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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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Uncovering trends in Thai consumers self-confidence by generation
Merz Aesthetics Thailand unveiled the inaugural Self-Confidence Index, shedding light on the mental fortitude of Thai consumers and their quest for physical perfection. Spearheaded by Assistant Professor Dr Watcharaporn Bunyasiriwat, a Social Psychology Lecturer at Chulalongkorn University, this survey marks a significant leap in understanding consumer confidence trends. Delving into the psyche of 1,000 Thai consumers, the survey uncovers intriguing…
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Thailand considers lowering age for criminal responsibility to 14
In response to a disturbing surge in juvenile offences, the Royal Thai Police (RTP) is considering a radical proposal to lower the age threshold for criminal punishment exemption from 15 to 14 years old. This unprecedented move follows a string of harrowing incidents that have rocked the nation and left authorities grappling for solutions. RTP spokesman, Police Lieutenant General Achayon…
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Chon Buri: Teenage girl sexually assaulted by motorcycle taxi driver
A teenage girl became the victim of a sexual assault after being abducted by a motorcycle taxi driver she had hailed through a popular ride app. The perpetrator, 39 year old Pramual was arrested at a lodging house in Na Jomtien Soi 2, Chon Buri province, following the victim’s report of the assault at his residence. The 16 year old…
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Central Thailand: Stepfather fatally shoots stepson then kills himself
A family dispute culminated in a fatal shooting last night at around 9.30pm in the community of Ban Saeng, Bang Pa-in district, Ayutthaya province, when a stepfather shot his stepson before turning the gun on himself. Bang Pa-in Police Station received an emergency call reporting a serious gun-related injury within the Eua Arthorn housing village. Led by Police Lieutenant Colonel…
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Family leaps to safety from second-floor in Pathum Thani blaze
A family of four made a harrowing escape from their burning home in the early hours of yesterday, as flames engulfed the property in Chalida Village, Pathum Thani province. The incident, which occurred around 1.20am, forced the family to make a desperate leap from the second floor to avoid the rapidly spreading fire. The fire brigade, along with public disaster…
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First challenge in 89 years to snooker’s gambling status in Thailand
The status of snooker as a Class B gambling game is set to be challenged for the first time in 89 years, as an agreement has been reached to propose its cancellation to the interior minister. This initiative has garnered support from the Billiard Sports Association of Thailand, the Interior Ministry, the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), and the House…
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Concerns over Khao Yai National Park land allocation plans
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) has strongly opposed the Agricultural Land Reform Office’s (ALRO) plan to allocate portions of Khao Yai National Park to farmers. The authorities are concerned about the encroachment of agricultural practices into fertile forest zones. Chaiwat Limlikitaksorn, the director of the National Parks Office, expressed grave concerns after learning that nearly…
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Reddit user’s dream job goes down the drain after office bathroom blunder
A male Reddit user, sharing his misfortune anonymously, detailed his disastrous experience of losing a promising job opportunity due to an unfortunate bathroom blunder. In a post on Monday, February 12, the original poster recounted the events that led to his downfall. “I had pretty much gotten the job at a previous interview and I was just in to fill…
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DSI seizes 10 million baht in uncertified goods in southern Thailand
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) conducted a raid today in the warehouse of a renowned online merchant in Yala province, seizing over 10 million baht worth of uncertified goods. The operation was led by Chayaphon Saitawee, the director of the Special Case Operations Center in the Southern Border Provinces. The DSI, alongside the administrative officials of Mueang Yala District…
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Family feud over billion-baht legacy rocks northern Thailand
A family feud over a billion-baht inheritance from a prominent family in Nakhon Ratchasima province has escalated, with both sides engaging in a fiery exchange of allegations. Three of the four heirs have been ousted from the inheritance following the patriarch’s death, instigating a series of public revelations and legal battles that have captivated public interest. On February 13, three…
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Phuket tour boat operators arrested for safety breaches
Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and Marine Police Region 8 yesterday arrested two tour boat operators in Phuket for a series of breaches. The authorities detailed their infractions in an online post, including operating boats with expired registrations, failing to provide adequate life rafts and overloading their vessels with passengers. The routine check-up led to the arrests on Klong Tha Jeen,…
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Monitor lizard’s big bathroom splash surprises couple in Thailand
A jumbo-sized monitor lizard caused a stir at 4.30pm yesterday when it made an unexpected entrance into a couple’s bathroom in Chachoengsao province, Thailand. Rescue workers were called to the scene at a rental room within Bang Khla Market, Bang Samak, Bang Pakong district, where they encountered the 2-metre-plus reptile. The homeowner, 33 year old Prasitthichok, reported the incident after…
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Japanese pet shop owner arrested for smuggling fowl and fruit from Thailand
A Japanese pet shop owner has been apprehended by local authorities in Tokyo for his alleged involvement in smuggling birds and mangosteen fruits into Japan from Thailand. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) disclosed that the shop owner, Masayuki Sekiguchi, stands accused of violating both the infectious diseases control law and the plant quarantine law. His arrest on Wednesday left many…
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Phuket Airport taxis inspected as Thailand legalises three more apps
Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) officials yesterday initiated inspections of taxi services at Phuket International Airport. These checks occurred ahead of the PLTO’s announcement that three new app-based taxi services, including Maxim, are now considered legal in Thailand. These inspections took place at Phuket Airport from 4pm to 6pm. In their online statement, the PLTO said the checks were a…
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High stakes: Phuket police weed out illegal marijuana trade
Phuket Provincial Police is intensifying its efforts to halt the illegal marijuana trade on the tropical paradise island. The move arrives in response to public grievances about foreigners unlawfully importing cannabis flowers and hosting impromptu gatherings. Heading the charge is Phuket Provincial Police Commander, Police Major General Sinlert Sukhum, who recently convened with the Phuket Cannabis Association to strategise methods…
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Thai military chief disclaims use of Thailand arsenals in Myanmar
Thailand’s military chief denied that the Thai military arsenal was supplied to Myanmar rebel forces. In a bid to clarify the situation, General Jaroenchai Hintao firmly refutes allegations tying Thailand’s military to the arsenal fuelling rebel fighters across the Myanmar border. Insisting on the integrity of Thailand’s defence, General Jaroenchai outlines rigorous measures in place to safeguard against illicit weapon…
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Web-slinging scoop: Spider-Man serves ice cream on Thailand boat tour (video)
A surprising sight left tourists bemused during a boat trip in Thailand, as they encountered a person dressed as Spider-Man selling ice cream. This unusual event quickly became a viral sensation online, with the hashtag #onlyinThailand drawing laughter and bewilderment from social media users. Traveller experiences in the Land of Smiles are often filled with unexpected moments but a superhero…
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Songkhla sings new tune: Lifting bus restrictions could drive cross-border travel
Songkhla province is considering lifting restrictions on foreign-registered buses, potentially allowing them to cross provincial boundaries. The move aims to attract more visitors, predominantly from Malaysia, to explore other scenic destinations in southern Thailand, reveals a local tourism authority. President of the Phatthalung Tourism Association, Charoon Kaewwaveesub, disclosed today that Songkhla, in collaboration with the local land transport office, has…
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Thailand plans visa-free travel expansion to stimulate tourism
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin revealed the government’s intent to extend visa-free travel to citizens of several additional countries. This development follows Thailand’s recent decision to waive visas for Chinese and Indian citizens, an attempt to stimulate the tourism sector, a vital component of Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy. During Wednesday’s meeting at Government House, PM Srettha and Australia’s Governor-General, David…
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Thailand TikTok user lets dog pick lottery numbers (video)
A local TikTok user hopes to strike it lucky in the upcoming national lottery draw by letting her dog pick the numbers. The dog, named Poi Sian, has become the protagonist of a viral video, where it is seen selecting numbers written on paper. This peculiar approach to choosing lottery numbers has garnered attention for its creativity and novelty. A…
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Thailand’s newest UNESCO learning cities revealed, Bangkok on the list
Bangkok, Khon Kaen, and Yala have clinched spots in UNESCO’s 2024 Global Network for Learning Cities (GNLC), heralding a new era of lifelong learning across Thailand. Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob unveiled the exciting news, showcasing Thailand’s commitment to fostering continuous education and development. Joining the ranks of previously listed cities such as Chiang Rai (2019), Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Chachoengsao…
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Phuket man nabbed with substantial narcotics stash in town raid
Phuket’s Provincial Crime Suppression Division managed to apprehend a 38 year old man in the bustling area of Phuket Town, following a discovery of a significant amount of narcotics on his person. Identified as Bunma “Golf” Chimmala, a resident of Ratsada, he was found in possession of 4,500 methamphetamine pills, also known as Yabah, and 265.2 grammes of crystal meth,…
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Pattaya preps to tee off with Honda LPGA Thailand 2024 tourney
Pattaya, Chon Buri is set to host the world-renowned Honda LPGA Thailand 2024 tournament. Organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the event will feature 72 of the globe’s top female golfers, all vying for a total prize of US$1.7 million (62 million baht) from February 22-25. Honda has also promised a brand-new Honda Accord e:HEV, e:HEV RS variant,…
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Royal purple wave: Officials rally behind Princess Sirindhorn after motorcade incident
In a display of solidarity, officials from various ministries donned vibrant purple T-shirts yesterday, standing united in support of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The gesture came in response to a recent alarming incident on a bustling Bangkok expressway, where two individuals from the Taluwang group recklessly honked and attempted to chase the princess’s motorcade. Leading the charge at the…
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Muscle madness: Strongman showdown set for Pattaya, Thailand
Prepare to witness the power and prowess of Thailand’s strongest individuals. An exciting strongman competition, hosted by Bench Fitness Equipment and Thai Strength Club, is set to take place tomorrow, February 17, by the picturesque Mapprachan Lake in Pattaya. This thrilling event will showcase the strength and endurance of 55 robust competitors hailing from 14 different countries, all vying for…
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Thailand Video News | 500,000 Baht Medical Insurance for Tourists, Man seeks jail time for welfare
In this video, Alex and Jay dive into the latest from Thailand, tackling stories that range from a man using theft as an escape from family drama, to the country’s new tourist insurance scheme, pollution battles, Mike Tyson’s cannabis business, and a bizarre revival after death. They’re here to give you the scoop on Thailand’s current affairs, covering everything from…
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Hua Hin Hospital issues urgent warning as air quality worsens
Hua Hin Hospital issued a warning over the deteriorating air quality gripping the district. Hua Hin Hospital’s Facebook announcement revealed alarming statistics regarding the current air pollution levels plaguing the area. The Air Quality Index (AQI) skyrocketed to a staggering 196 by 8am, nearly doubling the safety threshold. Health experts stress that AQI values above 100 pose severe health risks.…
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Thai processed sugar exports to China surge due to ACFTA
Thai exports to China, particularly those of processed sugar items including syrup, artificial honey, and various sweeteners, have seen a significant surge, courtesy of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA). Over the past decade, Thailand has witnessed a yearly growth of 145% in processed sugar exports to China, as reported by the Foreign Trade Department. Ronnarong Phoolpipat, the director-general of…
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Two monks defrocked for misconduct in Thailand
Two senior monks, one aged 70 and another 60, were defrocked following complaints of inappropriate behaviour. Luang Pi Namfon, from the local Buddhist office, led the intervention after reports of the monks not residing at their temples and engaging in activities unbecoming of their monastic vows surfaced. Luang Pi Namfon today, February 16, accompanied by a deputy, coordinated with the…
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NBTC crackdowns on unregistered SIM cards in Thailand
Statistics disclosed to the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC) revealed that over half of those owning over 100 SIM cards in Thailand have reportedly registered themselves with operator AIS. Amid a crackdown initiated by the NBTC in December to curb potential misuse, February 14 marked the deadline for individuals holding more than six SIM cards to authenticate their identities…
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