Thailand News
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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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3 Thais arrested over illegal car insurance, causing 30 million baht loss
Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) officers arrested three suspects for illegally operating a car insurance company that caused damages exceeding 30 million baht. The Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) received complaints from clients of two second-hand car dealerships in Bangkok’s Bang Khae district and in Nonthaburi province, after an insurance company refused to cover repair costs as promised. According to the complainants,…
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Chon Buri community market boosts local economy and spirit
A vibrant community market was set up in front of the Khao Mai Kaew subdistrict administrative organisation (SAO) meeting hall, in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri, offering locals a platform to sell goods such as fresh produce, traditional sweets, and crafts, boosting the local economy and community ties. On Tuesday, September 2, the market attracted a vibrant crowd, with both…
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Thai Airways anticipates strong fourth quarter with rising demand
Thai Airways (THAI) anticipates a robust fourth quarter, with a load factor exceeding 80%, driven by both international demand and Thai tourists favouring Asian destinations. China and Japan have consistently attracted travellers throughout the year. Kittiphong Sansomboon, THAI Chief Commercial Officer, said that a strong baht and the visa-free programme have increased Thai tourists visiting Asian locations. During peak travel…
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Thai spiritual medium denies allegations of donation fraud
A female spiritual medium denied allegations of donation fraud and any involvement with the former abbot of Phra Bat Nampu Temple, who is currently in police custody for donation fraud. Renowned Channel 3 actor and news anchor, Kanchai “Noom” Kamnerdploy, revealed during a news programme yesterday, September 3, that he received information linking the medium, Pornnaruemon “Jane” Riabroycharoen, better known as Jane…
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Mayor arrested for extorting money from contract workers in Thailand
The mayor of Tha Sila municipality in Sakon Nakhon province has been arrested for allegedly extorting money from contract workers in exchange for job extensions. The arrest was led by Police Major General Jruykiat Pankaeo, deputy commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, in collaboration with officials from the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission and the National Anti-Corruption Commission. The 46 year…
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Pattaya drug trafficker arrested after lengthy police operation
Police in Pattaya have arrested a 33 year old man following a major investigation into drug trafficking and forged licence plates, with the suspect charged for distributing narcotics and using fake documents. A significant bust in Pattaya has led to the arrest of a major drug dealer, 33 year old Chai (pseudonym), who was apprehended by the Highway Police Division…
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Thailand allocates 160 million baht for Myanmar refugee healthcare
The Ministry of Public Health plans to allocate 160 million baht to enhance healthcare access for over 700,000 Myanmar refugees residing in seven camps along the Thai-Myanmar border. The budget proposal aims to maintain public health services for these camps, which have relied heavily on international donations. This reliance became more pronounced following the cessation of humanitarian aid announced by…
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Thailand and Malaysia boost cooperation on border security issues
Thailand and Malaysia have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing border security and regional stability at the 117th Thai-Malaysian Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting, held yesterday at the Angsana Laguna Phuket Hotel. The high-level meeting yesterday, September 3, co-chaired by Major General Apinan Chaemchaeng, Commander of the 5th Infantry Division, and Maj. Gen. Dato’ Hj Fazal bin Hj Abdul Rahman, Commander…
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Phichit monk accused of sexually assaulting at least 3 boys
Three young boys accused a monk of sexually assaulting them after he tricked them into working for a temple in the Isaan province of Phichit. The accused monk reportedly offered gifts to some of the boys in an attempt to keep the assaults secret. Teachers at a school in Phichit heard a rumour about the sexual assaults and also noticed…
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Tensions escalate as Thai officials demand Cambodians to leave illegal settlements (video)
Today, 4 September, border tensions flared in Ban Nong Chan, Non Mak Mun subdistrict, Khok Sung district, Sa Kaeo, after Thai officials put up trilingual warning signs (Thai–English–Khmer) demanding that Cambodians vacate the area immediately. The escalation comes after Sa Kaeo Governor Prinya Phothisat sent an official letter to Banteay Meanchey province, Cambodia, yesterday, 3 September, requesting the removal of…
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Shocking survey reveals kids as young as 6 vaping in Thailand
A nationwide survey conducted by the Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) has exposed disturbing trends in e-cigarette use among children and young adults in Thailand, with the youngest user reported at just six years old. The findings are a stark reminder of the growing vaping epidemic in the country. The survey, which was carried out earlier this year by…
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15 year old Thai girl stabbed for viewing rival’s TikTok profile
A 15 year old Thai girl sustained an arm injury after being stabbed in a public park in the southern province of Phatthalung, allegedly over viewing a TikTok profile of her rival. Officers from Mueang Phatthalung Police Station were called to the park on Thun Bamrung Road in the Khuha Sawan sub-district at around 5.30pm yesterday, September 3. They found…
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Police intercept illegal transport of 71 Myanmar nationals in Tak
Yesterday, September 3, Thai highway police apprehended two men for illegally transporting 71 Myanmar nationals on the Wang Prachop–Phran Kratai Road in Tak province. The operation was led by Police Major General Khongkrit Lertsitthikul, alongside Police Colonel Sathit Samanphap and subsequent colleagues. The police were alerted to the illegal transport of foreign workers from Tak province further into Thailand, leading…
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New non-stop Mumbai to Phuket flight opens doors for tourists
Mumbai, India’s bustling financial capital, is now directly connected to one of Thailand’s most coveted tourist destinations, Phuket, thanks to the launch of a new flight route by Akasa Air planned for September 20. This non-stop service promises to revolutionise travel between India and Thailand, offering an efficient and seamless journey, leaving behind the long layovers and connecting flights that…
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Man arrested for indecent acts against woman with disability in Pathum Thani
A 44 year old man, Theerawat, was arrested following an incident involving inappropriate behaviour towards a woman with a disability. This arrest was made on Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok Road in Pathum Thani province after an arrest warrant was issued by Thanyaburi Provincial Court on August 21 for charges related to indecent acts against a person over 15 years old. The incident…
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Bangkok taxi passenger injured in random shooting, suspect blames mental illness
Police yesterday, September 3, arrested a Thai man for shooting at a taxi on a road in the Bang Na area of Bangkok on August 30, leaving a male passenger with an arm injury. Officers from Bang Na Police Station received a complaint from the taxi driver, 43 year old Prom Sarachart, at 9.38pm on August 30 that his car…
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Police bust drug ring in Bangkok, seizing assets over 13 million baht
The Metropolitan Police Division 5 conducted a major operation to dismantle a drug network, raiding three locations and seizing assets worth over 13 million baht. Suspects were apprehended and charged yesterday, September 3. Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, alongside Police Major General Nopasin Poolsawat, Deputy Commissioner overseeing investigations, and Police Major General Pallop Aeremla,…
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Pattaya’s beach camping proposal faces opposition from tourists
A proposal to allow beach camping for a fee in Pattaya has ignited a wave of criticism from both tourists and long-term residents, raising concerns over the potential damage it could cause to the city’s image and its struggling hotel industry. “Beach camping, and what toilets are the campers using?” asked one European visitor, highlighting Pattaya’s ongoing cleanliness issues along…
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Thai man shoots motorcyclist in Trang, mistaking victim for thief
A Thai man shot a motorcyclist, who was travelling behind him on a road in Trang province on Tuesday, September 2, claiming he mistook the victim for a thief. Monks at Rai Pru Temple in Mueang Trang district sought assistance from the Nam Phud Sub-district Office Rescue Foundation at around 7.30pm on Tuesday after the injured victim, 22 year old…
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Thailand’s aviation authority may lift Nok Air flight suspension
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is considering lifting the international flight suspension for Nok Air after the airline submitted a safety improvement plan. The CAAT had initially halted Nok Air’s international operations due to safety standard concerns. Nok Air’s management has now provided documentation outlining their commitment to meeting CAAT’s safety requirements. The CAAT will evaluate the submitted…
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Cambodian smugglers caught with illegal cigarettes in Sa Kaeo
Yesterday, September 3, immigration police, excise officials, and the 13th ranger task force collaborated to arrest a group involved in the illegal cigarette trade near the border in Khlong Hat district, Sa Kaeo province. The operation followed complaints from locals at Baan Khao Din market about suspicious activities involving untaxed cigarettes. The police conducted a sting operation, which led them…
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Phumtham faces legal heat over House dissolution request
A political uproar has erupted after caretaker Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai sought royal approval to dissolve the House of Representatives. Yesterday, September 3, a list MP and political activist filed a complaint with the police accusing Phumtham of lese majeste. The move has sparked allegations of corruption and malfeasance in office, with accusations that he exceeded his authority. Suratin Pichan…
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Durian wholesaler shot dead in Yala’s Betong district
A mystery gunman fatally shot a well-known durian wholesaler at his business premises in Betong, Yala province. The incident occurred around 8.45pm yesterday, September 3, when Police Lieutenant Chatchai Channam, head of the special task force 444, was notified of the shooting. The victim, 68 year old Prasert Khananurak, known as Ko San, was found dead at the buying station yesterday,…
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2 more victims die in hospital following murder-suicide in Pathum Thani
Two more victims, including a 13 year old girl, died at a hospital following a murder-suicide committed by a Thai man who was caught having a romantic affair with the teenage victim, his sister-in-law. The 35 year old Thai man, Kiattisak, carried out the murder-suicide at the home of his wife, 26 year old Nannaphat, in the Khlong Luang district…
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Mystery woman’s body found in suitcase weighed down with dumbbell
A woman’s body was discovered in a suitcase at a reservoir in Huai Yai subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri, weighed down with a 15-kilogramme dumbbell. The deceased’s identity and nationality remain unknown, and it’s estimated that she had been dead for at least five days. Yesterday, September 3, at the Huai Yai Police Station meeting room, Deputy Provincial Police…
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Heavy rain warning issued for 35 Thai provinces including Bangkok
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather forecast warning for Thailand, highlighting 35 provinces, including Bangkok, which is expected to experience heavy rain covering 70% of the area. Residents in Ranong, Chanthaburi, and Trat are advised to be vigilant against potential flash floods and forest runoff. This is due to a monsoon trough passing over northern and northeastern…
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Phuket tuk tuks set to go electric in new pilot project
Phuket’s famous tuk tuks are about to get a green makeover as the island becomes the testing ground for Thailand’s first project to switch small passenger vehicles from petrol to electric power. Akaradej Wongpitakroj, MP for Ratchaburi and chairman of the House Industrial Committee, confirmed on a recent visit that Phuket will spearhead the conversion drive. The lessons learned here…
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Chiang Mai tuk tuk driver denies physically assaulting Chinese tourist
A Thai tuk tuk driver in Chiang Mai denied physically assaulting a Chinese tourist after a video of the pair’s confrontation went viral on TikTok. The Chinese tourist, who posted the clip to his account, @ailong165, on August 29, claimed the incident occurred at about 8.45pm on August 28 in Chiang Mai Old Town. According to the tourist, the driver shouted…
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Pattaya monks slammed for loitering at markets for alms
Pattaya’s bustling markets are under scrutiny after officials found monks standing outside shops and food stalls waiting for alms, behaviour critics say undermines the sanctity of Buddhist practice. The inspections, led by Bang Lamung District Chief Officer along with subdistrict monks and local agencies, followed complaints that monks were abandoning their traditional morning alms rounds, known as pindapata. Instead of…
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Foreign motorcyclists slammed for risky U-turn on Phuket traffic island
Thai netizens criticised two foreign motorcyclists for making a U-turn by riding onto a traffic island in Phuket, with some suggesting they were simply following the example set by Thai motorists. The Phuket Times Facebook page shared a video of the incident yesterday, September 2, with the caption, “Very dangerous! Foreigners in Phuket at a U-turn near Thai Watsadu on…
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