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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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Pervy Phuket man arrested for string of motorbike assaults
Police in Thalang, Phuket, arrested a Thai man in connection with an unsettling string of assaults on women. The suspect, a 34 year old man was apprehended for a series of incidents in which he pursued women on motorbikes and molested them. The Thalang Police Department launched an investigation after seven women reported being assaulted in a similar situation over…
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Interfaith dialogue thrives: Seventh Buddhist-Christian colloquium in Thailand
Thailand recently played host to the Seventh Buddhist-Christian Colloquium, underscoring the importance of interfaith dialogue and joint action to address the myriad issues plaguing humanity in an ever-evolving world. Over 150 delegates from a variety of countries attended the event, which was centred around the theme Karu and Agape in Dialogue for Healing a Wounded Humanity and the Earth. The…
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Taxi rider in Pattaya nabbed for overcharging 1,600 baht for 3-kilometre trip
Mueang Pattaya Police Station officers arrested a motorcycle taxi rider without a permit for overcharging two passengers 1,600 baht for a 3-kilometre trip to Pattaya International Fireworks Festival. The suspect shipped the blame onto another rider. Two passengers shared their money transfer receipt on social media and explained that a motorcycle taxi rider charged them 1,600 baht for a trip…
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Thai businesses may face wage pressure after state officials’ salary increase
The Thai Chamber of Commerce predicts a potential ripple effect on businesses, following the Cabinet’s decision to approve a 10% salary increase for state officials. The chairman of the chamber, Sanan Angubolkul, anticipates that this move may compel businesses to raise their wages to attract skilled employees. The salary increase for new state employees will result in a monthly income…
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A 23 year old man found shot dead in southern Thailand: Police launch manhunt
The tragic end of a 23 year old man suffering from panic and depression disorders was discovered in his employer’s house, where he was found shot dead in the bedroom. Police officers are actively hunting down the suspect as the investigation continues. Police officer Thanathorn Phanchu last night revealed that a murder victim was found in a two-storey house in…
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Thai PBS forum explores AI’s future role in newsrooms
The Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS World) yesterday, in collaboration with Techsauce, the National Innovation Agency (NIA), the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) and MediaScope, held the Thai PBS World Forum. The forum, themed AI and the Future of Newsroom, was a platform for thought leadership and the exchange of perspectives with regional media organisations to drive the direction…
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No evidence of naked short selling in Thai stock market, says ASCO
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) and the Association of Securities Companies (ASCO) confirmed that there is no occurrence of naked short selling within the Thai exchange. This comes amidst the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) request for ASCO members to align their short-sell guidelines with those of the SEC. Pichet Sithi-Amnuai, ASCO president, revealed that regular inspections of short…
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Two more Thai hostages released from conflict in Gaza
Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara today celebrated the release of two more Thai hostages from the conflict in Gaza. Their release was facilitated by a temporary truce between Israel and Hamas. Deputy Prime Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara conveyed his joy at the Thai hostages’ release via the social media platform Twitter (X). The 66 year old Bangkok-born politician expressed his delight…
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Rat-ical savings scheme: Married man’s cash stash shredded by rodents
A married man was left in acute distress after his carefully hidden cash was shredded by rats. The man, who had tucked away a substantial sum of Vietnamese dong notes totalling around 500,000 (720 baht), discovered his savings in tatters, gnawed by rodents in the secluded corner of his home where he hid them. The unfortunate man had decided to…
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Lone diner’s surprise birthday celebration at Mamaonom bar goes viral (video)
A touching scene unfolded at the Mamaonom Bar in Ratchaburi Province when staff members surprised a lone customer on her birthday. The young woman, dining alone on her special day, was moved to tears as the team gathered around her to sing birthday songs and present her with a cake. The bar shared the heartwarming video on its social media…
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Flight cancellations: Chinese airlines slash 40% of slots amid Thai tourism slowdown
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) witnessed a substantial number of flight slot cancellations by Chinese airlines, accounting for over 40% of total cancellations across Thailand’s airports. The CAAT director, Suttipong Kongpool, highlighted that such cancellations are not unusual and are often a result of fluctuating travel demand. Airline companies frequently resort to such measures in order to maintain…
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Thief steals 88 gold necklaces worth at least 17 million baht in Chiang Mai
A Thai man stole 88 gold necklaces from Yaowarat Krungthep Gold Shop in Lotus’s supermarket in the Fang district in the northern province of Chiang Mai yesterday. Each gold necklace was worth 200,000 to 500,000 baht causing losses of at least 17 million baht. The theft took place at about 18.45pm yesterday, November 28. The thief stole 88 gold necklaces…
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Father’s unique punishment for son’s inappropriate gesture sparks online debate
A widely debated parenting case has surfaced on social media platforms, revolving around a Chinese father’s severe punishment of his 10 year old son. The young boy had developed the habit of frequently showing the middle finger and drawing obnoxious figures on paper, which he would then submit to his teacher. The father was unaware of the offensive implications of…
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Debt dilemma: Households in a financial bind as debt soars, Thai PM pledges change
Thailand is in the grips of a financial crisis, with household debt skyrocketing to a staggering 16.07 trillion baht, a 3.6% surge compared to last year. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin vowed to address the problem of what he calls debt slavery. The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) yesterday dropped a bombshell, revealing that Thailand’s household debt is…
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Gas protest: Public transport fleets roll up to Government House against rising NGV prices
Hundreds of public transport vehicles, led by several operators’ associations, converged outside Thailand’s Government House yesterday in a demonstration against soaring natural gas for vehicles NGV prices. The protestors, who included representatives of provincial and city public van operators, as well as bus, mini-bus, and songthaew associations, demanded a reduction in the NGV price from nearly 20 baht per kilogramme…
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Lantern blamed for burning Chiang Mai market, causing over 100 million baht damage
A fire broke out at nine buildings within Rim Ping Flower Market in the northern province of Chiang Mai at 3am yesterday, November 28. A witness claimed the blaze was triggered when a lantern from the Loy Krathong and Yi Peng Lantern Festival fell onto the buildings. Ten firefighting trucks swiftly rushed to the market on Praisanee Road in the…
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Thailand’s mega New Year’s Eve countdown bash at ICONSIAM promises fun and surprises
Prepare for a dazzling extravaganza as Thailand gears up for an unparalleled New Year’s Eve countdown bash at ICONSIAM‘s River Park. With a star-studded lineup, jaw-dropping eco-friendly fireworks, and mind-blowing drone displays, this year’s Amazing Thailand Countdown 2024 is set to redefine celebrations. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), and ICONSIAM have joined forces with industry giants…
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Tragic lorry crash claims driver’s life and leaves two injured in central Thailand
A fatal accident occurred when a six-wheeled lorry crashed into the back of a trailer, resulting in the death of the driver and injuring two others. The victims were returning from a concert when the crash occurred. The incident, which happened on Phet Kasem Road in Ban Lat District, Phetchaburi, was reported to the local police at 2.54am today. In…
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Thai police crackdown on online illicit firearms dealers and fraudsters
A significant operation targeting dealers in illicit firearms operating on virtual platforms has led to the Thai central investigation officers conducting a series of raids across Thailand. Yesterday, the officers implemented raids in 21 locations spanning 12 provinces, resulting in the arrest of eight suspects and the seizure of 12 units of diverse firearms. Unexpectedly, one of the detainees, 42 year…
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Chon Buri’s bright ambition: Aims to be top 10 smart city by 2037
An ambitious vision to elevate Chon Buri into the league of top 10 smart cities globally by 2037 has been revealed by the Eastern Economic Corridor Office of Thailand (EECO). This grand plan, termed the Smart City and Commercial/Residential Hub project, aims to metamorphose a vast expanse of 927.2 hectares in the vicinity of the U-Tapao Airport into a high-tech…
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Thailand’s civil servants to receive 20% salary increase over two years
Newly recruited civil servants in Thailand are set to receive a salary increase of 20% over the next two years. The decision, approved by the Cabinet, was announced by Danucha Pichayanan, the secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council. The proposed plan by the Office of the Civil Service Commission (OCSC) is to increase salaries by 10% annually…
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Thai student team claims victory at 2023 World Team Mathematics Championship
The Thai student team scored an impressive victory at the 2023 World Team Mathematics Championship (WMTC) in South Korea, scooping the title in the individual category and sweeping a total of three gold, six silver, and five bronze medals. The mathematics championship concluded yesterday, November 28, at 10pm. The 14-member team returned to Suvarnabhumi Airport, where they were warmly welcomed.…
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Temperature rise in Thailand as cold air pressure decreases
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) reports a decrease in cold air pressure, resulting in a rise in temperature by 1 to 3 degrees Celsius. Southern regions are experiencing heavy rainfall, with eight provinces affected as of 5am today. The forecast for the next 24 hours indicates that the high-pressure area or cold air mass covering the upper part of Thailand…
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Thai woman’s barking mad quest for justice after 2 boys cause dogs to die in car accident
A Thai woman sought justice for her two dogs that died in a car accident after two boys sneaked into her home, assaulted her dogs, and ultimately led the woman’s beloved pets to their deaths. ” The dog owner, Maneewan Sandee, shared pictures of her dead pets and the story behind their deaths on Facebook on November 26. Her three…
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Phuket’s Jungceylon unveils ‘PINK A WISH’ festivities
Jungceylon Shopping Center in Patong, Phuket, dazzles with its ‘PINK A WISH’ celebration, featuring a transformed look, new stores, and exciting year-end promotions. Phuket Square Company Limited, the manager of Jungceylon Shopping Center in Patong, Phuket, has allocated a budget of more than 10 million baht to transform the shopping centre and offer an array of promotions and entertainment activities.…
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Combined tour packages: Thai proposal for Chinese tourists
Chinese tourists are the target of a new strategy suggested by Thai tourism operators, who propose selling combined tour packages to Thailand and Malaysia. This proposal comes in light of China granting visa exemptions to visitors from Malaysia and several European countries, but not Thailand. Songchai Mungprasithichai, president of the Songkhla Tourism Promotion Association, believes that since Hat Yai Airport…
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Doubts over Thai target of 8.2 million Chinese visitors in 2024
Analysts have expressed doubts over the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) ambitious target of attracting 8.2 million Chinese visitors next year. This comes as predictions for overall foreign arrivals next year have been downscaled, amidst concerns over a sluggish global economy. Kasem Prunratanamala, who leads research at CGS-CIMB Securities in Thailand, stated that while the firm has kept its estimation…
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Child abductions: Ukraine’s first lady spotlights Russian actions
Olena Zelenska, the First Lady of Ukraine, urged the global community, particularly Asian nations, to remain alert to the situation in Ukraine. Amid its full-scale invasion, she revealed alarming instances of child abductions, with Ukrainian children being kidnapped by Russia. Her appeal, primarily directed at the international community, aims at keeping the attention on Ukraine instead of other global issues.…
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Termite queen lottery: District chief prays for winning numbers
A momentous event unfolded yesterday as the district chief of Bueng Sam Phan, Sompong Thongnoonui, lit a risky incense stick and prayed for a winning lottery number from an elderly termite queen who has been a part of the local mine for over 50 years. The clear three-digit number that emerged, eagerly awaited by a crowd, is set to be…
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Lottery predictions: Thai temple stirs suspense for national draw
The hallowed Sri Song Tham temple, colloquially known as Ai Khai temple, located at Nong Khla village, Don Hai Sok subdistrict, Nong Han district, Udon Thani province, experienced a quiet lull yesterday despite it being famous for its lottery predictions. Despite the imminent national lottery draw on Friday, the usually bustling temple grounds were unusually silent, with fewer locals and…
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