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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 Planning to extend your Thai visa? Why health insurance is more important than ever
If you plan to stay longer in Thailand, having health insurance is now more important than ever. Thai immigration often asks for proof of medical coverage when you apply to extend your visa. This applies to many types of visas,...
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Large seabird finds refuge on Nonthaburi roof
A large seabird found a refuge on a roof in Thailand’s central Nonthaburi province. At 5.30pm yesterday, a 63 year old Thai resident of Lebanese descent, Nadim Salhani, reported a large seabird perching on his home’s roof in Sai Ma sub-district of the main city district. Nadim’s children, 24 year old Kamin, and 26 year old Palisa, alerted him to…
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THAI collaborating with Bangchak on sustainable fuel initiative
Thai Airways International Plc (THAI) has recently partnered with Bangchak Corporation Plc to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) focusing on technical and professional knowledge sharing in the field of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) utilisation. The chief of corporate strategy at THAI, Taviroj Songkumpol, stated that the national carrier has been striving for over 63 years to maintain a balance…
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Bride in China surprises groom by dressing up as Ultra-man on wedding day
True love transcends boundaries as a bride surprises her groom by dressing as his favourite superhero, Ultraman, on their wedding day in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China. The unexpected gesture delights the groom and created a memorable moment for the couple. On May 20th, a popular day for couples to make lifelong commitments, a couple in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China, celebrated…
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Smuggling crackdown thwarts illegal cow import from Myanmar to Thailand
A recent crackdown on illegal livestock smuggling led Thai authorities to intercept a convoy of five trucks, arresting five individuals and seizing 30 cattle. The incident occurred at the Thai-Myanmar border in Tak province, highlighting ongoing efforts to curb the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. The Director-General of the Department of Livestock Development, Dr Somchuan Ratanamankalanon, stated that on May 25th,…
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Ex-couple’s gun duel over jealousy stirs up neighbourhood, police on hunt
Today, an altercation between a jealous ex-husband and his ex-wife’s new boyfriend led to a heated exchange of gunfire in front of a house in Tha Mi Ram, Phatthalung province. Police are on the hunt for both men involved in the incident. The scene of the crime was a single-storey concrete house owned by 22 year old Radamanee, who stood…
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Video: Asiana Airlines emergency door opens mid-flight, passengers safe
The authorities arrested a 30 year old passenger on an Asiana Airlines flight for opening an emergency exit while the plane was in flight. The incident compelled the plane to make a safe landing, and all 194 passengers and crew members managed to escape unharmed. However, six passengers, who experienced difficulty breathing, were promptly taken to the hospital. The emergency…
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Malaysian man kills his pregnant girlfriend, cuts out 4 month old fetus, mutilated body
In a horrifying incident, a 20 year old Malaysian man has been arrested for allegedly murdering his pregnant girlfriend, burning her body twice, and forcibly removing her unborn baby in an oil palm plantation in Sungai Besar, Selangor on Monday. Reports indicate that observers spotted thick black smoke billowing out of a palm garden, triggering an investigation that revealed the…
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Foreign buyers fuel 200% surge in Thai luxury property sales
A surge in foreign interest in luxury property in Thailand has been observed since international tourists began returning in the latter half of 2022, according to property consultancy CBRE. Sales transactions through CBRE have risen by over 200%, indicating a clear trend. In response, developers are preparing to launch new luxury and super-luxury residential projects in 2023, with a focus…
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Myanmar woman gives birth in hotel lobby, traffic police assist safe delivery
A pregnant Myanmar woman safely gave birth in a hotel lobby with assistance from the Thai traffic police force known as Traffic Police Royal Initiative Project. This marks the 257th emergency childbirth event aided by the police force. On 26 May, Pol. Lt. Gen. Nithithorn Chinthakanon, Commander of the Traffic Police Division, shared that the incident happened yesterday at a…
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Thai government warns of heavy rain, flash floods and landslides during 27-30 May
Thai citizens have been warned to brace for heavy rainfall, flash floods, and forest runoffs from May 27-30 as an impact of several weather phenomena. The Meteorological Department issued a severe weather warning, covering all regions of the country, and advised people to stay informed about updates. Anucha Burapachaisri, the Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister for Political Affairs, acting…
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FDA discovers steroids in herbal drink: The Phi brand faces legal action
The Thailand Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uncovered a shocking revelation regarding a herbal drink under The Phi (เทพี) brand, which translates to “goddess” in Thai. The drink, known for its exaggerated claims of curing various ailments such as allergies, disk herniation, and rheumatoid arthritis, was found to contain steroids by the FDA. The FDA became suspicious of the product’s…
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Trans suspect allegedly snatches cash and gold from Russians in Pattaya (video)
A transgender suspect allegedly snatched cash and gold necklaces from a Russian couple in Pattaya earlier this week. Officers took the suspect into custody at the Pattaya Police Station on charges of stealing 2,500 baht in cash and two gold necklaces from 51 year old Nikolay Smirnova and 51 year old Elena Smirnova. According to the couple, the suspect approached…
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Bangkok seeks 90 billion baht budget approval for green spaces and pollution projects
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is set to request a 90 billion baht budget for 2024, with plans to revise policies in line with global trends and the new cabinet’s direction. This decision follows a recent meeting of the Bangkok Executive Board, chaired by Governor Chadchart Sittipunt. Chadchart revealed that the budget management format would adopt a zero-based budgeting approach.…
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Neuralink’s mind-blowing milestone: FDA gives Elon Musk’s brain-implant venture green light
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Neuralink, Elon Musk’s brain-implant company, to start its first-in-human clinical trial. This marks a significant milestone for the company, which had previously faced challenges in obtaining approval. In a tweet, Neuralink stated that the FDA’s decision was an essential first step towards helping many people through their technology, though further details…
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Thailand and Malaysia collaborate on new transborder road to boost ties
A new road connecting Thailand’s Sadao border checkpoint in Songkhla to Malaysia’s Bukit Kayu Hitam town in Kedah state is set to be built, following an agreement between the two countries aimed at strengthening their ties. Chonthun Sangpoom, the deputy secretary-general of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC), said yesterday that the SBPAC and state agencies participated in the…
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Thai woman arrested for operating online durian scam
Police arrested a Thai woman following numerous complaints from victims across the country who fell prey to her online durian scams. Chananchida Khamwarn, a 27 year old resident, was tracked down and arrested by the Police Cyber Taskforce and Investigation Division of the Metropolitan Police Bureau. The scammer had previously faced arrest warrants issued in Khon Kaen province and Payao…
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Twitter engineering chief exits after DeSantis campaign launch glitches
Twitter’s engineering chief, Foad Dabiri, has announced his departure from the company just a day after technical issues plagued the launch of Ron DeSantis’ US presidential campaign on the platform. Dabiri, who served as the engineering lead for Twitter’s Growth organization, tweeted about his decision to leave after almost four years with the company. During the event, a Twitter livestream…
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MFP reassures cannabis businesses amid plans to re-list as narcotic
The Move Forward Party (MFP) reassured registered marijuana growers and cannabis business operators that their interests will be safeguarded in the future, even if the drug is reclassified as a narcotic. Deputy MFP leader Sirikanya Tansakun explained that the party’s primary objective in re-listing cannabis as a narcotic is to enable state officials, including the police and the Office of Narcotics…
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Pattaya authorities kick beggar out of bar for being dressed as lion performer
Pattaya authorities kicked a beggar out of a bar because he was dressed as a lion performer. Pattaya City Municipality officers, known as Tessagit, have taken a firm stance against individuals dressed as lion performers. Officers say they are just beggars who irritate business owners and customers. Following multiple complaints from bar owners in the popular Soi 6 area of…
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Deadly dispute over food: Man shoots wife, surrenders to police in Thailand
A man in Uthai Thani province, Thailand, shot and killed his 35 year old wife after arguing over food preparation, before surrendering to the police. The couple’s child was left distraught, asking who they would live with following the tragic incident. Today, police in Uthai Thani were informed by the village head that a fatal shooting had occurred the previous…
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Biden assures no US default as debt ceiling deadline looms
US President Joe Biden has reassured the nation that there will be no default on the country’s debt, even as lawmakers went on a 10-day break without reaching an agreement on raising the borrowing limit. The government estimates it could run out of money to service its debts by June 1, and failure to repay loans could potentially lead to…
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Thai durian demand skyrockets as Chinese consumers crave unique taste
Durian farmers in the Soeng Sang district of Nakhon Ratchasima province are beaming with joy as the demand for Thai durian in China has soared, leading to a significant increase in their income. The region has over 2,000 rai of farmland dedicated to growing the popular fruit. Thawatchai Saitongtip, a soon-to-be-retired school director, has a durian plantation in Dong Yen…
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Residents flock to lucky Thai temple, offer cosmetics for winning lottery numbers
Residents flocked to make offerings and buy beauty products for the Ta Kiean Thong Spirits at a famed temple in Korat after numerous lottery wins. The five Ta Kiean Thong sisters are believed to favour those who adorn them, with many paying respects at the Wat Samanmit temple. Residents have been purchasing Thai outfits and cosmetics to offer to the…
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Thailand’s cyanide serial murders: Company to face prosecution for illegal import and resale
Following the shocking cyanide serial murders in Thailand, authorities have announced their intention to prosecute a company involved in the illicit importation and resale of cyanide to retailers. The police officially confirmed that the Thai cyanide serial killer, Sararat “Am” Rangsiwuthaporn, claimed a total of 15 victims, tragically resulting in the loss of 14 lives due to the deadly toxin.…
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Queen Elizabeth II faced assassination threat during 1983 US visit, FBI files reveal
Newly disclosed FBI documents have revealed that Queen Elizabeth II faced a potential assassination threat during her visit to the United States in 1983. The files, which were released following the monarch’s passing last year, detail the FBI’s concerns about possible IRA threats during her travels. The specific threat was made to a police officer in San Francisco, who informed…
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Mysterious death: Woman discovered lifeless in sedan at Isaan resort
A woman was found dead in the back seat of a sedan parked at a resort in the Isaan province of Burriam yesterday at around 5.30pm. Her body was covered with bruises as if she had been attacked and murdered. Adding to the woman’s mysterious death, two suspicious people disappeared from the scene. Officers from Lam Plai Mart Police Station…
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Google removes controversial Slavery Simulator game amid Brazil outrage
A controversial game named Slavery Simulator has been removed from Google’s app store following a significant backlash in Brazil. The app, developed by Magnus Games, was launched on April 20 and allowed players to “buy and sell” black characters. The game was downloaded over 1,000 times before being taken down. Brazil is a nation grappling with the legacy of slavery,…
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Boy, 11, shot by police after calling for help released from hospital
An 11-year-old boy in Mississippi, Aderrien Murry, who was shot in the chest by a police officer after calling for help during a domestic disturbance, has been released from hospital and is recovering at home. The officer involved has been placed on leave while the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation conducts a probe into the incident. Aderrien’s mother, Nakala Murry, has…
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Bangkok International Food Festival 2023 starts today
The Bangkok International Food Festival 2023 starts today (May 26) at centralwOrld shopping plaza and complex. The festival will be held until May 30. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) aims to further elevate Thailand’s standing as a premier gastronomy tourism destination and provide an immersive experience for tourists. This event, centred around the culinary arts, will showcase Thailand’s vibrant…
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Homeless family of 3 living under bridge in Thailand receives 800,000 baht assistance
A homeless family of three received over 800,000 baht (US$23,000) in donations after living in makeshift housing under a bridge. The homeless father and two teenage daughters have since closed donation channels, promising to use the funds wisely and cautiously. In Phetchaburi province, Thailand, a journalist highlighted the homeless plight of 15 year old Daladit Somboonsri, a student at Bang Ta…
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