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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 Is private health insurance in Thailand worth it? Real costs vs risks explained
Thailand has a strong healthcare system with both public and private options. Public hospitals offer affordable care, but many people, including expats, choose private health insurance for faster service, modern facilities, and more treatment choices. To decide if private health...
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Flour protest: Activist group targets Palang Pracharath members at Pheu Thai office
Political chaos erupted outside the Pheu Thai Party head office in Bangkok yesterday, as the Thalu Wang activist group staged a disruptive protest, demanding the party cease negotiations with Thailand’s military-backed factions. The protest, which saw flour being poured on Palang Pracharath Party (PPP) members, resulted in the cancellation of a press conference. The roots of this turmoil can be…
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10 dead after school gym roof collapse in China’s Qiqihar City
The roof of a school gymnasium in Qiqihar City, located in northeast China‘s Heilongjiang Province, collapsed yesterday, leading to the death of 10 people. One person remains unaccounted for and trapped in the rubble. The incident, which took place over the weekend, affected 19 people who were in the gym at the time. The rescue unit reported… “Around 160 firefighters,…
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Ford Thailand showcases Ranger Raptor’s potential in thrilling off-road media event
In a recent initiative called the Ford Ranger Raptor Unbeatable Experience, Ford Thailand championed the capabilities of its leading 1-tonne pickup truck, the Ford Ranger Raptor. The experiential event allowed the Thai media to get a first-hand taste of the vehicle’s off-road and cross-country prowess. An impressive fleet composed of the 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel and 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol models…
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Unyielding monsoon rains trigger flood and landslide alerts in 44 Thailand provinces
According to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), an unbroken spread of rainfall is affecting 44 provinces across Thailand, with a heavy downfall of 80% covering areas including Bangkok. The relentless rain is forecasted to continue into the next 24 hours. The TMD warns of potential dangers with flash floods and landslides being a significant concern, particularly in low-lying areas, and…
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Clam-bushed in Thailand: 53 year old diver vanishes, family in deep distres
The family of a 53 year old diver are distraught after he disappeared whilst fishing for clams in a reservoir in northern Thailand. His motorbike and discarded shoes were found at the reservoir yesterday, leading his family to believe he had drowned. Police were alerted to the man’s disappearance, leading a coordinated search with local divers. The local police from…
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Traffic accident: Horrific crash in torrential rain claims lives of two Burmese workers in Thailand
Two Burmese workers died when a heavy downpour led to a horrific traffic accident in Thailand. The accident, involving a car and a motorcycle, occurred near Chonprathan Road, Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi Province, resulting in two fatalities at the scene. At around 8.10pm yesterday, local police and medical staff from Damnoen Saduak Hospital rushed to the accident scene, following an…
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Chumphon durian farmer fatally shot: Locals feared regular gunfire
Police are on the hunt for a gunman who shot dead a 63 year old durian farm owner in his backyard. Locals reported frequent gunfire from the victim’s farm, causing anxiety amidst fears of stray shots. The incident occurred at around 4.30pm today when the police received a report of a fatal shooting in a durian orchard in southern Thailand.…
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District official accused of workplace affair and misconduct
The permanent secretary of the Art Samart District Office in the Isaan province of Roiet has been accused of having a scandalous affair within the workplace and granted special leave days to his alleged lover. On Thursday, July 20, the Facebook page, Watchdog (ปฏิบัติการหมาเฝ้าบ้าน), shared a picture of a Thai woman with text on the top of the picture saying… “Phi…
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Thailand’s smartphone market holds promise despite economic strain
In these difficult financial times, Thailand’s smartphone market still carries incredible potential for device makers, particularly in high-end models, despite reduced support of handset subsidies by mobile operators, according to Oppo, a leading Chinese smartphone maker. With a market value exceeding 100 billion baht, Thailand’s smartphone market is regarded as a gem within Southeast Asia. The Senior Executive Vice-President at…
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Thai entrepreneur couple found dead in their home, baffling Nakhon Ratchasima community
The dead bodies of a Thai entrepreneur couple, with a gripping rags-to-riches tale, were found on their home turf after having been out of touch for four days. A time-stamped 4pm report confirmed the event unfolded yesterday in the Nakhon Ratchasima district, northern Thailand. The shocking discovery of a Thai entrepreneur couple, aged 48 and 43 years old respectively, came…
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Thai Android users lose money in ThaID app scam orchestrated via SMS
In an emerging threat to privacy and finances, Android smartphone users in Thailand are being entangled in a sophisticated cyber scam. Orchestrated through the pretence of updating the mobile app ThaID, the scammers acquire remote control of the victim’s phones, enabling them to steal funds. The Department of Provincial Administration (DPA) notified the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) of this…
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Thailand’s economy eyes rebound in 2023 buoyed by China’s booming influence
A light of hope has started to shine on the future of Thailand’s economy as we look forward to this year, and China’s influence as a significant driving force cannot be ignored, so suggests a leading Thai economist. The said economist, Kirida Bhaopichitr, who honours the position of Director for the Economic Intelligence Service at the Thailand Development Research Institute…
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Car fire: Luxury vehicle bursts into flames on Bhumibol Bridge, family escapes unharmed
A prestigious factory owner and his family barely escaped when their luxury vehicle spontaneously caught fire on the Bhumibol Bridge. The car fire incident took place while the man was driving his wife and three children home from a shopping centre. The entire car was scorched when the fire took hold, however, incredibly, there were no injuries. An investigator from…
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Thai police net 966 in nationwide operation against illegal firearms
In a month-long nationwide operation spanning from July 1, Thai police have succeeded in apprehending 966 individuals and seizing a notable amount of illegal firearms and ammunition. The operation’s deputy leader, Police General Torsak Sukwimol, delivered an update on the progress on Sunday. As of July 21, officers have sought out 1,658 targets across the country, netting nearly a thousand…
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Safety fears rise as key Phuket boat tour facility Chalong Pier sinks again
In Thailand, Chalong Pier, a key Phuket boat tour facility is under scrutiny as concerns are being raised about the potential safety hazards it poses. The main pontoon, used by tourists to board tour boats, is reportedly sinking again and is visibly covered in rust. The pontoon in question had previously gone under reparations last year when it started sinking.…
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Bluebottle influx at Phuket’s Layan Beach: officials urge caution
Layan Beach has seen the arrival of Portuguese man-o-war, commonly referred to as ‘bluebottles’, washed ashore by the tide. Beachgoers are urged to observe caution and remain vigilant in light of this current issue. This concern was brought to the public awareness by an avid reader of Phuket News who discovered four to five bluebottles on the shoreline on a…
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Extended Thai public holidays offer rare six-day break amidst King’s birthday
In the week ahead, residents and visitors in Phuket are encouraged to soak up a rare bounty of public holidays, set across five out of six consecutive days. Starting next Friday (July 28), the nation will unite to celebrate the 71st birthday of the King. Adding to the festive period, two significant Buddhist events, Asarnha Bucha Day and Khao Phansa…
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Bhumjaithai Party proposes bill to safeguard Thai hajj pilgrims stranded abroad
A groundbreaking solution is on the horizon as the Bhumjaithai Party‘s Southern working committee strategises a preventative measure; proposing a bill to safeguard Thai hajj pilgrims from potential misery abroad brought about by issues back home. Astoundingly, above 500 pilgrims hailing from Yala, Thailand found themselves in an unfortunate entanglement, trapped and unsupervised on arrival in Saudi Arabia during the…
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Pattaya marathon sets record as over 14,000 runners boost city’s sports tourism
Pattaya in the limelight this weekend as over 14,000 Thai and international enthusiasts took part in the prestigious Pattaya Marathon in its 30th iteration. Introducing the popular event, which sets off from Terminal 21, was none other than the Pattaya City Mayor, Poramese Ngampiches. The marathon, which extends over two consecutive days – from July 22 to 23, is not…
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Thai waste segregation campaign saves 127.8 million baht in 5 months
The recent waste segregation campaign aimed at advocating for the proper segregation of household rubbish seems to be reaping rewards in Thailand, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). Aekvarunyoo Amarapala, a spokesperson for the BMA, revealed over the weekend that the last five months saw a considerable decrease in both the amount of garbage making its way to the…
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Ban Pong police raid pubs for underage drinking and drug violations
A thorough investigation has been instigated by Ratchaburi Provincial Police against five high-ranking officers stationed at Ban Pong police station, in light of a raid at two unauthorised pubs supposed to have allowed entry of teenagers, underage drinking, and drug consumption. The raid, initiated in the small hours of yesterday, resulted in the arrest of Thanawat Wijitcharasakul, aged 30 and…
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India’s rice export halt stirs concerns of 10% surge in Thai rice prices
Potential tremors in the global rice markets may soon be felt in Thailand as India calls a halt on non-basmati white rice exports, according to high-ranking industry insiders. The abrupt decision, communicated by Indian authorities this week, immediately ignited concerns among Thai rice traders and industry power players, with predictions of an imminent 10% surge in local rice prices. The…
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University students’ protest ignites over senators’ role
Activists comprising mainly students, as well as supporters of the Move Forward Party (MFP), held protests at the Kasetsart University, situated in the Bang Khen district of Bangkok, yesterday evening. The protests sparked from the increasing tension and anger against the seemingly prominent role individuals appointed as senators hold in the prolonged political disturbance of the country. This rally was…
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Thai hotel chains unfazed by political uncertainty, anticipate revenue growth
Despite the ongoing political uncertainty, Thailand’s major hotel chains remain optimistic, as long as the situation stays peaceful and avoids any violent unrest. Centara Hotels and Resorts (CHR) and Minor International Plc voiced their confidence in their ability to weather any potential political storms, providing the environment remains stable. Gun Srisompong, the chief financial officer of CHR, stated that any…
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Thailand’s yearly military reshuffle may be delayed due to coalition government
In light of the formation of an impending coalition government, Thailand’s yearly military reshuffle might be subjected to a delay, as revealed by Prayut Chan-o-cha, who is concurrently serving as the Defence Minister and Prime Minister. His announcement was made on Friday, upon the closure of a Defence Council session. Expressing uncertainty about the timing of the reshuffle, Prayut said…
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Pattaya cannabis shop employee outwits rent scammer
A deception attempt was recently unearthed at a cannabis shop located on the busy street of Pattaya Second Road. A swindler, cowardly hiding behind a mask and the guise of a landlord, tried to trick an innocent shop employee into handing over a sum of 25,730 baht, claiming it to be due for shop rent. The incident came to light…
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Thai Democrat party denies rumors of joining Pheu Thai party
The Democrat Party of Thailand vehemently dismissed circulating rumours that more than half of its members of parliament were in the process of joining a coalition led by Pheu Thai. The party remains undecided regarding its stance on voting for Pheu Thai’s prime ministerial nominee, Srettha Thavisin. Party spokesman, Ramet Rattanachaweng, quashed speculations about a mass defection yesterday. Gossip had…
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Alleged ammunition theft from naval base prompts stern response from Thai Navy
In the face of theft allegations, the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has exerted tactical measures to address the claims linked to a significant disappearance of ammunition from a naval base. The accusations are centred on an officer, who once held the position of chief petty officer second class and was entrusted with the supervision of the arsenal situated at the…
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Russian man’s drunken rampage damages multiple cars in Phuket
The tranquillity of Phuket was disturbed as a 26 year old man of Russian nationality, intoxicated and in an aggressive state, carried out a frenzy of destruction, damaging multiple cars in the Wichit district. Local residents alerted the authorities, reporting an aberrant individual committing acts of wilful damage outside a condominium near a department store in Wichit on a Friday…
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Three-way crash on Phuket’s main road leaves one hospitalised
A road mishap involving three vehicles on Phuket‘s principal thoroughfare, Thepkrasattri Rd, ended with one individual hospitalised and two others escaping serious injuries. The unfortunate incident occurred yesterday morning. Reports detailing the accident indicate that the event transpired on Thepkrasattri Rd in Koh Kaew. The repercussions led to one individual being ferried to Thalang Hospital for immediate medical attention. Notification…
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