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Sponsored Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?
Thailand’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?...
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Police raid Jomtien bar for illegal laughing gas balloon sales
Pattaya police executed a raid on a Jomtien bar yesterday for the illegal sale of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) balloons. Officers targeted See You Beach Bar on Jomtien Soi 11, Nong Prue subdistrict in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province at 3.36am yesterday, September 16. During the operation, police confiscated two nitrous oxide tanks, three balloons filled with nitrous oxide…
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Suphan Buri bar raided for selling alcohol to underage patrons
Police in Suphan Buri swooped on a bar illegally selling alcohol to underage patrons, causing a group of teenagers to flee the scene in panic. The operation was conducted yesterday, September 16, by Chatchatch Jesadapakorn, Deputy District Chief of Mueang Suphan Buri, and Narong Krueyoo, Police Captain of Mueang Suphan Buri Police Station, along with over 20 officers from the…
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Anti-money laundering complaint filed against Prawit Wongsuwon
A fresh anti-money laundering complaint has been lodged against former Thailand Deputy Prime Minister, and Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader, Prawit Wongsuwon, following the release of one of four controversial audio recordings. The complaint was submitted by Prompong Nopparit, former spokesman of the Pheu Thai Party, to the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) yesterday, September 16. The audio recordings were aired…
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Lopburi police conduct drug tests on public transport drivers
Lopburi’s Tourist Police, along with other relevant agencies, conducted drug tests on public transport drivers yesterday. The operation, led by Saksila Phueak-am and other senior officers, aimed to ensure road safety for tourists and commuters. Police and health officials from Lopburi, along with transport and municipal officers, collaborated to test the physical fitness of public transport drivers in the area.…
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Digital wallet scheme falls short of 45 million target, saves 100 billion baht
Online registrations for the government’s digital wallet handout scheme have recently closed, with only 36 million people signing up, falling short of the 45 million target. The Finance Ministry reported that this shortfall has resulted in a saving of 100 billion baht (US$3 billion) from the project’s budget. When asked whether the lower registration numbers indicated a lack of public…
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Thai nationals arrested for smuggling wildlife from Indonesia
Thai police apprehended two men yesterday for smuggling wildlife from Indonesia into Thailand. The Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division (NED), working with various agencies, detained the two suspects in Lam Thap district, Krabi. The suspects, 28 year old Thosaphon and 30 year old Somporn were found with 10 yellow tortoises, 11 Moluccan cockatoos, and other wildlife species. A…
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Village celebrates as woman wins 12 million baht lottery
A village erupted in celebration as an unnamed local woman became a millionaire after winning the first prize in the latest lottery draw. The lucky winner received a total of 12 million baht (US$360,650), sparking widespread joy and congratulations from the community. The Government Lottery Office announced the results of the draw for today, revealing that the first prize-winning number…
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Squid fishing boat sinks near Koh Chun near Pattaya, two rescued
Two men survived a perilous experience at sea after their boat sank during a squid fishing trip near Koh Chun in Na Kluea, Pattaya. The incident unfolded in the evening, with a distress call received at 10.06pm on Sunday, September 15, reporting tourists adrift. Marine rescue teams, including the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Pattaya Rescue Team and Pattaya Special Affairs Officers,…
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Dogs cause motorcycle crash, owner denies responsibility
Two dogs chasing each other caused a motorcycle accident, leading to injuries and damage to a pickup truck. The owner of the dogs denies responsibility, despite CCTV footage showing the dogs leaving and returning to the house. On September 16, 38 year old Kritsanapon Sukcharoen, who works at a law office in Nang Rong district, Buriram province, and 43 year…
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Chon Buri police crack down on illegal workers on fishing boats
Police in Na Kluea, Pattaya undertook a comprehensive inspection of foreign workers on fishing boats yesterday, responding to concerns about illegal labour in local waters. Police Lieutenant Colonel Wirachai Thinkamut, Chief of the Immigration Bureau in Chon Buri, led the operation involving over 50 officers. Officers dispersed throughout the area, from Saphan Yao Na Kluea to Soi Sam Yaek Thammada,…
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Local man drowns while clearing debris from Ranong drainage pipe
A local man tragically lost his life yesterday while attempting to clear debris from a drainage pipe in Ranong, Thailand. A 52 year old man saw the blockage and selflessly decided to help but was pulled into the pipe by the strong water current. The incident occurred, yesterday, September 16, at 10.10am near Wang Matcha, Wat Pathum Thararam, Moo 3,…
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Ruling party loyalist set to chair Bank of Thailand amid rate dispute
A ruling party loyalist and critic of the central bank governor is set to be nominated as the chair of the Bank of Thailand (BoT), as the government seeks to assert influence over the institution amid ongoing disputes over interest rates. The Pheu Thai Party-led government plans to back 66 year old former deputy premier and Finance Minister Kittiratt Na…
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Phichit Hospital seeks blood donors for injured rescue volunteers
Phichit Hospital has urgently appealed for blood donations to aid four rescue volunteers injured in a road accident while returning to Nonthaburi after assisting flood victims in Chiang Rai, northern Thailand. The hospital reported receiving three bags of donor blood delivered by helicopter from Chiang Rai yesterday, September 16. Two of the bags were used immediately, and the third was…
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Police raid underground lotteries in Chiang Mai and Lamphun
Police recently conducted a raid on underground lottery operations in Chiang Mai and Lamphun, resulting in multiple arrests and the seizure of illegal lottery tickets and other evidence. Yesterday, September 16, the Commander of Provincial Police Region 5, Kritthaphon Yisakhon, directed the regional investigation team to crack down on underground lotteries. Led by Vorapong Khamlue, the Deputy Commander of Provincial…
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Less than 40 million Thais expected to join digital wallet scheme
The Government of Thailand anticipates fewer than 40 million participants in its flagship digital wallet handout scheme, with the initial phase set to benefit 14.5 million vulnerable individuals starting yesterday, according to a Finance Ministry official. Under this stimulus programme, the government plans to distribute 450 billion baht to 45 million people, with each registered participant receiving 10,000 baht to…
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Two students drown in boat accident near Phichit temple
Two 15 year old male students drowned while playing in a boat near a temple in Phichit province after it capsized unexpectedly. They called for help but it was too late to save them. Deputy Inspector Pichai Nilsingh from Mueang Phichit Police Station was notified of the incident yesterday, September 16. The tragic event occurred in front of Klong Khu…
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Senior judge suspended after molestation allegations on train
A senior judge has been suspended following allegations of molesting a female court worker during a journey in June. The Judicial Commission decided to suspend the judge with a 14-1 vote after an inquiry panel determined that he had committed a severe disciplinary violation. In July, a female court stenographer filed a complaint with the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), accusing…
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Thailand raises alarm on online child sexual harassment surge
Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) raised alarms about the severe impact of sexual harassment on social media on children and young people. A recent social outlook report from the NESDC, released yesterday, indicates that victims of such harassment risk developing a range of social, emotional, and mental health problems, including anxiety and depression. In some cases, these…
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Commerce minister plea: Time to cut the baht and boost the rates
Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan called on the Bank of Thailand (BoT) to slash interest rates and stabilise the baht in a bid to boost exports and prop up GDP. In a policy statement issued today, Pichai slammed the current strength of the baht, which he claims is hitting exports hard. With export growth expected to be sluggish this year, he’s…
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Phuket on 24-hour alert as rainstorms, flash flood warnings issued
Phuket has been placed on 24-hour alert as heavy rainstorms drenched the island today. Officials urged residents to stay vigilant for potential flash floods, mudslides, and strong winds. On September 15, the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM Phuket) issued a notice, authorised by Governor Sophon Suwannarat, advising the public to brace for severe weather conditions. The notice…
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Thailand to revive 300-baht tourism tax to boost revenue
Tourism Minister Sorawong Thienthong reignited plans for a 300-baht tourism tax, which was put on ice by former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The move is set to help rake in a whopping 3 trillion baht in tourism revenue this year. Sorawong, who stepped into his role yesterday, September 16, believes the tax will be a game-changer for the industry. “This…
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Ubon Ratchathani prepares for Mekong River flood threat
Ubon Ratchathani’s governor has instructed all relevant departments to prepare for the imminent overflow of the Mekong River and its tributaries, expected to inundate five districts in four days. Today, September 16, Suphasit Kochareonyot, Ubon Ratchathani governor, along with disaster prevention and mitigation officials, inspected the Khong Chiam district, where the Mekong River converges with the Mun River. The Mekong…
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Chef’s beef: Thai hotel cook fumes over boozy neighbour’s foul play
A renowned hotel chef in Phatthalung expressed his frustration over his neighbour’s disruptive behaviour. The neighbour, a physical education teacher and habitual drinker, frequently shouts insults, raises his middle finger at security cameras, and claims he can do whatever he wants in the area. The chef, 43 year old Weerapong, who works at a well-known hotel, shared his distress with…
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Deadly denial: No sick leave for employee leads to tragic end
Tragedy struck a major company in Samut Prakan’s Bang Pu industrial estate, leaving an employee dead after being denied sick leave. The worker, who had never taken a day off, was pressured to keep working despite being unwell, and the heartbreaking outcome sparked outrage and calls for justice. Yesterday, September 15, the shocking story was shared on the popular Facebook…
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Raid on loan shark reveals unlicensed meatball factory in Saraburi
Police conducted a raid on an illegal loan shark operation, uncovering an unlicensed meatball factory in Saraburi. The suspect, Pim, denied all allegations and requested to defend herself in court. Police Colonel Kraison Sriampon and Police Lieutenant Colonel Krisanapong Temiyasuwan, alongside Saraburi’s investigative team and officers from Wang Muang Police Station, acted on a tip about a loan shark operation…
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Golden harmony: Gold strikes a steady chord at 41,100 baht
Gold prices hit a steady chord today, with the Gold Traders Association (GTA) revealing that ornamental gold is holding firm at 41,100 baht per baht-weight. This comes as no shock to avid market watchers, as the rates remain unchanged from yesterday’s final figures. The GTA delivered their first update of the day at precisely 9.03am, today, September 16, setting the…
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Mysterious odour leads to discovery of decomposed body
A strong odour led neighbours to discover a decomposed body in a house after the occupant had been missing for over a week. The deceased, 60 year old Thanakrit, was found naked without any signs of struggle. At 10.30am yesterday, September 15, Police Lieutenant Nattawat Ladawan, an investigator at Udon Thani City Police Station, received a report about a body…
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Thai residents flooded with massive bills, demand monthly relief
Residents of Bua Yai in Nakhon Ratchasima are fuming over eye-watering water bills running into tens of thousands of baht, courtesy of a two-year billing cycle enforced by Bua Yai Municipality. Furious locals are demanding an immediate switch to monthly billing to ease their financial strain. Today, September 16, the story of 57 year old Busakorn Changkrian brought the issue…
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Thai business leaders grill PM Paetongtarn on economic rescue
Thai business leaders and economic gurus are turning up the heat on Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, urging immediate and long-term strategies to avert an economic catastrophe. Top of their list? Comprehensive debt restructuring, help for the low-income earners, and bolstering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) against the foreign online trading juggernauts. In a dramatic parliamentary session yesterday, September 15, the…
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Woman in distress threatens rescuers after driving into ditch
A dramatic rescue unfolded at the weekend, as a woman, in a state of distress, drove her car into a roadside ditch and threatened rescuers with a knife. Emergency responders and police officers managed to subdue her, averting a potentially dangerous situation. Emergency services in Trat province were alerted to a car accident on Sukhumvit Road yesterday, September 15. Responders…
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