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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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German national alleges bribe for release on pedophilia charge in Thailand
Provincial Police Region 2 launched investigations into allegations against a 55-year-old German national accused of paying a bribe of 1 million baht to secure his release on charges related to pedophilia. The police announcement follows a documentary by Deutsche Welle titled Sex Tourists in Thailand, which highlighted the account of the accused, Jens Kirch. It is worth noting that the…
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Renowned fortune-teller predicts potential misfortunes before new year 2024
A recent prediction by the renowned fortune-teller Mor Plai Prai Krasib hints at potential misfortunes in the three days before the new year of 2024. The seer further points to significant changes post-January, with a focus on health issues linked to flying creatures. In an interview published by the Facebook page At Ten Day, Mor Plai unveiled his predictions for…
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Thailand’s transport ministry commits to 100% public electric vehicles
A bold step towards a greener future was taken by Thailand’s Transport Ministry as it committed to transforming its entire fleet of public transport vehicles into a 100% electric. The initiative, as announced by the Transport Minister, Suriya Jungrungreangkit, begins with the electric conversion of the limousine service of the Airports of Thailand (AoT). This development was shared during Suriya’s…
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Thai lecturer’s 10 million baht lawsuit after mental health dismissal
Sombat Boongamanong, also known as Polka Dot, has shed light on the life journey of Dr Keng, a scholarship student who, after completing her PhD in England, returned to work as a Thai university lecturer. However, she fell ill and was asked to resign by the university management, leading to a lawsuit seeking over 10 million baht. Sombat arrived this…
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Tax deductions and returns: key investment options in Thailand
Shrewd investors actively seek opportunities that provide tax deductions while ensuring respectable returns. Within this context, three primary investment options demand consideration. These options comprise insurance, long-term funding, and savings through provident and social security fund contributions. Investment choices are manifold. Social Security Fund, for instance, offers a tax deduction equivalent to the amount paid, capped at 9,000 baht per…
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Concerns over rising HIV infections among teenagers in Thailand
The Aids Health Care Foundation (AHF) Thailand raised concerns over the rising prevalence of HIV infection among teenagers due to unprotected sex. The foundation’s Thailand Country Programme Director, Kritsiam Arayawongchai, disclosed this during a recent forum aimed at encouraging safe sex practices among high school students. In a broad-scale study conducted by AHF Thailand in collaboration with 25 healthcare centres,…
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Golden delight: GTA unveils gold rush with prices soaring to new heights
The Gold Traders Association (GTA) today announced a strong surge in today’s gold prices. Compared to yesterday’s closing price, gold ornaments are selling at 34,800 baht per baht, up by 200 baht. This information was released on their website at 9.08am. Gold bars of 96.5% purity are currently being bought at 34,200 baht per baht and sold at 34,300 baht…
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Baconomics at play: Pork prices sizzle down, fuelling October’s inflation cool-off
A decline in pork prices significantly contributed to a reduction in the inflation rate in October, an anonymous figure within the Finance Ministry has revealed. The inflation experienced a year-on-year decrease of 0.31% in October, largely due to a 0.2% drop in energy prices, attributed to lower oil costs and employed subsidies to keep energy prices in check. Moreover, food…
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Thailand ramps up fight against online IP infringements
Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai ordered the Intellectual Property Department to accelerate measures against online intellectual property (IP) infringements. The proliferation of such violations on digital platforms, he noted, not only damages IP owners, predominantly entrepreneurs but also tarnishes Thailand’s image. In response to this, small and medium-sized enterprises are being encouraged to boost their comprehension of IP rights. This includes…
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Italian national brutally killed in Khlong Luang following neighbour dispute
A tragic incident unfolded in a village in Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani on Saturday when an Italian national was discovered dead following a brutal assault with an iron pipe. The police in Khlong Luang were alerted to the crime and promptly initiated an investigation. The deceased was identified as a 50 year old Italian man named Milazzo Gianluca. An 80-centimetre…
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Oil be darned: Wealthy suitors left in the dust as woman falls for ‘filthy’ mechanic
A woman, who had been approached by numerous wealthy suitors, chose to pursue a relationship with a “filthy” mechanic, believing his oil-stained exterior concealed a handsome and hard–working man. Her unconventional choice has been met with mixed reactions on social media. In the societal pursuit of marriage, often the search for an ideal partner is dictated by various preconditions. However,…
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Rain reigns: TMD warns 27 provinces, including Bangkok, to brace for heavy rainfall
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a heavy rainfall warning for 27 provinces, including Bangkok. The southern region is expected to receive significant rainfall, covering 80% of the area, which may lead to sudden flooding and runoff. A high-pressure system from China is covering the northern region, the northeastern region, and the South China Sea. This system is bringing…
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Steve Galster roars: Let’s trade wildlife for a pandemic-free world
Steve Galster, the founder and CEO of the anti-trafficking organisation Freeland, has advocated for the complete eradication of illegal and legal wildlife trade to avert the possibility of the next pandemic. He highlighted that Thailand, with its superior infrastructure, has been a longstanding hub for such activities, facilitating the movement of wildlife trade from source countries like Africa and Indonesia…
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French tourist dies in waterfall accident on Samui Island
A 20 year old French tourist tragically lost his life after slipping from a waterfall on the island of Samui. Ryan Meghan was visiting with four friends when he wandered off alone to an area known for its danger. He was later found stuck under a rock in the waterfall by the officials of the Radio Centre 191, Koh Samui,…
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Thai group stranded in China after Chiang Mai company deception
A group of Thai nationals, duped by a company in Chiang Mai into selling goods in China, is desperate for help after running into legal and financial trouble. The group, consisting of over 80 individuals, is now stranded in China, facing dwindling funds, visa expiry, and the risk of becoming illegal immigrants. The group was lured to China by a…
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Thai Red Cross clarifies blood donation charges are for service not sale
The Thai Red Cross Society’s National Blood Centre clarified that the blood donated and subsequently delivered across the nation’s hospitals is not up for sale. However, recipients are required to cover a service fee. This clarification came to light via the National Blood Centre’s website in response to a Facebook post claiming the Thai Red Cross Society was profiting from blood…
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Flash floods claim one life and leave 11 missing at Indonesia’s Jewel, Lake Toba
Flash floods in Lake Toba, Indonesia wreaked havoc, claiming one life and leaving 11 missing on December 1. Lake Toba experienced a heavy downpour, triggering devastating flash floods. The heavy rain caused widespread destruction that extended beyond homes to include a church, a school, and even a hotel. The aftermath resembled a nightmare, as large stones, trees, and mud cascaded…
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US Google Maps nightmare: Desert detours lead drivers to nowhere, stranding them for hours
Google Maps has left motorists stranded on treacherous desert roads, turning what should have been a smooth drive between Los Angeles and Las Vegas into a nightmare. Apologies have been issued, but for some, the damage is already done. Shelby Easler and her family set out on the well-trodden path from Los Angeles to Las Vegas to catch the thrilling…
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Thailand’s plan to extend Songkran raises eyebrows and 5.1 billion baht in soft power bid
Thailand‘s iconic Songkran Festival might be turning into a month-long water extravaganza in a bid to boost the country’s soft power, or a potential disaster waiting to happen? Thailand’s political arena is buzzing with controversy as the Pheu Thai Party, led by Paetongtarn Shinawatra, unveils an audacious plan to extend the beloved Songkran Festival. The goal? To solidify the nation’s soft…
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Are bread krathongs harming Bangkok’s public park ponds?
Environmental advisor to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Pornporm Wikitsate, exposed the negative impacts of biodegradable Krathongs on public park ponds after the recent Loy Krathong Festival. The public, in a bid to reduce waste and protect the environment, had opted to float Krathongs made from bread. However, the aftermath was not as environmentally friendly as anticipated. Pornporm questioned whether bread…
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Update: Luxury gambling den busted in Nonthaburi – 49 arrested, owner denied bail
In the heart of Ngamwongwan, Nonthaburi, a luxury gambling den concealed within a hotel was recently exposed, leading to the capture of 49 individuals, comprising gamblers and employees alike. This took place on November 30 and was a significant operation spearheaded by Rattanathibet police officers. Officers immediately began the process of questioning the suspects, subsequently pressing charges against them. Following…
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Survey reveals increasing homelessness in Thailand
The Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) and associated agencies took the stage on November 30, to bring to light the findings of an extensive survey conducted on the state of homelessness in Thailand. The details were presented at the 2024 Protection of Homeless People Expo. The survey, spearheaded by Phoranee Phuprasert, director of ThaiHealth’s Office of Vulnerable Group Support, discovered…
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Khon Kaen’s Major Cineplex under police inspection due to 4 Kings II
Khon Kaen‘s Major Cineplex Movie Theater was subjected to an official inspection by Mueang Khon Kaen police officers on November 30 at 4.30pm. The inspection was carried out in anticipation of potential conflicts that could be sparked between college students due to the screening of the film 4 Kings II. The police officers took it upon themselves to inform the…
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Significant earthquake in Mindanao Philippines triggers tsunami warning but spares Thailand
The Philippines experienced a significant earthquake near the island of Mindanao, triggering a tsunami warning. The quake, measuring 7.5 in magnitude, didn’t affect Thailand, according to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD). Japan also issued a tsunami warning in response to the seismic activity occurring on December 3. At 9.57pm yesterday, December 2, the TMD stated the earthquake in Mindanao, Philippines.…
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Elderly Thais targeted by scammers posing as bank agents
Scammers posing as bank agents targeting elderly Thai citizens have recently swindled multiple victims out of their savings. A 68 year old housewife lost 1.5 million baht (US$44,000) to such a scam after she was led to believe she was eligible for a government financial aid scheme. The fraudsters presented her with two receiving options for the supposed aid: a…
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CapCut Creative Suite: Transforming social media content creation in Thailand
The digital space in Thailand, one of the countries located at the heart of Southeast Asia is undergoing a rapid transformation. In the Kingdom, social media is not simply a platform; it is a living component of the culture. The evolution has raised a critical demand for communicating the message using tools compatible with the local culture. CapCut creative suite…
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Overwhelmed businesswoman registers for Thai government’s debt relief scheme
A businesswoman, burdened with an overwhelming debt, registered for an out-of-system debt relief scheme. She owes money to 14 lenders and faces the daily challenge of finding more than 7,000 baht for interest payments at a rate of 20%. This move comes after the government, under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, has been focusing on resolving out-of-system debt issues for citizens…
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Thai loan shark arrested for scamming over 1 million baht
A crackdown led by the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) resulted in the arrest of a 37 year old woman for operating more than 10 illegal loan shark gambling rings. The operation defrauded victims of over 1 million baht and involved intimidation to prevent reporting of the crime. The arrest of the loan shark was executed today, December 2, following an…
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Massive 14 million methamphetamine pill haul intercepted in Laos
A mammoth haul of over 14 million methamphetamine pills, destined for Thailand, was intercepted in Vientiane with five suspects taken into custody. The monumental seizure was achieved during an operation carried out from November 28 to 30, conducted by the drug suppression police in Laos. Among those apprehended in the methamphetamine crackdown operation were four individuals from Laos and a…
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Tragic death of camping enthusiast in modified vehicle sparks police investigation
A tragic incident unfolded in the town of Buriram, where a camping enthusiast was found dead in his modified vehicle. The 57 year old camping enthusiast, known as Warayuth, was discovered by a friend after he spent the night camping on private land. The cause of death remains unknown and police are investigating. Upon arrival at the scene, police found…
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