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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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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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Termite queen lottery: District chief prays for winning numbers
A momentous event unfolded yesterday as the district chief of Bueng Sam Phan, Sompong Thongnoonui, lit a risky incense stick and prayed for a winning lottery number from an elderly termite queen who has been a part of the local mine for over 50 years. The clear three-digit number that emerged, eagerly awaited by a crowd, is set to be…
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Lottery predictions: Thai temple stirs suspense for national draw
The hallowed Sri Song Tham temple, colloquially known as Ai Khai temple, located at Nong Khla village, Don Hai Sok subdistrict, Nong Han district, Udon Thani province, experienced a quiet lull yesterday despite it being famous for its lottery predictions. Despite the imminent national lottery draw on Friday, the usually bustling temple grounds were unusually silent, with fewer locals and…
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Thai Airways takes a smile: Reinstates nine cool-season routes for domestic delight
Thai Airways International reinstated nine domestic routes for the cool season, previously provided by its former affiliate, Thai Smile Airways. The services, which will run until March 30, utilise the Airbus A320 planes from the airline’s former subsidiary, Thai Smile. The re-established routes offer daily flights from Bangkok to nine destinations – Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Khon Kaen,…
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Thai nightlife gets a glow-up: Cabinet green-lights 4am extended hours for tourist hotspots
The Thai Cabinet has given the green light to a draft regulation set forth by the Interior Ministry, permitting extended hours until 4am at entertainment venues in prominent tourist hotspots. The affected areas include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, Koh Samui, and Phuket. Aiming to stimulate the country’s tourism sector, the Interior Ministry is at the helm of this initiative.…
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Drunk police chief insults foreign man at restaurant in Isaan
A drunk police colonel from Maha Sarakham Provincial Police Station abused a foreign man at a restaurant in the Isaan province of Maha Sarakham last night. Videos of a Thai man in a red T-shirt causing chaos in a restaurant were shared on social media platforms, yesterday, November 27. In the video, the Thai man was angry after the waiters asked him…
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Southern Thailand: Flood mitigation study completed in Surat Thani’s Klong Roy Sai area
The Royal Irrigation Department completed a flood mitigation study in the Klong Roy Sai area of Surat Thani city, which promises to bring benefits to residents. The project launch was held at the Wang Tai Hotel conference room in Surat Thani. Notable attendees included Nuntawat Charoenwan, Deputy Governor of Surat Thani Province, Somsawat Chaisinsorn, Director of Surat Thani Irrigation Project, and…
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Landlord discovers room filled with garbage and pests after tenant’s two-year absence
A seemingly pristine rental room transforms into a nightmarish pit of filth and creatures. What started as a routine check turned into a jaw-dropping discovery for landlord Namwan Panadda. Namwan, a seasoned landlord with three decades of dormitory management under her belt, stumbled upon the grotesque underworld hidden behind a seemingly ordinary door. A room, faithfully occupied by a 42…
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Thai government approves 10% increase for civil servants starting at 18,000 baht
The Thai government approved a 10% salary increase for civil servants over a two-year period, beginning with new recruits. According to Danucha Pichayanan, Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), the first increment is expected to come into effect once the budget for 2024 is approved. Danucha explained that the salary adjustment will initially target newly inducted…
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December lottery predictions buzzing in Thailand: From ceremonies to celebrities
Lottery enthusiasts in Thailand are speculating over the winning numbers slated to emerge in Friday’s draw. Numerous sources have put forth their predictions for the December 1 draw, ranging from traditional ceremonies to recent events and even incorporating factors such as the heights and ages of celebrities. In the wake of a traditional Loy Krathong candle floating ceremony, some spectators…
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Thai authorities demand registration for individuals holding over five SIM cards
Under the leadership of Prasert Chantraruangthong, the Committee for the Prevention and Suppression of Cybercrime has mandated the registration of individuals possessing more than five SIM card numbers. The numbers are staggering. A whopping 7,664 individuals possess over 100 SIM cards, with Thai nationals holding 3,580,571 of them, and foreigners not far behind with 2,591,365. The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications…
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Tragic collision in Lopburi: Pickup truck hits student transport, 1 dead and 29 injured
An accident unfolded at the intersection of Wat Jai when a woman driving a pickup truck collided with a student transport vehicle, resulting in the vehicle flipping over and leaving it severely damaged. The driver, a 66 year old man named Boonjong (surname withheld), lost his life at the scene. The incident also resulted in injuries for 29 others, including…
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Car crash with suspected alcohol influence in Tha Phra tunnel obstructs Bangkok traffic
A car accident involving a Honda Jazz car and a Mazda CX3 occurred inside the Tha Phra tunnel in Bangkok, leading to the Honda Jazz flipping over and obstructing the road. The Jazz was driven by 52 year old probation officer, Suwet (surname withheld), who was found in a dazed state and was suspected of being under the influence of…
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