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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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Historic satellite launch rescheduled: Thai THEOS-2
Thailand’s second earth observation satellite, THEOS-2, is slated to be launched once more from the French Guiana spaceport. Supamas Isarabhakdi, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), revealed the launch would occur at 8.36am today. This comes after the initial launch attempt on October 7 was halted due to minor signal irregularities detected in the last 14…
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Hamas attack at Israeli music festival kills over 260
The deadly attack by Hamas militants on an Israeli music festival resulted in over 260 fatalities, including 12 Thais and a 30 year old German tourist, Shani Louk. The incident occurred near the Gaza border in a southern region of Israel on Saturday. The local Israeli emergency response organization, Zaka, reported the discovery of over 260 bodies near the festival…
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12 Thai people killed, 8 injured, and 11 detained in Hamas attacks
Thailand’s Centre of an Emergency Situation in Israel reported that 12 Thai nationals were killed, eight injured and 11 detained in Hamas attacks. A Thai resident in Israel, taking to Twitter, shared that he and nearly 100 fellow Thais managed to survive without any assistance from officials. Deputy Foreign Minister Jakkapong Saengmanee stated that Thailand maintains a neutral stance in…
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Illegal firearms crackdown: Thai police clamps down on illicit trade after alarming surge in gun violence
Police Lieutenant General Jiraphop Phuridej targeted 114 illegal firearms distributors across Thailand in an extensive nationwide crackdown. The illegal firearms crackdown, involving over 800 officers including a special task force known as “Hanuman” from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), came in the wake of increased online trading of illegal firearms, including modified guns, homemade guns, and blank guns. The illegal…
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Bangkok shooting survivor recounts horrific encounter with Siam Paragon gunman
A survivor of the recent shooting at the Siam Paragon shopping mall in Bangkok recounted her terrifying encounter with the 14 year old gunman. Anyapat Thipjirasakul, while fleeing the scene, came face to face with the teen gunman on an escalator. His immediate reaction was to fire, hitting her in the shoulder. Despite the pain, she continued running, scared he…
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Heavy rainfall warning: Northern Thailand braced for potential flash floods
The Thailand Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning regarding continuous heavy rainfall affecting 54 provinces, predominantly in the northern region. The department anticipates that 80% of the northern territory will experience heavy downpours, posing a risk of flash floods. The department’s 24-hour forecast, issued today, suggests a trough of low pressure moving across the northern and lower northeastern provinces. Simultaneously,…
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Thai truck driver shot in Israel during Hamas attack, contact lost
A 28 year old woman from Nong Song Hong District, Khon Kaen, revealed a shocking incident involving her 26 year old husband. The woman, Supattra Asanok, revealed her husband, Phadung Butmo, originally from Kham Mueang District, Khon Kaen, currently works as an agricultural goods truck driver in Israel. He was shot in the back and right buttock during a Hamas…
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Thai bonds surge 5.8% amid elevated corporate debenture issuance
Thai bond valuations experienced a notable increase of 5.8% within the first nine months of the year, skyrocketing to a colossal 16.7 trillion baht. This rise was predominantly propelled by government and corporate bonds, as revealed by the Thai Bond Market Association (ThaiBMA). Corporate debentures, a significant part of this upswing, saw an issuance of 825 billion baht from January…
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Thailand’s commerce ministry aims for 20% cross-border trade boost
The Commerce Ministry of Thailand has an ambitious vision for the upcoming year – pushing cross-border trade value to 1.2 trillion baht, marking a 20% increase from this year’s estimated 1 trillion baht. Deputy Commerce Minister Napintorn Srisunpang, the overseer of the Business Development Department, Trade Negotiations Department and Foreign Trade Department, disclosed the ministry’s strategy to achieve this. They…
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Thai government’s 5% GDP growth aim deemed optimistic amidst challenges
The administration of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin aims to boost annual GDP growth by 5%. This goal was unveiled during a policy statement delivered by the premier to the heads of government agencies last week during discussions about the fiscal 2024 budget. However, the World Bank recently cut its growth forecast for Thailand to 3.4% this year and trimmed its…
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AI adoption boom: Igniting innovation, doubling productivity, and fostering cross-gen cooperation
The revolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in businesses is underway, igniting innovation, boosting productivity by twofold, and fostering cross-generational cooperation. Currently, the United States alone hosts over 14,700 AI startups, with more sprouting daily, according to McKinsey. Forecasts suggest that AI adoption and digitisation will automate between 30% and 40% of existing jobs, augment 50 to 60% of job tasks,…
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Mongolia opens honorary consulate in Phuket, boosting ties
Phuket marked a significant milestone as Mongolia inaugurated its honorary consulate on the island, coinciding with the 49th anniversary of its diplomatic ties with Thailand last week. The consulate’s office is located at the Gig Hotel on Soi Bangla in the Patong district. The opening ceremony saw the attendance of key figures including Tumur Amarsanaa, Mongolia’s ambassador to Thailand, Nutthaphong…
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DSI crackdown on counterfeit dietary supplement warehouse in Chon Buri costing over 10 million baht
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) raided a warehouse in central Chon Buri storing counterfeit dietary supplements for humans and pets, causing damages exceeding 10 million baht. The raid was carried out in response to Thailand being closely watched by the US Trade Representative (USTR) for intellectual property rights violations and stemmed from tips about unlawful sales of supplements via…
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Thailand’s TCL suspends VIP bus service after passenger complaints, slaps 10,000 baht fine on operator
Dr Sanlak Panuwatli, the managing director of Transport Company Limited (TCL), addressed recent complaints made by passengers about the standard of their VIP bus services. The complaints were raised on the Facebook page อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 6, which posted images and messages about the substandard conditions of TCL’s VIP buses. Upon investigation of the raised issues, TCL found that the…
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Teenager loses finger in violent gang clash at Pattaya skatepark
Chaos ensued in the early hours of the morning today, at a Pattaya skatepark near Laem Bali Hai whre a violent encounter between two youth gangs led to a teenager losing his finger and two others suffering injuries. The incident, taking place around 4am, sparked panic among tourists who were spending their time near the skatepark at Bali Hai Pier, Pattaya.…
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Former diplomat found dead in Bangkok luxury home under mysterious circumstances
The body of a former diplomat was discovered in the bathroom of a luxurious house, locked from the outside and covered with cardboard boxes today. The house, located in the affluent neighbourhood of Soi Vibhavadi Rangsit 20, Jom Phon, Chatuchak, Bangkok, was inspected by Deputy Superintendent Puthipong Hongthong and his team following the report of a death. The three-storey luxury…
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Thai family identifies son among captives in Hamas-Israel conflict
A couple from Pla Pak district, in the northeastern border province of Nakhon Phanom, Thailand, have positively identified their son as one of the workers reportedly captured by Hamas militants during a large-scale assault on Israel. The news of the abduction, which occurred yesterday, spread rapidly through social media, featuring a distressing image of six captive men with their hands…
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Accused gambling MP sits on Anti-Corruption Committee, claims Thai Patriots Network leader
Srisuwan Janya, the leader of the Thai Patriots Network, revealed that a member of Ratchaburi’s House of Representatives, previously accused of gambling in a viral video, sits on the Anti-Corruption Committee. This is a committee that is highly contested, especially when the individual was a member of the Blue Party during his tenure as a Ratchaburi representative. Despite the selection…
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Thai national killed, 11 detained in Israel amid evacuation challenges
A Thai national lost his life and approximately 11 others were taken into custody during a Hamas assault on Israel, disclosed Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, early today. He also highlighted the ongoing air travel restrictions that are hindering evacuation efforts. Ahead of his international journey from Sunday to Thursday, PM Srettha shared at Wing 6 in Don Muang that…
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Buriram military officer seeks forgiveness after killing two cyclists in hit-and-run accident
A 52 year old military officer from a camp in Buriram province has requested permission to conduct funeral rites for two cyclists he fatally struck with his pickup truck. The incident involved six bicycles and took place on Highway No. 24 from Chokchai to Dech Udom, specifically at the 133+800 km mark in Chalerm Phrakiat district. The collision resulted in…
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Thai PM’s diplomatic tour to boost ties, revive tourism hit by mall shooting
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin embarks on a five-day tour to Hong Kong and three ASEAN nations, beginning Sunday. The journey commences from the Royal Thai Air Force’s (RTAF) terminal at Don Mueang Airport, with the Airbus 320 aircraft setting course for Hong Kong. Post the Hong Kong visit, the premier’s itinerary includes Singapore, Brunei, and Malaysia, with his return scheduled…
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Chinese student profits from booming bridesmaid rental industry, earning up to 1,500 baht per wedding
A 21 year old Chinese student has made a lucrative part-time career as a professional bridesmaid for hire, having attended over 50 weddings. It’s not her fame that has led to these invitations, but her role as a paid companion for brides. For each event, she earns a starting fee of around 288 yuan, approximately 1,500 baht (US$40), which is…
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Tourist vehicle overturns on Doi Inthanon injuring six: Driver’s unfamiliarity suspected
A tourist vehicle overturned on Doi Inthanon, resulting in injuries to six passengers. The accident happened near kilometres 32-33 on the route to Doi Inthanon, a mountain located in the Ban Luang district of Chom Thong, Chiang Mai. The injured passengers had to crawl out of the wrecked Toyota Fortuner. The accident occurred around 6pm yesterday, involving a black Toyota…
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Bangkok workers rally for better employment conditions and against privatisation
World Day for Decent Work was marked by a significant rally in Bangkok, where approximately 600 workers rallied for their cause. The protestors demanded the government address unjust employment conditions and enhance employment security. The rally, which took place along Ratchadamnoen Avenue, saw the participation of members from the Thai Labour Solidarity Confederation (TLSC), the State Enterprises Workers’ Relations Confederation…
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Chinese groom defends plus-sized bride against wedding day ridicule
A recent wedding in Jiangsu province, China, became a hot topic due to the stark contrast in the bride and groom’s appearances. The bride, who weighed over 200 kilogrammes, was publicly ridiculed for her size, causing her to cry during her wedding ceremony. On the other hand, the groom, a standard-sized man, was left to console his new wife amidst…
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Indian national loses US$2,200 in Pattaya ride-hailing incident
Pattaya was the scene of an unfortunate event today, at 1am when a 28 year old Indian national and his Thai companions found themselves in a distressing situation. The group utilised a popular ride-hailing application to secure transport from Soi Buakhao to Walking Street in South Pattaya. However, the night took a turn for the worse when he realised he…
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Heartbreaking secret thwarts Vietnamese woman’s romance with wealthy boyfriend
A Vietnamese woman was shocked when her mother refused to approve of her relationship with her handsome and wealthy boyfriend. The refusal came without explanation, leading the distressed woman to threaten suicide, prompting her mother to reveal the heartache she had been silently carrying for 35 years. The 30 years old woman was the only child in her family. Her…
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Tesla’s safety feature confuses Thai Songthaew passengers with pedestrians, causing hilarity amongst netizens
A Japanese YouTuber driving a Tesla in Thailand found himself perplexed when the car repeatedly warned him of pedestrians crossing in front. However, upon looking up, he saw nothing. The amusing reality emerged later when he realised the car was not identifying people cutting in front but mistakenly interpreting people hanging on the back of Thai Songthaew, or two-row pick-up…
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Thai Cabinet approves assembly for constitutional referendum, amid MFP exit
The assembly to draft a referendum on revising the constitution is set to convene on Tuesday, following the Cabinet’s recent approval of its 35 members, reveals Chusak Sirinil, a member of the assembly. The assembly, under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Phumtham Wechayachai, will deliberate on modifications to the committee after the exit of the…
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UHG announces 3.1 billion baht investment in new Thai hotel developments
UHG, a prominent developer of hotels and offices, has announced plans to invest 3.1 billion baht in the construction of two new hotels in Ramkhamhaeng and Phaya Thai. The investment supports UHG’s strategy to capitalise on the potential of these areas and cater to the high demand experienced by its nearby hotels. Wutthiphon Taworntawat, the managing director, highlighted the strategic…
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