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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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Taking flight: AOT’s 70-billion baht plan for new airport in Phang Nga takes off
Airports of Thailand (AoT) is progressing with a 70 billion baht plan to construct an airport in Phang Nga, located north of Phuket, to cater to the growing tourist influx to the Andaman region. This information was shared by AoT President Keerati Kitmanawat, as he responded to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisiin’s recent visit to Chiang Mai to deliberate on the…
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Viral TikTok video: Thai woman’s online date ends in surprising twist in South Thailand (video)
A TikTok user @rof..2541 posted a video about an online date that instantly went viral, featuring a young woman from Hat Yai in South Thailand. The video recounts her experience of meeting a man she chatted with online, which ended in an unexpected twist. In the video, Som holds up a picture she had previously sent to the man, who…
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Home is where the heartache is: Thai boyfriend seeks advice on unemployed girlfriend’s extended stay
A young man turned to social media for advice after his unemployed girlfriend moved into his family home, sparking a heated debate among netizens. Taking to a popular Thai web forum, Pantip, the man shared his predicament: His girlfriend had lost her job and moved into his parents’ home, initially for a month while she looked for work. However, more…
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Python’s lucky twist: Flood refugee brings double lottery fortune (video)
A large python seeking refuge from flooding became a source of lottery luck for a homeowner, according to a recent TikTok video by user @iidonuz. The snake, whenever it appeared, was said to coincide with the homeowner’s house number winning the lottery, with two consecutive wins last time. The video featured the large python crawling on the house’s roof and…
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Bride-to-be’s dowry dispute fuels social media advice forum
A hot topic doing the rounds on social media recently highlighted the dilemma of a young woman seeking advice regarding her upcoming marriage due to a dispute concerning the dowry. The woman, who initiated the discussion, explained that a recent meeting between her and her partner’s families to discuss the marriage and dowry did not go as expected. Previously, both…
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Price plunge plan: Thai Commerce Minister sets sights on grocery relief
Expectations rise as the Thai Commerce Minister initiates an internal trade department survey with the goal of lowering prices on 20 consumer goods, including staples like rice, eggs, chicken, and pork. This effort aims to alleviate the financial strain on citizens and reflects the principle of supporting the less fortunate. Phumtham Wetchayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, this…
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Online DJ Chamrat Jiamram strikes a chord with Khmer dialect
Social media platforms are continually providing new avenues for people to augment their income. One such individual is 32 years old Chamrat Jiamram, an administrative officer turned online DJ who found success by marrying his love for music with his regional Khmer dialect. His content has struck a chord with thousands of followers both in Thailand and Cambodia, generating a…
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Fake police officer’s bid to free pal foiled by real police in Chon Buri
Officers at Samet Police Station in Chon Buri province arrested a fake police officer who tried to trick genuine law enforcement officers into releasing his friend from jail. Police officer Chingchai Pauboon told Channel 3 that a 59 year old Thai man, named Prasit, came to the station in a police uniform on Sunday, September 17. He claimed to be…
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Monk’s resurrection: Revered Luang Pu Khek’s remains restored after fiery ordeal, followers seek lottery blessings
The skeletal remains of revered monk Luang Pu Khek, an esteemed figure in the city of Phitsanulok, have been fully restored and returned to their original state after a devastating fire destroyed his glass coffin. This follows a call to his devotees, and those who hold faith in him, to participate in a procession and try their luck at guessing…
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Phuket makes waves: Forum tackles island’s watery woes
Thailand’s popular island destination of Phuket held a forum to discuss the region’s persistent water issues, led by Secretary-General of the Office of National Water Resources (OWNR), Dr Surasee Kittimonthon. The forum, which took place yesterday, was attended by over 300 individuals, including Phuket Vice Governor Amnuay Pinsuwan and Phuket Chamber of Commerce President Kongsak Khuphongsakorn. Dr Surasee later joined another…
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Pop goes the chaos: Opening day at POP MART’s Thai flagship store at CentralWorld turns topsy-turvy
Leading art toy company POP MART introduced its inaugural flagship store in Thailand at the popular Bangkok shopping mall, CentralWorld. Regrettably, the opening day took an unexpected turn, resulting in chaos and posing a threat to the safety of customers waiting in the queue. The first-ever POP MART flagship store, spanning an area of 169 square metres, was officially unveiled…
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Duck egg prices quack up as rain dampens Khon Kaen production
Continual rainfall in Khon Kaen has led to a decrease in duck egg production, driving the cost of duck eggs to an unprecedented high of 170 baht per tray. Salted eggs have also seen a price increase, now costing 8 to 10 baht per egg. Reporters yesterday visited Ban Dong Pong, Moo 10, Sila Subdistrict, Mueang District, Khon Kaen Province,…
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Visa-free Chinese tourism raises concerns over illegal Thailand tour operations
The recent decision to exempt Chinese visitors from visa requirements sparked concerns within the Tourism Department about potential loopholes for illegal zero-dollar tours and unlicensed tour guides. The worry stems from the inability to verify the legitimacy of tour companies during the visa-free period. The department’s director-general, Jaturon Phakdeewanit, revealed that this issue was flagged to Tourism and Sports Minister…
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Nok Airlines stocks nosedive as SET delisting threat soars
Low-cost carrier Nok Airlines stands on the brink of being delisted from the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). This possibility stems from the airline’s failure to improve its financial performance and submit its 2022 financial results within a given timeframe, as stated by the Thai bourse. The SET identified Nok Airlines as a potential candidate for delisting, given that the company’s…
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Loei’s watery woes: Torrential rain drowns 60 homes and more
Relentless downpours over the past week have led to extensive flooding in Loei province, northeastern Thailand, submerging more than 60 residences, agricultural land, government structures, and even a central sports field. The continuous precipitation has triggered the overflow of numerous tributaries, with particular emphasis on the Loei River, the province’s primary watercourse. While water levels in the Loei River have…
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BMA to pay first instalment of 22 billion baht debt for BTS Skytrain extension
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is set to pay the first instalment of the 22 billion baht debt it owes to Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC), the operator of the BTS Skytrain Green Line extension next month. This payment comes after the expected approval from the Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC). The debt relates to the Green Line extension and…
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Korean Air’s icy debacle: Glass fragment found in iced coffee
Korean Air, South Korea’s national airline, faces a credibility crisis following an incident where a passenger discovered a glass fragment in his iced coffee. The passenger, travelling from Guangzhou, China to Incheon International Airport, distinctively felt the shard, approximately 0.5 centimetres long and 0.1 centimetres thick, in his mouth. Upon discovery, the cabin crew suggested the passenger induce vomiting in…
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Lottery luck spooks home builder: Superstitious stir at mysterious milestone
A lottery win has stirred unease among a landowner and the local community, as they prepare to develop a plot of land into a new home. A photo shared on Facebook depicted a conspicuous sign that read, “Please be aware, you can come and pray but do not leave garlands or offerings here. The owner of this plot is about…
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Elon Musk’s Thai-landed ambitions: High-voltage investment opportunities on the horizon
Business magnate Elon Musk is set to discuss potential investment opportunities in Thailand with the Thai delegation via a teleconference. This news was shared by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who is currently attending the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78) in New York. The prime minister revealed that the Thai government is seeking to attract foreign investors and…
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Storm warning issued for 42 Thai provinces under deluge threat
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a storm warning for 42 provinces across the northern and southern regions today. With 60% of the area expected to receive heavy rainfall, residents are cautioned against potential flash floods and rapid runoff. The warning is in effect until 6am tomorrow. The south-westerly monsoon is currently covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf…
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Infant murders uncovered: Polish father and daughter charged
Polish police have charged a Polish father and his daughter with murder and incest following the discovery of three newborn infants’ corpses in their home in the village of Cherniki, northern Poland. Local police unearthed the first two infants’ bodies in a black bag buried near the house on Friday, before finding a third decomposing corpse on Saturday. The infant…
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Chinese tourism to Thailand lags despite lifted travel restrictions
The number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand continues to fall behind predictions, despite China lifting travel restrictions over eight months ago. By September 10, a total of 2.28 million Chinese arrivals had been recorded for the year, with estimates for the end of the year standing between 4 and 4.4 million. This falls short of the initial target of 5…
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Visa-free policy for Chinese, Kazakh tourists boosts Suvarnabhumi Airport readiness
Suvarnabhumi International Airport is preparing to welcome an influx of tourists from China and Kazakhstan following the announcement of a new visa-free policy, effective from next week. The Immigration Bureau (IB) is set to bolster its officer presence at the airport in anticipation of the increased arrivals. The visa-free policy, approved on Wednesday, September 13 and publicised in the Royal…
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Woman offers body as payment for long-distance ride, sparks debate on ethical boundaries
A shocking incident occurred when a female customer attempted to pay for her ride-hailing service through an app with her body, even offering her friend’s company as an option for the driver. This peculiar negotiation was shared on Mirror Media, a Chinese social media website, sparking widespread commentary on ethical boundaries. The woman requested a long-distance journey from Guangzhou, Guangdong…
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Govt criticised after Miss Universe Singapore sets to combat human trafficking in Thailand
Thai netizens criticised the Thai government after the newly crowned Miss Universe Singapore expressed her commitment to combatting human trafficking in Thailand. Priyanka Annuncia, who was crowned 2023 Miss Universe Singapore during the final competition at the Amber Lounge at Millenia Walk last Saturday, September 16, announced her promise to combat human trafficking in Thailand after the prestigious ceremony. With…
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Yangon sees surge in scam call centres amid economic depression
Scam call centres, previously primarily associated with Myanmar’s lawless border regions, are making their way into Yangon, the country’s commercial hub, as reported by Radio Free Asia (RFA). The operators are exploiting the economic depression, using the surplus of inexpensive office spaces and the considerable pool of educated, unemployed locals in Yangon. RFA’s investigation reveals that, unlike the call centres…
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Thai student loan restructuring to begin in November, easing debt burden
The Student Loan Fund (SLF) recently announced that it will start the restructuring of student defaulters’ debts starting in November. This information was disclosed today by Chainarong Katchapanan, the manager of SLF, during a meeting with Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong. According to him, the necessary regulations required for the restructuring process will be finalised within the next month. Tawee, the…
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Thailand scam gang exposed: Four nationals nabbed in Poipet, face legal return
Four Thai nationals, involved with a scam gang tied to a family tragedy in Samut Prakan, were apprehended in Poipet and sent back to Thailand to face legal charges. Cambodian immigration officials informed their Thai counterparts last night, September 18, about the deportation of the four Thais: One male and three females, through the Poipet-Aranyaprathet checkpoint, according to Police Colonel…
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Thai Twitter tale: Woman reports soapy shower surprise as friend’s explict video resurfaces
A Thai woman filed a complaint with the police after finding an explicit video of herself showering shared on Twitter by a close friend three years ago in 2020. The victim, 23 year old Joy, told Channel 3 that her friend found an explicit video of a woman who looked like her on Twitter. The concerned friend shared the explicit…
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Cat-astrophe in a cup: Bangkok cat café sparks social media fur-ore
A recent social media storm erupted over a cat café in Bangkok, which stands accused of neglecting its ailing feline residents and potentially creating a haven for disease. The café’s perceived apathy towards the well-being of its cats and the potential risks to public health have ignited a wave of anger and apprehension among the online community. The controversy flared…
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