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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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Thai Vietjet’s festive fares drop to 24 baht
Thai Vietjet has unwrapped a festive treat for travel enthusiasts – the Season’s Greetings promotion. This airline extravaganza is gifting travellers with special fares starting from just THB 24 (excluding taxes and fees) for a sleigh-full of domestic and international routes. But this offer is only available for booking from December 21 to 25. Pack your bags for a holiday…
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From shy nerd to top bar host: Tokyo graduate earns up to 4 million baht monthly
The transformation of a shy nerd to a top bar host earning up to 4 million baht per month (US$115,540) is the story of Esuke, an engineering graduate from Tokyo University, Japan. Esuke’s journey from a reserved bookworm to a charismatic host in Shinjuku, Japan, within a year has taken many by surprise. Esuke, during his high school years, was…
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Thai health officials urge pertussis vaccination amid whooping cough outbreak
Following a severe outbreak of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, Thai health officials are urging parents to get their children vaccinated. The announcement was made today (December 26) by Chalermphol Osothpromma, the director of the Disease Control Office 12 in Songkhla. He revealed that there have been 45 confirmed cases in the health district 12, with one death in…
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Pattaya: Free rabies vaccinations in January
Pattaya‘s Department of Public Health and Environment proposed free vaccinations to battle rabies in 2024. The crusade covers a wide stretch of neighbourhoods, from the trendy Naklua (Moo 1 to 7) to the vibrant Nong Prue (Moo 5, 6, 9 to 13) and the serene Huay Yai (Moo 4). This groundbreaking initiative is not just about jabs; it throws in…
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Myanmar’s central bank extends deadline for exporters’ foreign earnings deposit
A mandate issued by the Central Bank of Myanmar demands exporters shipping goods beyond Asian territory to deposit their foreign earnings in domestic banks within 90 days, a significant increase from the previous 60-day requirement. The central bank, in a statement released on Monday, also directed companies exporting within Asia to deposit their earnings within 45 days, rather than the…
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Thai woman searches for lost winning lottery tickets to claim 24 million baht
A Thai woman is looking for her four lost lottery tickets that won the 24 million baht jackpot in October two months ago. She asked the Government Lottery Office (GLO) to investigate because she wrote her name and phone number on the back of the tickets. The 59 year old woman, Monta Ekwittayopart, sought help from a non-profit organisation Reclaim…
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Frangipani tree blooms after five years sparking luck beliefs in Phimai district
In the first blossoming in five years, a Frangipani tree has caused excitement in the community of Nakhon Ratchasima’s Phimai district. The residents fervently believe that a blooming Frangipani brings luck and prosperity, especially around the New Year. This particular tree is planted in front of the house numbered 127/1, owned by Sawang Suwongsombat, 62 years old. The locals have…
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Intoxicated tourist’s festive frolic on Pattaya Walking Street
On Pattaya Walking Street, a tourist found himself in the spotlight after refusing to foot the bill for his drinks, stirring a peaceful intervention by the local law enforcement on December 24. The tourist, whose identity remains undisclosed, showcased signs of inebriation, becoming uncooperative in settling his tab amounting to 198 baht. Responding swiftly to the distress call from the…
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Tragic demise of Nakhon Ratchasima man blamed on heavy drinking
A sudden cardiac arrest tragically claimed the life of a 50 year old man, Komin, suspected to be caused by heavy alcohol consumption and existing health conditions. The incident occurred behind his residence in the Chong Kho community, in the large province of Nakhon Ratchasima. Initial reports suggested that the deceased had been dead for at least an hour before…
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Thai woman shares experience in helping airline catch thief on plane
A Thai woman issued a warning to air travellers, recounting her experience in helping an airline to catch a thief who stole money from a fellow passenger during a flight from Bangkok to Hong Kong. A Facebook user, Kanya Chumsana, shared her experience of witnessing a theft and aiding in the arrest to a Facebook group called Travelling in Europe…
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Americans’ top 3 festive escapes: Italy, Japan, and Thailand take the lead
Italy reigns supreme as the ultimate festive haven, clocking in nearly 93,000 average searches from September to December this year. An ever-popular year-round destination, Italy transforms into a winter wonder with charming markets, exceptional skiing facilities, and high-altitude luxury in the Italian Alps – a must-visit for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Taking an unexpected second place is Japan, with 33,275.49 average…
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Police officer fatally stabbed while calming drug addict in Nakhon Phanom
In a tragic incident, a police officer lost his life while attempting to pacify a known drug addict in That Phanom district, Nakhon Phanom, on Sunday. The late officer, Pol Lt Issrawut Kopolrat, served as the deputy crime suppression chief at That Phanom station. The unfortunate event unfolded in Ban Choke Amnuay in tambon Ummao, where a 49 year old…
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Huawei Thailand secures prime minister’s cybersecurity excellence award
For the second year running, Huawei Thailand has secured the esteemed Prime Minister Awards: Thailand Cybersecurity Excellence Award 2023, underscoring the firm’s unwavering commitment to bolstering Thailand’s cybersecurity standards. The award was presented to Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co Ltd, headed by CEO David Li, by the Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Prasert Jantararuangtong, yesterday. These accolades are conferred upon…
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MFP Pita to face court on January 31
The Constitutional Court has slated January 31 to give its ruling in the case against former Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat and the party itself. The stakes are high, with accusations flying that they aimed to dismantle Thailand’s constitutional democracy, placing the revered King as the head of state, through a controversial election campaign seeking to amend the…
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PM’s festive fashion fiasco: Srettha Thavisin’s Christmas socks surprise
In a yuletide twist at Government House, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin turned heads yesterday, December 25, sporting eye-catching red and green Christmas socks that left reporters questioning their powers of observation. The festive saga unfolded when the prime minister breezed into the reporters’ room, bearing gifts of decadent Italian panettone, each weighing a generous 10 kilogrammes. The sweet and buttery…
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Ambulance blocked by pickup truck in Pattaya sparks social backlash
A white pickup truck blocking an ambulance on its way to tend to a foreign patient experiencing chest pain has sparked a social backlash. The incident occurred yesterday, December 25, with the 48 year old poster of the clip, Taveeporn, urging people to make way for ambulances. The incident took place near a condominium close to the scene of the…
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Thai industries battle tide of cheap imports: Government gears up for tough measures
In a bid to rescue Thailand‘s floundering manufacturing sector, the Thai government is gearing up for a fierce showdown against a deluge of low-priced imports that threaten to drown local industries. The Commerce Ministry’s crackdown, aimed primarily at products flooding in from China, promises to safeguard Thai manufacturers from the relentless assault on their market share. Thailand’s industrial output has…
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Thailand tightens border control to curb illegal wildlife smuggling
A concerted effort to tighten borders and stifle illegal wildlife trafficking is underway in Thailand, led by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. The department is collaborating with multiple state agencies responsible for border control to clamp down on wildlife smuggling gangs. This action is part of the country’s observance of National Wildlife Protection Day. Narongrit Sookprakan,…
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Thai MICE boom faces hurdles next year
Thailand‘s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) industry, once on the brink, surged back to 80% of its 2019 glory this year, however, a looming slowdown in 2024 raises eyebrows. Thailand’s MICE industry is poised for a remarkable recovery, reaching 80% of its pre-pandemic revenue in 2019. President of Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA), Sumate Sudasna, highlights Thailand’s allure as…
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Phuket taxi driver drives away foreign woman over air conditioning dispute
A Thai taxi driver faced criticism for a viral video of him chasing away a foreign passenger by pulling her out of his cab. The driver defended himself saying the foreign woman kicked his car door over an air conditioning dispute. The Facebook page, โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต (meaning so brutal, Phuket province), shared a video when a Thai taxi driver pulling…
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Japan revs up Thai automotive industry: Major automakers inject 150 billion baht boost
In a move set to ignite Thailand‘s automotive industry, four major Japanese car giants are gearing up to pump a staggering 150 billion baht into manufacturing electric vehicles (EVs) in the country. This collaboration underscores Thailand’s ascent as a powerhouse in the automotive world and spotlights the government’s triumphant push towards an electrifying future. Four heavyweight Japanese automotive juggernauts are…
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Middle-aged man tricks viewers using AI face-swapping technology on TikTok
A TikTok user, @aifaceai, caused a stir on social media after revealing the true identity of a seemingly attractive female streamer. The streamer was initially believed to be a beautiful woman, given her natural demeanour, and seemingly no use of beauty filters. However, when the artificial intelligence (AI) software was suddenly switched off, the viewers were left in shock as…
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340 tonnes of seized narcotics to be burnt, says government
In an unprecedented move to combat the soaring drug crisis, 340 tonnes of seized narcotics are set to go up in flames at the Bang Pu Industrial Estate in Samut Prakan over a two-week operation commencing today, December 26. Led by Justice Minister Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong and Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew, the ceremonious drug incineration aims to create…
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Pregnant vendor in Surat Thani killed in tragic road accident: leaves two children orphaned
A tragic road accident claimed the life of a pregnant vendor in Surat Thani, leaving her two children orphaned. The driver, a young woman, lost control of her pickup truck, crashing into the roadside vendor and causing significant property damage. Witnesses claim that following the accident, the driver showed no remorse and didn’t check on the injured, instead, she fled…
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Thai woman arrested for fraudulent Facebook charity scam in Rayong
A 23 year old woman from Khon Kaen, Juthamas Poolmee, was apprehended by the Anti-Trafficking Police squad for fraudulently using Facebook to deceive charitable individuals into donating money. The arrest, which occurred today at a dormitory in Chiang Nern, Mueang District, Rayong, followed a warrant issued by the Trat Provincial Court on November 20. Juthamas was charged with deceiving the…
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Brutal assault at Chon Buri nightclub leaves young men seriously injured
Tan, a 21 year old victim of a brutal assault at a well-known nightclub in Chon Buri was dragged out from the bathroom and beaten, leaving him and a friend seriously injured. The incident, which happened in the early hours yesterday, was sparked by a misunderstanding that the young men were using drugs in the club’s bathroom. Tan revealed that…
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Bangkok driver warns of aggressive young windscreen washer
A Thai driver issued a warning to other motorists after a young windscreen washer showed violent behaviour and threatened him for refusing his windscreen washing service at Asoke Intersection in Bangkok. Anyone driving cars in Bangkok may be familiar with young boys or girls selling garlands or offering car window wiping services on roads. They seized opportunities of the heavy…
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Life sentence for Pattalung man in attempted murder case
37 year old Chawalit Thongduang, also known as Paeng Nahonod, has been sentenced to life imprisonment by a Pattalung provincial court for the attempted murder of an officer back in 2019. The court verdict was announced today, following Paeng’s escape from the hospital at 10am. The case, number 175/2565, had a total of five defendants, with the Pattalung provincial prosecutor…
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Bangkok collector’s home raided: 35 firearms seized
A significant collection of firearms was discovered in the residence of a local Bangkok collector. The police seized over 35 guns and a large number of bullets. Despite the discovery, the homeowner, a fan of Japanese collectables and firearms, had no intention to sell or misuse the weapons. Today (December 25) Deputy Chief of Police, Naris Prathanaporn, along with Phawat…
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South Thailand hit by extensive flooding due to heavy rain
South Thailand has been hit by extensive flooding over the last two days due to relentless heavy rain, impacting Narathiwat and Yala provinces. The flood has affected 67 sub-districts across 16 districts, disrupting the lives of thousands of inhabitants. The inundation in Narathiwat has flooded nine districts on Monday morning, including Waeng, Sukhirin, Chanae, Rangae, Sungai Padi, Si Sakhon, Cho…
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