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 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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Private car blocks emergency vehicle, patient dies in Samut Prakan
Yesterday, November 3, at roughly 9.30pm, a car obstructed an emergency vehicle in Samut Prakan, ultimately resulting in a patient’s death. Despite lights and sirens, the car’s driver refused to yield for over a minute, causing delays for the rescue team. The incident, which was captured on video and shared online, shows the emergency vehicle from Samut Prakan City Municipality…
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Russian driver allegedly flees responsibility after Phuket accident
A Thai man demanded that a Russian pickup driver take responsibility for a car accident on Rawai Road in Phuket on October 29 after the foreign man twice failed to appear at a police station. The Phuket Times reported on October 29 that the Russian man, whose name remains undisclosed, allegedly ignored a red light on Rawai Road and drove…
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Subway: Thailand customers’ ink-stained sandwich surprise
Subway, the beloved American sandwich franchise, has found itself at the centre of controversy after customers reported issues with the quality of food, particularly concerning the ink-stained wrapping paper sticking to both their sandwiches and their hands. The social media outcry has raised questions about why a franchise that has been officially terminated is still allowed to operate under the…
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Pattaya beach bling: Chinese tourist falls prey to jewellery heist
A Chinese tourist found himself the victim of a brazen jewellery theft yesterday in Pattaya. The cunning caper happened around 2.06am, yesterday, November 3, right by the beach near Soi 6 on the bustling Pattaya Beach Road. Chinese tourist Shen Yanqing, who was soaking up the local nightlife with friends in central Pattaya, got more than he bargained for when…
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Thailand Video News | Cold Front Chills North & More
Thailand’s New 99-Year Land Lease Policy Opens Doors for Foreign Investors Thailand has introduced a new policy that extends land lease terms for foreign investors to 99 years. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira presented the plan at the 2024 CEO Econmas Awards. The policy raises lease terms from the former 30-year limit, offering foreign investors enhanced security.…
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Indonesian woman abandoned in Thai mangrove forest by German friend
An Indonesian woman sought help from Thai officials after her German male friend abandoned her in a mangrove forest in Samut Sakhon Province, near Bangkok, following an argument he had with his wife on the phone. Highway Police officers coordinated with Samut Sakhon Provincial Police after the Indonesian woman, whose name was not disclosed, requested assistance, stating that she was…
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Bangkok aims to turn Chatuchak Market into soft power paradise
Thailand is setting its sights on transforming the iconic Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok into a hub for soft power, with an ambitious two-year plan spearheaded by the National Committee on Soft Power Development. This initiative aims to capitalise on the market’s popularity and diverse offerings to bolster Thailand’s global cultural influence. Surapong Suebwonglee, chair of the National Committee on…
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Bus-ting with green energy: Phuket’s smart bus takes fresh direction
All aboard the eco-friendly Phuket Smart Bus express. Phuket’s transport scene is getting a high-voltage makeover with the launch of the spanking new Phuket Smart Bus service, and it’s already steering the island’s travel scene in a new direction. Connecting Phuket Town and Patong with ease and style, this service is run by Phuket City Development Co Ltd (PKCD) and…
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Thai man assaults transwoman in Buriram for pulling ‘funny face’
A Thai man physically assaulted a Thai transwoman during a traditional boat racing festival in the Isaan province of Buriram, following his girlfriend’s order after they argued on social media. The news Facebook page เจ๊มอย v+ (Jmoi V+) shared the story of the 19 year old transgender victim yesterday, November 3, after the victim approached the page to seek justice. The…
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RTN chief assures Thailand’s waters are in good hands on Koh Kut
Royal Thai Navy (RTN) Chief Jirapol Wongwit touched down on the picturesque island of Koh Kut, Trat province, bringing with him a message of unwavering commitment: Thailand’s national interests and sovereign waters are in safe hands. His mission? To boost the morale of the RTN’s brave men and women posted at the nation’s eastern maritime frontier. Jirapol laid it out…
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Thailand seeks more jobs for workers in Singapore shipyards
The Labour Ministry is actively pursuing opportunities to send more of Thailand’s workers to Singapore, particularly targeting the shipyard sector. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, alongside the ministry’s Permanent Secretary Boonsong Thapchaiyuth, visited Singapore over the weekend. They engaged with officials from the Labour Office in Singapore, local businessmen, and Ureerat Chareontoh, the ambassador of Thailand to Singapore, to discuss expanding…
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Thai ESG fund rockets to top spot with impressive returns
One Equity Thailand ESG Fund (ONE-THAIESG) is stealing the spotlight in the Thai ESG fund scene, boasting a whopping 8.53% return this year, as proudly announced by One Asset Management (ONEAM). What’s behind this stellar performance? A one-two punch of a policy rate cut by the US Federal Reserve and Thailand’s very own economic comeback. TESG funds are the latest…
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Heavy rain and flash flood warnings for southern Thailand
Heavy rain is set to lash the southern regions of Thailand, prompting the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) to issue warnings of flash floods and overflowing mountain streams in ten provinces. Meanwhile, the northern areas will experience a drop in temperatures. The TMD forecasted weather conditions for the next 24 hours, highlighting that a high-pressure system from China is extending over…
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Auto boom: Thailand revving up as global car parts powerhouse
Thailand is racing ahead in the fast lane of auto parts manufacturing in the Asia-Pacific region, speeding towards becoming a crucial export hub for Germany’s esteemed Schaeffler Group. Spotlighting both traditional internal combustion engines (ICE) and the rapidly accelerating electric vehicle (EV) industry, Schaeffler is gearing up for an automotive revolution. Micah Shepard, Schaeffler’s head honcho for vehicle lifetime solutions…
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Poll position: US election could rattle global markets, says ASPS
Asia Plus Securities (ASPS) is urging investors to pay close attention to the forthcoming US election, predicting it is set to send shockwaves through global markets. With expectations of heightened volatility, ASPS has delivered a stern warning: it’s time to back stocks boasting low volatility and stellar third-quarter performances for 2024. Insider tips from ASPS suggest the starched-collar bigwigs at…
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Labour pains: Committee demands rethink on export strategy
The House Committee on Foreign Affairs slammed the Ministry of Labour, demanding an urgent rethink of its labour export strategy. The committee is calling for a shift away from conflict-ridden hotspots like Israel, in light of last week’s heartbreaking events where a Hezbollah rocket attack claimed the lives of four Thai workers and left another injured. Chonticha Jangrew, a prominent…
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M16 rifle linked to over 25 deaths in southern Thailand
A deadly weapon, an M16 rifle, used in the fatal shooting of former police officer Phu-at Rasaming, has been linked to over 25 deaths in a series of violent incidents in southern Thailand. The Supreme Court sentenced Amir Dotae to 35 years and 13 months in prison for related terrorism charges. The tragic event unfolded when Phu-at Rasaming, the imam…
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Phuket motorcycle taxi driver arrested after clash with tourists
Patong police in Phuket apprehended a motorcycle taxi driver following a heated altercation between tourists and a local taxi driver. The incident unfolded on October 31 at the intersection near the football field on Thawiwong Road, leading to several charges being filed against the motorcycle driver. Around 5.30pm, two tourists had just boarded an electric vehicle (EV) taxi they had…
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Toddler tragically found in pond at Chachoengsao worker camp
A tragic accident unfolded when a one year old boy was found unconscious after falling into a pond behind a worker’s camp in Bang Nam Priao, Chachoengsao. Yesterday, November 2, the boy’s mother, a Myanmar national, discovered him missing after she had fallen asleep. Desperately searching for her child, she followed a black dog, known to play with the boy,…
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Young driver drowns after crashing into tree in Ubon Ratchathani
A tragic accident occurred when a young man driving a pickup truck fell asleep and lost control, crashing into a tree and being thrown into a nearby pond where he drowned. At approximately 4.30am today, November 3, Somporn Akkabut, a police officer at the Buntharik Police Station, received a report of a pickup truck colliding with a tree along the…
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Cold air from China brings chill to Thailand’s north
Thailand is experiencing a significant weather shift as strong cold air masses from China are causing temperatures to drop across the northern and upper southern regions. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued warnings regarding heavy rainfall in the south, urging residents to be cautious of potential flash floods and landslides. The current weather forecast predicts that the cold air mass…
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Transgender woman accused of pickpocketing tourist on Pattaya bus
A transgender woman was taken into custody after a Korean tourist accused her of pickpocketing on a Baht bus in Pattaya. The incident occurred yesterday, November 2, and the Pattaya City Police were promptly informed. At 1.20am yesterday, police received a report of a dispute between a tourist and the transgender woman on the bus. Upon reaching the Pattaya City…
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Pickup truck narrowly avoids fall in dramatic Pattaya crash
A dramatic accident unfolded when a pickup truck overturned near the Pattaya entrance on Highway 7 around 10pm on November 1. The incident involved a silver pickup, driven by a 60 year old man, which halted alarmingly close to the edge of a 5-metre-high overpass. Despite the severity of the crash, he escaped unscathed, while his 14 year old son…
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Burmese man arrested for stealing wiring in Bang Lamung
Bang Lamung police investigators made a significant arrest on November 1, capturing a Burmese national suspected of stealing electrical wiring from Wat Nong Ket Noi market. The incident occurred at 10.30pm, and the swift response by law enforcement followed a complaint from Chakrawan Boonsang, who reported the theft from his property. Police examined CCTV footage from the market, which led…
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Bangkok MRT Orange Line construction to disrupt traffic this month
Construction on the western segment of Bangkok’s MRT Orange Line is set to bring some disruptions, as announced by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA). The project, which aims to enhance the city’s transit network, will necessitate the closure of a traffic lane along the initial five stops of the light rail line, stretching from Bang Khun Non…
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Thailand protests after rocket attack kills four Thai workers in Israel
The recent tragedy in Israel has prompted the Thai government to take swift action, sending a formal protest to Israel following a rocket attack that resulted in the death of four Thai workers and left another injured. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has emphasised the importance of halting the deployment of Thai workers to high-risk areas, cautioning citizens against non-essential…
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Thailand to boost trade ties with South Asian nations
Thailand is setting its sights on strengthening ties with South Asian countries to enhance trade in food, energy, and human security sectors across the Southeast region. Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, during his visit to India, discussed these ambitions following a meeting with Thai ambassadors and consuls stationed in South Asia. Maris highlighted South Asia’s strategic significance, noting that the…
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German tourist crashes, injures cop at Pattaya checkpoint
A startling incident unfolded in Pattaya when a German tourist was arrested following a dramatic crash at a police checkpoint on Jomtien Road, Bang Lamung district, early yesterday. The crash left a traffic policeman seriously injured and prompted an extensive police pursuit. The incident occurred at 2.20am yesterday, November 2, when 30 year old Christopher Maximilian Walther, riding a Honda CB…
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Chiang Mai resident hits 6 million baht lottery jackpot
A resident of Lao Pao subdistrict, Doi Lo district, Chiang Mai, recently struck it lucky by winning the first prize in the government lottery, securing a 6 million baht reward. The first prize-winning number for yesterday’s draw was 536044, and it marked a life-changing moment for the local winner. The draw also included other results such as the three-digit front…
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Thai police arrest suspect in 2.7 million baht footballer scam
Thai police have apprehended a suspect involved in an online loan scam that swindled a prominent national footballer out of nearly 2.7 million baht. The suspect, identified as 45 year old Wanchai, confessed to managing mule accounts for the criminal gang. The crackdown, led by Police Major General Jirawat Payoongtham, took place today, November 2, when cybercrime officers, directed by…
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