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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 Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run
Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...
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Rain and shine: Thailand braced for torrential takeover
Get your brollies out, folks, the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) is sounding the alarm today, predicting relentless downpours across 29 provinces. Yes, that includes Bangkok! Brace yourselves, as about 40% of the city could face a serious soaking. Residents are advised to be cautious of potential flash floods, forest runoffs, and landslides, especially in mountainous regions and low-lying areas. The…
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Heartfelt project: Thai photographer offers portraits and snacks to border soldiers
A Thai photographer offered free portraits and snacks to soldiers stationed at Prasat Ta Muean Thom, a tourist attraction located near the Thailand-Cambodia border and associated with territorial tensions, as a gesture of encouragement and appreciation for their hard work. The photographer, Jirasak “G” Charoenwong, shared a video on his TikTok account, @photoharvest_g_lee, on Sunday, June 22. The caption read: “The…
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Vietnamese passport dreams are made of this, leaving Thailand behind
Vietnam has torn up the red tape for foreigners with local family, making it easier than ever to bag a Vietnamese passport, no lingo, no money, and no five-year wait required, leaving Thailand behind. Foreigners married to Vietnamese citizens, or with family roots in the country, can now apply for citizenship without needing to speak the language, prove they can…
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Half-price holidays: Thailand’s 1.75 billion baht tourism boost
Thailand is rolling out an exciting new campaign to encourage domestic tourism, with a generous budget of 1.75 billion baht set aside to fuel the Half-Half Thailand Travel initiative. Announced by Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong today, June 24, the programme is designed to stimulate travel during the low season, aiming to bolster the country’s tourism industry and help…
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UN urges Thailand to tackle cross-border trafficking linked to scams
The United Nations issued a stark letter to the Thai government, demanding answers on its role in combating cross-border human trafficking connected to online scam operations across Southeast Asia. The communication, sent on March 10, calls for urgent clarification on 10 critical points, highlighting serious concerns over human trafficking and forced labour in scam centres, which are reportedly operating in…
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Pattaya to fine businesses blocking roads and footpaths
Pattaya City officials have launched a crackdown on hotels and businesses that continue to block public roads and footpaths with signs, barriers, or parked vehicles. In a bold move aimed at restoring accessibility for locals and tourists, officials warned of fines and enforcement actions for those who obstruct public spaces. The crackdown comes as frustration grows among residents and visitors,…
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Tourism slump in Thailand as political instability sparks concerns
Thailand’s foreign tourism numbers have taken a hit, with arrivals from January 1 to June 22 falling by 4.24% compared to the same period last year, according to the latest data from the Tourism and Sports Ministry. Some 16.04 million foreign visitors came to the country during this period, but the dip in numbers has raised concerns among tourism operators…
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Thai man turns himself in after unprovoked assault on 2 gay men
A Thai man surrendered to police after assaulting two gay men in the Isaan province of Sakon Nakhon on Saturday, June 21, despite having no prior conflict with the victims. The incident came to public attention after the Facebook page Jmoi V+ shared videos of the assault along with images of the suspect, identified only as Joe. The attack occurred…
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Thai scammer caught before monkhood escape attempt
Thai police apprehended 43 year old man in Wang Nam Khiao district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, and charged with fraud and providing false information to a computer system. The suspect, Patcharat, linked to a call centre gang in Poipet, was preparing to enter the monkhood to evade legal consequences. The arrest yesterday, June 23, followed an investigation triggered by a complaint…
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Pattaya hit by torrential rain: Flash floods and storm warnings
Pattaya was hit hard by torrential rain late Sunday night into yesterday morning, as the beachside city grappled with heavy downpours that left streets flooded and traffic snarled. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather warning for Pattaya and surrounding areas, predicting more heavy rain and advising residents and tourists to stay vigilant. According to the TMD, very…
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DSI appeals to Frenchman for unsolved 2007 murder of Japanese woman
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is seeking the cooperation of a foreign national, believed to be a Frenchman, who may hold key information in the unsolved murder case of a Japanese woman in Sukhothai, which occurred 18 years ago. The victim, 27 year old Tomoko Kawashita, was found dead at the historic Saphan Hin Temple in Sukhothai on November…
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Chulalongkorn University ranks among top 10 in ASEAN
Chulalongkorn University has solidified its position as one of Southeast Asia’s premier institutions, securing a spot in the top 10 universities in ASEAN according to the QS World University Rankings (WUR) 2026. Announced on June 19, this prestigious recognition highlights the university’s continued excellence in education, academic reputation, and employability outcomes. Not only does Chulalongkorn remain at the forefront of…
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2026 World Cup stripped from ‘Must-Have’ TV broadcast list
The Royal Gazette published a new announcement from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), removing the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup from the list of “Must-Have” sports for free TV broadcasting. The update signals a shift in television regulations that will impact how key events, including major international sports, are accessible to Thai viewers. The decision, detailed in the…
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Thailand evacuates 3,000 workers amid Israel-Iran conflict
Thailand plans to evacuate around 3,000 Thai construction workers from Israel, along with 73 people from Iran, due to the conflict between the two countries, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). MFA spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura announced yesterday that the Thai embassy in Tel Aviv, along with other Thai embassies in the Middle East, successfully evacuated the first group…
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Thai exports at risk as Strait of Hormuz closes
Thai National Shippers’ Council chairperson Tanakorn Kasetsuwan yesterday discussed potential impacts following Iran’s decision to close the Strait of Hormuz due to Middle Eastern tensions. Tanakorn yesterday, June 23, outlined six strategies to mitigate the effects on the oil, fertiliser, and agriculture sectors, urging the Thai government to ensure energy security and minimise long-term risks. The closure of the Strait…
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Bangkok man arrested for selling e-cigarettes via online store
Police in Phetkasem arrested a 32 year old man for using an online clothing store as a front to sell electronic cigarettes. The arrest took place yesterday, June 23, in front of a department store in Phetkasem, Bangkok, with police seizing some 166 items, including disposable electronic cigarette pods and refill liquids. Under the direction of Police Major General Pallop Aermla,…
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Tragic drowning of man in Udon Thani pond
A 51 year old man has been found dead in a pond in Baan Khok Phatthana, Phon Ngam subdistrict, Nong Han district, Udon Thani province. The discovery was made yesterday, June 23, at approximately 4.50pm when a family member found his shoes by the pond’s edge. Despite attempts to rescue him, he had already succumbed to drowning due to a…
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Phuket governor’s China trip boosts cancer care and green tech
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwanarat recently led a high-profile delegation to Guangdong province, China, on a fact-finding mission to explore cutting-edge cancer treatment, modern urban development, and green technology. The visit, which aimed at boosting Phuket’s public health services and advancing its vision of becoming a smart, low-carbon city, is set to provide invaluable insights for the island’s future. On Saturday,…
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Thai man kills sister-in-law for allegedly serving his mother omelettes
A Thai man fatally shot his sister-in-law at the weekend at a house in the northern province of Kamphaeng Phet, allegedly because she served inadequate food to his elderly mother. Officers from Khlong Lan Police Station arrested the 42 year old suspect, identified as Arsia, on Sunday, June 22, at the scene in the Pong Namron sub-district of Khlong Lan…
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Fishing vessel fire off Surat Thani coast claims one life
A fishing vessel caught fire and sank off the coast of Surat Thani, resulting in the death of one crew member. Yesterday, June 23, at 3pm, Vice Admiral Nares Wongtrakun, director of the 2nd Naval Area Command, ordered Captain Natthaphon Sinphunphon, deputy director of the Surat Thani Maritime Enforcement Command Centre, to dispatch a high-speed rescue vessel, Sornchon 4003, to…
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Thai cavalry seizes six million meth tablets in Chiang Mai clash
A special forces cavalry unit named Chaiyanuphap engaged in a confrontation with approximately 30 drug traffickers during a patrol operation in Chiang Mai. The clash took place yesterday, June 23, in Mueang Na subdistrict, Chiang Dao district, Chiang Mai province, resulting in the seizure of over six million methamphetamine tablets. While patrolling in Baan Arunothai, soldiers from the 2nd Cavalry…
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Krabi Airport soars as 5 airlines request landing slots
Krabi Airport is rapidly becoming one of Thailand’s most exciting aviation hubs, with five international airlines applying for landing slots. The surge in interest signals a growing global confidence in the airport’s capabilities and potential as a gateway to the Andaman region. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri revealed that the Department of Airports (DoA) participated in the 156th International Air…
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Thai axe man damages car with child inside in Chon Buri road rage
A Thai man threatened and damaged another man’s car with an axe after a road dispute in Chon Buri. The victim condemned the suspect, saying his wife and five year old son were in the car during the violent scene. The 31 year old victim, Withit, filed a complaint with Ban Bueng Police Station after the incident, which occurred at…
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High and dry: Health minister’s war on cannabis shops
The minister of public health declared a dramatic U-turn on cannabis policy but with thousands of shops raking in billions and a booming weed culture now woven into daily life, critics say his war on weed is destined to go up in smoke. Health chief Somsak Thepsuthin sent shockwaves through Thailand’s green economy today, June 24, by signing off on…
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Bangkok’s Green Line future in doubt: Will 20-baht fare survive?
As the Green Line’s concession approaches its expiration in 2029, the Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) is preparing to release a groundbreaking study to explore four potential operational models that could keep the popular 20-baht flat fare policy alive. This move comes after Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt proposed a transfer of the Green Line project to the Ministry of Transport, believing…
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High stakes on the high life: Phuket drug busts soar
Phuket’s seedy underbelly is under fresh scrutiny after a sharp spike in drug crimes this year, with police battling everything from cut-price meth to cocaine-fuelled parties in tourist hotspots. Government officials revealed the island paradise is facing a rising tide of narcotics offences, with 1,899 drug cases logged between October 2024 and May 2025, a jump of over 10% on…
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Fishing boat capsizes off Phuket, one rescued, one missing
A local fishing boat capsized amid turbulent seas off the coast of Phuket, leading to one person being rescued while another remains missing. The incident occurred at approximately 4.10pm yesterday, June 23, when the Andaman Narenthorn Centre alerted the Third Naval Area Command of the event. The boat, which had two people onboard, capsized roughly 1 kilometre from the Thasak…
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80 year old Thai man fatally shoots drug-addicted grandson in Isaan
An 80 year old Thai man surrendered to the police after fatally shooting his drug-addicted grandson in a paddy field in the northeastern province of Nong Bua Lamphu. Officers from Na Klang Police Station investigated the death of 30 year old Mongkhon, who was found in the middle of a rice field in the Khao Kloi sub-district, Na Klang district,…
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Phuket the bomb! Pair nicked in plot to deliver deadly cargo
Two men from Thailand’s insurgency-hit Deep South have been arrested in a chilling plot to smuggle homemade bombs into Phuket, with a suspicious timer device hidden in their boot sparking a dramatic early morning police sting. At around 3.30am, today, June 24, officers manning a checkpoint near Phang Nga Provincial Hall stopped a black saloon car with Surin plates after…
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Thailand’s double-track railway project to revolutionise transport
The Ministry of Transport is pushing full steam ahead with the second phase of its ambitious double-track railway development project, which will span a massive 1,249 kilometres and cost an eye-watering 297.9 billion baht. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, who is overseeing the project, has promised significant benefits for the country’s transport system. According to Suriya, the…
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