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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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Prachinburi plantation owner killed in brutal attack
A tragic incident unfolded late yesterday, December 30, at a rubber plantation in Prachinburi province, as a plantation owner was brutally killed and his legs bound with a t-shirt, while an employee sustained serious injuries in the attack. The local villagers reported that a group of four to five individuals drove up to the area, leading to a confrontation that…
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Thailand braces for cold wave with thunderstorms in the south
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has forecasted a significant drop in temperature across northern and upper southern Thailand due to a cold air mass, with thunderstorms expected in several provinces in the south. Today’s weather forecast highlights that a moderate cold air mass is covering the upper part of Thailand and the upper southern regions, resulting in cold to chilly…
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Thailand to boost growth with new European trade deals
The Commerce Ministry is gearing up to enhance Thailand’s economic landscape by actively pursuing more free trade agreements (FTAs) next year, aiming for a 3% economic growth rate. This strategic move was detailed by Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan following a crucial meeting with ministry officials and Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) executives, including FTI chairman Kriengkrai Thiennukul. Prime Minister Paetongtarn…
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Lisa tops Thailand soft power poll, beating Moo Deng and Butter Bear
Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal has taken the lead in 2024 Thailand’s most powerful soft power poll, demonstrating her wide-reaching influence as a global K-pop star. Following closely behind in the poll are the adorable pygmy hippo named Moo Deng and the popular Butter Bear mascot, also known as Nong Mee Noei. Sanit Siriwisitkul, head of the North Bangkok Poll Centre, revealed…
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Social media pressure leads to arrest of minibus driver in rape case
A Thai minibus driver, who was arrested today, December 30, after he raped a passenger on a trip from Bangkok to the Isaan province of Surin, claimed that the 19 year old victim consented to sexual intercourse. The victim’s mother filed a complaint at Phanom Dong Rak Police Station in Surin after her 19 year old daughter was sexually assaulted by…
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Thai woman allegedly drugged and robbed by Bangkok taxi driver
A female Thai tour guide accused a taxi driver of drugging and robbing her during a trip from Soi Sukhumvit 11 to Soi Sukhumvit 81 in Bangkok on December 26. The 47 year old Thai woman, Angkana “Oil” Rungpaisarn, sought help from the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive after she woke up on the roadside with injuries across her body and valuables…
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NACC denies lobbying claims in Thaksin hospital case investigation
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) firmly denies any lobbying efforts aimed at altering the commissioner overseeing the investigation into former premier Thaksin Shinawatra’s detention at a police hospital. Sarote Phuengramphan, the NACC secretary-general and spokesperson, refuted claims of lobbying to replace the commissioner. These allegations were brought forth by activist and former red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan during a Facebook live…
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Thailand video news | A flight from Bangkok to Seoul has become the most deadly crash in Korea’s history, Vietnam sentences 27 to death in major drug trafficking case
Alex and Jay deliver a roundup of compelling news stories from Thailand and across Asia in the latest Good Morning Thailand segment. Highlights include Korea’s deadliest aviation disaster involving a Bangkok-Seoul flight, Thailand’s alarming New Year road accident statistics, and a tragic stabbing of a Japanese tourist in Pattaya. Other stories cover a tourist boat capsize near Koh Phangan, Thailand’s…
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Giant king cobra caught in fish trap excites Songkhla locals
A giant king cobra was unexpectedly caught in a fish trap in Songkhla province, sparking a mix of excitement and tension. Residents eagerly gathered, hoping to use the incident as inspiration for the upcoming lottery draw. The event began when 28 year old Phadungsak, from Na Thawi, Songkhla, visited his rubber plantation to check on fish traps he had set.…
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Thailand imposes stricter penalties for unpaid tolls
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) is set to enforce stricter penalties for unpaid tolls starting January 1, 2025. Drivers who fail to pay tolls will face fines up to ten times the toll fee, with a maximum of 2,000 baht per incident. This new regulation is part of the enforcement of Section 63 of the EXAT Act of 2007,…
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Two Chalong Pier boat operators test positive for methamphetamine
Two boat operators from Chalong Pier have been found positive for methamphetamine use during a safety campaign screening in Phuket. This effort, part of the new year safety initiative, was led by Phuket Marine Chief Natchapong Pranit and took place on the morning of December 28. A total of 34 boat operators and crew members underwent the random drug tests,…
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Five killed in Prachinburi factory concrete slab collapse
A tragic incident unfolded in Prachinburi province when a concrete slab collapsed in a factory located in the 304 Industrial Park, resulting in the loss of five lives with no survivors. The collapse occurred today, December 30, causing widespread alarm among workers and residents in the area. Rescue teams and relevant officials swiftly arrived on the scene to assess the…
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Thai man arrested for stabbing Danish tourist in Patong
A 27 year old Thai man has been apprehended by Patong Police after allegedly stabbing a Danish tourist early on December 28. The swift action by senior officers at Patong Police Station led to the arrest following the incident which left the tourist injured. The suspect was detained at a residence on Soi Kralim 6, located off Phra Barami Road…
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South Korean man missing after boat capsizes near Koh Pha Ngan
A South Korean man remains missing after a long-tail boat capsized at around 3am yesterday, December 29, in the sea near Koh Pha Ngan, an island in the southern province of Surat Thani. A boat driver was tested positive for drugs. The accident occurred on a long-tail boat named Phichitchai, which departed Rin Beach on Koh Pha Ngan and was…
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Young man arrested in Bangkok with modified gun after police chase
A young man found himself in hot water after leading police on a chase, ultimately being apprehended with a firearm in his possession. The incident occurred today, December 30, when officers from Bang Khen Police Station, led by Anan Warasart, apprehended 20 year old Tawan in the Ram Inthra 5 area of Bangkok. Tawan was found with a modified blank…
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Security guard in Ayutthaya injures colleagues in knife attack
A security guard, in a frenzied state, attacked his colleagues with a knife, leaving two seriously injured before fleeing the scene on a motorcycle. The incident happened today, December 30, at the Bueng Phra Ram pétanque field in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. The police are now on the hunt for the suspect. The police received an alert about the chaotic…
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3 foreigners killed in fire at Khao San Road hotel in Bangkok
A fire broke out at a hotel on Thani Road near the Khao San Road neighbourhood of Bangkok last night, December 29, resulting in three fatalities and seven injuries. The fire started on the fifth floor of the six-storey Ember Hotel, at around 9.20pm. ThaiRath reported today, December 30, that the blaze originated in room 511, which was completely burned down…
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Phuket man demands justice after brutal attack on mother and girlfriend
A shocking incident of violence in Phuket has prompted a man to turn to social media to demand justice following a brutal attack on his mother and girlfriend in Srisoonthorn. This assault, captured on CCTV around 3am on December 26, has been brought to the public eye by a family member seeking accountability for the perpetrators. The incident unfolded as…
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Endangered animal smuggling ring busted at Chatuchak Market
A clandestine network involved in the smuggling of endangered animals has been exposed at Chatuchak Market, according to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP). Director-General Atthapol Charoenchansa revealed that a millionaire businessman, who collects exotic animals, attempted to import a baby gorilla from Türkiye. Details about the businessman remain undisclosed as investigations continue. Police have initiated…
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Tourist bus crash in Chumphon injures 17 after driver distraction
A tourist bus collided with a rubber-laden trailer, injuring several foreign passengers, after the 71 year old driver, allegedly reached for a dropped mobile phone. This incident occurred around 4am today on the Asia 41 road in Chumphon province, near the Pha Ngun Temple curve. The crash involved a white and red double-decker bus carrying foreign tourists, slamming into the…
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Monk killed, driver injured in Rayong lorry-car collision
A devastating accident at a notorious intersection in Rayong has resulted in the death of a monk and left a driver critically injured. The collision involved a lorry and a car, with the lorry crashing the car into a roadside house wall. This incident occurred at an intersection lacking traffic signals, a factor that has contributed to numerous accidents in…
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Jeju Air plane crash death toll rises to 179, including 2 Thai women
The death toll from the Jeju Air plane crash at Muan International Airport in South Korea yesterday, December 29, has risen to 179, including two Thai women. Jeju Air flight 7C2216, which departed from Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok bound for Muan Airport in South Korea, reportedly crashed into a wall at the destination airport at around 9am yesterday. The…
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Passenger bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai catches fire, no injuries
A dramatic incident unfolded when a passenger bus travelling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai caught fire, engulfing the vehicle in flames. Fortunately, all passengers escaped unharmed. The fire occurred around 9pm yesterday, December 29, when the Lampang Province’s 191 Radio Centre reported the blaze near kilometres 671-672 on Phahonyothin Road in Sop Prap district, Lampang. Immediate assistance was requested from…
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Cold air from China chills Thailand, heavy rain hits south
Cold air masses from China have draped over Thailand’s upper regions, bringing a chill to the air and a drop in temperatures ranging from cool to cold, especially in the mountainous areas. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts that these conditions are expected to persist, impacting various regions differently. The northern and northeastern parts of the country are experiencing cold…
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Fire at Lopburi hospital ICU leads to 81 patient evacuation
A blaze erupted at Ananda Mahidol Hospital, specifically in the basement ICU, prompting the swift evacuation of 81 patients. The governor of Lopburi led the emergency response team on site to manage the situation efficiently. Yesterday, December 28, an intense fire broke out late at night in the ICU section of Ananda Mahidol Hospital, located in Lopburi’s Mueang District. This…
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Phuket teacher investigated for alleged molestation of students
A teacher from an elementary school in Phuket is currently under investigation following allegations of molestation made by the parents of two young students. These serious claims have prompted police to look into the matter, raising concerns about the safety of children at the institution. Deputy Chief of Investigations at Phuket City Police Station, Pawiinuch Kongsut, shared details of the…
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Japanese man killed in Pattaya stabbing after intervening in dispute
A Japanese man tragically lost his life following a stabbing incident in Pattaya, with the alleged perpetrator being a Thai-English man embroiled in a dispute with his girlfriend. The incident escalated when the Japanese victim intervened, resulting in his untimely death. The confrontation occurred early this morning, December 29, on Pattaya Third Road, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri.…
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Tourist boat capsizes off Koh Phangan, Korean national missing
A long-tail boat carrying passengers from Koh Phangan capsized after being struck by massive waves, leaving 13 passengers adrift in the sea and one Korean national missing. The incident, which occurred today, December 29, has raised serious concerns about safety regulations, as it was revealed that the boat’s captain was under the influence of drugs, and none of the passengers…
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Pattaya man seriously injured by wife in new year’s knife attack
A construction worker in Pattaya found himself in a dire situation when his wife, angered by his refusal to return home from new year’s celebrations, attacked him with a knife. The incident, which took place at a construction camp in Soi Mab Yai Lia 22, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung, Chon Buri, left the man with severe facial injuries, including a…
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Phuket communities recognised for innovative food waste reduction project
Phuket’s Cherng Talay Tambon Administrative Organisation and Baan Haad Surin Community have earned recognition as model communities for their exceptional work in the Raksa Food project, commonly known as Food Banks. Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat awarded certificates during a ceremony at Phuket Provincial Hall on Christmas Day to honour their achievements. The Raksa Food project, led by the Phuket Provincial…
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