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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 New in July: Save 10% for life on family health plans in Thailand
Cigna has a special offer this July for families in Thailand. When you sign up three or more people on a family health plan, you will save 10% on your premiums for life. This deal helps you get affordable, high-quality...
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Green dreams soar as TAT’s ESG extravaganza takes flight with Air Canada’s Bangkok bonanza
In a display of environmental commitment, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) rolled out the green carpet for 48 jet-setting delegates at the Air Canada Asia Pacific Sales Summit. The Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel and Towers, nestled on the majestic Bangkok riverside, hosted this groundbreaking ESG activity in Thailand, marking the triumphant return of Air Canada’s Bangkok-Vancouver service on December…
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Why Chinese tourists snub Thailand: New favourites revealed
After 26 years of catering to Chinese tourists, a tour guide finds himself amid a revolution as travellers from Taiwan, India, and beyond take centre stage. Thailand, hopeful for a Chinese tourism resurgence post-pandemic, faces an unexpected plot twist as a surge of Taiwanese visitors, in particular, reshapes the narrative. Saichon Chounchou now handles a 20-person group of Taiwanese tourists.…
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Thai PM unleashes bold tourism overhaul: Second-tier provinces take centre stage
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin shook the foundations of Thailand‘s tourism strategy, revealing a radical shift during a high-stakes meeting at Government House. The Thai premier, flanked by Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol and Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Chief Thapanee Kiatphaibool, unveiled his masterplan to propel the nation into a perpetual high-season destination, leaving traditional hotspots like Chiang Mai…
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Thai couple arrested for embezzling 24 million baht from employer
Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) officers arrested a Thai couple for embezzling 24 million baht from their employer while working at a petrol station in the central province of Chantaburi between 2020 to 2023. ATPD reported that a 47 year old Thai man, Wichian, and his 46 year old wife, Jatuporn, were former accountants at the petrol station in Chantaburi…
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Major e-cigarette gang leader captured by Thai police in 100 million baht operation
The Thai police captured a major e-cigarette gang leader known as Tee Leng, who was selling illegal e-cigarettes and vape juice to smaller traders. The operation had an impressive turnover of 100 million baht. As a result of the arrest, the police seized over 70,000 e-cigarette-related items, valued at more than 10 million baht. The arrest took place today, following…
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Predicted winning numbers for the upcoming Thai government lottery draw
A significant draw for the government lottery is set for Saturday, December 16, with a wide range of interesting numbers to consider. The Mae Jam Nian Lottery, a prominent lottery ticket outlet, revealed its top-selling numbers and highlighted numbers on its Facebook page. The favoured numbers for the December 16 draw include 71, 72, 45, 67, 79, 95, 07, 57,…
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Thai fortune teller’s readings spark controversy on social media
A recent incident has rattled social media, where a popular Thai fortune teller, known for her expensive rates and precise predictions, has been accused of using information from clients’ mobile phones for their readings. The case came to light when a TikTok user, cakekanokon, posted a video warning others about this practice. Today, three clients, Pam, Cake and Hem, revealed…
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Michelin Guide Thailand 2024: An ode to culinary excellence with new shining stars
At the Michelin Guide Ceremony Thailand, Michelin has officially unveiled The Michelin Guide Thailand 2024 edition, revealing its much-awaited full restaurant selection, and celebrating the accomplishments of Thailand’s vibrant and dynamic culinary community. The newly released Guide features 447 establishments. 2 restaurants newly received two Michelin Stars In the 2024 Michelin Guide Thailand edition, two Michelin Stars listings add 2…
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Thai groom-to-be fakes dowry theft after no money for wedding
A Thai groom-to-be reported the theft of his dowry worth nearly 700,000 baht to police in the Isaan province of Khon Kaen. He later confessed that he faked the story because he lost his job and had no money for the wedding. The 29 year old Thai man, Nattapon Tormee, lodged a complaint at Mueang Khon Kaen Police Station at…
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5 Thai police accused of illegally detaining and extorting Thai man
A Thai man accused five officers from Pabon Police Station in the southern province of Phattalung of unlawfully detaining him, charging him with illegal gun possession, and extorting 50,000 baht from him. Channel 7 received a complaint from a 50 year old man named Tu who claimed to be a victim of corrupt police officers yesterday, December 13. Tu recounted…
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Phuket nightlife extends with 4am closing and increased safety measures
Phuket’s nightlife venues in Patong will soon be buzzing till 4am, thanks to new government regulations. To ensure the safety of party-goers, Kathu district’s Chief, Theeraphong Chuaychu, announced the creation of a war room to keep tabs on these late-night establishments. This extension of closing hours is set to come into force on December 16 and will impact selected areas…
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Geminids meteor shower to light up the sky
The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) has extended an invitation to Thai citizens to witness the Geminids meteor shower, commonly known as the Gemini Twins meteor shower, which will peak tonight December 14, continuing into the early hours of tomorrow. The spectacle can be observed from around 8pm onwards, with an expected peak frequency after midnight of approximately…
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Culinary triumph: Thailand’s gastronomic scene sizzles with 2024 Michelin Guide debut
In a culinary coup, Thailand‘s gastronomic landscape has been transformed with the unveiling of the 2024 Michelin Guide. This year, the nation welcomes two groundbreaking two-star restaurants, Baan Tepa and GAA, alongside an impressive six new one-star establishments. But the real star power lies in the hands of two remarkable female chefs, Chef Chudaree Debhakam, aka Tam, of Baan Tepa…
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Thai-Saudi economic extravaganza: Mega Fair 2023 takes Riyadh by storm
The Thailand Mega Fair 2023 descended upon the Arena Riyadh, heralding a four-day fiesta of premium Thai products and services that has the Saudi Arabian capital buzzing with excitement until Saturday, December 16. Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, doubling as deputy prime minister, kicked off the festivities with an inauguration that not only marked the start of the grand event but…
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Roadside ricochet: Thai truck driver shot by mistake when driving in Isaan province (video)
A sedan driver surrendered to the police after he shot a truck driver by mistake on the 304 Nakhon Ratchasima-Kabin Buri Road in the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima on December 12. Pak Thong Chai Police Station officers and rescuers dashed to the incident scene to meet with the 60 year old gunman named Sittichai Wataukana and the 25 year…
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Three Japanese ministers resign amidst 124 million baht kickback controversy
Three high-ranking Japanese government ministers have thrown in the towel amidst a whopping 500 million yen (124 million baht) corruption scandal. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), the stalwart ruling force in the world’s third-largest economy, is now grappling with the fallout from allegations that could reshape the nation’s political future. In a seismic blow to the political establishment, three top-tier…
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Genoa barber caught in drug trafficking sting due to influx of bald customers
A barber in the Italian city of Genoa was apprehended by the police on suspicion of drug trafficking after noticing a high number of bald, beardless customers frequenting his shop. The police officers became aware of potential drug trafficking in the Foce district of Genoa, although they had no clear leads. An investigation was initiated with additional information gathering, aided…
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Revolutionary Thai project turns waste into gold: The PARQ’s green secrets unveiled
In a move towards environmental sustainability, The PARQ, Thailand‘s pioneering mixed-use development, has unveiled its secret weapon: a cutting-edge waste management system that’s turning food waste into nutrient-rich plant vitamins. As the first project in Thailand to achieve the prestigious LEED Gold® version 4 certification and the WELL certified™ core gold standard, The PARQ is not just a real estate…
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Fatal late-night shooting in Nakhon Pathom leaves restaurant server dead
A fatal shooting incident occurred at 1.30am today in Nakhon Pathom when a villain in a pickup truck chased down and shot a young restaurant server. The attacker’s bullets claimed the life of the young man in front of his friend, leaving four others injured. The incident took place on a rural road in the district of Thanon Kad, in…
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Nightly temples extravaganza: Bangkok’s spiritual spectacle lights up the sky
In a dazzling celebration of tradition and spirituality, Bangkokians are set to bask in the mesmerising glow of the city’s temples after dark. The much-anticipated Illuminated 10 Temples and National Museum event promises a spiritual journey like no other, offering locals and tourists alike a chance to bid adieu to the old year and embrace the dawn of the new…
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Detained Thai soldier re-arrested after escaping from hospital
A Thai soldier, held in custody, successfully severed his ankle restraints and escaped from a hospital in the central province of Lop Buri before being recaptured later in the day. A military officer raised the alarm with police in Lob Buri province after the detained soldier, identified only as C, escaped while being treated at the hospital. The detained soldier…
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Thai Airways tests sustainable aviation fuel on Phuket-Bangkok flight
Thai Airways International and PTT Oil and Retail Business PLC piloted a flight employing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from Phuket to Bangkok yesterday, December 13. The initiative, which signals a significant stride towards an environmentally friendly aviation industry, was revealed during a media briefing at Phuket International Airport. Disathat Panyarachun, the head of PTT Oil and Retail Business PLC, explained…
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Thailand weather update: Cold north, stormy south and rain in 19 provinces
Today’s weather in Thailand sees a mix of cold in the north, stormy conditions in the south, and a forecast of rainfall across 19 provinces, including the capital city, Bangkok, and its surrounding regions. According to the Thai Meteorological Department‘s 24-hour forecast, high atmospheric pressure or mass cold air covers the northeastern regions and the South China Sea. This, combined…
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NEPC plans to cap power tariff for Thai households at current rate
The National Energy Policy Council (NEPC), in its recent meeting, moved to limit the power tariff for households consuming not more than 300 units a month at the existing rate of 3.99 baht per unit, an insider familiar with the meeting discussions revealed. In the NEPC meeting, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, two main points were reviewed, both related…
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Distressing discovery of abandoned fetus stuns Phuket neighbourhood
In a quiet corner of Karon, Phuket, a distressing discovery was made yesterday. A five month old fetus was found abandoned on a vacant lot near Soi Green Drinking Water. The alarm was raised around 10.45am, with Karon Police receiving the unsettling news from the 191 Provincial Police call centre. Due to the grave nature of the situation, the Deputy…
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Minimum wage hikes unlikely to impact Thai goods pricing significantly
The Commerce Ministry’s planning unit has weighed in on the ongoing debate regarding the impact of minimum wage increases on domestic goods and services, suggesting that such hikes are unlikely to significantly influence the pricing landscape. Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, the director-general of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO), has argued that a rise in the daily minimum wage by an…
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MFP MP, Rukchanok Srinork, granted bail with conditions
The Criminal Court of Thailand granted a temporary release to Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Rukchanok Srinork. Rukchanok was prosecuted for violating Section 112 of the Criminal Law or lèse majesté law, and Computer Act after she retweeted posts from her Twitter account between July 18 to August 9 of last year, 2022. The messages she retweeted were about the…
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Thailand’s tourism authority plans strategy revamp to boost visitor spending
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is setting its sights on revamping its strategies to rejuvenate tourist spending, which has experienced a notable decline since the onset of the pandemic. Foreign tourists’ expenditure has dipped from an average of 50,000 baht to 42,000 baht. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday urged TAT executives and domestic offices to reignite tourism expenditure. He…
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Thai rice purity at risk due to popularity of foreign strains
Thai rice finds itself in a perilous position as the purity of its strains is at risk due to the rising popularity of foreign rice strains smuggled from neighbouring countries, warns the nation’s agriculture minister, Thammanat Prompow. Speaking at the annual Thai rice conference organised by the Thai Rice Foundation Under Royal Patronage, Thammanat expressed his worries about the future…
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Thai stock market could sink below 1,300 amid foreign investor exodus
In a worrying development, analysts signalled that the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) index, which plummeted to a three-year trough yesterday, could continue its descent to below 1,300 points in the short term as foreign funds persist in their exodus. The Thai stock market appears unaffected by the recent resurgence of other equity markets, despite encouraging indicators emerging since last…
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