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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Sponsored Pre-existing conditions? These expat insurance plans still have you covered
Many expats feel worried that their pre-existing health problems will stop them from getting insurance in a new country. This fear is common, especially when medical care can be expensive. But the good news is, some insurance, like the plans...
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BMW crash into Nonthaburi market shops causes devastation and cat fatality
A BMW car, driven by Achira, 28 years old, crashed into a row of shops at the Duang Kaew market on Tiwanon road in Nonthaburi‘s Pak Kret district, causing damage to about ten shops and resulting in the death of one cat. The incident occurred at 1 am on December 27. At the scene of the incident, which took place…
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Bitcoin value dips as traders speculate on potential US ETF impact
Bitcoin’s value fell by 2.4% in the last 24 hours, trading at US$42,400 (1.4 million baht) on yesterday in Singapore. This comes as traders speculate on how the potential approval of the first US exchange-traded funds (ETFs) investing directly in the digital asset could impact crypto markets. Despite the recent dip, Bitcoin has seen a significant rise of 156% this…
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Thai astrology 2024: Year of the Horse to see wealth increase
The astrological predictions of 2024 indicate a promising year for those born in the Year of the Goat. Notably, financial fortune is expected to favour those born in the Year of the Horse, who will witness an increase in income and improved liquidity, with a high probability of being able to pay off debts. Meanwhile, the Year of the Rat…
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Sattahip: Man nabbed with pot and blade outside petrol station toilet
A man was apprehended by Sattahip police for a bizarre combination of vices – smoking marijuana and brandishing a knife just outside a petrol station women’s restroom on December 23. The shocking episode unfolded when an alert local reported the man’s suspicious behaviour, prompting a swift response from law enforcement. Responding to the call, investigators, joined by officers from the…
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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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TikTok star Mae Pla pleads for justice for son’s assault
Renowned Thai TikTok sensation Mae Pla has taken her fight for justice to the highest authority after her son and his friend were allegedly brutalised by security personnel at a popular Chon Buri pub. Visiting the Thai National Police Headquarters yesterday, December 26, the 44 year old influencer, Mae Pla aka Nawarat Phurinpuwadon met with Police Lieutenant General Achayon Kraithong,…
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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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Bangkok free water refill plan to reduce plastic use
Central Pattana, alongside influential partners, spearheads the Bottle Free Seas campaign, urging Bangkokians to swap the bottle for reusable options. With a staggering 70 million plastic bottles drowning Bangkok monthly, the initiative aims to flood the city with free water dispensers, starting with the iconic Central World shopping mall. The campaign, a collaborative effort between Central Pattana, the Bangkok Metropolitan…
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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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Thai elderly seek help from ThaiHealth for palliative care
Speaking at a pivotal seminar on palliative care, Dr Pongthep Wongwatcharapaiboon, the director of ThaiHealth’s healthcare development division, laid bare the heartbreaking reality. “The statistics for 2021 are staggering – 12.5 million elderly people in Thailand, with nearly 47,000 bedridden and suffering. We need your assistance to provide the specialised care they deserve.” These vulnerable patients are at risk of…
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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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Bangkok safety centre being set up for secure New Year celebrations
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has initiated a safety centre to enhance security measures for the upcoming New Year festivities, strongly urging the public to adhere to the established safety protocols throughout the celebration period. This move was announced by Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt this Tuesday, who shed light on the specifics of a safety regulation that has been issued in…
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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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Government confirms plans to increase daily minimum wage in January
The government has confirmed plans to raise the daily minimum wage in January, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. This is in line with an earlier agreement made by the tripartite wage committee, composed of government, employer and employee representatives. However, the Prime Minister, who also serves as the finance minister, has considered the agreed 2.37% increase insufficient. Prime Minister…
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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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How Java Yachting’s training programmes align with the Duke of Edinburgh Award
Have you ever dreamt of sailing the high seas and achieving something spectacular, like the Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE)? If yes, then Java Yachting, a specialist marine company, can help you reach your goals. Located in Phuket and Krabi, they’re not just your average specialist marine company; they’re offering an opportunity to undertake challenging sailing expeditions and achieve globally…
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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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