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Thailand News
Minister denies hiring designer amid SEA Games ceremony controversy
The Sports and Tourism Minister responded to the controversy over the cancelled SEA Games ceremony design, insisting that no hiring contract was ever made with the designer or his team. The drama began after Thai visual and lighting designer Rueangrith “Ton” Suntisuk shared on December 2 that he and his team had been working on the opening and closing ceremony…
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World News
Israel confirms identity of Thai hostage’s body from Gaza
The Israeli Prime Minister’s office has confirmed that the Red Cross handed over the body of Thai national Sudthisak Rintalak on Wednesday, December 3. Only one deceased hostage remains in Gaza, 24 year old Ran Gvili, an Israeli police officer. Sudthisak and Gvili were the final two hostages who had not been recovered from the territory. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s (PIJ)…
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Retire in Thailand
Thailand retirement visa insurance requirement explained (2025 update)
The Thaiger key takeaways Thailand’s OA, O-X, and LTR visas require health insurance. Minimum coverage varies by visa type, so applicants should confirm requirements with the specific Thai embassy or consulate. Local plans are cheaper and meet the basic rules, while international plans offer higher protection and broader access to private hospitals. Thinking about retiring in Thailand is something many…
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Thailand News
Thai netizens call out Cambodia’s Miss Charm video
Thai netizens are accusing Miss Charm Cambodia 2025 of using Thailand’s iconic tourism slogan and traditional-style attire. The recently released video on Miss Charm’s Facebook page, titled “Miss Charm Cambodia 2025 | Introduction Video”, features this year’s Miss Charm Cambodia contestant, Det Sreyneat, narrating the kingdom’s cultural wonders, historic temples, and natural beauty. But what caught the attention of many Thai…
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Thailand News
South Korean man allegedly pours hot water over Thai girlfriend out of jealousy
A jealous South Korean man allegedly poured hot water over his Thai girlfriend in an attempt to disfigure her so she would be unable to date other men. The Thai woman took to a Facebook group of Thai people in South Korea yesterday, December 3, seeking a free interpreting service after she was assaulted by her South Korean boyfriend. She…
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Events
ICONSIAM to host ‘Amazing Thailand Countdown 2026’ showcasing Thailand as one of the world’s top countdown destinations
ICONSIAM, the global landmark on the Chao Phraya River, will host the Amazing Thailand Countdown 2026, a five-day festival from December 27 to 31 at River Park, celebrating its 7th anniversary and cementing Bangkok as a premier year-end destination. The festivities will feature world-class artist Mark Tuan and Thailand’s top artists, over 200 performers transforming River Park into an endless…
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Bangkok News
BTS and MRT offer free rides for dads on Father’s Day, December 5
Fathers in Thailand can enjoy free travel on BTS and MRT trains this Friday, December 5, in honour of the birthday anniversary of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, which is also celebrated as National Father’s Day. The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) confirmed that all four MRT lines, the Blue, Purple, Yellow and Pink lines, will offer free…
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Finance
The macro ties that bind gold and oil with the global economy
Defined by geopolitical friction and shifting economic priorities, 2025 was a year that enforced the long-standing ties between gold, oil, and the global economy. From tariff escalations between major trading blocs to renewed instability in key oil-producing regions, markets were repeatedly forced to reprice risk. And while equities absorbed the headlines, it was gold and oil that quietly revealed the…
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Thailand News
Chon Buri spa denies responsibility on client loses gold worth 300,000 baht
A Thai woman lost more than 300,000 baht worth of gold jewellery yesterday, December 3, after keeping her valuables in a locker at a spa in the Sriracha area of Chon Buri province. The 38 year old woman, Suwadee Fadchin, filed a complaint with Sriracha Police Station after discovering that several gold accessories had vanished from her locker. She told police…
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Food
Celebrate the holidays with Blue Festive Delights Collection from Blue by Alain Ducasse
Begin the festive season with the exquisite touch of Blue by Alain Ducasse. This year’s Blue Festive Delights Collection, crafted by Executive Pastry Chef Christophe Grilo, presents a curated selection of handcrafted holiday gifts made from the finest ingredients. With over 20 years of experience, Chef Christophe brings French finesse and exceptional craftsmanship to every creation, ensuring each treat is…
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Eastern Thailand News
Danish tourist erupts at Trat bus terminal after missing final airport bus
Police intervened after a Danish man caused a disturbance at the Trat Bus Terminal on Tuesday, December 2, after he missed the last bus to Suvarnabhumi International Airport for his midnight flight. Staff at the terminal called officers from Mueang Trat Police Station at around 6pm after the foreign tourist began shouting and causing chaos. The man, a Danish national,…
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Central Thailand News
Phetchaburi homeowner shoots intruder after repeated break-ins
A homeowner in Phetchaburi shot an intruder today, December 4, after burglars had targeted the house multiple times before the latest incident. Police identified the injured suspect as 18 years old Arun, from Ban Laem district in Phetchaburi province. Officers found him with gunshot wounds to his right shoulder, arm, and knee. Emergency responders transported him to Phra Chomklao Hospital…
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Thailand News
AOT to hike airport tax in 2026, eyes 10 billion baht revenue boost
Passengers flying internationally from Thailand will soon face higher airport taxes, after the Civil Aviation Board approved a 53% hike in the Passenger Service Charge (PSC) at six major airports. Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, who chaired the board’s meeting yesterday, December 3, confirmed the PSC for international departures will rise from 730 baht to 1,120 baht per person. The increase…
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Bangkok News
Asiatique introduces scenic mode and cuts hours after SkyFlyers noise complaints
Asiatique The Riverfront responded to noise complaints over loud screaming from riders on its SkyFlyers attraction by introducing a scenic ride mode and limiting its operating hours. In recent days, residents living near the popular open-air mall took to social media to complain about the disturbance caused by the newly launched SkyFlyers ride. They said the noise did not come…
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Things To Do
Looking for a view? SkyFlyers is one of the world’s tallest rides, now open in Bangkok
Bangkok has added a new high-flying attraction to its riverside skyline. SkyFlyers: Wings of Garudapterus, one of the world’s tallest swing rides, is now open to the public at Asiatique The Riverfront. This ride is offering riders an exhilarating, 360-degree view of the capital city from the height of a 36-storey building. This new ride spins 24 people at a time…
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Thailand News
Thailand unveils six eco-friendly tax measures for 2027
Thailand’s Excise Department plans to roll out six new tax initiatives to promote environmental sustainability and improve public health. Director-General Pornchai Thiraveja said these policies aim to align with shifting global trade standards, which now place more emphasis on climate action and public health. The measures also support upcoming carbon-related regulations. Bangkok Post reported that the first measure expands the tax…
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Thailand video news
Thailand video news | Thailand loosens alcohol sale rules starting 3 December, Former homeless man in Chiang Mai wins lottery jackpot
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jay cover key stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia — from the official rollout of relaxed alcohol sales regulations to cases involving gambling, drugs, and defamation among foreign visitors, plus a heartwarming story of a man’s journey from rags to riches. Thailand Loosens Alcohol Sale Rules Starting 3 December Thailand has approved…
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Phuket News
Foreign suspect flees after stabbing British man outside Phuket nightclub
A “large” foreign man is on the run after stabbing a British national outside a nightclub in the Choeng Talay area of Phuket in the early hours of yesterday, December 3. Choeng Talay Police Station officers and rescue workers were called to the road outside the entertainment venue at around 12.20am to investigate the stabbing and assist the victim, later…
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Health
Trat woman collapses after 10 months on diet pills
A 22 year old woman collapsed at her workplace in Trat and was rushed to the hospital late last night, December 3, after reportedly taking weight loss pills for over 10 months. Investigators suspect the pills, which she bought from an online shop, contain sibutramine, a banned substance linked to severe health risks. At around 10.30pm yesterday, reporters visited Trat…
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Road deaths
Dashcam exposes false account after Thai driver kills British woman in Nonthaburi
A Thai driver fatally struck a British national who was crossing a road in Nonthaburi province yesterday, December 3, before claiming the victim suddenly stopped walking in the middle of the road. Dashcam footage later circulated online contradicted her account. Sai Noi Police Station officers were alerted to the fatal accident at around 1pm and rushed to the Bang Kruai-Sai…
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Events
Central Pattana unveils Thailand’s first 14-metre-tall Ariel Castle at Central Phuket
Central Pattana Public Company Limited, the developer of Central shopping centres nationwide, has launched its global campaign, The Magical Stars. The campaign supports Thailand’s tourism and economy during the peak season, advancing the Festival Economy strategy and building a nationwide Happiness Ecosystem for all generations from November 14, 2025, to January 11, 2026. This year, Central Phuket introduces a new landmark, an immersive…
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Health
Cigna’s 10% lifetime discount on global health insurance extends into December
Planning for long-term health protection while keeping costs manageable? Now extended into December, Cigna is once again offering a 10% lifetime discount on its individual global health insurance plans. Enrolling in a Cigna Global Individual policy allows you to enjoy reduced premiums for life, no matter where in the world you live. December offer: Save 10% on your premium for…
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Thailand News
Nonthaburi driver attempts suicide over 35,000 baht repair cost
A 61 year old driver from Nonthaburi attempted suicide yesterday, December 3, due to stress over financial strain. Police responded to a report of a man seriously injured at his home in Bang Phut subdistrict, Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi province. At the scene, police found Anurat lying in the garage of his home, wearing only shorts. There was a knife…
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Bangkok News
Thai actress denies fraud as police seize 10 million baht in assets
Thai actress Rybena “Nana” Intachai remains in police custody today, December 4, over a fraud scandal, but continues to deny all allegations. Police said they have substantial evidence against her and seized assets worth around 10 million baht from her home in Bangkok’s Phra Khanong area. Yesterday, December 3, officers arrested Nana at her home and searched the property before…
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Technology News
Warning! iPhone 16 to 17 are vulnerable to hackers who can access your device through the USB-C port
Users of the new iPhone 16 and 17 models are being urged to adjust their settings immediately after a security flaw in iOS 26 was found to expose data through the USB-C port. Zak Doffman, a cybersecurity expert at Forbes, issued an urgent warning to iPhone 17, 16, and 15 users, advising them to change their security settings on iOS…
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Thailand News
Thailand and UAE mark 50 years of diplomatic relations
Thailand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) marked 50 years of diplomatic relations this week during a ceremony held at the UAE Embassy in Bangkok. The celebration coincided with the UAE’s 54th Union Day. UAE Ambassador to Thailand, Obaid Saeed Obaid Bintaresh Aldhaheri, addressed the attendees on Monday, praising the steady growth of bilateral ties. He remarked that the long-standing…
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Thailand News
Dumbhead dispute: Miss Universe 2025 winner faces defamation complaint from Thai organiser
A Thai beauty pageant organiser filed a defamation complaint against the newly crowned Miss Universe 2025, Fatima Bosch, after she publicly claimed he called her a “dumbhead”. The dispute between the president of the Miss Universe 2025 organising committee, Nawat Itsaragrisil, and the Mexican beauty queen, Bosch, began on November 4 during a pre-pageant event in Bangkok. The conflict first…
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Central Thailand News
Police bust warehouse with 160,000 fake masks and cosmetics
A police raid in Samut Prakan uncovered over 160,000 fake face masks and counterfeit cosmetics being sold online. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) stormed a warehouse in Bang Sao Thong district after tracing it to a major counterfeit products operation. Officers seized fake face masks branded as Welcare, along with fake cosmetic products, including Biore lotions and Cetaphil cleansers. Police launched…
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Thailand News
Thai illegal worker in South Korea seeks help after losing fingers while working
A Thai illegal worker in South Korea sought help from a migrant support centre after losing two fingers in a workplace accident, but is still receiving no compensation. Farida “Aum” Ma, a volunteer who provides assistance to Thai workers in South Korea, shared the man’s case on Facebook yesterday, December 2, posting photos showing that his middle and ring fingers were…
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Things To Do
See Tulips blooming right now in Bangkok at Suan Luang Rama IX Flower Festival 2025
Looking for winter vibes without the international flight? From December 1 to 10, Suan Luang Rama IX in Bangkok is home to a stunning seasonal showcase of Tulips blooming at the Suan Luang Rama IX Flower Festival 2025. This limited-time event lets you experience the magic of cold-climate flowers blooming right in the heart of Thailand. Held at the Thakol Phra…
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Crime News
Ten foreigners arrested in Koh Phangan poker raid
Tourist police arrested ten foreign nationals last night, December 2, for gambling during a poker game in Koh Phangan district, Surat Thani. The raid took place around 10pm at a private property. Officers from Division 5 of the Tourist Police Bureau acted after receiving information that foreigners had gathered there to gamble. When they arrived, they saw numerous motorbikes parked…
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Chiang Mai News
Ex-homeless Chiang Mai man wins 18 million baht lottery
Relatives flocked to the home of a former homeless man in Chiang Mai after he struck it rich with a winning lottery ticket worth 18 million baht. The lottery winner, 68 year old Suthon, also known as “Uncle Jae,” lives alone in a rented room in San Pa Tong district. He earns just 350 baht a day from odd jobs…
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Thailand News
300 million baht budget for SEA Games pool triggers public debate
Public scrutiny is mounting over the 300-million-baht budget allocated for the swimming pool renovation ahead of the SEA Games 2025, after official procurement documents revealed the high prices of equipment installed at the venue. The Facebook page Young Shark Thailand (ฉลามหนุ่มไทยแลนด์) shared several posts breaking down the renovation costs of the SEA Games swimming pool and urged the public to…
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Environment News
Myanmar rocked by 13 earthquakes in one week
A popular Thai weather monitoring Facebook page has issued a warning about increased seismic activity in Myanmar. Today, December 3, the page “Tee Lomfah Akat” reported that three earthquakes struck Myanmar overnight from December 2 into the early hours of December 3. The page reported the earthquake around the Sagaing Fault Line, where a powerful quake earlier this year caused…
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Phuket News
Indian tourist apologises for placing feet on seat of Trang-Phuket bus
An Indian man issued an apology after a video of him placing his feet on the backrest of a Trang-Phuket coach bus seat went viral on Thai social media. The video was first shared yesterday, December 2, by Facebook user Y’Not Seven, and later reposted by several news pages. In the clip, the Indian man is seen travelling with a…
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Visa Information
How hard is it to get a Thai visa during Christmas and the New Year?
For many travellers and expats, the end-of-year holiday season is both a festive and logistical hurdle. Whether you’re planning a quick return to Thailand or managing your visa renewal as an expat, the Christmas and New Year period can complicate things. So, how hard is it to get a Thai visa during this busy time of year with Christmas and…
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Health
Wattanosoth Cancer Hospital in collaboration with BDMS Wellness Clinic enhances cancer care with ICHOM standards
Wattanosoth Cancer Hospital continues to advance the quality of its cancer care under the guiding concept of Care Beyond Cure. The hospital is committed to providing Total Cancer Care, which means going beyond medical treatment to support the patient’s physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being, as well as fostering a sense of hope. This approach ensures that patients and their…
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