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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 9 most common health issues covered by insurance for expats in Thailand
Thailand is a popular destination for expats due to its affordable lifestyle and excellent healthcare system. However, settling in a new country often brings health concerns. To ensure you’re covered for the most common medical needs, understanding what expat health...
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Surge in New Year’s tourism causes traffic chaos in Phetchabun
Traffic was heavily congested as a surge of tourists flocked to the Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew temple in Phetchabun province yesterday, during the extended New Year’s holiday period. The influx of both Thai and Burmese visitors, keen to pay homage to the temple, led to the traffic disruption. The holiday period saw families taking advantage of the break…
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Laotian couple resolves roadside dispute peacefully in Samut Prakan
A roadside dispute between a couple, 26 year old Kim, and 25 year old Magud, both Laotians, was defused by the Samut Prakan Rescue Association today at 1am. The verbal conflict escalated into physical violence, which alarmed the on-duty officers at a nearby petrol station, who quickly intervened and informed the local police. Both individuals seemed intoxicated. Despite suffering minor…
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Thai government’s budget bill for 2024 fiscal year under scrutiny
The Thai government’s budget bill for the fiscal year 2024 is under scrutiny as Sanphet Boonyamanee, a Democrat MP for Songkhla, raises concerns over major budget cuts and potential misrepresentation of off-budget funds. He reveals that despite the government’s request for 3.48 trillion baht (US$ 99,917,725,200) for the 2024 fiscal year, state agencies had initially asked for up to 5.8…
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Phu Kradueng National Park’s cable car project faces uncertainty
A cable car project, initially proposed in 1982 to reach the peak of a mountain at Phu Kradueng National Park in Thailand’s Loei province, may not materialise soon. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the decision will be reliant on a study due for completion in 2025. The initial goal behind the proposed 4.4-kilometre cable car system…
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Urgent renovation planned for Bangkok’s Mo Chit 2 bus terminal
Bangkok Bus Terminal, popularly known as Mo Chit 2, is set for an urgent renovation, according to the Transport Minister, Suriya Jungrungreangkit. His remarks were in response to a complaint lodged by Suphanat Meenchainan, a Move Forward Party MP who represents the Chatuchak, Bang Khen and Lak Si constituencies. Suriya, during a statement on Saturday, disclosed that he had instructed…
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Thai municipal employees hit the lottery jackpot of 6 million baht
A couple, both municipal employees of the Subdistrict Administrative Organization, celebrated the new year with a win at the lottery – a whopping 6 million baht (US$ 172,271). Forty four year old Nitaya Pongsawin, and her 38 year old husband, Nopadol Khonsawan, who live in Srisamran Subdistrict, planned to construct a new building in their field in honour of their…
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Undercover operation uncovers hidden gambling den in Bangkok’s Don Mueang district
In the heart of Bangkok’s Don Mueang district, an undercover police operation led to the raid of a covert gambling den disguised as an abandoned futsal stadium at 1.30pm yesterday. The joint raid involved over 30 officers from Don Mueang police and relevant departments, following reports of illicit gambling activities at the premises. Previously, on November 21, the same establishment…
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South Thailand: Two vehicles used in car bomb attack on the run
Yala police warned the public to be on high alert for two vehicles suspected to be primed for a car bomb attack at New Year celebration events in the deep South provinces. The threat is real, and authorities are urging citizens to stay vigilant. Yala Police Station, in a bid to thwart disaster, unveiled images of the potential weaponised vehicles on…
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China: Online debate on fireworks ban as Chinese New Year approaches
Chinese lawmakers have waded into the online fireworks debate, shedding light on the contentious issue of whether fireworks should illuminate the Lunar New Year festivities. Addressing concerns yesterday, December 29, officials acknowledged the difficulty of enforcing an outright ban on pyrotechnics, given the country’s historical connection with inventing these dazzling displays. Lawmakers revealed the nuanced nature of the supposed fireworks…
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British tourist drugged and raped on Koh Tao
A 30 year old British tourist has broken her silence about a harrowing incident on Thailand‘s infamous Koh Tao, dubbed Death Island for its dark history. The tourist, named Marijke, was drugged, raped, and abandoned in the middle of nowhere. Marijke recounted the traumatic experience. “I remember taking a sip from a bucket, and a moment later, I woke up…
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Phuket: Russian tourist’s water slide nightmare sparks urgent safety probe
A 42 year old Russian tourist found himself at the centre of a harrowing ordeal at a renowned water park in Phuket. His quest for aquatic thrills turned into a nightmare, resulting in severe injuries and a subsequent complaint filed with the Consumer Protection Committee. On November 10, Fedor Kondrakov’s day of fun took a perilous turn as he encountered…
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Pattaya beach brawl erupts between Indian tourists and Thai locals (video)
In Pattaya, a group of Indian tourists and some Thai locals broke into a fight in the middle of the road at Pattaya beach on December 28. A viral video has been shared online shows the brawl involving sticks, belts, bottles, and even ladles, causing pandemonium and traffic mayhem. The one-minute footage, spreading like wildfire across social media, unveils a…
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Court orders 300K baht compensation for protesters from Thai police
The Royal Thai Police (RTP) have been slapped with a hefty bill of 300,000 baht over a brutal crackdown on pro-democracy Ratsadon, or People’s Party, protesters. While the court’s decision may have came as a shock to many, the details of the ruling reveal a deeper, contentious battle between the authorities and the people. The Civil Court ruled on December…
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Frenchman’s financial woes and marijuana meltdown led to knife-wielding drama
A distressed Frenchman, grappling with financial turmoil and the aftermath of marijuana use, brandished a knife in a threatening manner on December 28. The drama reached a boiling point in the picturesque Bang Saray sub-district, Sattahip, as the Sattahip Police swooped in to defuse the intense situation. At 4.30pm, Sattahip Police, accompanied by emergency responders, responded swiftly to a distress…
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CNN chooses Wat Arun for New Year’s Eve bash
CNN International has handpicked the iconic Wat Arun in Bangkok to be the star of their global New Year’s Eve Live celebrations. Under the banner of Wichit Arun, this extravaganza promises to showcase the vibrant tapestry of Thai identity through a stunning display of fireworks. On the eve of December 28, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) proudly announced that…
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Thailand and China unveil game-changing cargo link
Thailand and China have launched a direct cargo rail link, whisking farm-fresh delights straight from Nong Khai to the bustling metropolis of Chongqing via Laos. Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thamanat Prompow, a key player in this historic venture, flagged off the inaugural Thai train loaded with the jewel of Thai agriculture – dried longan. This marks the commencement of the…
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Suvarnabhumi Airport braces for record-breaking new year influx
Dr Keerati Kitmanawat, the president of Airports of Thailand Co Ltd. (AOT) led a thorough inspection on December 28, of Suvarnabhumi Airport‘s preparedness for the impending new year celebrations. Sources reveal that Dr Keerati is gearing up for an aviation onslaught from December 29 to January 4, with a staggering 6,777 flights scheduled at Suvarnabhumi Airport. This sky-high number includes…
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Pita Limjaroenrat crowned ‘Politician of the Year’ in Isaan poll
Pita Limjaroenrat, the former helm of the Move Forward Party (MFP), has clinched the coveted title of Politician of the Year in a high-octane survey conducted by Isaan Poll. The political battleground witnessed Pita soaring ahead with a formidable 34% of support from the 2,156 respondents aged 18 years or more across the 20 provinces of the Northeast. Associcate Professor…
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Thai PM’s billion-baht lifestyle unveiled
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin opens up about his staggering wealth, leaving the public astonished at the opulence hidden behind the political curtain. Once a high-flying business magnate, 61 year old Srettha acknowledged his affluence. The PM attributed his riches to years of relentless work and astute investments. “I can’t deny that I am wealthy.” The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) disclosed…
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Fatal Rayong motorcycle accident: Tragic collision claims rider’s life instantly
A fatal incident took place in Rayong, where a man riding a motorcycle lost control of his vehicle, crossed into the opposite lane, and violently collided with a concrete wall. The force of the impact resulted in a broken neck, causing instant death at the scene. The incident occurred at approximately 12.30am today, December 29. Local police and emergency medical…
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Southern Thailand: Pattani province in state of emergency due to escalating floods
A state of emergency is in effect in Pattani, a southern province in Thailand, as floodwaters continue to rise, severely affecting the local economy. The overflow of the Sai Buri and Pattani rivers has caused significant flooding in the Pattani town area. As of this morning, December 29, water levels in the Muang Pattani municipality were rapidly increasing. Several business…
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Tourist forgets Pattaya hotel location after heavy drinking on arrival
A recent event saw a foreign tourist, having just landed in Thailand, consume a substantial amount of alcohol and subsequently forget his accommodation’s location in Pattaya. The intoxicated traveller insisted on remaining in the taxi after arriving in Pattaya, causing a predicament for 53 year old taxi driver, Sayan Yodsanga. According to Sayan, a member of the Suvarnabhumi Taxi Cooperative,…
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Teenage Grab driver fatally stabbed in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district
An 18 year old Grab driver was fatally stabbed in the early morning today, December 29, in a major alleyway in Bangkok‘s Chatuchak district. Atit (last name withheld), who was outfitted with a label from a technical institute on his belt, was found with three head wounds and four body stab wounds. The scene of the crime, Ratchadaphisek Soi 36, also…
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Hong Kong actress Bonnie Lai found dead in apparent suicide
Prominent Hong Kong actress and former beauty queen, 46 year old Bonnie Lai, was found unconscious in her North Point apartment, as reported yesterday, December 28. Lai later succumbed and was declared dead, sending shockwaves throughout the entertainment industry and her family. On the day before, around 1pm, the actress’s husband August Hui, a renowned cosmetic surgeon, discovered Lai unconscious…
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Thai Revenue Department mandates online platforms to submit trader income data from 2023
The Thai Revenue Department has mandated online platforms to submit income data of online traders into the system, starting from the accounting period of January 1 in the upcoming year. The conditions were announced on today. Kulaya Tantitemit, the Director-General of the Revenue Department, announced on December 27, about income tax concerning the regulation for electronic platforms to prepare special…
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Phuket launches ‘Seven Days of Family Happiness’ safety campaign for New Year
Phuket, the tropical Thai island, is stepping up its safety measures for the New Year celebrations as officials unveiled their Seven Day Safety Campaign at the Phuket Provincial Hall on yesterday (December 28). The initiative, which aims to reduce accidents and fatalities during the festive period, has been rechristened from its previous moniker, Seven Days of Danger, to the more…
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Benz Apache warns about new scam after sister’s 200000 baht close shave
Prominent influencer, Benz Apache, has warned the public about a new type of scam where fraudsters impersonate sellers. The scammer usually contacts the victim immediately after a live broadcast ends. Without careful scrutiny, victims can easily lose money. Benz, a well-known influencer, issued a warning about a new type of scamming technique where culprits impersonate sellers and contact potential victims…
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Phuket greets third Vice Governor, Norasak Suksomboon
The tropical island of Phuket welcomed its third Vice Governor, Norasak Suksomboon, who has recently taken up the mantle of his duties. Norasak is part of a three-member team assigned to assist Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat in managing the island’s affairs. Norasak, whose primary area of responsibility is Social Affairs at the Phuket Provincial Office, isn’t a stranger to administrative…
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Man under drug influence burns grandmother’s house in Phayao
A 48 year old man, under the influence of narcotics, has been arrested for setting fire to his grandmother’s house in Phayao Province, Thailand. The fire, which started in the man’s bedroom, quickly engulfed the entire property, leading to substantial property damage but no casualties. The local police have also charged the man with arson and drug use, following the…
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Tsinghua’s most handsome graduate chooses programming over stardom
Edward, a bright and strikingly handsome graduate from the prestigious Tsinghua University in China, has consistently turned down numerous offers from the entertainment industry. Instead, he opted to follow his passion for programming and is now thriving as an outstanding programmer at Tencent, a tech giant in Shenzhen. Tsinghua University boasts one of the highest reputations in China, second only…
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