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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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March 16 Thai lottery draw stirs excitement with number patterns
The Government Lottery Office (GLO) is set to draw the next batch of Thai lottery prizes on Saturday, March 16, a highly anticipated event that has sparked a flurry of interest among lottery enthusiasts. The March 16 lottery draw, which takes place at the GLO in Nonthaburi, follows a longstanding tradition that has seen a decade’s worth of numbers bringing…
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DJ opens fire on Bangkok karaoke restaurant owner
A violent incident shattered the calm of a Bangkok neighbourhood yesterday as a DJ at a local karaoke restaurant opened fire on the establishment’s owner before turning the gun on himself. Police are now gathering evidence and witness testimonies to understand the motivation behind the attack. Police Lieutenant Atthapol Pongpradit, Deputy Investigator at Bueng Kum Police Station, was alerted to…
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Government revenue falls short due to dip in oil taxes
There’s been a shortfall in the government’s revenue collection for the first four months of the 2024 fiscal year, largely due to a sharp drop in oil taxes. This data was disclosed by the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) director-general, Pornchai Thiraveja, who highlighted that the government’s net revenue for the period of October 2023 to January 2024 was 824 billion…
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Health Ministry warns against dengue fever crisis: 25 fatalities
Dengue fever looms large over Thailand as the Public Health Ministry urges citizens to arm themselves with mosquito repellents to stave off the relentless onslaught of the deadly virus. With reported cases skyrocketing to a staggering 17,783, surpassing last year’s figures for the same period, the situation has become dire. Public Health Minister Dr Cholnan Srikaew underscored the gravity of…
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Pilatus Marine to expand LPG marine transport across Asia
Pilatus Marine, Thailand’s leading liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) marine transport operator, is set to expand its services throughout Asia. The move forms part of a strategic initiative to increase its customer base and cater to the rising demand for marine transport of LPG and olefins, a crucial ingredient in plastic production. According to Chief Executive, Varawit Chimtawan, the expansion is…
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Pipe bomb attack rocks coffee shop in southern Thailand
A gas station coffee shop in Pattani province, southern Thailand, became the target of a harrowing pipe bomb assault where five individuals were injured including a two year old boy. Upon meticulous scrutiny of CCTV footage, authorities unveiled a disturbing sequence of events. Four assailants, mounted on motorcycles, clandestinely approached the gas station’s rear road. Two of them, riding pillion,…
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Thai man survives black bear attack during ant egg hunt (video)
A Thai man survived an attack by an Asian black bear while hunting for ant eggs within the Dong Yai Wildlife Sanctuary in the Isaan province of Buriram at the weekend. The victim’s wife, 56 year old Warn Chernprakone, shared details of the incident on Sunday, March 10 with Matichon. Warn explained that her 60 year old husband, Phumin Joysaku,…
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Six airlines to offer discounted flights for Songkran holiday
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) confirmed that six airlines will introduce 104 additional flights, offering a discount of approximately 20% for early morning and late night domestic flights during the Songkran holiday. This move is designed to offer a more economical travel option for holidaymakers. The announcement was made yesterday by the Deputy Director-General of CAAT, Sarun Benjanirut.…
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Thai PM defends 138 million baht Government House refurb budget
The allocated budget of 138 million baht (US$3.8 million) for the refurbishment of the Government House of Thailand, has been strongly defended by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The budget has been a subject of criticism due to its perceived high cost. Nonetheless, the prime minister clarified yesterday, March 11, that the funds would be used for the comprehensive renovation of…
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Foreign man sexually assaults pregnant horse in Phuket
CCTV cameras at a horse farm in the Thalang district of Phuket province featured a foreign man sexually assaulting a pregnant horse, causing the animal to suffer a miscarriage. The horse owner revealed that the foreigner was an 18 year old American from Fairfax County, Virginia named Steven Lee Snyder, adding that the perverted teenager had committed this disturbing act multiple…
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Thailand Video News | Airlines slash Songkran fares 20%, Thailand declares Ramadan start on March 12
In this video, Jay delivers updates on the latest developments across the nation. Thailand unveils ambitious plans for film development, accompanied by a significant funding proposal of $200 million. Meanwhile, airline companies are grabbing attention as they reduce ticket prices for the upcoming Songkran festivities. Tragically, a farmer in Uthai Thani succumbs to smoke inhalation while burning grass. Additionally, Thailand’s…
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Princess Catherine’s apology over Mother’s Day photoshop scandal (video)
After editing concerns arose over a Mother’s Day photograph featuring the Princess of Wales and her children, Catherine issued an apology “for any confusion.” Catherine’s statement, which surfaced on Kensington Palace’s social media channels, came in response to five reputable agencies retracting the image over editing worries. “Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing.” The photograph in…
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Flavour triumph: Thai chef whisks up victory as Asia’s Best Female Chef 2024
In a culinary coup of epic proportions, a female Thai chef has clinched the prestigious title of Asia’s Best Female Chef 2024 at the illustrious Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards. Pichaya Soontornyanakij’s victory isn’t just about her gastronomic prowess, it’s a clarion call for breaking barriers in the male-dominated culinary sphere. Scheduled to receive her laurels at Asia’s 50 Best…
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Oppenheimer sweeps the Oscars with seven awards
Los Angeles witnessed the triumph of the biographical masterpiece, Oppenheimer, at the Academy Awards on Sunday. The film, detailing the life of the atomic bomb’s inventor, bagged seven Oscars, including the coveted Best Picture and Best Director, awarded to Christopher Nolan. The accolade of Best Actor went to Cillian Murphy, an Irish actor, for his impeccable depiction of the physicist…
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Scandal hits Government House with 500,000 baht lawn
The eagerly awaited overhaul of Government House’s front lawn, allegedly costing a staggering 498,352 baht, is on the brink of completion, according to insider sources. An informant disclosed that Green Value Co Ltd clinched the lucrative project due to its unbeatably low bid among three contenders. Utilising Paspalam grass, renowned for its resilience in scorching climates and durability against heavy…
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Love triangle tragedy: Millionaire and secretary’s deaths linked to affair
The police suspect that a love affair and jealousy may have been the motives behind the deaths of a millionaire and her secretary in a house located in the Hua Hin district of Prachuap Kiri Khan province. This suspicion arose after the secretary’s friend informed officers that the two individuals shared a relationship that extended beyond mere colleagues and friends.…
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Wallaya Chirathivat shapes Thailand’s retail industry
Thailand’s retail industry has been dramatically shaped by the innovative leadership of Wallaya Chirathivat, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Central Pattana Plc (CPN). As the head of one of the country’s most influential retail and property development firms, Wallaya’s strategies have led to significant advancements in the retail sector and her achievements have been recognised both locally and…
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Indian passenger robbed by Chinese man on flight to Bangkok
Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station officers arrested a Chinese man for stealing cash and a Rolex watch worth over 500,0000 baht from an Indian man on a flight from India to Bangkok. The airport’s security centre and Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station received a report of the theft from Vistara airline on March 7. The crime took place during flight UK 123…
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Citi Thailand’s transformative era under Narumon’s leadership
The bustling financial landscape of Thailand is witnessing a transformative era under the leadership of 52 year old Narumon Chivangkur. With an enviable career spanning 28 years at Citi, she currently holds the esteemed positions of Citi Country Officer (CCO) and Banking Head of Citi Thailand. Her journey reflects not only her professional dedication but also her unique blend of…
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Thailand primes for potential Formula E championship hosting
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced an impending meeting with executives of Formula E, the globally acclaimed electric-car racing league, in Chiang Mai next week. The meeting intends to explore the potential of the city as a host for the championship. The Thai PM, who also holds the position of finance minister, expressed the executives’ intent to scout a suitable location…
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Foreign funds return to SET amid Federal Reserve expectations
Foreign funds made a return to the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) in February, despite a 3.2% shrinkage of the SET index in the first two months of 2024. The investors’ return was driven by a decrease in expectations of the Federal Reserve’s policy rate cut, which was predicted to happen only thrice this year. Soraphol Tulayasathien, the SET’s senior…
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Thai SEC approves private funds to invest in Bitcoin ETFs
Asset management firms have been granted permission by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to initiate private funds that invest in Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). However, this investment opportunity is only accessible to institutional investors and ultra-high-net-worth investors. The SEC board gave its nod to asset management firms managing private funds that invest in Bitcoin ETFs listed on US exchanges…
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True Corporation and AIS to review auction of key spectrum bands
True Corporation and Advanced Info Service (AIS), both leading mobile phone service operators, are gearing up to review a draft concerning the auction of three key spectrum bands, 850 megahertz, 2100MHz and 2300MHz. The draft is set to be completed by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) by June. The impetus behind this action is to secure a sufficient…
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EGCO to utilise Indonesian petrochemical operations for clean energy development
Electricity Generating (EGCO), the power generation subsidiary of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), plans to utilise its petrochemical operations in Indonesia to foster clean energy development, with a particular focus on hydrogen fuel. EGCO secured a 30% stake in PT Chandra Daya Investasi (CDI), a division of Indonesia’s largest integrated chemical and infrastructure solution provider, PT Chandra Asri…
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Malaysian bride’s heartbreak as husband strays with bridesmaid
A Malaysian bride faced a heartbreaking betrayal just 40 days into her marriage when she discovered her husband’s infidelity with one of her bridesmaids. The revelation led to a courageous decision to divorce and remove the toxicity from her life. Siti Nur Eiyasah, who had known her husband for four years before tying the knot, faced no issues during their…
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Sidecar saga: 70 year old’s 600km epic journey to the seaside
A 70 year old Thai man was so determined to enjoy the seaside for the first time in his life that he successfully rode his sidecar motorcycle over 600 kilometres from the Isaan province of Ubon Ratchathani to Koh Chang, an island in the eastern province of Trat. The story of the 70 year old, Loi Tapila, came to light…
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Lottery fever grips Thailand as lucky numbers emerge from rituals
The anticipation for the lottery draw this weekend is palpable, with enthusiasts keenly awaiting the revelation of the lucky numbers that could transform their fortunes. The lottery draw on Saturday, March 16, like many others, has become a cultural event, with people from all walks of life participating in rituals and seeking out numbers believed to be auspicious. A pivotal…
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Hair-raising secrets revealed: ‘Hair it like Beckham’ trends in cosmetic surgery
You’ve heard of “Bend it Like Beckham” but what about “Hair it Like Beckham” as intriguing developments in the world of cosmetic surgery emerge, revealing secrets on how celebrities such as David Beckham maintain a full head of hair, even in his golden years. At the heart of these revelations is Dr Piya Rungruxsiri, a board-certified plastic surgeon known as…
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Warning issued over Thai man masturbating to standee
A Thai netizen issued a warning to locals in the Chum Phae district of the Isaan province of Khon Kaen after witnessing a Thai man masturbating and trying to have sex with a 6-foot (1.82 metre) cardboard standee outside a convenience store in the area. The video of a Thai man engaging in sexual activity with a standee was shared…
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Bangkok bust nets over 5kg of cocaine at Suvarnabhumi Airport
Thai authorities successfully dismantled an international drug trafficking operation at Suvarnabhumi Airport, seizing a substantial haul of cocaine destined for the country’s entertainment venues. The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), along with the Customs Department, announced the capture of three foreign nationals and the interception of 5,360 grams of cocaine, cleverly concealed within clothes drying racks and sent…
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