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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 Planning to extend your Thai visa? Why health insurance is more important than ever
If you plan to stay longer in Thailand, having health insurance is now more important than ever. Thai immigration often asks for proof of medical coverage when you apply to extend your visa. This applies to many types of visas,...
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Phuket MP urges swift action on delayed Patong Tunnel
Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee recently took the floor in the House of Representatives, using his platform to challenge the ongoing delay in the construction of the much-anticipated Patong Tunnel. The Speaker of the House and the Deputy Minister of Transport were present to hear his concerns. With a reputation as a renowned tourist hotspot, Patong’s economic health is largely reliant…
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Online gambling suspect’s ‘catch of the day’ as police net him for digital deceit in northern Thailand
A 45 year old suspect under an arrest warrant from the Southern Bangkok Criminal Court, was apprehended by the police in Nakhon Ratchasima yesterday around 8.40pm. The charges relate to his involvement in an online gambling gang, deceiving the public by impersonating others and maliciously manipulating computer systems to show false information, potentially harming the public. The suspect, Wanchai, confessed…
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Former Chinese Premier Li Keqiang dies at 68
Former Chinese Premier Li Keqiang died suddenly from a heart attack at the age of 68. The news was reported by China’s CCTV today. Li Keqiang, a well-respected figure in Chinese politics, served as the First Vice Premier of the PRC from March 2008 to the same month of 2013 before moving on to become the seventh Premier of China.…
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Chinese woman cycles 4,000 kilometres to Thailand from China to train Muay Thai
A Chinese woman went viral on the Chinese social media platform Weibo when she embarked on a journey of cycling 4,000 kilometres from China to Thailand to train with famous Muay Thai boxer Sombat “Buakaw” Banchamek. Muay Thai has captured the imagination of others outside of Thailand recently, as highlighted in the case of a teenager in the United States.…
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New York gala sees Thai actor turned body guard steal limelight from MFP head Pita
The spotlight was stolen during former Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s visit to Thai nationals in New York by his indispensable bodyguard, popular Thai actor Tul Pakorn Thanasrivanitchai. Pita, the head consultant of the MFP, was in the city for the TIME 100 Next 2023 Gala, celebrating his inclusion in the list of 100 future influential change-makers. The…
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Thai tourism bodies urge government to rebuild confidence with Chinese tourists
The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) and the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) called on the government to restore confidence in Chinese tourists via mainland tour agents, emphasising that this approach can guarantee tourist safety. TCT president, Chamnan Srisawat, suggested that the government should exercise caution before deciding on a permanent exemption from visas for the Chinese market. The…
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Kanchanaburi aims to become a top health tourism destination with its new Wellness Association
The Kanchanaburi province, in collaboration with the Kanchanaburi Wellness Association, has combined their health-focused soft power efforts to establish Kanchanaburi: City of Health and Happiness. The meeting took place yesterday in the Khun Chang room at River Kwae Kanchanaburi Hotel, led by Yupha Naka Pannich, the province governor. Key attendants included Abhichai Chai Chomphu, head of the provincial office, Ratchanee Phothisattaya,…
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MFP charter rewrite motion rejected by Thailand House of Representatives
A charter rewrite motion, sponsored by the main opposition Move Forward Party (MFP), has been rejected by Thailand’s House of Representatives. The decision was influenced by concerns that the proposed changes could lead to a biased charter amendment, as explained by Nikorn Chamnong, who leads a sub-panel tasked with gathering public opinion on a constitutional amendment referendum. The MFP intended…
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NACC probes Thai government’s 10,000-baht digital handout amid corruption fears
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) initiated an in-depth study into the Thai government’s policy for a 10,000-baht digital currency handout. This step comes as the agency intensifies its examination of the key policies of the ruling Pheu Thai Party. According to a source within the NACC, the decision was made following a suggestion from the agency’s corruption monitoring and appraisal…
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Thailand’s smartphone market bracing for double-digit slump
Thailand’s smartphone market is facing a potential double-digit contraction this year, as a result of the economic downturn and a decrease in consumer purchasing power in Q2 and Q3, according to M Vision Plc, an expo organiser, and mobile phone vendors. However, market prospects are predicted to improve in Q4, owing to the introduction of new flagship phones. Opas Cherdpunt,…
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6 overstaying foreigners clash violently with Thai cops in Phuket
More than 30 Thai police officers clashed violently with six overstaying foreigners at a luxury villa on Bang Tao Beach in Phuket during an arrest operation. Four Thai officers were injured in the incident. Four officials from the Phuket Provincial Immigration Office, accompanied by officers from the Cheng Talay Police Station, conducted a raid on a luxury villa armed with…
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Thai Airways sees surge in bookings despite pandemic and global conflict
Thai Airways International (THAI) reported a surge in bookings on its European and Australian routes for the fourth quarter of this year, signalling a robust recovery for the airline even amid an ongoing pandemic. Despite the broader global economic slowdown and the Israel-Hamas war, these routes have witnessed heavy bookings. However, the Chinese market remains slow, possibly due to various…
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BAAC organises Japan trip to boost Thai farmers’ global market competitiveness
The Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC), led by its president, Chatchai Sirilai, has organised an overseas business study trip to Fukuoka, Japan, from October 20 to October 24. The initiative aimed to aid small-scale Thai farmers and farming businesses by enhancing their business efficiency and competitiveness in the global market. The trip provided an opportunity for knowledge exchange…
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Elderly healthcare at double utilization rate reveals NHSO
The National Health Security Office (NHSO) has revealed that the elderly in Thailand utilise healthcare services at twice the rate of other age groups, accounting for one-third of the system’s total costs. The most common conditions found in this group are enlarged thyroid, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and arrhythmias. The majority of elderly patients utilise the state-provided universal healthcare coverage,…
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4 foreigners arrested for stealing 300,000 baht of gold near Bangkok
Police arrested four foreigners from the Middle East yesterday for stealing gold necklaces worth nearly 300,000 baht from the Aurora gold shop in the Pantip Plaza shopping centre in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok. According to officers at Rattanatibate Police Station, the four foreigners were family members and worked together to distract gold shop staff and steal the valuable items. The…
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Siam Carnival Funfair ride accident causes three injuries
A shocking incident occurred at the Siam Carnival Funfair under the Rama 8 Bridge where a giant octopus ride collapsed, injuring three teenagers. Immediate assistance was provided by authorities who also revealed the cause and pledged to take responsibility. Last night, an amusement ride at the waterfront Siam Carnival Funfair located under the Rama 8 Bridge on Arun Amarin Road,…
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3P safety policy: Thai Ministry to launch new initiative for public welfare
The Thai Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) approved the implementation of the new 3P Safety policy aimed at ensuring the safety of patients, healthcare personnel, and the general public. Chonnan Srikaew, the Minister of Public Health, revealed this after a meeting with the committee to drive the patient safety policy. This meeting had an agenda to consider the draft policy…
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Gallstones galore: Thai TikTok user warns against bubble tea after 200,000 baht surgery (video)
A TikTok user identified as @ink.pimbongkoch shared her younger sister’s distressing ordeal after she was diagnosed with gallstones, with a shocking count of 72 stones. The sister had been enduring intense abdominal pain, which led to a hospital visit where doctors revealed the unexpected cause. The TikTok user explained in her video. “This is terrifying, how could this many stones…
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Weather forecast: Thai downpour alert drenches 48 provinces, Bangkok braces for a washout
A continuous rainfall weather forecast has been issued today for 48 provinces by the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), with the capital Bangkok included. The situation is most severe in the southern region, where 60% of the area is experiencing heavy rainfall. As a result, sudden flash floods and forest run-off are expected today. An area of high atmospheric pressure or…
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Lazada Thailand boosts logistics sector with sorting facility
Lazada Thailand has set the stage for fierce competition in the local logistics sector by investing heavily in a state-of-the-art sorting facility, its largest investment in Southeast Asia. This move anticipates a boom in the e-commerce market, predicted to hit US$32 billion by 2025. Simultaneously, Kerry Express is increasing its logistics operations’ accuracy and efficiency by integrating automation technology and…
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Thailand intensifies fight against XDR-TB, targeting eradication by 2030
The battle against drug-resistant Tuberculosis (XDR-TB) is escalating in Thailand, as the Public Health Ministry pushes towards its objective of wiping out the disease by the conclusion of this decade. Dr Cholnan Srikaew, the Public Health Minister, conveyed particulars yesterday about XDR-TB discussed during a meeting of the National Communicable Disease Committee. The committee consented to update the definition of…
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Thai death toll in Israel conflict reaches 33, repatriation efforts underway
The ongoing conflict in Israel has seen the death toll rise to 33 for Thai workers, with an additional 18 injured, as announced by Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara on Wednesday. Furthermore, 18 Thai workers have been captured as hostages by the extremist group, Hamas. This figure was previously reported incorrectly as 19. Reuters, citing an update from the Israeli…
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Investment ties strengthened: Parnpree’s mobile meeting proposal for Thai-Vietnam relations
Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, the Foreign Affairs Minister, yesterday proposed the reinstatement of mobile meetings to bolster investment ties between Thailand and Vietnam. The proposal came about during a meeting with Pham Minh Chinh, the Prime Minister of Vietnam, concluding Parnpree’s two-day official visit to the neighbouring nation. The visit, which kicked off on October 25, marked Parnpree’s inaugural official trip since…
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Thai PM pledges fast-tracking marriage equality and transgender recognition laws
A pledge was made yesterday by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to accelerate the progress of three significant bills, inclusive of the marriage equality draft law. These proposed laws are scheduled for Cabinet deliberation next Tuesday before being forwarded to Parliament for further scrutiny. The marriage equality bill seeks to revise the Civil and Commercial Code, enabling individuals of a suitable age…
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Cake message blunder turns wedding celebration into birthday wishes
A wedding cake intended to celebrate a couple’s nuptials in Vietnam turned out to be a birthday cake, garnering sympathy for the bride and groom from netizens. The viral image, shared on the Vietnamese online world, shows a beautifully laid out cake, but a closer look reveals a glaring mistake. The red ribbon adorning the cake, which should have read…
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Swiss man caught offering illegal medicine after 8 years of hiding in Thailand
Officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) today arrested a Swiss man at a house in the Isaan province of Kalasin after he escaped arrest for manufacturing and offering illegal medicines in Switzerland and hid in Thailand for more than eight years. Swiss authorities contacted the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs in early October to seek cooperation in returning the…
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TikTok video a warning for condo owners renting their property to influencers
A viral TikTok video posted by a user raised a warning for luxurious condominium owners who are considering renting their units to TikTok influencers. The user recounts an incident involving a TikTok influencer with a following of half a million, who had previously appeared on a popular show. She rented a luxurious condominium in the Rama 9 area for two…
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Telephone scammer posing as police officer busted by a real cop on TikTok video
A viral video posted by TikTok user @champ_z9, showing a real-life confrontation between a police officer and a telephone scammer, racked up more than 7.7 million views. The video captures an unusual event where the policeman is contacted by the scammer who pretends to be a fellow officer from Mae Charim Police Station. The video shows a young policeman engaged…
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High-stakes family feud: Thai woman’s tip leads to gambling grandmother
A Thai woman, angry at her grandmother for losing 70,000 baht gambling, reported the matter to the police, leading to her arrest and five other high rollers at a gambling den in the Isaan province of Maha Sarakham. The furious granddaughter went to the local district office to report the gambling den in her community. More than 10 gamblers gathered…
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Monkeypox morphs: Thailand reports 535 ‘mpox’ cases in a year
A whopping 535 mpox cases (formerly monkeypox) have been reported across Thailand between May last year and October this year, according to the figures released by the Department of Disease Control (DDC). Dr Taweechai Wisanuyothin, the director of the Nakhon Ratchasima-based Region 9 Disease Control Office, disclosed the above data. A total of 481 reported cases were Thai citizens, 50…
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