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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 Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run
Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...
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PM leads Bangkok Pride 2025 as Siam Piwat powers month-long festival
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra opened the Bangkok Pride Parade 2025 yesterday, June 1, marching through the Siam area alongside key Cabinet members, including Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, Prime Minister’s Office Minister Jiraporn Sindhuprai, and Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool. They were joined by Bangkok Pride chair Waaddao Ann Chumaporn, Bangkok Deputy Governor Sanon Wangsrangboon, UN…
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Suspect detained after deadly container warehouse theft in Bangkok
A suspect involved in a group theft at a container warehouse under the Port Authority of Thailand has been detained. The incident saw a group of four to five people steal confiscated electronic cigarettes, stored in containers by customs officials. The theft occurred at a stadium warehouse but was interrupted by security guards. In their escape attempt, the thieves’ van…
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American tourist dies in Phuket motorbike accident after heart attack
A 56 year old American tourist passed away in Patong on May 31, following a suspected heart-related medical emergency while riding a motorbike. The incident occurred on 50 Pi Rd in the evening, and the deceased was identified as Larry Dean Chupp Jr from Georgia. Police and rescue services arrived at the scene at approximately 7pm. Investigation officer Police Lieutenant…
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Cattle farmer shot dead near ordination event in Phetchaburi
A 32 year old cattle farmer, Sakditat, was fatally shot nine times near a religious ordination celebration in Phetchaburi. Police have identified a suspect and are investigating a personal conflict as a possible motive. The incident occurred yesterday, June 1, along the Nong Bo–Bo Huai road in Don Yang subdistrict, Mueang district, Phetchaburi province. Police Lieutenant Prakit Tonmaithong from the…
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Woman abducted in Trat as police chase white van
A white van blocked a black Mitsubishi car, prompting a woman to flee for help, only to be pursued and assaulted by a man who then dragged her into the van and drove away. Police in Mueang district, Trat province, are urgently tracking the vehicle, but the woman’s fate remains unknown. At 6pm yesterday, June 1, Police Lieutenant Colonel Therdkiat…
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Man tragically shot in Phetchabun mall car park
Surveillance footage captured a tragic shooting incident outside a shopping mall that left a man dead while waiting to pick up his girlfriend from her last day of part-time work. The event, which occurred yesterday, June 1 at 7pm in Phetchabun province’s Bueng Sam Phan district, caused panic among shoppers. Police from Bueng Sam Phan Police Station, along with a…
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Algerians gang arrested for theft at Suvarnabhumi Airport
A gang known as the Algerians was apprehended at Suvarnabhumi Airport, accused of pickpocketing tourists and using stolen credit cards to purchase luxury goods. The suspects were reportedly targeting crowded locations like train stations and airports. The suspects, identified as 59 year old Kej Omer and 58 year old Hammouda Ahmad, both of Algerian nationality, were arrested under warrants issued…
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Thailand lottery winners scoop 78 million baht jackpot
A lottery draw in Thailand resulted in a significant win for two people, with a combined prize of 78 million baht. Yesterday, June 1, the Government Lottery Office announced the winning numbers for the draw. The first prize number was 559352, with additional prizes for other categories. Notably, a man from Chiang Rai won 54 million baht (US$1.64 million), while…
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Bangkok’s new city plan expected by 2027 amid zoning changes
Bangkok’s updated city plan is anticipated to be implemented in 2027, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). Initially drafted in 2013 and set for enforcement in 2019, the plan was postponed by the Ministry of Interior for further reviews on water and environmental zoning. Deputy Bangkok governor Wisanu Subsompon stated that the fourth revision of the city plan is…
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Illegal hazardous waste exporter caught running toxic trade operation
A key suspect involved in the illegal hazardous waste trade has been apprehended, operating three companies engaged in the processing and export of toxic industrial dust, contravening multiple laws, according to the Ministry of Industry. Industry Minister Akanat Promphan assigned Thitipas Choddaechachainun to lead a special task force investigating 11 steel factories utilising induction furnace (IF) technology in Rayong. This…
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Heavy rain forecast for 28 Thai provinces, Bangkok affected
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has forecast heavy rain for 28 provinces across Thailand, particularly affecting Bangkok, which may experience rain in 60% of its area. Residents are advised to exercise caution yesterday, June 1. Over the next 24 hours, northern and northeastern Thailand will see significant rainfall in some areas, while southern regions will experience thunderstorms. This is due…
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Global communities unite at centralwOrld to celebrate Pride Month 2025
Over 300,000 people marched through Bangkok today, ending their Pride Parade journey at centralwOrld in a powerful celebration of love, diversity, and unity. This year’s event was the first Pride Parade since Thailand officially enacted the Marriage Equality Law, making it a historic moment for the LGBTQIAN+ community both in Thailand and globally. Under the theme Born This Way, the…
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Bangkok Pride 2025 to make global history with record-breaking parade
Bangkok Pride 2025 is set to break records and expand its reach beyond the Thai capital, with more than 40 provinces across Thailand joining the festivities. In Bangkok, the main events will take place from 30 May to 1 June at Siam Paragon, Siam Centre, Siam Square One, and Lido Connect under the theme Born This Way, a powerful celebration…
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Woman gives birth in rescue vehicle as public eyes registration number
A 22 year old woman gave birth to a baby boy on a rescue vehicle after experiencing severe labour pains. Both mother and child are safe. The incident has sparked interest in the rescue vehicle’s registration number among those seeking good fortune. The woman shared her experience on Facebook, announcing the birth of her son today, June 1, at 3.48am.…
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Five criminals steal e-cigarettes, kill security guard in Bangkok
Five criminals used a van to steal electronic cigarettes from a container at Khlong Toei Port, leading to a tragic incident where a security guard was killed. Police have identified the suspects. At 1.40am today, June 1, the Thung Maha Mek Police Station received a report of a van crashing into a motorcycle, resulting in a death near the Port…
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Thailand’s smoking rate drops 48% in 33 years, economic strain remains
Thailand has successfully decreased its smoking rate by 48% over the past 33 years, yet tobacco use continues to impose a significant economic burden on low-income households. This was highlighted by the Action on Smoking and Health Foundation (ASH) during World No-Tobacco Day yesterday, May 31. Chairman Doctor Prakit Vathesatogkit, referencing data from tobacco consumption surveys between 1991 and 2024,…
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Bangkok taxi driver caught without licence demands fixed fare (video)
A Bangkok resident experienced a surprising encounter when a taxi driver, who initially agreed to use the meter, later demanded a fixed fare of 200 baht. It was subsequently revealed that the driver lacked both a driving licence and a taxi ID. This incident, which spread rapidly on social media, has brought renewed attention to the issue of taxi regulation…
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Ukrainian tourist dies after rooftop fall in Phuket
A Ukrainian tourist, 28 year old woman, tragically died after falling from a rooftop at a villa in Chalong, Phuket, in the early hours of yesterday, May 31. She succumbed to her injuries at Chalong Hospital. Police were alerted at 5am about the incident. Officers from Chalong Police Station, led by Police Lieutenant Kriangkrai Daokrajai, visited the villa estate on…
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Fire damages homes in Khlong Toei community, extinguished swiftly
A fire broke out in the Khlong Toei community, producing a significant amount of smoke. Firefighters quickly arrived at the scene to extinguish the flames. Initial reports indicate damage to several homes. According to Fire & Rescue Thailand, the emergency hotline 199 received a report of a fire at 5.59am today, June 1. The blaze occurred in the Khlong Toei…
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Tragic road accident claims life on Highway 331 in Chachoengsao
In Chachoengsao, a 40 year old employee of a car company tragically lost his life in a road accident. As he was returning home in his Isuzu pickup truck, the vehicle skidded off the road and collided with a tree, resulting in his death at the scene. The incident occurred yesterday, May 31, when Police Lieutenant Teera Senthong from the…
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28 provinces brace for heavy rain as Bangkok faces severe storms
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather forecast for June 1, identifying 28 provinces across two regions that are expected to face heavy rain, with Bangkok predicted to experience the most severe conditions. Citizens are advised to be cautious due to moderate monsoon conditions affecting the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. The weather forecast for…
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Abandoned macaques found in Thai forest, suspected for illegal sale
Over 20 young long-tailed macaques were discovered abandoned in bags in a forested area, leading locals to initially mistake the cries for an abandoned baby. After following the sounds, the residents contacted officials, prompting a search for those responsible. It is suspected that the location was used as a temporary holding spot for selling the animals yesterday, May 31. Sirikhun…
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Hostage crisis resolved in Phitsanulok; man detained after standoff
A tense hostage situation unfolded in Mueang Phitsanulok district, when a man armed with a knife took his wife hostage in a rented room yesterday, May 31. Police, alongside rescue teams and a local foundation, responded promptly to the scene near the entrance to Naresuan Camp on Phra Ruang Road. Officers, equipped with protective gear, surrounded room 3 of the…
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Buriram tyre technician arrested for selling meth to youths
In Buriram, narcotics suppression units collaborated with related agencies to arrest a 53 year old man, a tyre repair technician, for distributing methamphetamine to local youths. He also admitted to using the drug himself to alleviate back pain and body aches. Police had been investigating Somkit, who worked at a tyre repair shop in Huai Rat district, after receiving information…
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A historic win: Opal becomes Thailand’s first Miss World
Thailand has made pageant history after 25 year old Suchata Chuangsri, known as Opal, was crowned Miss World 2025—the first Thai woman to win the global title in 74 years. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss World (@missworld) The 72nd Miss World grand finale was held on May 31 at the HITEX Convention Centre…
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Rawai restaurant owner fumes after tourist poos outside
A Rawai restaurant owner is fed up with cleaning up faeces after catching tourists using his property as an open toilet—now he’s demanding action from local authorities. The owner of a popular floating restaurant in Rawai, Phuket, has called on local authorities to install more public toilets for tourists after a shocking incident involving a foreign visitor defecating outside his…
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Phuket immigration boss hits back at UK drug claims
A British tourist’s mother claims he was set up by Phuket airport officials with drugs planted in his passport—but Thailand’s immigration chief says her story doesn’t add up. Phuket Airport Immigration Chief Police Colonel Rasarin Thiraphatthanakun has strongly denied explosive claims made in the British press that her officers planted cocaine on a British tourist arriving in Thailand. The allegations,…
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Dugong baby boom? Rare sea creatures spotted off Krabi coast
Krabi’s crystal waters have just delivered a marine miracle—two rare dugongs and a gang of green turtles have been spotted gliding through the waves, sparking hopes of a biodiversity comeback in the Andaman Sea. Park officials in Krabi are celebrating a major boost in marine biodiversity after spotting two new dugongs and a group of green turtles near Ao Nammao…
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Tiger selfie turns savage: Indian tourist mauled in Phuket (video)
A dream holiday snap turned into a nightmare for one tourist in Phuket after a tiger lashed out during a selfie stunt—leaving social media stunned and raising serious questions about animal welfare at popular tourist attractions. An Indian tourist suffered minor injuries after being attacked by a tiger at Tiger Kingdom in Phuket. The man, whose identity has not been…
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Krungsri forecast for Thailand economic growth cut to 2.1%
Research by Krungsri has revised Thailand’s economic growth forecast for 2025 to 2.1%, down from an earlier estimate of 2.7%. This adjustment comes amid layered risks, including US trade policy uncertainties and domestic pressures. The government is advised to exercise caution in policy-making while responding effectively to rapidly evolving situations. Pimnara Hirankasi, head of economic research and executive researcher at…
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