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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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Diving boat carrying tourists sinks near Surin Islands, two missing
The Heaven Tour diving boat sank in the sea around 4 miles away from the Surin Islands, following a trip with tourists for diving. The incident led to the disappearance of two individuals, with 14 being rescued. The search operation kicked off at 9am today, December 23. The Third Region Maritime Interests Promotion Center (SRP.3) revealed that they were informed…
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Thailand’s social security fund prepares for inaugural board election
The Social Security Fund (SSF) in Thailand is preparing for its inaugural board member election, with over 800,000 members expected to participate in the vote tomorrow, December 24. This was disclosed by Boonsong Thapchaiyuth, the secretary-general of the Social Security Office (SSO), who also noted that the turnout figure is rather modest compared to the total SSF membership of 12…
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Thief caught on CCTV in mobile shop caused 70000 baht loss
A relaxed criminal was caught on CCTV at a mobile phone shop, casually breaking in to steal property before settling down for a nap. The thief raided a fridge for a drink, rifling through assets, and then resting before leaving the scene on December 21. The crime, which took place at NP Mobile Service shop in Bang Lamung District, Chon…
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Thai BOI reveals game-changing green plan with 150 billion baht EV investment
The Board of Investment (BOI) of Thailand has declared its strategic vision for the next four years, placing a robust emphasis on the burgeoning sectors of bio, circular, and green (BCG) industries. Speaking passionately at the Go Thailand: Green Economy-Land Bridge forum in Bangkok, BOI secretary-general Narit Therdsteerasukdi highlighted the global trend towards sustainability in business operations. “From BOI’s roadshow…
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Thailand’s Southern Meteorological Centre issues severe weather warning
The Southern Meteorological Centre in Songkhla has issued its 10th warning, alerting eight provinces to the potential dangers of heavy rainfall, flash floods, landslides, and forest runoff. Rough seas in the Gulf of Thailand, with waves reaching up to 4 metres, are also a concern. Small boats have been advised to remain ashore due to these hazardous conditions along the…
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Pattaya floating market: Loss of Chinese tourists amidst safety concerns
In a bid to revive Pattaya‘s reputation, the operator of the iconic Pattaya Floating Market is sounding the alarm, urging authorities to dispel safety concerns that have plagued Thailand. Amidst the ongoing struggle for a tourism comeback, Sumaporn Srimuang, the market’s general manager, reveals shocking statistics and pleads for a shift in perception. “China remains the linchpin of Pattaya’s tourism,…
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Phetchaburi resort drug party raided, over 60 teens detained
Thai police have raided a prominent resort in Phetchaburi, dismantling a drug party and detaining over 60 teenagers. Nearly all of those detained tested positive in drug tests, with the urine turning purple. The operation, which occurred at 5am today, December 23, led to the seizure of considerable illegal substances. Police Major General Pongsiri Kengnok, the head of the Phetchaburi…
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Gang stole 12 million baht worth of property from vacant houses
A gang of thieves, responsible for stealing property from vacant houses listed for sale, has been apprehended by the police. The gang, led by 50 year old Suchat (surname withheld) who recently completed a 10-year sentence for similar crimes, also comprised 64 year old Manop, 46 year old Kachornsak, and 31 year old Adithep. Their haul, including valuables and antiques,…
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Former Buddhist chief and executives charged with embezzling 30 million baht
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is set to charge a former head of the National Office of Buddhism (NOB) and two high-ranking executives with embezzling millions from temple budgets. The NACC, after green-lighting resolutions on two alleged temple embezzlement cases, is now preparing to unleash a legal storm upon the accused trio, led by ex-NOB chief Nopparat Benjawattananan. NACC Secretary-General…
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Taiwanese man allegedly hires Thai soldier for plan to murder son and wife
Officers from the Special Weapons and Tactics Team, known as the Hanuman Unit, arrested a Taiwanese man in Samut Prakanr province near Bangkok for allegedly hiring Thai soldiers for his plan to murder his wife and son. The three suspects denied the accusations. A Taiwanese man filed a complaint at the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) that he and his mother…
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Gun stash found in YouTuber’s house
A YouTuber‘s home was raided by Thai police and a total of 87 guns were discovered. Trinsak Wachirasrisirikul, the face behind the YouTube channel Tacticool BoB, found himself in hot waters when a Police Cyber Taskforce, in collaboration with local officers, uncovered a staggering cache of weapons during a house search in Mueang district. The raid, orchestrated to fortify public…
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Thai listed companies broke records by reeling in 6.21 trillion baht last year
Thai listed companies have orchestrated a financial coup, raking in an astronomical 6.21 trillion baht from their overseas ventures last year, smashing records and defying global economic odds. The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) reports an eye-watering surge of 1.83 trillion baht from the previous year, making it a staggering 17-year high. Amidst the chaos of the Russia-Ukraine war and…
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Thai OnlyFans creators arrested for selling child pornography
Officers from the Children and Women Protection Sub-Division arrested two Thai men for producing and selling child pornography on OnlyFans, Twitter, and LINE platforms. Officers discovered that pornographic videos and indecent images were being offered in a group chat on the LINE application. Each member of the group had to pay for membership to access this content. Some of the…
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Thailand braces for Houthi attacks impact: export activities remain unaffected
With the recent Houthi attacks on pivotal shipping routes in the Red Sea, the Commerce Ministry of Thailand is strategising both immediate and long-term measures to mitigate the potential fallout. Despite these attacks, the ministry has confirmed that the country’s export activities remain unaffected. The ministry’s permanent secretary Keerati Rushchano, following an urgent meeting with the Thailand National Shippers’ Council…
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Thai AirAsia introduces direct flights to Shanghai
Thai AirAsia (FD) has officially announced its grand plan to kick off direct flights from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG). Scheduled for takeoff on February 2 next year, this airborne escapade is set to redefine your travel experience with five flights per week, courtesy of top-of-the-line Airbus A320 aircraft. Thai AirAsia X (XJ) might be familiar…
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Thai man loses his life when using YouTube to repair tractor
A 21 year old Thai man lost his life while repairing a tractor using knowledge from YouTube. His older sister revealed that she asked her brother to learn a lot before driving or repairing a tractor. Officers from the Mueang Buriram Police Station were called to the sugar cane plantation in the Mueang district in the Isaan province of Buriram…
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Northeast China: Coal mine accident leaves 12 dead, 13 injured
China‘s State broadcaster CCTV reported yesterday, December 21, that coal workers were underground when their mining cart careened off the tracks, marking yet another episode in China’s mining safety challenges. This incident, occurring on December 20 at the Kunyuan mine, raises questions about the effectiveness of China’s ongoing efforts to enhance mine safety. In a country where mining accidents are…
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Parents condemn school bus driver for tricking teenage daughter into sex
The parents of 14 year old Thai girl condemned a school bus driver for tricking their daughter into having sex with him in a bathroom within the school in the northern province of Chiang Mai. The girl insisted they were in a relationship and was worried about the imprisonment penalty for the driver. The teenage girl‘s parents filed a complaint…
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Malaysia’s economic miracle: 2024 boom predicted with a twist
RAM Rating Services Berhad reveals Malaysia‘s economic future, promising significant growth next year. RAM Rating Services Berhad said in its Economic Outlook 2024 report to get ready for an economic renaissance. The tantalising revelations point towards a potential external demand turnaround, setting the stage for a dazzling economic performance. The domestic front is gearing up for a resilience revolution, riding…
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Phuket taxi drivers protest against rise of illegal taxi apps
A sea of yellow and green licence plates flooded the grounds of Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday, December 21, as taxi drivers from all over the province assembled in protest. They demanded a crackdown on illegal taxi app drivers, who they contend are infringing on their once unchallenged dominion over tourist transportation. At the forefront of the protest was Tinnakorn Chommuang,…
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Vietnam’s plan to import Laos wind power
Vietnam Electricity (EVN) has submitted a proposal to import wind power from the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) to Quang Tri Province. EVN, not one to shy away from bold decisions, has urged the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) to review and present the proposition to the prime minister. The ambitious plan revolves around tapping into the potential…
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Crisis at sea: Attacks threaten 1.31 trillion baht trade route
Thailand‘s 1.31 trillion baht worth of exports to Europe and the Middle East hangs in the balance as armed militants threaten a vital trade route. Expert warnings of a trade catastrophe are ringing alarm bells worldwide. Amid escalating conflicts in the Red Sea, Associate Professor Aat Pisanwanich, an international economics guru, has raised the red flag on the severe consequences…
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Siriraj Hospital to upgrade elderly healthcare
Siriraj Hospital is set to unveil its Academic Centre of Geriatric Medicine, a game-changer for Thai elders’ healthcare. With Thailand hurtling towards a super-aged society, this initiative, in collaboration with Minor Food Group, promises to reshape the future of healthcare. At a press conference yesterday, December 21, Wisit Vamvanij, Siriraj’s deputy dean, revealed the hospital’s ambitious plan. “Thailand is on…
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Russian arrested after smashing car and attacking Thai man in Chon Buri
Police arrested a Russian man for smashing a car and attacking a Thai man in the Nong Prue district in Chon Buri province yesterday, December 21. Locals called officers from the Bang Lamung Police Station to suppress the incident and control the Russian man, later identified as 38 year old Vladmin Dereviannykh. He reportedly smashed a sedan of a resident…
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Staggering investment of 150 billion baht in AOT airports
In a move set to revolutionise Thailand‘s air travel scene, Airports of Thailand (AOT) has unveiled ambitious plans for the construction of two new airports and a staggering investment of 150 billion baht. Speaking exclusively at the Section II: Next Step seminar on December 20, AOT’s dynamic CEO, Kirati Kitmanawat revealed plans for the Lanna and Andaman airports. These megastructures,…
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Chinese man allegedly leaves pregnant Thai woman over son preference
A Thai woman is seeking justice after her Chinese man left her and fled the country after discovering she was pregnant with their daughter, not a son. The 36 year old Thai woman named Noey asked the non-profit organisation, Saimai Survive, to help her seek justice. She told the organisation that the Chinese man lured her into marrying him but…
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Listening devices found at MCOT headquarters
Authorities unearthed concealed listening devices strategically placed within the conference rooms of Thailand‘s Mass Communication Organisation (MCOT) yesterday, December 21. The discovery took place during a thorough sweep of the MCOT headquarters. The eavesdropping devices, cunningly planted in the rooms designated for MCOT board meetings, sent shockwaves through the media landscape. The police, accompanied by forensic experts, meticulously combed through…
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Thailand surges towards marriage equality for same-sex couples
In a landmark moment for equality, Thailand‘s lawmakers have taken a giant leap towards embracing same-sex unions, passing not one but four groundbreaking bills on marriage equality in their initial reading. With an overwhelming 360 to 10 majority and one abstention, the House of Representatives paved the way for Thailand to potentially become the first ASEAN nation to legally recognise…
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Vietnamese man arrested for illegally operating beauty clinic in Bangkok condo
Officers from the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) arrested a Vietnamese man for turning a condominium in Bangkok into a beauty clinic and illegally providing beauty services without a permit. CPPD officers received a report that a Facebook user of a Vietnamese man advertised a beauty clinic in Bangkok. The complainant was unsure whether the beauty clinic was legal or…
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Drunk British suspect refuses arrest and tries to injure Thai police
Police released a video of a drunk British man refusing to be arrested and attempting to assault Thai police after he crashed his pickup into another vehicle in Sattahip district, Chon Buri province. The Englishman, identified as Martin, reportedly crashed his white Nissan pickup into a white Toyota Fortuner of a 43 year old Thai woman whose identity was not…
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