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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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Thailand health insurance that covers chronic conditions: What expats need to know
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Pattaya heartbreak: Six year old drowns in pond while playing
A heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded near Pattaya yesterday when a six-year-old boy drowned in a water retention pond while playing with friends. At precisely 3.06pm, yesterday, October 6, Huay Yai police received a harrowing call about a child drowning at the large pond, sparking a swift response from local officials and a volunteer rescue team, who raced to the scene accompanied…
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Phuket deluge: It’s a washout for traffic and tides
Catastrophic downpours have wreaked havoc across Phuket today, submerging parts of the island and traffic in complete disarray. Areas like Cherng Talay, Kamala, Thalang, and Kathu were battered by relentless rain starting just before midday, leading to dramatic flooding and a partial landslide that had locals reeling. In a particularly hard-hit spot, Soi Hua Khuan Nuea near the iconic Phuket…
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Thai workers die from toxic gas in South Korean greenhouse
Two Thai workers were found dead in a greenhouse in South Korea after lighting a fire to stay warm and inhaling toxic gas. The tragic incident occurred in Pyeongchang, Gangwon province, and the victims were identified as a 60 year old man and a 50 year old woman. Local reports revealed that on the morning of October 4, police received…
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Soldiers recover gold necklace after Chiang Rai landslide (video)
A house owner in Chiang Rai experienced a landslide that buried their home, prompting a call for military assistance to recover a gold necklace lost in the mud. After six hours of digging, the soldiers’ efforts were rewarded when they found the necklace and returned it to its rightful owner. Heavy flooding in northern Thailand, particularly in Chiang Rai, caused…
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Bangkok police arrest key member of call scam gang
Police in Bangkok apprehended a key member of a call scam gang that impersonated the Mueang Mukdahan Police Station to defraud victims of over 40,000 baht. Yesterday, October 5, senior officers including Police Lieutenant General Thiti Saengsawang, Police Major General Noppasin Poolsawat, Police Major General Thiradet Thamsuthee, Police Colonel Worapot Rungkachang, and Police Lieutenant Colonel Sarawut Pimsubhaporn collaborated to arrest…
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Student drowns on school trip to Rayong
Tragedy struck when a first-year secondary school student from a well-known private school in Nakhon Ratchasima drowned during a field trip to Rayong. The young girl, known for her talents in music and art, was the only daughter of her family. A Facebook page, เจ๊มà¸à¸¢ V+, initially posted the heart-wrenching news. “Again? A private school in Korat took students on…
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British man dies in Chon Buri motorcycle crash
A British man riding a high-speed big bike collided with a U-turn sign, resulting in his death. Eyewitnesses reported seeing two motorcycles speeding before the crash. The accident occurred today, October 6, in Chon Buri province. Police Lieutenant Colonel Dhammanchit Sittisart, Deputy Inspector of Sattahip Police Station, received a report about a foreign national on a big bike crashing into…
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Teen suspect dies after escaping police and jumping into canal
A 17 year old suspect died after escaping from custody and jumping into the Saen Saeb Canal while being transported to Min Buri Juvenile Court. Despite a search effort, his body was found drowned. Police Lieutenant Colonel Phichitphon Ratchakom from Min Buri Police Station received a report on October 4 about a 17 year old male juvenile suspect, who had…
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Infant found abandoned on Jomtien Beach, investigation underway
A baby, estimated to be three to four months old, was found abandoned on Jomtien Beach, covered in sand. A good Samaritan discovered the infant early yesterday morning and promptly alerted the police. At around 7.30am, yesterday, October 5, Suchart Khunjeng, a Pattaya City Councilman, and Petty Officer 1st Class Sawet Phueamphun, head of the Jomtien District Municipality, responded to…
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Bangkok taxi accident leaves five injured, one critically
A taxi accident on Rama 9 Road in Bangkok early today resulted in the vehicle overturning and catching fire, leaving five passengers injured, with one in critical condition. At 8.10am, today, October 6, Huamark police officers responded to the incident and found the taxi engulfed in flames. Firefighters quickly arrived at the scene to control the fire, discovering that all…
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South Korean drug fugitive arrested in Thailand after visa overstay
Thai and South Korean officials collaborated to apprehend a South Korean fugitive involved in drug-related crimes. The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) and the National Police Agency of South Korea arrested 44 year old Seo Jung Num at a hotel in Bang Lamung on October 3. Seo had been evading an arrest warrant issued in South Korea for…
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Parents seek 1.21 million baht for kids they didn’t raise
Parents of some students who died in the tragic bus fire have attempted to claim 1.21 million baht in compensation each, despite not having raised the children, the Office of Attorney-General (OAG) reported. The provincial prosecution office in Uthai Thani discovered irregularities while contacting the families of the victims, according to Kosolwat Inthuchanyong, head of the office for rights protection…
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Former boxer’s wife charged after Bangkok police standoff
A former boxer’s wife faces multiple charges after a dramatic standoff and police chase in Bangkok. The search for her husband continues. Bang Sue police escorted 42 year old Potjanee Boonlong to the Criminal Court today, October 6, seeking a 12-day detention approval. Charged with illegal possession of a gun, carrying it without permission, carrying it in public without a…
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Two elephants drown amid severe flooding in Chiang Mai park
Two elephants tragically drowned following severe flooding at Chiang Mai’s Elephant Nature Park in the Mae Taeng district. As efforts intensify to rescue animals stranded by rising waters, the park’s 126 elephants face unprecedented challenges. The park confirmed the deaths of two elephants, swept away by the floodwaters. Phang Fah Sai, a female elephant, was discovered near the Sibsan resort…
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Man high on meth terrifies employee at Udon Thani petrol station
A petrol station employee in Udon Thani was left terrified when a man, barefoot and behaving erratically, approached her while she was resting in the office. The man then groped himself and attempted to rush at her, prompting her to flee for help. Police later apprehended him, discovering he was under the influence of methamphetamine (meth). Police officers Udon Suksiri…
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Thai Excise Department ramps up crackdown on illegal goods
Thailand’s Excise Department has intensified its crackdown on illegal goods, reporting 33,359 cases, a 28% increase, with estimated fines exceeding 2.4 billion baht. The Deputy Minister of Finance, Paophum Rojanasakul, announced yesterday, October 4, that the Ministry of Finance, through the Excise Department, has effectively ramped up its nationwide efforts to combat violations of excise laws. The department reported 33,359…
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Fire kills 11 cats and injures five in Bangkok home
Firefighters battled a blaze on the second floor of a house in Bangkok, discovering the tragic scene of 11 cats dead and five severely injured. The owner was in shock, revealing she housed 29 cats there. Officers from Thungkhru Police Station received a report of a fire at 6.40pm yesterday, October 4, at a residential home within Khlong Kao Hong…
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Facebook debate erupts over unclear pricing at Thailand buffet
A Facebook user recently sparked a debate in the Buffet Lovers group by questioning the meaning of the word “net” in restaurant pricing. The user shared their experience at a suki restaurant, where they were surprised to find additional charges for drinks and VAT, despite a sign advertising a 199 baht net price. “Hello everyone, I want to know what…
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Roadworks on Suphan Buri highway to cause weekend delays
The Department of Highways has announced a three-year road improvement project on Highway 340 from Ban Sali to Suphan Buri, with traffic expected to be congested during weekends. Travellers are advised to plan their journeys in advance. The Department of Highways is committed to enhancing the transportation network of the country and is expediting the construction of Highway 340 from…
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Thai shop’s refusal to replace ice cream spoon sparks debate
A mother’s request for a replacement spoon at a popular ice cream parlour sparked a heated debate online after the shop refused to provide one. The incident, which quickly garnered attention on social media, divided netizens into two camps: those supporting the shop’s policy and those sympathising with the mother. The event came to light when a member of the…
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Elephant carcass found in Chiang Mai after severe flooding
A tragic discovery was made yesterday, October 4, when the carcass of an elephant was found washed up near an elephant camp in Chiang Mai following severe flooding. This incident highlights the urgent need for improved animal management during natural disasters. The flooding, which occurred in several areas of Chiang Mai province, particularly impacted the region of Mae Taeng, where…
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Bangkok named fourth friendliest city in the world for 2024
Bangkok has been named the fourth friendliest city in the world in 2024, according to Condé Nast Traveller. The travel magazine, known for its focus on luxury and independent travel, announced its annual Readers’ Choice Awards, highlighting the 10 friendliest cities as voted by travellers worldwide. Singapore topped the list with a score of 94.84. Known for its financial hubs,…
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British man busted in Pattaya after cannabis-fuelled escape attempt
A British man on the run from Thai police had his escape plan go up in smoke—literally. On Thursday, October 3, Chon Buri Immigration officers apprehended a 28 year old British national who was wanted for trespassing and overstaying his visa in Thailand. But in a bizarre twist, the arrest only came after he tried to flee while high on…
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Soldiers in Lopburi camp hospitalised after severe punishment
A military camp in Lopburi has come under scrutiny following reports of two soldiers being subjected to severe punishment late at night, leading to their admission into the intensive care unit (ICU). The soldiers were allegedly ordered to continue working immediately after being discharged from the emergency room. Former candidate for MP in Constituency 10, Chon Buri, for the now-defunct…
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Phuket cracks down on illegal busking during Vegetarian Festival
Police in Phuket have issued a stern warning against begging and busking in key public areas during the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. This comes after several individuals were apprehended at Jui Tui Shrine in Phuket Town on Thursday, October 3. A team of officers, led by officials from the Phuket Provincial Office of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security…
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Chiang Mai Airport operational despite severe Ping River flooding
Chiang Mai Airport remains fully operational despite severe flooding from the Ping River. The airport, unaffected by the rising water levels, confirmed its status by issuing an update at 11am yesterday, October 4. The Ping River’s water level at Nawarat Bridge reached 4.88 metres, significantly exceeding the 3.70-metre crisis threshold, as reported by the Irrigation Department’s warning system. Despite this,…
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Blind elephant left behind as Chiang Mai floods ravage sanctuary (video)
Dramatic footage from the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai shows the heartwarming moment when four elephants waded through rising floodwaters, escaping a sanctuary inundated by severe flooding. The park’s staff scrambled to lead the animals to safety as relentless downpours from Typhoon Yagi, Asia’s most powerful storm this year, battered the region. Among the group, one elephant moved noticeably…
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Turtle-saving tech: Thai students invent beach lamp
Thailand’s sea turtles are getting a lifeline, thanks to a bright idea from students at Chulalongkorn University. Enter COCOLAMP—a clever light-diverting bulb shade designed to protect baby turtles from disorienting beach lights, ensuring they can safely crawl to the sea. With sea turtles at risk of extinction, this innovation could make all the difference. Lights from beachfront hotels, resorts, and…
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Thai crackdown on activists ignites fresh tensions in Deep South
Five activists in Thailand’s insurgency-plagued Deep South are facing the heat after hosting a mock referendum on self-determination. Yesterday, October 3, police charged two activists and three students for organising the event in June last year, sparking renewed debates about free speech in the volatile, heavily militarised border region. The group, which includes members of The Pattani political movement and…
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Banking on transparency: Thailand opens data doors for financial access
The Bank of Thailand unveiled an open data initiative aimed at enhancing access to financial services for Thai citizens and businesses. The Your Data initiative allows individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to share their data with financial institutions, facilitating improved access to a range of financial services. The central bank’s project, in collaboration with regulatory agencies and financial…
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