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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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Pattaya tourism operators wary of extended nightlife hours proposal
Pattaya’s tourism operators are expressing apprehension about a proposal to extend the operating hours of nighttime venues along Beach Road until 4am. The concerns primarily revolve around potential noise pollution, compromised safety, and possible damage to the city’s reputation. Recently elected president of the Association of Chon Buri Tourism Federation (ACTF), Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, has offered a nuanced perspective on 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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Probation officer with severe diabetes crashes car on Bangkok road
An officer from the Department of Probation crashed his car in the Tha Phra Tunnel in Bangkok yesterday morning. Despite having a can of beer, the police found no traces of alcohol in his system. The reported cause of the incident was attributed to his acute diabetes Officers from Tha Phra Police Station and the Por Teck Tung Rescue Foundation…
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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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True Corporation spearheads AI utilisation for automation
True Corporation, led by Deputy Chief Executive Sharad Mehrotra, is positioning itself at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) utilisation with ambitious plans for widespread automation and paperless operations. The company’s recent hybrid conference, AI Gets Good, highlighted the critical need for an integrated approach that blends technology, people, and ethics. Accenture research indicates that language-based AI could augment around 40%…
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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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Five year old boy’s mature response to father’s reprimand goes viral
A five year old boy’s surprisingly mature response to his father’s stern reprimand has gone viral. The incident took place in Guangde, Anhui province, China when the father decided to teach his son a lesson after observing his unruly behaviour. The mother shared the video of the father-son confrontation, which has left netizens both amused and touched. Their family usually…
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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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Father’s trick to satisfy son’s ice cream craving goes viral
A young father has cleverly resolved his son’s demand for ice cream, leaving the little boy satisfied with not a shred of regret. The father’s trick has gone viral, earning him the title of Parent of the Year among netizens. Ice cream, a beloved sweet treat among most children, is often considered inappropriate for young ones by many adults. They…
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Thai nightlife gets a glow-up: Cabinet green-lights 4am extended hours for tourist hotspots
The Thai Cabinet has given the green light to a draft regulation set forth by the Interior Ministry, permitting extended hours until 4am at entertainment venues in prominent tourist hotspots. The affected areas include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, Koh Samui, and Phuket. Aiming to stimulate the country’s tourism sector, the Interior Ministry is at the helm of this initiative.…
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Drunk police chief insults foreign man at restaurant in Isaan
A drunk police colonel from Maha Sarakham Provincial Police Station abused a foreign man at a restaurant in the Isaan province of Maha Sarakham last night. Videos of a Thai man in a red T-shirt causing chaos in a restaurant were shared on social media platforms, yesterday, November 27. In the video, the Thai man was angry after the waiters asked him…
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Southern Thailand: Flood mitigation study completed in Surat Thani’s Klong Roy Sai area
The Royal Irrigation Department completed a flood mitigation study in the Klong Roy Sai area of Surat Thani city, which promises to bring benefits to residents. The project launch was held at the Wang Tai Hotel conference room in Surat Thani. Notable attendees included Nuntawat Charoenwan, Deputy Governor of Surat Thani Province, Somsawat Chaisinsorn, Director of Surat Thani Irrigation Project, and…
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Porked out: Ex-DSI chief gets the chop amid sizzling scandal
Police Colonel Suriya Singhakamol, the now former Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), finds himself ousted and reassigned amid the recent ongoing pork scandal. The Cabinet’s decision to remove Suriya from the DSI’s top post and appoint him as the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Justice has left the public clamouring for answers. No official explanation has been provided,…
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Thai government approves 10% increase for civil servants starting at 18,000 baht
The Thai government approved a 10% salary increase for civil servants over a two-year period, beginning with new recruits. According to Danucha Pichayanan, Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), the first increment is expected to come into effect once the budget for 2024 is approved. Danucha explained that the salary adjustment will initially target newly inducted…
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December lottery predictions buzzing in Thailand: From ceremonies to celebrities
Lottery enthusiasts in Thailand are speculating over the winning numbers slated to emerge in Friday’s draw. Numerous sources have put forth their predictions for the December 1 draw, ranging from traditional ceremonies to recent events and even incorporating factors such as the heights and ages of celebrities. In the wake of a traditional Loy Krathong candle floating ceremony, some spectators…
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Thai authorities demand registration for individuals holding over five SIM cards
Under the leadership of Prasert Chantraruangthong, the Committee for the Prevention and Suppression of Cybercrime has mandated the registration of individuals possessing more than five SIM card numbers. The numbers are staggering. A whopping 7,664 individuals possess over 100 SIM cards, with Thai nationals holding 3,580,571 of them, and foreigners not far behind with 2,591,365. The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications…
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Violence against women and children in Thailand triples in 2022
The Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) and Woman and Men Progressive Movement Foundation (WMP) reported that violence against women and children in Thailand tripled in 2022 compared to the previous year. ThaiHealth and WMP held a seminar to promote the campaign to end violence against women and children under the theme, Stop Violence as Signals Appear Before They Make Headlines.…
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Car crash with suspected alcohol influence in Tha Phra tunnel obstructs Bangkok traffic
A car accident involving a Honda Jazz car and a Mazda CX3 occurred inside the Tha Phra tunnel in Bangkok, leading to the Honda Jazz flipping over and obstructing the road. The Jazz was driven by 52 year old probation officer, Suwet (surname withheld), who was found in a dazed state and was suspected of being under the influence of…
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Culture minister says Thailand’s film industry is set for transformation with new self-regulation bill
Thailand‘s film industry is poised for a significant transformation following the finalisation of the draft for a new Movies and Games Bill by the Ministry of Culture. Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanit revealed that the proposed legislation intends to decentralise censorship power from the government, instead placing it in the hands of producers. This bill is set to replace the current…
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Rice and shine: Thai government dishes out financial aid to farmers through BAAC
The Thai government initiated a financial aid programme for rice farmers, channelling through the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC). Rice farmers will receive 1,000 baht per rai, capped at 20 rai (32,000 squared metres) per household, or a maximum of 20,000 baht per household. This scheme, part of the Rice Farmer Management and Quality Improvement project for the…
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Miraculous escape from Gaza hellfire: Thai worker’s astonishing tale of survival
In the aftermath of the conflict in Gaza, Thai worker Wanchai Monsena defies death and lives to recount a harrowing tale of survival. The resulting conflict between Israel and Hamas has left 39 Thai compatriots dead, 19 wounded, and 30 abducted. But amidst the tragedy, Thai worker Wanchai’s resilience shines through as he battles back from the brink. Communication proves a…
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Thai official raises concern over Chinese film’s impact on tourism (video)
Puangpet Chunlaiad, Office Minister of the Prime Minister, raised concerns with Chinese Ambassador Han Zhiqiang about the potential impact of the Chinese film No More Bets on tourism in Thailand. The meeting took place at the Government House yesterday, November 27. Puangpet expressed her concerns about the movie’s portrayal of fraudulent activities, human trafficking, organ trading, call scams, and high-profile…
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Floats farewell: Bangkok’s Loy Krathong cleanup sees 640,000 eco-friendly wonders whisked away
Following the Loy Krathong Festival Bangkok’s waterways were cleared of nearly 640,000 Krathongs, most of which were crafted from natural, biodegradable materials. In addition, over 3,000 digital Krathongs were seen floating in Klong Ong Ang, yesterday (November 27). Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) employees got to work at 8pm on the festival night and collected and sorted through the traditional floating…
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