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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 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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Thai PBS proposes 4K broadcasting trial to combat streaming threat
Thai Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), in a bid to stay in line with the global trend of upgrading broadcast technology, has proposed a trial of the 4K high-resolution broadcasting platform. This would broadcast content in 16 provinces across Thailand, said the public broadcaster. This move is seen as crucial to combat the rising threat of streaming platforms in the broadcasting…
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Parliament to consult on charter amendment referendum
Upon the resumption of the Parliament session on December 12, MPs and senators will be consulted on the method of conducting a referendum on a charter amendment, revealed the head of a referendum hearing sub-panel, Nikorn Chamnong. He plans to forward a questionnaire to Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, the House Speaker, and Senate Speaker Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, who will request their…
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Thai PM plans revision of 5.1 billion baht for national art and culture
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday announced plans to revise the substantial sum of 5.1 billion baht (US$145 million), originally designated for the promotion initiatives of national art and culture by the National Soft Power Development Committee (NSPDC). The Thai prime minister expressed the need for judicious use of the funds to maximise efficacy. PM Srettha’s statements followed the NSPDC’s second…
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Arrest made in Chon Buri domestic violence case involving firearm threats to wife and child
In the Khao Mai Kaeo region of Thailand’s Chon Buri province, a 53 year old man was arrested following a domestic violence incident involving his wife and child and a firearm. The alarming event unfolded in a rental room within the Ban Phu Sai Village, Khao Mai Kaeo sub-district, Banglamung district, at approximately 7pm on December 3. The police were…
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Bangkok bus crash causes 18-vehicle pile-up on Phaya Thai Road
In the hustle and bustle of the vibrant city of Bangkok, a startling multi-vehicle collision occurred on Phaya Thai Road, right in front of the esteemed Chulalongkorn University. On this day, at 6:35pm, the Pathumwan Police Station was inundated with calls reporting a significant collision involving no fewer than 18 vehicles, which resulted in four individuals sustaining injuries. The scene…
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Thailand poised to become regional hub for electric vehicle production
Thailand is stepping into the spotlight as a potential regional centre for Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturing, bolstered by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin‘s confidence and support. This sentiment was shared with the public on December 1 by the Government Spokesperson, Chai Watcharong. PM Srettha has reportedly been working closely with various agencies to encourage and aid international private entities, particularly those…
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Drug traffickers encounter with military patrol in Chiang Mai
A skirmish erupted between the members of the Pha Mueang military patrol squad and a group of alleged drug smugglers in the Ban Muang Chum area of Fang, Chiang Mai. This encounter occurred in the early hours of December 2, around 2 am. The altercation, which lasted for over five minutes, led to the discovery of a substantial amount of…
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Sex-reassignment surgeries covered by national health insurance, says NHSO Secretary-General
After a social media debate on whether the gold card benefits can cover sex-reassignment surgeries, Dr Jadet Thammathacharee, Secretary-General of the National Health Security Office (NHSO), clarified on December 2, that these surgeries have been part of the national health insurance benefits since 2018, with no exclusion clause. Dr Jadet explained that the announcement by the National Health Security Committee…
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Shocking forced marriage of teacher sparks controversy in India
A shocking incident has unfolded in Patna, the capital city of Bihar, India, where a newly qualified teacher was abducted by an armed gang of four from his school on November 29. The gang forced him to marry the daughter of one of the perpetrators within 24 hours, adhering to local marriage customs. The disappearance of Gautham Kumar resulted in…
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Thailand’s PM courts tech giants for digital sector investment
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has been courting major corporations in a bid to bolster foreign direct investment (FDI) in Thailand’s digital and high-tech sectors. This comes after the initial deals struck for tech investment under the previous administration. During his recent visit to the US, the 61 year old Thai PM engaged with several technology behemoths, imploring them to consider…
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University sues former lecturer for 16 million baht over scholarship dispute
The case involving a former lecturer with mental health issues, being sued for a whopping 16 million baht by the university that granted her a Ph.D. scholarship, has drawn the attention of the Higher Education Ministry and a House committee. Both bodies have declared their intent to investigate the matter thoroughly. Takorn Tantasith, the chair of the House Committee on…
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Thailand’s weekly Covid-19 cases surge over 500 with three fatalities
The Department of Disease Control in Thailand (DDC) reported a sudden surge in weekly Covid-19 cases with over 500 new patients and three fatalities. The DDC revealed 88 cases of pneumonia among Covid patients. The report, which covers the period from November 26 to December 2, confirms an average of 76 hospital admissions and one death per day. Since the…
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Woman ejects delivery man from café, calls him an ‘air pollution’ risk
A shocking incident unfolded in a famous coffee shop in Chengdu, Sichuan province when a female customer ruthlessly ejected a delivery man from the establishment. She referred to him as “air pollution,” sparking widespread criticism on Chinese social media. The female customer was peacefully sipping her coffee when she noticed a delivery man enter the establishment to enjoy his coffee. She…
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Thai EV solutions provider teams up with Chinese manufacturer for electric taxis
In an innovative move to capitalise on the upswing in electric vehicles (EVs) in Thailand, EVme Plus Co, a leading EV solutions provider, is partnering with a Chinese EV manufacturer. This collaboration is aimed at promoting the usage of battery-powered cars among taxi drivers. EVme Plus Co is a part of the oil and gas colossus PTT Plc. The company…
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Phu Kradueng cable car project set for debate at mobile Cabinet meeting
The mobile Cabinet meeting in Nong Bua Lamphu province today is set to deliberate on the long-awaited cable car project at the Phu Kradueng mountain resort in Loei province, according to Phuangphet Chunla-iad, the Prime Minister’s Office Minister. The local authorities of Loei province are requesting a 28 million baht budget to carry out a survey and draft the design…
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Thailand considering month-long Songkran Festival to boost economy
The National Soft Power Development Committee in Thailand is proposing to extend the Songkran Festival for the entire month of April. Traditionally held from April 13-15, the water-splashing festivities are a cornerstone of the celebration. The committee hopes that by extending the festival and incorporating a range of other cultural events across the country, the festival could be promoted to…
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Thai backstage artist fakes kidnapping over 90,000 baht debt in Bangkok
A woman known as Premika, who works as a backstage artist, was allegedly kidnapped from her workplace by a group of creditors due to her inability to repay a debt of 90,000 baht. Her husband, using the pseudonym “Ek,” reported the incident to Huai Khwang Police Station. It was revealed that the couple had been together for over a decade…
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Winter wanderlust: Doi Inthanon sees tourism spike as holiday-goers chase the chill in Chiang Mai
The holiday season has brought a surge of tourists to Doi Inthanon, Chiang Mai, as they flock to experience the chill of the winter months. Tourism numbers have hit a record high for this winter season, nearing 10,000 visitors. Kriangkrai Chaiyaphiset, head of Doi Inthanon National Park, revealed that the upcoming holiday tomorrow, December 5, resulted in a continuous stream…
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Englishman’s late bloom: Loses v-card at 40, breaks social media with his virgin voyage
A 40 year old Englishman’s unusual story recently went viral on social media after the popular web forum, Reddit, revealed that he lost his virginity just four months ago. The anonymous gentleman posted under the name GuaranteeThin4918, on December 1, and invited users to ask their questions. “I just lost my virginity at age 40, four months ago. It’s crazy,…
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Invest in foreign bonds, REITs, healthcare, and tech stocks for 2024, advises Tisco bank
Tisco Bank’s Head of Wealth Advisory, Nattakrit Laotaweesap, advises investors to focus on foreign bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs), and healthcare and technology stocks in the next year as a safeguard against potential downturns. The global economy’s pace is anticipated to decelerate next year due to the impact of tighter monetary policies, which could result in a potential downgrade…
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Bang Rak arrest: Mysterious man nabbed near old house, Bangkok police crack down on disturbance
An unidentified man was arrested last night in the vicinity of an old house in the Bang Rak district by Bangkok police following reports of a disturbance. The man, who was causing a commotion and brandishing an axe, was taken into custody without incident. Despite the unsettling scene, no illegal items were found on the man’s person. On December 3,…
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AI accelerates: Dell’s 2024 forecast unveils tech integration triumph for business evolution
Dell Technologies predicts that by 2024, artificial intelligence (AI) will be the driving force behind the integration of other emerging technologies, including advanced hardware, edge devices and cybersecurity, all aimed at enhancing business transformation. The tech firm foresees a convergence of quantum computing and generative AI within the next five years. John Roese, Dell Technologies’ Global Chief Technology Officer, shared…
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Devastating road accident claims life in Chon Buri: Drunk driving suspected
A devastating road accident in Chon Buri province claimed the life of a factory worker and severely injured her colleague, riding on a motorbike. The incident occurred when a pickup truck veered off the road and collided with the two-wheeler. The driver of the pickup truck, who appeared intoxicated, also suffered injuries. Around 5am today, Deputy Inspector Sravut Sribundit of…
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Veterinary scientist turned political spokesperson finds success in new role
A 64 year old veterinary scientist turned political spokesperson is thriving in his new role leveraging his years of experience in sales and marketing to effectively communicate the government’s message. Having transitioned from working in pet companies to politics, Chai Wacharonke’s ability to simplify complex issues has proven to be a critical asset. “When they wanted to convey important messages…
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Renowned fortune-teller predicts potential misfortunes before new year 2024
A recent prediction by the renowned fortune-teller Mor Plai Prai Krasib hints at potential misfortunes in the three days before the new year of 2024. The seer further points to significant changes post-January, with a focus on health issues linked to flying creatures. In an interview published by the Facebook page At Ten Day, Mor Plai unveiled his predictions for…
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Thailand’s transport ministry commits to 100% public electric vehicles
A bold step towards a greener future was taken by Thailand’s Transport Ministry as it committed to transforming its entire fleet of public transport vehicles into a 100% electric. The initiative, as announced by the Transport Minister, Suriya Jungrungreangkit, begins with the electric conversion of the limousine service of the Airports of Thailand (AoT). This development was shared during Suriya’s…
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Thai lecturer’s 10 million baht lawsuit after mental health dismissal
Sombat Boongamanong, also known as Polka Dot, has shed light on the life journey of Dr Keng, a scholarship student who, after completing her PhD in England, returned to work as a Thai university lecturer. However, she fell ill and was asked to resign by the university management, leading to a lawsuit seeking over 10 million baht. Sombat arrived this…
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Thailand intensifies efforts to free remaining Thai hostages in Gaza
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is pushing forward with efforts to secure the release of the remaining nine Thai hostages held captive by Hamas. This comes as six additional Thai workers, recently liberated from their captors, are on the brink of returning to Thailand, scheduled to arrive on Monday. Expressing concern over the termination of the ceasefire in the…
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Concerns over rising HIV infections among teenagers in Thailand
The Aids Health Care Foundation (AHF) Thailand raised concerns over the rising prevalence of HIV infection among teenagers due to unprotected sex. The foundation’s Thailand Country Programme Director, Kritsiam Arayawongchai, disclosed this during a recent forum aimed at encouraging safe sex practices among high school students. In a broad-scale study conducted by AHF Thailand in collaboration with 25 healthcare centres,…
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Golden delight: GTA unveils gold rush with prices soaring to new heights
The Gold Traders Association (GTA) today announced a strong surge in today’s gold prices. Compared to yesterday’s closing price, gold ornaments are selling at 34,800 baht per baht, up by 200 baht. This information was released on their website at 9.08am. Gold bars of 96.5% purity are currently being bought at 34,200 baht per baht and sold at 34,300 baht…
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