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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 Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run
Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...
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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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Thailand and Malaysia boost maritime security with joint exercise
In a significant display of naval cooperation, Thailand and Malaysia have strengthened their maritime security relations through the 71st SEAEX THAMAL Combined Training Squadron/2025, which takes place from June 15-18. Yesterday, June 16, Vice Admiral Suwat Donsakul, Commander of the Third Naval Area Command, assigned Rear Admiral Phachong Rodnikorn, Deputy Commander of the Third Naval Area Command, to officially welcome…
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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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Khon Kaen woman strikes it rich with 6 million baht lottery win
A woman from Phu Wiang district in Khon Kaen has become the talk of the town after winning 6 million baht in the national lottery. The lucky number, 507392, was drawn in the lottery yesterday, June 16, landing her the first prize. The Government Lottery Office (GLO) revealed the results, which included other prize numbers such as the three-digit front…
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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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Burmese man arrested with gun and ammo in Phang Nga
A Burmese man has been arrested in Phang Nga, southern Thailand, after being caught with a homemade firearm and ammunition, just days after locals reported his suspicious activities. The man, identified only as Ruay, was found in a hut without a number in Village 4, Lo Yuang subdistrict, Takua Thung district, following a tip-off that he was frequently seen carrying…
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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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German drug dealer busted in Pattaya with cocaine and gun
A major drug dealer has been arrested in Pattaya after a successful sting operation led by local police. The suspect, a 42 year old German man identified as Mike, was caught with over 427 grammes of cocaine and a .380 calibre handgun. His arrest marks the end of a significant operation targeting foreign drug dealers in the area. Police Colonel…
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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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False gambling report: Thai police mistakenly raid board game party
Bumbling police officers raided a house in the central province of Saraburi in an attempt to arrest gamblers, only to discover that the presumed suspects were merely playing a board game. One of the board game players shared CCTV footage of the incident on her TikTok account, @nnannthc, on Sunday, 15 June, with the caption: “Board game was the cause.…
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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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Foreign couple filmed engaging in sex act on Phuket tuk tuk (video)
A Phuket tuk tuk driver, who had earlier reported inappropriate behaviour by foreign passengers, has once again blown the whistle—this time on a foreign couple caught performing a sex act in the back of his vehicle. The tuk tuk driver shared a video of the incident on his Facebook account, จ้าวนึก เก็ตโฮ่ แล้วแต่มุมมอง, yesterday, June 16, without a caption, as…
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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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Visa villains! Nigerian trio nicked in Phuket overstay drama
Phuket Immigration officers busted three Nigerian nationals for overstaying their welcome, one of them by nearly seven months, as part of Thailand’s island-wide crackdown on dodgy foreigners. Acting on high-level orders from national police chiefs, officers from Phuket Immigration rounded up the trio in a targeted sweep aimed at rooting out visa overstayers and criminal elements lurking on the island.…
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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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Bank of Thailand to name new governor amid challenges
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) is set to appoint a new governor as Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput will conclude his term on September 30. The selection process is crucial, as the new governor will navigate Thailand’s economic challenges and influence monetary policy and financial stability. Applications for the position closed on June 4, with seven candidates in the running. The candidates are:…
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