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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 Bangtao, Phuket: The neighbourhood expats and investors are eyeing in 2025
Bangtao didn't become Phuket’s most talked-about neighbourhood overnight. For a long time, it was a quiet place on the island’s west coast where locals walked their dogs at sunrise and tourists flocked to sunbathe along its eight-kilometre stretch of beach....
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Thailand police seize 121 cars linked to illegal gambling network
Police officers from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) have seized 121 vehicles linked to a significant online gambling network dismantled two years ago. This operation, which took place yesterday, January 4. Officers, equipped with warrants from the Nonthaburi provincial court, conducted searches at a residence and a car showroom in Nonthaburi’s Pak Kret district. Their investigation led to the…
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Thailand abolishes public school uniform hairstyle rules
The Ministry of Education in Thailand has officially abolished the uniform hairstyle regulation for students in public schools. This change allows individual schools to determine their guidelines for student hairstyles as they see fit. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, speaking on behalf of the ministry, stated that the revocation was announced in the Royal Gazette last year. Schools across the country have since…
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Four Thai fishermen still held in Myanmar after mass prisoner release
Four Thai fishing vessel crew members remain detained in Myanmar, despite the release of 151 Thai prisoners. These individuals were apprehended in late November by Myanmar soldiers, accused of trespassing into Myanmar waters. The group of 151 Thai nationals, repatriated yesterday, January 4, via the second Thai-Myanmar friendship bridge in Chiang Rai, were part of a larger amnesty granted by…
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Bangkok intensifies efforts to combat severe dust pollution
Bangkok‘s ongoing struggle with dust pollution has prompted the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to intensify its efforts to tackle the issue. The capital is set to endure high dust levels, with relief not expected until next month. Chadchart Sittipunt, Bangkok’s governor, revealed that discussions took place at the Hua Hin Royal Rainmaking Centre earlier this week, focusing on strategies to…
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Cost to move from the US to Thailand: A complete expat budget guide
Moving to a new country can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when you’re transitioning from the USA to Thailand. You might be dreaming of sandy beaches and bustling markets, but before you pack your bags, it’s crucial to understand the costs involved in this big change. From shipping your belongings to planning your travel and finding accommodations, every detail…
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Thai man finds brother dead in Chai Nat, suspected murder
A shocking discovery unfolded when a man found his brother dead under suspicious circumstances in Chai Nat province, leading him to believe that his brother was murdered. The deceased, 62 year old Sukasem, was found in a single-storey concrete house in Sapphaya district, Chai Nat province. Police were alerted to the scene following reports of a suicide, but evidence at…
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Elderly driver crashes into oil tanker in Lampang, 2 dead
An elderly driver lost control of a pickup truck, crashing into the rear of an oil tanker, resulting in significant damage and the death of two individuals, with two more sustaining injuries. The incident occurred yesterday, January 3 on Phaholyothin Road, in the Mae Kua area, Sop Prap district, Lampang province. Police, as well as the Lampang Rescue Association, the…
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Mistaken identity: Teens attacked outside Udon Thani police station
A tragic incident unfolded outside Ban Dung Police Station in Udon Thani province as a group of teenagers allegedly attacked an 18 year old and his 16 year old friend, leaving them with severe injuries. The altercation, which occurred at 3.13am yesterday, January 3, resulted in the older teenager suffering a brain haemorrhage. The motive behind the assault remains unclear,…
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Meth-high man attacks cleaner at Khon Kaen tutoring centre
A 27 year old man attacked a cleaner with a knife at a tutoring centre in Nong Phai, Khon Kaen, driven by a paranoid belief that she had photographed his secrets. The victim, 43 year old Panicha, suffered a deep wound on the left side of her neck and was given first aid before being rushed to Srinakarin Hospital for…
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Satun police crack down on illegal street racing, 206 arrested
Police in Satun have launched a major crackdown on illegal street racing, arresting 206 individuals and seizing a significant haul of modified motorcycles, custom exhaust pipes, and firearms. Officers have vowed to destroy the confiscated items, which are valued at over 300,000 baht, and intend to prosecute the guardians of any juvenile offenders involved. At the forefront of this operation…
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Ayutthaya: Hotel worker killed in crash riding bike in wrong direction
A 50 year old hotel employee riding a motorcycle in the wrong direction was fatally struck by a pickup truck. The incident took place yesterday, January 3, on the outbound Asian Highway near kilometre marker 33 in Bang Pahan district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. Piyapong Sirijanyatham, a police officer from Bang Pahan Police Station, received the report of the…
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Officer down: Cop shot dead outside Bangkok barbershop
A tragic event unfolded when a police officer was fatally shot outside a barbershop in Saimai, Bangkok, following a heated altercation with another individual. The incident occurred yesterday, January 3 at around 8pm on Chalerm Phong Road in the Saimai district. The victim, Burang Kasapon, a Deputy Inspector at Saimai Police Station, was shot multiple times and was in critical…
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Grim discovery: Tourist found dead off Patong Beach
Holidaymakers were left in shock yesterday, January 3, as police launched an investigation into the death of a foreign tourist found floating lifelessly off Patong Beach in the morning. The grim discovery was made near the iconic Dolphin Circle at approximately 10am yesterday. Traiphop Buakhai, a local parasail speedboat operator, was the first to notice the tragic scene—a body face…
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Prachin Buri: Bull elephant successfully returned to natural habitat
Efforts to address the growing issue of wild elephants encroaching on communities in Prachin Buri province have yielded positive results, as officials successfully returned a notorious bull elephant to its natural habitat. The operation, which took place recently, involved more than 200 individuals, including veterinarians and animal husbandry officers, all working under the guidance of Atthapol Charoenchansa, director-general of the Department…
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Toppled tree: 9 tourists injured in Kanchanaburi bus accident
A group of European tourists encountered an unexpected incident in Kanchanaburi province when a tree, believed to have been illegally cut, toppled onto their bus. This incident unfolded yesterday morning, January 3, on Highway 3199 in Tha Manao Village, Mueang district. Police have since apprehended a suspect believed to be involved in illegal logging, seizing a chainsaw and pruning saw…
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Drunk motorcyclist crashes into Honda bike in Pattaya, 2 injured
A collision involving two motorcycles in the early hours of the morning in Pattaya resulted in injuries to two individuals. The Nong Prue Police Station was alerted to the incident at 1am yesterday, January 3, which took place on Soi Khao Talo 10 in Bang Lamung district. The police, in collaboration with the Sawang Boriboon Rescue Foundation, promptly responded to…
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Bitterly cold weather persists in Thailand with heavy monsoons
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather alert for 10 provinces, warning of heavy monsoons affecting 30% of the area. Northern Thailand is experiencing another cold front, leading to further temperature drops. A high-pressure system or cold air mass from China has descended over upper Thailand and the South China Sea, causing temperatures to fall. The northern and…
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Thailand has a unique approach to casino gaming and entertainment
Thailand, often called the “Land of Smiles,” is famous for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and bustling cities. However, when it comes to gambling, the country offers a unique twist. “Officially, gambling is heavily restricted in Thailand, with the exception of the national lottery and horse racing” said UK casino JeffBet. While traditional casinos are not legally permitted, the demand…
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Thai teenagers attack couple with knife at Pathum Thani mall
Police in Pathum Thani pledged to bring three teenagers to justice after they conspired to attack a couple with a knife at a shopping mall on December 31, last year. The story came to public attention when the Facebook page Social Hunter 2022 posted images of the injured couple and the altercation on January 2. The victims later recounted the…
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Burmese man stabs Thai colleague to death in wage dispute
A Burmese man stabbed a Thai colleague to death and fled the scene in the central province of Nakhon Pathom allegedly over a wage dispute. On New Year’s Day, January 1, an owner of a rented property in the Sam Khwai Phuak district of Nakhon Pathom alerted rescue services to assist a 43 year old Thai tenant, Ekkaluck. The man sustained…
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Phuket boosts marine safety with smart pier inspection
Phuket Vice Governor Ronnarong Tipsiri spearheaded an inspection at Ao Por Pier in Pa Khlok yesterday, January 2, as part of efforts to enhance marine safety and instil confidence among tourists during the busy new year season. Joining him were officials from both government and private sectors, who evaluated the safety protocols and the ongoing transformation of the pier into…
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Mor Lam dancer sexually assaulted and pulled off stage in Isaan
A Thai man sexually assaulted a female dancer and pulled her off the stage during a performance in the Isaan province of Nong Khai, resulting in her sustaining an injury. The Mor Lam performance band, Kwanjai Phet Udon, shared a video of the incident on its official Facebook page to seek justice for the dancer and raise awareness among audiences…
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Concert ends on sour note in Sakon Nakhon, 1 critically injured
A violent altercation occurred at a concert in Sakon Nakhon province, resulting in one person being severely injured and five others suffering minor injuries. The suspect was taken into custody following the incident. The suspect, identified only by his nickname Tum, was apprehended after he allegedly attacked concert-goers near the stage, leaving behind a trail of injuries. The arrest took…
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Good fortune: PM Paetongtarn’s assets exceed 13 billion baht
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has disclosed a detailed account of the assets and liabilities of Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, marking her ascension into office. The report reveals that the 38 year old PM holds assets worth over 13 billion baht, alongside liabilities amounting to more than 4 billion baht. The asset declaration includes a wide array of personal…
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Hunting game: Fake cop at large in Sisaket province
Officers are on the hunt for an imposter posing as a police officer who has been searching through citizens’ bags. The police chief of Khun Han district, Sisaket province, has confirmed that the suspect is not affiliated with the local police force and efforts are underway to apprehend the fake cop and bring him to justice. The incident came to…
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Thai woman seeks justice after lantern sets her car ablaze
A lantern released on New Year’s Day landed on a parked car at a house in the northern province of Phayao and set the vehicle ablaze. The car owner is now struggling to find those responsible for her loss. A witness, Sophon Panyod, rushed to alert his neighbour, 35 year old Saowaluck Jainak, after spotting a fire on the roof…
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Lottery scam: Samut Prakan vendor receives fake 1,000 baht notes
A lottery vendor in Samut Prakan fell victim to a scam when a man used counterfeit 1,000 baht notes to purchase lottery tickets. The vendor only realised the deception after the man had vanished with both the tickets and 600 baht in change. The lottery ticket seller, 61 year old Lam Yai Thatthong reported the incident to the police at…
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Chon Buri man found dead in rental room after herbal booze binge
A rental room owner found a tenant dead in his room, suspected to have died from excessive alcohol consumption. Police investigation revealed that the 40 year old man had been consuming herbal alcoholic drinks with friends in the days leading up to his death. Police officer Boonchuen Sarasook from Phan Thong Police Station in Chon Buri received a report of…
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Thai man prevents disaster after dog mistakes bomb for toy
A pet dog mistook a bomb for a toy, brought it back to her family home in the Isaan province of Udon Thani, and gave it to a four year old boy. Fortunately, the boy showed it to his father before it could explode and cause a tragedy. Officers from Non Sung Police Station were called to investigate the bomb at…
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Freezing cold: TMD warns as temperatures dip across Thailand
Cold weather is set to sweep across Thailand, with the Meteorological Department (TMD) warning of another wave of chilly air descending from China. Temperatures are predicted to drop by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius (°C), with Bangkok experiencing lows of 20°C and frost expected in mountainous areas. The TMD forecasts that the high-pressure system or moderate cool air mass from…
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