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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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Thailand mayor resigns following arrest over 600,000 baht extortion charges
Weerachart Rasamee, the son-in-law of Thailand’s Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaised, stepped down from his role as municipal mayor following an arrest linked to alleged extortion charges. The incident unfolded in Uthai Thani province, with Weerachart being apprehended on Tuesday. Chada shared yesterday, October 25, that Weerachart offered his apologies for the incident after being granted bail on Tuesday evening.…
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Chiang Mai singer Farm faces legal action for setting trousers on fire on stage
Chiang Mai administration officials detained a well-known singer for setting his trousers on fire during a live performance, a violation of Thai law. The incident occurred at an entertainment venue in the Chang Phueak district at around 11.30pm yesterday. Farm, the lead vocalist of the band MOONHUNTERS, was performing on stage when he doused his trousers in fuel and set…
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Impending heavy rainfall threatens 40 Thai provinces, Bangkok residents warned of potential flash floods
Heavy rainfall has been forecasted by the Thailand Meteorological Department (TMD) for today, affecting 40 provinces, including Bangkok. The capital city is expected to witness heavy rainfall covering 60% of the area, urging residents to be cautious of potential flash floods and sudden runoff. The weather prediction for the next 24 hours is due to a high-pressure system or a…
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Thai worker pleads for government help to retrieve twin brother’s body from Israel
A 36 year old Thai worker is urging the Thai government to assist in locating the body of his twin brother, who was fatally attacked during a Hamas-led assault on the Gaza Strip. His twin brother, whose body is undergoing identification in Israel, joined him in Israel six months after he began working there in 2019. While he was employed…
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Thai workers may be released in next Hamas prisoner batch, says PM
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday hinted at possible positive developments regarding the Thai workers held hostage by Hamas. Expectations are high that they may be part of the next release batch, following negotiations facilitated by Qatar. However, the Thai prime minister has not yet had an in-depth discussion with Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara on the matter. Out of the 50…
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Illegal forest gambling den in Chon Buri raided, 29 arrested including policeman
A thicket on the outskirts of Ban Phu Thai village, Chon Buri province, hid an illicit hi-lo gambling den until October 24. Banglamung police and administrative authorities, acting on local complaints, raided the operation at 10.30pm. The police arrested 29 individuals, including one who appeared to be a policeman, in the hidden den within the forested landscape. Upon the raid,…
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Thai karaoke shop owner arrested in anti-human trafficking operation
Tuesday, October 24 marked an important day for the fight against human trafficking in Nakhon Si Thammarat, as officials from the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) and allied agencies undertook a significant operation. The focus of their action was a karaoke store located in Thung Song, a town in the province, which was under suspicion for illicit activities. The law…
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Chon Buri man filmed in indecent act outside convenience store, community calls for police action
A 20 year old youth caused a stir in the community of Phanat Nikhom, Chon Buri when he was caught on camera inappropriately touching himself outside a convenience store. The incident occurred yesterday and was filmed by a local. The young man, who was wearing just a beanie to cover his face, was also taking a selfie with his phone…
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MQDC’s Well Living Expo: Building a sustainable future one home at a time with a 30-year warranty
Leading real estate developer MQDC hailed the success of its MQDC Well Living Expo at Siam Paragon, which took place from October 12 to 15. The expo stressed the importance of holistic homes and a 30-year warranty towards achieving a sustainable quality of life, in line with MQDC’s For All Well-Being mission. Chief Operating Officer of MQDC, Assada Kaeokhiao, said…
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3 Burmese men accuse Thai police of extorting 100,000 baht
Three Burmese men sought help from the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive after accusing Thai officers at Borwin Police Station in Chon Buri of filing false charges in a bid to arrest and physically assault them to extort 100,000 baht. After receiving the complaint from the Burmese men, Saimai Survive, posted the story on Facebook yesterday, October 24, along with a…
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Pink gecko discovery in central Thailand stirs lottery hopes among locals
A unique pink-coloured gecko was spotted under a sofa at a house in Tha Chumphon, Photharam District, Ratchaburi. The discovery has caused quite a stir among the local community and lottery enthusiasts. The house owner, 53 year old Suchitra, tried to capture the reptile but failed due to its lightning speed. She believes the gecko brings good luck and might…
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Thai schools warned about unapproved candy balls’ sale posing health risks to students
Education authorities issued a health warning about the sale of candy balls near schools. These products, which do not have Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and are not correctly labelled according to Ministry of Public Health announcements and Food Act B.E. 2522, could potentially harm children’s health. This was revealed today by Pheumpoon Chidchob, Education Minister. The FDA had…
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Explorers ‘rattled’ with excitement as rare Blue-tailed Cave Racer snakes spotted mating in Krabi
Endangered Blue-tailed Cave Racer snakes have been spotted mating in a cave in Krabi province, stirring excitement among cave explorers and prompting calls for conservation. Manasathit, also known as Guide Nong, a 40 year old member of the Krabi Cave Lovers Club, led a group of national and international fossil experts on a cave expedition in the Ao Luek district.…
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Drunk driving monk: Altercation causes 8,000 baht damage to Thai teacher’s car
A video of a drunk-driving Buddhist monk in an inebriated state, engaging in a traffic altercation, has gone viral online. The monk, driving a sedan, collided with another vehicle after crossing into the wrong lane. The incident escalated into a verbal dispute with the other party involved. The police were called, and an alcohol test revealed that the monk’s alcohol level…
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Safety measures doubted after Yaba addict bites off Thai nurse’s finger
A Thai nurse raised concerns regarding safety measures for medical professionals after a Yaba (methamphetamine) addict lost control during treatment at a hospital and bit off a colleague’s finger. The nurse, whose identity remains undisclosed, revealed to the public that the shocking incident took place on Monday, October 23, and was the most frightening event she had experienced in 11…
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Father’s viral post: Humorously lists son for sale after iPhone 15 pro max mishap
A viral social media post has been making rounds, where a father humorously announced the availability of his 12 year old son for purchase. Jackie Chew’s son had recently damaged his new iPhone 15 Pro Max, however, the device still functioned normally. The post quickly became a source of humour amongst netizens as the father cleverly listed his son’s ‘specifications’…
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Wang Thonglang police apprehend two Narathiwat natives in late-night methamphetamine bust
Police officers from Wang Thonglang Station apprehended two young men accused of dealing methamphetamines. The suspects, both from Yingo District in the Narathiwat Province, attempted to flee upon spotting the officers. They discarded their illicit drugs along the way, which were later recovered. Both confessed to intending to sell the drugs to teenagers. The arrest took place in the middle…
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Phuket’s spirit sobered: 24-hour alcohol ban for Wan Org Pansa holiday
Popular Thai tourist destination Phuket will observe a strict 24-hour ban on alcohol sales starting from midnight on Saturday, as part of the country’s observance of the Buddhist religious holiday, Wan Org Pansa. This event, which takes place on Sunday, October 29, marks the culmination of the three-month season known as the Rains Retreat, often referred to as Buddhist Lent.…
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Workplace abuse: Japanese restaurant owner in Bangkok accused of abusing young waitress for years
A brutal case of workplace abuse was reported in a Japanese restaurant located in Bangkok where the owner physically tortured a 21 year old waitress. The victim, identified as A, revealed her ordeal of being subjected to horrific physical abuse, culminating in intense burns all over her body. The workplace abuse case was brought to light yesterday, October 24, when…
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Gold shop’s underwear thief leaves police searching for man who ‘phoned it in’ in Isaan
Police are searching for a male thief in underwear who stole a mobile phone from a Heng Heng Yaowarat gold shop in Udon Thani province, Isaan. No, it’s not a Viz episode of Felix and his Amazing Underpants and the man in “hefty undercrackers” did anything but bring a “little sunshine into people’s lives.” The owner of a gold shop,…
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Vehicular accident in Chiang Rai leaves driver dead and over 20 students injured
A tragic vehicular accident involving a six-wheeled private delivery truck and a student minibus resulted in the death of the minibus driver and injured over 20 students. The incident occurred today in the jurisdiction of Pa Daet Police Station, Chiang Rai. The authorities were notified about the accident on Road No. 1126 in the Mai Tai Village, Moo 6, Pa…
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Thai banks see 0.71% loan growth as SMEs and households struggle
Thailand’s top six banks reported a meagre loan growth of 0.71% in the first three quarters of 2023, as compared to the same period in 2022. This slowdown is primarily due to reduced loan uptake by small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and an increase in household debt. The six banks—Bangkok Bank (BBL), Kasikornbank (KBank), Krungthai Bank (KTB), Siam Commercial Bank…
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Phuket taxis: Drivers demand action against illegal private car services
Over 100 public transport operators, including metered taxi drivers, green plate taxis, and passenger van drivers, assembled at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday to formally complain. They are demanding that the Phuket provincial government take more robust action against illegal private car services operating through taxi apps on the island. The formal complaint was received by Phuket Vice Governor Amnuay Pinsuwan…
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Frigate negotiations: RTN discusses submarine switch controversy
Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang announced plans to assign the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) to enter into negotiations with China to reduce the cost of a frigate. This decision comes in the wake of the Thai government’s resolution to acquire such a vessel as a substitute for a submarine. Anticipated to depart for China next week, an RTN delegation will conduct…
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Thai police to enforce Public Penalty Act: no imprisonment for minor offences, fines only
Police across Thailand today will begin implementing the Public Penalty Act, which allows for fines instead of criminal punishments. The new mandate, signed by the National Police Chief, ensures that individuals won’t face imprisonment or detention in lieu of fines and that their offences will not be recorded in their criminal history. This move took effect today at the National…
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BGRIM’s solar sonata: Renewable energy giant strikes the right chord in Italy
BGRIM, a leading player in the renewable energy sector, has launched a new project for a solar power plant in Italy. The Ortanova project involves the development of an 80.9-megawatt ground solar energy system, complete with a tracking system. This initiative is in response to the growing global demand for clean energy. The undertaking is steered by RES Co Sicilia…
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Debt collector’s haunting discovery: Bank employee stumbles upon dead body in Chon Buri
A Thai bank employee stumbled upon the dead body of a Thai woman when he visited her home to collect a debt in Chon Buri province. It is predicted that the woman took her own life at least three months before she was found. Narrating his shocking experience to Channel 7, the bank employee said his manager had ordered him…
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Thai train station offers refund after Facebook complaint over unexpected 100 baht fee
A popular Facebook page shared a complaint about train station staff closing ticket booths and directing passengers to purchase tickets on-board, leading to an additional 100 baht fee. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has since clarified the situation and offered a refund. A local train passenger yesterday took to the famous Facebook page อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 6 to express…
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Popular food blogger’s 11 million baht Ho Chi Minh penthouse plagued with water leaks and cracks
After investing over 11 million baht (US$304,321) in a high-end penthouse in Ho Chi Minh City, 30 year old food blogger and YouTuber Đặng Anh Vũ from Hanoi faced unexpected issues with his new abode. Despite meticulous planning and attention to every detail, Vũ experienced severe problems with water leakage and cracked walls after only two years of residence. Vũ…
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Thailand’s business travel bounce-back: TCEB predicts 2024 revival, 2019 return by 2025-26
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) forecasts a business travel sector revival by 2024, with 23.2 million travellers expected. However, it predicts a business travel return to the pre-pandemic levels of 2019 only by 2025 or 2026 due to global economic unpredictability. TCEB’s president, Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, revealed that their business travel revival strategy will focus on stimulating…
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