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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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Wild elephants forage for food, wreak havoc in Prachin Buri
A group of five wild elephants, including a mother and calf, from Thap Lan National Park, invaded a worker’s home late at night, causing significant damage as they searched for food. The incident, which marks the sixth consecutive day the elephants have roamed outside the park, occurred yesterday, July 10, in Prachin Buri province. The elephants, part of a herd…
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Condo drug party ends in arrests for 2 Thais and Russian in Phuket
Police arrested two Thai men and one Russian national for holding a drug party at a condominium in Phuket. Officers from Wichit Police Station raided a condominium near a popular shopping mall in the Wichit sub-district of Phuket on Wednesday, July 9, apprehending the three suspects. They were identified as 23 year old Thai man Sirawit, 23 year old Thai…
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Pensioner’s last bang: Thai OAP dies after love hotel boom boom
A randy Thai pensioner who checked into a short-time love hotel with a much younger woman died doing what many men only dream of, after a steamy round of boom boom. The 76 year old man keeled over and died mid-romp at a no-frills love shack in Phunphin district, Surat Thani, sending the terrified woman sprinting for help. Police were…
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Koh Samui thief nailed by GPS hidden in stolen fan
A brazen thief on Koh Samui thought he could get away with snatching a fan under the cover of darkness—until a hidden GPS tracker led police straight to his door. Police in Koh Samui, Surat Thani province, arrested a man after a stolen fan equipped with a GPS device exposed his hiding place in a labour camp. The drama unfolded…
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Blue murder: Deadly sea dragon resurfaces off Phuket (video)
Holidaymakers in Phuket have been warned to steer well clear of the blue sea dragon, a venomous sea creature that looks like it’s flown straight out of a fantasy film but packs a real-life, potentially deadly sting. The rare and otherworldly blue sea dragon, also known as Glaucus atlanticus, has made a surprise reappearance at Karon Beach after nearly two years out…
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US picks ex-lawyer with Asian ties as new Thailand envoy
Washington has tapped a veteran Foreign Service officer and former Wall Street lawyer to take the reins as the next US ambassador to Thailand, if the Senate gives the green light. The White House nominated Sean Kotaro O’Neill to succeed Robert F Godec as the United States Ambassador to Thailand, ending months of speculation over who would fill the critical…
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Thaksin lifts lid on power plays as Bhumjaithai walks out
In a no-holds-barred political confessional, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has laid bare the fierce rivalries, power plays and behind-the-scenes bargaining threatening to tip Thailand’s fragile government into chaos. During the 55 Years Nation Exclusive Talk: Breaking Through Thailand’s Crisis Chapter 1 at the Eastin Grand Phayathai Hotel on Wednesday, July 9, Thaksin delivered a candid assessment of Thailand’s political…
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Sunk costs: Phuket tourists rescued as dive trip springs a leak
Five foreign tourists had to be dramatically rescued off the Phuket coast after their dive boat sprang a leak and started taking on water mid-voyage. A dive trip turned into a soggy nightmare on Wednesday afternoon when a tour boat carrying five foreign holidaymakers began leaking on the way back from the idyllic islands of southern Thailand. The drama unfolded…
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Shark ‘n’ awe as blacktip reef sharks swarm Maya Bay in Krabi (video)
Tourists got more than just postcard views in Thailand’s paradise bay this month, as researchers spotted a jaw-dropping 158 blacktip reef sharks cruising the shallows in one fin-tastic return to form. Maya Bay, the once-trampled beauty spot made famous by The Beach, is making waves again, this time for all the right reasons. Thai marine boffins say they’ve recorded the…
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Thailand deluge: TMD warns of heavy rainfall and flash floods
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather warning for today, predicting heavy rainfall in 41 provinces across Thailand, with some areas experiencing intense downpours covering 70% of the region. Eight provinces have been specifically cautioned to be on alert for flash floods and rapid water flow due to accumulated rainfall. These provinces include Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Phrae,…
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Call of duty: Pedestrian on phone mowed down in pattaya pile-up
A pedestrian glued to his mobile phone was left fighting for life after stepping into traffic and being flattened by a truck, just one of three horror crashes to rock Pattaya this week. The man is in critical condition after being hit by a truck while distracted by a phone call on a busy Chon Buri highway. The smash happened…
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Retired officer arrested after failed Lop Buri armed robbery attempt
A retired 66 year old military officer has been apprehended following an attempted armed robbery at a convenience store in Lop Buri. The suspect, who held a gun to a staff member, failed to steal any money, citing financial need as his motive. At 12.05am today, July 10, Lop Buri’s 191 Radio Centre received reports of a male suspect brandishing…
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Phuket to host Kebaya Festival celebrating Peranakan heritage in 2025
Phuket will take centre stage in the global cultural arena with the upcoming Kebaya Festival, which is a celebration of Peranakan heritage as part of the Phuket Creative City Festival 2025. Scheduled for August 9 to August 10, the event will be held in Phuket Old Town and Suan Luang (King’s Park), featuring a comprehensive programme of cultural exhibitions, performances,…
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Cambodians detained for illegal entry into Thailand amid job crisis
A group of Cambodian nationals were apprehended for illegally entering Thailand due to economic hardships and lack of employment opportunities in their home country. Yesterday, July 9, at 9pm, police detained nine people walking from Baan Dong Ngu in Pa Rai subdistrict. The group, who previously worked repairing second-hand shoes at Rong Kluea Market, returned to Cambodia following recent border…
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Bangkok police bust illegal cannabis shop, arrest 28 year old man
A significant operation led by the Bangkok Metropolitan Police Bureau resulted in the arrest of a 28 year old man, Worapong, at a cannabis shop in Din Daeng, Bangkok. The raid, which took place yesterday, July 9, uncovered illicit substances including psychedelic mushrooms, cannabis-infused electronic cigarettes, and edibles. The police operation was spearheaded by Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, along…
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Malaysian businessman arrested in Thailand for online gambling link
Immigration officers at Don Mueang Airport apprehended a Malaysian company owner linked to money laundering activities associated with the gambling website HYDRA888 yesterday, July 9. The operation, led by Police Major General Choengron Rimpadee, involved the arrest of 26 year old Steven Choong Seng Lok. He was detained on a warrant issued by the Nonthaburi Provincial Court for involvement in…
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Udon Thani crash claims life of young student
Two female students from Udon Thani Technical College were involved in a tragic accident at Nong Samrong intersection in Mueang district, Udon Thani, yesterday, July 9 at 6pm. One died and another was seriously injured after their motorcycle collided with a car. Police Lieutenant Chakrapong Tomtam from Mueang Udon Thani Police Station received the accident report and coordinated with Udon…
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Kuwaiti youths’ noisy motorcycle races disrupt Pattaya’s Soi Yensabai
Residents on Soi Yensabai in Pattaya City, Thailand, were disturbed in the early hours of today, July 10, by a group of predominantly Kuwaiti youths racing motorcycles through the streets. This marked the second consecutive night of such disruptions, leaving locals unable to get a peaceful night’s sleep. In response, Police Lieutenant Colonel Suchart Dusadee, who leads the patrol unit…
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Russian trio steal 2kg cannabis worth 160,000 baht from Thai clinic
In Chon Buri, Thailand, three Russian nationals are alleged to have stolen 2 kilogrammes of premium organic cannabis, valued at 160,000 baht, from a cannabis clinic in Banglamung district. The theft took place on the evening of July 4, around 9pm. The suspects fled the scene in a blue Ford sedan, leaving the clinic owner with significant financial losses. A…
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Pygmy hippo Moo Deng celebrates first birthday at Thai zoo
The adorable baby pygmy hippo, Moo Deng, is celebrating her first birthday today, July 10. Born at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, she has become a beloved figure worldwide, captivating people with her playful behaviour and undeniable charm. Moo Deng has earned a special place in the hearts of many, thanks to her engaging antics. From her energetic pool escapades to…
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Phuket tourism boom: 223 billion baht from Russian, Chinese visitors
Phuket has emerged as a popular destination for Russian, Chinese, and Indian tourists in the first five months of this year, contributing approximately 223 billion baht in revenue, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Kamolphan Chalermsakulrat, deputy director of TAT Phuket, reported yesterday, July 9, that the island province received 5.85 million visitors between January and May, reflecting…
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Cyber police detain six over Thai baht fraud scheme
Cyber police have detained six people linked to an international fraud scheme that deceived a prominent Japanese corporation into transferring over 228 million baht to a Thai bank account using fake email invoices. Police successfully froze 215 million baht (US$6.58 million) before it could be laundered and are collaborating with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States…
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Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms hit 43 Thai provinces
Weather conditions across 43 provinces in Thailand are expected to deteriorate as heavy rainfall affects Bangkok and surrounding areas, with 70% of these regions experiencing thunderstorms. The northeastern and eastern provinces are also anticipated to face thunderstorms and heavy rain in several areas. According to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD)’s 24-hour weather forecast, heavy rainfall in some areas of Thailand…
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Looking ahead at the UFC 2025 calendar
It doesn’t seem that long ago that Ilia Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira to claim the vacant lightweight championship belt in the octagon at the home of UFC, the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada. It was an enthralling evening of fight action that also saw Alexandre Pantoja defend his flyweight title. The UFC calendar never stops for long though, and…
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Elderly poacher busted in West Thailand national park raid
Khao Laem National Park rangers collared an elderly poaching suspect armed to the teeth in a hidden forest hideout, highlighting Thailand’s ongoing battle against illegal wildlife hunting. Around 11am yesterday, July 8, rangers patrolling a remote area of the park stumbled upon a longtail boat tied up along a forest stream. With no one in sight, they grew suspicious and…
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New regulations for ride-hailing services in Thailand announced
The Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) announced new regulations for ride-hailing service providers. Drivers using such platforms must register their vehicles as public transport and possess a public transport driving licence. These new rules will be enforced 90 days following the announcement today, July 9. The Royal Gazette has published the ETDA’s announcement, specifying that digital platform services for public…
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Casino clash: Paetongtarn blasts Anutin for twisting Xi’s words
Thailand’s suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra fired back at Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul, accusing him of distorting Chinese President Xi Jinping’s views on Thailand’s controversial casino policy. Speaking in her capacity as culture minister, Paetongtarn took aim at Anutin’s claim that President Xi had voiced strong objections to Thailand’s plans for entertainment complexes that include casinos. “Xi offered various…
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Weed crackdown: Thailand to force cannabis shops to hire doctors
Thailand’s cannabis boom is about to get a massive reality check. Starting later this year, thousands of cannabis retailers will be legally transformed into healthcare facilities—and required to have a doctor on-site to dispense weed. At a packed press conference yesterday, July 8, Thanakrit Jit-areerat, Secretary to the Minister of Public Health, announced that the Department of Thai Traditional and…
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Student scammed: Fake landlord steals rent in Thai Facebook con
An engineering student’s quest for affordable housing ended in heartbreak after he was duped into paying rent on a property he wasn’t allowed to enter. Siwakorn turned up at Mueang Nonthaburi Police Station this week clutching evidence of a slick rental scam that cost him every baht he had saved for accommodation. “I just wanted to save money on rent,”…
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Stranded chihuahuas reunite with owner after 3-month hotel stay
An online community helped reunite seven chihuahuas with their owner after the dogs were left at a dog hotel in Pattaya for over three months. The couple who run the dog hotel decided to make the story public after they could no longer afford to care for the animals. One of the owners, 38 year old Buncha Phimonrat, revealed that…
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