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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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Rescued calf for 100 Thai baht warms hearts on TikTok journey
The young calf that warmed the hearts of TikTok users by sitting in the back of a pickup truck on its journey home has been found. The touching backstory of the calf, worth merely a hundred baht, has since been revealed. On New Year’s Eve, a TikTok user captured a video of the calf sitting in a pickup truck, registration…
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Thailand’s economy projected for strong recovery and growth in 2024
Thailand’s economy is in a promising state of recovery, as projections indicate a boost in both domestic demand and tourist arrivals. With the resurgence of most industries and the emergence of tech-driven sectors like electric vehicles, there is a wave of optimism that the country’s economic growth will significantly strengthen in 2024. Six industries are predicted to experience rapid growth…
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Thailand targets 3.5 trillion baht tourism boost for economy
Thailand’s government is setting its sights on a 3.5 trillion baht (US$101 billion) boost to the economy via the tourism sector this year, aiming to establish the nation as an all-season tourist hotspot. A spokesperson for the government, Chai Wacharonke, revealed that over 27 million international travellers graced the country in 2023, with the majority stemming from Malaysia, closely followed…
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AI set to revolutionise HR processes in 2024
The transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of human resources (HR) was the primary topic of conversation at a recent meeting among strategic people and HR leaders. Industry reports are beginning to showcase how these conversations align with the evolving reality. HR is no longer a purely administrative function; it must lead transformative initiatives, with many professionals…
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Pink line monorail extends free service during conductor rail repair
The Pink Line monorail, currently in its trial phase, has prolonged its complimentary service till this Saturday as it continues with the repair of its conductor rail. This extension follows an inspection led by Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote, who visited the ongoing work from Chaeng Wattana-Pak Kret 28 Station (PK08) to Nonthaburi Civic Centre Station (PK01). The intent is…
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Thai public sentiment: 2023 economic challenges impact happiness levels
A recent year-end poll by the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida) has revealed that while a majority of the Thai populace were content with their personal lives in 2023, about a third expressed discontentment with the economic challenges that the nation faced in the same year. The poll, executed telephonically from Dec 12-20, engaged a diverse group of 1,310…
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Despite conflict, Thai labourers eye Israel’s farmlands for higher wages
The escalating conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group, Hamas, hasn’t deterred Thai labourers from seeking employment in Israel’s farmlands. Their decision to remain or return to work in Israel is primarily driven by the substantial financial benefits they can accrue. Satid Prom-u-narot, 37 years old, highlighted the stark disparity in wages between the two countries. “On average, I…
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New year’s eve chanting ceremony at Ayutthaya’s Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon temple
On December 31, Buddhist devotees convened at the significant Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon temple in Ayutthaya province for the annual New Year’s Eve chanting ceremony. The evening event included meditation and listening to Dhamma preaching, culminating in the chanting of Buddhist mantras to usher in the New Year. The attendees, dressed in white, came as families and young individuals. The…
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Woman assaulted in attempted robbery at Patong currency exchange
A shocking incident unfolded in the early hours of today when a woman was assaulted during an attempted robbery at a currency exchange on Phra Barami Road, Patong. The Patong police are now on a manhunt for the assailant. The incident occurred near Dolphin Circle at the west end of Phra Barami Road. Police were alerted to the situation around…
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New year’s road safety campaign sees spike in accidents across Thailand
The nationwide road safety campaign over the New Year holidays, spanning from December 29 to January 4, experienced a substantial 385 road accidents on its second day alone. These incidents resulted in 404 injuries and claimed 37 lives, according to figures disclosed by Justice Minister Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong and the Road Safety Directing Centre. Tak, a northern province, reported…
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Bazaar hotel Bangkok slapped with 1.3 million baht fine for unlawful construction
Following the removal of the statues of Kru Kai Kaew and other deities, including Khun Paen, Umathumma, Brahma, nine-tailed fox, Thep Heng Chia, Thep Naja, and Thep Chaothaising, from the premises of The Bazaar Hotel Bangkok yesterday, a hefty fine of over 1.3 million baht (US$ 37,325) was levied on the company for unlawful construction activity in the area. Despite…
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Russian teen arrested in Phuket for brutal attack on mother
A chilling event unfolded in Phuket, Thailand, as an 18 year old Russian national was arrested for attacking his mother in a brutal incident on December 29. Nikolaev has since been transferred from Thalang Police Station to Phuket Provincial Court for further proceedings. The victim, Elena Nikolaeva, survived the harrowing assault, in which her son, Aleksandr Nikolaev, reportedly slashed her…
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Unidentified male body found floating off Koh Maithon
In a startling discovery, a male body was found floating in the waters off Koh Maithon, a small island located just over 8 kilometres southeast of Cape Panwa, late on November 29. The body was spotted by the crew of a local tour boat. The tour boat’s staff waited for about an hour and a half. However, as daylight began…
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Biggest turtle of the season nests in Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang park
A thrilling discovery was made at the Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang National Park in Phang Nga, located to the north of Phuket, when park officials stumbled upon a turtle’s nest filled with eggs. This wasn’t just any turtle, however. The creature that had laid these eggs was believed to be the largest to have come ashore for nesting during the…
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Surge in New Year’s tourism causes traffic chaos in Phetchabun
Traffic was heavily congested as a surge of tourists flocked to the Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew temple in Phetchabun province yesterday, during the extended New Year’s holiday period. The influx of both Thai and Burmese visitors, keen to pay homage to the temple, led to the traffic disruption. The holiday period saw families taking advantage of the break…
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Laotian couple resolves roadside dispute peacefully in Samut Prakan
A roadside dispute between a couple, 26 year old Kim, and 25 year old Magud, both Laotians, was defused by the Samut Prakan Rescue Association today at 1am. The verbal conflict escalated into physical violence, which alarmed the on-duty officers at a nearby petrol station, who quickly intervened and informed the local police. Both individuals seemed intoxicated. Despite suffering minor…
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Phu Kradueng National Park’s cable car project faces uncertainty
A cable car project, initially proposed in 1982 to reach the peak of a mountain at Phu Kradueng National Park in Thailand’s Loei province, may not materialise soon. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the decision will be reliant on a study due for completion in 2025. The initial goal behind the proposed 4.4-kilometre cable car system…
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Chinese man’s self-harm crisis defused in Pattaya luxury neighbourhood
In a luxury neighbourhood in Soi Khao Talo, Bang Lamung, Chon Buri, a distress call was received at the Pattaya Rescue Radio Centre at 8.30pm on December 29. The call reported a 25 year old Chinese man in the throes of self-harm. Swiftly, Nong Prue police and Pattaya volunteer rescue teams were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, they discovered the…
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Urgent renovation planned for Bangkok’s Mo Chit 2 bus terminal
Bangkok Bus Terminal, popularly known as Mo Chit 2, is set for an urgent renovation, according to the Transport Minister, Suriya Jungrungreangkit. His remarks were in response to a complaint lodged by Suphanat Meenchainan, a Move Forward Party MP who represents the Chatuchak, Bang Khen and Lak Si constituencies. Suriya, during a statement on Saturday, disclosed that he had instructed…
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Thai municipal employees hit the lottery jackpot of 6 million baht
A couple, both municipal employees of the Subdistrict Administrative Organization, celebrated the new year with a win at the lottery – a whopping 6 million baht (US$ 172,271). Forty four year old Nitaya Pongsawin, and her 38 year old husband, Nopadol Khonsawan, who live in Srisamran Subdistrict, planned to construct a new building in their field in honour of their…
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South Thailand: Two vehicles used in car bomb attack on the run
Yala police warned the public to be on high alert for two vehicles suspected to be primed for a car bomb attack at New Year celebration events in the deep South provinces. The threat is real, and authorities are urging citizens to stay vigilant. Yala Police Station, in a bid to thwart disaster, unveiled images of the potential weaponised vehicles on…
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MFP accused of backing anti-government activities in Cambodia
The Move Forward Party (MFP) finds itself embroiled in a political storm as the Cambodian Khmer Unity Great National Party (KUGNP) accuses it of supporting activities against the Phnom Penh government from the sanctuary of Thailand. The opposition MFP vehemently denies these allegations, sparking a cross-border political spat. The KUGNP, an alliance of seven political parties and six civil society…
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China: Online debate on fireworks ban as Chinese New Year approaches
Chinese lawmakers have waded into the online fireworks debate, shedding light on the contentious issue of whether fireworks should illuminate the Lunar New Year festivities. Addressing concerns yesterday, December 29, officials acknowledged the difficulty of enforcing an outright ban on pyrotechnics, given the country’s historical connection with inventing these dazzling displays. Lawmakers revealed the nuanced nature of the supposed fireworks…
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British tourist drugged and raped on Koh Tao
A 30 year old British tourist has broken her silence about a harrowing incident on Thailand‘s infamous Koh Tao, dubbed Death Island for its dark history. The tourist, named Marijke, was drugged, raped, and abandoned in the middle of nowhere. Marijke recounted the traumatic experience. “I remember taking a sip from a bucket, and a moment later, I woke up…
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Pattaya beach brawl erupts between Indian tourists and Thai locals (video)
In Pattaya, a group of Indian tourists and some Thai locals broke into a fight in the middle of the road at Pattaya beach on December 28. A viral video has been shared online shows the brawl involving sticks, belts, bottles, and even ladles, causing pandemonium and traffic mayhem. The one-minute footage, spreading like wildfire across social media, unveils a…
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Hat Yai: 760 million baht profit predicted from New Year festivities
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) forecasts a staggering 760 million baht windfall for Hat Yai during the upcoming New Year holiday period. Nongyao Jirundon, the TAT’s Hat Yai office director, predicts an unprecedented surge in arrivals from both foreign and domestic tourists between December 30 and January 1. The city is already buzzing with excitement, especially with the influx of…
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Court orders 300K baht compensation for protesters from Thai police
The Royal Thai Police (RTP) have been slapped with a hefty bill of 300,000 baht over a brutal crackdown on pro-democracy Ratsadon, or People’s Party, protesters. While the court’s decision may have came as a shock to many, the details of the ruling reveal a deeper, contentious battle between the authorities and the people. The Civil Court ruled on December…
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Frenchman’s financial woes and marijuana meltdown led to knife-wielding drama
A distressed Frenchman, grappling with financial turmoil and the aftermath of marijuana use, brandished a knife in a threatening manner on December 28. The drama reached a boiling point in the picturesque Bang Saray sub-district, Sattahip, as the Sattahip Police swooped in to defuse the intense situation. At 4.30pm, Sattahip Police, accompanied by emergency responders, responded swiftly to a distress…
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Thailand and China unveil game-changing cargo link
Thailand and China have launched a direct cargo rail link, whisking farm-fresh delights straight from Nong Khai to the bustling metropolis of Chongqing via Laos. Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thamanat Prompow, a key player in this historic venture, flagged off the inaugural Thai train loaded with the jewel of Thai agriculture – dried longan. This marks the commencement of the…
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Pattaya: British tourist injured in road accident involving motorbike
A 52 year old British tourist was struck by a motorcycle while crossing Thepprasit Road, Bang Lamung, Pattaya on the evening of December 28. The British man, known only as Mei, was struck by Thai motorcyclist, 35 year old Suphansa Taengthong, while crossing Thepprasit Road, creating a spectacle near a PTT gas station around 5.50pm. The Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation’s…
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