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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 Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?
Thailand’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?...
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Hamas agrees to release hostages in Israel-Gaza strip negotiations
The Hamas group has agreed in principle to release at least 50 women and children held in Israel, in exchange for approximately 240 foreign and Israeli nationals currently detained in the Gaza Strip. The agreement is now under consideration by Israel. According to Arab diplomats, these negotiations took place in Qatar, with the country also acting as a mediator between…
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Northern Thailand: National Police Chief resolves longstanding conflict at Wat Hiranyaram
National Police Chief, Sukhawimon Thotsakdi, better known as Big To, led a team to Wat Hiranyaram, also known as Wat Luang Por Ngern Bang Klaan, in Phichit province, aiming to resolve long-standing conflicts. Joined by Jaroonkiat Pankeaw, the Commander of the Central Investigation Bureau, and Phumisak Kasemsuk, the Secretary-General of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, they arrived at the temple around 2pm.…
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Grab Thailand to offer million baht loans to tap into digital lending
Grab Thailand is set to offer loans of up to 1 million baht to its merchants to tap into the growing digital lending space, with ambitions to achieve profitability for a second consecutive year in 2023. The move comes as digital lending in Thailand is expected to reach US$12 billion in 2023, a 65% increase from 2022, according to the eConomy…
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Unexpected kiss in Chinese restaurant sparks online debate (video)
An unexpected incident in a Chinese restaurant sparked a heated online debate where closed-circuit camera footage captured a man being forcefully kissed by a female stranger. The man appears visibly confused after the incident, while the woman calmly leaves the scene. The woman’s behaviour has been widely condemned online, with many believing she has sexually violated the man. The incident…
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Chinese student’s health scare underlines importance of early diagnosis
A 20 year old Chinese student was shocked when she was diagnosed with a critical condition after noticing unusual red spots and bruises on her body. Initially, the Chinese student, from Changsha, China, thought they were mosquito bites or accidental bruises, but when the spots increased, she realised something was amiss with her health. After returning home from a trip…
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2 loan sharks nabbed for killing fruit seller over 400 baht late payment
Police arrested two loan sharks in the southern province of Prachuap Kiri Khan after they killed a fruit seller because he was two days late in paying 400 baht in interest. The victim, Thai man Ittiphon Pinthong, was shot and stabbed while he was selling fruit in front of a convenience store on Sukhumvit Road in the Sattahip district of…
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Prime time relief: Govt’s debt deal targets students, teachers, and small-biz owners
A fresh debt relief package aimed at several demographics, including past students embroiled in student loan repayments, teachers, and owners of small-to-medium businesses, is set to be unveiled by the government, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin‘s announcement yesterday. The Bangkok-born Thai PM added that this package, which will also extend to individuals making repayments to non-banking lenders, is expected…
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Mysterious bumps on Buddha statue spark curiosity and lottery hopes in central Thailand
A peculiar phenomenon recently sparked curiosity among Thai citizens, as a Buddha statue at a renowned temple in Nakhon Nayok province developed mysterious bumps all over its body. The statue, dedicated to those born on a Friday, stands approximately 1.5 metres tall and has become a centre of attraction for lottery enthusiasts. The event occurred today when pictures of the…
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3 month old baby bitten by monkeys on Phang Nga island, left in a coma
Two monkeys bit a three month old baby boy at his home on Koh Mai Phai, an island in the southern province of Phang Nga, leaving the infant in a coma. A Thai woman, Jiraporn Galong, told PPTV HD that her nephew, three month old Muallim Ard-dee, was with his grandmother when the incident happened on November 13. He was…
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Highway officer murder: Murder charges hit Nok and crew, along with 21 cops in Nakhon Pathom party
Charges were filed against Praween Chankhlai, also known as Nok, seven of his accomplices, and 21 police officers in relation to the murder of a highway police officer during a party at Nok’s residence in Nakhon Pathom on September 6. According to a source from the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), investigators concluded their inquiry into Police Major Sivakorn Saibua’s murder,…
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Thai government and Google partnership to boost digital economy
The Thai government announced a strategic partnership with Google to bolster the country’s digital economy and accelerate the development of artificial intelligence (AI). The agreement, unveiled at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting, seeks to enhance Thailand’s digital infrastructure, encourage the secure and responsible adoption of AI, anchor cloud-first policies, and make digital skills more accessible to Thai citizens.…
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Thief runs car over homeowner and kills him before fleeing
A thief ran over a homeowner with his car and killed him on the road in the central province of Saraburi yesterday, November 14, before fleeing with the stolen goods. Phra Putthabat Police Station officers rushed to investigate the death of a 36 year old Thai man named Charoen Katemongkut at around 9am yesterday. Charoen was found dead by the…
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Chinese company uses doll as overnight security officer
A security breach occurred at a company in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, China, where an unusual tactic was used to resolve a staff shortage at a Chinese company. The company placed a doll, dressed as a security officer, in the CCTV room for overnight monitoring. This risky strategy was heavily criticized for its potential security implications. The incident was revealed when…
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Tourists travelling less but spending more in luxury Thai tourism
The luxury travel sector is witnessing a peculiar trend: tourists are travelling less but spending more, according to the observations from Pimalai Resort and Spa, a hospitality establishment located on Koh Lanta. The resort has also noted that Krabi tourism is grappling with the dearth of international flights, especially from China. The resort’s owner, Charintip Tiyaphorn, revealed that despite the…
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Thai government seeks urgent economic stimulus amid rising household debt
The Thai economy is in a dire state and in urgent need of a stimulus package to prevent further deterioration, according to the government. This stance arises amid ongoing discussions about the true state of the economy, with some expressing doubts about the actual need for the government’s proposed US$313 million handout scheme, which would necessitate a loan of US$15.6…
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Thai nationals to return from Myanmar amidst military-insurgent clashes
The return of 41 Thai nationals, marooned amidst skirmishes between Myanmar military and ethnic insurgent factions in Laukkai, a border town between China and Myanmar, is set to happen today, as stated by the prime minister. These individuals are part of a larger group of 164 Thai nationals, who were rescued by Myanmar officials from illegal employment or human trafficking…
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Tech giants AWS, Google and Microsoft to invest 300 billion baht in Thailand
Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google, and Microsoft are set to invest in Thailand, marking a significant achievement for the nation’s economy. The total investment from these tech giants is expected to reach around 300 billion baht. The announcement was made by government spokesperson, Chai Wacharonke, following Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s successful talks with executives from the three tech powerhouses during…
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Fire-damaged Ya Nang shrine still draws lottery hopefuls
Despite being ravaged by fire earlier this month, Ya Nang Shrine in Ratchaburi province continues to attract a throng of believers seeking lucky lottery numbers. As the lottery draw today, approached, the shrine saw a surge of visitors, undeterred by the damage from the fire on November 2. The atmosphere intensified as night fell, with visitors arriving in droves to…
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Thailand’s north cools down while the south and Bangkok face thunderstorms
The Meteorological Department warned that the weather today in the north and northeast of Thailand is starting to cool down, while the south and Bangkok are still experiencing thunderstorms and gusty winds. A high-pressure system or cold mass is still covering the upper part of the country, while another strong high-pressure system or cold mass has spread to cover southern…
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Popularity of online businesses in Thailand
Thailand is rapidly emerging as a digital commerce powerhouse. The growth is fueled by the country’s welcoming approach to global professionals through specialized visa programs, enhancing its appeal as an online business hub. The iGaming sector is a significant contributor to this trend, set to expand by 26.71% by 2027. The growth registered in the iGaming sector is due to…
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Amorous retreat rumble: Resort guest’s unwanted vibrato experience sparks amusement (video)
A resort guest documented her discomfort during her stay as her accommodation vibrated due to the amorous activities of a couple in the neighbouring room. The vibrations continued from 8pm to 2am and resumed in the morning, leaving her and her friend unable to sleep. The guest, known as @bella_cutecute, shared her experience on TikTok and urged all resorts to…
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Job interview attire: Woman’s revealing dress sparks controversy
A young woman from Guangzhou, China caused concern for her job interviewers by her choice of attire, a revealing black dress. In an increasingly competitive job market, potential candidates are going to great lengths to distinguish themselves. Beyond skills and abilities, physical appearance and personal image have become critical elements in securing employment or even a life partner. A young…
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Central Thailand: Prasat Bun Sathan Foundation honours preserved Golden Babies
A ceremony was held today to honour eight Golden Babies and three adult bodies, all remarkably preserved, at the Phitsanulok‘s Prasat Bun Sathan Foundation. This was part of their third ceremony for collecting and cremating unidentified bodies. The bodies were exhumed from 453 graves at the Khao Fah Cemetery. The ceremony attracted many individuals who sought blessings, believed to be…
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Prominent Thai page owner mourns son’s tragic drowning, advocates for safer student activities
The renowned page owner of ไมกี้จอมป่วน (Mikey Troublemaker) lost his son in a tragic drowning incident during a school camp activity. The grief-stricken parent used his platform to advocate for justice and a halt to potentially dangerous student water activities. Non’s son, Mon, well-nurtured and cherished by his parents, lost his life participating in a school camp activity. In the…
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KFC fans celebrate as select branches revert to original cutlery in Thailand
Fast food lovers are celebrating as select KFC branches revert to their original cutlery, ending a long period of grumbling over the new Sporks. The Sporks, an innovation combining a spoon and fork in one utensil, had been widely criticised, with people longing for the return of the traditional separate spoon and fork. Recently, the Facebook page Na Phraek –…
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Khon Kaen karaoke bar raided: 10 workers arrested for operating without permits
A high-profile karaoke bar establishment in Khon Kaen, Thailand, was stormed by the police, resulting in the arrest of 10 female workers operating without permits. Some of these workers had also entered the country illegally. The business owner was implicated in the operation, which took place at 1pm today, at the Immigration Check Office in Khon Kaen, situated within Passenger…
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Rayong: Mysterious pot found floating in canal sparks local curiosity
A 37 year old man made a startling discovery while fishing in a canal in Pluak Daeng, Rayong today. Viraphong Tongha came across an earthen pot, tightly bound with a red cloth, that was floating in the water. The sight of the mysterious pot covered in red cloth and securely tied sparked fear and curiosity among residents. The incident occurred in…
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Phuket locals back proposal for extended nightlife venue operating hours
A bustling crowd of over 800 individuals gathered at Kathu Wittaya School in Phuket yesterday, participating in a public forum aimed at gauging sentiment regarding the extension of nightlife venue operating hours to 4am in designated zones. The proposal received unanimous approval from those in attendance, reflecting a collective inclination towards longer nightlife hours. The forum, presided over by Kathu…
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Fare play: Bangkok’s Green Line extension bets on 15-baht flat fee, rolling out in January
The Green Line extension of the Bangkok Mass Transit System, also known as the BTS Skytrain, is set to begin charging a flat fare of 15 baht across the entire line, with the implementation projected to start in January next year. The fare will apply to the second extended section, which includes Mo Chit to Saphan Mai to Khu Khot,…
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Man attempts to return wife for leaving child home alone, mother-in-law refuses
A man returned his wife to her mother’s home after she repeatedly left their young daughter alone to sneak out and play cards. However, the mother-in-law refused to accept her back, stating that no returns were allowed. The man had given his wife a dowry of 380,000 yuan (1.86 million baht) when they married. Initially, their married life was joyful…
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