News
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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Thailand has a strong healthcare system with both public and private options. Public hospitals offer affordable care, but many people, including expats, choose private health insurance for faster service, modern facilities, and more treatment choices. To decide if private health...
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Smoky bust: E-cigarettes worth 10 million baht seized in Si Racha
Si Racha police have intensified their efforts against illegal imports, seizing more than 47,000 e-cigarettes valued at 10 million baht. The significant seizure took place yesterday, December 24, at Laem Chabang Port, located in the Si Racha district of Chon Buri province. This decisive action is part of a broader campaign initiated by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra aimed at curbing…
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Delivery man critically injured by rogue truck wheel in Chon Buri
A 38 year old delivery man suffered severe injuries after being struck by a large wheel that detached from a trailer truck on a busy road in Chon Buri. The incident unfolded around noon yesterday, December 24, on Phan Thong-Ban Bueng Road in tambon Nong Hong, Phan Thong district. Emergency services, including police and rescuers from the Nithitham Maneerat Foundation,…
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Ratchaburi tightens controls on new year celebratory gunfire
Ratchaburi police have intensified measures to prevent celebratory gunfire during the new year countdown, focusing on safeguarding lives and property. The public is warned against carrying weapons in public areas, and strict permissions are required for fireworks. Police Chief Wachiraphong Amornpitak announced that Ratchaburi’s police force, in cooperation with the provincial governor, is mobilising efforts to maintain order during the…
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Thailand aids Myanmar with cholera outbreak, sends vaccines and medication
The Thai Ministry of Public Health has stepped up its efforts to support Myanmar in tackling a significant cholera outbreak, distributing enough medication for 2,400 patients and supplying nearly 5,000 cholera vaccine doses. The outbreak has affected major cities such as Yangon, Mandalay, and Rakhine state. Unofficial reports estimate approximately 7,000 cholera cases in Myanmar, with Shwe Kokko, a town…
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Motorcyclist dies in high-speed crash on Phuket’s Thepkrasattri Road
A tragic accident occurred yesterday on Thepkrasattri Road in Thalang, Phuket, when a 26 year old motorcyclist lost control of his high-speed big bike, crashing into a palm tree on the central reservation. The collision resulted in the rider’s immediate death. Police were alerted to the incident at 3.05pm yesterday, December 24, prompting Napadol Somnuek, an officer from Thalang Police…
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Phayao father kills son in tragic family dispute
A 58 year old father from Phayao province, Thailand, took drastic action after years of abuse, shooting his son dead. The incident took place yesterday, December 24, and the father, referred to as Wisut, has stated he does not intend to seek bail, preferring to serve his sentence according to the law. The incident unfolded at their home, where Wisut…
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Tsunami tributes confirmed in Phuket after public outcry
Phuket’s long-awaited tsunami remembrance services are finally confirmed—though not without a wave of public criticism. Patong Municipality and Mai Khao Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (OrBorTor) will host memorials to mark 20 years since the devastating Indian Ocean Tsunami that claimed thousands of lives, following earlier silence from local officials. The Phuket News highlighted the conspicuous lack of announcements about events to…
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Tragedy as 71 year old killed by own vehicle in Kamphaeng Phet
A tragic accident occurred yesterday, December 24, as a 71 year old man was killed by his agricultural vehicle after it lost control and overturned on a road in Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand. The incident happened on the road between Baan Mai Suwannaphum and Na Bo Kham in the Thep Khun Ram area. Police received reports about the accident involving an…
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NHSO delays cancer care reimbursement changes to April
The National Health Security Office (NHSO) has decided to delay the implementation of new budget reimbursement criteria for hospitals involved in the Cancer Treatment Anywhere (CA) programme. This postponement aims to address existing reimbursement issues through upcoming discussions. Dr Athaporn Limpanylers, deputy secretary-general of the NHSO, announced yesterday, December 24, that revisions will be made to the criteria for reimbursing…
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Severe cold hits Thailand’s north as south braces for storms
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning of severe cold weather in the north and northeast, with frost expected on mountaintops. Meanwhile, eight provinces in the south are bracing for thunderstorms, as the country experiences varying weather patterns. The high-pressure system or cold air mass, persists over the upper part of Thailand and the northern part of the…
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Bangkok lowers speed limit to 60 km/h in bid to reduce road accidents
The Royal Gazette published an announcement today, December 24, regarding a new regulation on speed limits within Bangkok, which reduces the speed of vehicles on all roads in the city to 60 kilometres per hour (kp/h), except on 13 specific roads. The Royal Gazette released details on its official website today regarding the new speed limit and noise prohibitions in…
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Thai couple dead in murder-suicide over jealousy of ex-husband
A Thai man fatally shot his wife before taking his own life at their shared home in Soi Lat Phrao 87 in the Wang Thong Lang district of Bangkok yesterday, December 23, in an act of jealousy over her ex-husband. Officers from the Chok Chai Police Station were called to the scene to investigate the deaths of the couple, identified…
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Thai woman brtually assaulted by neighbour over wandering ducks
A Thai woman in the central province of Chantaburi sought justice for her mother, who was physically assaulted by a female neighbour after two ducks wandered into the neighbour‘s residence. The daughter shared the details of the assault, which occurred at around 7am on December 19, with a Facebook news page, along with black-and-white photos of her mother, 52 year…
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Phuket’s Nai Harn Lake revamp set for February completion
A significant 66-million-baht development project is currently transforming Nai Harn Lake in Phuket, with a completion target set for early February, according to local officials. The project, overseen by the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), aims to enhance the lake’s surroundings with a new bike path and landscaping improvements. The initiative covers a stretch of 1,973 metres and includes the…
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‘Sober up or pay’: Thai govt cracks down on festive driving chaos
The Thai government is on a mission to curb the deadly spike in road accidents during new year celebrations with its Don’t Drink and Drive, Get Home Safely campaign. But will it be enough to tackle a cocktail of cultural habits, weak enforcement, and limited transport options? The initiative aims to save lives during the holiday season, notorious for a…
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Poll reveals what’s draining happiness from the Land of Smiles
It seems 2024 has been a tough year for many in Thailand, and despite its moniker, the Land of Smiles, not many are feeling the joy as economic woes, political turmoil, and cybercrime topped the list of frustrations in a new poll by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA). The annual survey, titled What Have You Been Tired of…
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Hong Kong man restrained by taxi drivers after rampage near Phuket airport
A group of Thai taxi drivers restrained a foreign man from Hong Kong after he went on a rampage outside Phuket International Airport yesterday, December 23. The Facebook news page Phuket Times shared pictures of the man with a caption that read, “What’s happening near Phuket Airport this afternoon? It appears to be an altercation!” The photos showed the man…
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Tattoo artist threatens client after dispute in Lat Phrao, Bangkok
A tattoo session in the Lat Phrao area of Bangkok took an unexpected turn when a woman found herself dissatisfied with the artwork she received. Although she was refunded 1,000 baht, the situation escalated as the tattoo artist allegedly began harassing her through chat messages, threatening harm, and urging her to relocate. This incident quickly gained traction online after being…
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Defence Council approves plan to downsize RTA and cut costs
The Thai Defence Council has approved a significant white paper, marking a strategic shift to downsize the Royal Thai Army (RTA) and cut back on weapon expenses. This decision, made during the council’s final meeting of the year, aligns with the strategic plan for 2026 to 2037, which Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai presented to set the…
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Missing 11 year old Thai girl found after alleged abduction by father
Yesterday, December 23, police located an 11 year old girl after her aunt filed a complaint alleging that she was kidnapped by her father from Bangkok to the central province of Chachoengsao. However, the father claimed that his daughter willingly went with him. A Thai woman, identified as Na, complained to Romklao Police Station, reporting that her 11 year old niece…
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Finding the best tailor shop in Bangkok, Class Bespoke makes the choice easy
Thailand boasts an illustrious tailoring industry, and if we were to speak of the best tailors in Bangkok for custom-made clothing for men and women, very rarely can that conversation be held without mentioning Class Bespoke Tailor. With over 25 years of experience, Class Bespoke Tailor in Thonglor remains steadfast as the go-to option for personalised garments. No matter if…
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Thai man fatally attacks wife in alleged menstrual blood prank
A Thai man fatally attacked his wife in a rice field in the Isaan province of Ubon Ratchathani on Sunday, 22 December, claiming she pranked him by rubbing menstrual blood on his mouth. The deceased woman’s relative expressed doubt about his account. The 35 year old Thai man, Phanumart Manee-on, surrendered himself to officers at Khueang Nai Police Station following the…
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Man arrested for defrauding tourists in Maharaj café scam
A man posing as the owner of a popular café in the Maharaj area has been arrested after deceiving a group of Chinese tourists before fleeing with their money. The suspect, 55 year old Kritsana, was apprehended by police in a fraud case, having a notorious history of similar offences. His arrest follows an incident involving eight hearing-impaired Chinese tourists…
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Cholera claims three lives, infects 450 near Thai-Myanmar border
Cholera has claimed three lives and left around 450 people infected in the Myanmar region bordering Mae Sot district in Tak province. Officals have issued warnings for increased vigilance regarding hygiene and food preparation to prevent further outbreaks. Cholera, a severe diarrhoeal disease, has caused significant health concerns in the area, with the first reports coming from the Myanmar side.…
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Phuket tackles homelessness and begging with new initiative
Phuket officials have embarked on a significant initiative to tackle homelessness and begging in Phuket Town, with a focus on enhancing the lives of vulnerable residents. This proactive effort was spearheaded by Vice Governor Samawit Suphanphai, who led a field visit to Lan Nawamin, off Phuket Road, yesterday, December 23. The visit was a collaborative endeavour involving key agencies including…
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Innocent Thai couple killed in shooting by military volunteer
A member of the Volunteer Defence Corps (VDC) opened fire at a restaurant in the southern province of Songkhla, killing an innocent Thai couple who were celebrating their son’s birthday. The shooting occurred at a restaurant on Nuan Kaew Uthit Road in the Hat Yai district of Songkhla on the night of Sunday, December 22. The two victims, 48 year…
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Man dies as pickup truck plunges into Pasak River after collision
A 38 year old man tragically lost his life after his pickup truck plunged into the Pasak River, following multiple collisions with a barrier. Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing moments as efforts to rescue the driver proved unsuccessful. At 7.30pm yesterday, December 23, police received a report of a pickup truck veering off course, crashing into a barrier at a U-turn…
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Chon Buri pyramid scheme fraud costs victims 40 million baht
More than 30 victims have reported a significant fraud involving a pyramid scheme after being deceived by a group leader known as Mae May. The victims, who have suffered a total loss of 40 million baht (US$1.17 million), gathered to file complaints at Saensuk Police Station, Chon Buri, yesterday, December 23. The fraudulent activities have left many individuals in financial…
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Surin fire leaves couple homeless, losses over 2.5 million baht
A devastating fire engulfed the home of a couple, 59 year old Yom Boonchure, and 62 year old Yee Thongmak, in Ban Sanuan, Surin province, destroying their possessions, including cash, gold, and silk, amounting to over 2.5 million baht. Yesterday, December 23, locals gathered to offer support, with efforts underway to salvage partially burnt banknotes. On the morning of December…
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School gardener arrested in Sukhothai for selling illicit videos
A cybercrime investigation led to the arrest of a school gardener who allegedly ran a secret group selling illicit footage of women and students. This operation reportedly generated a significant income over two years, accumulating upwards of 120,000 baht. The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) held a press conference in Muang Thong Thani at 12pm yesterday, December 23, where senior…
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