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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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Moving with family? Here’s how to cut health costs in Thailand
Relocating to Thailand with your family brings exciting new opportunities, but it also comes with the challenge of managing healthcare costs in a new system. Thailand has both public and private healthcare options, each offering different prices and quality of...
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Loan sharks arrested for assaulting teacher in Ratchaburi
Authorities have apprehended two notorious loan sharks for assaulting and publicly humiliating an assistant teacher in Ratchaburi province. The couple filmed the assault and nearly shaved the victim’s head before their clippers malfunctioned. The incident began when a Thai woman named Fa gathered a group to attack the assistant teacher due to missed debt payments. The interest rate imposed was…
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Hot water spring found under statue at Wat Suan Kaew Uthayan
Hot water has been discovered bubbling up from beneath the base of a statue at Wat Suan Kaew Uthayan in Samut Songkhram. The statue, Tao Wessuwan, a deity figure standing 2.5 metres tall, is situated next to the temple’s main hall. Concerns initially arose that the heat might be due to an electrical short circuit. However, after digging approximately 50…
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Phuket beautician shot by van driver after DNA test dispute
A grey van driver in Phuket shot a slingshot at a beautician, causing her to bleed, due to anger over his wife refusing a DNA test for their child. Social Hunter 2022 posted an image and a warning, alerting Phuket residents about a grey van with the licence plate number 30-9306 Phuket. The van nearly collided with a motorbike, driven…
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Nervous thief’s gold heist foiled at Ratchaburi department store
A young man attempted a solo gold heist at a prominent department store in Ratchaburi, but his nerves got the better of him. He escaped with a single gold necklace, only to be caught later. Police Lieutenant Pramarn Plathong, an investigator at Mueang Ratchaburi Police Station, received a report at 6pm yesterday about a robbery at a gold shop in…
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Thai film industry to exceed 3.8 billion baht at Cannes festival
The 77th Cannes Film Festival has presented significant opportunities for the Thai government, local filmmakers, and production companies to secure lucrative business deals. The festival, which ran from May 14 to 25, is expected to generate more than the 3.8 billion baht grossed from last year’s event. Companies participating in the Thai booth, which showcased local films and promoted tourism,…
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Thailand’s Pride Month to attract 860,000 visitors
The Thai government is preparing to champion gender equality, anticipating that Pride Month activities will provide a significant economic boost. Deputy government spokeswoman Kenika Ounjit highlighted that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s administration had announced this initiative as he assumed office. “The government aims to foster a society that embraces diversity and equality across age, gender, religion, and social status, positioning…
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Thai CBD market faces 10bn Baht losses
The Hemp and Cannabis Industry Association in Thailand has sounded alarm bells over the possible relisting of cannabis and hemp as narcotic plants. The controversial decision by the government could lead to industry operators incurring losses upwards of 10 billion baht in combined investments. CBD, or cannabidiol, a medically beneficial compound found in both cannabis and hemp, has skyrocketed in…
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Global hacking group dismantled in Thai-US joint operation
In an unprecedented global crackdown, a leading cybercrime organisation, described as the world’s most sophisticated hacking group, has been successfully dismantled. This victory comes as a result of a tireless combined operation between Thai and US security services. The operation orchestrated by the FBI and Thailand’s Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD), resulted in the arrest of three top-ranking members of…
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Chadchart signs MOU on renewable energy projects in Bangkok
Bangkok has taken a significant step towards becoming a smart city, with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt and Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) Governor Wilas Chaloeysat. The agreement, formalised yesterday, aims to advance smart city development and renewable energy projects in Thailand’s bustling capital. Chadchart stressed the importance of sustainable energy and efficiency,…
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Confusion at BKK Airport Immigration: Travelers got 30 days entry instead of 60 days
The recent announcement of a 60 days visa exempt at arrival in Thailand has apparently not yet been enforced at Suvarnabhumi Airport and land borders. Confused travellers arriving this morning at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) received 30 day entry stamps only, not 60 days as they had expected. The announcement from different Thai Government entities had announced 60 days stamps for…
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Car bursts into flames in Ratchaburi, no injuries reported
A woman driving to her mother’s home in Ratchaburi parked her car by the roadside, only to see it engulfed in flames moments later. Witnesses described seeing smoke before the fire erupted, leading to a dramatic scene that required emergency intervention. Authorities received a report at around 6.30pm yesterday of a car fire just past the entrance of Wat Chok,…
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Man found dead at Bangkok petrol station
A man was found dead next to a Toyota C-HR car at a petrol station in Bangkok’s Phra Khanong area, while the woman who was with him has gone missing. Police are investigating and searching for the woman for questioning. Police Lieutenant Sumit Klangdi, Deputy Inspector of Phra Khanong Police Station, reported that at 11.40pm yesterday, a male body was…
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Thai eCommerce rivalry set to surge
Thailand has recently plunged into the eCommerce market, spurring job creation and economic fortification. The country has a predicted eCommerce growth rate of between 5 and 7% between 2025 and 2027. What does the Thai eCommerce surge mean for US businesses? The eCommerce world is changing, and US businesses must adopt the latest tools and technologies to stay ahead of…
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Bangkok Airways soars to new heights with cloud technology
In a move to stay ahead of the competition, Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited has embraced RISE with SAP, a comprehensive business transformation package featuring cloud solutions, infrastructure, and services. This shift aims to boost the airline’s operational efficiency, adaptability, and competitive edge with state-of-the-art technologies. Bangkok Airways, a premier boutique airline in Asia, serves over 12 domestic and seven…
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Pride Month kicks off with Rainbow Runway in Bangkok (video)
Pride Month celebrations kicked off with grandeur on the 80-metre Rainbow Runway at the centralwOrld Rhythm of Pride 2024 event held at CentralWorld in Bangkok. The event underscored diversity and equality for the LGBTQ+ community, marking a significant celebration in the heart of Bangkok. The highlight of the event was Metinee Kingpayome, a prominent figure in the LGBTQIAN+ community, who…
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Russian nominee business bust exposes 1.5 billion baht scandal
In a dramatic crackdown on illegal businesses in Phuket, 231 suspects, including 98 foreign nationals, mostly Russians, have been arrested, revealing a scandal worth over 1.5 billion baht. The Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECSD), under the directive of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) commissioner Police General Jirabhop Bhuridej, raided several accounting and real estate firms on the island. The operation…
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Two shot dead while gathering intelligence in Songkhla
Two people were shot dead while gathering information in Thepa, Songkhla yesterday. Ponnchai Kwanpanya, the head of Huai Pling Police Station in Songkhla, received a report of a shooting incident yesterday at 5.30pm. The attack occurred on a road in Ban Huai Pling, Moo 2, Tham Wang Subdistrict, Thepa District, Songkhla Province. Authorities, including military forces from Songkhla Special Task…
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Ex-MP Vatana to return to Samut Prakan after 15 years on the run
Former Samut Prakan MP and Deputy Interior Minister Vatana Asavahame has announced his intention to return to Samut Prakan in two months to visit locals after evading corruption charges for 15 years. A housewarming ceremony took place yesterday at the new residence of Soontorn Pansangtong, the former deputy minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives and the former deputy chief of Samut…
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Russian ruse: Massive Thai visa scam exposed
Thai police dismantled a sprawling network that illegally enabled foreigners, predominantly Russians, to secure long-term stays in Thailand through deceptive company setups. This elaborate scheme, orchestrated by a 45 year old Russian woman and her Thai accomplice, has rocked the idyllic province of Phuket. Police revealed that the Russian mastermind arrived in Thailand in 2012 and, alongside a Thai woman,…
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Thailand urged to support major theme parks
Thailand should offer robust support, including investment incentives and infrastructure development, to attract major theme park brands like Disney, according to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). IAAPA Board Chairman Wuthichai Luangamornlert emphasised that investors are inclined to develop attractions in destinations providing substantial support. China’s rail transport system was completed a year before the opening of…
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Heavy rainfall warning issued for 46 provinces including Bangkok
The Meteorological Department has issued a severe weather warning, forecasting heavy rainfall in 46 provinces, including Bangkok, with 70% of the area expected to be affected. Residents are advised to take precautions against potential flash floods and forest runoff. Moderate southwesterly monsoon winds are covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, coupled with a low-pressure area over…
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Temples banned from requiring HIV tests for ordination
The Sangha Supreme Council has endorsed a proposal from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to prevent temples from mandating HIV tests for men seeking ordination, arguing that HIV is not a chronic infectious disease. Wasan Paileeklee, a member of the NHRC, announced yesterday that the commission had looked into a complaint about a temple in Bangkok’s Suan Luang district,…
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Thailand doubles visa-free stay for 93 nations to boost tourism
Thailand has extended the visa-free exemption period for visitors from 30 to 60 days .This is great news for tourists and business travelers alike, as it will allow them to stay in Thailand for longer periods of time. The visa exemption applies to nationals of 93 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan. Visitors from…
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MFP minister faces tough questions on foreign policy
Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Chulapong Yukate demanded that Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa reveal his vision for Thailand’s foreign policy. The call came during a House Committee on Foreign Affairs meeting, leaving the nation eager for answers. Chulapong, who serves as the deputy chairperson of the committee stated that the public wants to know in which direction the foreign minister…
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Kazakhstan’s first direct flight lands in Surat Thani
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Scat Airlines today celebrated the inaugural direct flight from Almaty, Kazakhstan to Surat Thani. The flight carrying 212 passengers, landed at Surat Thani International Airport this morning at 7.30am. The Thai Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Chatchawan Sakornsinsuwan, accompanied the flight, along with Kazakhstani travel operators and media, receiving a warm welcome from local officials.…
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Drunk driver causes fatal motorcycle crash in Samut Songkhram
A tragic accident occurred today as a 20 year old man lost his life when his motorcycle collided with a pickup truck driven by a drunk driver in Amphawa, Samut Songkhram. The collision took place on Somdet Phra Suriyenthr Bridge Road, involving a Honda Wave motorcycle and an Isuzu D-Max pickup truck. Authorities responded promptly to the accident site, where…
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Cambodian man shot in violent clash with Thai youths in Chon Buri
A confrontation between Cambodian and Thai youths escalated into violence, resulting in a 20 year old Cambodian man being shot and injured. The incident occurred yesterday, May 30 in Banglamung District, Chon Buri Province, prompting a police investigation. The violence erupted around 10.30pm yesterday. Officers from Nong Prue Police Station, led by Jaroon Duangwiangkham, received a report from Banglamung Hospital…
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Barking mad: Real estate giant faces online backlash over free pet
A renowned real estate company suffered an online backlash after launching a campaign offering a free pet with the purchase of a luxury home. The campaign, which allows buyers to choose from five different breeds of dogs or cats, sparked widespread criticism. A Facebook user publicly addressed the company in an open letter, expressing concerns over the potential negative impacts…
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Udder chaos: Frenzied cow injures man in Chon Buri
A frenzied cow in Sattahip, Chon Buri province, injured its caretaker by ramming him against a wall, causing severe injuries and triggering a chaotic rescue attempt. Locals and rescue workers struggled to retrieve the injured man as the agitated cow continued to charge at them, forcing them to flee. The Sattahip Sawang Rojanathammasathan Rescue Foundation’s radio centre received a report…
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Fisherman discovers body in tragic canal drowning accident
A fishing trip along an irrigation canal quickly took a tragic turn when a local fisherman discovered the floating corpse of a man who had been missing since the previous night after taking a quick dip in the canal, citing excessive heat. The incident occurred yesterday when Police Lieutenant Nutthaphat Chan-narong from the Amphawa Police Station received a report of…
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