News
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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Each year, many expats living in Thailand see their health insurance premiums go up and often without a clear reason. This can be frustrating, especially when you're trying to plan your budget. But by understanding why prices rise and learning...
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Recycling firm board member arrested for 333 million baht tax fraud
The Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) police have apprehended a board member of a recycling company suspected of collaborating with a business partner to issue fraudulent tax invoices. This operation led to state losses exceeding 333 million baht. Yesterday, May 8, Police Major General Thatphum Charuphat, ECD commander, directed Police Colonel Narupon Karuna and Police Lieutenant Colonel Wannalop Rattanawong to…
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Mum and son fling onto road after Pattaya motorbike crash
A late-night ride turned into a nightmare after a mother and her young son were violently hurled from their motorbike during a high-speed crash in Pattaya. The terrifying accident occurred just after midnight yesterday, May 8, in Soi Boon Kanjanaram 8. Emergency responders from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre rushed to the scene after reports that a motorbike had…
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Thailand SEC closes 27,000 mule accounts worth 169 million baht
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Thailand has reported significant progress in its crackdown on digital mule accounts, having closed over 27,000 accounts valued at 169 million baht in the first four months of the year. The SEC also noted a rise in investment scam reports, with 2,735 cases identified, while the Thai ESG fund continues to grow, reaching…
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Thai woman electrocuted on flooded road in Surat Thani
A Thai woman died from electrocution while walking along a flooded road in the southern province of Surat Thani on Tuesday, May 6. A rescue team rushed to the Bypass Road near Bang Yai Intersection in Mueang Surat Thani district after receiving a report of a fatal electrocution at around 4.50pm. The victim, 26 year old Mantana “Mint” Phewpong, who…
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Thailand boosts fruit distribution to counter declining prices
The Thai Commerce Ministry is tackling the issue of declining fruit prices by accelerating the distribution of 950,000 tonnes of produce both within Thailand and abroad. Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan stated that the ministry is collaborating with various organisations to manage the surplus of fruit through measures encompassing production, marketing, export, processing, and trade facilitation. The aim is to distribute…
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Myanmar call centre crackdown cuts crime by 60% in three months
The government has declared the 3 Cuts strategy, aimed at disrupting call centre operations in Myanmar, a success three months after its implementation. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced yesterday, May 8, that measures initiated since February 5, targeting electricity, fuel, and internet access in five specific locations, have led to a notable decrease in call centre activities, particularly in…
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Thailand to classify gas canisters as controlled products
Thailand’s Ministry of Industry proposes categorising gas canisters as a controlled product amid rising incidents of explosions at barbecue restaurants. Minister Ekanat Prompan highlighted the increasing popularity of barbecue eateries, which often use gas canisters for grills, and noted the risks of reusing canisters, which are designed for single use only. Despite existing safety standards, consumers are urged to adhere strictly…
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Arrest warrants expected for groups linked to audit office collapse
Arrest warrants are anticipated to be issued next week for three groups allegedly linked to the collapse of the State Audit Office’s under-construction building following the earthquake on March 28. Deputy Chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Police Major General Noppasin Poolsawat, reported that 193 witnesses have been interviewed to date. These comprise SAO officials, relatives of those injured, contracted…
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Royal Ploughing Ceremony kicks off Thailand’s rice planting season
The Royal Ploughing Ceremony, held at Sanam Luang today, marked the beginning of the rice planting season in Thailand. King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida presided over the annual event. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, members of the Cabinet, and diplomatic representatives were also in attendance. The ceremony, a traditional ritual promoting good fortune and agricultural prosperity, coincides with the sixth…
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Tunisian man tries to swap clamped tyre, gets caught in the act
A Tunisian man faces legal charges after parking in a restricted area in Phuket and attempting to evade a wheel clamp and a subsequent fine by swapping out the clamped tyre. Several Thai news Facebook pages shared a video of the couple on May 8. The pair were seen removing a spare tyre from their vehicle in an apparent attempt to…
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Nan hit by two tremors after Nakhon Si Thammarat quake damage
The northern province of Nan experienced two tremors early yesterday, following a previous earthquake that caused damage to a hospital in Nakhon Si Thammarat on May 7. According to the Earthquake Observation Division of the Thai Meteorological Department, the tremors in Nan registered magnitudes of 1.7 and 1.5 on the Richter scale, occurring at 4.04am and 4.52am, respectively. Local officials…
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Labour minister vows to slash work deaths by 2030
Thailand’s labour boss is declaring war on deadly workplaces—\promising to cut fatalities in half within five years. At the National Occupational Safety Day 2025 opening ceremony, Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn unveiled his ambitious “Safety Thailand” vision to drastically reduce serious workplace injuries and deaths. The aim is to bring down severe injury rates from 2.13 to one per 1,000 workers,…
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Rayong MP exposes illegal Chinese lobster factory operation
Rayong MP and provincial employment officers have joined forces to dismantle a Chinese zero-dollar lobster factory that was allegedly taking jobs from locals. Rayong MP Krit Silpachai, from the People’s Party, collaborated with Sommat Anantharatrasub, the Director of Rayong Employment Office, to crack down on the operation, which reportedly employed unauthorised foreign workers. Krit shared on Facebook that social media…
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Tsunami alert: Phuket braces for large-scale emergency drill
Sirens, search dogs, and simulated chaos—Phuket is gearing up for the biggest tsunami disaster drill in years. Local officials announced the CMEX 25 national crisis response exercise, set to hit six Andaman coastal provinces from June 24 to 26, with Phuket taking centre stage. The simulation aims to prepare government agencies, rescue teams, schools, and residents for a worst-case tsunami…
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Bangkok woman arrested for mule account scam involvement
A significant arrest was made by the Metropolitan Police Bureau 3, who apprehended a 28 year old woman for her involvement in a mule account scam. Phannipa Phienamkot or Nong Paeng confessed to knowing she would eventually be caught, as multiple arrest warrants were issued against her, one of which was displayed prominently at her residence. Phannipa was captured at…
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Thailand’s bold ‘3 Cuts’ plan cripples border call centres
Criminal call centres in Myanmar are running out of juice thanks to Thailand’s tough new crackdown strategy. Three months after launching its “3 Cuts” campaign, the Thai government claims a major victory against cybercrime networks exploiting the border. The operation began on February 5 and aimed to sever the power supply, fuel delivery, and Internet access to five notorious scam…
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Thai teen in coma after hospital allegedly dismisses snake bite as unimportant
A hospital in the eastern province of Rayong reportedly provided inadequate treatment for a Thai man who was bitten by a snake, leaving the victim in a critical condition. A Thai woman, Paweena Tubtimhom, took to her Facebook account on Wednesday, May 7, to criticise Wang Chan Hospital after her 18 year old employee fell into a coma due to…
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Polish tourist drowns in Phuket after morning swim
A dream holiday turned to tragedy for a 36 year old Polish tourist who was found dead after a solo morning swim at Kamala Beach. The man was pulled from the water, unresponsive, after lifeguards spotted him floating face down near the Kamala Shrine yesterday morning, May 8. Despite frantic CPR attempts on the beach and en route to the…
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Security guard shot dead at Bangkok waste centre, suspect sought
A security guard was shot dead at the maintenance office of a waste disposal centre in Pravet district, Bangkok, in the early hours of today, May 9. His wife revealed a mysterious warning he had given before the incident, providing clues about potential suspects. At 1am, Police Captain Worawit Meekham, an investigator from Pravet Police Station, received a report about…
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Teen arrested in Bangkok with firearm for self-defence
A 17 year old was apprehended by police after exhibiting suspicious behaviour and found in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The teenager claimed the items were taken from a rival for self-defence. Legal proceedings ensued promptly. At 4am today, May 9, Police Colonel Anan Warasart, the superintendent of Bang Khen Police Station, directed investigation deputy superintendent, Police Colonel Sanpich…
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Thai weather alert: storms and strong winds in 53 provinces
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning for May 9 regarding severe weather conditions across 53 provinces. The northeast will experience summer storms with thunderstorms, strong winds, and occasional hail. Residents are advised to stay alert and avoid open areas during these conditions. A moderate high-pressure system from China is expected to cover Vietnam and the South China…
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Doctors disciplined over Thaksin’s hospital stay amid ethics probe
Three doctors involved in former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s controversial stay on the 14th floor of the Police General Hospital have been disciplined by the Medical Council of Thailand. The disciplinary actions stem from the findings of an investigation into Thaksin’s treatment, which has raised ethical concerns about the standard of care provided. Today, May 8, Professor Doctor Prasit Watanapa,…
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North Thailand home invaders arrested with 20 guns and ammo
Four men, wanted for a violent attempted murder and home invasion in Uttaradit province last December, have been arrested in a series of dramatic police raids across Bangkok and two central provinces. Along with their capture, a cache of 20 firearms and over 4,000 rounds of ammunition was seized, sparking concern over illegal weapon distribution. The Crime Suppression Division (CSD)…
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Chumphon chief faces backlash over monitor lizard cooking (video)
Locals in the southern province of Chumphon are demanding legal action against a community leader who shared a video of himself cooking and eating a monitor lizard, a protected species in Thailand. Residents in the Pathio district of Chumphon came across a Facebook post by the male community leader and shared it with various news agencies, calling for legal action…
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Compensation for SAO building collapse victims to begin tomorrow
The first wave of compensation is set to be delivered tomorrow to the families of victims affected by the tragic collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building in Bangkok. A total of 21 relatives from the first batch will receive financial assistance after a series of negotiations with the ITD-CREC Joint Venture, involving Italian-Thai Development and China Railway No.10…
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15 busted in Phuket drug crackdown near Nai Yang Beach
A late-night drug bust in Phuket has led to 15 people testing positive for illegal substances during a surprise operation near Nai Yang Beach. The two-hour checkpoint, aimed at tackling rising drug activity in the area, took place on Tuesday, May 6, and was led by Thalang District Chief Siwat Rawangkun, also the Director of the Thalang Narcotics Suppression Centre.…
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2 Thai attackers assault and try to urinate on victim in game dispute
Police arrested two attackers who physically assaulted a victim and attempted to urinate on his face outside a convenience store in Bangkok’s Bang Khen district, following a dispute related to an online game. A video of the assault was shared on the Facebook page “อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 6” and received significant attention. More than 2,200 users reacted to the video,…
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Thai ministry discusses agricultural product labelling for safety
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Itti Sirilattayakarn chaired a meeting to discuss plans for agricultural product labelling. The meeting, held in meeting room 134 at the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, involved representatives from key departments such as the National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards (ACFS), the Department of Fisheries, the Department of Livestock Development, the Rice…
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Hailstorm wreaks havoc in That Phanom, topples power lines
A hailstorm struck That Phanom district yesterday, causing severe damage with high winds toppling 26 high-voltage electricity poles along the Nakhon Phanom-That Phanom road, leading to widespread power outages. Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) teams are working to repair the damage. The storm, yesterday, May 7, with hail and strong winds hit That Phanom district, particularly affecting Ban Bung Hee in…
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Anutin slams media over ‘false’ ISOC blacklist claims
Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul fired back at persistent media claims that he’s been blacklisted by the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) for exploiting the monarchy for political gain. Speaking out on Tuesday, May 6, Anutin, who also serves as deputy prime minister and leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, slammed the allegations as “false” and called on the media to stop…
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