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 Is private health insurance in Thailand worth it? Real costs vs risks explained
Thailand has a strong healthcare system with both public and private options. Public hospitals offer affordable care, but many people, including expats, choose private health insurance for faster service, modern facilities, and more treatment choices. To decide if private health...
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RTAF pledges no protection for officers involved in bribery scandal
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has declared it will not shield any logistics officers implicated in bribery tied to the procurement of asphalt concrete pavers during 2019 to 2020. RTAF spokesperson Prapas Sornchaidee announced that a probe into the procurements commenced following an order by RTAF chief Panpakdee Pattanakul. This statement follows the release of a document by the…
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Missing Sri Racha cat gets helping paw from trapped ceiling drama
In a dramatic rescue that will leave pet owners double-checking their ceilings, a cat missing for eight days was finally saved after being discovered trapped in an eyewear shop’s ceiling in Si Racha, Chon Buri. The unfortunate feline, Swat, had been unknowingly stuck inside the building undergoing renovations, while its owner, Suwate Hachai, had been frantically searching elsewhere. The Si…
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Banyan Tree Samui scoops trio of top awards
In a dazzling display of luxury, Banyan Tree Samui in southern Thailand is basking in the glow of three major international awards—all in just one week. This exclusive beachfront resort has proven it’s not just a tropical paradise, but a world-class destination that knows how to make waves in the luxury travel industry. First up, the prestigious Michelin Guide, which…
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Ko Samui sails into bronze in the most beautiful beach awards
Ko Samui had to settle for third behind Vietnam’s Phu Quoc and Bali in the annual Readers’ Choice Awards’ Most Beautiful Island in Asia. In a survey by Condé Nast Traveller, Phu Quoc trailed behind Bali, Indonesia’s tropical paradise, with Thailand’s Koh Samui claiming third place. Phuket, famous for its white-sand beaches, took sixth. Malaysia’s Penang, known as the Pearl of…
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Pattaya woman in coma after brutal assault by boyfriend
A Thai woman remains in a coma in a hospital in Pattaya with a collapsed lung after her boyfriend brutally assaulted her after she failed to clean their condominium to his high standards. The victim’s friend, Thanankornkan “Pim” Boonlaeb, took to social media to expose the shocking behaviour of the brutal thug and urged netizens to help them seek justice. Pim…
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Veggie tales: Phuket festival wraps up with street processions
The annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival is winding down, with the Lor Rong Shrine, also known as Sui Boon Tong Shrine, staging its street procession through Phuket Town today. This event, known as Iu Keng, showcased numerous spirit mediums and attracted large crowds of locals as well as Thai and foreign tourists. Locals along the procession route set up altars and…
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Bang to rights: Bangkok cops dismantle illegal firearms operation
Police in Bangkok dismantled a major illegal firearms operation, arresting a 39 year old man who was the head of the Facebook group กิ๊บประธานเพื่อน GUN สำคัญเสมอ. The police seized 19 firearms and various ammunition from the operation. Yesterday, October 10, Police Lieutenant General Thiti Saengsawang, Police Major General Noppasil Phoonsawat, Police Major General Theeradech Thamsutee, Police Colonel Chakrawut Klainin, and…
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Thai TV host pulled from shows amid iCon Group scandal
Popular television host Kan Kantathavorn has been suspended from all Workpoint Entertainment programmes as the investigation into his alleged involvement with the controversial The iCon Group heats up. The company swiftly announced yesterday, October 10, that Kan would be removed from hosting duties with immediate effect until his ties with the scandal-plagued business are cleared up. Kan, in a bid…
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Trudeau applauds Thailand’s marraige equality law
In a high-stakes diplomatic encounter at the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shook hands over a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ rights. Meeting yesterday, October 10 at the National Convention Centre, Trudeau didn’t hold back in praising Thailand’s trailblazing move on marriage equality, noting it as a “first” for ASEAN.…
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Suranaree students swindled by scam, dialing up 3 million baht loss
Suranaree University of Technology, located in the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima, reported that more than 200 students fell victim to a call centre scam gang, with an estimated loss of about 3 million baht. Following reports about fake kidnappings for ransom, operated by the call centre scam gang, Pho Klang Police Station and Suranaree University of Technology organised a…
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Natural waterslide wonderland: Tourists flock to Sattahip dam
A hidden gem in Chon Buri is making waves as locals and tourists flock to the Huay Tu Lower Reservoir for a thrilling, yet safe, water adventure. Nestled in Bang Saray, under the watchful eye of Klet Kaew subdistrict Municipality, this overflow dam has become the hottest spot for families looking to cool off. Thanks to the dam’s natural slope,…
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Overdrawn: Bungling burglar caught cracking into bank in Phuket
Police yesterday apprehended a man after he attempted to break into a bank branch and managed to forcibly open a passbook updating machine in Baan Lipon, Srisoonthorn, Phuket. An automatic security alarm alerted the police to the break-in at the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives in Baan Lipon, Moo 7, Srisoonthorn, at 11pm. Thalang police responded promptly, arriving to…
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South Korean TikToker alleges sexual harassment by Phuket man
A South Korean TikToker is seeking justice, claiming that a Thai man sexually harassed her while she and her friend were working in Phuket. The Phuket Times shared the story of the South Korean TikToker, known as DD, today, October 11. The page stated in the caption… “Another scandal! Foreign TikToker sexually harassed in Phuket.” In the comment section, the…
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Bets on: Royal nod to 23 gambles, from bull races to mahjong chases
The Royal Gazette has published a ministerial regulation allowing 23 types of gambling activities within specific time frames, such as human-bull racing, boxing, wrestling, ring tossing, and mahjong. The report from today, October 11, details that the Royal Gazette has released Ministerial Regulation No. 46, permitting the following gambling activities within designated hours: human-bull racing from 7am to 7pm, boxing…
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The 60-second health check that could save your life
When it comes to your health, a little bit of attention can go a long way. You don’t always need fancy equipment or hours at the doctor’s office to know something’s wrong. Sometimes, a quick, simple check can spot early signs of potential issues and might even save your life. Here’s a practical guide to self-examinations that you can do…
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Five-car crash on Nonthaburi bridge leaves three injured
Five vehicles collided on a bridge in Nonthaburi, resulting in three injuries. The incident occurred in the early hours of today, October 11, on Rama 4 Bridge, Chaiyaphruek Road, inbound to Bang Tanai subdistrict, Pak Kret district. Local police officers were alerted to the multi-vehicle crash and promptly arrived at the scene to investigate. Upon arrival, police discovered 22 year…
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Indonesian woman’s first date sparks debate over splitting the bill
A young Indonesian woman’s first date experience sparked a heated debate online about who should pay on a first date. The story revolves around Sisil, a 25 year old woman, who shared her unexpected encounter with her date’s approach to splitting costs. In July, Sisil met a man for their first date at a restaurant in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Anticipation…
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Shell-shocked: Woman’s turtle rescue paves way for good luck
A woman recently rescued a large turtle found in the middle of the road in Phetchabun, believing it could bring her good luck. The turtle’s shell featured patterns resembling ancient coins and a sage’s head, leading to speculation about its auspicious nature. A TikTok user posted a video showing her helping the sizable turtle that was slowly crossing the street,…
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Rain check: Hua Hin and Cha-am tourism ready for holiday splash
Heavy rain in Hua Hin and Cha-am are anticipated to impact tourism during the upcoming three-day holiday, potentially worsening domestic sentiment. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) identified natural disasters as a critical factor to monitor during the high season. Earlier this week, continuous rainfall led to flooding in Cha-am, Hua Hin, and parts of Phetkasem Highway, with water levels…
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Visa-free travel: Indonesia opens doors to 13 countries
Indonesia is rolling out the red carpet for citizens of 13 countries, with its latest visa-free travel policy set to shake up tourism and economic development. Announced in Presidential Regulation No. 95 of 2024, which was formally ratified on August 29, this groundbreaking move targets 11 of Indonesia’s Asian neighbours, alongside Colombia and Suriname. The lucky 13 nations—Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia,…
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Stocking up: Thai market on a roll with Vayupak, ESG fund boost
Thai stocks are poised for continued growth in the fourth quarter, driven by incremental investments in the state-run Vayupak Fund and tax-saving Thai ESG funds, according to the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). SET President Asadej Kongsiri revealed that retail investor participation has surged, now accounting for 52% of trades, up from just under 50% in the preceding months. An…
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Stork raving success: Endangered bird’s triumphant return to Thailand
In a ground-breaking win for wildlife conservation, Thailand has achieved an unprecedented milestone: critically endangered Asian woolly-necked storks have bred in the wild for the first time. These majestic birds, once at risk of vanishing forever, are back and thriving in their natural habitat. Officials from the Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand and Khao Kheow Open Zoo were thrilled to…
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Porked & busted: Thai woman nabbed for telling ‘pork’ pies 208 times
In a sizzling tale of deceit, Bangkok police arrested a cheeky con artist for cooking up a scheme that left a local butcher over 1.6 million baht out of pocket. Wannipa, a 27 year old Thai woman, was collared by officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) after she used fake receipts to bag free pork not once, not twice,…
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Phuket employer charged for illegal hire of Sri Lankan worker
Phuket Immigration officers charged the employer of a Sri Lankan man for illegal employment at a construction site in Wichit. The Sri Lankan national, identified by police as K. Piyaralala, was apprehended while working on a house extension project at Ao Kham Beach in Wichit on Wednesday, October 9. Piyaralala faces charges for being an alien working without permission, a…
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Thailand and China’s friendship to shine on 50th anniversary
China is rolling out the red carpet for Thailand as both nations prepare to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties next year. Chinese Premier Li Qiang vowed to boost traditional friendship and build a China-Thailand community with a shared future in a power-packed meeting with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Vientiane, Laos. “China and Thailand are close friends and…
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Thai woman sends husband to prison for raping 13 year old niece
A heartbroken Thai woman sent her husband to jail after discovering he sexually abused their 13 year old niece, within their shared home in the Isaan province of Udon Thani. The devastated woman revealed she loves the girl like a daughter. Mueang Udon Thani Police Station officers were called to a house in the Nong Nakham sub-district to arrest the…
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Thailand video news | Thunderstorms to hit Bangkok and 40 provinces, Indonesia bans iPhone 16, sparking Apple import concerns
In today’s Thailand video news, Jay brings viewers the latest stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia. The news includes Bangkok and 40 provinces bracing for severe thunderstorms, raising concerns about flash floods. Bacterial infections continue to strike flood victims, posing a serious public health risk. In Phuket, a new electric bus service offers an eco-friendly solution for local transport.…
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Prison food beef: Corrections dept serves defence to influencer gripe
The Department of Corrections responded to allegations made by social media influencer Nara Crepekathoei regarding the quality of prison food, asserting that it meets nutritional standards and undergoes daily quality inspections. Nara had criticised the food, describing it as bland and unpalatable, prompting the department to clarify its food preparation practices. Reports from the Bangkok Remand Prison indicate that the…
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Toying with trouble: Thai cops bust multi-national sex toy syndicate
Police have dismantled a gang involving nine Thai and foreign nationals who were illegally selling sex toys, seizing a substantial amount of contraband. The operation revealed a well-organised syndicate with millions in circulation. On October 10, Police Major General Saruti Kwangsopa, head of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division, ordered Police Colonel Korkiat Wutjamnong and Police Lieutenant Colonel Natthaphat Nampadit to…
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Thai cops seize 24.5 kilos of heroin hidden in pickup fuel tank
Police apprehended 58 year old man for smuggling a huge stash of heroin hidden in a pickup truck’s fuel tank. He admitted to being paid 80,000 baht by a Burmese agent to transport the drugs. Police conducted the arrest following intelligence reports indicating an impending drug smuggling operation from the Sangkhlaburi district border into Thailand. The operation involved a grey…
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