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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 Digital nomading in Chiang Mai? What US$1,000 a month really gets you
Chiang Mai has become a popular destination for digital nomads due to its low living costs, rich culture, and active remote work community. The city offers affordable housing, tasty food, reliable internet, and many co-working spaces, making it a great...
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Chinese fighter’s aggressive move risks collision with US aircraft
An American surveillance aircraft encountered an “unnecessarily aggressive manoeuvre” by a Chinese fighter pilot over the South China Sea last week, according to the US military. This incident, which the Pentagon claims is indicative of China’s pattern of behaviour, comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing over issues such as Taiwan and an alleged Chinese spy balloon shot down…
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Phuket MP warns teachers of jail time for hitting students
Phuket‘s Move Forward MP-elect for Constituency 1, Somchart Techathavorncharoen, has issued a warning to teachers that hitting students is a criminal offence, punishable by a fine of up to 40,000 baht or up to two years in prison, or both. Somchart made the announcement on his official Facebook page, reminding the public that the Ministry of Education had abolished corporal…
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North Korea satellite launch fails, debris recovered from sea
A failed satellite launch by North Korea on May 31 resulted in the booster and payload crashing into the sea, according to the state’s news agency KCNA. The incident led to emergency alerts and temporary evacuation warnings in parts of South Korea and Japan. South Korea’s military has since recovered parts of the launch vehicle from the sea. The “Chollima-1”…
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Thai minimum wage: Coalition parties and industry council engage in discussions
Eight Thai political parties agreed to support a Thai minimum wage increase to 450 baht (US$13) per day and continued discussions with the Federation of Thai Industries about moving the bill forward. Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP), emphasized the excellent cooperation within the coalition government. The MFP leader informed INN News that the atmosphere during the…
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Thai parties push for Progressive Liquor Bill to boost local alcohol production
The Progressive Liquor Bill, which aims to create fairer rules for small and community-based alcohol producers in Thailand, resurfaced in public discussions after being mentioned in a memorandum of understanding signed by eight parties looking to form a coalition government. The bill, proposed by the Move Forward Party (MFP), narrowly lost approval in the House of Representatives last year by…
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Love Confession Day turns into betrayal: Husband catches cheating wife in the act
A marriage was shaken to its core on “Love Confession Day” in China after a husband caught his wife dating another man while out with his daughter in the Jiangsu province. The cheating wife then defended her lover when confronted. ‘A,’ a married woman, chose to celebrate Love Confession Day, which is similar to Valentine’s Day, by secretly dating another man…
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Thai man saves python from cooking pot, offers it to monks
A Thai man saved a 3-metre long python from being cooked and decided to offer it to monks at the Kode Thim Tharam temple in the eastern Rayong province. However, the monks declined the offer due to inappropriate conditions for the snake at the temple. Today at 7am, Prasert Linsamphan brought a python named ‘Nong Jiji’ to the Kode Thim…
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Virtual twin tech tackles traffic congestion and pollution in smart cities
Virtual twin technology is emerging as a transformative tool for future mobility and smart cities, helping to address issues such as traffic congestion and air pollution, according to Dassault Systèmes, a France-based 3D design software company. This technology is an extension of digital twins, which are digital replicas of physical objects, systems, or processes that integrate advanced technologies and data…
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Cyber police bust luxury home, arrest Chinese crypto gang for global investment scam
Cyber police yesterday raided a lavish home in the Bang Na district of Bangkok and arrested a Chinese couple involved in an international cryptocurrency scam. The operation, ‘Trust No One,’ seized valuable assets worth millions and investigated other linked locations across the city. Cyber police officers recently launched the ‘Trust No One’ operation, targeting an international cryptocurrency scam operated by…
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Thai e-marketplaces Shopee and Lazada shift to profitability
The e-commerce landscape in Thailand experienced a significant shift as major players Shopee and Lazada reported profits for the first time in almost a decade. This change has been attributed to careful spending, operational adjustments, and increased service fees. In 2022, Shopee recorded a profit of 2.4 billion baht, while Lazada posted a profit of 413 million baht. Shopee’s revenue reached…
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Highway Police Commissioner transferred over easy pass sticker scandal
The Commissioner of the Highway Police was transferred to work for the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) following the easy pass sticker scandal. Highway Police were accused of accepting bribes and granting special passes for overloaded trucks. The allegations were made by Move Forward Party (MFP) member Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn. He took to Facebook to share evidence suggesting that certain police officers…
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MFP leader concerned over Thai media censorship
Concerns about media freedom in Thailand have been raised by Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat after a local pay-TV provider blocked a BBC profile about him. During a news conference, Pita addressed the issue, stating that press freedom must be rectified and made tangible in the country. Pita highlighted that at least three foreign news media outlets had experienced…
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China’s durian imports surge as Vietnam challenges Thai dominance
Beijing’s decision to allow fresh durian imports from Vietnam has led to a surge in demand for the fruit in China, with importers like Bob Wang, founder of TWT Supply China, securing deals with Vietnamese durian farms. Despite the pandemic-related import restrictions, China saw a fourfold increase in durian imports in 2022 compared to 2017, reaching a total value of…
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Bangkok commuters demand missing link between Green and Yellow lines
The operators of Bangkok’s Green and Yellow lines are facing increasing pressure to construct a 2.6-kilometre connection between the two electric train systems. This would enable Bangkok commuters to conveniently switch lines at Ratchayothin and Lat Phrao stations. The Yellow Line monorail, set to begin operations later this year, will serve as a mass-transit link for commuters in Bangkok’s north…
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Thailand sees tourist tax refund surge since reopening in June
Following Thailand‘s full reopening in June last year, the number of tourist tax refunds has surged, as reported by Revenue Department director-general Lavaron Sangsnit. The increase in foreign visitors is evident in the substantial rise in value-added tax (VAT) refund totals. In 2022, over 423,000 tourists received VAT refunds, totalling 1.2 billion baht. Between January and May 2022, there were…
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Pattaya to host 9th Annual International Day of Yoga at H20 Pool Nirvana
Yoga enthusiasts have a fantastic opportunity to participate in a special event in Pattaya. The 9th Annual International Day of Yoga is scheduled to be held at the H2O Pool Nirvana on June 18 from 8am to 9am. This gathering promises to be a delightful experience for all attendees, with free t-shirts and morning refreshments provided. Yoga mats will be…
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Thai police and Interpol unite to combat human trafficking in Southeast Asia
The Royal Thai Police (RTP) is set to collaborate with Interpol in establishing a coordinating centre to combat human trafficking gangs operating in Southeast Asia. A meeting between Thai police officials and the FBI took place at the Interpol Global Complex for Innovation in Singapore to discuss human trafficking prevention strategies. The centre aims to tackle online crimes involving the…
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Rat-astrophe at beachside feast! Thai woman’s warning after rodent bite
A Thai woman issued a warning to others after she was bitten by a large rat while she was dining near Bang Saen Beach in Chon Buri province. TikTok user, Wave.ds, posted a video of his sister with a bite wound two days ago with a caption that said… “Poor sister. A rat bit her when eating food on Bang…
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Miracle cosmetics offering: Woman wins lottery after praying to legendary goddess
A significant number of tourists have been visiting Bosot Prawat Pho temple and the shrine of the goddess Monthatip in Thailand’s central Samut Songkhram province, to seek luck and prosperity in their lives and businesses. Among them, Wassana Baisamut, a 49 year old restaurant owner, attributes her fortunate lottery win and booming business to offerings made to Monthatip, drawing further…
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Animal fat jet fuel demand risks palm oil surge, worsening emissions
The use of animal fat as a greener alternative to traditional jet fuel is raising concerns about its impact on the environment. Animal fats, considered waste, are used to create aviation fuel with a lower carbon footprint. Demand for such fuel is expected to triple by 2030, driven by airlines. However, experts warn that scarcity in animal fat could lead…
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Heavy rain warning across Thailand, strong winds raise flood risk
Heavy rain and flash floods are forecast across Thailand today with a 70% chance of Bangkok being affected. Compelling precautions, the Thai Meteorological Department has warned residents in at-risk areas. The Meteorological Department reports that for the next 24 hours, beginning from 6pm yesterday until 6pm today, heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected across the northern, central, and eastern regions…
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Woman fatally shot amid domestic argument, husband blames dog jump for her death
A woman was found dead in her home after an argument with her drunken husband in Chachoengsao, Thailand. Police and forensic officers are investigating the scene and questioning four individuals, including the husband, to identify the perpetrator. Yesterday, officers from Chachoengsao Police Station were notified of a shooting that resulted in a fatality in a two-storey house in the city.…
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Pittsburgh synagogue shooter’s malice and hatred described in court
A devastating attack on a Pittsburgh synagogue in 2018, which claimed the lives of 11 worshippers, has been described as an act of “malice and hatred” during the ongoing trial of the accused gunman, Robert Bowers. The 50-year-old is facing over 60 federal charges, including hate crimes resulting in death and obstruction of free exercise of religion resulting in death.…
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Phuket sees Covid-19 surge, lax prevention and booster shot issues
Thailand’s island province of Phuket has experienced a concerning surge in Covid-19 infections over the past month, according to the Provincial Public Health Office. Deputy Chief Dr Muanprae Boonlorm highlighted that Vachira Phuket Hospital has seen a rise in Covid-19 patients since the Songkran holiday in mid-April. The number of hospitalisations due to pneumonia and Covid-19 related fatalities have also…
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Elizabeth Holmes starts 11-year prison term for Theranos fraud
Elizabeth Holmes, the founder of the now-defunct Theranos, reported to a federal prison in Texas to serve her 11-year sentence. The 39 year old was convicted of four counts of fraud related to her failed blood testing start-up early last year. Her request to remain free on bail while challenging the original conviction was denied in mid-May. The Federal Bureau…
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Lorry crashes into house after swerving to avoid truck in Thailand
A six-wheel lorry veered off the road and crashed into a house in Thailand‘s eastern Chanthaburi province, causing significant damage to the property. The homeowner narrowly escaped injury, while the truck driver stated that a sudden lane change by a pickup truck forced him off the road. The incident occurred yesterday in the Chanthaburi district when the vehicle lost control…
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Urine Luck! Controversial video of drinking pee for the good of your health goes viral (video)
An old video featuring Sondhi Limthongkul delivering health advice on drinking your urine has resurfaced online. In the video, he promotes urine therapy as a method for maintaining one’s health and treating illnesses. Debates have ensued questioning the efficacy and safety of the practice. In the video, Sondhi Limthongkul, a prominent Thai personality, discussed maintaining one’s health with the controversial…
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Bullied Thai student fatally stabs 1 and injures 2 others at renowned school
A secondary school student fatally stabbed a fellow student after an argument at a reputable school in Sri Rattana district in Thailand‘s northeast Sisaket province. Two other 14 year olds sustained serious injuries, Khaosod reported this morning. The incident led the Sisaket Provincial Governor, Samruay Kasemsuk, to urgently visit and aid the deceased student’s family, providing financial assistance and moral…
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Rayong’s frog-tunate discovery: Residents hop on golden toad’s good luck
Residents in a Rayong village believe a golden yellow toad they discovered amid regular frogs during a heavy downpour will bring good luck. The woman who caught the toad refuses to sell it as she believes it would bring good luck and generate a lottery windfall someday. Reporters yesterday met with the woman who caught the toad, Vinijta Ruamwong, at…
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Motorbike rider killed in tragic collision with 6-wheel truck in central Thailand
A tragic accident occurred at Nawanakorn Industrial Estate in Thailand‘s central Pathum Thani province when a 26 year old man on a motorbike collided with a six-wheeled truck, resulting in his death. The incident took place at 7.30pm yesterday, and authorities are investigating the cause of the accident. The deceased man, originally from Ban Haet district in the northeast Khon…
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