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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 Bangtao, Phuket: The neighbourhood expats and investors are eyeing in 2025
Bangtao didn't become Phuket’s most talked-about neighbourhood overnight. For a long time, it was a quiet place on the island’s west coast where locals walked their dogs at sunrise and tourists flocked to sunbathe along its eight-kilometre stretch of beach....
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Flood disaster in Narathiwat province affects 158,000 people
The latest reports from the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department in Narathiwat province reveal a flood disaster triggered by downpours, affecting 13 districts and over 158,000 people. Seven lives have been lost, primarily in the Rueso and Ra-ngae districts. The calamity which started on December 22, affected 497 villages in 77 subdistricts across 13 districts. The devastation has impacted 41,442…
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2 Thai luxury car importers arrested for tax evasion worth 59 million baht
Two Thai luxury car importers surrendered to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) yesterday, December 26, for tax evasion after avoiding paying 59 million baht in taxes on four Lamborghini cars. DSI seized four Lamborghini Gallardos last year after finding that these cars were imported into the country without paying tax. The four cars were imported between July and October…
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Yingluck Shinawatra’s shocking courtroom triumph: Acquitted and warrant revoked
Former Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has emerged victorious in the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division, shattering legal expectations and leaving political pundits in disbelief. Not only has she been acquitted of malfeasance, but a once-looming arrest warrant has also been revoked. The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions delivered a bombshell verdict yesterday, December 26, clearing former…
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Thai lottery predictions stir excitement ahead of 30 December 2023 draw
The latest lottery numbers for December 30 are causing quite a stir among lottery enthusiasts as they anticipate the upcoming draw. Various sources have contributed their predictions, including popular TikTok user, nid8857 from Pathum Ratcha Technic Solar Cell, who shared three different sets of numbers: 897627,097627,288,2048,942,042. In another interesting turn, a local named Sawang revealed she had seen the number…
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Phuket simplifies visa extensions with new online system
Phuket, the vibrant tourist hub of Thailand, has taken a significant step forward in its immigration policy. The Immigration Bureau Commissioner, Pol Lt Gen Itthiphon Itthisanronnachai, announced on yesterday that foreigners residing in Phuket under any of 12 different types of visas can now apply for visa extension through an online portal. This announcement was part of Lt Gen Itthiphon’s…
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Shocking discovery of infidelity after 16 years shakes Chinese family
A Chinese man, Chen, discovered his wife’s infidelity after 16 years of marriage, resulting in a shocking revelation. Chen found out that his three daughters were not biologically his. He decided to publicly reveal this through a local television station. Chen reported that on the upcoming date of December 28, a civil court in Jiangxi will hear the civil case…
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Thai workers fleeing conflict zones for lucrative jobs in South Korea: 7,000 positions up for grabs
The Korean-Thai Chamber of Commerce (KTCC) is set to revolutionise the South Korean job market, offering a glimmer of hope for thousands of Thai workers escaping the turmoil in Israel. The KTCC, having sealed the deal with the Thai government, is now gearing up to negotiate with South Korean local government officials, aiming to open the doors to Thai workers…
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Former prison officer arrested for stealing 3 million baht from inmates
Officers from the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) arrested a former prison officer for stealing about 3 million baht from more than 1,000 inmates after evading arrest for 10 years. The crime took place at the Central Prison in the central province of Nakhon Sawan in 2013. The suspect, 45 year old woman named Matira, was found stealing the money…
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Chinese tourists boost Thailand’s hotel sector with rapid recovery
The number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand is on a rapid recovery trajectory this month, a trend analysts predict will continue into the Chinese New Year on February 10. This resurgence is expected to provide a much-needed boost to local hotels during this peak season. Statistics from December have shown a revival in visitors from key markets such as China,…
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3.48 trillion budget approved by Cabinet for next year
Prime Minister Srettha, in a post-Cabinet meeting press conference declared that the budget bill, meticulously scrutinised by the Office of Council of State, will be delivered for approval. Typically, budget bills are sealed and delivered before the fiscal year kicks off in October. However, this year’s extravaganza faced a dramatic delay, thanks to the intricate dance of forming a coalition…
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PM Srettha visits devastated Narathiwat amidst ongoing Thai Floods and regional cooperation talks
Ravaging floods in Thailand’s southernmost provinces prompted Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to visit Narathiwat on Tuesday. The region has been devastated by a persistent low-pressure system causing flash floods. Despite the water receding somewhat, significant property damage is evident. In addition to Narathiwat, the Prime Minister’s itinerary included a trip to Phuket. Here, he had dinner with his Malaysian counterpart,…
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South Korean man arrested for smuggling endangered tortoises in Bangkok
Officers at the Wildlife Checkpoint at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok arrested a South Korean man on December 25, for attempting to smuggle seven radiated tortoises, an endangered species, out of Thailand. The chief of the checkpoint, Narongrit Sukprakarn, were checking passengers’ baggage at the international departures terminal on the third floor of the airport and spotted the suspicious…
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Srettha Thavisin confident to complete term, dismisses coalition expansion
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed intentions to complete his four-year term, reiterating the stability of the current coalition government. He dismissed any plans of incorporating the opposition Democrat Party into the government coalition at this time. When questioned about the government’s ability to fulfil its four-year term, Thavisin confidently spoke about the collective effort of the cabinet ministers in serving…
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PTT helps Thai government lower power tariffs using contract breach fine
PTT Plc, Thailand’s national oil and gas conglomerate, is slated to assist the government in lowering the power tariff in the early part of next year. This is to be achieved through the utilisation of 4.3 billion baht (US$124) from a fine imposed on its gas supplier for a breach of contract, according to an energy official. An inside source…
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Ex-ship captain identified as head of major drug ring
A prominent former ship’s captain has been identified by the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) as the operator of a substantial drug trafficking ring, from which 1.2 tonnes of ketamine and nearly one tonne of ya ice were confiscated earlier this month. The NSB disclosed this information during a briefing at its headquarters, unveiling the outcome of a covert operation named…
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Thailand considers humanitarian centre for Myanmar refugees
The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs is considering the establishment of a humanitarian assistance centre along the Thai-Myanmar border. The proposed centre aims to aid Myanmar refugees fleeing the internal conflict between junta forces and rebel minority groups. Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara confirmed ongoing discussions with Myanmar officials yesterday about this initiative, prompted by the dire circumstances within Myanmar and…
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Thailand’s cabinet approves one-year import permits for animal feed raw materials
The cabinet has greenlit policies for next year’s import of raw materials required in animal feed production, such as animal feed corn, soybean meal, and fish meal. The intention behind this move is to back local production. A significant change in this year’s policy is the annual approval of import permits, a reduction from the previous term of three years.…
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Resilient vendor endures Thai floods, sells food amid waist-deep waters in Narathiwat
The sudden Thai floods in the southern border provinces of Thailand, namely Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla, have severely impacted locals. Unexpectedly, many areas were flooded, leaving residents unprepared and badly affected. A video posted by TikTok user @userp422ac68zn displayed an inspiring sight of a determined vendor in the town of Waeng, Narathiwat, selling food while standing waist-deep in floodwaters.…
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Drunk driver claims 1 life and leaves another in critical condition
A drunk Thai driver crashed an SUV into a motorcycle on a road in the Isaan province of Maha Sarakham, claiming the life of one victim and leaving another one in critical condition. Channel 7 showed CCTV footage of a black SUV driving against the direction of traffic and hitting a motorcycle directly yesterday, December 25. The date of the…
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Pope’s plea for peace amidst global turmoil: Christmas celebrations overshadowed by war
In a world marred by conflict, Pope Francis ushered in Christmas with a heartfelt call for peace, acknowledging the grim shadows cast by Israel’s clash with Hamas and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The festive spirit, however, found a haven in the hearts of children globally, who tracked Santa and his reindeer on a 3-D interactive website. Revellers worldwide embraced holiday…
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Unusual TikTok incident: Tooth breaks into three pieces after hit by donation coin (Video)
A viral video on the internet, shared by TikTok user @beewarunee749, recounts an unusual incident that doctors claim has a one-in-a-million chance of occurrence. The user’s tooth was chipped into three pieces when hit by a donation coin during a religious ceremony. The incident sparked a flood of empathetic and humorous comments from netizens, some of whom shared similar experiences.…
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Thai man demands responsibility for explosion after fridge repair
A Thai man demanded a home appliance manufacturer take responsibility for an explosion at his home after a technician came to repair a fridge. The Thai man, Rattapol Yotinupamai, shared the details of the explosion to his followers on Facebook on December 3. Rarrapol explained that he contracted a technician from the appliance company to fix a refrigerator at his…
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Nakhon Pathom: Tragic fire in Bang Len claims life of bedridden man
A fire incident claimed the life of a 53 year old bedridden man when a blaze engulfed his home, leaving it almost destroyed. Chedchai’s mother discovered the horrifying scene upon returning from a shopping trip. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, which occurred at 9.49am today, December 26. The incident occurred in a single-storey wooden house with a…
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Thai Airways reveals deal details with Nepal Airlines
Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) and Thai Airways have sealed a deal that’s set to rewrite the rules of the sky. The dramatic agreement sees Thai Airways handing over the keys—well, make that 80 vital ground handling materials—to NAC, sparking whispers of a new era in their collaboration. The official signing ceremony, orchestrated by NAC’s Executive Chairman Ubaraj Adhikari and Thai…
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New Year gift baskets examined to ensure safety
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), alongside the Consumer Protection Board and other state agencies, was on a mission to expose potential dangers lurking in New Year gift baskets. Their crackdown involved a meticulous inspection of major shopping hubs, supermarkets, online retailers, and even alms-giving sets to ensure compliance with stringent Thai food safety regulations. BMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Wantanee Wattana,…
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Delayed flights cause passenger surge and extended queues at Suvarnabhumi airport
A sudden influx of passengers, resulting from the landing of delayed flights, led to extended queues at Suvarnabhumi airport in the early hours of Monday, as reported by the Immigration Bureau. The Chief of Immigration Division 2, Choengron Rimpadee, noted that between midnight and 2am, the airport witnessed a 33% surge in inbound traffic as 5,563 passengers arrived on 22…
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Erawan Shrine: The bombing and astonishing comeback
Towering over the vibrant Ratchaprasong Square, Erawan Shrine, haven to the Hindu god Brahma outshines seven other shrines dedicated to deities like Ganesha, Trimurti, Uma, Lakshmi, Chatumaharajika, Indra, and Narayana. But amidst the spiritual serenity, tragedy struck in 2015, when the Erawan Shrine became the unexpected target of a bombing, claiming 20 lives and injuring 125. Shockingly, an ethnic Uighur…
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Party entertainer seeks justice after unpaid fee and death threat
A female party entertainer sought justice after a Thai man refused to pay 2,000 baht for her services and made a death threat against her. The man’s father stepped forward to pay the price. The 23 year old party entertainer named Mo asked news agencies to spread her story and help her seek justice. Mo explained that a male client,…
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Durian Lablae trousers: Uttradit’s new sensation at just 199 Thai baht
Uttradit’s latest hit, the Soft Power Collection, has unveiled its new product, the Durian Lablae trousers. The trousers, which feature the distinctive characteristics of the Lablae area, are gaining attention for their use of high-quality silk, providing lightweight comfort without heat or tightness. Today (December 26), a report at the Tawan Chai Pha Pha Cotton Shop in Mae Phul, Lablae,…
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Toshiba Corporation gets booted from Tokyo Exchange but Toshiba Thailand stays
After a staggering 74-year run, Toshiba Corporation on the Tokyo Stock Exchange faces delisting and a subsequent takeover. However, Toshiba Thailand Ltd emerges unscathed, asserting its independence and vowing to power on. “Unfazed by the storm in Japan, Toshiba Thailand is business as usual.” Having severed ties with its Japanese parent years ago, the company stands resilient in the face of…
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