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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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Jet-setting overseas scandal: Permanent secretary’s globetrotting sparks opposition outcry
A complaint has been filed against Dr Sirirurg Songsivilai, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI), over allegations of taking 32 overseas trips between March of last year and September of this year. The opposition has raised these concerns, calling for transparency and accountability regarding these travels. In response to a request for…
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Two-year run ends: Swedish drug trafficker captured in Koh Samui
A 60 year old Swedish man on the run for two years to evade drug trafficking accusations and a visa overstay in Koh Samui, was apprehended and taken into custody by the Surat Thani Immigration Police. The Swedish man, Reno Penti Olavi Martin, was arrested yesterday at approximately 7pm, on the orders of the Chief of the Immigration Police, and the…
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Thai Parliament’s policy showdown: Two-day debate unveiled
Parliament President and House speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha announced a rigorous two-day debate on the government’s policy statement, scheduled to kick off on Monday. This decision came about following a meeting with the government, Senate and opposition whips, where the debate’s timeline was discussed. Wan stated that the debate would kick off on Monday, running from 9am to midnight. The…
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Thai man accused of sexually harassing 10 year old boys
A Thai man apologised to the mother of a 10 year old boy for reportedly sexually harassing him and a friend and sending lewd messages via Facebook Messenger during their novicehood. A 33 year old woman named A accompanied her 10 year old son B and her son’s friend C to file a complaint against a 31 year old Thai…
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TikTok user unjustly tangled in theft web seeks legal aid in Thailand
A young Thai TikTok user is seeking legal assistance after finding himself implicated in a theft case. Despite clear evidence of his innocence, he was wrongfully accused due to false claims made by the real culprit. The TikTok user @tle_swrs yesterday posted a plea for help after being accused of theft in the middle of the night, completely unaware of…
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Bangkok’s condo market: Buyers rush for ‘ready-to-move’ amid sales slump
The second quarter of this year witnessed a significant slump in sales for newly launched condominiums in Bangkok. Buyers, gripped by mortgage rejection fears, exhibited a strong preference for ready-to-transfer units. Tritecha Tangmatitham, Managing Director at Supalai, highlighted that a staggering 70% of condo sales in the current year have been for completed units, underscoring a marked shift in consumer…
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Thailand and Cambodia unite to combat transnational crime and bolster security
Sweeping strides have been made in the fight against transnational crime, and Thailand and Cambodia recently pledged to enhance their joint efforts in this area. The collaboration aims to bolster the stability and security of both nations through increased cooperation. This commitment was solidified during a meeting between the Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn,…
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Recruitment adventures: When job hunting in Thailand feels like a blind date
Navigating the waters of a job interview can often feel akin to treading the unpredictable path of a blind date. The entire process can be punctuated by uncertainty, ambiguity, and occasionally, a lack of respect and courtesy from the hiring party. An interviewee’s experience can be marred by a lack of information about the interview process: from the number of…
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On the right track: Thailand’s new transport minister charts course for infrastructure upgrade
Newly appointed Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit yesterday committed to enhancing Thailand’s logistics network, focusing primarily on the country’s railway and maritime transport infrastructure. In his first press briefing, Suriya stated that strategic plans are underway and will be made public in the coming week. Highlighting the importance of the logistics sector, which contributes nearly 15% to Thailand’s gross domestic product…
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Thai MP’s ‘carry-out’ leftovers kindness goes viral among netizens
An online discussion among netizens was prompted by an act of kindness by a member of Parliament for the Pheu Thai Party who hails from the province of Phrae. Following a session in the legislature, it was reported that MP Thossaporn Sereerak was spotted carrying bags stuffed with leftovers that he intended to give to people living on the streets.…
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Gunman shot dead in fatal cross-province catastrophe in Thailand
In a tragic turn of events that unfolded across two provinces, a fatal shooting in Nakhon Pathom province led to the death of a police officer, Siwakorn Saibua, and sparked a dramatic confrontation in the central province of Kanchanaburi. The incident involved a prominent community leader, Prawin Chaiklai, commonly known as Nok, who enjoys considerable influence in the area due…
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Shock and recharge: Thailand’s EV sector hopes for spark
The Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT) expects greater manufacturer interest in Thailand’s EV sector. The latest incentive package might be less appealing than earlier ones. Current incentives consist of tax reductions and subsidies for car producers and importers. These incentives aim to boost EV production and consumption from 2022 to 2023. The incentives range from 70,000 to 150,000 baht…
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Thai PM’s night market escapade in Khon Kaen stirs up lotto luck frenzy
Thailand Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin last night visited a bustling night market in Khon Kaen, sparking interest among superstitious locals looking for lottery numbers. The visit was filled with interactions with local traders enjoying their evening meals. PM Srettha and his entourage, including Sermsak Pongpanich, Minister of Culture, Precha Phonphanich, son of Sermsak, and Suriya Chuengrungrueangkit, Minister of Transport,…
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Thai love triangle: Husband denies ‘gay love,’ embraces divorce
A 64 year old Thai woman accused her 65 year old husband of cheating on her with a young man, adding that her husband refused to divorce her. The husband denied the allegation of a sexual relationship with the man and added he was happy to divorce his wife. The Thai wife, Prattana, urged Channel 3 to report her story…
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Sub-merging optimism: Thai’s submarine engine deal with Germany and China
The Thai government is hopeful of a renewed agreement with Germany and China, centring around the engine for a new submarine under construction in China. Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang conveyed his confidence in a mutually beneficial deal between the three nations. The discourse involves the potential installation of a German-made engine in the Chinese manufactured submarine, as initially stipulated by…
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Sad serenade: Thai man’s bridge suicide plunge echoes old tune
“What becomes of the brokenhearted” sang Jimmy Ruffin in the summer of 1966, in the case of a crestfallen 33 year old Thai man from Udon Thani province, that would mean an attempt to commit suicide by jumping off a bridge. Natthawut Sanphakarn threatened to end his life by jumping off a bridge after experiencing heartbreak a staggering 20 times.…
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Thai weather forecast: Heavy rain, storms, trouble brewing – stay vigilant
The Thai Meteorological Department warned today there will be heavy rain and thunderstorms, affecting 60% to 80% of areas in Thailand. The public is urged to stay vigilant due to the potential dangers from heavy and accumulated rainfall that may lead to flash floods and forest run-off, particularly in hillside areas near waterways and low-lying areas. In the northern region,…
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Jomtien Beach fishing frenzy: Pattaya’s untidy shoreline sparks concerns
Jomtien Beach in Pattaya has been a subject of concern recently due to the cluttered state of its local fishing section. The area, specifically near the Chaiyapreuk intersection, has been criticised by citizens for being untidy and disorganised, potentially harming the city’s tourism image. This area serves as a docking and temporary seafood market spot for local fishermen. Locals have…
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Fiery family feud: Drunk daughter sets fire to Mother in Isaan after sobriety plea
A drunk woman set fire to her 73 year old mother at a house in the Nong Hong district in Isaan province of Buriram after her mum urged her and her husband to stop drinking. The victim, 73 year old Preeda, revealed to Nong Hong District Office authorities that her 40 year old daughter, La, was the perpetrator. La poured…
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High-speed pickup collides with trailer in Khon Kaen, killing two instantly
A high-speed pickup truck collided with a trailer truck attempting a U-turn, killing two people instantly. The pickup driver, an employee delivering goods, and an unidentified passenger died at the scene. The incident occurred at 3am yesterday, near the Makro shopping centre, Chum Phae district, Khon Kaen province. At the accident scene, in the middle of the road at a…
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JSCCIB to discuss Chinese goods influx and revise Thai economic forecasts
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) is preparing to discuss new economic challenges such as the influx of Chinese merchandise. The committee aims to formulate a fresh economic proposal for the Srettha Thavisin Pheu Thai Party-led government. The subjects are set to be discussed in the committee’s today’s meeting. The JSCCIB intends to confer with the new…
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Pattaya shipyard owner perishes in tragic beach tractor accident
A grim scene unfolded on Pattaya’s Jomtien Beach earlier today when a Thai shipyard owner tragically lost his life in an accident involving his tractor. The incident occurred around 7am, near Jomtien Soi 11, a boat ramp where the shipyard owner was attempting to pull his speedboat from the sea using his tractor. Pattaya Police and rescue teams rushed to…
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Party-goer’s predawn plunge: Drunk biker crashes into 5-metre pit in central Thailand
A young biker returning from a party at 4am today, suspected of being drunk while driving, ignored warnings and crashed his motorcycle into a 5-metre deep concrete pit. The incident occurred beneath a bridge in Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi. The driver, from Suphan Buri province, was found unconscious and reportedly drunk at the bottom of the pit. The pit, approximately…
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Ride of terror: Malaysian tourist’s Bangkok kidnap nightmare with a twist
A Malaysian tourist recently shared a harrowing experience while travelling in Bangkok, accusing a Thai ride-hailing driver of attempting to kidnap him and his four friends for a human trafficking gang. The Malaysian tourist, who goes by the name Andrew Tong on Facebook, recounted this life-changing experience. According to Tong, the incident unfolded on their final day in Bangkok as…
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Promotion dinner ends in tragedy: Local chief’s link to gunman sparks deadly clash
A gunman, allegedly linked to a local chief, killed one highway police officer and critically wounded another on Wednesday night in the Mueang district of Nakhon Pathom province after a heated discussion about a promotion at a dinner meeting. The Crime Suppression Division (CSD) commander, Montree Theskhan, confirmed that CSD police, led by deputy Pornsak Laolujiralai, are actively searching for…
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House fire claims lives of 3 year old boy and his bedridden grandmother
A house fire claimed the lives of a three year old boy and his 68 year old bedridden grandmother in the central province of Lopburi. The Kok Samrong Police Station officers yesterday, September 6, summoned firefighters to the scene in the Kok Samrong district of Lopburi province. Upon arrival at the scene officers met the house owner, 21 year old…
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Thai women’s volleyball team clinch third Asian championship title in thrilling match
The Thai women’s volleyball team won their third Asian championship title by defeating China 3-2. Police General Prawit Wongsuwan, leader of the Palang Pracharath Party and President of the Thai Olympic Committee, praised the team’s skills and determination. The tournament, officially known as the PPTV 22nd Asian Senior Est Cola Women’s Volleyball Championship, was held from August 30 to September…
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Draining dilemma: ONWR chief dives into Phuket’s watery challenge
The Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) Secretary-General visited Phuket to see if he could manage to solve the popular Thai island’s daily wastewater conundrum. Phuket has to deal with about 55,000 cubic metres of wastewater daily. ONWR Secretary-General Surasee Kittimonthon visited Phuket to address the resort’s water management issues, including flooding and potential droughts. Surasee inspected the Patong Municipality…
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Eye-opening surgery gone wrong: Chinese woman left with ‘see-through’ eyelid
A shocking medical mishap occurred when a woman, from Hohhot, China, underwent a double eyelid surgery. In a horrific turn of events, the operation left her with an eye hole through which she could still see, even when her eyes were closed. The distress caused by the incident led to her tears flowing straight out of the hole, and dust…
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Elderly man braves heavy rain to rescue toddler from sixth-floor balcony in China
A local community was alarmed when a three year old toddler after she got her head stuck between the bars of an apartment balcony on the sixth floor, in the southern city of Chongqing, China. As the rain poured heavily, making the wall slippery and dangerous to climb, a 60 year old man, Chen, courageously ascended the building to rescue…
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