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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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Lightning alert: Severe storms to hit 55 provinces in Thailand
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning for today, predicting severe storms to impact 55 provinces across Thailand. Approximately 60% of the affected areas will experience heavy rainfall, strong winds, and some hail. The northeastern region is anticipated to be hit by summer storms, characterised by thunderstorms, gusty winds, and occasional hail. Other regions will begin to experience…
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Thailand’s solar rooftop market to see growth amid falling prices
The solar rooftop market in Thailand is poised for increased competition, driven by decreasing prices, a rise in supply from manufacturers, and government initiatives to promote renewable energy. EnergyLIB, a solar energy solutions provider, has introduced a solar system for townhouses, while a consortium including German cable manufacturer Lapp Holding Asia, Hong Kong-based industrial conglomerate Jebsen and Jessen Group, and…
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Thai gay man suspected in death of party entertainer
A family expressed suspicions that a Thai gay man was involved in the death of a male party entertainer whose body was discovered in the Khwae Noi River in the central province of Kanchanaburi. The body of 28 year old Mark, a Thai man, was found in the river on February 28. He was hired to work as a party…
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Thai durians bound for China amid export scramble
Thailand’s king of fruit is rolling out in full force this season, just in time to satisfy China’s insatiable appetite for durians. But behind the scenes, officials are scrambling to iron out export wrinkles and squash safety concerns. As durian season hits its peak, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has declared Thailand is ready to meet booming demand from…
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Thai public slams 450m baht social security calendar
Thailand’s Social Security Office (SSO) is under fire after a public survey revealed that the majority of people don’t want its pricey annual calendar — a project that’s quietly burned through over 450 million baht in just eight years. In a growing backlash, more than 60% of respondents in a recent nationwide survey said the calendar, intended to promote awareness…
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13 foreign sex workers arrested in undercover operation in Pattaya
Police officers yesterday, May 8, arrested 13 foreign sex workers who were illegally offering services to tourists along Pattaya Beach. Some were also found to overstay their visas. More than 50 officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station, the Tourist Police, and the Immigration Bureau conducted a crackdown operation at around 7pm on Pattaya Beach, targeting illegal sex workers. The operation…
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Ancient Buddhist relics unearthed in Korat temple dig
In an archaeological breakthrough, ancient Buddhist relics dating back over 1,300 years have been unearthed beneath a historic temple in northeastern Thailand — and experts say the find could reshape our understanding of early Buddhist art in the region. The rare artefacts were discovered in April during a conservation project at Wat Dhammachak Semaram in Sung Noen district, Nakhon Ratchasima.…
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Couple claim relatives plan their murder for 120 million baht payout
A Thai couple accused their relatives of plotting to murder them to claim an insurance payout totalling over 120 million baht. A police officer was allegedly involved in the plan. The couple, Tong and Au, sought help from the non-profit organisation Be One after Tong survived an alleged murder attempt in 2022. The couple later discovered over 50 life insurance policies…
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Soviet space junk could skim Thailand, experts warn
A 53 year old Soviet spacecraft is hurtling back to Earth—and while experts say Thailand is safe, eyes are still nervously watching the skies. Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) has issued a warning about the anticipated re-entry of Cosmos 482, a defunct Soviet-era spacecraft that failed its original mission to Venus. The object, or what’s left of…
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Senators oppose 956 million baht parliament renovation budget
A group of 30 senators has voiced their opposition to a proposed 956 million baht budget intended for renovations at the new parliament complex, arguing that the expenditure is excessive, poorly prioritised, and not serving the public interest. Senator Nantana Nantavaropas spearheaded the objections during a press conference yesterday, May 8, criticising the renovation plan. She pointed out the building’s…
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Mystery surrounds death of Thai monk with bag over head
A Thai monk died in mysterious circumstances in his accommodation at a temple in the central province of Samut Songkhram. He had a plastic rubbish bag covering his head, with a pillow placed over his face. Officers from Amphawa Police Station investigated the death of 70 year old monk Boonman Sanjitto at Payayat Temple (also known as Wat Pak Ngam)…
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Cheers allowed: Buddhist holiday booze ban eased
Just after Phuket had announced a 30-hour alcohol sales ban this weekend for its upcoming municipal elections and the Visakha Bucha holiday, the Thai government officially relaxed its alcohol ban on sacred Buddhist holidays — but only under strict conditions. The Royal Gazette announced today, May 9, that the Prime Minister’s Office has revised its previous order on alcohol sales,…
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Mum and son fling onto road after Pattaya motorbike crash
A late-night ride turned into a nightmare after a mother and her young son were violently hurled from their motorbike during a high-speed crash in Pattaya. The terrifying accident occurred just after midnight yesterday, May 8, in Soi Boon Kanjanaram 8. Emergency responders from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre rushed to the scene after reports that a motorbike had…
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Thailand SEC closes 27,000 mule accounts worth 169 million baht
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Thailand has reported significant progress in its crackdown on digital mule accounts, having closed over 27,000 accounts valued at 169 million baht in the first four months of the year. The SEC also noted a rise in investment scam reports, with 2,735 cases identified, while the Thai ESG fund continues to grow, reaching…
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Thai woman electrocuted on flooded road in Surat Thani
A Thai woman died from electrocution while walking along a flooded road in the southern province of Surat Thani on Tuesday, May 6. A rescue team rushed to the Bypass Road near Bang Yai Intersection in Mueang Surat Thani district after receiving a report of a fatal electrocution at around 4.50pm. The victim, 26 year old Mantana “Mint” Phewpong, who…
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Man investigated after wife’s death in Lop Buri apartment
A 61 year old man is under investigation after his 66 year old wife was found deceased in their Lop Buri apartment. The couple had been drinking, leading to an argument and physical altercation. The husband later returned to discover her body. Today, May 9, at 12.20am, Police Lieutenant Banchachop Choptham, deputy inspector at Phatthana Nikhom Police Station, received a…
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Myanmar call centre crackdown cuts crime by 60% in three months
The government has declared the 3 Cuts strategy, aimed at disrupting call centre operations in Myanmar, a success three months after its implementation. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced yesterday, May 8, that measures initiated since February 5, targeting electricity, fuel, and internet access in five specific locations, have led to a notable decrease in call centre activities, particularly in…
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Thailand to classify gas canisters as controlled products
Thailand’s Ministry of Industry proposes categorising gas canisters as a controlled product amid rising incidents of explosions at barbecue restaurants. Minister Ekanat Prompan highlighted the increasing popularity of barbecue eateries, which often use gas canisters for grills, and noted the risks of reusing canisters, which are designed for single use only. Despite existing safety standards, consumers are urged to adhere strictly…
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Arrest warrants expected for groups linked to audit office collapse
Arrest warrants are anticipated to be issued next week for three groups allegedly linked to the collapse of the State Audit Office’s under-construction building following the earthquake on March 28. Deputy Chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Police Major General Noppasin Poolsawat, reported that 193 witnesses have been interviewed to date. These comprise SAO officials, relatives of those injured, contracted…
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Foundation opposes cable car in Phu Kradueng National Park
The Seub Nakhasathien Foundation has expressed opposition to the planned construction of a cable car system in Phu Kradueng National Park, Loei province, due to concerns over potential harm to the park’s delicate ecosystem. The foundation also questioned the project’s cost-effectiveness. These concerns follow a recent decision by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) to extend…
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Tunisian man tries to swap clamped tyre, gets caught in the act
A Tunisian man faces legal charges after parking in a restricted area in Phuket and attempting to evade a wheel clamp and a subsequent fine by swapping out the clamped tyre. Several Thai news Facebook pages shared a video of the couple on May 8. The pair were seen removing a spare tyre from their vehicle in an apparent attempt to…
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Nan hit by two tremors after Nakhon Si Thammarat quake damage
The northern province of Nan experienced two tremors early yesterday, following a previous earthquake that caused damage to a hospital in Nakhon Si Thammarat on May 7. According to the Earthquake Observation Division of the Thai Meteorological Department, the tremors in Nan registered magnitudes of 1.7 and 1.5 on the Richter scale, occurring at 4.04am and 4.52am, respectively. Local officials…
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Labour minister vows to slash work deaths by 2030
Thailand’s labour boss is declaring war on deadly workplaces—\promising to cut fatalities in half within five years. At the National Occupational Safety Day 2025 opening ceremony, Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn unveiled his ambitious “Safety Thailand” vision to drastically reduce serious workplace injuries and deaths. The aim is to bring down severe injury rates from 2.13 to one per 1,000 workers,…
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Hailstorm wreaks havoc in Udon Thani, leaving homes damaged
Yesterday, May 8, a severe hailstorm accompanied by strong winds and heavy rain struck Udon Thani, causing significant damage to numerous houses. The storm, occurring at 1.30pm, uprooted trees and toppled high-voltage power poles, obstructing roads and disrupting power supply in multiple areas. In Baan Jeet, Moo 4, Baan Jeet subdistrict, Gu Kaew district, the storm tore off roofs from…
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Tsunami alert: Phuket braces for large-scale emergency drill
Sirens, search dogs, and simulated chaos—Phuket is gearing up for the biggest tsunami disaster drill in years. Local officials announced the CMEX 25 national crisis response exercise, set to hit six Andaman coastal provinces from June 24 to 26, with Phuket taking centre stage. The simulation aims to prepare government agencies, rescue teams, schools, and residents for a worst-case tsunami…
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Bangkok woman arrested for mule account scam involvement
A significant arrest was made by the Metropolitan Police Bureau 3, who apprehended a 28 year old woman for her involvement in a mule account scam. Phannipa Phienamkot or Nong Paeng confessed to knowing she would eventually be caught, as multiple arrest warrants were issued against her, one of which was displayed prominently at her residence. Phannipa was captured at…
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Thailand’s bold ‘3 Cuts’ plan cripples border call centres
Criminal call centres in Myanmar are running out of juice thanks to Thailand’s tough new crackdown strategy. Three months after launching its “3 Cuts” campaign, the Thai government claims a major victory against cybercrime networks exploiting the border. The operation began on February 5 and aimed to sever the power supply, fuel delivery, and Internet access to five notorious scam…
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Bangkok motorcycle repairman shot dead over pawn dispute
A motorcycle repairman was fatally shot in the early hours of today, May 9, in his shop on Soi Phatthanakan 32, Suan Luang district, Bangkok. The attack, which also left another person injured, stemmed from a dispute over a motorcycle pawn agreement. Police Lieutenant Phuwadej Wanichyobol, an investigator from Khlong Tan Police Station, was alerted to the incident at 1am.…
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Polish tourist drowns in Phuket after morning swim
A dream holiday turned to tragedy for a 36 year old Polish tourist who was found dead after a solo morning swim at Kamala Beach. The man was pulled from the water, unresponsive, after lifeguards spotted him floating face down near the Kamala Shrine yesterday morning, May 8. Despite frantic CPR attempts on the beach and en route to the…
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Security guard shot dead at Bangkok waste centre, suspect sought
A security guard was shot dead at the maintenance office of a waste disposal centre in Pravet district, Bangkok, in the early hours of today, May 9. His wife revealed a mysterious warning he had given before the incident, providing clues about potential suspects. At 1am, Police Captain Worawit Meekham, an investigator from Pravet Police Station, received a report about…
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