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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 Is private health insurance in Thailand worth it? Real costs vs risks explained
Thailand has a strong healthcare system with both public and private options. Public hospitals offer affordable care, but many people, including expats, choose private health insurance for faster service, modern facilities, and more treatment choices. To decide if private health...
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PAS open to all members contesting in six state elections
PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan has stated that all party members, including Muafakat Nasional President Annuar Musa, are eligible to become candidates in the six states facing elections this year. The party is yet to finalise its list of candidates, but Takiyuddin expects a decision to be made next week. “Any PAS member has the right to be a candidate and…
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Anwar Ibrahim emphasises musyawarah culture for civil servant input
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasised the importance of ‘musyawarah’ or deliberation in Malaysia, stating that it is essential to provide civil servants with the opportunity to express their opinions when determining the nation’s course. Speaking at the Prime Minister’s Department monthly assembly, Anwar highlighted the crucial role civil servants play in making deliberations more meaningful and effective. Anwar, who also…
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Bear horror: Man loses eye in villagers’ forest foraging encounter
A man lost his eye when a group of villagers in Chanthaburi province were attacked by three large bears while foraging for forest produce. The incident, which occurred around 2.30pm yesterday, left Uthai, a 41 year old man, seriously injured with deep facial lacerations and his right eyeball missing. Multiple authorities collaborated to trek five hours to rescue the victim…
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Bangkok governor urges universities to join citywide cleanup efforts
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt recently participated in a Big Bangkok cleanup event at Swuniplex retail plaza on Asokemontri Road, organised by Srinakharinwirot University. The event saw the involvement of university lecturers and students, Watthana district office executive officials, and representatives from various networks and agencies. During his address, Chadchart praised the university for being a role model in environmental maintenance…
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Suvarnabhumi Airport’s SAT-1 terminal set for soft takeoff in September
Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok is set to soft launch its Satellite Airport Terminal 1 (SAT-1) in September, with a full opening planned for early next year. Airports of Thailand (AoT) president, Kerati Kijmanawat, stated that the new 216,000-square-metre facility, with a capacity for 28 aircraft parking bays, aims to address existing issues at the airport. With the ability to accommodate…
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Plant of prosperity: Wealthy Wilson draws crowds in northern Thailand, leafing people in awe
Residents in Phayao, northern Thailand, flocked to witness a bizarre plant known as the “Wealthy Wilson” believed to bring luck and fortune to whoever owns it. The plant’s leaves have taken on an unusual shape, resembling the mythical creature called the Naga. This extraordinary sight has led to a surge of believers seeking lottery numbers from this mystical tree The Wealthy…
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Decorated soldier Roberts-Smith found guilty of war crimes in defamation case
Allegations of war crimes involving Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia’s most decorated living soldier, have left the nation grappling with difficult questions about its national identity and the role of its armed forces. When reports of the alleged war crimes first surfaced in 2017, Roberts-Smith launched a defamation case against the newspapers involved. However, on June 1, Judge Anthony Besanko ruled that…
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Ukraine recaptures villages, Russia shoots down fighter jet amid flooding
In a significant development, Ukrainian forces have managed to recapture three villages from Russian control in the southeast region, marking the first liberated settlements since the launch of their latest counteroffensive. Meanwhile, Russia’s defence ministry announced that it had downed a Ukrainian Su-25 fighter jet in the Kherson region and repelled three Ukrainian attacks in Zaporizhia. The aftermath of last…
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Malaysia aims to attract Microsoft, Google for data hub ambitions
As part of its strategy to become a data hub, Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, is seeking to attract tech giants Microsoft and Google to establish operations in the country. Amid escalating tensions between the United States and China, Malaysia aims to position itself as a neutral supply chain base. Tengku Zafrul stated that…
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Malaysian PM and Health Minister uphold medical student scholarships
Malaysian Medics International (MMI) has expressed its gratitude and support towards Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Health Minister Zaliha Mustafa for their decision to continue public scholarships for medical students in Malaysia. This announcement comes after the Public Service Department (PSD) considered ending scholarships for students in medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy. MMI praised the government’s choice to prioritise the education…
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Minister slams Muafakat Nasional for misleading public with old news
Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil has accused Muafakat Nasional president Tan Sri Annuar Musa of misleading the public by sharing outdated news as if it were current. Fahmi questioned a Facebook post by Annuar that featured an article from 2014 in which DAP’s Beruas MP Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham advocated for Muslims to respect apostates. The post, which has…
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Eggs-traordinary crisis: Thailand’s soaring egg prices crack traders and consumers alike
The soaring cost of eggs in Thailand has left traders and consumers concerned, with some attributing the price hike to a shortage of supplies at farms and increased export demand. Wanchai Rungmitcharatsaeng, a 65 year old egg shop owner in Khon Kaen’s Mueang district, has been in the business for over 20 years and claims that egg prices have reached…
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Ice factory owner fatally shot in failed dispute resolution meet
Today morning, a deadly shootout occurred in a Chon Buri neighbourhood near the Wat Nong Tamlueng temple, leaving one person dead and causing significant property damage. The altercation stemmed from an unresolved dispute between two local families. Police were alerted to the incident at 3:30am and promptly arrived on the scene to find a 40 year old ice factory owner…
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Mysterious bee nest sparks lottery buzz across Thailand
Lottery enthusiasts throughout Thailand are seeking lucky numbers for the upcoming June 16 lotto draw, following various news sources and tales of mystical encounters. Here is a roundup of the latest buzz around notable numbers and lottery stories enveloping the Land of Smiles. Legendary beehive numbers Tourists visiting the sacred site of a beehive nest under a particular Buddha statue…
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Bolt invests 300 million baht in Thai expansion amid ride-hailing competition
Estonian tech firm Bolt is set to invest 300 million baht in Thailand to bolster its presence in the country as part of its Southeast Asian expansion strategy. This move follows Bolt’s recent funding round, which raised 628 million euros at a valuation of 7.4 billion euros, earmarked for geographical growth. The company’s expansion adds to the fierce competition in…
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China and Thailand plan joint military cooperation to maintain regional stability
China expressed its readiness to enhance military cooperation with Thailand in a bid to maintain stability in the region. The two nations have planned a series of joint military exercises for the upcoming year. During a meeting in Beijing, China’s Defence Minister Li Shangfu assured Narongpan Jitkaewtae, the Royal Thai Army’s commander-in-chief, of China’s commitment to work closely with Thailand.…
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Thailand urged to boost beauty and wellness market for long-term growth
Thailand’s new coalition government is being encouraged to adopt a consistent policy to support the nation’s beauty and wellness market over an extended period. Ketmanee Lertkitcha, the chairwoman of the health, wellness and beauty industry cluster of the Federation of Thai Industries, highlighted the need for a national strategy to promote this sector, which, along with tourism, plays a crucial…
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New 135km canal to link Pasak River and Gulf, easing floods and droughts
The Royal Irrigation Department announced plans to construct a new canal that will connect the Pasak River to the Gulf of Thailand. The primary aim of this project is to alleviate flooding in the Central Plains basin during the rainy season and address water shortages during the dry season. Spanning 135 kilometres, the canal will originate in Tambon Roeng Rang, located…
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Textual ties: Netizens knot amused by groom’s wedding texts
A video of a groom texting on his wedding day left netizens scratching their heads. The video captures him texting on his mobile phone while leaving the church with his new bride. The video, initially posted to TikTok, has since been viewed over 43.8 million times, sparking widespread speculation. TikTok user @CynthiaUmunze initially uploaded a video but later removed it…
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Heavy rainfall to hit 37 provinces: Stay alert for flash floods
Heavy rainfall is expected in 37 provinces across Thailand this week, with a 60% chance of precipitation, according to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD). The country and parts of Bangkok are on alert for potential flash floods, prompting residents to exercise caution as accumulated rainfall increases the risk. These weather conditions are a result of low-pressure troughs affecting the northern…
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Armed Forces personnel resort to food banks amid cost of living crisis
Military personnel and their families in the United Kingdom have increasingly turned to food banks due to the rising cost of living and high inflation rates, according to Sky News. One such food bank, initially set up by an aviator to support the local community, is now being used by Royal Air Force (RAF) personnel at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.…
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Malaysia to introduce bill controlling smoking products, targeting youth
The Malaysian Health Ministry is set to present the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023 for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat. The bill, which has received cabinet support, is expected to be tabled by Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa. The legislation encompasses 23 proposed amendments and five new suggestions, making it more comprehensive by covering…
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Ofsted revisits inadequate schools within 3 months after head teacher suicide
Following the tragic suicide of headteacher Ruth Perry, Ofsted has announced changes to school inspections in England, including revisiting schools graded inadequate over child welfare within three months. Additionally, the complaints system will undergo a significant overhaul. Ruth Perry’s sister, Prof Julia Waters, stated that while the changes were a start, more substantial reforms were necessary. The Education Secretary, Gillian…
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Johor-Singapore economic region proposal gains momentum amid unique relationship
The potential establishment of a Johor-Singapore economic region is generating excitement among residents and business owners in Malaysia’s southern state of Johor. The idea, which aims to strengthen the state’s economic potential, has been discussed by the state government, the federal government, and the Singaporean government, but has not yet been raised as an official proposal. Johor and Singapore have…
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Sarawak Premier highlights politics as platform for state, country development
The Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, emphasised the importance of a common political platform for the development of the state, country, and community. He asserted that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is dedicated to serving and safeguarding the rights of Sarawak and its people. “Our politics should be the right politics with the right intentions. We will…
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Wagner Group refuses Ministry contracts amid Russia’s defence directive
The Wagner Group, a Russian private military company, has declined to sign contracts with the Russian defence ministry, despite a directive issued by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu. The order, aimed at increasing the effectiveness of the Russian army fighting in Ukraine, required all “volunteer detachments” to sign contracts with the ministry by the end of June. Wagner Group founder Yevgeny…
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Djokovic claims record 23rd Grand Slam at French Open
Novak Djokovic has achieved a historic milestone as he secured his men’s record 23rd Grand Slam title, defeating Casper Ruud 7-6 (1), 6-3, 7-5 in the French Open final. This victory further strengthens his claim to be the greatest player of all time in men’s tennis. The 36-year-old Serbian surpassed rival Rafael Nadal, who missed this year’s tournament due to…
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Three Brits missing after Red Sea scuba boat catches fire in Egypt
Three British tourists have gone missing after a scuba diving boat they were on caught fire near Egypt’s Red Sea coast. The boat, named “Hurricane,” was carrying 12 crew members and 12 British passengers when it was engulfed in flames off the southern Red Sea resort town of Marsa Alam. Egyptian authorities have attributed the fire to an electrical short…
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Four missing indigenous children survive 40 days in Colombian jungle
Radios in the Colombian jungle came alive with the news that four indigenous Huitoto children, missing for 40 days, had been found alive. The children, aged 13, nine, four, and one, survived a plane crash on May 1 that killed their mother. Stranded in an area filled with snakes, jaguars, and mosquitos, the children relied on their survival skills and…
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Russia attacks evacuee boat in Kherson, kills three, amid dam flooding crisis
Three individuals lost their lives after a boat evacuating people from a flood-stricken area in Kherson, Ukraine, was attacked by Russian forces, according to the regional governor. The Nova Kakhovka dam, located on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River, was destroyed, causing widespread flooding and trapping numerous people. The governor, Oleksandr Prokudin, reported that Russian troops shelled the evacuation…
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