News
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 Digital nomading in Chiang Mai? What US$1,000 a month really gets you
Chiang Mai has become a popular destination for digital nomads due to its low living costs, rich culture, and active remote work community. The city offers affordable housing, tasty food, reliable internet, and many co-working spaces, making it a great...
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Coyote dancers arrested for convenience store theft in Samut Prakan
Police arrested three Thai nationals, including two coyote dancers, for stealing from at least nine convenience stores in Samut Prakan province near Bangkok, between May 16 and 17. Employees at the convenience stores filed a complaint with Phra Samut Chedi Police Station after CCTV footage showed two Thai women stealing products from the shops. The security cameras clearly captured their…
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Jet-ski operator arrested for helmet attack in Phuket
In Phuket, a jet-ski rental operator has been detained following an altercation involving an elderly three-wheeler driver, during which the suspect used a helmet as an attack weapon in Thalang yesterday, May 25. The incident occurred at approximately 10.30am and was caught on video, which gained traction on social media. The footage shows the 45 year old, identified as Wisan…
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PM attends 46th ASEAN Summit, calls for deeper cooperation
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra joined fellow ASEAN leaders at the 46th ASEAN Summit yesterday, May 25, hosted at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Malaysia. The summit, held under the theme Inclusive Participation and Sustainability, brought together leaders from nine ASEAN member states, including Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand. The Prime Minister of Timor-Leste…
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Thailand tightens checks on frozen durian imports to boost safety
Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat has directed a thorough inspection of frozen durian imports to Thailand, ensuring they are contaminant-free as part of the ministry’s aims to elevate standards and boost the value of this high-demand product. Narumon has tasked the National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards (ACFS) and the Department of Agriculture with inspecting facilities that…
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Falling tree kills couple in Mukdahan, teenage daughter survives
A tragic incident occurred when a large tree fell onto a pickup truck, resulting in the deaths of a married couple, while their teenage daughter survived with minor injuries. The family was en route to visit a relative in a hospital when the tree collapsed during a stint of heavy rain. Today, May 26, police from Mueang Kham Soi district…
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Paetongtarn denies using public funds for UK, Monaco trips
Yesterday, May 25, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra dismissed claims that her recent visits to the United Kingdom and Monaco were privately motivated and funded by taxpayer money. Speaking at Wing 6 of the Royal Thai Air Force Base in Don Mueang, Bangkok, the 37 year old premier clarified that the trips were not personal holidays. She also addressed an online…
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From run to ruin: mini-marathon at Bangkok park turns out to be scam
Nearly 2,000 runners fell victim to a scam mini-marathon at Suan Luang Rama IX Public Park in Bangkok. The total amount of financial loss remains under investigation. Several runners took to social media yesterday, May 25, to condemn the organiser of the mini-marathon, Run for Destination 2025. Around 1,800 runners arrived at the venue only to find an eerily quiet…
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Public health response team aids flood-stricken Mae Sai communities
The Public Health Ministry has deployed a medical operations team to assist four flood-affected communities in Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai. A patient care centre has been established, with medications and medical supplies prepared, and bedridden patients are being evacuated to safer locations. The minister highlighted the concern of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra regarding the floods and relayed her directive…
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Koh Samui faces overtourism crisis as locals retreat from paradise
Koh Samui is struggling to cope with a tourism boom that’s pushing the island’s infrastructure—and residents—to the brink. A surge in visitors, partly driven by the hit TV series White Lotus, has overwhelmed the island. The Four Seasons resort featured in the show reportedly saw a staggering 600% spike in website traffic after the show aired. Koh Samui’s overtourism crisis…
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2 British tourists expose Chiang Mai monk for inappropriate kissing
Two British tourists exposed a monk at a temple in the northern province of Chiang Mai for inappropriately kissing her and her friend on the cheek during a visit on March 30. The monk reportedly responded to the foreigners with rude and aggressive language after the incident was made public. A Thai man named Thanawat shared the account, which he…
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Bangkok shakes hands with Google to launch AI traffic project
Officials in Bangkok have teamed up with Google to launch an AI-driven initiative aimed at reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality in the capital. Yesterday, May 26, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) spokesperson Ekwaranyu Amrapal announced progress on the city’s ‘Green Light’ project, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) and big data to optimise traffic light systems in real-time. The project…
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11 tonnes of smuggled avocados seized in Thailand’s Pathum Thani market
Approximately 11 tonnes of avocados from Vietnam, mislabelled as mangoes, were illicitly brought into Thailand and sold at a prominent wholesale market in Pathum Thani province. Yesterday, May 25, consumer protection police, along with customs and agriculture officials, conducted a raid at Talad Thai fresh market located on Phahon Yothin Road in Khlong Luang district. A total of 421 boxes…
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Fatal motorcycle taxi driver stabbing in Bangkok’s Khlong Toei
A dispute between two intoxicated motorcycle taxi drivers in Bangkok escalated into a fatal stabbing, resulting in the death of one person. The incident occurred on Ratchadaphisek Road in Khlong Toei district on May 24 at approximately 11pm. During the altercation, 32 year old Apivat, who was drinking beer at the scene, got into a heated argument with 27 year…
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Muay Thai coaches in Japan certified for soft power initiative
The Department of Skill Development (DSD) is promoting soft power by certifying Muay Thai coaches in Japan to enhance economic value and increase Thai income while sharing martial arts culture with Japanese and other international communities. Yesterday, May 25, Decha Prukpatanarak, the Director-General of the DSD under the Ministry of Labour, officially launched the project to promote the capability standards…
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Overturned LPG truck causes road closure in Prachuap Khiri Khan
A 10-tonne LPG truck overturned on Phetkasem Road in Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan district, prompting police to temporarily close the southbound lanes for safety reasons. The incident occurred around 10am today, May 26, leaving one man injured. According to Somkuan Saiphothong, head of the highway rescue unit in Prachuap Khiri Khan, the accident took place approximately 2 kilometres from Singkhon…
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Chinese tourist stabbed in drunken altercation at Pattaya restaurant
A Chinese tourist was rushed to the hospital after being stabbed in a drunken brawl at a restaurant in Pattaya early this morning, May 26. The incident occurred around 12.46am today, at a Chinese restaurant on Pattaya Second Road. Police and rescue workers responded to reports of a violent assault with injuries. Officers from Pattaya City Police Station, led by…
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Thailand video news | Thai monsoon alert: 15 days of heavy rain & flood risk, Vietnam moves to ban telegram
In today’s Thailand news roundup, Alex and Jay bring you the top stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia. Highlights include Thailand’s 15-day monsoon warning, a deadly gang clash in Pattaya, British fugitives arrested on Koh Samui, and a bomb hoax that delayed an AirAsia flight. Plus, updates from Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Singapore—including a Telegram ban, an extradited tycoon,…
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Bangkok driver rams into motorcyclist for stopping at zebra crossing
A Thai motorcyclist accused a hatchback driver of deliberately ramming into him on a Bangkok road on May 22, allegedly out of anger after the rider stopped at a zebra crossing, which briefly blocked the driver’s way. The 24 year old victim, Butchart, sought assistance from the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive after officers at Bang Khen Police Station allegedly ignored his…
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Saleswoman’s false robbery claim leads to legal trouble in Pattaya
A 37 year old saleswoman, working for a department store in South Pattaya, fabricated a robbery story to avoid criticism from her English boyfriend after losing 32,000 baht. Her tale unravelled, resulting in charges for filing a false police report. The incident was initially reported to have occurred in Soi Siam Country Club, Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chon…
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Former Thai protest leaders unite against PM’s father’s influence
Former leaders of major Thai protests, Sondhi Limthongkul and Jatuporn Prompan, who were previously adversaries over the former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, have publicly united to oppose the father of Thailand’s current prime minister. In 2005, Sondhi launched a campaign against Thaksin on his ASTV satellite television channel, eventually becoming a leader of the yellow-shirt People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD).…
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Thailand integrates AI to transform tourism sector
Assistant Minister Supachai Jaismut from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation attended a national seminar in Phuket to promote the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into Thailand’s tourism sector. The event, AI for Next Gen – Transforming New Era Tourism with AI, took place at the Blockchain Technology Centre in Chalong from May 24 to May 25.…
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No arsenic in Thai tap water but surface water monitored
The Ministry of Public Health reported no arsenic contamination above standard levels in tap water, vegetables, or fish from the Kok, Sai, and Mekong rivers. However, surface water showed contamination, prompting ongoing monitoring. At-risk groups showed no arsenic in urine tests. Yesterday, May 25, public health minister discussed the arsenic contamination situation affecting residents near the Kok, Sai, and Mekong…
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Thai man arrested for using fake licence plate on luxury car
A 58 year old man was arrested for using a forged licence plate on a luxury Mercedes-Benz, buying it from the black market. The real owner faced police fines, leading to the discovery of further offences. Police Colonel Apichat Renchana, along with Police Lieutenant Colonel Itthisak Khumkhun and Police Captain Bodi Duanphon, apprehended Wisit on May 25 on Highway 3…
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Pattaya woman fakes robbery to hide loss from foreign boyfriend
A Thai woman confessed to fabricating a robbery in Pattaya after losing cash and an engagement ring, in an attempt to hide the truth from her foreign boyfriend. The 37 year old woman, identified as Rattana, filed a complaint with officers at Bang Lamung Police Station on May 25, claiming she lost 32,000 baht in cash and a ring worth…
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Thai man dies in failed bomb attack on ex-girlfriend’s home
A Thai man died in an explosion after attempting to bomb the house of his ex-girlfriend in the southern province of Surat Thani yesterday, May 25. The explosion occurred at a residence in the Tha Chana district of Surat Thani at around 8am. The 34 year old man, Surapong Thongnark, was pronounced dead at the scene, while three others sustained…
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Driver in fatal Nonthaburi crash surrenders, vows compensation
A driver involved in a fatal collision in Nonthaburi has surrendered to police and faces three charges. The driver has expressed willingness to compensate the victims’ family and has plans to ordain as a monk. The incident occurred on May 24 when 40 year old Tiwa Boromstatit and his seven year old son, both from Sai Noi district in Nonthaburi,…
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South Thailand gang forced man to swallow bullet over debt
Police in South Thailand have identified a gang responsible for violently forcing a 29 year old man to swallow a bullet in exchange for a reduced gambling debt. The incident took place in Hat Yai, Songkhla province, drawing ire from many online users due to its audacious nature. Yesterday, May 25, in a joint investigation by senior officers from Region…
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Wild elephants devastate orchard in Khao Khitchakut, losses hit 440,000 baht
In the Khlong Takian area of Pluang subdistrict, Khao Khitchakut district, Chanthaburi province, a community faces a dire situation as wild elephants have invaded a local fruit orchard, toppling nearly 30 durian trees. This damage has resulted in the loss of almost four tonnes of durian, leading to damages exceeding 400,000 baht. Yesterday, May 25, the issue was brought to…
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Chon Buri locals flock to collect free toys from waste site
Residents in Chon Buri were intrigued by a large pile of children’s toys discarded behind Wat Mausukha in the Nong Ri Mueang Chon Buri area. The toys, still new and unpacked, attracted locals who arrived with large bags to collect them. Images of the toys were widely shared on social media, with posts mentioning that anyone interested could collect toys…
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Teen’s tragic overdose linked to heart medication in Phatthalung
A 14 year old girl was discovered deceased in her bedroom after reportedly overdosing on medication. Her father shared his sorrow, recounting how he had gone to wake her to wash her school uniform, only to tragically find her lifeless. At 12.45pm yesterday, May 25, police from Khao Chaison district station in Phatthalung province were informed about the mysterious death…
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