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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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Thai air force on standby to rescue citizens from warzone
As the Middle East spirals further into chaos, Thailand has its wings clipped and ready. The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is on high alert, poised to swoop in and evacuate tens of thousands of Thai citizens caught in the escalating Israel-Iran attacks. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra revealed yesterday, June 17, that evacuation aircraft are prepped and waiting, pending coordination…
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Slither-invasion! Baby pythons cause a hiss-teria in Thai village
More than 30 baby pythons slithered their way through a Thai village, sparking panic as they wrapped themselves around electric poles and crept along garden fences, while their elusive mother was nowhere to be found. Frightened locals in Chalong Rat Village, Mae Moh District, Lampang Province, raised the alarm yesterday, June 18, after spotting the tiny serpents crawling across wires…
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Thailand braces for thunderstorms and high waves
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning, forecasting thunderstorms across Thailand, with the north being the most affected region, experiencing storms in 60% of the area. The Andaman Sea may see waves up to 2 metres high. The weather forecast for the next 24 hours indicates continued thunderstorms due to the southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand,…
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Thai man wanted for murdering gay man and stealing gold
A Thai man fled from Surin province to Mukdahan after allegedly murdering a gay man and stealing gold jewellery worth over 1 million baht on June 4. The victim, 63 year old Pratheep Kongthawee, was found dead at his home in Surin with a fatal stab wound to his neck and bruises on his hands and arms. His body was…
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Pink Line extension to Muang Thong Thani now open
The much-anticipated extension of the Pink Line has officially opened, offering commuters a faster and more convenient way to travel to Muang Thong Thani. The new 3-kilometre extension, which opened today, June 17, connects Sri Rat Station to two new stations—Impact Thani Station (MT01) and Muang Thong Thani Lake Station (MT02). With services running daily from 6am to midnight, this…
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Thailand bans workers crossing to Poipet over safety concerns
Thailand has banned its citizens from crossing the border into Cambodia’s Poipet township, effective immediately. The order, issued by Major General Benchapol Dechatiwong na Ayutthaya, commander of the Burapa Task Force, prohibits all Thai workers employed in entertainment venues and casinos in Poipet from entering Cambodia through the Sa Kaeo border. The directive, which was enforced at 8am today, June…
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Thai man fatally shot at karaoke bar after scuffle over microphone
A former Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) member fatally shot a Thai man at a karaoke bar in the northern province of Phetchabun, allegedly following a scuffle over a microphone. Officers from Si Thep Police Station arrested the gunman, Sanan Promsook, at the karaoke venue in the Si Thep district of Phetchabun at around 11pm, Sunday, June 15. Sanan, a former…
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Cambodia bans Thai fruit and vegetables amid border dispute
In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Cambodia has slapped a ban on all imports of Thai fruit and vegetables following Thailand’s refusal to fully reopen all border checkpoints. The decision, announced today, June 17, comes after weeks of simmering tension between the two countries over unresolved border issues. Lieutenant General Sok Veasna, Director General of Cambodia’s General Department of Immigration,…
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Chumphon man caught with 456 meth pills on Highway 41
Police officers from the Highway Police Command apprehended 44 year old Chumphon resident, Jirasak or Em, for possessing over 400 methamphetamine pills. The arrest today, June 17, took place on Highway 41, inbound to Bangkok, in Ban Na, Mueang district, Chumphon province. While patrolling the area, police noticed Jirasak overtaking their vehicle on a motorcycle. His suspicious demeanour suggested recent…
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Tourism in Thailand drops amid Israel’s attack on Iran
Israel’s recent military attack on Iran is significantly impacting tourism, with a potential 30-50% drop in visitors from countries such as Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. This decline affects travel to major Thai destinations including Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. Thapanee Kiatphaiboon, chief of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), highlighted these concerns, noting a drop from approximately…
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Korat villager wins 12 million baht lottery jackpot
A lucky resident of Thong Lang village in Thailand’s northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima has struck it rich, winning a life-changing 12 million baht in the national lottery. The winning numbers were announced yesterday, June 16, with the first prize number being 507392. In addition to the first prize, the draw included several other winning numbers, such as the three-digit…
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Municipal waste collector killed by pickup in Bang Phae accident
A municipal waste collector today was fatally struck by a pickup truck while standing at the rear of a garbage truck. The incident occurred at 7am,today, June 17, on the Baan Kum-Don Yai Road, Bang Phae district. Police have sent the body for a post-mortem to determine the cause of death. Police Lieutenant Suthiphong Suwannano, an investigator from Bang Phae…
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Thai police find financial links between scam gangs and Cambodian elite
Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) officers discovered that a company based in Cambodia has financial links to gambling websites and call centre scam gangs that targeted Thai citizens. The company is reportedly connected to the nephew of a Cambodian political leader. CCIB Commander Trirong Phewphan revealed at a press conference that many of the gambling websites and scam gangs previously…
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Fatal stabbing follows truck drivers’ altercation in central Thailand
A heated altercation between two truck drivers led to a fatal stabbing in Samut Sakhon province. Police were notified at 6am today, June 17, about the incident near the entrance of Kasetphantharam Temple. Police are currently seeking the suspect, who fled the scene. The deceased, identified as 39 year old Narongsak, was found in a pool of blood approximately 100 metres…
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Phuket to become Asia’s wellness capital with 2025 Health Expo
Phuket is gearing up to host the highly anticipated Phuket Health Expo 2025 next month, as the island sets its sights on becoming Asia’s premier wellness hub. With over 40 stunning beaches and world-renowned resorts, Phuket is positioning itself as a World Class Wellness Hub of Asia, and the upcoming expo will play a key role in this ambitious plan.…
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Thai police raid uncovers illegal gambling and ransomware in Chon Buri
Thai police conducted a major raid on a hotel in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri, uncovering an illegal gambling operation run by Chinese nationals. More than 40 people were apprehended, and evidence of ransomware activities involving Chinese companies was found. Today, June 17, Police Major General Chairit Anurith, commander of Immigration Division 3, directed a coordinated raid led by Police…
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Narathiwat ex-village head arrested for major drug network involvement
The Crime Suppression Division arrested a 34 year old former village head in Narathiwat province, who is believed to be a key figure in a major drug network. His arrest stemmed from evidence collected after he contacted his subordinate while under police custody to inquire about a drug delivery. Today, June 17, Police Major General Wichaya Sriprasertphap, Police Colonel Anusorn…
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Jealous South Korean assaults Thai girlfriend with gun in Pattaya
A shocking case of jealousy and violence unfolded in Pattaya when a South Korean man locked his Thai girlfriend in a room for nearly 24 hours, threatened her with a gun, and physically assaulted her after suspecting she was involved with another man. The terrifying ordeal ended when police rescued the woman, leading to a dramatic chase and arrest of…
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Trang car shop raided for illegal firearm production
Police officers raided a car repair shop in Trang province, apprehending its owner for illegal firearm production and repair. The operation, yesterday, June 16, led by Police Major General Witthaya Sriprasertphap resulted in the arrest of 45 year old Sompong, along with the seizure of numerous firearms, ammunition, and related equipment. Police received information about a car repair shop in…
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Air India flight returns to Hong Kong after mid-air emergency
Just days after the devastating crash of Air India flight AI 171, which claimed at least 270 lives en route to London, another Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was forced to turn back mid-air yesterday due to a suspected technical issue. The flight, AI 315, was bound for New Delhi from Hong Kong when the crew made the precautionary decision…
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Lampang man dies from flesh-eating bacteria on tour bus
A 38 year old man from Lampang province died aboard a bus during a trip from Nakhon Ratchasima to Chiang Mai, with autopsy results now revealing the shocking cause of death—flesh-eating bacteria. The man was found lifeless when the bus arrived at Lampang Bus Terminal yesterday, June 16, his left leg bruised and bleeding. Initial investigations showed no signs of…
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Pomelo vendor loses 300,000 baht to dating app scammer
A 52 year old pomelo vendor has reported being deceived by a 60 year old man, whom she met on a dating app. Over a month-long interaction, they fell in love, married, and invested in a business, leading to substantial financial losses. Suthasinee, who originally sold pomelos, coconuts, and drinks, encountered the alleged fraudster online. After exchanging contact details, Paramee expressed…
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India tragedy: Black box recovered from fatal flight
The recovery of the black box from last week’s deadly Air India crash marks a crucial step in the investigation, potentially revealing vital insights into the cause of the tragic accident. Tragedy struck last Thursday, June 12, as Air India’s London-bound flight crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing at least 270 people, including most of the passengers. Now, as…
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Cyber police arrest gambling site admins, seize illegal weapons
Cyber police arrested administrators of the FAST24h gambling website and a person managing finances for AUTO.UFABET-PGSLOT, confiscating illegal weapons and ammunition. The suspects, who reportedly earned substantial incomes from these activities, will face legal proceedings. Yesterday, June 16, at the Technology Crime Suppression Division headquarters in Mueang Thong Thani, senior officers, including Police Lieutenant General Trirong Piewpan and Police Major…
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Transport Ministry to launch contractor oversight system in August
The Ministry of Transport plans to introduce a “contractor report card” system in August, aimed at enhancing the oversight and accountability of contractors involved in public infrastructure projects. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced that the Ministry of Finance’s Comptroller General Department is working on regulations to evaluate contractor performance. These regulations will be reviewed by the…
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Udon Thani luxury home ransacked and used for drug party
A 50 year old lawyer was left devastated after discovering his luxury two-storey home in Udon Thani had been ransacked and used for a drug party, resulting in damages estimated at 1.5 million baht. The incident occurred yesterday, June 16, with Police Lieutenant Suksan Hasuk, Deputy Inspector at Mueang Udon Thani Police Station, receiving the report and promptly investigating the…
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Fast track to Formula fun: Thailand revs up for F1 bid
Thailand has hit the gas on its high-octane dream of becoming a Formula One (F1) host nation, with a turbocharged 40 billion baht plan to bring the world’s most elite racing series to the Land of Smiles by 2028. Tourism and Sports Minister Surawong Thienthong revealed on today, June 17, that the Cabinet has officially approved the country’s bold bid…
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Thailand joins list of safest countries for tourists by US
The government urged residents to celebrate after Thailand was named one of the safest destinations for tourists by the United States Department of State. The Department of State categorises travel safety advisories into four levels: Level 1 – Exercise normal precautions, Level 2 – Exercise increased caution, Level 3 – Reconsider travel, and Level 4 – Do not travel. Countries…
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Orchard owner electrocuted by high-voltage wire in Chanthaburi
A tragic incident occurred yesterday when a 28 year old orchard owner was electrocuted by a 22,000-volt high-voltage wire while trimming a durian tree in Chanthaburi province. The recovery of his body from the 6-metre-high tree was challenging for rescue teams. Police Colonel Pramote Kongnantha and rescue officials from the Sawang Katanyu Dhammasathan Association investigated the accident yesterday, June 16,…
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Laotian man caught smuggling 672kg of kratom in Nong Khai
Customs officials in Nong Khai have apprehended a Laotian man attempting to smuggle 12 sacks of kratom leaves weighing over 672 kilogrammes. The leaves were concealed in a van, preparing to be taken out of the country. Yesterday, June 16, at the Nong Khai Customs Office, officials led by Wannapa Phutthao, director of the Nong Khai Customs Office, Pakin Tiebkam,…
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