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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 Is private health insurance in Thailand worth it? Real costs vs risks explained
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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Thai reggae band member loses 8 million baht to contractor scam
A prominent member of the popular Thai reggae band Magenta reported being defrauded by a contractor during the construction of his house, resulting in financial losses of nearly 8 million baht. A member of the band, 38 year old Kittipong Watthanarach, and his 30 year old wife, Artitiya Anthrabut, alleged that a well-known contractor in Khon Kaen scammed them. They…
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Kanchanaburi police race to rescue British teen’s lost luggage
Kanchanaburi Tourist Police swiftly responded to a report concerning a British teenager who yesterday left his shoulder bag on a taxi’s roof. The 19 year old man, identified as Southgate, had travelled from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi and forgotten his bag, containing his passport, a 50 baht banknote, and some foreign currency, on the taxi’s roof upon arrival at his guesthouse.…
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Vintage vibes: Public hearing revs up classic car imports
The Foreign Trade Department has initiated a public hearing on a proposed amendment to a notification that would allow the import of certain classic cars for promotional events. The department’s Director-General, Ronnarong Phoolpipat, announced that a new notification has been drafted for the Commerce Ministry concerning this category of used vehicles. The amendment addresses restrictions on specific used vehicle imports,…
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Woman arrested for using deaf people to deliver meth
Police arrested a woman for allegedly using deaf individuals to distribute methamphetamine in an attempt to avoid detection. The suspect, 53 year old Prayoon claimed she was forced into this illegal activity and feared losing friends if she spoke about it. Police Lieutenant General Thiti Saengsawang today ordered Police Major General Teeradej Thammasuthee, alongside his team to apprehend Prayoon. The…
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SET unveils plan to boost foreign and family business investments
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) unveiled a strategic business plan targeting foreign industries operating in Thailand and family businesses, aiming to boost market capitalisation. SET executives highlighted the shift in investment trends, particularly post-pandemic, with technology stocks rising as traditional businesses adapt to the digital age. SET officials noted that the Thai market has faced trust and confidence issues…
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Thailand proposes retirement savings lottery to combat poverty
Thailand faces a growing issue of an ageing population entering retirement without sufficient savings. This problem is exacerbated by the country’s rapid transition into an aged society, and cannot be resolved merely through increased budget allocations for elderly allowances. Deputy Finance Minister Paophum Rojanasakul announced that the Ministry of Finance is considering a new policy called the Retirement Savings Lottery.…
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Pattaya Mayor launches landscape improvement at Bali Hai Pier
Pattaya Mayor Poramese Ngampiches, accompanied by deputy mayors, city council members, and other officials, visited Bali Hai Pier today to initiate a landscape improvement project aimed at enhancing tourism prospects. The inspection focused on identifying structural issues and assessing the pier’s surrounding areas. Additionally, they reviewed parking zones, advocating for a better organisation to increase available space for both tourists…
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Thai couple claim American tenant damaged rented house (video)
A Thai couple accused an American man of breaking his tenancy contract on their rented house in the northern province of Phitsanulok and trashing the house. The couple lodged a complaint with the police against the American for vandalising their residence but he has not yet been summoned for questioning or charged. Frustrated by the lack of progress, the couple…
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Man with sword alarms residents in Ayutthaya historical park
Residents of Ayutthaya were alarmed by a man walking around a historical park with a sword, claiming he borrowed it from a friend and had no intention of harming anyone. The police were alerted to the situation today and responded promptly. Police officers from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Station received reports from concerned citizens about a Thai man seen carrying…
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Tourist association unveils 11-point plan to bolster tourism
The Federation of Thai Tourist Associations (FETTA) unveiled an ambitious plan aimed at revitalising Thailand’s tourism sector, proposing an 11-point strategy to bolster the industry’s resilience and competitiveness. Following extensive consultations with tourism entrepreneurs and private sector stakeholders, the plan aims to position Thailand as a leading global tourist destination. FETTA’s proposal encompasses a range of initiatives designed to enhance…
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Fatal house fire in Nakhon Si Thammarat claims homeowner’s life
A fatal house fire in Nakhon Si Thammarat has claimed the life of a 50 year old homeowner. The incident, believed to be caused by an electrical short circuit, saw the man escape the flames only to succumb to smoke inhalation. Police Inspector Sompong Khongkaew from Thung Yai Police Station reported the incident at 11pm yesterday, June 5. The fire…
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Activists call for safe workplaces amid sexual harassment survey
Activists are demanding equality, dignity, and safe office environments to combat sexual exploitation and harassment in the workplace, following a recent survey revealing that one-quarter of office workers have witnessed some form of sexual harassment at their jobs. The ThaiHealth Promotion Foundation leader, Pongthep Wongwatcharapaiboon, alongside its associates, has taken a firm stance against any actions that lead to sexual harassment…
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Abused pregnant Siberian Husky finds her fur-ever family
A heartwarming turn of events has emerged for a pregnant Siberian Husky, known as Muay Lek, who was subjected to horrific abuse, is now rehomed and lives with a caring owner. The dog was scalded with hot water by her former owner for stealing snacks, a distressing incident that was widely shared and criticised online. The Watchdog Thailand Foundation (WDT)…
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Teen killed by speeding BMW in Phuket hit-and-run tragedy
A tragic accident occurred when a 14 year old boy riding a motorcycle was hit and dragged to his death by a speeding BMW. The driver fled the scene but later turned himself in to the police. At 11.30pm yesterday, Thanom Thongpan, an investigator at Thalang Police Station in Phuket, received a report of the incident on Thepkrasattri Road, outbound…
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Thai export growth set to miss target amid global challenges
The anticipated growth in Thai exports this year is poised to fall short of expectations due to a mix of external and internal hurdles, as outlined by a recent assessment from a private sector panel. During its recent meeting, the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) upheld its projection for export growth in 2024, estimating it to…
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Honest Bangkok cabbie cashes in, returns 80k to Maldivian man
A Thai taxi driver proved that not all of the capital’s cabbies are crooks when he returned 80,000 baht in cash, along with personal belongings, to a Maldivian man who left them behind while travelling from Banthat Thong Road to Pradipat Road in Bangkok. The Maldivian man, Ali Hafeez, left his backpack in an orange taxi while travelling from Banthat…
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Bangkok man arrested for fatal stabbing driven by jealousy
Bangkok police arrested a 23 year old man for brutally stabbing his girlfriend eight times in a fit of jealousy behind her apartment complex. The incident resulted in the tragic death of the woman, who was followed home in a planned attack. The police yesterday were alerted to the crime at around 1am. Officers from Bang Khun Thian Police Station…
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PM Srettha sees a revenue-boosting recipe for Q4
Thailand’s government is exploring strategies to enhance state revenue, with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressing optimism about economic improvement in the fourth quarter. The Bangkok-born PM convened a meeting yesterday with Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, and representatives from key revenue collection agencies, including the Excise Department, the Customs Department, and the Revenue Department, to discuss…
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Teenage murderer attempts suicide after killing girlfriend
A teenage murderer’s suicide bid failed yesterday after he killed and dismembered his 18 year old girlfriend and dumped her body under a motorway in the central province of Pathum Thani. The body of a naked woman with no hands, which was found under the Udon Ratthaya motorway yesterday, was identified as 18 year old Waranya, also known as Ming…
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Severe weather warning for 34 provinces with heavy rainfall
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning for severe weather conditions impacting 34 provinces today. Heavy rainfall is expected to continue, with the northern region experiencing particularly significant precipitation, covering 70% of the area. Flash floods and forest runoffs are anticipated. The 24-hour weather forecast, starting from 6am today until 6am tomorrow, indicates that a moderate monsoon trough is…
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Thai tourism revenue to hit 3 trillion baht, misses target
Thai tourism revenue is projected to reach 3 trillion baht this year, falling short of the government’s target of 3.5 trillion baht due to economic challenges in key markets, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) reported. As of today, Thailand has seen 14.9 million foreign arrivals, generating 709 billion baht (US$19.4 billion). This figure represents roughly 30% of the international…
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Jealous ex-husband shoots rival after child’s birthday party
A tragic incident unfolded in Phetchaburi when a former husband, driven by jealousy, shot his ex-wife’s new partner with a 9mm gun, leading to the latter’s death. The incident took place after a child’s birthday party. Police Colonel Wanchai Khaoram, Director of Phetchaburi Provincial Police Station, rushed to the emergency room of Phra Chom Klao Hospital in Phetchaburi upon receiving…
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Police crackdown on illegal immigrants in Sisaket railway market
Police in Sisaket intensified their crackdown on illegal immigrants, focusing on the railway market area. The operation aims to prevent potential threats to the safety of locals and tourists. Police detained Thonglueng Chuyad, a 31 year old resident of Mueang Phon Thong in Champasak, Laos. She was apprehended for entering and staying in Thailand without proper documentation. The arrest was…
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Motorcycle U-turn causes serious collision in Pattaya
A sudden U-turn by a motorcycle led to a severe collision with a car, resulting in significant injuries and substantial vehicle damage. The accident occurred on Sukhumvit Road near the Nong Nuch Garden traffic light, heading towards Pattaya, Chon Buri. Police Lieutenant Ratchapol Srisaeng from Na Jomtien Police Station received a report of the accident and promptly arrived at the…
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Shooting at Chon Buri restaurant leaves patrons in panic
A shooting incident at a restaurant in Chon Buri sent patrons and staff into a chaotic scramble for safety. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the assailant remains at large as police intensify their manhunt. Police Major Sila Sajai of Sattahip Police Station received a report of a shooting at a restaurant near a Bangchak petrol station at kilometre 5,…
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Fishing boat capsies near Laem Chabang, one missing
A fishing umbrella boat capsized near Laem Chabang Port in Chon Buri Province, Thailand, yesterday, leaving one crew member missing, feared drowned. The incident occurred around 1.2 nautical miles from the mouth of the Banglamung Canal. The vessel, carrying two people, encountered trouble due to a leak and was overturned by strong waves. Onboard were 23 year old Chiang from…
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CCTV captures gang stealing two motorcycles near Pattaya
A gang of motorcycle thieves has been captured on CCTV stealing two motorcycles in one night near Pattaya. The incident occurred on June 3 at a building in the Pong sub-district, Banglamung district, Chon Buri province. The first victim, Paweena Hongsithong, reported the theft of her white and blue Honda Wave 125i motorcycle with a red license plate from the…
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Illegal tiger cub trafficking operation thwarted in Bueng Kan
The authorities in Thailand yesterday carried out a sting operation in Bueng Kan, aimed at thwarting an illegal wildlife trafficking scheme involving a tiger cub. The sellers were seeking to profit 300,000 baht (US$8,200) from the illicit sale. Police Major General Watcharin Poosit, Commander of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division (NED), directed officers to apprehend a 34…
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Police intercept buses carrying nearly 100 illegal migrants
Acting on an anonymous informant, police intercepted four tour buses, uncovering a smuggling operation of nearly 100 illegal migrants to enter the country. Two bewildered Thai passengers found themselves surrounded by non-Thai speakers. Highway Police, under the command of Siriraj Sukanmala, yesterday, June 4, at 12.10am, received intelligence about illegal migrants travelling on Highway 101. Officers identified and stopped four…
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Owner pours hot water on pregnant husky for stealing food (video)
A distressing incident recently shared online shows the severe mistreatment of a pregnant Siberian Husky, where its heartless owner poured hot water over the dog after it ate some snacks without permission. The ensuing outrage on social media led to legal action against the owner. In the video shared online, the owner tied the dog in a bathroom and repeatedly…
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