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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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Is private health insurance in Thailand worth it? Real costs vs risks explained
Thailand has a strong healthcare system with both public and private options. Public hospitals offer affordable care, but many people, including expats, choose private health insurance for faster service, modern facilities, and more treatment choices. To decide if private health...
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Patong Beach bomb scare: Hidden explosives uncovered in sand
Holidaymakers were left rattled as police scoured Phuket’s beaches to unearth a series of hidden explosive devices planted by suspects intent on chaos. Police confirmed yesterday evening, June 27, that the last two devices connected to the suspects’ shocking confession have been safely recovered and neutralised. The first discovery was made at Patong Beach around 3.45pm, just 50 metres from…
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Rush hour inferno: Car fire sparks Vibhavadi traffic chaos (video)
Commuters endured a nightmare journey last night after a car burst into flames on one of Bangkok’s busiest roads, turning rush hour into a gridlocked inferno. At 8.44pm yesteryday, June 27, the Phra Ram Radio Centre received frantic reports that a vehicle was ablaze near Vibhavadi Rangsit Soi 22 in the Chom Phon subdistrict of Chatuchak district. Within minutes, fire…
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Drug den blitz: Bang Lamung cops bust bamboo hideout
Bang Lamung officials stormed a notorious bamboo hideout, rounding up suspected drug users in a sweeping crackdown. Yesterday, June 27 at 5pm, Bang Lamung District Chief Patcharapat Sritanyanon led a coordinated operation targeting a known drug hotspot in Village 1, Khao Mai Kaew subdistrict. The mission, aimed at choking off local drug networks, was carried out under the supervision of…
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Russian drug kingpin hunted down in Phuket paradise bust
A Russian fugitive who thought he could hide in Phuket’s tropical playground has been dragged back into the spotlight after Thai police swooped in to end his run from justice. Phuket Immigration officers arrested 46 year old Igor, a Russian national, after uncovering he was wanted on an international Red Notice for drug trafficking and membership of a serious criminal…
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Thailand cannabis crackdown: New prescription rules spark outcry
Thailand’s cannabis free-for-all is coming to an abrupt end, with health chiefs vowing to tighten the rules on who can grow, sell, and smoke the controversial herb. Dr Tewan Thanirat, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM), announced that stricter controls are on the way. Under the proposed regulations, anyone selling cannabis flower buds will…
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Weekend sees more heavy rain across Thailand in seasonal deluge
Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning for 57 provinces to prepare for heavy rainfall over the weekend. The northeastern and northern regions, as well as Bangkok and surrounding areas, are expected to experience significant rainfall, covering 60-80% of these areas. In Bangkok and its vicinity, thunderstorms are anticipated across 60% of the area with some places experiencing heavy…
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Pattaya cracks down on illegal ramps to tackle drainage issues
Pattaya is cracking down hard on illegal ramps obstructing public footpaths, with officials warning that unauthorised structures will be removed and could result in legal action. The renewed effort aims to tackle recurring drainage issues caused by the concrete ramps, which have long been a source of frustration for residents. This week, municipal teams from the Office of Public Works,…
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Injured Thai man lies to protect drunk girlfriend after car crash
A Thai man took the blame for a car crash in the central province of Chachoengsao to protect his drunk girlfriend, asking her to leave him at the scene despite suffering a head injury himself. Officers from Bang Pakong Police Station were alerted to the incident at around 3am today, June 27, after a sedan crashed into an electricity pole…
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Flash floods devastate Chiang Rai: Homes and farmland destroyed
Chiang Rai province is reeling from catastrophic flooding after continuous heavy rainfall last night and this morning. Flash floods and mountain runoff have wreaked havoc across several districts, with Phaya Mengrai and Wiang Chai hit the hardest. The torrential downpours caused rivers of rainwater to cascade rapidly from the mountains, flooding low-lying areas and causing water levels to surge unexpectedly.…
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Thai abbot accuses bank of embezzling over 1.3 billion baht
A Thai abbot in the Isaan province of Ubon Ratchathani is taking legal action against a bank for allegedly embezzling over 1.3 billion baht from a non-profit organisation under his care. Phra Panya Wachiramolee, the abbot of Wat Pa Si Saeng Tham in Khong Chiam district, Ubon Ratchathani, shared on social media that over 1.3 billion baht had disappeared from…
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Thai govt urged to scrap casino bill over constitutional concerns
A Senate committee reviewing the controversial casino bill has called on the government to withdraw its draft legislation, warning that it could violate multiple sections of Thailand’s 2017 Constitution. Yesterday, June 26, Senator Veerapun Suvannamai, the chair of the panel, highlighted that the bill may breach Sections 3, 58, 63, and 65 of the Constitution. He explained that the legislation,…
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Aussie man searches for long-lost Thai mother, makes public plea
A 38 year old Australian man is making an emotional plea for help as he embarks on a mission that has consumed his entire life—finding his Thai mother. Jeffrey, who was separated from his mother when he was just a child, has spent decades searching for answers, clinging to the hope of a reunion. Born in Phuket, Jeffrey lived with…
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Black beauty: Rare leopard spotted at Phetchaburi national park
Another rare black leopard has been spotted in Kaeng Krachan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Thailand. The sighting, which took place on Wednesday, June 25 at 5.20pm, sparked excitement among nature enthusiasts and wildlife experts. This breathtaking encounter was captured at the 18-kilometre mark of the park, a popular spot for butterfly-watching, highlighting the park’s rich biodiversity. Park Chief Mongkol Chaiphakdi…
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Thai man punched by stranger on Chiang Mai road
A Thai man is seeking justice after being punched by a stranger on a road in Chiang Mai province without any prior altercation, in the early hours of Wednesday, June 25. The victim, 30 year old James, posted CCTV footage of the assault on his Facebook page, appealing to the online community to help identify the attacker. He uploaded the…
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Phuket airport tightens security, passengers urged to arrive early
Phuket airport is on high alert following the discovery of an explosive device hidden in an abandoned motorcycle on its premises. Passengers are urged to arrive at least two hours early from today, as security measures have been tightened in the aftermath of the threat. The warning comes after bomb experts successfully neutralised the device found on Wednesday night, June…
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Thailand’s 36% US tariff at risk: Will minister secure a deal?
Thailand is on the edge of a crucial trade deadline with the US, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira announced today that he will be heading to the US next week for urgent trade negotiations. With Thailand facing a 36% tariff on its exports unless a deal is struck, time is running out for the kingdom to…
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Gunmen at large after fatal shooting of Thai businessman in Kanchanaburi
Two suspects remain at large following the fatal shooting of a Thai businessman in the car park of a construction materials store in the central province of Kanchanaburi. The 51 year old victim, Sittikorn, also known as Sia Piak, was gunned down outside the store in the Pak Phraek sub-district of Mueang district on Wednesday, June 25. Sittikorn and his…
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Hun Sen warns Thaksin: Betrayal, treason, and exposing the truth
In a display of frustration and betrayal, Cambodia’s Senate President Hun Sen has lashed out at his former “godbrother” and ex-Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, accusing him of betrayal and warning that he will expose the “treasonous” actions of Thaksin’s family, including their alleged disrespect towards the Thai monarchy. But Hun Sen has made it clear he’s not acting alone…
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Thailand Video News | Cannabis advocates plan mass protest over recriminalisation push, South Korea bans dog meat—but what happens to 500,000 dogs?
Cannabis advocates and opposition groups plan large-scale protests in Thailand, while criminal cases involving teachers, robberies, and fraud shake public trust. Meanwhile, regional cooperation improves as Thailand and Cambodia ease border tensions, and Vietnam rolls out landmark free public education. Other notable developments include South Korea’s historic dog meat ban, chaotic nightlife incidents in Pattaya, and a bear disrupting flights…
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Thai student attacked in New York, transport staff criticised
A 26 year old Thai student and aspiring model was attacked and robbed in New York, prompting concerns about the lack of assistance from Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) staff. She was forced to flag down a vehicle to seek help from police. A Facebook user shared details of the incident today, June 27, highlighting a warning for Thai nationals to…
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Police drives against traffic flow and fatally crashes woman in Ratchaburi
A police officer, who was reportedly drunk, drove against the flow of traffic and crashed into several motorcycles, resulting in the death of a 64 year old woman in the central province of Ratchaburi yesterday, June 26. The fatal accident occurred at 7.55am on Song Phon Road, in front of an Isuzu car showroom. A motorist stuck in traffic on…
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Phuket soldier honoured in royal ceremony after fatal sniper attack
His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua has granted a final tribute to Private First Class (PFC) Pakom Suden, a young Phuket soldier killed during a patrol in Thailand’s Deep South. The special ceremony took place yesterday, June 26 at 1.30pm, at the Muslim cemetery in Baan Bang Malao, Sakhu, where officials, soldiers, police officers, Islamic religious leaders, and family…
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Chon Buri farmer busted with 10,000 meth pills in sting
A routine undercover operation in Nonthaburi turned into a major drug bust when Bang Lamung Police apprehended a 42 year old farmer attempting to smuggle 10,000 methamphetamine pills across provincial lines for sale in Chon Buri. The arrest took place at 12.30pm yesterday, June 26, outside a convenience store in the Sai Yai subdistrict of Nonthaburi province. Acting on a…
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Pattaya kidnap: Russian journalist extorted for over 2.5 million baht
AÂ Russian journalist was left traumatised and nearly 2.5 million baht poorer after being kidnapped, assaulted, and extorted by a gang of fellow Russians. The harrowing ordeal took place in Pattaya, with the victim, identified as David, a special correspondent for a Russian news agency, left with bruises and marks of assault. Yesterday, June 26, at 9pm, Pattaya City Police…
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Alcohol sales hours to change in Thailand starting today
In a major shake-up to alcohol sales in Thailand, the Royal Gazette has announced that new regulations will take effect starting today. Under the new rules, the sale of alcoholic beverages will be restricted to specific hours, but there are three major exceptions. Here’s what you need to know about the changes that will affect bars, restaurants, and travellers. Yesterday,…
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20-baht flat fare for Bangkok trains starts September 30
Bangkok’s electric train network will soon have a flat fare of just 20 baht. Starting from September 30, passengers will be able to travel on all eight electric train lines in the capital and surrounding areas for the same low price. But there’s a catch—if you want to take advantage of the new system, you’ll need to register via the…
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Heavy rainfall and flash flood continue to batter Thailand
Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) has forecasted heavy rainfall in the country’s upper regions, affecting 70% of two provinces today. A total of 43 provinces are expected to experience severe weather, with warnings issued for potential flash floods, forest runoff, and landslides. The heavy rain is attributed to a monsoon trough stretching across northern Thailand and Laos, merging into a low-pressure…
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NACC probes justice minister, DSI chief over senate collusion
Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has launched an investigation into the actions of Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong and the director general of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), Police Major Yutthana Praedam, following allegations of misconduct during the investigation into alleged collusion in the Senate elections. The NACC’s decision to establish a committee to investigate the two officials follows a formal complaint lodged by…
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Woman caught smuggling exotic food from Thailand into Australia
In a daring attempt to smuggle over 62,000kg of exotic foods into Australia, a woman has landed herself behind bars after her plan to flood the Sydney black market with illegal goods was thwarted by vigilant border agents. The woman, who tried to import a variety of goods from Thailand, used mislabelled polystyrene boxes to ship the products. Inside, agents found a disturbing range of items,…
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Pattaya takes to the streets in World Drug Day march
In a powerful show of unity, Pattaya took to the streets today to mark World Drug Day with a major anti-drug campaign march. Led by Bang Lamung District Chief Patcharapat Srithanyanon, the event along Pattaya Beach Road, in front of Central Pattaya Shopping Mall, attracted participants from all walks of life, united in the battle against drug abuse. The march,…
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