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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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Cigna has a special offer this July for families in Thailand. When you sign up three or more people on a family health plan, you will save 10% on your premiums for life. This deal helps you get affordable, high-quality...
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Electrical leakage sparks safety concerns at Phan Thong district footbridge
A footbridge in Phan Thong district of Chon Buri is sparking concerns among residents due to a potentially dangerous electrical leakage. The bridge is situated near Phan Thong Tonson School, a busy passageway for many young students. The issue appears to be originating from a cluster of wires entwined around an iron rail of the bridge, causing electricity to leak.…
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From beauty queen to brave MP: Sirilapas Kongtrakarn’s inspiring battle against depression
In a plea for increased public funding for mental health services, Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Sirilapas Kongtrakarn, also known as Mew, spoke unreservedly during a passionate parliamentary debate on the budget bill last Friday, January 5. The 36 year old politician, who has been an advocate for mental health, shared her harrowing journey with depression, calling for attention and…
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TMD warns of impending cold front in northern Thailand
A new cold front is expected to grip the northern region of the country, bringing thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail, warns the Meteorological Department of Thailand today. The temperature will drop by 3 degrees Celsius starting today. The high-pressure system, or cold air mass, is currently covering the northeastern region and the South China Sea. The department advises residents in…
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Thailand’s government initiates inclusivity in education to curb student dropouts
Thailand’s government is planning on launching an inclusivity in education initiative. The aim is to provide equitable access to quality education and decrease student dropouts. This announcement aligns with Children’s Day, celebrated this coming Saturday, January 13. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin voiced his advocacy for children’s rights to education in a recent social media post. His dedication to promoting educational…
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Midnight blaze turns golf course into ‘tee-rific’ inferno
A midnight explosion echoed through Chachoengsao province, leading to a massive fire that razed a golf course warehouse, destroying five vehicles in the process. The incident unfolded at 12am today. Deputy Inspector Pak Jambairat of San Pudas Police Station, upon receiving the fire report, immediately rushed to the scene with the Chachoengsao fire-fighting unit and the San Pudas municipal fire…
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Innobic divests Alvogen Malta shares, refocuses on Asia-Pacific pharmaceutical market
In a strategic move to refocus its pharmaceutical sector, Innobic (Asia) Co, the life sciences division of the PTT Plc national oil and gas conglomerate, has entirely divested its shares in Alvogen Malta (Out-licensing) Holding (AMOLH). The shares were acquired by Floki Holding Société à Responsibilité Limitée, a healthcare and pharmaceutical firm based in Luxembourg. The transaction is expected to…
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Thai PM and central bank clash over interest rates amid low inflation
The clash between Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who also holds the Finance Minister portfolio, and the Bank of Thailand (BoT) intensified. The prime minister has been vocal about his belief that the central bank should lower its interest rates as inflation rates have decreased. On a social media platform, PM Srettha blamed the BoT for causing harm to the economy…
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EGCO finalises Compass Portfolio acquisition, boosting US power capacity
Electricity Generating (EGCO), the power generation subsidiary of Thailand’s Electricity Generating Authority, has finalised the purchase of the Compass Portfolio in the US, a move that boosts the company’s overseas earnings from the energy sector. The acquisition bolsters EGCO’s total power generation capacity to 652 megawatts, a figure determined by its stake in the Compass Portfolio. Thepparat Theppitak, EGCO President,…
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Thai Cabinet reviews submarine procurement contract extension
A submarine procurement contract extension is under review by the Thai Cabinet, following advice from the Office of the Attorney General (OAG). This came as a response to the Royal Thai Navy’s (RTN) inquiries concerning the programme. The OAG highlighted the requirement for a 1,217-day contract extension to undergo a Cabinet review due to the government-to-government nature of the deal.…
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Caution advised over interest rate cuts by Bank of Thailand
Pundits cautioned against hasty moves to cut interest rates and have emphasised the importance of an independent Bank of Thailand as it determines its policy interest rates. They warned that inconsistent fiscal and monetary policies could harm more than they help. Therdsak Thaveeteeratham, Asia Plus Securities (ASPS) executive vice president, insisted that decisions regarding interest rates should be the sole…
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Human rights committee investigates Pattani activists’ dress code penalty
The Internal Security Operation Command (ISOC) Region 4’s decision to penalise activists for wearing Malay traditional dress at an event in Pattani in 2022 came under scrutiny yesterday as the Committee on Legal Affairs, Justice, and Human Rights vowed to investigate a complaint lodged against this action. Kamolsak Leewamoh, the committee chairman, affirmed that a thorough questioning session involving all…
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Thai man sets fire to wife’s house and orchestrates rape of mother-in-law
A Thai man is evading arrest after setting fire to his wife’s house and tricking his mother-in-law into meeting his friend, who raped her. Firefighters rushed to control the fire at a house in the Kaeng Krachan district in the southern province of Phetchaburi yesterday, January 9, and brought the blaze under control. Only the bathroom and cattle shed were…
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Online bought solar cell causes devastating fire in Thai family home
A tragic incident occurred when a solar cell-induced short circuit resulted in a catastrophic fire that razed an entire house in Pathumthani Province’s Bang Khu Wat district. The unfortunate event happened on January 3, at house number 40, Moo 9, Bang Khu Wat, Mueang Pathumthani District, leaving the house and all its contents destroyed. The single-storey house, elevated and roofed…
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Thailand vows zero dropout rate as education overhaul unveiled
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin declared his government’s determined mission to tackle Thailand’s education inequality crisis. The premier revealed his commitment to eradicating the denial of educational opportunities for Thai children entirely. PM Srettha disclosed that one of his first actions upon assuming office last year was to direct key government agencies, including the Fund for Education Equality, the Ministry of Digital…
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Governor’s bold move against toxic haze: Chiang Mai’s war on farm fires heats up
Chiang Mai Governor Nirat Pongsitthithavorn is leading the charge against the annual curse of PM2.5 pollution caused by the burning of agricultural residue. In a teleconference with the province’s 25 district chiefs, he laid down strict instructions to tackle the issue head-on. The provincial administration has already taken a decisive step by banning unauthorised burning of farm waste from January…
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Chiang Rai accident victims struggle with costs as drunk driver offers minimal compensation
A tragic accident involving a drunk driver in an Isuzu D-Max, who collided with a motorbike, has resulted in serious injuries and financial hardship for the victims. The incident occurred in Chiang Rai on July 30, around 10pm, when Jidapa, a local shopkeeper, and her sister-in-law were returning home. The collision caused both women to be thrown in different directions,…
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Pattaya: Women queue up for breast cancer screening in Nong Prue
Scores of female residents in Nong Prue, Pattaya, descended upon the Municipal Dome for a mobile breast cancer screening. A state-of-the-art mobile mammography unit, strategically designed to zero in on women in high-risk and underserved communities was unveiled in the district. Kitti Boonratananet, the Public Health Officer of Banglamung District, hailed the inaugural screening day as a triumph, drawing in…
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Gold shop in Tha Sala district falls victim to armed robbery
An armed robbery occurred at a gold shop in the Tha Sala district of Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand, where necklaces worth 500,000 baht were stolen. A 54 year old man, Chaiwut Wethayawong, has been identified as the prime suspect in the case, and the police have applied for a court arrest warrant. The robbery took place yesterday and the investigation…
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Panida Siriyuthayothin sheds light on leaked photo with assistant Chang
Panida Sirayuthayothin addressed the recent controversy surrounding a leaked photograph of her with a personal assistant, known as Chang. The incident occurred at 12.30pm today. In the image, Chang appears to be kissing her on the cheek. Panida denied any romantic involvement with Chang, stating the unfounded accusations likely stemmed from jealousy. She pointed out Chaiwat Lomakul, her former legal…
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Young mother in Thailand pleads for action against abusive husband
A case of domestic abuse that resulted in severe injuries came to light when a young mother filed a complaint against her drug-addicted husband. Watanya Inju had only given birth two weeks ago and had reported the abuse to the police ten times previously but was told it was a family matter. The 25 year old woman had been in a…
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Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific flight cancellations spark inquiry
Cathay Pacific Airways finds itself stuck on the runway as the pilots’ union demands a government investigation into the airline’s chaotic flight cancellations. The blame game points directly to severe job cuts made during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Paul Weatherill, Chairman of the Hong Kong Aircrew Officers Association, states that Cathay’s current plight, rooted in the decisions made…
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Six injured in Samut Prakan as truck with faulty brakes crashes into minibus
A six-wheeler truck with faulty brakes slammed into a minibus, causing six passengers to sustain injuries. The vehicle also collided with a parked van on the roadside. The incident occurred at 5.50am today, as reported by the Bang Kaeo Police Station in Samut Prakan province. The accident took place on a three-lane road on Theparak Road, at kilometre 8. In…
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BOI electric push: Thai circuit suppliers charged up with global incentives
Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) unleashed a wave of support and several incentives to catapult local electronic circuit suppliers onto the global stage. This commitment aligns with Thailand’s grand vision of becoming Southeast Asia’s electronic industry hub, focusing on the cutting-edge production of Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) and Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) – the lifeblood of all smart devices.…
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Russian tourists survive as tour boat sinks off Coral Island
A tour boat named Martini carrying six Russian tourists, sank off Koh Hey, also known as Coral Island, yesterday, January 9. Thankfully, no injuries were reported from the incident, according to the Phuket Marine Office. The tour boat named Martini met its unfortunate fate near Nam Bo Bay, on the west side of Koh Hey around 3.50pm. The vessel had embarked…
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Royal Phuket Marina makes waves as Asia’s pioneering carbon-neutral paradise
Royal Phuket Marina (RPM) announced its historic achievement as Asia‘s first-ever carbon-neutral marina. A beacon of eco-innovation, RPM goes beyond merely housing boats, transforming into a luxurious haven where sustainability meets opulence. Situated at the gateway to Phang Nga Bay and the Andaman Sea, RPM offers an unparalleled lifestyle immersed in tranquillity. From plush apartments to lavish villas, complete with…
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Unexpected traffic fines surprise vehicle owners at tax renewal in Prachuap Khiri Khan
At the Department of Land Transport (DLT) in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, vehicle owners renewing their annual taxes are being hit with unexpected charges, 735,000 baht in total, for unpaid traffic fines. Those who are unable to pay the fines immediately are issued a temporary tax renewal slip, valid for 30 days, during which they must clear their fines to…
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Thai doctors’ heroic efforts in saving 5 year old girl who drank cyanide
A heroic Thai doctor from Srisangwan Hospital in the northern province of Mae Hong Sorn shared her experience of saving the life of a five year old girl who accidentally drank silver cleaning fluid containing cyanide. The female doctor, Theerada Wongjai, shared the life-saving story on Facebook on January 7 beginning the post with the hashtag, #CyanideRunningCompetition. The hashtag reflected how…
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Alternative heartache: Party spokesperson’s daughters report mother for years of abuse (video)
The daughters of New Alternative Party Spokesperson Sarinthip Sripak yesterday reported their mother to the police after years of physical abuse. Sarinthip, also known as Nikki, the owner of the Nikki Ka-yee Khao Facebook page was called to answer physical abuse charges. Nikki’s daughter, A (nickname) claimed that her mother forced her to extort hundreds of thousands of baht from…
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DNP arrests Vietnamese trio in Bangkok, saving 1,000+ animals from illegal trafficking
Officers from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) arrested three Vietnamese men in the Lat Phrao district of Bangkok for an illegal wildlife trafficking attempt. More than 1,000 animals were rescued. The Watchdog Thailand Foundation (WDT) reported the wildlife trafficking to the DNP, claiming that their members had observed suspicious activities at a residence in Sinthon…
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