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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 Why health insurance costs more each year and how expats in Thailand can save more money
Each year, many expats living in Thailand see their health insurance premiums go up and often without a clear reason. This can be frustrating, especially when you're trying to plan your budget. But by understanding why prices rise and learning...
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British man found dead in Sattahip condo, suspected suicide
A 58 year old British man was found dead in his condo bathroom in Sattahip, Chon Buri on May 27. Sattahip police responded to a report of a suspected suicide at a luxury condominium behind Bang Saray Market. Upon entering the third-floor room, police discovered the man, identified by police as Michael Devalle, dead in the bathroom. He appeared to…
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Pattaya tourism aims for diverse travel experience beyond nightlife
The private tourism sector in Pattaya convened a workshop yesterday to discuss strategies for repositioning the city as a comprehensive travel destination, aiming to shift its reputation beyond just a nightlife and entertainment hub. Representatives from eight tourism associations, four tourism clubs, and major tour operators within Pattaya City and Chon Buri province attended the event. Government officials from the…
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How to make money as a freelancer in Thailand
Thailand, charactersed by its dynamic culture and picturesque natural landscapes, is not solely a tourist hotspot but also a country of considerable potential. If you aspire to a lifestyle that marries remote work with the opportunity to engage in local traditions, as well as the possibility to accrue savings, Thailand may well be your ideal destination. In this country, the…
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Land and building tax revenue to hit 43 billion baht this year
The Finance Ministry anticipates the land and building tax collection to reach 43 billion baht this year, marking an increase of 8 billion from the previous year due to the discontinuation of the tax discount. Finance Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit, speaking at a property seminar on the fifth anniversary of the tax’s implementation, revealed that the ministry is currently reviewing…
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Myanmar couple makes history at Thai Pride parade
Denied the chance to celebrate their union in their homeland, where LGBTQ individuals face persecution and imprisonment, a Burmese same-sex couple sought peace and happiness in the more tolerant kingdom next door. The couple, Nyan and Mae, tied the knot in front of thousands at the annual Pride parade in Chiang Mai. The late-night ceremony on Sunday was only symbolic…
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Record meth seizures in Southeast Asia’s Golden Triangle
In a recent report released yesterday, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) disclosed that East and Southeast Asia are currently grappling with an unprecedented influx of methamphetamine and other synthetic drugs. This surge is largely sourced from the Golden Triangle, an area where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos converge. Historically recognised for opium cultivation and…
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Outrage as Chinese tourists let child urinate near sacred Thai site
A photograph of two Chinese tourists allowing their child to urinate on a path near Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall in Bangkok has ignited a heated online debate. The Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, nestled within the Royal Grand Palace in Bangkok, is a symbol of national pride and a key venue for state ceremonies. Formerly a royal residence, it…
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Thai mother accuses son’s girlfriend of swindling 891,000 baht
A Thai mother in Pattaya accused the mother of her son’s ex-girlfriend of tricking her 17 year old boy into giving them 891,000 baht. The half-Irish, half-Thai teenager was reportedly in a romantic relationship with his ex-girlfriend’s 33 year old mother. The teenager’s mother, 44 year old Kung, explained that she was married to a 74 year old Irish man,…
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Ring rage: Brawl erupts at Phuket boxing stadium
A viral video capturing foreign boxers and their cornermen brawling in the ring sparked widespread criticism online. The explosive incident occurred at the Bangla Boxing Stadium in Patong, Phuket, during the main event on May 26. The showdown featured an Irish boxer in the red corner and a Russian boxer in the blue corner. As the ring announcer prepared to…
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Woman arrested for 2.8 million baht fraud and nude clip scheme
The Royal Thai Police (RTP) arrested a woman for her alleged involvement in a nude clip scheme and a 2.8 million baht investment scam impersonating a well-known platform where she reportedly coerced victims into sending nude clips in exchange for withdrawing their investment money. Police Major General Teeradech Thammasuthee, today, alongside an investigative team, apprehended 29 year old Arisa under…
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Thai halal boom targets 84 trillion baht market
In a move to capture a share of the burgeoning US$2.3 trillion (approximately 84 trillion baht) global halal market, the Ministry of Industry has launched the Thai Halal Industry Centre. This strategic initiative aims to position Thailand as the regional hub for halal products and services, with the market value expected to soar to US$2.8 trillion by 2025, driven by…
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Duck vendor found dead in pickup truck at Samut Prakan shrine
A tragic discovery took place in front of a Buddha shrine in Samut Prakan today, where a vendor was found dead inside a pickup truck. The deceased had left a note but the cause of his death remains unknown. The Deputy Inspector of Samrong Nuea Police Station in Samut Prakan, Asanee Kongkerd, received a report of a man’s death inside…
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Disease Control warns of mpox surge after Songkran festival
Thailand’s Department of Disease Control issued a warning about a significant rise in mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, cases following the Songkran festival, with the majority of cases reported in Bangkok. The Thai authorities are urging vigilance and advising the public to monitor for symptoms. Since the first detection in July 2022, Thailand has recorded a total of 787 mpox…
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Online durian purchase sparks consumer outrage over quality
A customer raised concerns over the quality of durian purchased online, claiming the fruit was mushy and bitter despite being advertised as ready to eat. The total cost, including delivery, was 720 baht. The incident, which occurred yesterday, sparked heated discussions on social media. The customer shared their experience in an online consumer group, explaining they ordered durian from a…
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Thailand to issue US$1.1 billion sustainability-linked bonds
Thailand will issue up to US$1.1 billion (40 billion baht) in baht-denominated sustainability-linked bonds (SLBs) in the coming months, marking the first such offering by an Asian government. This initiative aims to address both the nation’s budget deficit and its environmental commitments. According to the public debt advisor at the Ministry of Finance, Jindarat Viriyataveekul, the proceeds from the bond…
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Man’s body found in car park in Bangkok market
A Bangkok market was thrown into chaos yesterday after the discovery of a man’s body in a parking lot. The police are investigating suspicious circumstances surrounding the death, including wounds that do not match the position of the body when found. At 8am yesterday, police officer Thananchai Kanthahatthi from Rat Burana Police Station received a report of a dead man…
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Derailed heist: Thieves steal railway crossings equipment in Songkhla
Thieves have stolen signal poles, barrier arms, and other equipment from 17 railway crossings in Songkhla, putting passengers, pedestrians, and motorists at risk. The thefts occurred in the Khuan Niang, Hat Yai, and Sadao districts, focusing primarily on the Hat Yai-Padang Besar route in the Sadao district. Equipment was stolen from nine out of the 10 crossings in this area.…
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Nakhon Ratchasima woman survives car crash with minor injuries
A remarkable incident in Nakhon Ratchasima left many in awe when 38 year old woman survived a severe car accident with minimal injuries. The accident occurred yesterday around 5.30pm on Road 224 near Ban Nong Pruek in Chok Chai district. Tachinee Namkasem was driving her black Honda City with the registration number กย 8379 Nakhon Ratchasima when the vehicle lost…
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Executive arrested for hazardous materials at Phetchabun factory
The Thai authorities swooped to arrest an executive at Win Process, en route to another factory in Phetchabun Province for possessing unauthorised hazardous materials. The executive, Ophas, faces court charges and is expected to be involved in 14 additional cases. A raid on another site uncovered numerous documents. Police from the Map Ta Phut Police Station in Rayong Province detained…
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Kidnapper and child rapist arrested after 13 years on the run
The Thai authorities apprehended a member of a 7-man rapist gang who abducted and sexually assaulted a 16 year old girl in 2011. The arrest took place yesterday following a prolonged manhunt. Today, the Head of the Anti-Human Trafficking Division (AHTD), Sarut Kwangsopa, orchestrated the arrest of 40 year old Uthai. The arrest was based on an arrest warrant issued…
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Thai authorities arrest three for forging visa documents
The Thai authorities arrested three agency operators for forging documents to submit visa applications to various embassies, seizing numerous counterfeit items. The suspects confessed to their crimes and are now facing legal proceedings. At 11am yesterday, at the Immigration Office in Mueang Thong Thani, Deputy Commander-in-Chief Panthana Nuchnarot, along with Deputy Commander-in-Chief Ratchachot Chotikoon and other relevant officers, announced the…
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Remote-controlled crime: Thai police nab Frenchman for toy car cocaine delivery
Thai police detained a French national for attempting to send cocaine concealed in a remote control car to a friend in Cambodia. The package was intercepted by a shipping company during routine X-ray scans and reported to the police. Today, May 29, senior police officials, including the Deputy Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, along with relevant officers, announced the arrest…
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Thailand’s new visa rules for tourists and expats from June 1
Thailand is planning to extend its visa-free policy to 60 days for nationals from 93 countries, including the UK, EU nations, the US, and Australia. This means tourists can now enjoy double the time in the Land of Smiles without paying a single baht. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke announced the change but kept the details under wraps. However, it appears…
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Gambler’s feud ends in deadly shooting in Nakhon Si Thammarat
A gambler’s bitter feud ended in murder yesterday when a 44 year old man was shot dead by his wife’s estranged husband in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. The police quickly apprehended the suspect, who confessed to the crime. The tragic incident occurred at a residence in Moo 16, Bang Khan Subdistrict, Bang Khan District. The local police, led by Police…
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Thai monk files police complaint over leaflets alleging affair
A prominent Thai monk filed a police complaint after anonymous individuals scattered leaflets accusing him of attempting to have an affair with a married woman. This incident has tarnished the reputation of the well-known temple in Uthai Thani province. Today, a reporter visited the temple in Taluk Du subdistrict, Thap Than district, Uthai Thani, where the controversy unfolded. Somchai, 52…
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Heroic doctor leads rescue after Singapore Airlines emergency
Thailand has been lauded for its rapid and efficient response to an emergency when a Singapore Airlines flight encountered severe turbulence over Myanmar on May 21. Heading the emergency operation after Flight SQ321 diverted to Suvarnabhumi Airport was Dr Wichanya Burirak, a dedicated physician and aviation enthusiast. Chiang Mai University, where Wichanya graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, expressed pride…
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Woman’s skeleton found under temple crematorium in Bangkok
The discovery of a woman’s skeletal remains under a crematorium at a well-known temple in Bang Rak has shocked the community. The police have launched an investigation into the case, which dates back to an incident approximately 40 years ago. Police Lieutenant Krirkwut Ariyametha, Deputy Inspector (Investigation) at Bang Rak Police Station, received a report today, May 29, about the…
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Buriram contractor gives away 7 buffaloes to prevent slaughter
A contractor announced the giveaway of seven buffaloes, including breeding pairs and their offspring, to animal lovers for free, with the stipulation that they not be sold to slaughterhouses. The decision stems from a lack of time and space to care for the animals. A 48 year old resident of Yai Yaem Watthana in Chalermprakiat, Buriram, made the heartfelt decision…
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Hopping hunt: Chiang Mai Zoo scrambles to find runaway kangaroo
Chiang Mai Zoo staff members are on a mission to locate a runaway kangaroo that was last seen this morning hopping along the main road leading to the popular tourist attraction, Doi Suthep. The incident came to light when a Thai man, Tun Chanachai, shared a video of the escapee on Facebook around 8.20am today, May 29 with a caption…
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Noodle KO: Former Muay Thai boxer busted for drug trafficking
The Thai authorities apprehended a former Muay Thai boxer involved in drug trafficking at a noodle shop in Din Daeng, Bangkok. The suspect, identified as 21 year old Supakrit was found with a substantial amount of crystal methamphetamine and ketamine. A police spokesperson revealed that the suspect was apprehended at a noodle shop in Din Daeng based on a tip-off…
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