Banks. Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat awarded certificates during a ceremony at Phuket Provincial Hall on Christmas Day to honour their achievements. The Raksa Food project, led by the Phuket Provincial…
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Khao Kheow Zoo to expand with new Hippo Village project
Khao Kheow Open Zoo is set to expand with a new project called Hippo Village, dedicated to the popular pygmy hippopotamus family, including the beloved Moo Deng, at the zoo in Chon Buri Province. The announcement was made by Ataporn Sriherun, Director of the Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand, alongside Narongwit Chadchoi, Director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo. They discussed…
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Pattaya bust dismantles South Korean online gambling network
A major bust took place in Pattaya as police dismantled a South Korean-operated online gambling network using the city as a server base. This operation, with transactions exceeding 5 billion won, catered to over 20,000 users worldwide. Police descended on the property in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung, Chon Buri, yesterday, December 28, at 10am. The raid was led by Thawatchai…
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Jeju Air flight disaster claims 28 lives in South Korea (video)
Jeju Air’s flight from Thailand tragically ended in disaster after skidding off the runway at Muan International Airport in South Korea. At least 28 people have lost their lives in the incident, as reported by prominent South Korean media. The plane, which departed from Bangkok, encountered difficulties during its landing and subsequently veered off the runway, colliding with a barrier.…
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Bangkok airports offer free parking for new year travellers
Bangkok is preparing for the upcoming new year holiday with special travel measures to facilitate passenger movement. Deputy Government Spokesperson Sasikarn Wattanachan shared that Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports are set to provide free parking and continuous shuttle services. This initiative runs from today until January 1 to ease holiday travel. At Don Mueang Airport, free parking is offered at…
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Heavy rain and temperature drop predicted across Thailand
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has forecasted that heavy rain is expected in the southern regions of Thailand, with potential flooding and flash floods due to increased rainfall. Meanwhile, the upper regions will experience a drop in temperatures by 1 to 3 degrees Celsius. A high-pressure system, or a moderately strong cold air mass, has moved from China to cover…
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Firework chaos in Pattaya as foreign man causes injuries and damage
A chaotic scene unfolded on December 27 evening on Pattaya’s Buakhao Road when a foreign man allegedly set off a firework, causing injuries and property damage. The incident, which occurred at 8.30pm, left Thais and tourists scrambling for safety as sparks ignited panic and a nearby shop suffered damage. CCTV footage captured when the man incorrectly positioned the firework upside…
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Lucky escape: Lives and gold spared in Lopburi house fire
A devastating fire consumed a family home, destroying over 100,000 baht in cash but miraculously sparing five baht of gold. The incident occurred yesterday afternoon, December 27, resulting in damages estimated at over 1 million baht. Police from the Ban Mi Police Station received reports of the fire at 1.45pm near the entrance to Wat Wongthep in Maha Son subdistrict,…
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Police pickup truck crashes into lamppost in Cha-Am
A police pickup truck crashed into a lamppost, snapping it in two, resulting in injuries to a police lieutenant colonel and two passengers. The incident occurred on a roadside in Cha-Am province, prompting police to investigate the cause. Thawatchai Khun-aem, an investigator from Cha-Am Police Station in Phetchaburi province, received a report yesterday, December 27 at approximately 4.30pm of a…
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New damselfly species discovered in Thai wildlife sanctuary
Researchers from Thailand’s Department of National Parks (DNP) and Duy Tan University in Vietnam have made a significant discovery, identifying a new species of damselfly named Prodasineura sangkhla in the Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary, Kanchanaburi. The announcement was made at a press conference led by Veera Khunchaicharak, DNP deputy director-general. Joining him were Kaewphawika Jitthamma, a specialist entomologist from…
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Gridlock crisis: Phuket’s billion-baht boom sparks urgent action
Provincial officials have vowed to tackle Phuket’s surging traffic chaos as the island’s tourism industry hits record-breaking highs. Governor Sophon Suwannarat chaired a high-stakes Zoom meeting with key stakeholders on Thursday, December 26, to address infrastructure challenges threatening the paradise’s reputation. With over 10 million visitors in 2023 generating a staggering 388 billion baht in revenue—an astounding 100.38% increase from…
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Thai health ministry warns against fake medical certificates
The Thai Ministry of Public Health has issued a stern warning to medical facilities against issuing fake medical certificates to foreign workers. Such actions could result in severe penalties, including a maximum two-year prison sentence and a 40,000 baht fine. Phanuwat Panket, Director-General of the Department of Health Service Support (HSS), expressed concerns about potential malpractice by hospitals in issuing…
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