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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 Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run
Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...
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Indie guitarist hits rock bottom: From strings to online gambling sins
A renowned ex-Indie band guitarist found himself on the wrong side of the law after falling into online gambling and resorting to theft. The 31 year old musician, Anutree, was apprehended for theft today by the police team led by Thiti Saengsaeng, Napasorn Poolsawat, Theeradech Thammasuthee, and Warapoj Rungkrajang. The arrest came after an incident on October 10, when an unidentified…
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Internet star Lina Jung highlights squalid state of 100 million baht Bangkok complex home
Popular Internet idol Lina Jung recently exposed the shocking condition of her city-centre shopping complex home, worth over 100 million baht, which she has resided in for over 30 years. The building has been left in a squalid condition, filled with drugs, sanitary bags, and rubbish, prompting Jung to draw the attention of the Royal Thai Police and the Governor of…
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Compensation for Thai families with members killed in Israel conflict
Eight deceased Thai workers, who were victims of the attack by Hamas in Israel on October 7, were brought back home this morning, aboard a commercial flight. Upon landing at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Samut Prakan province, their bodies were transported to their respective hometowns. The commercial flight, El Al Flight LY083, carried the eight verified Thai males from Israel,…
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Missing 12 year old Bangkok girl sparks urgent search
A 12 year old girl has been missing for three continuous days under mysterious circumstances. Her distraught mother found a chat conversation between her daughter and a young man, prompting urgent police action to locate her. Concerns for her safety arose when the last CCTV footage of her was found at 10am today at Bang Na Police Station. Kanthasat Pongpaibulvech,…
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Rapists return to prison for brutal rape of 15 year old girl in central Thailand
Police yesterday arrested two Thai men for the alleged brutal rape of a 15 year old girl in the central province of Kanchanaburi. The accused rapists had been imprisoned for the same crime and released only last year. A 49 year old woman named Noi contacted the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women and Panom Tuan Police Station after her…
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Unusual golden crab discovery stirs lottery luck hopes in Phayao province
Residents in Phayao province were “claw-struck” when they stumbled upon a rare golden yellow crab. The locals are “pinching” the hope that this quirky catch might be their lucky charm in the upcoming lottery draw. Authorities from Phu Sang National Park have playfully dubbed the crustacean “Cliff Crab” and are delving into whether it falls under the category of protected…
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Health superstitions: Thai neurosurgeon frustration over brain surgery delay (video)
A peculiar health superstitions case was shared by a renowned neurosurgeon at Chiang Mai Ram Hospital involving a 55 year old male patient who postponed a scheduled brain surgery due to astrological beliefs. The patient’s health condition involved a brain haemorrhage, caused by a fall two months ago. The neurosurgeon, Pracha Kanyaphrasith, revealed his patient’s brain was still swollen from the…
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Roya Gazette declares Wat Suthat Thepwararam an archaeological site
The Royal Gazette recently announced the Department of Fine Arts declaration, which designates the land area of the ancient site Wat Suthat Thepwararam as an archaeological site, encompassing 28 rai and 76 square wa. Today, it was reported on the Royal Gazette website that the Department of Fine Arts announced the zoning of the archaeological site. The declaration was signed…
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Thai labour ministry provides financial aid to bereaved families of workers
Eight Thai workers’ bodies were received at Suvarnabhumi International Airport today, with a detailed explanation of financial aid provided to the bereaved families. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Phairoj Chotikasathien, visited the airport to explain the procedure and participate in the mourning ceremony. Phairoj revealed that religious rites and wreath-laying ceremonies would be conducted upon the arrival of…
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Phuket Airport’s future takes flight: Environmental impact on the agenda
A meeting took place this morning to discuss the potential environmental and community impact of the proposed development plans for Phuket International Airport. The meeting, organised by the Phuket office of the Airports of Thailand (AOT), was held at the Proud Phuket Hotel near Naiyang Beach. The Chief Administrative Officer of the Phuket Provincial Office, Somprat Prabsongkhram, led the assembly.…
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Animal trafficking ring in Spain busted, 400 pets rescued and 13 arrested (video)
Over 400 pets, primarily cats and dogs, have been rescued in Spain from a major smuggling operation that illegally trafficked animals from Eastern Europe into Spain via Andorra. The animal trafficking group profited from selling these animals inside Spain, resulting in the arrest of 13 suspects facing charges of animal cruelty, document forgery, and fraud. These animal trafficking charges surfaced…
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Safety concerns for tourists spur diplomatic talks: Thailand-China relations under spotlight
Amid concerns for the safety of foreign residents and tourists in Bangkok following a recent shooting incident at Siam Paragon mall, ensuring a positive international relationship between Thailand and China has become a key focus of discussions between Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and China President Xi Jinping. PM Srettha also offered his sympathy regarding the tragedy which saw one…
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Thailand’s EV initiative: Driving towards a greener future
The Thai government has embarked on an ambitious plan to replace ageing government vehicles with electric vehicles (EVs), in line with their carbon neutrality goal set for 2050. The Thai EV initiative move was prompted by a notification issued by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, encouraging the use of EVs within the government sector. PM Srettha’s order, issued via the Secretariat…
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Couple arrested for operating illegal karaoke bar and prostitution in northern Thailand
Officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) arrested a couple for running an illegal karaoke bar and human trafficking in the Isaan province of Loei and rescued three young Lao women from prostitution. The CIB received a tip-off that a Thai couple had turned their restaurant in the Loei province into an illegal karaoke bar, offering sex services to customers.…
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Ghost encounter leaves Thai Dhamma retreat-goer spooked in Chiang Mai
A Thai woman claimed that a ghost haunted her after completing a Dhamma retreat at a Rampoeng temple in the northern province of Chaing Mai. She also shared her selfie with the ghost in the background on TikTok. Sawitcha “Pear” Butsara, shared a spooky video of her ghost encounter on TikTok @pipimpeary, on Wednesday, October 18, with the caption… “What…
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Business collaboration: Thailand and Japan’s Wakayama join forces in furniture and agriculture sectors
Thailand is geared towards fostering new partnerships with Japan’s Wakayama prefecture, with a particular emphasis on the co-development of the furniture and agricultural processing sectors. The main objectives of this business collaboration include enhancing product development and expanding export possibilities. Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, following a discussion with Wakayama’s governor, Kishimoto Shuhei, yesterday, stated that he urged the prefecture to…
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Prehistoric alligator’s undercover mission: 230,000 years submerged in Thailand
Alligators’ ability to remain submerged for several hours is common knowledge among herpetologists but it came as a surprise to some that one in Thailand had managed to remain buried for 230,000 years. The astonishing archaeological discovery was announced by Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, which reported the unearthing of fossilised remains belonging to an extinct alligator species,…
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Monk’s divine intervention calms drunk Russian man causing chaos in Pattaya
A Thai monk used divine intervention to control a drunk, out-of-control Russian man causing chaos on a street in Soi Chalerm Prakiat 19 in Pattaya by tapping the lid of his alms bowl on the foreign man’s head. The monk said the lid tapping was his way to encourage people to remain calm. The 26 year old Russian man, Rusten…
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Thailand’s future so bright, it’s gotta rock Ray-Bans
The future’s looking so bright for Thailand that it’s gotta wear shades, and not just any old shades, preferably Ray–Ban sunglasses. Fortunately, for residents in the Land of Smiles, EssilorLuxottica, the renowned creator of Ray-Ban sunglasses, has recently inaugurated a state-of-the-art factory in eastern Thailand, poised to serve as a prominent production centre for the Asia-Pacific region. Located in Rayong…
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High-speed collision claims the life of an ex-convict in southern Thailand
A man recently released from prison tragically lost his life in a high-speed collision with a parked vehicle. The incident occurred yesterday evening at around 8pm, on Khu Khwang-Pak Nakhon road, in front of Supalai village, Pak Nakhon district. A 30 year old man, Anuwat, was found dead at the scene. He was the driver of a white Isuzu pickup…
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Tragic accident: Bangkok Police Deputy Superintendent dies in motorbike crash
A tragic accident claimed the life of a deputy superintendent today who was returning home from his shift. In the early hours of the morning around 2am, 41 year old Thongplaew Hanpaiboon was riding his Yamaha Nmax motorcycle when he collided with a barrier on an elevated bridge near Makasan Pond in the Ratchathewi district of Bangkok. The accident scene, a…
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Ghost hunt in Lopburi village creates chaos as million baht reward retracted
News of a ghostly “Krasue” haunting a village in Ban Berk, Tha Wung district, Lopburi province, has caused widespread fear among locals. A subsequent offer of a million baht reward for capturing the Krasue, a nocturnal female spirit of Southeast Asian folklore, by a resort owner in Saraburi province has escalated the hunt for the spectre. However, it is reported…
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Landslide in Chaiyaphum province prompts dramatic rescue
A landslide incident near the floodgate of the Chi River in Chaiyaphum province led to a dramatic rescue. Five locals yesterday narrowly escaped death as the ground gave way, causing multiple motorcycles to fall into the river. The unexpected event occurred at Bueng Lahan (Yai Kaew canal), Nong Bua Ban sub-district, Chatturat district. Volunteers from the Nong Bua Ban Subdistrict…
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Ceramic plate on TV show revealed as valuable Ming Dynasty relic
The fascination for antique collections has gained traction in modern society, leading to the growth of the antique business market. Numerous people have amassed wealth through trading these relics and ceramic plates. However, expertise is crucial to avoid deception in this field. This has led to the popularity of the show Appraisal of Treasures aired by China Central Television (CCTV).…
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Bangkok taxi driver accused of kicking out female passenger
Police summoned a Thai taxi driver caught on a viral video kicking out a female passenger on a road in Bangkok for making a phone call in his cab. The victim, Ploy, shared the video with local news site Red Skull as she got into a heated argument with the taxi driver on the street. In the video, Ploy and…
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Thai education embraces UK programmes to boost English language proficiency
Thailand has officially embraced programmes initiated by the United Kingdom, designed to boost English language proficiency among Thai students and teachers. The Education Minister of Thailand, Police General Permpoon Chidchob, held a conversation with the UK Minister of State for the Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, to discuss this educational collaboration. The British ambassador, Mark Gooding, was also present at the discussion…
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Indonesian woman deceived into marrying transgender man: A 20-year ordeal unveiled
A 58 year old woman from Indonesia recently shared her harrowing experience 20 years ago of being deceived into marrying a transgender man. In 2000, Ida was introduced to a man named Nardinata Marchioni by a friend during a trip to Europe. The two kept in touch via expensive international phone calls until Nardinata returned to Indonesia. Ida was impressed…
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Couple accuse daughter of swindling over 300 million baht assets
An elderly couple in their 80s lodged a formal complaint against their youngest daughter, alleging that she swindled them out of more than 300 million baht over three years by reportedly drugging them. The couple’s granddaughter, Praw, accompanied her grandparents to seek help from the non-profit organisation, Saimai Survive. Praw revealed to the organisation and media that her grandparents lost…
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Rubber’s forest fury: Southeast Asia’s deforestation problem worse than thought
The rampant deforestation caused by rubber production in Southeast Asia could be much higher than anticipated, potentially two to three times the current estimates. This alarming discovery is a significant concern for importers who are under increasing pressure to source sustainable supplies, as revealed in a recent research study. Global demand for rubber is on the rise, leading to an…
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Phuket tourism industry generates 370 billion baht in eight months
Over the past eight months, the tourism industry in Phuket has managed to amass a substantial revenue of nearly 370 billion baht, as reported by the President of the Phuket Tourism Association. This encouraging development signals a significant rebound from the adverse effects of Covid-19, with the present surge in tourist numbers representing a remarkable 40% year-on-year rise when compared…
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