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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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Phitsanulok man arrested for girlfriend’s murder after Koh Chang trip
A 30 year old man was apprehended in Phitsanulok on May 10 for allegedly strangling his 28 year old girlfriend shortly after they returned from a five-day trip to Koh Chang island. Police Colonel Watcharapong Sitthiroongrote, chief of the Mueang Phitsanulok Police Station, reported yesterday, May 11, that Surasak Khamtanode was detained around 7pm on May 10, accused of the…
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Bhumjaithai Party backs 2026 budget amid coalition tensions
Members of the Bhumjaithai Party have affirmed they will support the upcoming 2026 fiscal year budget bill, expected to be presented to the Cabinet and the House of Representatives later this month. Bhumjaithai, a government coalition member with significant ministry positions in the budget drafting process, sees no reason for its MPs to oppose the bill, according to party spokesperson…
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No new anthrax cases in Mukdahan, public urged to stay alert
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin has confirmed that no additional cases of anthrax have been detected, although he has urged those living in high-risk regions to stay alert. He cautioned against handling, slaughtering, or moving animal carcasses and advised against consuming raw meat. Somsak noted on April 2 that the total number of anthrax cases in Mukdahan province remains at…
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Indian tourists caught at illegal pool party in Pattaya
Over 200 Indian tourists were caught at an illegal pool party in Pattaya previously on May 8 after locals filed complaints about loud music. The Banglamung District Chief received the complaint around 8pm and ordered officials to inspect a mansion in the Pong subdistrict of Banglamung, Chon Buri. Undercover officers discovered a lively pool party taking place without proper authorisation.…
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Thailand ranks fifth for Chinese tourists, boosting cultural ties
Thailand continues to be one of the top five destinations for Chinese tourists, as the government intensifies efforts to improve the travel experiences of its visitors. According to data from Alipay and its network, Thailand ranks as the fifth most popular destination for Chinese travellers during extended holidays. It follows Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, and South Korea, as stated by…
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Woman killed, man injured in Phuket pickup truck crash
A woman lost her life and a man sustained injuries following an accident involving a pickup truck that veered off the road and collided with a streetlight in Thalang, Phuket, on the morning of yesterday, May 11. Police were informed of the incident at approximately 7am and promptly arrived at the site on Don Chom Tao Road in Thepkrasattri. The…
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Local politician’s aide allegedly assaults border officer at polling station
A local politician‘s aide allegedly assaulted a border patrol officer after being prohibited from taking photographs at a polling station. The police are gathering evidence to issue arrest warrants for the politician and all involved parties. Today, May 12, Police Lieutenant General Piyawat Chalermsri, commander of Provincial Police Region 9, visited Police Lance Corporal Nisathit Kongthep at Songkhla Hospital to…
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Two men arrested in Phuket after high-speed meth pursuit
Two men were apprehended in Phuket following a high-speed pursuit with police, resulting in the confiscation of 65 grammes of crystal meth. The incident occurred previously at approximately 2.15pm on May 10, when officers from Phuket City Police Station responded to a report of a suspicious grey Toyota parked on Sri Suthat Road, Ratsada. Upon approaching the vehicle, the driver…
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SRT investigates train accident after barrier error injures young woman
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has expressed regret over a severe accident involving a train and a young woman, which occurred after a railway crossing barrier was prematurely opened. The incident prompted the SRT to launch an investigation and dispatch officials to visit the injured party. The accident took place at a railway crossing in Soi Keerinakorn, Moo 7,…
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Manhunt in Bangkok for suspect in fatal shooting of gym owner
A 23 year old man from Myanmar is being pursued by police following the fatal shooting of a 70 year old fitness centre owner in Bangkok. The incident occurred after the suspect allegedly seized the victim’s firearm. The suspect then fled in the victim’s car towards Rangsit, prompting an intensive manhunt by law enforcement. The incident came to light on…
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Last night’s Bangkok furniture factory fire rages on
A fire erupted at a furniture factory on Chalong Krung Road in Bangkok last night, May 11, raising concerns about the potential collapse of the building. The blaze originated in the basement before spreading to several nearby communities with intense heat and significant smoke. The incident occurred at a furniture factory located in a two-storey structure with a basement used…
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Bangkok police pursue suspects in Soi Pattanakarn shootings
Police officials in Bangkok are investigating two shooting incidents that occurred in Soi Pattanakarn 32, with efforts underway to secure arrest warrants for suspects believed to number between 10 and 15. Yesterday, May 11, the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s chief, Siam Boonsom, alongside deputy chief Nopasil Poolasawat and other senior police officers, held a meeting to discuss the progress of these…
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Thaksin Shinawatra’s Qatar travel request denied
The Appeal Court has confirmed the Criminal Court’s decision to deny former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra‘s request to travel to Qatar, as reported by former senator Somchai Swangkarn. Somchai, referencing a justice system source, shared on Facebook that Thaksin’s appeal was rejected for two reasons outlined by the lower court. Firstly, there was no confirmed meeting between Thaksin and US…
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Lao woman caught smuggling 137,000 ecstasy pills across Thai border
A 23 year old Lao woman was apprehended for attempting to smuggle 137,000 ecstasy pills, valued at over 55 million baht, across the First Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge. She was allegedly promised 10,000 baht for the delivery. Yesterday, May 11, Lieutenant General Boonsin Phadklang, Commander of the 2nd Army Region and Head of the Drug Suppression and Prevention Command, reported that…
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Thai police uncover 256 tonnes of electronic waste in Bang Pahan
A covert facility in Bang Pahan, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, has been discovered to house over 256 tonnes of electronic waste and automotive parts. Thai police and industrial officials are currently investigating the site, where a Chinese national serves as the managing director. On May 11, Police Major General Watcharin Pusit, head of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division,…
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Mother of nine accused of explicit video scandal in Thailand
A social media page has exposed a shocking case involving a 34 year old mother with nine children allegedly making explicit videos involving the entire family, including her youngest, a 10 year old. Attempts to warn the family have reportedly been met with insults and threats of legal action, prompting calls for police to investigate further. The page, named ท่านเปา…
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Ten voters in van accident en route to Sisaket
Ten people, travelling in a rented van from Bangkok to Sisaket to vote, were involved in an accident when the vehicle crashed into a streetlight and fell into a road median. The incident occurred at 7am today, May 11, when Police Lieutenant Chaloemchai Nerntharanee, Deputy Inspector of Investigation at Nang Rong Police Station, Buriram province, received a report of the…
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Teen brawl at Bun Bang Fai festival prompts legal action calls (video)
A video capturing an altercation at a Bun Bang Fai festival in Khamcha-i district, Mukdahan province, has sparked online calls for legal action. The footage, posted by the I Am Mukdahan page, shows a fierce brawl involving a group of teenagers and a lottery vendor, who ends up with facial injuries. The video, lasting 2 minutes and 43 seconds, depicts…
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Myanmar man shoots 70 year old in Bangkok entry dispute
A 23 year old man from Myanmar fatally shot a 70 year old man after being denied entry to visit his pregnant wife at the latter’s workplace. The incident occurred on May 10 at 7pm in the Rom Sai 12 alley, Lak Song subdistrict, Bang Khae district, Bangkok. Police Lieutenant Ekachai Yimnimitt, an investigator from Phetkasem Police Station, along with…
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Nonthaburi police arrest campaign leader for vote-buying in election
Police in Nonthaburi apprehended a 25 year old campaign leader accused of vote-buying during the municipal mayoral election. Found with voter lists, he admitted to distributing cash to voters, keeping a portion for personal expenses. Yesterday, May 11, police, alongside the Nonthaburi Election Commission, arrested Chakrit. He was caught driving a red Toyota Yaris and was found in possession of…
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Ukrainian woman arrested at Phuket airport for condo vandalism
A Ukrainian woman was apprehended by police at Phuket International Airport while attempting to flee the country after allegedly causing significant damage to a luxury condominium in Phuket. The damage was estimated at over 350,000 baht (US$10,630). This arrest was conducted by police from Wichit district in Phuket, in collaboration with immigration officers, under the guidance of Police Colonel Somsak…
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Severe storm in Bangkok claims life as tree crushes shelter
A severe storm with strong winds and heavy rain resulted in a tree falling and crushing a shelter in Bangkok, leading to the death of 51 year old Buala. The incident was reported yesterday, May 11 and investigated by Police Lieutenant Colonel Pipatchai Panphim, deputy inspector at Thammasala Police Station. The tragedy occurred in the early hours within Soi Phutthamonthon…
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Thailand and Australia boost trade ties amid new vehicle standards
Thailand and Australia are working to enhance sustainable and stable regional trade, aiming to boost the value of automotive exports and maintain Thailand’s status as Australia’s leading exporter of pickup trucks. Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan discussed these objectives after meeting with Australian Ambassador Angela Macdonald at her Bangkok residence on May 7. A significant topic addressed was Australia’s New Vehicle…
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Government forms task force to tackle illegal tour operators nationwide
A nationwide joint task force has been established by the government to address the issue of illegal tour operators and unlicensed tour guides, according to deputy government spokesperson Sasikarn Watthanachan. The task force comprises officials from five agencies: the Tourism Ministry, the Business Development Department, the Department of Special Investigation, the Tourism Police Bureau, and the Immigration Bureau. Their efforts…
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Missing Thai teen found dead; family seeks answers
The search for missing 17 year old Napassorn, known as Nong Namtan, concluded tragically with her family confirming her death yesterday, May 10. Napassorn, from Udon Thani, left her apartment in Pathum Thani’s Rangsit area on May 1. Her family lost contact with her at midnight, prompting her father to file a missing person report with Pathum Thani police the…
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Severe weather alert: Summer storms hit 69 Thai provinces
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued warnings for severe weather, including summer storms, across 69 provinces. Expect heavy rainfall, strong winds, hail, and possible thunderstorms. Southern Thailand will see increased rainfall, while Bangkok faces an 80% chance of precipitation. According to the TMD’s 24-hour forecast from today, May 11, upper Thailand is set to experience summer storms characterised by…
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Thai cops buy bus ticket for broke Pattaya man
In an unexpected display of empathy, Pattaya’s municipal officers have drawn both praise and scepticism after assisting a man who caused a scene at a convenience store—by buying him a bus ticket home with their own cash. The incident unfolded earlier this week when the unidentified man became visibly distressed and agitated inside a convenience store. Onlookers called the police,…
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Thai stock market rebounds despite US tariffs and global volatility
Last month, the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) experienced volatility during the long holiday period. Before the Songkran festival, the SET was significantly impacted by US President Donald Trump’s tariff announcements, reaching a low of 1,056.41 points early in the month. The tariff news affected global stock markets; however, the gold price rose to over US$3,300 (approximately 113,190 baht) per…
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White Lotus filming fails to boost southern Thailand hotel tourism
Hotels in southern Thailand have yet to see any significant impact from the filming of The White Lotus HBO series in the country. The global economy’s volatility and safety concerns have influenced potential tourists’ decisions. Bill Barnett, managing director of C9 Hotelworks, a hospitality consultancy in Phuket, reported that despite the popularity of White Lotus Season 3, which aired on…
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Thai green curry pizza takes Finland by storm
In an unexpected culinary twist, Finnish pizza lovers are diving into a flavour fusion that’s leaving taste buds tingling: the Thai Green Curry Pizza. Launched by Kotipizza, the largest pizza chain in the Nordic region, this exotic offering blends the creamy, spicy kick of Thai green curry with the beloved Italian classic, and it’s already creating quite a buzz. This…
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