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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
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Phuket drug dealer’s body found in Chalong Bay
PHUKET: The body of a drug dealer was found floating in Chalong Bay at about 10am this morning. Somkit Pakdeesuvann, 31, had ditched a pile of drugs and evaded arrest by leaping off the pier into the water yesterday evening. “Mr Somkit had spotted officers and taken off down Chalong Pier toward the Yacht Control Center,” explained Maj Thada Sodarak…
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Man slays blind brother at father’s funeral
KRABI: A blind masseuse was gunned down by his brother at their father’s funeral in Krabi yesterday afternoon. “Thawee Kongrueng, 54, was attending to relatives after the cremation of his father at Wat Khao Kram, when his brother Seree Kongrueng, 47, walked up to him, pulled a gun and shot him dead,” explained Lt Wittaya Nukhong of the Krabi City…
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Phuket sets sights on zero deaths for ‘Seven Days of Danger’
PHUKET: Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan confirmed Phuket’s zero road deaths goal for the New Year’s ‘Seven Days of Danger’ campaign. The increased efforts to prevent dangerous driving on the island’s notorious roads is part of a nationwide campaign running from December 29 to January 4. “We will be boosting road safety measures during this period of time by…
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Ministry of Farang Affairs: No need for constructive conversations
The Ministry of Farang Affairs is a one-stop shop where foreigners in Thailand can learn all they need to know about living here. No, we’re not talking about work permits, visas or taxes. We’re talking about day-to-day life in the Land of Endless Shocks and Riddles, of Blur, Befuddlement and the Bizarre. Stay tuned for weekly insights from Minister Stephff.…
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Opinion: Travelling responsibly
Lt Col Jetsada Junphum has been the chief of the Phi Phi Police Station since September. He graduated from the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School in 1997 and the Royal Police Cadet Academy in 2013. Here he talks about the importance of travellers and their families being responsible in their communication with each other and the media. PHUKET: Personal issues…
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Quattro Design showroom to reach AEC market
PHUKET: The dynamic duo behind Quattro Design, one of Thailand’s top importers and designers of exclusive furniture, have high hopes for the New Year as they open a showroom at Phuket’s Boat Avenue in Cherngtalay early next month. “Now is the time for us to open the showroom in Phuket, as the Asian Economic Community takes effect next year, which…
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A Decade Ago: One year after the tsunami
PHUKET: Ten years ago, with the Thai Tsunami Victim Identification (TTVI) unit wrapping up its final case, Phuket – along with the rest of the world – stopped to reflect on the devastation caused by, and the recovery from, the Boxing Day tsunami. The Phuket Gazette marked the one-year anniversary with a special supplement entitled ‘One Year On’. Inside, then…
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Island View: Just another stop on the map
PHUKET: When I first moved to Phuket five years ago, I remember being warned about the increased crime rate during the island’s low season. The reason for this is primarily that many people who rely on tourists for income are left high and dry until their return the next high season, resulting in petty crimes such as bag snatching and…
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Finance: Never too old for insurance
PHUKET: If you read my articles regularly, you have probably noticed I don’t spend much time writing about health insurance. It is not the most exciting topic, and for many of Phuket’s aging expat population getting covered at all is not really an option once they reach a certain age. Also, the cost of local international hospitals used to be…
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Mom Tri Villa Royale to host Pro Musica Ensemble
PHUKET: As part of the Baan Kata Arts Festival, Mom Tri’s Villa Royale will be hosting a performance by the Pro Musica Ensemble on January 18. The trio of musicians will perform pieces by renowned composers such as Mozart, Beethoven and Bach, featuring solos, duets and group performances. Comprising violin, viola and flute, the Pro Musica Ensemble is made up…
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Foreign Affairs Operation Center opens in Phuket
PHUKET: A Foreign Affairs Operation Center was opened at the Region 8 Police Station in Phuket on Tuesday morning, in preparation of the Asean Economic Community starting (AEC) next month. The center will mostly focus on coordinating with other AEC law enforcement agencies to tackle transnational crime, provide tourist services and assist alien workers. “Apart from the positive impacts the…
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Storms in Philippines uproot 1.7 mln people, destroy 40,000 homes
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Storms in Philippines uproot 1.7 mln people, destroy 40,000 homes Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: Successive storms across the Philippines, including Typhoon Melor, have temporarily uprooted 1.7 million, aid workers said, as President Benigno Aquino distributed food on Wednesday in areas hardest hit by the disaster.…
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In-Depth Report: Myanmar men sentenced to death for murder of British tourists
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Myanmar men sentenced to death for murder of British tourists in Thailand Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: A Thai court sentenced two Myanmar migrant workers to death on Thursday after convicting them of the 2014 murders of two young British tourists on a holiday island in…
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Officer who allegedly threatened Navy lieutenant gets transferred
PHUKET: Lt Somphop Kamkana of the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command confirmed that the Army colonel who was recorded allegedly threatening him earlier this month (story here) has been transferred to Bangkok. Lt Somphop was one of the Navy officers that aided in a raid that saw more than 40 suspects apprehended in Chalong on December 6 (story here).…
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Heavy drinking blamed for Brit’s fatal tuk-tuk tumble
PHUKET: Excessive alcohol consumption has been blamed for the British woman’s fatal fall from a Phuket tuk-tuk during the early hours of Sunday morning. The sole witness to the incident, Paul Henry Fortuna, 30, told police in his statement that 29-year-old Elizabeth Corrigan was feeling sick from drinking and attempting to cross from her side of the tuk-tuk to his…
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Nai Harn prepares for ‘Phuket Countdown 2016’
PHUKET: Tourism Authority of Thailand officials are preparing for this year’s ‘Phuket Countdown 2016’ at Nai Harn Beach with five days of events leading up to the ‘final sunset’ at Promthep Cape. Celebrations will include stage performances from local schools, celebrities and a band from the Royal Thai Navy. “Phuket is known as the Pearl of the Andaman. We aim…
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Police parade down Soi Bangla to inject confidence into Phuket tourists
PHUKET: Boots hit the ground in unison on Tuesday as Phuket police officers paraded down the island’s premier party destination, Soi Bangla, to boost tourists’ confidence in public safety during the holidays. “Police must remain vigilant throughout this time. The high season of Phuket is in full swing as we celebrate Christmas and New Year – both of which are…
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Starwood and Grand Bay announce new Sheraton Phuket Grand Bay Resort
PHUKET: Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc recently announced an agreement made with Grand Bay Hotel Co Ltd, owned by Apex Development Public Co Ltd, to unveil their joint collaboration on the Sheraton Phuket Grand Bay Resort, slated to open in January 2019. The newest resort will support Sheraton’s 2020 goal of adding 150 hotels to their franchise in the…
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Women in Myanmar conflict zones face rape, lack healthcare
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Women in Myanmar conflict zones face rape, lack healthcare Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: Women and girls uprooted by fighting in Myanmar risk sexual violence and lack access to reproductive healthcare, said the UN Population Fund, which is launching a health project for women and girls…
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Japan says armed Chinese coastguard ship seen near disputed islands
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Japan says armed Chinese coastguard ship seen near disputed islands Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: A Chinese coastguard ship equipped with what appeared to be four gun turrets was sighted near disputed islands in the East China Sea, Japan’s coastguard said on Wednesday. Chinese coastguard vessels…
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Police withhold key witness’s statement about Brit’s deadly tuk-tuk ride
PHUKET: Police declined to reveal any information procured from the statement of the sole witness to a British woman’s death after she fell from the back of a tuk-tuk in Phuket. “We have yet to rule the death a murder, accident, or result of reckless driving or anything else at this point,” said Kamala Police Superintendent ML Pattanachak Jakkapan. “We…
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Island prepares to “Light Up Phuket’ to honor tsunami victims
PHUKET: The world’s eyes will be on the Andaman coast this Saturday, as Thailand honors the victims of the Indian Ocean Tsunami, which devastated the region’s coastline on December 26, 2004. Remembrance services will be held at the Tsunami Memorial Wall in Mai Khao, on Patong Beach and Bang Tao Beach, as well as at Phuket Provincial Hall and in…
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Video: Phuket crash victim pummeled by oncoming truck
PHUKET: A 60-year-old man was hit by a truck moments after staggering to his feet from a motorbike crash on Thepkrasattri Road in Phuket on Sunday. CCTV video recorded Kan Sawaengkaew, 60, attempting to cut across multiple northbound lanes toward a u-turn point and crashing into 23-year-old Chinese national Chuai Cher. Both crash victims were sent skidding across the empty…
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Officers seize illegal umbrellas, mats from Phuket beach
PHUKET: In the wake of an anonymous complaint to the Governor’s Office, officials seized about 100 illegal beach mats and umbrellas from Surin Beach this morning. “We sent a team of about 30 officers in a joint mission to the beach after receiving a complaint that the beach vendors were breaking the rules,” Cherng Talay Police Superintendent Serm Kwannimit told…
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UNESCO dubs Phuket “City of Gastronomy’
PHUKET: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) dubbed Phuket a ‘City of Gastronomy’ on December 11, honoring the island’s rich culinary history and unique cuisine. “Being chosen as a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network as a ‘City of Gastronomy’ is a wonderful honor for Phuket,” said UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova. Efforts to collate recipes and…
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Thai court to give verdict in British backpackers murder trial
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Thai court to give verdict in British backpackers murder trial Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: A Thai court will deliver a long-awaited verdict this week in the high-profile case of two Myanmar migrant workers accused of the brutal murder of two British backpackers on the holiday…
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Oil prices hit 11-year low as global supply balloons
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Oil prices hit 11-year low as global supply balloons Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: Brent oil cratered to its lowest price in more than 11 years on Monday, as demand for heating oil slumped on warmer-than-normal temperatures and traders tested for a bottom. U.S. crude remained…
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Hospitality insider Bill Barnett launches ‘Slave to the Bean’
PHUKET: One of Asia’s leading hospitality experts, Bill Barnett, shines a light on the good, bad and ugly of luxury hotels and travel in his acerbic new collection of twisted travel tales, Slave to the Bean: Random Dispatches from the Inferno, which was launched on December 18 at the Bangkok boutique hotel, Ad Lib. Bill Barnett launched his new book…
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Foul play not ruled out in death of unidentified woman
PHUKET: Police have yet to rule out foul play in the death of an unidentified woman whose body was found floating in a Rassada canal this morning. Officers believe that the woman had been dead for two days before her body was discovered by villagers. “At this point, all we know is that she is about 150-160 centimeters tall and…
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Thai seafood exports not affected by slavery reports
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Thai seafood exports not affected by slavery reports Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: Thailand said on Monday seafood exports to the United States, Europe and Australia have not been hit by reports of slavery and forced labour by campaign groups and media. The comments come as…
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