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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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Phuket gears up for alcohol-free Songkran at Limelight mall
The bustling town of Phuket is gearing up to host its annual Songkran celebration at the Limelight shopping mall, with officials confirming this year’s event will once again be alcohol-free. Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat formally announced the official plans during a recent press conference. Scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 13, between 4pm to 10pm, the celebration will unfold…
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Brake failure leads to serious motorcycle crash in Chachoengsao
A motorcycle crash at a busy intersection in Chachoengsao province resulted in two people being seriously injured. The incident occurred when 24 year old Nataya and 28 year old Jittima were on their way to work. Due to brake failure, Nataya decided to run a red light, causing a violent crash with another motorbike, driven by 49 year old Yothin…
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Prayut’s 70th birthday sparks lottery number frenzy in Thailand
The 70th birthday of former Prime Minister and Privy Councillor Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday sparked a flurry of activity among lottery enthusiasts eager to jot down lucky numbers associated with Big Tu for the upcoming draw. Prayut, born on March 21, 1954, served as Thailand’s 29th Prime Minister from August 24, 2014, until his term ended on August 22, 2022, totalling…
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Thailand’s bid to join OECD gains momentum
Thailand’s quest for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) membership gains momentum as insiders reveal surprising support from top diplomats. Thailand’s aspiration to kick-start the accession process for OECD membership has garnered significant backing from the organisation’s members, reports a diplomatic insider. The revelation came to light during the inaugural OECD Council meeting held in Paris on Tuesday,…
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Playing foul: Thai MPs score controversy with illegal match stream in Parliament
Pheu Thai Party MPs sparked controversy on Thai social media for watching yesterday’s Thailand versus South Korea football match on an illegal website, complete with gambling advertisements, during a parliament meeting. Football fans in Thailand rejoiced as the national team, commonly known as Chang Suek among Thais, managed to secure a 1-1 draw in their latest World Cup qualifying match…
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Sutin: PM2.5 pollution focus of high stakes meeting with Cambodia
In a high-profile diplomatic move, Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang has declared war on PM2.5 pollution, setting the stage for a showdown with Cambodia. Sutin is gearing up for a fierce clash during the 16th General Border Committee (GBC) meeting in Phnom Penh. He pointed fingers at Cambodian farm practices exacerbating pollution woes across borders. “I will confront Tea Seiha on…
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Toll-free motorway unveiled for Songkran holidays
Motorists are set to enjoy a toll-free journey on the newly announced Intercity Highway Number 81 (M81), disclosed Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachot yesterday. With 97.5% completion, the highway promises to revolutionise travel during the long Songkran break. Surapong highlighted its pivotal role in easing travel woes for residents of Kanchanaburi and neighbouring provinces. “The M81 Highway will be a…
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State Railway of Thailand’s renovation project for accessibility
In a significant move towards inclusivity, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has embarked on a renovation project for 10 of its passenger carriages. The initiative is aimed at making the carriages more accessible for individuals with disabilities, according to Aekkarat Sriarayanpong, head of the SRT governor’s office. The carriages undergoing renovation are second-class vehicles put into service in 2012.…
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Rouble trouble: Russian woman fined for assaulting pregnant Thai
The violent Russian woman who blamed her period for assaulting a pregnant Thai woman in Koh Pha Ngan has been fined 500 baht and handed a suspended 15-day jail sentence. Immigration authorities in Surat Thani are deliberating whether to revoke her visa due to the criminal offence. Alena Kupriyanova, the Russian woman in question, confessed to kicking the shop owner,…
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Boosting economic growth: Thailand-Hungary relationship
Hungary seeks to cultivate a stronger bilateral relationship with Thailand as part of the Central European country’s objective to achieve 4% economic growth in the current year, according to Péter Szijjártó, the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Trade between Thailand and Hungary hit a new high last year, exceeding US$730 million (approximately 26 billion baht). Thailand made significant…
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Thai woman denies stealing from Chinese man, accuses him of rape attempt
A Thai woman denied stealing credit cards from a Chinese man and accused him of attempting to rape her at his BBQ restaurant in Pattaya. The 33 year old Chinese man, Dihui Wu Dihui, filed a complaint at Bang Lamung Police Station in Pattaya on March 13, accusing a Thai woman he met on a dating app of stealing his…
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Thailand Video News | Missing Canadian found dead at railway station, PM Thavisin suspends Police Chief and ‘Big Joke’
In this video, Alex and Jay offer the recent headlines from across Thailand, from the suspension of top police officials to the tragic discovery of a Canadian tourist’s death under puzzling circumstances. Immigration crackdowns and personal confrontations add layers to the narrative, while the unveiling of a new shark species in Thai waters adds a touch of discovery to the mix.…
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Scientists spooked by ghost shark sighting off Thailand coast (video)
Scientists have been spooked by the ghoulish discovery of a ghost shark swimming off the Andaman coast of Thailand. Researchers revealed the ghost shark is a new species named Chimaera supapae. It boasts a formidable head, oversized eyes, and delicate, feather-like fins. Chimaeras, commonly known as ghost sharks, belong to the family of cartilaginous fish, sharing kinship with sharks and…
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Thai defence ministry to downsize military
The Thai Ministry of Defence outlined a comprehensive plan to downsize service personnel by approximately 700 individuals within the next three years. This strategic move aims to restructure the military and is expected to result in savings of up to 34 million baht. Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang confirmed these details after a Defence Council meeting last Thursday. The initial phase…
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Southeast Asia’s battle against rare diseases
Healthcare visionaries, policymakers, and patient champions gathered under the theme Amplifying Patients’ Voices for Sustainable Change to unravel the complexities of rare diseases and forge a path towards better diagnosis, treatment access, and equitable healthcare. The Medical Association of Thailand, the Thai Rare Disease Foundation, and the Medical Genetics and Genomics Association united with Takeda (Thailand) Limited, aiming to amplify…
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Thai man admits to killing his ex-girlfriend and staging her suicide
A Thai man confessed to killing his ex-girlfriend at an apartment in Lat Phrao district of Bangkok and staging her suicide to evade arrest. The suspect, Nattaphon “Bank” Wannasut, reported the death of his ex-girlfriend, 21 year old On-arun “Fon” Naowarath, to an apartment security guard on the morning of March 18. The 30 year old claimed Fon committed suicide…
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Powering down to unplug overhead chaos for underground gain
Four major organisations, namely the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, have joined forces to replace overhead cables with underground ones along 116 routes. This substantial project, spanning across both Bangkok and other provinces, will cover a total distance of 213 kilometres. Originally slated for…
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MR. D.I.Y. undeterred by Thai wage hike, continues expansion
MR. D.I.Y., a leading home improvement retailer, persists in its expansion plans in Thailand, unperturbed by the recent escalation in the daily minimum wage. The CEO of MR. D.I.Y. Thailand, Andy Chin, acknowledges that while this wage increase may raise the company’s costs slightly, it will be advantageous for the economy. Chin predicts a positive surge in the retail sector…
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Royal Thai Police internal conflict prompts public investigation
The Royal Thai Police (RTP) is currently embroiled in an internal conflict that has drawn substantial public interest. A committee headed by the former Deputy Police Chief, Police General Winai Thongsong, has been tasked with investigating the matter and has been given a timeframe of 60 days to unearth the truth. According to Pol. Gen. Winai, this investigation is not…
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Sustainable solutions: Bangkok’s waste-to-energy plants
To combat the Thai capital’s mounting garbage crisis, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is rolling out two cutting-edge waste-to-energy plants to revolutionise waste management by 2026. BMA permanent secretary Wanthanee Wattana voiced unwavering confidence in the timely completion of these game-changing facilities. Wattana revealed that construction is well underway at the Nong Khaem and On Nut garbage disposal centres, with Privy…
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Bangkok food vendor’s rooftop standoff ends after wife’s negotiation
A food vendor threatened to leap from the fourth floor of the Bang Khun Thian District Office on Rama 2 Road. A two-hour negotiation ensued after local law enforcement was alerted to the situation today at 9am. Perched precariously on the fourth floor of the District Office, the 33 year old vendor, Prawit (surname withheld) was seen leaning against a wall,…
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Huai Khwang’s food scene hit by strict regulations, eateries close
Recent developments in Huai Khwang district have seen a wave of closures across restaurant businesses including hotpot and shabu eateries. According to the Huai Khwang District Office, scrutiny has led to the discovery that many Chinese restaurants were operating without the necessary permits. The district office mandated that all eateries obtain proper licensing but this proved challenging for some. Compliance…
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Missing Canadian found dead at central Thailand railway station
Police today discovered the dead body of a Canadian man under the platform of Chet Samian Railway Station in the central province of Ratchaburi. This discovery followed a missing person report filed yesterday, March 20. A group of foreigners lodged a missing persons report at Banpong Police Station yesterday, saying that their Canadian friend, 26 year old Ralph Joseph Ryan,…
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Foster father’s violent assault on seven year old boy exposed
A seven year old boy endured physical abuse at the hands of his foster father, sparking swift intervention from Deputy Mayor Wanchai Saenngam of Nong Prue Municipality, alongside local law enforcement. Eyewitnesses recounted the chilling scene where the boy, accompanied by his guardian, faced a violent assault over a trivial dispute at a local grocery shop. Reports suggest the accused…
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700+ illegal foreign workers exposed in Thailand’s reserved jobs
The Thai government has exposed a clandestine workforce of over 700 foreign workers engaged in professions reserved for locals over the past six months, officials declared today. Government spokesperson Kharom Polpornklang disclosed that a vigorous crackdown by the Employment Department had ensnared 721 foreigners, predominantly employed as street vendors, hairdressers, drivers, and masseurs, prompted by grievances from indigenous workers. The…
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Thai woman flies to Thailand from Taiwan to stab cheating husband
A Thai woman flew from Taiwan to Thailand to seek revenge on her cheating husband and his lover by slashing them both with a Stanley knife-type blade at a hotel in the Isaan province of Roi Et. Mueang Roi Et Police Station officers and a rescue team rushed to the hotel at 3am today, March 21, after being notified of…
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Authorities find makeshift home under Huay Yai flyover
During a routine inspection on Tuesday, officials from the rural highway department and the Huay Yai municipality stumbled upon a makeshift home beneath the Ban Bueng-Map Ta Phut flyover in Huay Yai subdistrict. What started as a simple check quickly escalated into a showdown between 57 year old Saiyut Sithlert and his wife against local authorities, who demanded the immediate…
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Bali Hai Pier roof construction to be completed before Songkran
Ensuring the safety and comfort of locals and tourists, Pattaya Deputy Mayor Manoch Nongyai has pledged to complete the roof construction at Bali Hai Pier before the Songkran festival. Manoch, along with city council members, personally inspected the ongoing project at the pier on Tuesday, March 19. The construction project at Bali Hai Pier entails two fundamental components. One is…
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Koh Chang hotel ordered to demolish illegal concrete platform
The Thai authorities swiftly ordered the demolition of an unauthorised concrete platform that appeared on the pristine White Sand Beach on Koh Chang after residents filed complaints. The discovery of the construction, which encroached into the sea in front of Koh Chang Grand View Hotel, led to a multi-agency investigation, revealing the absence of a permit for such a structure.…
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Water shortages strike two districts in Prachuap Khiri Khan
Prachuap Khiri Khan is hit by water shortages as two districts plunge into a state of emergency due to an unprecedented drought crisis. With acute water shortages ravaging communities, authorities issue a desperate plea for aid and conservation efforts. Acting Deputy Governor Kittiphong Sukhapakul officially declared drought disaster zones in two districts of Prachuap Khiri Khan on Monday. This decisive…
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