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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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Digital nomading in Chiang Mai? What US$1,000 a month really gets you
Chiang Mai has become a popular destination for digital nomads due to its low living costs, rich culture, and active remote work community. The city offers affordable housing, tasty food, reliable internet, and many co-working spaces, making it a great...
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Thailand’s business confidence drops amid wage hike concerns
Business confidence in Thailand took a hit as the Thai Industries Sentiment Index (TISI) dropped in April, reflecting entrepreneurs’ concerns over a slew of economic pressures, including a proposed daily minimum wage increase. The TISI, a measure of the mood in the industrial sector, registered at 90.3 points, a decrease from the 92.4 points recorded in March, as reported by…
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Thailand to discuss lese majeste suspects’ amnesty
Amidst Thailand’s ongoing political tension, the House of Representatives‘ special committee is poised for a crucial meeting today to deliberate the formation of a new committee. This body is to consider the inclusion of lese majeste suspects in the proposed political amnesty. Nikorn Chamnong, the committee’s secretary-general, confirmed the upcoming discussion. Yuttaporn Issarachai, leading a sub-committee dedicated to the evaluation…
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South Korean national murdered, encased in concrete in Pattaya
The perpetrators of a chilling murder in Chon Buri have been partially apprehended, with one suspect confessing to the killing of a fellow South Korean national. The 34 year old victim, Roh Eui-jong, met his demise after being strangled and entombed in concrete inside a barrel by the suspects during a journey to Pattaya. South Korean authorities detailed the confession…
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Tripartite committee rejects uniform 400-baht minimum wage hike
The tripartite wage committee has chosen to uphold the autonomy of provincial wage panels in setting minimum wages, rejecting the Thai government’s uniform 400-baht minimum wage hike. During a tense session on May 14, the 15-member committee, representing the Ministry of Labour, employers, and employees, did not endorse the proposed nationwide increase. This decision followed closely on the heels of…
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Durian diva: Thai woman sells durian in bikini, ignoring online drama
A Thai woman is creating a buzz on social media after posting videos and pictures of herself selling durian in a bikini on a roadside in the northern province of Kamphaeng Phet. The sexy 22 year old durian vendor, Aranya, also known as Aum, sparked controversy on Thai social media two years ago for wearing a bikini while selling the…
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Urgent search for missing 7 year old boy after father’s threats
A seven year old boy known as Nong Bel has mysteriously gone missing following a violent incident involving his father, who allegedly strangled and threatened his life with a knife. The boy’s father, identified as 33 year old Naveesak Saetaw reportedly used these scare tactics to coerce the boy’s mother into reconciling with him after their separation. The case took…
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Tantawan moved to hospital after activist’s death sparks stress
Political activist Tantawan Tuatulanon was transferred to Thammasat University Hospital due to severe stress after learning of the death of fellow inmate Netiporn Sansomsak, known as Bung. The transfer was recommended by medical professionals, and the prison authorities stated that there was no emergency condition prompting the move. Tantawan, who was being held at the Bangkok Remand Prison, was reportedly…
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Sky-high costs: Why flying in Vietnam is becoming a luxury
Flying to Vietnam has become increasingly costly for tourists, with airfares reaching unprecedented heights. But what’s driving these price hikes, and why are neighbouring countries like Thailand offering cheaper alternatives? Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Danh Huy highlighted the factors propelling Vietnam’s flight costs to stratospheric levels during a recent session of the National Assembly. According to Huy, Vietnam Airlines has…
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Laos lottery draw thrills with potential 6 million kip win
Lottery enthusiasts eagerly awaited the results of today’s Laos lottery with the latest developments broadcast live. The Laolottery announces its winners every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, keeping participants on the edge of their seats. The Laos lottery draw, which captivated numerous participants with the promise of substantial rewards, unfolded with much anticipation. As the numbers were announced, ticket holders cross-referenced their entries…
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Move Forward Party races against the clock for its final defence
The Constitutional Court has thrown a lifeline to the embattled Move Forward Party (MFP), granting a 15-day extension in their high-stakes battle against dissolution. Citing the noble cause of justice, this last-minute reprieve pushes the deadline to June 2, marking the final opportunity for the main opposition to salvage its political future. The legal saga dates back to April 3…
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Finance Minister, Central Bank Chief to discuss interest rates
A crucial meeting is scheduled tomorrow between Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira and Bank of Thailand Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput to address the prevailing contention over interest rates. The government, under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s directive, has been advocating for a rate reduction to stimulate the economy. In contrast, the central bank has maintained its key rate at the highest in ten…
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Phuket gears up for unique senator selection process
Phuket prepares for senatorial selection with Governor Sophon Suwannarat at the helm. Phuket’s approach to selecting its next senator takes an unorthodox turn, as the process described in official notices by the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) Phuket oddly employs the term elected for what is essentially an appointment. The process, outlined in the Royal Gazette on May 13, allows…
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Taste triumph: Macao’s gastronomic diplomacy takes Phuket by storm
Macao’s delectable journey towards gastronomic greatness hit new heights as the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) graced the inaugural UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy Annual Conference in Phuket. From May 10 to 12, the conference acted as a culinary cauldron, bringing together gastronomic geniuses from across the globe under one roof. Hosted by Phuket, the conference served up a three-day…
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Trans-tussle: Video captures fight between Pattaya and Phuket transwomen (video)
In a scene straight out of a Russ Meyer movie, a video recently went viral depicting a violent clash between a group of ladyboys in Soi Bangla, Phuket, and a squad of transwomen from Pattaya. Pictures and videos of the altercation were shared widely on Thai social media. In one video, a group of transgender women confront another transgender woman…
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CIB raids mall, seizes alleged uncertified art toys prompting debate
Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) officers conducted a recent raid at a well-known shopping mall in the Bang Yai district. They confiscated a significant quantity of art toys being sold at an event due to the absence of necessary Thai Industrial Standards (TIS) certification. This action ignited a wave of online criticism and debate. The event, which was held inside the…
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Ocean Property and Siam Seaplane collaborate for coastal travel
Ocean Property and Siam Seaplane, Thailand’s leading amphibious seaplane service provider, are set to unveil a luxurious seaplane facility at Ocean Marina Jomtien. The joint venture promises travellers an unparalleled experience along the vibrant eastern coast of Thailand. The state-of-the-art facility will facilitate water landings and takeoffs, ensuring swift access to luxury yacht charters, plush stays at Ocean Marina Resort,…
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Thai officials seize 14.8 kilogrammes of heroin bound for Taiwan
Thai police made a significant drug bust, intercepting 14.8 kilogrammes of heroin destined for Taiwan. The narcotics were ingeniously concealed within two commercial ice-making machines, set to be transported via an air freight company in Bangkok. The operation unfolded in the wake of a previous case involving a shipment of drugs concealed within robot bases. The Office of the Narcotics…
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Thai AirAsia’s first quarter: Revenue skyrockets yet net loss stings
Asia Aviation PLC (AAV), the powerhouse behind Thai AirAsia Co. Ltd (TAA), unveiled a tale of contrasting fortunes in its first-quarter performance of 2024. Revenue rocketed by an impressive 52%, hitting 13,793.7 million baht, while positive earnings before taxes soared by 78% to 3,094.2 million baht. But amidst the celebratory air, a storm brewed as the company recorded a staggering…
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Odds-on arrest: Bangkok cops nab bookie after tense standoff
The Bangkok Metropolitan Police successfully apprehended a 30 year old suspect in a bookie case, following a tense confrontation where the man aimed a gun at officers to facilitate his escape. The arrest, which took place yesterday, yielded drugs, a firearm, and ammunition. The suspect, Teerapol, also known as Doe Po Pan, wanted on charges of fraud and entering false…
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Parking pandemonium: Thai woman’s pickup takes flight off rooftop (video)
A Thai woman today crashed her pickup into another on the fourth floor of a hospital parking building in Bangkok, sending the vehicle flying off the roof and onto the road below. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident. The incident happened today, May 15, at about 7.24am, on the fourth floor of the 10-storey parking building at Phramongkutklao…
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Thailand assesses boy’s mental health over telepathy abilities
Thailand’s authorities are taking legal action to assess the mental health of an eight year old boy known as Nong Nice who is claimed by his parents to have telepathic abilities and a connection with Buddhist deities. The Social Development and Human Security Ministry, led by Minister Varawut Silpa-archa, is now seeking a court warrant to evaluate the child after…
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Ombudsman: No jurisdiction over digital wallet scheme complaints
Keirov Kritteeranon, the secretary-general of the Office of the Ombudsman, revealed that they lack the power to escalate complaints about the contentious digital wallet scheme to the Constitutional Court or any other legal forum. At the heart of the furore are the government’s ambitious plans to distribute 10,000-baht payments to a staggering 50 million adult citizens through digital wallets, alongside…
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Thai diner food fight: Apology served amid delivery rider accusations
A Thai restaurant apologised after accusing food delivery riders of eating customers’ food before delivering it. Netizens believed the issue was made up to promote the restaurant. The restaurant, Monster by Tong, took to Facebook yesterday, May 14, alleging that a driver had consumed a portion of a customer’s grilled meat and rice, providing a picture as evidence. “Rider sneaks…
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Suspected drug agent flees sting operation, leaving kids in Sadao
A 30 year old suspected drug agent narrowly escaped a sting operation by security forces, leaving behind her two young daughters amid chaos. The incident unfolded today, May 15, when a combined military and administrative task force initiated a series of raids targeting drug trafficking in the Sadao district of Songkhla Province. The suspect, known as Kanjana or Khom, managed…
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Ayutthaya police reel as young radio operator found dead
A tragic discovery was made at a police residence in Ayutthaya when a 26 year old young radio operator was found dead. Preliminary investigations suggest personal issues with a distant girlfriend may have preceded the event. Tragedy struck the police community in Ayutthaya when the body of Police Corporal Krisada, a 26 year old police at Marawichai Police Station, was…
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Food for thought: Microwave routine serves up stomach cancer scare
A man’s daily habit of warming his food in a microwave has led to a grim diagnosis of early-stage stomach cancer, leaving his doctors shaking their heads in dismay. The case highlights the potentially dangerous misuse of microwaves and plastic containers by many individuals unaware of the health risks involved. In a stark reminder of the health hazards associated with…
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Inside the thriving world of Venus clam harvesting
The shores of Naklua and Krating Lai Beach in the Banglamung district are buzzing with activity as locals and workers unite for a timeless tradition – Venus clam harvesting. Amidst the ebb of the tide, a remarkable sight unfolds daily on the sandy shores, drawing a crowd of 60 to 100 individuals, spanning all ages and genders. Armed with baskets…
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Resident finds lifeless body of foreign man in southern Thailand
A resident today stumbled upon the lifeless body of an unidentified foreign man on a roadside in the Takua Thung district in the southern province of Phang Nga. Sub-District Chief Yutthanakorn Juanjenkit filed a complaint with officers at Khok Kloi Police Station after a local in the area discovered the dead body. The body was found on the side of…
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From civil servant to prime minister: Meet Singapore’s new leader
In a carefully choreographed succession plan, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is poised to take the helm as the nation’s fourth prime minister. At 51, the US-trained economist inherits the mantle from Lee Hsien Loong, who relinquished his position after a remarkable two-decade tenure. Wong’s journey from a civil servant to a political luminary gained momentum through his pivotal…
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Phayao jackfruit tree bears amulet-shaped fruit, spurs lottery fever
A peculiar jackfruit tree in Phayao province has become a source of excitement and superstition among locals after bearing fruit that resembles traditional Thai amulets. The tree, situated in front of the buildings of Ban Thung Pa Kha School in the Sri Thoi sub-district of Mae Chai district, is over 10 years old and stands approximately 3 metres tall. Its…
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