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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Rama 2 Flood Rescue: GPS Navigation Error Incident
Five people narrowly escaped serious injury after a GPS navigation error led their vehicle into unexpectedly deep floodwater beneath a bridge on Rama 2 Road in Samut Songkhram province, almost completely submerging the van and trapping passengers inside. The incident occurred on January 3, 2026, when officers from Highway Police Station 1, Division 2, under the Highway Police Bureau, were…
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Myanmar rape-murder suspect deported as victim’s daughter demands justice
A Thai woman has sought public intervention after discovering that the Myanmar national accused of raping and murdering her mother was deported from Thailand despite the case still being under investigation. The complaint was submitted on Friday, January 2 to the Facebook page ‘Survive – Sai Mai Tong Rod,’ where the victim’s daughter claimed that immigration authorities released the suspect…
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Young man with three arrest warrants arrested while hiding in closed-box pickup at highway checkpoint
A 20-year-old man linked to multiple online fraud cases was arrested at a highway checkpoint in Kanchanaburi after police discovered him hiding inside the enclosed cargo area of a closed-box pickup truck. Officers later confirmed the suspect had three outstanding arrest warrants, in addition to five previous cases that had already entered the judicial process. The arrest followed an order…
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2026 SAFF Futsal Championship to debut in Bangkok as South Asia launches new tournament
The South Asian Football Federation will stage the first-ever SAFF Futsal Championship in Bangkok, Thailand, from 13 to 26 January 2026, marking a major step in the development of futsal across South Asia. The biennial men’s national team tournament will feature all seven SAFF member associations, each making their debut in the competition. The participating teams are Bangladesh, Bhutan, India,…
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2nd Army Area raids scammer hideout, uncovers scripted fraud operations targeting multiple countries
The 2nd Army Area has raided a large scammer hideout in the Chong Chom border area of Surin province, uncovering an organized fraud operation that used detailed scripts, manuals, and national symbols to deceive victims in multiple countries. Authorities say the findings highlight the growing sophistication of transnational scam networks operating near Thailand’s borders. At 11.38am on January 3, 2026,…
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Second Army Area releases footage alleging Cambodian military activity near Preah Vihear
The Second Army Area on Saturday released video footage it claims shows Cambodian forces using areas near the Preah Vihear temple complex as an active military position, raising fresh security concerns along the Thai–Cambodian border. The footage was made public on January 3, 2026, at around 3.10pm, as Thai authorities continued close monitoring of border conditions. According to the Second…
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Will Thailand’s 2026 election reshape tourism, foreign investment, and transport policy?
As Thailand moves toward its 2026 general election, the future of the country’s tourism industry has become a central issue for investors, operators, and local communities. With tourism accounting for a significant share of national income, the policies adopted by the next government are expected to influence foreign direct investment, public safety, and long-term infrastructure planning, particularly in rail transport.…
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Thailand’s new year holiday 2026 sees over eight million travelers, fewer accidents and smooth nationwide transport
Thailand’s New Year holiday 2026 concluded with more than eight million people traveling across the country, while road accidents and transport disruptions declined compared with the previous year, according to the Ministry of Transport. From December 30 2025 to January 1 2026, a total of more than 8.2 million passengers used public transport nationwide. Although this figure represents a 3.9…
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Fire erupts in condo, woman hospitalized for smoke inhalation
A fire broke out inside a condominium unit in Bangkok’s Ladprao area on Thursday, sending thick smoke through the building and leaving a young woman hospitalized with smoke inhalation injuries. Authorities said the fire was quickly brought under control and is believed to have been caused by an electrical short circuit in an air-conditioning unit. At around 12.15pm on January…
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Van carrying passenger crashes after tire blowout, one killed and eight injured
A fatal road accident in Udon Thani province left one person dead and eight others injured after a passenger van carrying pilgrims suffered a tire blowout and slammed into a roadside tree on Wednesday afternoon, authorities said. The incident occurred at about 1.50pm on January 2, 2026, on the Nong Han–Phibun Rak road between Ban Nai Yom and Ban Don…
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Sea of Trash: Garbage covers Patong beach after New Year countdown
PHUKET — The morning sun on the first day of the year revealed a grim scene at Patong Beach, one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations. Instead of pristine white sands, a mountain of garbage buried the shoreline following the previous night’s New Year’s Eve celebrations. Images shared by the local news page “แรงจัง ภูเก็ต” exposed the extent of…
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Patong restaurant fires staff after telling customer to “Wash the pot yourself”
PHUKET — A heated online controversy involving a popular restaurant in Patong has concluded with the immediate termination of a staff member. The employee had sparked outrage after challenging a customer to “wash the pot yourself” if she wished to be served. The incident, which went viral on TikTok, occurred at the “Sam Chor Chern Chuan Chim” restaurant (Patong Branch),…
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“I Paid For It!” Chinese guest fumes after being stopped from packing buffet food
Mother and Son Cause Scene at Hotel Buffet Over ‘No Takeaway’ Ban, Threaten Staff SUZHOU — A heated altercation erupted at a hotel in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, after a mother and son were stopped from packing food from the breakfast buffet to take home. it escalated into a physical confrontation after the guests refused to comply with hotel regulations. Witnesses…
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Bangkok fireworks blast injures 7 at New Year party
New Year Chaos: Unauthorized Fireworks Blast Injures 7 in Bangkok’s Wattana District BANGKOK — A New Year celebration in Soi Pridi Banomyong 26 on Sukhumvit 71 Road turned dangerous early this morning (January 1), leaving seven people injured after a fireworks display went wrong. Police are preparing to summon the group responsible, while the Wattana District Office plans to file…
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Cold spell returns: Temps to drop across Thailand from Jan 2-6
Thailand Weather Update: Foggy Mornings to Start the Year, Fresh Cold Spell Arriving Jan 2-6 BANGKOK — The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather outlook for the first week of 2026, advising the public to prepare for fluctuating temperatures. While the current cold front is weakening, a new high-pressure system is set to bring cooler weather back starting…
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King and Queen Grant Royal Greeting Card for 2026
Their Majesties the King and Queen Grant New Year 2026 Greeting Card to Thai People BANGKOK — On December 31, 2025, His Majesty the King and Her Majesty Queen Suthida graciously granted a royal New Year greeting card for the Buddhist Era 2569 (2026) to the people of Thailand. The front of the card features the emblem of the Chakri…
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Double cold front to hit Thailand after New Year, Bangkok lows at 18.4°C
BANGKOK — The “Thailand Weather Forecast” page has issued a fresh advisory for the first half of January, predicting two distinct waves of cooler weather that will sweep across the country. Residents should prepare for temperature drops between January 4–11 and a second wave on January 14–15. For the capital, the forecast indicates a steady decline in morning temperatures starting…
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Jealous gunman Kills ex-girlfriend and self, critically wounds new partner
New Year’s Eve Tragedy: Jealous Gunman Kills Ex-Girlfriend and Self, Critically Wounds New Partner CHON BURI — At 1:30 AM, Pol. Capt. Pichamon Sata, Deputy Inspector of Bo Thong Police Station, received reports of a shooting at a local gas station. Police arrived at the scene alongside medical personnel from Bo Thong Hospital and rescue volunteers. Officers found the body…
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Body of Missing 19-Year-Old Texas Teen Found After Christmas Eve Disappearance
Tragic End: Body of Missing 19-Year-Old Texas Teen Found After Christmas Eve Disappearance SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS — The desperate search for Camila Mendoza Olmos, 19, who vanished on Christmas Eve, has concluded with a heartbreaking discovery. Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that search teams located a lifeless body in a field near the residential area where…
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Arrests 8 foreign sex workers for soliciting tourists on Pattaya beach road
Pattaya Cleanup: Immigration Arrests 8 Foreign Women for Soliciting Tourists on Beach Road. fine of 1,000 baht on each individual. PATTAYA — Chon Buri Immigration officers launched a crackdown on foreign sex workers along Pattaya Beach Road on New Year’s Eve, arresting eight women for soliciting tourists and damaging the city’s tourism image. Acting on orders from Pol. Col. Naphatpong…
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Tourists head to koh chang for new year as ferry traffic jams stretch 1km
The New Year Festival atmosphere in Trat province has returned to full vibrancy. Reports from the Laem Ngop Ferry Terminal today, on December 30, 2025, indicate a surge of tourists heading to the islands, resulting in significant traffic congestion. Meanwhile, operators and tourists confirm that Koh Kood and Koh Mak remain safe destinations despite border concerns. Both Thai and international…
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Naval officer rapes woman and allegedly leaves her naked on back of car
A naval officer paid 180,000 baht to a Thai woman after he raped her and allegedly left her naked on the trunk of his mini bus while driving her home along a road in Chon Buri. The 23 year old Thai woman filed a complaint with Sattahip Police Station today, December 30. She told police that she was sexually assaulted…
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New year 2026: BTS-MRT last train schedule & free parking locations revealed
As the countdown to New Year 2026 approaches, revellers planning to celebrate at Bangkok’s major landmarks can enjoy a smoother New Year commute and travel with peace of mind. The Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with mass transit operators, is gifting the public extended service hours under the ‘H.N.Y 2569’ campaign to ensure safe and convenient journeys home. All Trains…
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Thai politician’s daughter sues actor in first case under new sex crime law
Thai actor and singer Pakorn Lam, better known as Dome, is facing a lawsuit after his sexual harassing comment under the picture of the daughter of a leading Thai politician, making the case the first legal action brought under Thailand’s newly enforced sex crime laws. The victim is Yossuda “Jinny” Leelapanyalert, the daughter of prominent female politician Sudarat Keyuraphan. Jinny…
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Thai PM candidate defends sea prison plan amid ‘Azkaban’ mockery
A prime ministerial candidate from the United Thai Nation Party (UTN) insisted that the party’s proposal to build a sea prison for influential criminals is not a fantasy, after online users mocked the idea and compared it to Azkaban prison from the Harry Potter series. Following the dissolution of parliament on December 11, Thailand is now heading towards a General…
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CIB raids illegal factory in hua hin, seizes over 13,000 items including expired milk sold online
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), led by the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPB), has dismantled an illegal food production operation disguised as a residential home in Hua Hin. The raid uncovered a scheme involving the alteration of expiration dates on expired branded milk, the production of unregulated instant coffee, and the repacking of MSG for sale on online platforms. Officers…
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From 20 baht keychains to viral success, couple’s cat business wins hearts online
A touching story has emerged as a New Year gift to the online community, featuring a resilient couple, two cats, and handmade keychains priced at just 20 baht. What started as a quiet struggle to make a living has transformed into a wave of generosity, thanks to the power of social media. TikTok user @axmmmm.k ignited the wave of support…
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Thailand video news | Thai and Cambodian envoys hold talks in China, British bystander stops necklace snatch attempt on Bangkok street
In Thailand video news, Alex and Jay cover news stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia. The stories include Thailand and Cambodia’s latest rounds of peace talks and nearly immediate violations, the People’s Party’s latest hopefuls found in familiar faces, one last round of wacky stories from around the Kingdom to send you off into your New Year’s Celebration, as…
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New Thai law tightens sex crime and bullying penalties
The Royal Gazette recently published the Act Amending the Criminal Code (No. 30), B.E. 2568 (2025). This amendment significantly modernizes the definitions of sexual offenses to align with current social behaviors, covering abuse of power in professional relationships and online actions. Here is what you need to know about the changes effective immediately: New Definition of Rape The law clarifies…
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Boat taxi from Phuket Airport to Patong tested again in congestion relief plan
Phuket launched another trial run of a boat taxi service linking Phuket International Airport and Patong Beach yesterday, December 29, as part of efforts to ease traffic congestion across the province. The boat taxi project has been discussed by Phuket officials for years. Officials believe the service could significantly reduce travel time between the airport and Patong Beach, cutting journeys…
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