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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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Catnapped calamity: Elderly owner’s purr-loved orange tabby taken
A beloved orange cat was allegedly stolen by an unknown woman, leaving its elderly owner distressed and unable to eat for two days. The incident occurred near a flower shop in the Prachaniwet 3 Market, Nonthaburi province. The flower shop owner, 40 year old Pui and the cat’s caretaker, shared the story. About two months ago, her partner, who drives…
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Thailand cops raid five hideouts in Jesada murder case
Thai police conducted raids on five significant hideouts in connection with the murder of Jesada, also known as Tai Kolai, at the Lasalle intersection. Arrest warrants for two additional suspects have been issued, with heavy charges against them. The incident involved 23 people on a motorcycle who lured Woraset, known as Hurt, and Jesada out of a restaurant, leading to…
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Chinese man fatally struck by pickup while crossing road in Rayong
A Thai pickup driver hit and killed a Chinese man while the victim was crossing 3191 Road in the eastern province of Rayong. Pluak Daeng Police Station officers were alerted to the car accident on Road 3191 near Puang Malai Intersection in the Pluak Daeng district of Rayong at about 8.30pm on Monday, July 1. Officers passed the notification to…
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Elderly man arrested for transporting nearly 300,000 meth pills
A 77 year old man was arrested for transporting drugs for a Laotian network, with police seizing 288,000 methamphetamine pills. Police disclosed the man was paid to deliver the drugs, which were bought for 5 baht per pill and sold for 20 baht each. Police in Amnat Charoen, northeast Thailand announced the arrest of Atthapol Wanthaprom, who was found in…
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Man tricked into scam call centre, ordains as monk in remorse
A young man deceived into working for a call centre scam in a neighbouring country has expressed remorse and plans to ordain as a monk to dedicate merit to the scam victims. He endured eight months of abuse before seeking help to return to Thailand. Chairman of the Northern Star Foundation, Phim Mai Sakdipatpokin, reported that a 29 year old…
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Engineering director found dead at home in West Thailand
A director of the engineering department was found dead in his home in Ratchaburi. The dead man, identified as 53 year old Somkiat, was discovered by relatives after his wife, Boonrod, could not reach him on the phone and asked family members to check on him. Police were alerted yesterday, July 2, about the death at a residence in Ban…
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Teacher’s mysterious fall from Bangkok condo raises questions
A recently appointed teacher fell to his death from a condo under mysterious circumstances, just before he was due to report for duty, raising suspicions among his family. The incident occurred on June 30, and police are now investigating. On June 30, a newly appointed teacher, Nat, fell to his death from a high-rise condo in Huai Khwang, Bangkok, under…
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Thailand rescue: Moroccan call centre scam victims freed
Immigration Bureau officers in Thailand helped six Moroccans return to Morocco. They were released by a call centre scam gang in Myanmar after their families paid 300,000 baht in ransom. The release of the six Moroccan victims follows the previous release of two other Moroccan nationals. The first two victims paid 200,000 baht in ransom to the scam gang. The two…
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Thailand launches project to tackle 1 million school dropouts
The government is set to launch a project to address the increasingly prevalent issue of school dropouts in Thailand. The initiative aims to locate and assist over a million students who have prematurely ended their formal education. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke announced the Thailand Zero Dropout policy, which aims to ensure all children return to school. This initiative comprises four…
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Thai bond market bonds stronger, hits 17 trillion baht milestone
The Thai bond market reported a total outstanding value of 17 trillion baht (US$460 billion) in the first half of 2024, reflecting a 2.7% increase from the end of the previous year, as stated by the Thai Bond Market Association (ThaiBMA). Within this total, long-term corporate bonds accounted for 494 billion baht (US$13.4 billion), with the majority being investment-grade bonds…
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Lorry crash in Chachoengsao blocks bridge lane
A 22-wheel lorry crashed into a bridge railing in Chachoengsao province after the driver fell asleep, causing debris to scatter and blocking one lane. A motorcyclist following behind collided with the debris and was injured. Teep Mailuekdee, an investigator from Ban Pho Police Station, received a report at 3am today, July 3, about a lorry crashing into the bridge railing…
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US economy thrives in 2024, China faces challenges
The US economy has been robust throughout 2024, buoyed by strong consumer spending, fiscal stimulus, and a thriving labour market. In contrast, Europe and Asia, particularly China, have faced economic challenges, with China’s real estate market issues impacting its overall economic performance. However, there are optimistic signs for the remainder of 2024 and into 2025. China’s leadership is beginning to…
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Thai man sexually assaulted in car after accepting free ride
A Thai man accused another man of sexually assaulting him after offering a free ride. The driver then touched his passenger inappropriately and masturbated in the car. The 23 year old man, identified only as To, filed the sexual assault complaint at Mueang Loei Police Station in the Isaan province of Loei at about 3.30pm on July 1. To identified…
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Thai exports expected to grow 1-2% despite geopolitical tensions
The Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) anticipates a modest increase in export value by 1 to 2% in the latter half of this year, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in Europe and the Middle East. Chairman Chaichan Chareonsuk confirmed that the TNSC is maintaining its export growth forecast at 1 to 2% for the year. However, the council remains cautious due…
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Pickup driver caught at Phuket police checkpoint (video)
A pickup truck driver revved his engine, causing thick black smoke to billow out, as he passed a police checkpoint in Phuket. Two officers on motorcycles immediately pursued and captured him, earning praise from netizens who commended their swift action. A video clip, one minute and four seconds long, was posted by the Choeng Thale Police Station in Phuket, accompanied…
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Thailand considers alcohol ban lift to boost restaurant spirits
The Government of Thailand is considering lifting the afternoon ban on alcohol sales to assist struggling restaurant operators amid an economic downturn. Representatives from the Restaurant Business Club submitted a letter to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, urging for measures to help restaurants survive the challenging economic climate. Restaurant operators highlighted rising operating costs and increasing prices of ingredients as major…
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Oil tanker explosion sparks inferno at Pathum Thani shipyard
An explosion on an oil tanker at a privately owned shipyard in Pathum Thani sent shockwaves through the Sam Khok district, near Bot Temple. The blast, which occurred around 3.30pm yesterday, July 2, left six individuals injured and ignited a towering blaze. Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing moment when the tranquil afternoon was shattered by a loud explosion, swiftly followed by…
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Phuket Bolt driver defends actions after entering passenger’s room
A Thai Bolt driver in Phuket turned himself into officers at Patong Police Station yesterday to defend himself. He insisted that the female passenger allowed him to enter her room and that he had no ill intentions towards her. The 25 year old Thai woman, Nan, filed a complaint at Patong Police Station after the Bolt driver, later identified as…
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Phuket’s inadequate infrastructure development raises concerns
Inadequate infrastructure development in Phuket is struggling to match the island’s rapid urbanisation and severe flooding, tarnishing its reputation. The government’s failure to allocate sufficient budget and upgrade public facilities as promised is a significant concern. The President of the Phuket Tourist Association, Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, highlighted that 60% of tourists are first-time visitors who might not return if infrastructure issues…
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Banglamung chief bets on crackdown: No dice for gambling dens
Banglamung District Chief Wikit Manarojkit led a meeting with village headmen and officials at the Bang Lamung District Office community hall. The focus was on reinforcing policies and guidelines to prevent gambling dens in the Banglamung area. Chon Buri Province Governor Thawatchai Srithong stressed the importance of cracking down on illegal gambling activities. Local leaders, including kamnans and village headmen,…
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Thai man plants seed of awareness about pervert underwear thief
A Thai man is warning locals, especially women, to be on the lookout for a pervert with an underwear fetish after finding a large quantity of female lingerie on a eucalyptus plantation in the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima. The 49 year old Thai man, Banlaeng Sukkratoke, shared videos of panties and bras hanging on two wooden racks in the…
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Woman discovers fiancé fathered her younger brother with mother
A 24 year old woman discovered her fiancé was having an affair with her mother and that her younger brother was her fiancé’s child. The surprising revelations were shared in a Reddit post where she vented about the shocking situation. The woman and her fiancé have known each other since childhood, with him being one year older. They started dating…
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Bill proposed to curb child obesity from AI-driven junk food ads
A new bill designed to curb child obesity by safeguarding children from modern AI-driven marketing tactics that encourage unhealthy eating habits is set to be presented to legislators. The Deputy Director-General of the Department of Health, Pongpol Vorapani, spoke during the final public hearing of the bill, noting that the high rate of obesity among Thai children, which has more…
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Bombshell verdict: Srettha and MFP face the music in September
The Constitutional Court is set to deliver a landmark decision by September that could potentially see Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin dismissed and the opposition Move Forward party (MFP) dissolved, according to the court’s president. In a press briefing, Court President Nakharin Mektrairat confirmed that rulings on both high-stakes cases would be made by September. Last month, the court scheduled the…
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Korat locals protest against potash mining expansion
Korat locals gathered in force to protest against the government’s controversial plan to grant additional mining concessions in their province. Amid growing tensions and heartfelt pleas, the demonstrators demanded compensation for the devastating impacts existing mines have already had on their lives. The protesters, arriving at Rajabhat Nakhon Ratchasima University at 9am, were determined to deliver their message to Prime…
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Thailand urged to harness and adopt solar energy to cut costs
Thailand’s abundance of sunlight offers an opportunity for a solar energy revolution, but high costs and regulatory barriers are holding back widespread adoption. Vice President of the Solar Energy Association of Thailand, Piyasak Pichetanawin, urged the government to support the use of solar energy, particularly in the industrial sector. Piyasak emphasises the importance of green energy, which can significantly reduce…
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New Pathum Thani CEO suspended over corruption allegations
The newly elected CEO of Pathum Thani Provincial Administration finds himself unable to assume office due to an ongoing corruption investigation. This dramatic development has left the province in a state of political uncertainty. Secretary-General of the Council of State Pakorn Nilprapunt announced that Charn Puangphet had been suspended from duties in 2012. The suspension stemmed from allegations dating back…
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Thai Cabinet to scrap duty-free stores on arrival after 3 billion baht loss
The Thai Cabinet plans to scrap duty-free stores on arrival at eight airports in Thailand after losing an estimated 3 billion baht in customs revenue. This cancellation is also aimed at making Thailand a hub of tourism and shopping. The Prime Minister’s Office deputy spokesperson, Ratchada Thanadirek, reported in a press conference after today’s Cabinet meeting. The Cabinet agreed to…
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Tragic mushroom poisoning claims elderly woman’s life, son critical
An elderly woman tragically passed away after consuming mushroom soup prepared from mushrooms her son had collected. The son remains in critical condition in the hospital, relatives suspect no foul play in the tragic passing of the woman. Family members reported that before the incident, the woman’s son, 44 year old Pranchai had gone mushroom hunting, and prepared a soup…
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Ratchaburi residents demand urgent fix for narrow overpass bridge
Residents of Pak Tho in Ratchaburi are grappling with congestion due to a newly constructed overpass bridge that is too narrow for safe and efficient use. The bridge, located between Village 1 and Village 5, was intended as an alternative route after the closure of a main motorcycle passageway by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). This route was crucial…
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