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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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Popular snack vendor finds 100,000 baht stolen from Chiang Mai home
A popular snack vendor known for her revealing outfit, returned to her Chiang Mai home yesterday, November 30 to find nearly 100,000 baht had been stolen from her safe. The 27 year old vendor, Aranya Abhaiso, also known as Olive Tokyo No Bra, suspects the culprit to be someone close to her and is preparing to file a police report.…
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House committee formulates 2024 budget proposal
The House committee responsible for scrutinising planning and monitoring budget expenditure is formulating a budget proposal for next year. The proposal is expected to be reviewed by the House in early January. Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, the committee’s chair and a list MP of the Move Forward Party, confirmed that the panel is currently processing budget requests from various state agencies. These…
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Thai drug addict leaves 9 year old boy fighting for life in shocking Isaan attack
Police arrested a Thai drug addict after he attacked three victims in the Isaan province of Nakhon Panom on November 29. Among the victims were a nine year old boy who is battling to save his life and another individual who sustained serious injuries. Phonsawan Police Station officers swiftly responded to the incident at Phon Sawang Temple in the Phonsawan…
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Firefighter criticised for unprofessional conduct in fire incident (video)
A rescue worker has come under criticism for demonstrating power and being unprofessional by stepping on and kicking a junior firefighter while responding to a fire. The incident was brought to light when a Twitter user named Red Skull posted a video of the event online. The behaviour, deemed inappropriate, especially in front of locals, sparked widespread online criticism. “So…
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Rice production crisis forecast: Dry woes, dwindling waters, and El Nino brew trouble
Asian rice production during the off-season is predicted to suffer due to a blend of unfavourable weather conditions including dry planting, dwindling reservoirs and ongoing El Nino weather patterns. These issues are due to reduce the early 2024 yields, further squeezing supplies and potentially causing a rise in food inflation. Both India, the world’s largest rice exporter and Thailand, the…
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Stamp spectacle: World’s priciest stamps unveiled in unprecedented exhibition
Stamp enthusiasts, brace yourselves for an unprecedented clash of philatelic titans at the Thailand 2023 – World Stamp Championship Exhibition! The famed British Guiana One-Cent Magenta, a global record-holder at over US$8 million (280 million baht), and the Japan 1871 500mon Center Inverted, valued at a staggering 4.4 million euros (168 million baht), are sharing the limelight for the first…
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Thai Commerce Ministry plans new year mega sale
The Thai Commerce Ministry has unveiled plans for a new year mega sale, an extensive retail event, to alleviate living costs for the local population. The sale, which is being presented as a new year’s gift to the citizens, is set to take place at Muang Thong Thani from December 20 to December 24. The Commerce Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, reported…
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Phuket’s uphill battle conquered: Patong Hill road reopens, paving the way for smooth travels
Vehicles are once again smoothly navigating the stretch of road over Patong Hill in Phuket, following the successful completion of repair works. The vital link, which was previously marred by subsidence beneath the road surface, is now fully operational with both lanes leading to Patong open for traffic. The confirmation of this development was announced yesterday, November 30 by the…
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Major tourist alert: National parks drop e-ticketing system
The National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department (DNP) has pulled the plug on e-ticketing for six of Thailand‘s prized national parks, sparking outrage and concerns as the tourist high season kicks off. The decision to suspend e-ticketing for tourists visiting six national parks in Thailand has triggered a storm of criticism, with many deeming it untimely and poorly planned.…
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Thai man punches neighbour to death after conflict over dog waste
A Thai man reportedly punched his neighbour to death on the side of the road in the northern province of Lampang after a dispute over dog waste. The killer claimed he acted in self-defence. Mueang Lampang Police Station officers and a rescue team rushed to the scene on Lampang-Ngao road at 7.45am today, December 1. The deceased, 68 year old…
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Hong Kong and Thailand join FPS with PromptPay, unlocking cross-border QR payment linkage
In a move set to redefine international payments, Hong Kong‘s Faster Payment System (FPS) joined hands with Thailand‘s PromptPay, unlocking a seamless cross-border QR payment linkage. Hong Kong and Thailand have unleashed a financial revolution, enabling residents to flex their digital wallets across borders. The cross-border QR payment linkage between Hong Kong’s FPS and Thailand’s PromptPay is set to transform…
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Pattaya’s grand Christmas party with Miss Universe models and B2F orchestra
Pattaya is all set to host the grandest Christmas party of the year on December 16. With an overwhelming response of over 200 tickets already sold, organisers have decided to extend the special discounted ticket price of 1,600 baht for a bit longer. So, if you haven’t grabbed your ticket yet, now is the time! The evening promises to be…
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Young women ignore safety warnings at Phu Chi Fah, sparking concerns
Two young women risked their lives by crossing a safety line at Phu Chi Fah viewpoint to take photographs, triggering concerns from officials about a potential increase in copycat behaviour. Phu Chi Fah National Park in Thoeng, Chiang Rai, reported the incident occurred at 6.04am on October 26, and issued a public warning on their page. The tourist attraction has…
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Pregnant Burmese woman begs thief to return 240,000 baht’s worth of gold
A pregnant Burmese woman turned to social media to convey her heart-wrenching disappointment and appeal to a thief for the return of gold accessories valued at over 240,000 baht, which were stolen from her. The Burmese victim shared an image of now-empty gold containers along with a video capturing her emotional plea on social media. In the video, she tearfully disclosed…
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Thai dancer reports ex-partner for physical abuse and animal cruelty
Doing Good Foundation founder Dr Panadda Wongphudee and Dr Darunee Sutthipithak, known as Pecky Sritanya, yesterday, accompanied a 32 year old dancer who suffered physical abuse, to Bang Khen Police Station. The dancer, Pattiporn (surname withheld), reported to Deputy Investigation Officer Rattichai Piyawet that her former boyfriend, 33 year old Prakasit from Nan province, had subjected her to physical abuse,…
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Thai government invites citizens to register debts for resolution
The Thai government is inviting citizens to register their debts, both within and outside the formal system, to alleviate the burden of unregulated debt. This move by Prime Minister Settha Thaweesin and the Ministry of Finance is seen as a national issue, aiming to restore dignity, hope, and stability to Thai citizens suffering from the detrimental effects of unregulated debt.…
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Thai man jailed for up to 10 years for illegally selling tiger carcasses
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) and related departments arrested a Thai man for running an online shop illegally selling tiger carcasses and other protected animals. This comes in the wake of the arrest of two individuals in January this year for selling tiger carcasses online. The case was connected to another suspect managing a Facebook…
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NACC scandal: Former Deputy Secretary-General’s shocking assets cover-up lands him in Supreme Court snare
The Supreme Court delivered a decisive blow to Prayat Puangjumpa, the former deputy secretary-general of the National Counter-Corruption Commission (NACC). Prayat’s appeal, aimed at overturning a false asset declaration conviction, was mercilessly rejected, resulting in a suspended jail sentence and a hefty fine. The Supreme Court, in a plenary meeting, upheld the previous court’s ruling, affirming a four-month suspended jail…
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Sanctuary saga ends in sorrow: Beloved elephant Mali passing leaves fans trumpeting for change
Mali, a beloved elephant at a Philippine zoo has died after plans fell through to relocate the animal to a sanctuary following a worldwide campaign supported by indie rock star Morrissey, former lead singer of The Smiths. Mali, the star attraction at Manila Zoo for over four decades, was found dead on November 28. Raised in solitary confinement since her…
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Political prognosis: Advisor probes Thaksin Shinawatra’s health and cell
The health status and incarceration conditions of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra have come under the scrutiny of Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, an advisor to the Parliament Committee on Budgeting Study and Budget Administration Follow-up. Somchai is pressing the government to shed light on Thaksin’s situation, 100 days after his transfer to the Police General Hospital following chest pain, hypertension, and low…
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Thai Prime Minister to review proposed energy tariff increase
Srettha Thavisin, the Thai Prime Minister, is set to convene a meeting with the relevant bodies following the revelation that the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) intends to surge the energy tariff from 3.99 baht per unit to 4.68 baht per unit from January to April next year. This proposed increase has stirred renewed demands for a revamp of the nation’s…
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Thai Ministry of Interior launches online registration for debt assistance
The Ministry of Interior has initiated a programme to assist citizens struggling with off-system debt, inviting them to enrol either online or in-person from today, December 1, until February 24 next year. This scheme is part of the government’s efforts to alleviate the impact of high-interest-rate debts on the populace. For online registration, individuals can visit the website https://debt.dopa.go.th. The…
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Pattaya police honoured by American Legion Post for dedicated service
In a heartfelt gesture of gratitude, the Sergeant Thomas Oliver Ahlberg Memorial American Legion Post TH02 in Pattaya recently recognised the dedicated efforts of the Royal Thai Police at Soi 9 station. The commendation came in the form of certificates of appreciation, acknowledging the tireless work of the police officers in assisting American citizens and contributing to the welfare of…
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Sukhothai: 24 year old man with drug addiction problems shoots grandfather
A 24 year old Thai man, who reportedly had a problem with drug addiction since high school, shot his grandfather. The young man’s mother had travelled from Bangkok to take him to rehab but instead, she arrived home to attend her father’s funeral. The incident occurred in the small district of Ban Dan Lan Hoi in Sukhothai province. The local…
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Thailand boosts traditional medicine to attract wellness tourism
Thailand‘s Public Health Ministry is elevating its endeavours to showcase traditional wellness and medicine as a tourist attraction, in a bid to boost the nation’s revenue. As voiced by Deputy Health Minister Santi Promphat yesterday, the country is renowned for its superior traditional medical knowledge and herbal plant utilisation. Santi was addressing the subject of traditional and alternative Thai medicine…
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Half of new HIV infections in Thailand among 15-24 year olds
The Department of Disease Control (DDC) in Thailand has revealed that nearly half of the annual 9,000-plus new HIV infections are individuals aged between 15 and 24 years old. This trend has persisted for several years, according to Dr Suchada Jiamsiri, the head of the Division of Aids and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) at the Ministry of Public Health’s DDC.…
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Bangkok: Flat fare of 20 baht for Red and Purple line interchange
The Transport Ministry announced the implementation of a flat fare of 20 baht for passengers interchanging between the Red and Purple lines using EMV contactless payment. Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote unveiled the scheme yesterday, November 30, stating that it is in line with a Cabinet resolution from October 16, which authorised the ministry to establish a 20-baht flat fare…
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Petrol tanker flips and ignites in Phetchaburi resulting in severe injuries
A petrol tanker overturned and caught fire in Phetchaburi province, severely injuring the driver who was engulfed in flames. The vehicle, completely damaged in the incident, is suspected to have veered off course due to the driver potentially falling asleep. This mishap occurred at 12.24am, as reported by Phetchaburi’s Emergency Response Centre. The ten-wheeler petrol tanker with licence plate number…
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Tourism fallout: Zhejiang and Buriram United match ends in mass brawl (video)
The government’s plan to attract Chinese tourists may have suffered another setback following a physical altercation between players from China’s Zhejiang FC and Thailand’s Buriram United during an AFC Champions League. Zhejiang FC hosted Buriram United at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre in Qiangjiang New Town, China, on Thursday, November 29, and emerged as 3-2 winners. After the game, an…
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Phuket president seeks solutions for traffic, proposes electric buses
Phuket’s traffic woes might soon see a respite, with Rewat Areerob, the President of Phuket’s Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), urging Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to implement measures to ease the city’s road congestion. Additionally, Rewat is advocating for the introduction of electric buses in Phuket Town, under the PPAO’s jurisdiction. Rewat yesterday played host to travel experts and policy planning…
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