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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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Thailand’s power play: Hosting mega IMF and World Bank meetings in 2026
The Chief of the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) unveiled Thailand‘s ambitious proposal to host the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank in 2026. On October 15, the Finance Ministry, Bank of Thailand, and IMF and World Bank reps threw ink on a memorandum of understanding, sealing the deal for Thailand to reclaim its throne as…
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Female party entertainer accuses police officer of rape and physical assault
A female party entertainer in the northern province of Lamphun accused a police officer of raping and physically assaulting her. The accused officer denied the allegations. The 25 year old party entertainer, identified as A, filed a complaint at Mueang Jee Police Station on November 22 that a Chiang Mai province police officer had raped and assaulted her in Nong…
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Pervy Phuket man arrested for string of motorbike assaults
Police in Thalang, Phuket, arrested a Thai man in connection with an unsettling string of assaults on women. The suspect, a 34 year old man was apprehended for a series of incidents in which he pursued women on motorbikes and molested them. The Thalang Police Department launched an investigation after seven women reported being assaulted in a similar situation over…
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Interfaith dialogue thrives: Seventh Buddhist-Christian colloquium in Thailand
Thailand recently played host to the Seventh Buddhist-Christian Colloquium, underscoring the importance of interfaith dialogue and joint action to address the myriad issues plaguing humanity in an ever-evolving world. Over 150 delegates from a variety of countries attended the event, which was centred around the theme Karu and Agape in Dialogue for Healing a Wounded Humanity and the Earth. The…
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Thai businesses may face wage pressure after state officials’ salary increase
The Thai Chamber of Commerce predicts a potential ripple effect on businesses, following the Cabinet’s decision to approve a 10% salary increase for state officials. The chairman of the chamber, Sanan Angubolkul, anticipates that this move may compel businesses to raise their wages to attract skilled employees. The salary increase for new state employees will result in a monthly income…
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Miraculous escape as 41 Indian workers defy death in Himalayan tunnel drama (video)
The 41 Indian workers who were trapped under a collapsed tunnel beneath the Himalayas were all rescued after a 17-day ordeal. Trapped since November 12, the Indian workers faced a daunting ordeal when the tunnel, a part of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious Char Dham Highway project, crumbled, burying them under 60 metres of rubble. With their only exit…
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A 23 year old man found shot dead in southern Thailand: Police launch manhunt
The tragic end of a 23 year old man suffering from panic and depression disorders was discovered in his employer’s house, where he was found shot dead in the bedroom. Police officers are actively hunting down the suspect as the investigation continues. Police officer Thanathorn Phanchu last night revealed that a murder victim was found in a two-storey house in…
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Thai PBS forum explores AI’s future role in newsrooms
The Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS World) yesterday, in collaboration with Techsauce, the National Innovation Agency (NIA), the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) and MediaScope, held the Thai PBS World Forum. The forum, themed AI and the Future of Newsroom, was a platform for thought leadership and the exchange of perspectives with regional media organisations to drive the direction…
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Two more Thai hostages released from conflict in Gaza
Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara today celebrated the release of two more Thai hostages from the conflict in Gaza. Their release was facilitated by a temporary truce between Israel and Hamas. Deputy Prime Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara conveyed his joy at the Thai hostages’ release via the social media platform Twitter (X). The 66 year old Bangkok-born politician expressed his delight…
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Rayong village chief fires gun during Loy Krathong Festival causing panic (video)
A village chief instigated fear and commotion today in Nikhom Patana, Rayong, by firing a gun during a Loy Krathong Festival at a prominent local temple. The incident was reported by 32 year old Chaiwat (no surname given) who claimed he was threatened by Chaiyaporn, the village chief. Chaiwat narrated that he went to the festival around 12.30am yesterday, November…
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Rat-ical savings scheme: Married man’s cash stash shredded by rodents
A married man was left in acute distress after his carefully hidden cash was shredded by rats. The man, who had tucked away a substantial sum of Vietnamese dong notes totalling around 500,000 (720 baht), discovered his savings in tatters, gnawed by rodents in the secluded corner of his home where he hid them. The unfortunate man had decided to…
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Lone diner’s surprise birthday celebration at Mamaonom bar goes viral (video)
A touching scene unfolded at the Mamaonom Bar in Ratchaburi Province when staff members surprised a lone customer on her birthday. The young woman, dining alone on her special day, was moved to tears as the team gathered around her to sing birthday songs and present her with a cake. The bar shared the heartwarming video on its social media…
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Thief steals 88 gold necklaces worth at least 17 million baht in Chiang Mai
A Thai man stole 88 gold necklaces from Yaowarat Krungthep Gold Shop in Lotus’s supermarket in the Fang district in the northern province of Chiang Mai yesterday. Each gold necklace was worth 200,000 to 500,000 baht causing losses of at least 17 million baht. The theft took place at about 18.45pm yesterday, November 28. The thief stole 88 gold necklaces…
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Thailand’s duty-free dream: Govt’s five-pronged plan to woo tourists and shoppers
In a move to transform Thailand into an irresistible haven for tourists and shoppers alike, the government has unleashed a five-pronged plan that could turn the Land of Smiles into a duty-free paradise. Say farewell to arrival duty-free shops as Thailand aims to redefine its status as the ultimate destination for globetrotters and shopaholics. Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke revealed yesterday,…
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Father’s unique punishment for son’s inappropriate gesture sparks online debate
A widely debated parenting case has surfaced on social media platforms, revolving around a Chinese father’s severe punishment of his 10 year old son. The young boy had developed the habit of frequently showing the middle finger and drawing obnoxious figures on paper, which he would then submit to his teacher. The father was unaware of the offensive implications of…
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Debt dilemma: Households in a financial bind as debt soars, Thai PM pledges change
Thailand is in the grips of a financial crisis, with household debt skyrocketing to a staggering 16.07 trillion baht, a 3.6% surge compared to last year. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin vowed to address the problem of what he calls debt slavery. The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) yesterday dropped a bombshell, revealing that Thailand’s household debt is…
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Lantern blamed for burning Chiang Mai market, causing over 100 million baht damage
A fire broke out at nine buildings within Rim Ping Flower Market in the northern province of Chiang Mai at 3am yesterday, November 28. A witness claimed the blaze was triggered when a lantern from the Loy Krathong and Yi Peng Lantern Festival fell onto the buildings. Ten firefighting trucks swiftly rushed to the market on Praisanee Road in the…
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Pattaya tourism operators wary of extended nightlife hours proposal
Pattaya’s tourism operators are expressing apprehension about a proposal to extend the operating hours of nighttime venues along Beach Road until 4am. The concerns primarily revolve around potential noise pollution, compromised safety, and possible damage to the city’s reputation. Recently elected president of the Association of Chon Buri Tourism Federation (ACTF), Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, has offered a nuanced perspective on the…
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Thailand’s mega New Year’s Eve countdown bash at ICONSIAM promises fun and surprises
Prepare for a dazzling extravaganza as Thailand gears up for an unparalleled New Year’s Eve countdown bash at ICONSIAM‘s River Park. With a star-studded lineup, jaw-dropping eco-friendly fireworks, and mind-blowing drone displays, this year’s Amazing Thailand Countdown 2024 is set to redefine celebrations. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), and ICONSIAM have joined forces with industry giants…
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Tragic lorry crash claims driver’s life and leaves two injured in central Thailand
A fatal accident occurred when a six-wheeled lorry crashed into the back of a trailer, resulting in the death of the driver and injuring two others. The victims were returning from a concert when the crash occurred. The incident, which happened on Phet Kasem Road in Ban Lat District, Phetchaburi, was reported to the local police at 2.54am today. In…
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Chon Buri’s bright ambition: Aims to be top 10 smart city by 2037
An ambitious vision to elevate Chon Buri into the league of top 10 smart cities globally by 2037 has been revealed by the Eastern Economic Corridor Office of Thailand (EECO). This grand plan, termed the Smart City and Commercial/Residential Hub project, aims to metamorphose a vast expanse of 927.2 hectares in the vicinity of the U-Tapao Airport into a high-tech…
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Probation officer with severe diabetes crashes car on Bangkok road
An officer from the Department of Probation crashed his car in the Tha Phra Tunnel in Bangkok yesterday morning. Despite having a can of beer, the police found no traces of alcohol in his system. The reported cause of the incident was attributed to his acute diabetes Officers from Tha Phra Police Station and the Por Teck Tung Rescue Foundation…
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Thailand’s civil servants to receive 20% salary increase over two years
Newly recruited civil servants in Thailand are set to receive a salary increase of 20% over the next two years. The decision, approved by the Cabinet, was announced by Danucha Pichayanan, the secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council. The proposed plan by the Office of the Civil Service Commission (OCSC) is to increase salaries by 10% annually…
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Thai student team claims victory at 2023 World Team Mathematics Championship
The Thai student team scored an impressive victory at the 2023 World Team Mathematics Championship (WMTC) in South Korea, scooping the title in the individual category and sweeping a total of three gold, six silver, and five bronze medals. The mathematics championship concluded yesterday, November 28, at 10pm. The 14-member team returned to Suvarnabhumi Airport, where they were warmly welcomed.…
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Thai woman’s barking mad quest for justice after 2 boys cause dogs to die in car accident
A Thai woman sought justice for her two dogs that died in a car accident after two boys sneaked into her home, assaulted her dogs, and ultimately led the woman’s beloved pets to their deaths. ” The dog owner, Maneewan Sandee, shared pictures of her dead pets and the story behind their deaths on Facebook on November 26. Her three…
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True Corporation spearheads AI utilisation for automation
True Corporation, led by Deputy Chief Executive Sharad Mehrotra, is positioning itself at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) utilisation with ambitious plans for widespread automation and paperless operations. The company’s recent hybrid conference, AI Gets Good, highlighted the critical need for an integrated approach that blends technology, people, and ethics. Accenture research indicates that language-based AI could augment around 40%…
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Phuket’s Jungceylon unveils ‘PINK A WISH’ festivities
Jungceylon Shopping Center in Patong, Phuket, dazzles with its ‘PINK A WISH’ celebration, featuring a transformed look, new stores, and exciting year-end promotions. Phuket Square Company Limited, the manager of Jungceylon Shopping Center in Patong, Phuket, has allocated a budget of more than 10 million baht to transform the shopping centre and offer an array of promotions and entertainment activities.…
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Combined tour packages: Thai proposal for Chinese tourists
Chinese tourists are the target of a new strategy suggested by Thai tourism operators, who propose selling combined tour packages to Thailand and Malaysia. This proposal comes in light of China granting visa exemptions to visitors from Malaysia and several European countries, but not Thailand. Songchai Mungprasithichai, president of the Songkhla Tourism Promotion Association, believes that since Hat Yai Airport…
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Child abductions: Ukraine’s first lady spotlights Russian actions
Olena Zelenska, the First Lady of Ukraine, urged the global community, particularly Asian nations, to remain alert to the situation in Ukraine. Amid its full-scale invasion, she revealed alarming instances of child abductions, with Ukrainian children being kidnapped by Russia. Her appeal, primarily directed at the international community, aims at keeping the attention on Ukraine instead of other global issues.…
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Five year old boy’s mature response to father’s reprimand goes viral
A five year old boy’s surprisingly mature response to his father’s stern reprimand has gone viral. The incident took place in Guangde, Anhui province, China when the father decided to teach his son a lesson after observing his unruly behaviour. The mother shared the video of the father-son confrontation, which has left netizens both amused and touched. Their family usually…
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