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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 How much travel insurance should cost you in Thailand (By trip length)
When planning a trip to Thailand, travel insurance is a smart investment that can save you from unexpected costs. Whether it’s medical expenses, lost luggage, or trip cancellations, the right coverage can provide peace of mind and financial protection against...
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British man nabbed for souring Phuket eatery’s reputation
Officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) arrested a British man for allegedly defaming an Italian restaurant in Phuket with negative reviews on Google after a two-year long conflict with the restaurant owner. The restaurant owner filed a complaint with the Sakhu Police Station officers after noticing a sudden drop in their Google Maps rating, from 4.9 stars to 3.1…
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Shocking stats: Thailand’s hidden population crisis exposed
Thailand’s population secrets are out in the open, and the numbers are staggering. According to National Statistical Office (NSO) Deputy Director Suwannee Wangkan, a whopping 9.25 million people unofficially inhabit the Land of Smiles, with the vast majority flocking to Bangkok for work and study, shining a harsh spotlight on the nation’s deepening wealth gap. This clandestine population, constituting 13.2%…
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Thai police dismantle kidnapping ring, arrest gang members
The Thai police force delivered a decisive blow to a notorious kidnapping ring and murder gang with the recent arrest of three key suspects. The operation took place at 9.30am today and was announced by the head of the Crime Suppression Division, along with his deputies and other officers. The individuals apprehended include 44 year old Thanawit, 38 year old…
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Pattaya’s elevator overhaul restores lifeline for the disabled
In front of the Phra Mahatai Centre, known as the Pattaya Redemptorist Technological College for People with Disabilities, an elevator once abandoned has been resurrected, poised to redefine accessibility along Sukhumvit Road. “The elevator’s revival heralds a new era of inclusivity, offering safe passage for those navigating the bustling thoroughfare.” The repaired elevator serves as more than just a mechanism…
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New Covid-19 sub-variants strike Thailand
Thailand has uncovered 13 cases of the KP.2 and KP.3 or FLiRT sub-variants of the Omicron JN.1 Covid-19 variant. Dr Yongyot Thummavudhi, the Director-General of the Medical Sciences Department, issued a stern warning, revealing that the severity of these new strains remains a mystery due to insufficient data. “Omicron JN1 and its offshoots continue to loom large over Thailand. JN.1,…
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Local vendor’s motorcycle theft turned community effort
A vigilant citizen’s video capturing a chase after a motorcycle theft turned into a community effort as a local grilled pork vendor lamented the difficulty of recovering her stolen vehicle. The incident began when user Benz Niratchai posted a video on Facebook, showing the chase of a red and white Wave 110 motorcycle thief who had stolen from the Lat…
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Anti-social Austrian man arrested for overstaying visa in Isaan
Police arrested an anti-social Austrian man for overstaying his visa by more than two years in the Isaan province of Buriram on May 8 after locals complained that the foreigner repeatedly harassed locals and behaved erratically. Thai people in the Non Din Daeng district and nearby districts of Buriram filed a police report that the foreign man, later identified as…
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Maya Bay ranks 5th in world’s best beaches for 2024 (video)
Maya Bay, located on the idyllic Phi Phi Islands in Krabi province, has been named the 5th-best beach in the world for 2024 by Beach Atlas, a website based in the United Kingdom. This prestigious recognition places Maya Bay at the top of the list not only in Thailand but also as the number one beach across the ASEAN region.…
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Hat Yai man ranks fourth in police exams after seven-year struggle
A young man’s relentless pursuit of his dream to become a police officer has paid off after seven years of steadfast determination, culminating in his high-ranking success in the police entrance examination. A department store employee’s unwavering dedication to achieving his dream has finally borne fruit after a gruelling seven-year journey. The young man, who hails from Hat Yai in…
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Coral catastrophe strikes Krabi’s Mu Ko Lanta Marine Park
In a recent survey conducted by park officials, alarming findings have surfaced regarding coral bleaching in the pristine waters of Mu Ko Lanta Marine National Park in Krabi. Officials took the plunge to assess the extent of coral bleaching and gather marine debris littering the seabed. Around Rok Island, a distressing 10 to 15% of corals at depths of 1…
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Foreigner narrowly escapes death after Pattaya bus hits him (video)
A reckless coach bus driver fled the scene after hitting a foreign cyclist riding along Pattaya Sai 2 Road on May 8. The foreign man was left prostrate on the road with a severe wound to his right arm. A Facebook user, Prak Pheaktra, shared a video of the incident today, May 10, with a caption that read, “Foreigner was…
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Phuket power play: Deputy PM aims to dismantle influential figures
A campaign to dismantle the influence of Thai and foreign powerful figures in Phuket has been launched by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul. The initiative was announced before an assembly of 550 officers yesterday at the Phuket Provincial Police Station, aiming to disrupt any criminal networks promoted by said figures. As the campaign’s primary aim…
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Thailand to host first Southeast Asian WUWM conference
Thailand made a significant stride in the global agricultural sector as it was chosen to host the World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM) annual conference for the first time in Southeast Asia. The event, scheduled for May 15-17, 2024, at The Athenee Hotel in Bangkok, will showcase Thailand’s status as a leading agricultural hub with an extensive tour of Talad…
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Air India Express cabin crew shortage due to sudden sick leave
To tackle the turbulence caused by an unexpected sick call from a portion of its cabin crew, Air India Express has launched proactive initiatives, ensuring minimal disruption for affected passengers. Last night’s operational hiccup led the airline to swiftly rearrange flight schedules and explore diverse solutions, all aimed at easing the inconvenience experienced by its travellers. In a statement today,…
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Thailand and EU nearing completion of free trade agreement
Thailand is on the verge of finalising a free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union within the year, as they collaborate on commitments to halt illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices. The Europe Day 2024 celebration, held yesterday in Bangkok by the EU embassy, commemorated the historic event that underpinned the establishment of the EU. Europe Day, observed…
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Minimum wage increase pledge sparks hotel industry crisis
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s promise to boost the minimum wage to 400 baht by October 1 has set off alarms in the private sector, particularly among hoteliers. Concerns abound as businesses foresee a hefty 15 to 20% surge in costs across goods and services, presenting a formidable hurdle for the hospitality sector. The impending wage revision marks the third adjustment…
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Corrupt former DSI chief’s 44.6 million baht assets seized
An alleged corrupt former Department of Special Investigation (DSI) chief experienced a significant blow as the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases sanctioned the confiscation of his assets worth 44.6 million baht. This development, announced yesterday by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation into Tarit Pengdit’s unaccounted wealth. NACC Secretary General Niwatchai Kasemmongkol…
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Parking the problem: Thai national parks close to revive coral reefs
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) implemented indefinite closures at marine attractions in 12 national parks in Thailand to allow coral reefs to recover from bleaching. DNP Director Auttaphon Jaroenchansa told the media yesterday, May 9, that the director in each national park closely monitors the coral bleaching situation to determine the cause and identify recovery…
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Thailand’s longest onshore gas pipeline launched by PTT
PTT President Auttapol Rerkpiboon announced the opening of Thailand’s longest onshore gas pipeline. The 417-kilometre pipeline, previously delayed due to Covid-19, will secure the gas supply across seven provinces, supporting power generation, industrial operations, and transportation. As part of PTT‘s fifth-phase development, the pipeline extends from the company’s gas separation plants in Rayong to Nontha Buri, facilitating a gas transport…
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Free electric buses spark hope in Phuket’s traffic chaos
In the heart of Phuket’s Old Town, where tourists flock to soak in the community’s charm, a groundbreaking project has taken flight to combat congestion and pollution. Led by local businesses, the Phuket Smart Bus EV initiative promises a greener, smoother journey for all. To tackle the notorious traffic gridlock plaguing Phuket’s picturesque Old Town, a group of local businesses…
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Vice versus virtue: Cyber police seize naughty knick-knacks
In a significant crackdown on illegal pharmaceuticals and sex toys, Thai Cyber Police arrested a 43 year old vendor, seizing a large haul of contraband. This operation took place today at a second-hand car tent in Yala province following an undercover purchase that led to the discovery of the storage location. The directive for the operation came from the head…
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Red Bull’s global charge: TCP Group aims high
TCP Group, the firm behind the manufacture and distribution of Krating Daeng, also known as Red Bull, has set its sights on international markets due to their high growth potential. The management is also keeping an eye on escalating costs. Spearheaded by TCP Group’s CEO Saravoot Yoovidhya, the company observed a growth of merely 4-5% in the energy drink market…
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Lucky in lottery: Religious ceremony in Udon Thani promises wealth
At a revered ritual site in Udon Thani, a large crowd gathered for a ceremony believed to unlock wealth and prosperity. Participants fixated on numbers they hoped would bring luck in the next lottery draw on May 16. In the serene precincts of the Naga King’s land at Ban Non-Mueang in Udon Thani, a grand ceremony took place yesterday, invoking…
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Thailand Video News | Man arrested for smuggling cannabis from Bangkok to Sri Lanka, Ex-narcotics chief advises on evading arrest, calling for violence against comedian
In this video, Alex covers the news stories from across the country. Beginning with a man has been apprehended for his involvement in smuggling cannabis from Bangkok to Sri Lanka, highlighting the ongoing battle against drug trafficking. Meanwhile, former narcotics chief offers advice on avoiding arrest, sparking concern with his call for violence against a comedian. In a lighter turn…
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Thai government: King’s birthday to bring 72,000 rai land allocation
In honour of His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday, the Thai government has earmarked 10 initiatives, one of which includes the allocation of 72,000 rai of military-owned land for public use. These projects were unveiled yesterday during the second meeting of the celebratory committee, presided over by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is the leader of the ruling…
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Police investigation into mysterious death rules out foul play
A police officer’s body was discovered beside a flat in the jurisdiction of the Police Region 5 in Chiang Mai yesterday, sparking an investigation that has ruled out foul play but suggests a tragic personal issue as the cause. The investigation team is set to further interrogate relatives and friends tomorrow, following the incident reported yesterday. A grim discovery was…
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Suspicion clouds Thai political scene with doubts over senatorial election
The air is thick with suspicion in Thailand’s political arena as experts cast doubts on the upcoming senatorial election. Associate Professor Prinya Thaewanarumitkul, a voice from Thammasat University’s Faculty of Law, raised concerns about potential manipulation and delays in the voting results during a panel discussion organised by the Thai Journalists Association. “The Election Commission’s deadline for announcing results on…
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Pregnant Thai woman accuses doctor of sexually assault
A pregnant Thai woman accused a doctor at a clinic in Samut Prakarn province near Bangkok of sexually assaulting her by inappropriately touching her private parts and asking intrusive questions about her sex life. The 25 year old pregnant woman Bee, and her 28 year old husband, turned to non-profit organisation Saimai Survive for help in seeking an explanation and…
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Map Ta Phut fire: Company hero’s selfless act ends in tragic death
A selfless act of bravery by a 36 year old company employee attempting to close a valve on a tank moments before a gasoline explosion has tragically cost him his life. The incident occurred during a fire at the Map Ta Phut Tank Terminal in the town of Map Ta Phut, Rayong province, resulting in one fatality and several injuries.…
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Thai stock market poised for upward surge after rocky start
After a downward trend in the first half of the year, Thailand’s stock market is predicted to come back in the second half, with a 2.7% decline year-to-date making it one of the worst global performers. This potential recovery is anticipated to be driven by a combination of growing fiscal budget disbursement, a weaker baht, and a revival in tourism and…
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