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Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?
Thailand’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?...
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Road rage: Electric car and box truck crash in Thailand goes viral (video)
A road rage incident involving an Ora Goodcat electric vehicle and a box truck on a Thai road has grabbed significant attention online. TikTok user @first_thepeak shared a dramatic clip of the encounter, showing the box truck attempting to block and force the electric car off the road. The situation escalated until the truck spun out of control and came…
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Thousands of dead fish wash ashore in Patong, alarming locals
Beachgoers in Patong were met with a shocking scene yesterday, October 11, as thousands of dead fish washed ashore, prompting immediate concern among locals, tourists, and officials. Various species of fish were scattered along the beach, driven in by strong winds and waves. The sudden die-off has left officials scrambling to identify the cause of this marine disaster. Locals quickly…
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Warning issued for central provinces flooding risk from tomorrow
Local officials have issued a warning about potential flooding in central provinces, starting tomorrow, October 13 and lasting until October 24. Jirayu Huangsub, advisor to the prime minister, highlighted the risk for regions including Chai Nat, Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Bangkok, and Samut Prakan, particularly in areas outside flood barriers. Efforts to mitigate flooding have seen the Thai Royal Irrigation…
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Pattaya police boost patrols ahead of Police Day celebration
Pattaya’s police force is ramping up security measures in the lead-up to the city’s Police Day celebration. The city’s police chief has directed officers to bolster patrols and target crimes to enhance safety and security. Police Colonel Navin Teerawit, Superintendent of Pattaya Police Station, presided over a monthly meeting to issue new directives and review the performance of each department.…
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Pheu Thai dismisses petition alleging monarchy undermining
The Pheu Thai Party dismissed the recent petition against it which accused the party of undermining Thailand’s constitutional monarchy. Pheu Thai asserted that it can address all raised concerns and emphasising that some claims lack merit. Chousak Sirinil, the party’s legal adviser, said yesterday, October 11, that the six accusations against Pheu Thai do not have sufficient grounds to be…
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Thailand and Myanmar discuss Mae Sai River illegal structures
Thai officials are set to engage in discussions with Myanmar regarding illegal structures along the Mae Sai River, aiming to address the flood crisis in Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced. Severe flooding has inundated the district, leaving a thick layer of mud as waters receded, prompting these high-level talks. Phumtham, who also serves as…
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Thailand boosts economy with overseas workers
Thailand has seen a significant boost in its economy, with over 55,000 workers sent abroad during the 2024 fiscal year, resulting in more than 270 billion baht added to their families’ incomes. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn visited 364 Thai workers yesterday, October 11, who were undergoing pre-departure training before heading to Taiwan, Israel, and Japan. Among these workers, 321 are…
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Missing Sri Racha cat gets helping paw from trapped ceiling drama
In a dramatic rescue that will leave pet owners double-checking their ceilings, a cat missing for eight days was finally saved after being discovered trapped in an eyewear shop’s ceiling in Si Racha, Chon Buri. The unfortunate feline, Swat, had been unknowingly stuck inside the building undergoing renovations, while its owner, Suwate Hachai, had been frantically searching elsewhere. The Si…
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Banyan Tree Samui scoops trio of top awards
In a dazzling display of luxury, Banyan Tree Samui in southern Thailand is basking in the glow of three major international awards—all in just one week. This exclusive beachfront resort has proven it’s not just a tropical paradise, but a world-class destination that knows how to make waves in the luxury travel industry. First up, the prestigious Michelin Guide, which…
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Ko Samui sails into bronze in the most beautiful beach awards
Ko Samui had to settle for third behind Vietnam’s Phu Quoc and Bali in the annual Readers’ Choice Awards’ Most Beautiful Island in Asia. In a survey by Condé Nast Traveller, Phu Quoc trailed behind Bali, Indonesia’s tropical paradise, with Thailand’s Koh Samui claiming third place. Phuket, famous for its white-sand beaches, took sixth. Malaysia’s Penang, known as the Pearl of…
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Phuket marine police seize illegal jet skis, arrest two operators
Marine Police in Phuket seized four illegal jet skis and apprehended two operators who were preparing to offer services to tourists without the necessary licences. The arrests were made yesterday, October 10, during routine patrols at a pier in Koh Kaew, as part of an ongoing initiative to clamp down on unlawful activities in the area. The operation was spearheaded by…
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Veggie tales: Phuket festival wraps up with street processions
The annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival is winding down, with the Lor Rong Shrine, also known as Sui Boon Tong Shrine, staging its street procession through Phuket Town today. This event, known as Iu Keng, showcased numerous spirit mediums and attracted large crowds of locals as well as Thai and foreign tourists. Locals along the procession route set up altars and…
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Bang to rights: Bangkok cops dismantle illegal firearms operation
Police in Bangkok dismantled a major illegal firearms operation, arresting a 39 year old man who was the head of the Facebook group กิ๊บประธานเพื่อน GUN สำคัญเสมอ. The police seized 19 firearms and various ammunition from the operation. Yesterday, October 10, Police Lieutenant General Thiti Saengsawang, Police Major General Noppasil Phoonsawat, Police Major General Theeradech Thamsutee, Police Colonel Chakrawut Klainin, and…
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Thai TV host pulled from shows amid iCon Group scandal
Popular television host Kan Kantathavorn has been suspended from all Workpoint Entertainment programmes as the investigation into his alleged involvement with the controversial The iCon Group heats up. The company swiftly announced yesterday, October 10, that Kan would be removed from hosting duties with immediate effect until his ties with the scandal-plagued business are cleared up. Kan, in a bid…
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Young Bangkok scammer busted for dialing into pension scam
Police arrested a 20 year old woman at a dormitory in Bangkok for her involvement in a call centre scam that defrauded a retired teacher of millions in pension money. Police detained her after she returned to Thailand, revealing the circumstances that led to her capture. Today, October 11, police officers led by Police Major General Montree Teskan and Police…
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Suranaree students swindled by scam, dialing up 3 million baht loss
Suranaree University of Technology, located in the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima, reported that more than 200 students fell victim to a call centre scam gang, with an estimated loss of about 3 million baht. Following reports about fake kidnappings for ransom, operated by the call centre scam gang, Pho Klang Police Station and Suranaree University of Technology organised a…
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Natural waterslide wonderland: Tourists flock to Sattahip dam
A hidden gem in Chon Buri is making waves as locals and tourists flock to the Huay Tu Lower Reservoir for a thrilling, yet safe, water adventure. Nestled in Bang Saray, under the watchful eye of Klet Kaew subdistrict Municipality, this overflow dam has become the hottest spot for families looking to cool off. Thanks to the dam’s natural slope,…
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Overdrawn: Bungling burglar caught cracking into bank in Phuket
Police yesterday apprehended a man after he attempted to break into a bank branch and managed to forcibly open a passbook updating machine in Baan Lipon, Srisoonthorn, Phuket. An automatic security alarm alerted the police to the break-in at the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives in Baan Lipon, Moo 7, Srisoonthorn, at 11pm. Thalang police responded promptly, arriving to…
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Thailand’s workplaces in crisis: Mental health support falls short
Thailand’s workplaces are failing to provide vital psychological help for employees grappling with stress, depression, and other mental health issues, campaigners warn. As the world marked Mental Health Day 2024 yesterday, October 10, Thai advocates are raising alarms over the country’s mental health crisis in offices, where employees struggle with burnout, fear, and stigma. The World Health Organisation (WHO)’s theme,…
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Bets on: Royal nod to 23 gambles, from bull races to mahjong chases
The Royal Gazette has published a ministerial regulation allowing 23 types of gambling activities within specific time frames, such as human-bull racing, boxing, wrestling, ring tossing, and mahjong. The report from today, October 11, details that the Royal Gazette has released Ministerial Regulation No. 46, permitting the following gambling activities within designated hours: human-bull racing from 7am to 7pm, boxing…
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The 60-second health check that could save your life
When it comes to your health, a little bit of attention can go a long way. You don’t always need fancy equipment or hours at the doctor’s office to know something’s wrong. Sometimes, a quick, simple check can spot early signs of potential issues and might even save your life. Here’s a practical guide to self-examinations that you can do…
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Five-car crash on Nonthaburi bridge leaves three injured
Five vehicles collided on a bridge in Nonthaburi, resulting in three injuries. The incident occurred in the early hours of today, October 11, on Rama 4 Bridge, Chaiyaphruek Road, inbound to Bang Tanai subdistrict, Pak Kret district. Local police officers were alerted to the multi-vehicle crash and promptly arrived at the scene to investigate. Upon arrival, police discovered 22 year…
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Bangkok buses introduce new safety measures for NGV fleet
Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) announced a new safety initiative for all its buses, particularly those running on natural gas (NGV). The directive, emphasised by Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote, aims to elevate safety standards across the board. BMTA Director Kittikarn Jomduang Jaruwanpolkul revealed that the organisation operates a fleet of 809 NGV buses. This includes 486 blue air-conditioned low-floor…
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Shell-shocked: Woman’s turtle rescue paves way for good luck
A woman recently rescued a large turtle found in the middle of the road in Phetchabun, believing it could bring her good luck. The turtle’s shell featured patterns resembling ancient coins and a sage’s head, leading to speculation about its auspicious nature. A TikTok user posted a video showing her helping the sizable turtle that was slowly crossing the street,…
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Rain check: Hua Hin and Cha-am tourism ready for holiday splash
Heavy rain in Hua Hin and Cha-am are anticipated to impact tourism during the upcoming three-day holiday, potentially worsening domestic sentiment. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) identified natural disasters as a critical factor to monitor during the high season. Earlier this week, continuous rainfall led to flooding in Cha-am, Hua Hin, and parts of Phetkasem Highway, with water levels…
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Visa-free travel: Indonesia opens doors to 13 countries
Indonesia is rolling out the red carpet for citizens of 13 countries, with its latest visa-free travel policy set to shake up tourism and economic development. Announced in Presidential Regulation No. 95 of 2024, which was formally ratified on August 29, this groundbreaking move targets 11 of Indonesia’s Asian neighbours, alongside Colombia and Suriname. The lucky 13 nations—Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia,…
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Policewoman refuses to return Thai man’s cash after bank mishap
A Thai man reached out to a news agency after he mistakenly transferred money to the bank account of a policewoman in the Isaan province of Surin. The officer in question refused to return it despite a three-year attempt to retrieve it. The 30 year old victim, Warut, appeared on a news programme on Channel 7 to seek justice. Warut…
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Stork raving success: Endangered bird’s triumphant return to Thailand
In a ground-breaking win for wildlife conservation, Thailand has achieved an unprecedented milestone: critically endangered Asian woolly-necked storks have bred in the wild for the first time. These majestic birds, once at risk of vanishing forever, are back and thriving in their natural habitat. Officials from the Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand and Khao Kheow Open Zoo were thrilled to…
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Porked & busted: Thai woman nabbed for telling ‘pork’ pies 208 times
In a sizzling tale of deceit, Bangkok police arrested a cheeky con artist for cooking up a scheme that left a local butcher over 1.6 million baht out of pocket. Wannipa, a 27 year old Thai woman, was collared by officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) after she used fake receipts to bag free pork not once, not twice,…
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