News
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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Filipina ladyboys accused of illegally offering sex services in Bangkok
Following the clash between Thai and Filipina transwomen on Soi Sukhumvit 11 in Bangkok yesterday, some locals came forward to accuse the Filipina ladyboys of illegally offering sex services to European tourists in the area. The altercation between Thai and Filipina transwomen reportedly sparked after more than 20 Filipina ladyboys attacked two Thai transwomen and stole their belongings. A friend…
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Thai abbot found burnt in forest shocks local community
A revered abbot’s tragic demise has sent shockwaves through a Thai community after his body was found burned to the extent that only his upper torso remained identifiable. The abbot, Luang Pu Poon Thitapunyo, of Wat Pa Kesem Suk in Phetchabun Province, was discovered in a forested area behind the temple. The police have been meticulously piecing together evidence ever…
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Thailand’s tourism trunkated: Captive elephant breeding exposed
Thailand stands accused of a sinister practice: the captive breeding of elephants for its lucrative tourism industry. But the horrors extend far beyond just elephants. Researchers have uncovered alarming findings, exposing the grim reality lurking behind the scenes of the wildlife entertainment industry. In a study conducted by World Animal Protection (WAP), the scope of the issue is laid bare.…
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Bangkok ramps up safety with tech for Songkran Festival
Ramping up safety measures for the upcoming extended Songkran Festival, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has proposed an increase in the deployment of cutting-edge technology. Adit Ngamjitsuksri, an advisor to Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, shared on Tuesday that the BMA has instructed the Traffic and Transportation Department to enhance surveillance by installing additional CCTV cameras along the popular Khao San…
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Foreign man kicks up a storm over discriminatory bike rental policy in Phuket
A foreign man brought to light a discriminatory practice at a foreign-owned motorcycle rental shop in Phuket. The shop refused to serve his Thai wife and other Thai customers, justifying their decision by alleging that Thais frequently engage in motorcycle theft, complain excessively, and are unable to meet the necessary deposit requirements. The foreign man, using the account BlacksmithSolid2194, took…
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Post-pandemic shift in tourist spending habits reveals TikTok’s role in Thai travel
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) divulged insightful data revealing a shift in foreign tourists’ spending habits post-pandemic and the surge in popularity of TikTok as a source of travel information and inspiration. A survey conducted by TAT’s digital R&D Deputy Governor Teerasil Tapen, encompassing 30,054 tourists in 2023, unveiled an increased average expenditure on individual trips, rising from 48,209…
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Thai Finance Ministry sets eligibility for virtual bank licences
The Thai Finance Ministry unveiled the eligibility criteria for obtaining a virtual bank licence, which includes a minimum registered capital requirement of 5 billion baht (US$139 million). The specifications were published in the Royal Gazette on March 4, as revealed by Paopoom Rojanasakul, secretary to the finance minister. Virtual banks will be mandated to establish their headquarters in Thailand and…
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Thailand stock exchanges extend trading hours to attract foreign investors
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) and the Market for Alternative Investment (MAI) announced an extension of their daily trading hours starting March 25. This move will see the afternoon session open half an hour earlier, thus facilitating five hours of trade on the two exchanges daily. The SET stated that this alteration in trading hours is an effort to…
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Thailand urged to diversify agricultural exports to boost value
A study by the Commerce Ministry urges agricultural businesses to widen their export markets to mitigate risk and boost the value of food products and processing. The advice follows findings that the majority of export-oriented agricultural goods are commodities or those with only rudimentary processing. Deputy Commerce Minister Napintorn Srisunpang disclosed that agricultural and agro-industrial products accounted for 17.3% of…
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Sena unveils rent-to-own strategy to tackle mortgage rejections
Sena Development, a publicly traded property developer, revealed new plans this month to rent and transfer ownership of its unsold condo units. This move is in response to a high rate of mortgage rejections. The company aims to enhance sales and revenue in the current year. Kessara Thanyalakpark, the managing director, stated that the innovative strategies would target two distinct…
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NACC investigates high-profile online gambling network case
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has taken charge of a high-profile investigation into the alleged association of Deputy National Police Chief, Police General Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, and four others with a large-scale online gambling network. The decision, backed by a majority vote during a commission meeting on Monday, was made public yesterday. The NACC will also probe a connected…
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Swiss retiree’s brutal attack on Thai woman sparks outcry in Trang
A shocking incident at a shopping mall in the city of Trang Yesterday left a 58-year-old Thai woman with severe injuries after a violent altercation with a 60 year old Swiss national, Dieter Matthias Straumann. The 25 year old victim’s son, Kritpong Kikkham, is resolute in seeking justice for his mother, who is now hospitalised with a prognosis of at…
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British Airways reignites Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur routes
British Airways (BA) is recommencing its connections with Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, adding fuel to the excitement of travellers eager to explore Asia once more. Starting in late October, British Airways will be steering its Boeing 777s three times a week from London Gatwick (LGW) to Bangkok, veering away from the previous daily flights from Heathrow. However, first-class cabins will…
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Former salesman’s illegal bullets seized by Thailand police
The Thai authorities apprehended a former ammunition salesman for allegedly engaging in illegal bullet sales online, unearthing an arsenal of 31,800 cartridges at his residence in Khlong Toei district. Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Police Major General Theeradet Thumsuthee, disclosed today that 66 year old San Panjitkaeo was apprehended while dispatching parcels of cartridges to buyers at a courier…
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Thai cop accused of cheating on wife, impregnating teenage mistress
A Thai woman is seeking justice after her police sub-lieutenant husband cheated on her and impregnated his 17 year old teenage mistress. The police officer allegedly assaulted and threatened his wife to accept the polyamorous relationship as the teenager is seven months pregnant. The 55 year old Thai woman from the Isaan province of Roi Et told her story to…
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US Army captain defying tradition with a Buddhist twist
In a bustling Southwestern bar at a Royal Thai Navy (RTN) base, a US Army captain stood out, not just for his uniform but for the emblem adorning his cap, the Buddhist wheel of dharma, a rare sight in military circles. Chaplain (Captain) Songkran Waiyaka, one of only 10 Buddhists among over 3,000 religious leaders in the Army, often finds…
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Firefighter dead, two others battling for life in northern forest fire
In the relentless battle against raging forest fires sweeping through northern Thailand, tragedy struck as one firefighter lost his life while two others fight for their survival. The turmoil unfolded amidst 1,153 recorded hotspots in Mae Hong Son from March 1 to 3, with the epicentre of the blaze concentrated in the Pai district and surrounding conserved forests. Director-General Atthaphon…
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Update: Villa owner’s violent act leads to demolition in beach assault scandal
Following the assault scandal of Swiss national Urs Fehr, aka David, Phuket Peninsula Estate Co., owner of beachfront villa No. 23, took a startling step today, sending a backhoe to erase the encroaching structures, including the contentious stairway. Before their obliteration, these steps had witnessed a fateful encounter on February 24. Swiss national David allegedly kicked 26 year old Dr…
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PM Srettha to stress infrastructure projects at ASEAN-Australia Summit
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to highlight the nation’s infrastructure advancements, particularly the Land Bridge and Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) projects, at the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit continuing until tomorrow, according to an official government representative. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke announced yesterday that the Thai prime minister will also seek to strengthen collaboration in logistics, capitalisation of Free…
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Thailand considers scrapping arrival cards for Malaysian tourists
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced today the potential removal of the necessity for Malaysian tourists to complete arrival and departure cards at primary border crossings, aimed at promoting tourism and business growth. Currently, all visitors arriving via the Sadao checkpoint in Songkhla, regardless of nationality, are waived from the requirement to fill out the Tor Mor 6 (TM 6) cards.…
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Thai Airways operates new routes to Perth, Colombo, and Kochi
Come March 31, Thai Airways (THAI) will operate flights to Perth in Western Australia and Colombo in Sri Lanka. In addition, THAI’s first flight to Southwest India’s Cochin Airport will take off on April 2. Chief Commercial Officer, Korakot Chatasingha, unveiled the grand plans yesterday, promising a daily dose of connectivity between Bangkok and Perth, complementing the airline’s existing routes to…
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Russian roulette: Man’s Pattaya Flying Club attempt grounded by rooftop rescue
A Russian man appeared hellbent on joining the Pattaya Flying Club but was rescued just in time as he attempted to jump from a condo rooftop in the popular seaside resort. The reason for his suicide decision was not clear, whether it was an accusation of theft or the murder of his girlfriend. Mueang Pattaya Police Station and the Sawang…
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Former Thai PM Yingluck cleared in major corruption case
The Supreme Court’s Criminal Case Division for Holders of Political Positions yesterday delivered a resounding verdict, absolving Yingluck Shinawatra and five co-defendants of malfeasance and corruption allegations. The charges stemmed from the allocation of a hefty 240-million-baht campaign budget aimed at promoting the Yingluck government’s ambitious 2-trillion-baht infrastructure projects. Commenting on the verdict, Thanaporn Sriyakul, director of the Political and…
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Driver’s loss of control ends in fatal crash in northern Thailand
Tragedy struck in the early hours today when a young man driving a sedan lost control of his vehicle, resulting in a fatal crash that left him dead and another person injured. The accident occurred at 12.07am on the Uthai Thani-Manorom road in Tha Sung subdistrict, Uthai Thani province. Police Lieutenant Sakda Sirisophan, the duty officer at Uthai Thani Police…
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Foreign man caught on CCTV stealing Thai flag in Phuket (video)
A CCTV camera caught a foreign man stealing a Thai flag from outside an office in Phuket. Thai netizens urged the police to take the case seriously as the Thai flag is highly respected by locals. The Jootee Tin Dredging Company shared CCTV footage of the theft to the Facebook page, Phuket Hotnews, today, March 5. The video shows a…
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Long-fugitive rape suspect caught after 19 years in Thailand
A 52 year old man was arrested yesterday for a 19 year old case involving the rape of a nurse’s aide, a crime he says was motivated by love and financial incapacity. The Central Investigation Bureau’s (CIB) long arm of the law finally closed in on the suspect, known only as Got, who had successfully eluded capture for nearly two…
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Mysterious green fireball lights up Thailand’s skies, sparking curiosity
A mysterious green fireball illuminated the skies last night across various regions in Thailand, prompting widespread online discussion and speculations about its origin. At approximately 9pm, numerous citizens reported sightings of a large, bright green light streaking through the sky, resembling a meteor or a falling star. The Thai Astronomical Society, a key authority in the field, acknowledged the event on…
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Chon Buri hits dangerous 51.4°C heat index, TMD issues warning
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a severe heat index warning for today, March 5 and 6, with temperatures soaring to a scorching 51.4 degrees Celsius in Chon Buri province, placing it in the danger zone for heatstroke. On March 5, the heat index, which is a measure that reflects the human body’s perceived temperature by combining air temperature with…
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Missing Buriram woman found after mysterious journey
After an agonising three-month disappearance, a 22 year old woman from Buriram province was found and reunited with her overjoyed family. The woman, who had been missing since the Loy Krathong festival in November last year, was discovered near a hospital in the Pakham district. Her return was facilitated by a network of community leaders and law enforcement officials. The…
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Lampang teacher under fire for broomstick beating of student
A Lampang teacher faces severe backlash after using a broomstick to punish a fourth-grade student, resulting in a traumatic injury. The incident, reported last night, has led to a police complaint filed by the child’s distressed mother. Yesterday at 8pm, the mother of a ten year old boy reported a disturbing case of school punishment to Deputy Investigator Thanes Panyathong…
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