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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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Two Thais arrested for defrauding Bangkok monk of 500,000 baht in online scam
Thai cyber police yesterday apprehended two key members of a fraudulent call centre operation which orchestrated an elaborate financial scam, defrauding a monk out of almost half a million baht. Named Thitiwatch, aged 38, and 52 year old Ekapetch were arrested in Phaya Thai and Pleonchit districts of Bangkok under arrest warrants 407,408/2023 from Samut Prakan provincial court. The investigation…
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Selfie with unconscious victim sparks outrage across social media
In a chilling incident, a female tourist sparked outrage when she took a smiling selfie with an unconscious person in China. The incident which occurred at Chunshenjian, a public park at Xihuyuan in Uxie City, Jiangsu province, China, sparked widespread criticism online as the woman blatantly disrespected the person’s distressing situation. The woman was casually walking through the park when she…
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Bangkok freezes fire drills after fatal school mishap, calls for rigorous reform
The Governor of Bangkok, Chadchart Sittipunt, appealed for extensive reform of disaster prevention and mitigation systems in the wake of a lethal explosion that occurred during a fire drill at a local school. Fire evacuation exercises throughout the city will remain suspended while safety checks on fire-fighting apparatus are carried out. This update in policy comes in the aftermath of…
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Counterfeit caper in northeast Thailand: Scammer’s fake money fiasco sends a warning to the community
A cautionary tale has emerged from the local community in northeast Thailand involving a scammer using counterfeit money for purchases. The perpetrator paid with a fake 1,000 baht banknote and received 903 baht in change. Around 1pm yesterday, Police Lieutenant Colonel Chedchai Chaisaeng, an acting inquiry officer of Chai Wan Police Station in Udon Thani, was visited by local retailer Prapaphon,…
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Fatal tragedy strikes as young biker crashes into tree near national research office
A fatal accident occurred in the early hours of this morning, with a young man crashing his motorbike into a tree near the National Research Office. The victim, 25 year old Kamphol, was said to be en route to meet a friend in the Bang Khen area for an outing at Khao San Road. At approximately 3am today, police officer…
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Chinese tour group apologised after causing harm to Thai marine life
The serene waters of Ao La on Koh Racha Yai, situated south of Phuket, were recently embroiled in controversy when tourists from a Chinese tour company, Jinyang Holiday Group, engaged in activities harmful to marine life and environment. They posed for photos with seemingly innocent starfish in hand and ventured onto delicate coral reefs, drawing the ire of local marine…
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Kasikornbank branches out into Vietnam aiming at top 20 by 2027
Breaking new ground in its expansion strategy, Kasikorn Business-Technology Group (KBTG), a subsidiary of Thailand’s Kasikornbank, has laid the foundation stone for KBTG Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City. With an aim to serve the surging regional digital expansion of its parent conglomerate and to attain a spot amongst the top 20 banks in Vietnam by 2027, this development is…
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Phuket roads to close for grand Peranakan Festival parade today
Phuket Town’s arterial ways are set to experience a temporary shutdown late this afternoon into the evening due to a grand carnival parade. The procession forms part of the Phuket Peranakan Festival ceremonies and will cover the historical Phuket Old Town region. Thalang Road, Soi Rommanee, and parts of Phang Nga Road, Yaowarat Road, and Thepkrasattri Road will remain inaccessible to…
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Illegal Cape Shark Villas shut down on Koh Tao Island”
A villa constructed without permission in Cape Shark Villas has been instructed to cease operations by local authorities on Koh Tao Island. An investigation is underway to check if other villas within the resort have conformed to obligatory construction permits. The villa under investigation is strategically perched on a rocky ledge, providing direct access to the clear waters of the…
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RTN investigates alleged corruption in 440 million baht armoured vehicle deal
A thorough investigation has been initiated by the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) after a social media page reported some alleged discrepancies in a recent purchase of armoured vehicles totalling over 440 million baht (US$12,480,000). The public announcement about the investigation came yesterday when Admiral Pokkrong Monthatphalin, the RTN spokesman, stated that the navy commander, Choengchai Chomchoengpaet, had ordered a probe…
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Healing the rumor mill: Bangkok hospital denies ‘rejuvenating DNA’ trials with a dose of truth
King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, alongside Chulalongkorn University (CU), yesterday refuted allegations of conducting “rejuvenating DNA” trials on human subjects following a claim by someone to have undergone such treatment at their facilities. In a joint statement, both institutions clarified that the pioneering rejuvenating DNA, developed by CU’s Faculty of Medicine specialist team under the RED-GEMs (REjuvenating DNA by GEnomic Stability…
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Tham Luang cave rescue heroes honoured on 5th anniversary
The fifth anniversary of the Tham Luang cave rescue will be observed with a merit-making ceremony honouring the deceased – including Nang Nom’s governor, Seaman Sam and Young Dom. The preparations for the ceremony have been initiated at various sacred spots within the park and will include a homage to the Lady of Nang Non. PR.Thailand shared pictures of the…
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Daughter’s divorce celebration with cake and fireworks in China
In an unusual event that sparked widespread interest, a family in China held a divorce celebration for their daughter with fireworks and a cake cutting, signalling a departure from traditional norms surrounding marriage breakdowns. The changing attitudes of the modern era have lessened the stigma attached to divorce, making it now less of a daunting prospect than in the past.…
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Triumph over adversity: Teenage Thai girl peddles to provide for family
A 15 year old Thai girl found herself as the breadwinner of a family of three following a family accident. The girl, her grandmother, and her 8 year old sister, who is suffering from anaemia, are now living in a makeshift home on some temple premises, where the structure is on the verge of collapsing and the family is obliged…
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Teenage intern injured in mysterious fall from six-storey building leaves questions unanswered
A 19 year old intern yesterday was found injured in a car park, having mysteriously fallen from a six-storey building. The young man was undressed and bore injuries across his body. Rescuers from the Thamma Ratsamee Maneerat Foundation and a medical team from Chon Buri Hospital found the teenager lying on the bonnet of a damaged Toyota Yaris. His fall…
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Thai-twister alert: Storm swirls promised over next 24 hours
The Meteorological Department forecasts a 24-hour Thailand weather shift starting this morning, caused by a storm passing over northern and northeast Thailand. The low-pressure trough pushing in from northern Vietnam and the Gulf of Tonkin, along with the continual southwest monsoon, have increased rainfall across northern, northeastern, and eastern Thailand, with some areas experiencing heavy downpours. Central and southern Thailand…
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Facebook group leader arrested for counterfeit amulet scam in southern Thailand
An influential figure within the Facebook group พระใต้ สายตรง was recently apprehended for fraudulent activities involving the sale of counterfeit amulets in southern Thailand. Despite his defence, stating his lack of knowledge about the authenticity of these objects as they were procured from third parties, the charges still stand. The 53 year old suspect, Pharadon Wongwaiwit, claims he is incapable of…
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Blade of betrayal: Estranged husband’s chilling knife attack rattles kanchanaburi
An estranged husband yesterday turned into a knife-wielding psychopath in an attempt to murder his wife in Kanchanaburi, West Thailand. The 44 year old assailant, Sukrit Jaifuey, remains at large following the chilling assault on his estranged wife, known as ‘A,’ which occurred at her place of work. The shocking scene took place within the bustling bus station where A…
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Trans-forming blackmail: Thai transwoman’s explicit image scam lands her behind bars
Officers from Investigation Division Metropolitan Police Bureau (IDMB) arrested a Thai transwoman who lured men into sharing explicit images of their penis and blackmailed them for money. According to the IDMB, the arrest was made on the back of another transwoman’s arrest in the central province of Nakhon Pathom in 2021. The initial case involved Piyachat, who enticed men through provocative…
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Cambodian woman selling counterfeit cosmetics online arrested by Rayong Police
In a recent operation, Rayong Provincial Police arrested a 32 year old Cambodian woman believed to be involved in the online sale of counterfeit cosmetic products. The arrest took place at 9am today, following a tip-off about illegal live-streaming sales of these products. The police have taken the suspect, Chantra, into custody for further questioning. Officers from the Special Operations…
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Wave of disapproval: Krabi residents make waves as foreign men scale tsunami tower in unruly act
Residents in the southern province of Krabi condemned two foreign men for their unruly behaviour after they put their lives in danger to climb a 16-metre tsunami warning tower on Ao Nang Beach. Witnesses speculated that the duo was under the influence of alcohol. A 25 year old Thai woman shared a video of the two foreigners with the Thai news…
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Thai Karaoke bar owner arrested for trafficking and exploitation of minors
The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) recently made a successful raid, apprehending a Thai karaoke bar owner for allegedly exploiting and trafficking girls under 18 years old in the Nakhon Ratchasima province. The operation took place on June 20, following a tip-off about illicit activities at a karaoke bar in the Chok Chai area. The 48 year old bar owner, Sreelamul,…
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Dutch suspect arrested in Phuket Airport following Interpol red notice
Police at Phuket Airport yesterday arrested a Dutchman wanted by the Spanish police for a number of fraudulent activities. The arrest took place in the Arrivals Hall of the airport’s International Terminal, around 9.15pm. Information concerning the arrest was released by the Phuket branch of the Immigration Bureau. However, the bureau refrained from disclosing the suspect’s name or age. There…
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Woman seeks media help after ex-husband accuses her of embezzlement
A Thai woman sought help from a Thai news agency after her ex-husband filed a complaint accusing her of embezzlement and demanded 720,000 baht from her. The wife, 36 year old Treeraka, told Channel 3 that she married her husband, a 49 year old Thai man named Nikorn, on May 8 in 2017. Nikorn provided a 200,000-baht cash dowry and…
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Phuket ramps up maritime safety ahead of tourist influx
In an effort to reassure tourists and prevent local boat and ferry accidents, maritime safety and disaster officials in Phuket have initiated an intensified campaign for water transport safety. Recent visits from Phuket marine officials to scrutinise boats for safety compliance suggest a strengthened emphasis on stringent adherence to safety measures. These measures were fleshed out during a meeting presided…
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Marine police seize Vietnamese fishing vessels in Songkhla crackdown
Thailand’s southern Songkhla province witnessed a series of Marine Police actions as two Vietnamese fishing vessels were seized and their crew members detained, according to authorities. These events unfolded yesterday in the waters of the southern regions of Pattani and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Pol. Lt. Col. Nathapong Takaew, the deputy head of the Songkhla-based Marine Police Sub-division 7, reported today…
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Worker fatality sparks investigation at Pathum Thani convenience store
In a shocking incident, a 43 year old convenience store worker was found dead behind the store after an intense day of work. His co-workers, who discovered the body, state he previously complained of being tired due to his dual role as a cashier and delivery driver. The unexpected death occurred in Sam Khok, Pathum Thani, prompting a hurried investigation…
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Long neglect of Huay Phak reservoir ends with clean-up efforts to boost tourism
Following a 15-year period of struggle, locals in Ratchaburi acclaimed the arrival of machinery from the province’s administrative organisation to remove invasive plants from the Huay Phak reservoir. The primary aim is to promote future tourism, optimising the area’s natural beauty. Today, provincial governor, Wiwat Nitigarnjana, accompanied by provincial representative Boonying Nitigarnjana, visited the reservoir to inspect the ongoing machinery…
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Chinese fraud syndicate caught after swindling 500 million baht from Thai investors
A Chinese national believed to be at the helm of a swindling operation, was taken into custody by the Thai authorities alongside ten other members of the fraud gang. The group is accused of soliciting people to participate in a bogus gold investment scheme, alleging its connection with Thailand’s Crown Property Bureau. The illicit operation, which duped victims of around…
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Caught in the act: Police swoop down on illegal immigration, nabbing 23 in southern Thailand sting
A swift police operation on illegal immigration yesterday resulted in the apprehension of 23 individuals in Songkhla, a province in southern Thailand. Four of them were Thai citizens acting as drivers, and the remaining 19 were Bangladeshis, who were identified as unlawful immigrants. Following an informant’s tip-off about chances of illegal immigration, the local law enforcement swung into action, anticipating…
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