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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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Sponsored 9 most common health issues covered by insurance for expats in Thailand
Thailand is a popular destination for expats due to its affordable lifestyle and excellent healthcare system. However, settling in a new country often brings health concerns. To ensure you’re covered for the most common medical needs, understanding what expat health...
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Phuket’s new tourism tax won’t affect foreign residents or workers
Phuket’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MoTS) has confirmed that the upcoming tourism tax, expected to be implemented early next year, will not impact foreigners who reside or work in Thailand. A MoTS Phuket official clarified that the proposed tax has not yet been presented to the Cabinet for approval. “We should wait for any further information because now the…
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Ammonia gas leak at Udon Thani ice factory traps six workers
Ammonia gas leakage at an ice factory in Udon Thani caused chaos as six workers were trapped inside. Emergency responders acted swiftly to rescue them, while locals described their terrifying escape from the toxic fumes. At 6pm yesterday, the 1669 Emergency Centre in Udon Thani received reports from residents about a strong ammonia smell emanating from an ice factory in…
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Man cuts off EM bracelet, takes girlfriend hostage in Chon Buri
A man recently released on bail cut off his electronic monitoring bracelet and took his girlfriend hostage at a condominium in Chon Buri. Police stormed the unit after negotiations failed, rescuing the woman and arresting the suspect. Today, October 27, police, led by Police Colonel Wattanachai Sangrit, coordinated with over 20 officers and local government officials to raid a condominium…
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Tourists save injured Mae Khaeng turtle Kamkaew with quick action
A group of tourists played a crucial role in rescuing a critically injured turtle named Kamkaew at Mae Khaeng Luang Waterfall. The turtle was found immobile on the sand, suffering from visible injuries. Swift action by the tourists and park officials ensured Kamkaew received timely medical attention. Yesterday, Wiang Kosai National Park’s Facebook page shared images and details about the…
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Chinese fugitive arrested in Pattaya for 225 million baht loan fraud
Chon Buri Immigration officers arrested a former Chinese bank manager wanted for loan fraud exceeding 200 million baht in Pattaya on October 25. At 4.11pm, police apprehended Wang Luan Fa, a 49 year old Chinese national, at a local hotel. Wang had been evading Chinese officials for allegations of fraud and document forgery, accused of embezzling over 45 million yuan…
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People’s Party challenges congestion fees, urges investment in public transport
The People’s Party (PP) is challenging the government’s proposal to introduce traffic congestion fees, advocating instead for the development of a comprehensive public transport network to alleviate urban crowding. Surachet Praweewongwut, a list-MP for PP, argued that while congestion charges might help ease traffic, the current feeder system is insufficient to persuade people to switch from private cars to public…
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Mekong River dams threaten Thailand’s environment and economy, warns NHRC
Transboundary hydropower dam projects along the Mekong River could jeopardise Thailand’s environment, economy, and community welfare, according to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on October 3, the NHRC highlighted its concerns about four hydropower dam projects: Ban Koum Dam, Sanakham Dam, Phou Ngoy Dam, and Pak Chom Dam, all situated…
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7 hidden health threats every expat man in Thailand needs to know
Living as an expat in Thailand surely offers a vibrant lifestyle, but certain health risks may catch you off guard. While Thailand has a solid healthcare system, it’s important to stay aware of potential threats that could affect your well-being. Here are seven hidden health issues expat men in Thailand should watch out for, and tips on how to manage…
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Call for Thai government to aid 110 trafficked victims in Myanmar
A call for government intervention has risen, urging the officials to assist 110 victims of human trafficking who were deceived and transported through Thailand to engage in illegal work in Myanmar. The Network for Victim Assistance in Human Trafficking addressed an open letter to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, highlighting the plight of the victims. These individuals, hailing from nine countries,…
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Dugong deaths rise, experts warn of drastic decline in Andaman Sea
Eight dugongs have died and washed ashore this month, according to the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR). Marine ecosystem expert Thon Thamrongnawasawat has warned that in five to eight years, only a few dozen dugongs might remain in the Andaman Sea. The DMCR reported that between October 1 and October 24, four male and four female dugongs were…
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Tourists rush to Doi Inthanon as temperatures drop to 10 degrees
Tourists flocked to Doi Inthanon National Park today, October 26, as temperatures dropped to 10 degrees Celsius (°C), marking the beginning of the winter season. They gathered to enjoy the crisp morning air and stunning sunrise views, creating a lively atmosphere. At Doi Inthanon, located in Chom Thong, Chiang Mai, the National Park’s head, Kraingkrai Chaiyapisek, reported a drop in…
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Petrol prices risen by 0.30 baht per litre for the weekend
PTT Station has announced an increase in petrol prices, effective today, October 26, which may impact motorists planning weekend trips. Petrol prices have risen by 0.30 baht per litre, while diesel prices will remain unchanged. PTT Station has adjusted the retail prices of all petrol and gasohol types. Regular petrol will be priced at 43.94 baht per litre, Gasohol 95…
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Second phase of Khon Kaen to Nong Khai railway starts this year
Construction for the second phase of the double-track railway from Khon Kaen to Nong Khai will commence at the end of this year, with an estimated budget of 28.6 billion baht. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Governor, Veeris Ammarapala, confirmed that the project is expected to take approximately three years to complete. The SRT board, in a meeting yesterday,…
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Phuket police to fast-track testimonies in The iCon Group case
Phuket Provincial Police Commander Police Major General Sinlert Sukhum has directed all police stations on the island to fast-track the summary of testimonies in the case involving The iCon Group and submit them to Phuket Provincial Police. The directive was issued during a meeting held at the Phuket Provincial Police headquarters, which saw the attendance of superintendents from all local…
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Thai government urges swift updates for digital wallet distribution
The Thai government confirms that the second phase of the 10,000 baht digital wallet distribution will reach all registered citizens, urging vulnerable groups to rectify any issues promptly to avoid forfeiting their rights. Today, October 26, Jirayu Huangsap, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, discussed the progress of the 10,000 baht economic stimulus transfer in an interview broadcast on the…
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Chemical tank explosion kills two, injures twelve in Thai factory
A chemical storage tank explosion at a lead-smelting factory in the Borthong Industrial Estate has resulted in two fatalities and twelve chemical exposure injuries. Police are urgently investigating the incident, which occurred at 9.26am today, October 26. On receiving the report, Police Lieutenant Colonel Worawit Wanna of Wang Takian Police Station took immediate action. The explosion happened at a factory…
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Chiang Mai unveils cultural and health tourism route
Chiang Mai launched a new cultural and health tourism route during the National Thai Traditional Medicine Wisdom Day and the Thai Traditional Medicine Wisdom Fair. The event took place yesterday, October 25, and was presided over by Siwa Thamikanon, the Deputy Governor of Chiang Mai, who was assigned by Nirut Phongsitthithaworn, the Governor of Chiang Mai. Thitikarn Na Pan, the…
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Thailand establishes semiconductor board to boost industry
Thailand aims to bolster its standing in the regional semiconductor industry, with significant efforts underway to prepare a skilled workforce for escalating demands. This move is marked by the formation of the National Semiconductor and Advanced Electronics Industry Policy Committee, also known as the National Semiconductor Board, chaired by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Paetongtarn signed an order to establish the…
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Man shoots wife in heated argument in Nakhon Si Thammarat
A man was apprehended after shooting his wife, leaving her in critical condition, following a heated argument. The incident took place yesterday, October 25, in Pak Phanang, Nakhon Si Thammarat, after the couple exchanged harsh words. Police officers, including Deputy Investigator Raengchai Khaorueang from Pak Phanang Police Station, received a call about a domestic shooting. Upon arrival at the residence…
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Parking altercation at Nonthaburi market, two women stabbed
A late-night altercation at the Owl Market in Nonthaburi, Thailand, resulted in two women being stabbed over a parking dispute over a barrier fence. The confrontation escalated when concerns about moving a fence to avoid vehicle damage spiralled into violence. Police received a report around 1.30am today, October 26, about a woman being stabbed in the car park behind the…
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Tropical storm Trami to drench 31 provinces in Thailand today
A severe tropical storm, Trami, is set to bring heavy rain and potential flooding to 31 provinces across Thailand today, October 26, with 40% of the areas expected to experience significant rainfall. The Meteorological Department has issued a weather forecast, warning of the tropical storm’s impact over the next 24 hours. Strong northwesterly and northeasterly winds are sweeping across the…
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Thailand raises retirement age to 65 for all sectors
Thailand’s Labour Ministry is set to extend the retirement age for both private and government sectors to 65 years, aligning it with countries like Singapore and Switzerland, announced Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. Phiphat stated that the decision to increase the retirement age is influenced by significant advancements in health and medical technology, which have improved life expectancy. Additionally, the ministry plans to…
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Big Joke’s wife counters alleged victim with illegal police uniform claim
Sirinatda Hakparn, the wife of former police chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, denied allegations of theft made by another police officer’s wife. She also accused the woman of wearing a police uniform despite having no position within the Royal Thai Police (RTP). The 50 year old woman, Thanattha, filed a complaint at Phra Kanong Police Station on October 20, alleging…
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Thailand’s auto industry brakes as production target stalls
Thailand’s auto industry is stuck in first gear, with car production now expected to fall short of the 1.7 million target for 2024 as sales and exports hit a serious slump. The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) warns that car manufacturing could face another downgrade this year, with officials predicting a sharp drop from the original target of 1.7 million…
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Perverted man terrifies locals by masturbating in public for 2 hours
Residents in the Mak Khaeng sub-district, Mueang District, in the Isaan province of Udon Thani, urged local police to arrest a perverted man after he was seen masturbating outside a victim’s home for over two hours on Wednesday, October 23. The owner of the house where the incident occurred, 51 year old Praphada, shared in an interview with Matichon that…
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Thai freshman remains unconscious 6 months after brutal hazing
A Thai freshman remains unconscious at a hospital in Pathum Thani province, near Bangkok, after being brutally assaulted in a hazing at a university in Bangkok in April. An older student admitted to kicking the victim in the chest. The victim’s 42 year old mother, Thanawan Pannoppha, sought help from Channel 7 after no one took responsibility for her injured…
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Thailand’s card payments to hit 3.3 trillion baht by 2028
Thailand’s card payments market is projected to achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2% from 2024 to 2028, reaching 3.3 trillion baht (US$94.5 billion) by 2028. This growth is driven by a consistent consumer shift towards electronic payments, according to data and analytics firm GlobalData. Data from GlobalData’s Payment Cards Analytics indicates that card payment value in Thailand…
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Thailand rejects lese majeste in new amnesty bill
The House of Representatives yesterday voted to reject the proposal to include lese majeste offences in the new political amnesty bill. The decision saw 270 MPs voting against the inclusion, with 152 in favour. The proposal, yesterday, October 24, was part of a special committee report that explored alternatives to the proposed amnesty bill for political offenders. Despite the rejection…
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Fishy business! Sauce boss sues ex over 80-million-baht ‘phony’ loan
The CEO of a fermented fish sauce factory in the Isaan province of Sakon Nakhon is taking legal action against her ex-husband for allegedly forging her signature and document on a loan amounting to 80 million baht. The CEO of Imsook Foods, 31 year old Cherlin “Ninew” Apinarakasemsit, held a press conference at 11am today, October 25, to disclose details…
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Nakhon Phanom monk attacks man with machete
A blade-wielding monk attacked a man with a machete, leaving him seriously injured. The incident occurred at Wat Si Bun Rueang in Nakhon Phanom, with the monk claiming self-defence against a suspected thief. Police received a report of an assault involving a monk at Wat Si Bun Rueang, located in Ban Kham That, Nakhon Phanom. Officers arrived to find a…
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