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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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Top 10 reasons for expats to get a comprehensive health insurance in Thailand
Moving to Thailand offers a prospect full of excitement and adventure, but in the same vein, if any injuries were to occur (and god forbid it does), the local healthcare system can be confusing at first glance for many expats...
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Bangkok technician arrested for jealousy-fuelled murder of romantic rival
A 43 year old printing technician has been apprehended in Bangkok for fatally stabbing his ex-wife’s partner in a fit of jealousy. The incident occurred early in the morning today (February 5) The suspect, identified only by his first name, Pongphan, was arrested at a nameless rental room on Suwicharn Damri Road, Bang Yi Khan, Bang Phlat District. The arrest…
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Technician faces ethical test over damaged iPhone repair plea
A dilemma unfolded today when a technician was torn between two conflicting requests regarding a damaged iPhone brought in for repair. A woman, the owner of the shattered screen iPhone, was willing to pay any amount to have the device fixed. Contrarily, her boyfriend secretly handed the technician a note pleading for the phone to remain inoperable, offering money for…
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Court cancels Elon Musk’s $56billion pay deal
Last week, Tesla CEO Elon Musk suffered a significant legal setback when a court nullified his US$56 billion pay package, marking one of the most substantial legal losses in US history. The suit was lodged by Richard Tornetta, a resident of Pennsylvania, who owned just nine shares in Tesla back in 2018. The case reached trial in late 2022 and…
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Coldplay concert buzz dampened by cannabis fumes in Bangkok
The recent Coldplay concert in Bangkok, part of their Music Of The Spheres World Tour, left an indelible mark on many Thai fans. However, the event was marred by some attendees by the pervasive smell of cannabis. Artist Copter Panuwat encountered this issue firsthand, expressing his dissatisfaction and calling for more stringent control over public cannabis consumption. His concerns resonated…
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Thai monk exposed for sending dick pic to transwoman, asks for sex
A 19 year old Thai transwoman exposed the inappropriate bad boy behaviour of a Thai monk from a temple in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok after the monk allegedly sent her a photo of his penis and asked her for sex. The president of the Nonthaburi Provincial Audit and Monitoring Committee of Police, Chaimate Chaipatcharakunpong, told Channel 3 that he received…
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Suspect with mental health issues found dead in Khon Kaen cell
A 42 year old suspect was found dead in his cell at a police station in Manchakhiri, in the southern part of Khon Kaen province, northeastern Thailand. The deceased had been detained following a disturbance caused by intoxication, and his relatives had requested police intervention. The incident has highlighted concerns about handling individuals with a history of mental health issues and substance…
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Explore Thailand top cannabis tourist hotspots
Thailand has emerged as a beacon for cannabis enthusiasts, transforming Bangkok into a hotspot for those keen to explore the world of legal cannabis. With innovative policy shifts, the country now welcomes tourists to indulge in everything from smoking to edibles, setting the stage for an unparalleled cannabis tourism experience. Dubbed the Amsterdam of Asia, Thailand offers a unique blend…
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Wife’s lover and 4 others arrested for killing man in Chachoengsao
Following the death of 33 year old Thai man Thanasan Tae-an, police arrested his wife’s lover and four additional suspects after his body was found on the roadside in the central province of Chachoengsao last month. The dead man’s wife pleaded she was innocent. Thanasan’s lifeless body was discovered on January 29, two days after he went missing. His wife,…
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Labour costs outpace revenue growth in Thai tourism sector
Rising labour costs in the tourism sector are outpacing revenue growth, resulting in increased hotel expenses, as revealed by hospitality market analyst STR. Jesper Palmqvist, senior director for Asia-Pacific at STR, warned that the only risk for hotels this year is maintaining cost controls in light of the extraordinary growth of labour costs and room rates. Over the past one…
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Chon Buri homeowner catches couple in intimate act
A homeowner in Chon Buri province, Thailand, was confronted with an unexpected and steamy situation when he discovered a couple engaging in sexual activity in their car parked on his property. The incident escalated when the car’s driver attempted to flee, nearly hitting the property owner in the process. The incident occurred late at night when the 48 year old…
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Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series boasts strong pre-orders in Thailand
Thai Samsung Electronics’ Vice-President of Mobile Experience, Sitthichoke Nopchinabutr, expressed confidence in the company’s position in Thailand’s competitive smartphone segment. This follows the recent launch of Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series, equipped with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. Sitthichoke revealed that the volume of pre-orders for the S24 series places Thailand among the top five markets globally. Moreover, it leads to…
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Astrologer predicts February fortune for top five zodiac signs
Astrological enthusiasts are buzzing with excitement as the month unfolds, with notable astrologer Thosaporn Sritula, popularly known as Mor Chang, revealing his top five zodiac signs set to experience a stroke of good fortune in February. The astrologer’s insights have not only captivated those who keenly follow their horoscopes but have also garnered attention from the entertainment industry and fans…
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Thai teen’s tragic demise: Knife throw turns road into deadly game
A 14 year old Thai boy died in hospital after two teenagers threw a knife at him on a road in the Isaan province of Ubon Ratchathani last Thursday, February 1. An altercation between two groups of Thai teenagers on Khutkhaopun-Pathummarat Road was reported to Kut Khaopun Police Station at about 8pm on February 1. A 14 year old victim…
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EV and SUV sales set for boost in Thailand amid automotive industry changes
This year, the automotive industry anticipates uneven sales growth, shaped by motorists’ evolving preferences and lenders’ decision-making. Electric vehicle (EV) makers and banks will be crucial in shaping domestic sales, especially within the pure pickup category. As per the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), EVs, pickup passenger vehicles (PPVs), and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are predicted to be this year’s…
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Scottish woman’s cliff plunge in Thailand sparks insurance debacle: Scot left hanging
An insurance company left a Scottish woman hanging after they refused to pay out after she almost plunged 20 metres to her death off a cliff on Ko Lanta island in West Thailand. Glasgow-born NHS nurse Kerry Hughes almost fell to her death after renting a scooter on the West Thailand island. Despite the swift action of an emergency rescue…
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Northern Thailand braces for cool weather and thunderstorms
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a weather alert for the northern part of the country, warning of cool to cold conditions with isolated thunderstorms. The capital, Bangkok, is expected to experience light rain while the country’s upper region faces moderate to high levels of dust particles and smoke haze today (February 5). In the early hours of the…
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BDMS and AstraZeneca partner for AI-driven lung cancer battle in Thailand
The Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Public Company Limited (BDMS) recently announced a partnership with AstraZeneca (Thailand) Co Ltd. The partnership aims to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the fight against lung cancer, with the potential to significantly reduce mortality rates. The collaboration will initially be piloted at the Bangkok Cancer Hospital Wattanosoth, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding…
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Thailand could curb climate change impact with forest expansion
The severe consequences of climate change could potentially be curbed in Thailand by the expansion of forest coverage on unused lands, asserted a water expert. Royon Jitdon, who provides advice to the Hydro-Informatics Institute under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, expressed confidence in the climate change mitigation capabilities of forest plantations, particularly in terms of reducing…
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Social security snag: NHRC accuses sso of toothless rights infringement
The Social Security Office (SSO) is being accused by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of infringing human rights, by enforcing a yearly cap of 900 baht (US$25) on dental treatment expenses. The complaint was instigated in January 2023 by an insured individual leading to an inspection by the NHRC. The individual pointed out that the 900 baht limit is…
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Businesses warned of risks of not adopting AI, says Stanford professor
Stanford University Graduate School of Business Professor Amir Goldberg stressed the urgency for businesses to actively engage with artificial intelligence (AI), according to a conversation with a former corporate executive. Highlighting the vital role AI plays in today’s competitive market, Professor Goldberg warned businesses of the risks of not adopting AI, likening it to a fast-moving train that cannot be…
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Phuket airport gears up for Lunar New Year influx of 49,000 daily visitors
Phuket International Airport is bracing for an influx of around 49,000 visitors each day throughout the Lunar New Year festival, which commenced on Sunday and extends till February 16. This figure was revealed by Monchai Tanod, the airport director, who also stated that the total number of arrivals during the 13 days is projected to reach a staggering 640,000. This…
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Rayong gym owner found dead under tree in Thanyaburi
Tragedy struck a family from Rayong when they received a call from the police informing them of a grim discovery in Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani. The body of a young gym trainer and gym owner was found under a tree, marking a sombre end to his known journey. The 28 year old man, recently separated from his wife, had left his…
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Balcony collapses at Chiang Mai resort injuring 13
A tragic incident unfolded at a popular resort in Chiang Mai, Thailand, at 7.30am today, where a newly constructed balcony collapsed, leaving several attendees of a seminar injured amidst chaos and cries of pain. Rescue teams from Ban Waen and Hang Dong swiftly responded to the scene at the Rom Mai Ruean Ngam Resort, situated behind the Ban Waen Subdistrict…
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Fatal collision on dark road kills two, locals demand better lighting
A fatal collision yesterday claimed the lives of two individuals after a car ploughed into the rear of a motorbike on a poorly lit stretch of road in Chon Buri province. The fatal collision occurred yesterday, prompting residents to call for immediate action to improve lighting and safety on the road. In the darkness of an unlit road in Chon…
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Huabobo resurgence marks Spring Festival in Shandong with tradition
The traditional Chinese delicacy Huabobo, a steamed bun with a history stretching back three centuries, is enjoying a surge in production as the Spring Festival approaches. In the eastern Chinese province of Shandong, food factory workers are busily crafting these colourful, charmingly shaped buns, which carry significant cultural and festive importance. With Spring Festival around the corner, the atmosphere in…
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China and Thailand’s visa exemption scheme promises tourism boost
The Chinese ambassador to Thailand and the Thai-Chinese Cultural Relationship Council (TCCRC) have expressed optimism that the visa exemption scheme for nationals of both countries will boost outbound tourism and reinforce bilateral relations. Pinit Jarusombat, President of TCCRC, highlighted the special significance of this Chinese New Year as it signifies the onset of a new epoch in Sino-Thai relations. The…
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Unusual giant squids caught in Thailand spark online curiosity
Fishermen in Phang Nga Bay, Thailand, witnessed an unusual spectacle as they reeled in several giant squids from the waters. The squids, each tipping the scales at 5 kilogrammes, sparked a flurry of online interest, as netizens began questioning both the origins of these marine creatures and their potential culinary delights. The massive catch was made by the crew of…
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Japanese firms urge Thai government to simplify customs and boost infrastructure
Japanese businesses based in Thailand have urged the government to simplify customs duty rules and enhance transport infrastructure, in addition to introducing economic strategies to increase public spending. The Japanese Chamber of Commerce (JCC) in Bangkok recently communicated with the press to share insights from its newest survey assessing the business outlook amongst Japanese firms and investors in Thailand. The…
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US deploys over 4,000 for Cobra Gold 2024 military drills in Thailand
A deployment of over 4,000 personnel aboard the USS Somerset and USS Miguel Keith is on the horizon for the upcoming Cobra Gold 2024, a joint military exercise taking place in Thailand from February 26 to March 8. The American soldiers form a significant part of the 9,590-strong contingent from 30 nations participating in these annual drills. The announcement came…
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Thai government may lift afternoon alcohol sales ban to boost tourism
The Thai government is considering lifting the afternoon prohibition on alcohol sales in a bid to boost its tourism industry. Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew is planning to ask the government’s alcohol control committee to discuss the appeal by the Thai Alcohol Beverage Business Association (TABBA) to revoke the rule that restricts alcohol sales between 2pm and 5pm. Though the…
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