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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 Why retirees in Thailand are choosing long-term health insurance over quick fixes
Retirees in Thailand are increasingly seeing the importance of health insurance in protecting their well-being during retirement. With insurance requirements for retirement visas and rising healthcare costs, many are moving away from short-term plans and choosing long-term coverage. Long-term health...
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Indian tourists turn Pattaya songthaew into dance floor
Pattaya’s famous Beach Road was turned into an impromptu party zone this week after a group of Indian tourists transformed a songthaew into their very own mobile nightclub, blasting Bollywood music and dancing under the neon glow of the city’s nightlife. Videos posted online show the tourists standing on the back of the pickup truck, arms raised in the air,…
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Chon Buri dealer collapses after swallowing Yaba and cystal meth
A disabled drug dealer swallowed methamphetamine, known locally as Yaba, and crystal meth in an attempt to destroy evidence, causing him to lose consciousness during a sting operation in Chon Buri on Wednesday, August 27. Officers from the Bang Lamung Administrative Office and the Volunteer Defence Corps launched the operation following information obtained from previously arrested dealers. The suspects told…
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Aussie found dead on Phuket hotel bed with weed and Viagra
A 36 year old Australian man has been found dead in his hotel room in Phuket, with police investigating whether a suspected drug overdose was the cause. Chalong Police were called to the scene at a hotel on Soi Ta-iad at around 2.30pm on Wednesday, August 27, after staff reported discovering the man lying motionless on his bed. Police Lieutenant…
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Pheu Thai on edge as court rules on Paetongtarn case
Tensions are running high in Thai politics as the Constitutional Court prepares to rule on suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s fate, with the Pheu Thai Party adopting a cautious wait-and-see stance. Speaking at Government House today, August 29, PM’s Office Minister and Pheu Thai list-MP Chousak Sirinil said the party had made no contingency plans in the event of an…
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Russian man arrested on Koh Samui over Phuket cryptocurrency robbery
Police arrested a Russian man on Koh Samui, an island in Surat Thani, for his involvement in a cryptocurrency robbery that took place in Phuket on August 26. The 28 year old Russian victim, Aleksandr, filed a complaint at Chalong Police Station in Phuket, reporting that he had lost cryptocurrency worth 35,000 USDT, or about 1.2 million baht, to four…
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Thailand’s rights body urges halt to mega land bridge plan
Thailand’s ambitious Ranong–Chumphon land bridge project has hit a major roadblock after the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) called for it to be suspended over fears of human rights abuses, flawed economics, and a lack of genuine public input. At its meeting on Tuesday, August 26, the NHRC advised the government to put the project on hold until comprehensive public…
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Runaway truck wheel on Pathum Thani road leaves Thai nurse fight for life
A male Thai nurse sustained serious injuries after a truck wheel smashed into his SUV on a road in Pathum Thani province near Bangkok yesterday, August 28. Officers from Khu Bang Luang Police Station investigated the accident, which occurred on the Pathum Thani–Lat Lum Kaeo Road at 9.30am. The Por Teck Tung Rescue Foundation also responded, as the Thai driver,…
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Caught out: Suspected Phuket cat burglar faces fresh charges
A suspected cat burglar already behind bars in Phang Nga is now staring down more charges in Phuket, after police linked him to a string of break-ins in Wichit and Chalong. Wichit Police Chief, Colonel Somsak Thongkliang, confirmed yesterday, August 28, that investigators are pushing the Phuket Provincial Court to issue an arrest warrant for the suspect, identified only as…
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Lights, camera, Pattaya: Film festival brings global cinema buzz
Pattaya rolled out the red carpet yesterday as the third Pattaya Film Festival burst onto the scene, promising free screenings, cultural exchange, and a boost for the city’s tourism economy. The event kicked off yesterday, August 28, at SF Cinema Central Pattaya, with filmmakers, actors, and film buffs from across Thailand and overseas flocking to the seaside city. Running until…
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Thai woman and foreign boyfriend physically assaulted at Pattaya bar
A Thai woman and her foreign boyfriend filed a complaint yesterday, August 28, against a Pattaya bar owner and several staff members, accusing them of physical assault. The 35 year old Thai woman, identified as Angkana, reported the incident at Mueang Pattaya Police Station at around 5am. She stated that the assault took place at Laila Bar, near the Marine…
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Italian man attacked after confronting Uzbek over Thai girlfriend’s assault in Pattaya
An Italian man confronted an Uzbek national who sexually assaulted his Thai girlfriend on Pattaya Walking Street on August 28, only to be attacked by the suspect’s friend. According to witnesses, the Uzbek man, later identified as Mukhtae Lbahan, punched the Italian man, 46 year old Francesco Lenza, until he collapsed to the ground. Officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station…
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Outta control: Runaway truck ploughs into Patong ditch
A Bangkok-registered six-wheeled truck caused a stir in Patong yesterday after careering off Phra Barami Road and crashing into a roadside ditch, just metres away from a local temple. The dramatic accident occurred around 11.10am yesterday, August 28, when the driver reportedly suffered brake failure while descending the notoriously steep Patong Hill. The truck lost control at the dangerous Pla…
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Buzzed and breathless: Bee sting sends biker to Pattaya ER
A routine motorbike ride turned into a medical emergency for a Rayong man after a rogue bee sting left him gasping for air and fighting for his life in Pattaya. At around 11.30am yesterday, August 28, rescue teams from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation rushed to a scene along Highway 331, near a construction materials shop on the road to…
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NACC swoops on shady Phuket land works in corruption blitz
Corruption busters are getting their boots dirty in Phuket as the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) zeroes in on suspicious land excavation and filling projects across the island. The NACC Phuket office, led by Chief Suwat Saowarat, launched a new initiative titled Pinning Areas at Risk of Corruption, targeting projects carried out by local administrations. The inspections, which took place from…
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Thai influencer stopped from septic truck protest at Thai-Cambodian border
The Acting Prime Minister (PM) stopped a Thai social media influencer from spraying waste collected by septic trucks at the Thai-Cambodian border in Sa Kaeo province, to prevent tensions from escalating. The Thai military continues to maintain positions in 11 areas across seven provinces along the Thai-Cambodian border to preserve peace and order, particularly at the Ban Nong Chan community…
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Power play: Anutin eyes PM seat if Paetongtarn falls
Political winds are swirling in Bangkok as reports emerge of a secret pact that could see Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul take over as prime minister if Paetongtarn Shinawatra is booted from office. According to Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) deputy leader Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, Anutin has urged PPRP leader Prawit Wongsuwan to back him for a six-month interim premiership, should the…
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Monsoon mayhem: Thailand braces for more heavy rainfall
Thailand is bracing for a soaking as the Meteorological Department (TMD) warns that widespread thunderstorms and torrential rain will slam 37 provinces today, including Bangkok. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Thaiger (@thethaigerofficial) From 6am today, August 29, until 6am tomorrow, August 30, the country will face volatile weather caused by a monsoon trough…
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Hopefuls flock to central Thailand temple for lottery blessings
Lottery dreams are being made and broken at a temple in Nakhon Pathom, central Thailand, where visitors are hoping for a divine touch from the revered Thao Wessuwan. A steady stream of worshippers arrived yesterday, August 27, at Wat Klang Bang Phra in Bang Phra subdistrict, eager to participate in merit-making activities and seek blessings from the temple’s sacred figures.…
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Pattaya ramps up canal cleanup to boost eco-tourism future
Pattaya’s historic canals are getting a facelift, with city leaders calling on residents to join the fight against pollution and preserve eco-tourism. Yesterday, August 27, Pattaya City launched the second phase of its canal conservation project, targeting the Nok Yang and Naklua canals along with surrounding areas. The initiative aims to protect the waterways from pollution and urban encroachment while…
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Bangkok court jails Chuwit for defamation, grants bail on appeal
He called out a rival live on YouTube; now, firebrand former MP Chuwit Kamolvisit is heading back to jail. Yesterday, August 27, the Bangkok South Criminal Court sentenced Chuwit to 12 months in prison without suspension. He was found guilty of defaming and insulting former Special Branch deputy superintendent Santhana Prayoonrat. The sentence was later reduced to eight months because…
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Financial stress linked to body found hanging at Phuket shrine
Worshippers arriving at Phuket’s famous Jui Tui Shrine this morning were confronted with a grim discovery: a man had died by hanging before dawn. Phuket City Police reported that they were alerted at 7.55am today, August 28, to the death of 56 year old Montree Jongthirawong. Rescue workers and forensic doctors were dispatched to the shrine, located in Phuket Town,…
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‘Naga coconut tree’ in Phetchabun sparks lucky number frenzy
It’s not every day a coconut tree grows into the shape of a mythical serpent, but villagers in Phetchabun believe they have found one that could change their fortunes. As the next national lottery approaches on September 1, residents of Bueng Sam Phan district in Phetchabun province rushed yesterday to witness a bizarre phenomenon: a five year old dwarf aromatic…
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Foreigner nabbed for daring bike theft on Pattaya Walking Street
A foreign national was arrested today after allegedly stealing a motorbike on Soi 16 off Pattaya’s Walking Street. The man’s identity and nationality remain unknown, but witnesses claimed he appeared to be under the influence of drugs at the time of the theft. According to police, the incident began today, August 28, when the motorcycle owner discovered his vehicle missing…
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Thailand recruits 10,000 Sri Lankan workers to tackle labour shortages
Labour Minister Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit has confirmed the government’s strategy to recruit foreign labour, including an initial group of 10,000 workers from Sri Lanka, approved by the Cabinet. This initiative aims to mitigate potential labour shortages and provide immediate assistance to businesses. The Labour Ministry plans to present an expanded proposal for Cabinet approval this week and is considering mobilising local…
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Thai police arrest duo for selling wildlife on Facebook
Thai police arrested a 22 year old woman and a 39 year old man for illegally selling protected wildlife online. The operation also involved the seizure of firearms in a separate case in Bangkok. Police investigations revealed that protected wildlife, including one bearcat and one slow loris, were being advertised for sale on Facebook under the account name Chatree Kodkan.…
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Thai Airways fast-tracks mega Boeing and Airbus fleet expansion
Bigger planes, more routes, faster growth: Thai Airways is betting big on a massive aircraft order to secure its future skies. Thai Airways International has confirmed an accelerated aircraft acquisition plan, placing orders for both Boeing and Airbus jets to expand its fleet and strengthen its Network Airline strategy. Thai Airways CEO Chai Eamsiri revealed that the carrier is shifting…
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Thai Teacher pleads for compassion as student faces deportation to Cambodia (video)
A Thai teacher has shared his heartbreak after a 13 year old student, who achieved a perfect 4.00 GPA, was detained by police for being an undocumented foreigner, despite growing up entirely in Thailand and being unable to speak his parents’ native language. Today, 28 August, teacher Sopon Jongboriboon posted a video on Facebook expressing his sadness and frustration after…
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Trip.com touts AI future at Forbes Thailand forum
Adopting artificial intelligence (AI) and swiftly responding to consumer demand are crucial for success in the evolving travel sector, according to the online travel agent Trip.com. Trip.com Group Vice-President Edison Chen noted that a decade ago, the potential of AI to improve efficiency in customer service and itinerary planning was unforeseen. During his address at Forbes Thailand: The Next Tycoons…
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Crypto cash: Thailand warns over iris scan scams offering rewards
Thai police issued a warning over iris-scanning schemes in shopping malls, where people are lured with cryptocurrency rewards but risk serious privacy breaches. The Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) has issued a nationwide alert urging village heads to crack down on suspicious iris-scanning activities taking place in shopping malls across Thailand. Reports suggest that groups armed with a device known…
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Bangkok woman arrested for illegal surrogacy with foreigners
Yesterday, August 27, at approximately 1.50pm, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) apprehended a woman involved in illegal surrogacy arrangements for foreigners. Police Lieutenant Colonel Yuthana Praedum ordered the operation, which was led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Chatupol Bongkotmas, deputy chief of the DSI. The arrest was carried out by the Centre for Investigation and Intelligence of the DSI, a…
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