News
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 Why health insurance costs more each year and how expats in Thailand can save more money
Each year, many expats living in Thailand see their health insurance premiums go up and often without a clear reason. This can be frustrating, especially when you're trying to plan your budget. But by understanding why prices rise and learning...
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Police intercept pickup carrying suspected stolen motorcycles in Sa Kaeo
Yesterday, July 3, Police Major Kamonpop Harnwet, along with highway police officers from the Prachin Buri-Sa Kaeo division, intercepted a pickup truck suspected of illegally transporting seven stolen motorcycles. The incident occurred on Highway 33 in Sa Kaeo province. During routine checks to enforce traffic discipline and prevent crime, officers noticed a grey Isuzu with an unusually heavy load. Upon…
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Heavy rainfall and high sea waves expected in Thailand
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts heavy rainfall in 30 provinces today, with Bangkok expecting significant precipitation in 20% of its areas. In the south, sea waves are expected to reach over two metres, prompting a warning for boats to avoid areas with thunderstorms. The weather forecast for the next 24 hours indicates minimal rain in northern Thailand due to…
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Cambodian spy arrested in Thailand for military espionage
In a dramatic crackdown on espionage, Thai security forces arrested a Cambodian national on August 1 in Ta Phraya district, Sa Kaeo province, accusing him of spying and transmitting sensitive military information back to Cambodia. The suspect, whose identity has been withheld due to ongoing investigations, reportedly received a daily payment of 20,000 Cambodian riel (approximately 162 baht) in exchange…
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Phuket fishing vessels cleared of forced labour, trafficking concerns
A comprehensive inspection of fishing vessels near Phuket has confirmed the absence of forced labour or human trafficking, according to officials. This development is considered a positive advancement for Thailand’s labour rights reputation within the marine industry. The inspection, conducted on July 31, was orchestrated by a multi-agency task force under the guidance of the Phuket Provincial Labour Protection and…
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Thai provinces unite to tackle drone threats with new measures
Today, August 3, Lieutenant General Boonsin Phatklang, Commander of the 2nd Army Region, discussed measures to eliminate drones in a meeting with the governors of 20 northeastern provinces. The meeting, conducted via VTC on August 2, focused on enhancing drone surveillance and control. Each provincial governor, in their capacity as director of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) at the…
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Lopburi woman arrested for illegal karaoke bar and child exploitation
Police in Lopburi have arrested a 50 year old woman accused of operating an illegal karaoke bar and facilitating underage prostitution. The arrest took place yesterday, August 2, after police received information about the illegal activities at the establishment. The operation was led by Police Major General Songkrot Krikkriya, who instructed Police Colonel Warit Pathumarak and Police Lieutenant Colonel Supoj…
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Chachoengsao mystery: woman found dead in fish pond
A 51 year old woman was found deceased in a fish pond in Chachoengsao province, with her husband weeping nearby. A 5 year old boy, the deceased’s nephew, claimed to have witnessed a disturbing event. The police are investigating and have detained the husband for questioning. Yesterday, August 2, Police Lieutenant Somprasong Sa-in, an investigator from Bang Pakong Police Station,…
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Chumphon tragedy: teenage girls die in motorcycle crash
A tragic accident occurred when a 14 year old girl, Tipwimon, rode her motorcycle to pick up her 15 year old friend, Kanda, for a visit. Both teenagers died instantly after their motorcycle lost control and collided with a post. The incident happened at approximately 5.30pm yesterday, August 2, on the Phato-Ratchakrut Road near the curve before the entrance to…
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Fatal shooting in Phetchaburi leaves one dead after dispute
A violent altercation between two men in Phetchaburi resulted in a fatal shooting. A 35 year old man, Jesakorn or Mark, recently released from prison, shot and killed 46 year old Pongpan or Tum yesterday, August 2 at 10.30pm. The incident occurred in Hat Chao Samran subdistrict, Mueang Phetchaburi district, and stemmed from a previous conflict over a woman. Police…
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Fire at Chon Buri postal warehouse traps four, causes extensive damage
A fire engulfed a postal warehouse in Phanat Nikhom, Chon Buri, causing extensive damage to packages and trapping four residents inside. Emergency services successfully rescued all people, who were safely evacuated. Police are currently investigating the cause. At 1.30am today, August 3, Deputy Investigator Police Lieutenant Colonel Natchapol Saengsee from Phanat Nikhom Police Station received a report of a fire…
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Raids in Jomtien’s Soi 2 lead to drug arrests
In the late evening of August 1, a coordinated raid was conducted in the Jomtien Soi 2 community of Nongprue, Banglamung district, Chon Buri. The operation was led by Deputy Superintendent Arut Saphanont, Deputy Inspector Prasitboon Bunprasit, and the Narcotics Suppression Unit, in collaboration with Banglamung district administrative officials Nathaphop Yomjinda, Tharit Chancharoon, and Natthawat Sophonsewatsilp. This initiative was part…
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Thailand and Cambodia to hold GBC meeting with observers in Malaysia
The Ministry of Defence has announced that China, the United States, and Malaysia will observe the final day of the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting between Thailand and Cambodia, scheduled for August 7 in Malaysia. Rear Admiral Surasan Kongsiri, spokesperson for the ministry, stated that Deputy Defence Minister General Nattaphon Narkphanit, currently acting as minister, has approved the presence of…
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Khao Kradong land rights revoked, SRT confirmed as owner
Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, has defended the management of the Khao Kradong land matter following the Ministry of Interior’s assertion that the land is owned by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). Anutin’s comments yesterday, August 2, came after the ministry’s announcement, supporting the land ownership by the SRT, in line with decisions from both the Supreme…
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Thailand weather alert: 30 provinces warned of severe thunderstorms
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather forecast for today, August 3, alerting 30 provinces to expect thunderstorms, with the southern region facing the most severe conditions. Mariners in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand are advised to exercise caution. In the next 24 hours, upper Thailand is expected to have minimal rainfall due to a…
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How much does it cost to live in Thailand in 2025
If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to the sound of ocean waves or enjoying street food for just a couple of dollars, you may have asked yourself: how much does it cost to live in Thailand? The answer depends on your lifestyle, location, and spending habits — but compared to Western countries, Thailand offers a significantly lower cost of…
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Thailand unveils new traffic ticket formats from August 4
The Royal Gazette has published an announcement from the Royal Thai Police (RTP) detailing the new formats for traffic tickets, effective August 4. The updated designs, intended to align with administrative fine orders, include three formats as part of its 2025 implementation. The Royal Gazette published the Royal Thai Police’s announcement regarding the new traffic ticket designs. This follows a…
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Pattaya police crack down on illegal sidecar vendors
In a surprise late-night operation, Pattaya police are cleaning up the beachfront road, taking action against illegal sidecar vendors blocking traffic. Pattaya police officers launched a crackdown on illegal sidecar vendors along the city’s beachfront road at 11.30pm yesterday, August 1. The operation, led by Deputy Superintendent of Investigation, Police Lieutenant Colonel Arut Saphanont, and traffic inspector Pol. Lt. Col.…
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Thaksin pushes for high EV tax to protect Thailand’s car industry
Could the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) be putting Thailand’s homegrown auto industry at risk? Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra thinks so, and he’s pushing for drastic tax changes to protect local manufacturers from foreign competition. Thaksin has called for a high excise tax to be imposed on imported EVs that contain minimal local content, in a bid to protect Thailand’s…
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Phuket sand fence project launched to combat coastal erosion
A stunning move to preserve Phuket’s natural beauty is underway, with a major investment to combat coastal erosion. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Chalermchai Sri-on has launched an ambitious project to combat the relentless coastal erosion threatening Phuket’s shores. Sirinat National Park has been tasked with the implementation of sand fences at Sai Kaew Beach in the Maikhao subdistrict of…
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Phayao lottery vendor helps friend win 12 million baht prize
In a heartwarming tale of fortune and friendship, a lottery vendor in Phayao province witnessed an extraordinary event when a close friend won the top prize in the national lottery. Yesterday, August 1 at 5pm, 44 year old lottery vendor Yaowanut reported the astonishing news to Police Lieutenant Colonel Sonthaya Pathawi of Mueang Phayao District Police Station—her customer had won…
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Etihad’s A321LR brings luxury to Phuket flights
Etihad Airways has just upped the ante in luxury air travel, launching its first commercial flight of the all-new A321LR to Phuket. Etihad Airways has officially launched its all-new A321LR, marking a new chapter in luxury short and medium-haul flights. Flight EY414, which departed from Zayed International Airport yesterday, August 1, heralded the arrival of the aircraft designed to provide…
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Love triangle turns deadly in Bangkok minibus shooting
A bitter love triangle turned deadly in Bangkok, leaving one man dead and another on the run. At around 2am today, August 2, a tragic shooting occurred outside an apartment on Rama 2 Road, leaving 38 year old minibus driver Anucha dead after being shot multiple times. The suspect, 36 year old Sira—also a minibus driver—is currently on the run.…
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Sweden denies stopping fighter jet deal with Thailand
A major international defence deal is under threat after claims surfaced that Sweden may freeze a fighter jet sale to Thailand. Thailand Deputy Defence Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit has firmly dismissed reports that Sweden plans to halt a fighter jet agreement with Thailand due to concerns about the jets being used in recent air strikes against Cambodia. This came after allegations…
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Phuket’s Srisoonthorn Road upgrade gains massive public backing
A major road upgrade is on the horizon in Phuket, and locals couldn’t be more excited. With a 420 million baht budget, the plan to revamp Srisoonthorn Road is gaining traction, promising smoother, safer travel for everyone. Srisoonthorn Road, one of Phuket’s most important routes, is set to undergo a much-anticipated upgrade, following strong public support at a recent hearing.…
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Chiang Rai MP booted over budget scandal
In a major political shake-up, the first deputy House speaker and MP for Chiang Rai, was disqualified by the Constitutional Court. Found guilty of misusing public funds to influence budget decisions for personal gain, Pichet Chuamuangphan is now barred from holding office for 10 years and faces a by-election. Yesterday, August 1, the Constitutional Court delivered a bombshell ruling, disqualifying…
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South Korean tourist assaulted in Pattaya robbery gone wrong
A brutal assault on a South Korean tourist outside a Pattaya nightclub has left police probing whether it was a botched robbery or something darker. At 4.06am yesteday, August 1, Police Lieutenant Colonel Alis Phuangwai, Deputy Chief of Pattaya City Police Station, received an urgent call about a violent incident in a parking lot near an entertainment venue on Soi…
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Thunderstorms set to batter Thailand’s southern coast
The Thailand Meteorological Department (TMD) reported that thunderstorms are expected in 28 provinces, with 30% of the areas likely to experience rain. Residents in the southern region are advised to exercise caution as sea waves may rise above 2 metres. Upper Thailand will see limited rainfall due to a weak southwesterly monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf…
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Why copy trading is the ultimate power move for first-time investors
Stepping into the realm of investing is both exciting and intimidating simultaneously. There’s way too much sub-par advice floating around, too many strategies, and too much jargon related to money that daunts even the most eager newcomer. But at the heart of all this complexity lies a deceptively straightforward way out—copy trading. With newbies particularly, it is more than a…
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Thai woman dies after crashing SUV into parked truck in Pattaya
A Thai woman died after crashing her SUV into a parked 18-wheel truck on Sukhumvit Road in Pattaya in the early hours of today, August 1. The Sawang Borriboon Dhammasatan Rescue Foundation was alerted to the fatal accident at 1.36am and rushed to the scene, along with officers from Bang Lamung Police Station. Upon arrival, rescuers found a black BMW X1…
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Vietnam eyes Phuket for tourism and trade boost
In a high-profile diplomatic visit yesterday, Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat welcomed Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung to Phuket Provincial Hall for a courtesy meeting aimed at strengthening tourism ties, economic collaboration, and potential sister-city agreements. Held yesterday, July 31 at 2.30pm in the Governor’s Reception Room, the gathering was a show of mutual interest in deepening cultural and…
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