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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 Moving with family? Here’s how to cut health costs in Thailand
Relocating to Thailand with your family brings exciting new opportunities, but it also comes with the challenge of managing healthcare costs in a new system. Thailand has both public and private healthcare options, each offering different prices and quality of...
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Fatal stabbing in Ban Pong escalates from heated argument
A fatal stabbing occurred in front of a convenience store in Ban Pong, Ratchaburi, following a heated argument between two women. The incident, which took place at 10.45pm yesterday, January 1, ended tragically as a man attempting to intervene was fatally stabbed. The crime scene was attended by Ban Pong Police Station Deputy Investigator Suksiri Chansacha along with Ban Pong…
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Gold prices predicted to hit record highs by 2024, says MTS Gold
MTS Gold, a local trader, predicted that gold prices are likely to skyrocket to new record levels of over 79,005 baht (US$2,300) per ounce and beyond 40,000 baht (US$1,164) per baht weight by this year. This forecast comes amidst anticipated adverse global economic situations. Kritcharat Hiranyasiri, the President of MTS Gold, explained that the anticipated decline in interest rates and…
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Thai authorities craft national oil proposal to boost sustainable aviation fuel
In a bid to bolster the aviation industry’s effort to curtail carbon dioxide emissions, Thai energy authorities are in the process of crafting a novel national oil proposal. The blueprint will cater to the evolution of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), a biofuel variant for aircraft. The appeal of SAF lies in its strong resemblance to jet fuel in terms of…
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Pattaya punch-up perplexes police: Viral video captures motorcycle taxi turmoil outside central mall
A viral video emerged on Thai social media over the weekend showing a brutal attack on a foreign man by two motorcycle taxi riders outside Central Pattaya shopping mall. Police said they had received no reports of the incident. The Facebook user, เดฟร็อก ไทย, shared the video of the attack on December 30 with a caption that said: Pattaya motorcycle…
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Thai prime minister ready for key 2024 fiscal year budget bill debate
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin confidently announced yesterday his readiness to participate in the upcoming debate on the 2024 fiscal year budget bill. The discussions are set to kick off tomorrow, January 3. PM Srettha revealed that a series of discussions with coalition partners in preparation for the debate had taken place before the new year holiday. The primary aim,…
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Chinese tourist’s fatal plunge at Pam Bok waterfall underscores safety importance
In the serene province of Mae Hong Son, an unfortunate incident unfolded at the Pam Bok waterfall in Pai, on December 31. A 52 year old Chinese visitor named Peng Xin met an untimely demise after a fatal fall from 10 metres at the waterfall. The distressing event surfaced at 3.30pm when the Pai police were alerted about the incident.…
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Thai investors anticipate surge in depositary receipts popularity in 2024
Executives anticipate a surge in the popularity of depositary receipts (DRs) among Thai investors this year, with the investment tool offering a gateway to high-profile foreign stocks, risk diversification, and potential high returns. As they have become more prevalent on the Thai bourse, investors held DRs worth around 16 billion baht (US$466 million) on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET)…
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PM Srettha extends new year wishes, discusses govt’s plans
On the advent of the new year, Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, in company with Supreme Patriarch and House Speaker and Parliament President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, extended heartfelt wishes to the nation and its inhabitants. PM Srettha started his year with a visit to Wat Ratchabophit, accompanied by his wife, Pakpilai Thavisin. They expressed their reverence to the Supreme…
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Tsunami hits South Korea with unexpected 67cm wave, North Korea on alert
South Korea has been hit by a tsunami with a wave height of 67 centimetres, exceeding initial predictions by the Korean Meteorological Administration (KMA). The surging wave height, which is potentially dangerous, could also affect North Korea, which has issued a tsunami warning. The KMA reported that a 20-centimetre high tsunami wave hit the east coast of Kangneung City in…
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Thailand’s New Year road safety campaign reveals shocking toll
There’s a chill in the air, but temperatures are rising on Thailand’s roads as the New Year Seven Days Road Safety campaign reveals a sobering toll. According to the Thai Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), the first two days of the campaign have already witnessed a surge in road accidents, injuries, and deaths. The numbers are staggering –…
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Thousands gather in Thailand for New Year’s blessings and cultural preservation
New Year’s Day was marked with customary merit-making and prayers for blessings across Thailand, with thousands of locals and tourists converging at popular sites to witness the first light of 2024. An estimated 5,000 individuals turned out to give alms to over 200 Buddhist monks and novices at the city pillar in Muang district, Khon Kaen province. The event symbolised…
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Thai politician among suspects in fatal Nakhon Phanom petrol station shooting
A local politician is under investigation, together with two other suspects, following the fatal shooting of two petrol station employees in Nakhon Phanom, Thailand. The victims, a 50 year old female employee and a 33 year old male known as Phromjak were discovered dead with no significant evidence or spent shell casings found at the scene. The petrol station’s 13…
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Fatal New Year’s shooting in Phuket hotel: police apprehend 32 year old suspect
A 32 year old man was fatally shot in front of a hotel in Phuket during New Year’s celebrations. The assailant, who fled the scene on a motorcycle, was later apprehended by police. The incident occurred at 4.14am today (January 1) Police Lieutenant Colonel Eakasak Khwanhuan, an investigator at the Karon Police Station in Phuket, was notified of the shooting…
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Rescued calf for 100 Thai baht warms hearts on TikTok journey
The young calf that warmed the hearts of TikTok users by sitting in the back of a pickup truck on its journey home has been found. The touching backstory of the calf, worth merely a hundred baht, has since been revealed. On New Year’s Eve, a TikTok user captured a video of the calf sitting in a pickup truck, registration…
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Thailand’s economy projected for strong recovery and growth in 2024
Thailand’s economy is in a promising state of recovery, as projections indicate a boost in both domestic demand and tourist arrivals. With the resurgence of most industries and the emergence of tech-driven sectors like electric vehicles, there is a wave of optimism that the country’s economic growth will significantly strengthen in 2024. Six industries are predicted to experience rapid growth…
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Thailand targets 3.5 trillion baht tourism boost for economy
Thailand’s government is setting its sights on a 3.5 trillion baht (US$101 billion) boost to the economy via the tourism sector this year, aiming to establish the nation as an all-season tourist hotspot. A spokesperson for the government, Chai Wacharonke, revealed that over 27 million international travellers graced the country in 2023, with the majority stemming from Malaysia, closely followed…
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Ex-deputy inspector accused of premeditated murder in Wang Thonglang
Accusations of premeditated murder, illegal firearm possession and use, and owning a firearm without permission, have been levelled against a police officer, following the fatal shooting of a businessman on an expressway in Wang Thonglang district. The officer, a former deputy inspector of Hua Mak station, identified as Pol Lt Narongwat Thachata, was employed by the victim as a driver.…
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Pink line monorail extends free service during conductor rail repair
The Pink Line monorail, currently in its trial phase, has prolonged its complimentary service till this Saturday as it continues with the repair of its conductor rail. This extension follows an inspection led by Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote, who visited the ongoing work from Chaeng Wattana-Pak Kret 28 Station (PK08) to Nonthaburi Civic Centre Station (PK01). The intent is…
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Thai public sentiment: 2023 economic challenges impact happiness levels
A recent year-end poll by the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida) has revealed that while a majority of the Thai populace were content with their personal lives in 2023, about a third expressed discontentment with the economic challenges that the nation faced in the same year. The poll, executed telephonically from Dec 12-20, engaged a diverse group of 1,310…
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Despite conflict, Thai labourers eye Israel’s farmlands for higher wages
The escalating conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group, Hamas, hasn’t deterred Thai labourers from seeking employment in Israel’s farmlands. Their decision to remain or return to work in Israel is primarily driven by the substantial financial benefits they can accrue. Satid Prom-u-narot, 37 years old, highlighted the stark disparity in wages between the two countries. “On average, I…
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New Year’s prayer ceremony attracts tourists at Khao Yai National Park
Tourists gathered for a New Year’s prayer ceremony at a temporary tent area on Khao Yai National Park‘s Rong Mountain. Amid the chilly weather, with temperatures dropping to 11 degrees Celsius at midnight of January 1 numerous tourists participated in the Buddhist chanting and New Year’s prayers. Despite the cold weather, tourists flocked to join the New Year prayers, welcoming…
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Woman assaulted in attempted robbery at Patong currency exchange
A shocking incident unfolded in the early hours of today when a woman was assaulted during an attempted robbery at a currency exchange on Phra Barami Road, Patong. The Patong police are now on a manhunt for the assailant. The incident occurred near Dolphin Circle at the west end of Phra Barami Road. Police were alerted to the situation around…
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New year’s road safety campaign sees spike in accidents across Thailand
The nationwide road safety campaign over the New Year holidays, spanning from December 29 to January 4, experienced a substantial 385 road accidents on its second day alone. These incidents resulted in 404 injuries and claimed 37 lives, according to figures disclosed by Justice Minister Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong and the Road Safety Directing Centre. Tak, a northern province, reported…
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Bazaar hotel Bangkok slapped with 1.3 million baht fine for unlawful construction
Following the removal of the statues of Kru Kai Kaew and other deities, including Khun Paen, Umathumma, Brahma, nine-tailed fox, Thep Heng Chia, Thep Naja, and Thep Chaothaising, from the premises of The Bazaar Hotel Bangkok yesterday, a hefty fine of over 1.3 million baht (US$ 37,325) was levied on the company for unlawful construction activity in the area. Despite…
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Phuket governor tours checkpoints to boost New Year safety
Phuket, a vibrant island in Thailand, buzzed with activity as Governor Sophon Suwannarat and Udomphon Kan, the head of the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM-Phuket), toured major checkpoints around the island. The visit, which took place during the New Year’s holidays, served as a morale booster for the officials working hard to ensure safety and law enforcement.…
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Unidentified male body found floating off Koh Maithon
In a startling discovery, a male body was found floating in the waters off Koh Maithon, a small island located just over 8 kilometres southeast of Cape Panwa, late on November 29. The body was spotted by the crew of a local tour boat. The tour boat’s staff waited for about an hour and a half. However, as daylight began…
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Biggest turtle of the season nests in Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang park
A thrilling discovery was made at the Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang National Park in Phang Nga, located to the north of Phuket, when park officials stumbled upon a turtle’s nest filled with eggs. This wasn’t just any turtle, however. The creature that had laid these eggs was believed to be the largest to have come ashore for nesting during the…
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Surge in New Year’s tourism causes traffic chaos in Phetchabun
Traffic was heavily congested as a surge of tourists flocked to the Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew temple in Phetchabun province yesterday, during the extended New Year’s holiday period. The influx of both Thai and Burmese visitors, keen to pay homage to the temple, led to the traffic disruption. The holiday period saw families taking advantage of the break…
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Thai government’s budget bill for 2024 fiscal year under scrutiny
The Thai government’s budget bill for the fiscal year 2024 is under scrutiny as Sanphet Boonyamanee, a Democrat MP for Songkhla, raises concerns over major budget cuts and potential misrepresentation of off-budget funds. He reveals that despite the government’s request for 3.48 trillion baht (US$ 99,917,725,200) for the 2024 fiscal year, state agencies had initially asked for up to 5.8…
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Phu Kradueng National Park’s cable car project faces uncertainty
A cable car project, initially proposed in 1982 to reach the peak of a mountain at Phu Kradueng National Park in Thailand’s Loei province, may not materialise soon. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the decision will be reliant on a study due for completion in 2025. The initial goal behind the proposed 4.4-kilometre cable car system…
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