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 9 most common health issues covered by insurance for expats in Thailand
Thailand is a popular destination for expats due to its affordable lifestyle and excellent healthcare system. However, settling in a new country often brings health concerns. To ensure you’re covered for the most common medical needs, understanding what expat health...
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Thai official sacked after exposing 500-million-baht inheritance fraud
A government official is seeking justice after being dismissed for exposing alleged corruption and document fraud linked to a 500-million-baht inheritance. The victim, Thanyarot, sought assistance from non-profit organisation Saimai Survive after being sacked from her workplace of 10 years for exposing the truth. She stated that some colleagues accused her of unethical behaviour, which ultimately led to her dismissal.…
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Pattaya karaoke raid uncovers illegal workers and minors
Police raided a Pattaya karaoke venue, uncovering illegal employment of foreign women and detaining eight tourists who tested positive for drugs. The operation also revealed four minors, under 14 years old, inside the venue, leading to serious charges. Early today, December 12, Thai law enforcement led a significant raid on a karaoke establishment in Pattaya, Thailand. The operation was spearheaded…
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Phu Kradueng National Park shuts down after elephant attack
Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei province has been closed indefinitely after a wild elephant attacked and killed a female tourist. The Director General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), Atthaphon Charoenchansa, has vowed swift action to ensure safety. In a chilling revelation, the same elephant has returned to the area where the attack occurred,…
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Thailand leads ASEAN in gold-driven financial growth, inclusion
Gold’s role in providing financial stability amid global uncertainties is gaining attention as the world moves into 2025. Traditionally linked to prosperity and wealth in Thai culture, gold remains a symbol of celebration during significant family events such as weddings and birthdays. Despite societal changes, gold’s cultural significance continues to drive strong consumer demand in Thailand, evidenced by the nation’s…
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Seven arrested in Songkhla for 2 million baht scam and gun trade
Seven young adults were arrested in Songkhla’s Mueang district for orchestrating a complex scam that defrauded victims of nearly 2 million baht (US$59,170) and subsequently funding the illegal production of firearms for sale. The arrests took place following an investigation into fraudulent activities conducted by a gang that targeted individuals through random calls, convincing them to invest in a scheme…
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Tragedy on Phuket bridge: Motorcyclist killed in late-night crash
A tragic late-night collision on Phuket’s notorious Kojan Bridge claimed the life of a motorcyclist just before midnight yesterday, December 11. The crash occurred on Rattanakosin 200 Pi Road in Phuket Town, prompting police to rush to the scene at 11.54pm. Arriving officers found a white Toyota Hilux Vigo, registered locally, stopped in the middle of the road. The driver,…
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Paws and order: Thai man abuses 3 cats after row with boyfriend
Police charged a Thai man in the Isaan province of Sakon Nakhon with physically abusing three pet cats after videos and pictures of the abuse were shared in a Facebook group of animal lovers. A man shared the videos and pictures of his ex-boyfriend strangling their pet cats and throwing them against the wall of a condominium room in a…
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Pier Pressure: IIlegal boat operator nabbed in Phuket crackdown
A 21 year old Myanmar man found himself in hot water after being arrested at Chalong Pier for running an illegal tourist boat operation. The Marine Police pounced during a routine inspection, uncovering a string of violations that landed him in custody. The arrest is part of an ongoing clampdown on unlicensed activities in the popular tourist hotspot. “The Marine…
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Enthusiasts eye past winning numbers for December 16 lottery luck
The anticipation for the upcoming Thai government lottery draw scheduled for December 16 has prompted a compilation of past winning numbers from December 16 over the last decade. Sanook News has drawn up a list of the record of winning lottery numbers. Over the past 10 years, the Thai Government Lottery has seen a variety of winning numbers on December…
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Van tyre blowout injures 14 Lao workers on Thai highway
A terrifying accident unfolded when a van carrying Lao workers experienced a tyre blowout, nearly resulting in a tragic outcome. The incident, which occurred early today, December 12, left numerous individuals injured. The driver revealed the left rear tyre had issues just before they were en-route to the Nong Khai immigration checkpoint. Around 12.15am today, Preecha Suebrat, an inspector at…
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Bangla Road brawl: Taxi driver and tourist clash in viral showdown (video)
A shocking street brawl between a tourist and a Patong taxi driver has sent social media into overdrive, leaving Bangla Road’s infamous nightlife under scrutiny once again. The 18-second video, shared by the Facebook page โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต captures a chaotic scene of men punching and grappling at the bustling end of Bangla Road. Titled Fighting hard #BanglaRoad, Patong, the clip…
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84 Myanmar immigrants arrested in Thailand after jungle trek
In the early hours of yesterday, police in Kanchanaburi successfully apprehended a group of 84 individuals from Myanmar’s Rakhine State who had entered Thailand illegally. The operation, carried out by Thong Pha Phum police and other relevant agencies, unfolded after a tip-off led them to a suspicious scene involving an abandoned pickup truck with obscured license plates. The truck, which…
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Thai crew’s release from Myanmar expected post-new year
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced that the four Thai crew members detained in Myanmar are anticipated to be released shortly after the new year. The crew, held following a maritime incident, are awaiting the conclusion of Myanmar’s legal processes, though their safety remains uncompromised. The Thai foreign minister and his Myanmar counterpart are scheduled to meet on December 19. As…
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Young man’s body found in car sparks police probe in Phetchaburi
A tragic discovery was made this morning in Phetchaburi, where the body of a young man was found lifeless inside a car. Police are actively investigating the incident and have summoned people connected to the case for questioning. Officers from the Nong Ya Plong Police Station in Phetchaburi province received a report of a death inside a vehicle located in…
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Drunken man with shotgun challenges Bangkok police to fist fight
A man caused chaos in a Nong Chok neighbourhood in Bangkok by brandishing a shotgun and challenging police officers to a fist fight. Residents were frustrated by the commotion caused by the inebriated individual. This incident occurred yesterday, December 11, around 10.30pm, following a police report from the local. Police Lieutenant Chairat Charasmetawit, an investigator at Nong Chok Police Station,…
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Krabi man caught with over 6,000 meth pills at Phuket checkpoint
A significant drug bust unfolded as a 41 year old Krabi resident was arrested at a primary checkpoint leading to Phuket. The arrest occurred early yesterday morning, December 11, when police discovered a substantial stash of methamphetamine (meth) pills concealed in the man’s vehicle. The suspect, Wutthachai Klapkhong, was detained at a Phuket Chatchai Checkpoint following a search of his…
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Man defrauded by ex-village chief in Chiang Rai probation scam
A man in Chiang Rai, concerned about violating probation conditions and potentially returning to prison, reported being defrauded of over 415,000 baht by a former village assistant headman. The incident was reported yesterday, December 11, at the Mae Sai Police Station in Chiang Rai province. Thanawit, accompanied by relatives, filed a complaint with Angsumarin Meeboonlap, an investigative officer, alleging that…
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Condom chaos: Pattaya railway station becomes X-rated litter zone
Shocked residents in Pattaya have raised alarms over a sordid discovery at the local railway station yesterday, December 11. Concerned locals reported finding used condoms, wrappers, and tissues strewn near a pile of track ballast in the station’s multipurpose area, sparking fears of a public health hazard. “This area is popular with tourists and families. We use it for exercise…
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Mitsubishi Pajero crashes into Bangkok karaoke bar, three injured
A shocking incident unfolded last night when a Mitsubishi Pajero SUV veered off the road and crashed into a karaoke bar on Pracha Uthit Road in Bangkok’s Rat Burana district. The accident resulted in three injuries, including one serious case. The 56 year old driver, Taweesap Nilkhong, claimed that she lost control of the steering, prompting police to investigate the…
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Thai police arrest suspect in 70,000 baht missing person scam
Thai police apprehended a suspect involved in a fraud scheme, where victims were deceived into transferring money under the guise of helping locate missing persons. The scam resulted in both the disappearance of vehicles and the individuals themselves. Police officers, including Siam Boonsom, Wasan Thechakrakasem, Noppasilp Phulsawat, and Teeradej Thammasuthee, ordered the arrest of 27 year old Thinapat yesterday, December…
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Police seize 45 suspected stolen motorcycles in Phu Sang
Phu Sang Police have seized over 45 motorcycles, suspected of being stolen, as they were reportedly being prepared for illegal sale to neighbouring countries. These motorcycles, many brand new, were found hidden in an abandoned office building, raising concerns about a potential cross-border smuggling operation. Somchai Wongchariyakasem, the district chief of Phu Sang, led the operation after receiving a tip-off…
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Maha Sarakham investment fraud victims lose 500 million baht
A significant fraud case has emerged in Maha Sarakham, where numerous victims have been deceived into investing in a bogus real estate development, losing over 500 million baht. The alleged fraud was orchestrated by two prominent financiers who promised high returns. Peace and Justice Club President Taen Khun has taken the victims to meet with investigators at the Economic Crime…
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Fire devastates Rayong paper factory, efforts to control blaze ongoing
A raging fire engulfed a recycling paper factory in Rayong, with officials struggling to bring it under control. Despite ongoing efforts by emergency services, the blaze spreads, threatening the factory and surrounding areas. The incident began when flames erupted at approximately 2.30pm, yesterday, December 11, at a paper factory located along the Ban Khai-Ban Bueng road in Nong Bua, Ban…
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Thai condo scam costs 200 victims 3 billion baht
Seventy people approached Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) with allegations of being scammed into purchasing condominium units, leading to a collective financial loss of 3 billion baht. This group is part of a larger contingent of about 200 people who claim to have fallen victim to a fraudulent debt relief scheme. Pavena Hongsakula, leading the charge, filed the complaint…
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Thai woman arrested in Bangkok for opening mule account
A 21 year old Thai woman has been arrested after her younger sister allegedly coaxed her into opening a bank account under the guise of saving salary money for her niece, only for it to be used as a mule account in a call centre scam. Police officers, led by Police Major General Kongkrit Leothsithikul, took action yesterday, December 11,…
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Drunk Belarusian man attacks police in Phuket rampage (video)
A drunk Belarusian man, naked only for his underwear, went on a rampage in Phuket yesterday, physically assaulting Thai police officers. Locals criticised the police for their ineffective response. At approximately 3.10am, yesterday, December 11, two officers from Karon Police Station arrived at the road along Karon Beach, outside The Emerald Hotel, to deal with the disturbance caused by the…
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Villager finds man shot dead in Khon Kaen field
A shocking discovery occurred when a local villager tending to their cattle stumbled upon a man’s body in a field at the edge of the village, prompting a swift police response. The findings revealed that the man had been shot in the head and chest, leading investigators to swiftly launch an inquiry to track down the culprit. The chilling incident…
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Indian tourist targeted in daring Pattaya necklace snatch
In a brazen act of robbery, an Indian tourist was targeted by a pair of masked bandits in the heart of Pattaya. The daring heist, caught on CCTV, has sent shockwaves through the city. In the early hours of this morning, December 12, a shocking incident unfolded on Pattaya Second Road near Soi Yensabai. Merlin Dhanapalan, an Indian national, was…
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Three arrested for dangerous big bike stunts on Bangkok road
Three young men, administrators of a popular Facebook page, were arrested for performing dangerous stunts on luxury BMW motorcycles on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road. The court ordered the confiscation of their expensive motorcycles and accessories worth 500,000 baht. Police officers, including Siam Boonsom, Thawat Wongsonga, and Surachet Bundit, were involved in the arrest of 25 year old Kampee, 28 year old…
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British swap gloom of Blighty for tropical Land of Smiles (video)
A recent survey has uncovered that thousands of British have swapped the cold, gloomy shores of Blighty in their thousands for the warm, welcoming, tropical beaches of Thailand. Financial technology company Wise reported that more than 40,000 British citizens have already set up camp and relocated to the exotic Land of Smiles. The Daily Mirror reported that British removal firm…
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