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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 Moving with family? Here’s how to cut health costs in Thailand
Relocating to Thailand with your family brings exciting new opportunities, but it also comes with the challenge of managing healthcare costs in a new system. Thailand has both public and private healthcare options, each offering different prices and quality of...
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10 year old boy drowns in Mekong River whirlpool
A tragic incident on the banks of the Mekong River claimed the life of a 10 year old boy whose body was discovered last Saturday, February 17, after being drawn into a whirlpool three days prior. Veerawat’s grandfather managed to rescue the boy’s sister but could not reach Veerawat in time. The local authorities in Ubon Ratchathani’s Khemarat district have…
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Ex-Man United and Liverpool stars swap stadiums for fairways
Former Manchester United and Liverpool football icons traded their legendary kits for golfing attire, hitting the lush greens of the prestigious Royal Hua Hin Golf Course in a star-studded get-together. The illustrious gathering, uniting luminaries from two of England’s footballing powerhouses, marked a delightful sojourn for the retired sports heroes, who basked not only in the challenges of Thailand’s oldest…
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Thailand extends visas to Kazakh tourists for six more months
Kazakh tourists will continue to enjoy a visa-free scheme in Thailand for an additional six months, following an extension by the Thai Cabinet. The exemption, applicable to those carrying Kazakhstani passports or equivalent documents, is now due to run from March 1 to August 31, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. “As per our records, each Kazakh tourist spends roughly…
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Cumbria couple relocates to Thailand, goes off-grid
In a tale of resilience and determination, a couple from Cumbria, in the United Kingdom made their dream of relocating to Thailand come true sooner than planned. Formerly entrenched in the bustling food and beverage scene of Cumbria, Ben and Anna battled through the pandemic’s harsh realities, fighting tooth and nail to keep their businesses afloat. “We were both working…
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Edinburgh Thai eatery’s 20-year business comes to an end
Phuket Pavilion, a renowned Thai eatery nestled across from the Playhouse Theatre on Union Street, Edinburgh, UK, closes its doors after over 20 years of operation. The announcement of the eatery’s permanent closure came via a sombre social media post, with a staff member expressing gratitude for 15-plus years of serving food. The once vibrant eatery now stands vacant, marked by…
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DSI offer 2 million baht reward for info on historic murder case
Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is offering a reward of 2 million baht in a bid to encourage anyone with any potentially helpful information to aid in the resolution of a long-standing murder case. The murder victim, Tomoko Kawashita from Japan, was only 27 years old when her life was tragically cut short in Sukhothai Thain 17 years ago.…
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Transwoman injures two women in Pattaya Beach attack
A transwoman reportedly attacked two women on Pattaya Beach at 4.36am on Saturday, February 17. The Sawang Boriboon Dhamma Sathan Rescue Foundation Radio Centre in Pattaya received distress calls on February 17, alerting authorities to a harrowing physical assault. Rushing to Soi 13, Pattaya Beach, Bang Lamuand ng, Chon Buri, rescue teams and local police uncovered a scene of horror. Two…
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Man nabbed for illegal otter trade in wildlife bust in Chachoengsao
Authorities in Chachoengsao province apprehended a 26 year old suspect for harbouring protected wildlife, including otters, in his possession. During the raid in Plaeng Yao district, law enforcement officers seized not only the carcasses of three soft-shelled turtles but also those of two pangolins from the suspect’s residence. The identity of the individual, however, remains undisclosed. The suspect is set…
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Algerian tourist nabs 20,000 baht amulet from Bangkok gold shop
An Algerian tourist has been apprehended and charged with the theft of a valuable amulet worth around 20,000 baht from a prestigious gold shop nestled in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district. The Algerian tourist was identified as Garou by Police Superintendent Police Colonel Santi Kornkasem of the Children and Women Protection Sub-Division. He was nabbed on Monday following an intense investigation triggered…
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PTTGC expands recycling operations focusing on opaque plastic containers
Thailand’s foremost petrochemical producer by capacity, PTT Global Chemical Plc (PTTGC), is broadening its recycling operations with a focus on opaque plastic containers, primarily bottles. This endeavour is part of the company’s newly introduced campaign aimed at fostering eco-friendly habits among the youth. The campaign constitutes the company’s second environmental initiative following its venture into recycling waste polyethene terephthalate (PET)…
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The holistic approach of Thai medicine and western medicine
Traditional Thai Medicine (TTM) has evolved over the centuries into a holistic health system that encompasses five diverse approaches: Internal Medicine, External Medicine, Spirit Medicine, Divination, and Buddhism. This natural and comprehensive approach to healthcare mirrors the development of Western medicine. Internal Medicine in TTM involves the use of herbs and diet, a practice that predates Western medicine’s shift to…
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Tibet Airlines confirms order for 50 jets from China’s Comac
Tibet Airlines, a Chinese carrier, confirmed an order for 40 C919 narrowbody jets and 10 ARJ21 regional jets from the state-owned Chinese plane manufacturer, Comac. This deal was finalised at a ceremony during the Singapore Airshow, a biennial commercial and defence-focused event. Before this deal, Tibet Airlines and Comac announced in December their plans to jointly research a version of…
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Phuket gears up for annual Makha Bucha national Buddhist holiday
The bustling town of Phuket is set to observe a moment of stillness as the main Phuket Immigration Office, alongside other government establishments, prepares to halt operations for the upcoming Makha Bucha national Buddhist holiday on Monday, February 26. This sacred holiday not only brings about a day of rest for public offices but also a countrywide prohibition on alcohol…
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Hua Hin: Elephant found dead in stream, intense conflict suspected
The lifeless body of an elephant was discovered in the waters in Huai Sat Yai, Hua Hin. The dead elephant is believed to have succumbed to brutal injuries inflicted during a fierce clash. Deputy Inspector Police Lieutenant Colonel Somphot Prayangam, stationed at Nong Plub Police Station in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan, received a distress call from 51 year old…
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Phuket reels under heatwave with mercury soaring above 35°C
Phuket, an idyllic island in Thailand, regularly known for its tropical bliss, has been in the throes of an intense heatwave. Mercury levels have consistently soared above 35°C, a significant deviation from the 30-year average, causing officials to warn residents and visitors alike. They have been advised to stay vigilant against signs of heatstroke, a life-threatening condition when the body…
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PM Srettha inspects ’30-Baht Plus’ healthcare policy
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin spearheaded the inspection of the Phra Ajarn Mun Bhuridatto Hospital’s construction progress and closely monitored the implementation of the 30-baht Plus healthcare policy in Sakon Nakhon Province. The Phra Ajarn Mun Bhuridatto Hospital stands as a beacon of hope, catering to a vast population, including residents from neighbouring provinces. The relentless pursuit of excellence has driven…
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Minister orders CAAT to cut Bangkok-Phuket flight prices for Songkran
Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit ordered the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) to negotiate with airlines to explore ways to lower airfares following complaints from passengers about the high cost of flights from Bangkok to Phuket. He expressed confidence that reduced prices could be in effect in time for the Songkran travel period. Today, at 9.30am, Suriya Juangroongruangkit addressed the…
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PM Srettha pledges to woo back Russian tourists with revived flights
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is gearing up to welcome a surge of Russian tourists to Thailand, unveiling plans to tackle the flight shortage bottleneck yesterday. Acknowledging reports of a burgeoning number of Russian tourists eyeing Thailand for their holidays, PM Srettha highlighted the critical lack of flights to accommodate the demand. “Inadequate flights are hindering the influx of Russian…
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Burned skeleton in Khon Kaen landfill confirmed as female
Police confirmed that the burned skeleton found in the landfill in the Isaan province of Khon Kaen was a female under 35 years old. A 66 year old Thai woman came to the police station believing that the skeleton belonged to her missing granddaughter. A water delivery driver discovered the burned skeleton at a dump site in the Waeng Noi…
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Did Singapore pay millions to keep Taylor Swift to themselves?
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin alleges that Singapore may have struck a multimillion-dollar pact to secure Taylor Swift’s exclusivity in Southeast Asia, leaving fans fuming and conspiracy theories swirling. PM Srettha made waves with his claims at a business forum in Bangkok, stating that concert promoter AEG had disclosed Singapore’s purported offer of hefty subsidies, ranging from US$2 million (approximately…
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Thailand’s thriving Muslim tourism boom with mosque tour
In a bid to elevate Thailand to the zenith of the Global Muslim Tourism Index (GMTI), the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) teamed up with key figures like Imam Mathanarat Vacharapisut from the Haroon Mosque and the Islamic Committee of Bangkok to revolutionise cultural tourism for Muslim travellers. Imam Mathanarat Vacharapisut recently joined forces with Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of TAT, in…
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Thailand PM calls for cut in interest rates amid economic crisis
The Prime Minister and Finance Minister of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin, urgently called upon the Bank of Thailand (BoT) to organise an unscheduled meeting of its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). The objective of this meeting is to consider a cut in interest rates, as recent data suggests that the nation’s economy is in crisis. PM Srettha’s plea for this urgent meeting…
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Thaksin denies lese majeste law violation, secures 500,000 baht bail
After being released on parole for only a day, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra turned himself into authorities again, yesterday, February 19, in connection with a lese majeste case. He successfully secured bail of 500,000 baht. The 74 year old former PM was released on parole after a six-month detention at Police General Hospital. On February 18, he returned…
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Update: NASA and South Korea join forces to crack down on air pollution
South Korea’s National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER) and NASA have embarked on a mission to unravel the secrets of winter air pollution across Asia, including Thailand. Announced by the South Korean Ministry of Environment, this joint research initiative kicked off in South Korea and will span through Malaysia and Thailand, culminating on March 25. This year’s study, conducted from…
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World’s second-worst deep-fried delight a blessing?
In the bustling Saturday night market of Phiman subdistrict, Satun’s Mueang district, a fried silkworm vendor stands proudly behind her sizzling cauldron of the world’s second-worst dish. The vendor, Patcharee Thongprasom, revealed that since the TasteAtlas verdict hit the headlines, it’s been raining customers. “Before, I’d shift around 2 kilogrammes a night. Now? Doubled to a whopping 4 kilos!” For…
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Thailand’s EGAT targets biomass, hydrogen to cut CO2 emissions
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) is endeavouring to combat climate change by adopting alternative fuels to replace coal in its power plants. Partnering with the Forest Industry Organisation, a study is underway to identify fast-growing plants suitable for conversion into biomass fuel. This initiative falls within EGAT’s strategy for long-term CO2 reduction, as confirmed by Chaiwut Lakmuang, the…
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Prime Minister Srettha hands over 10,000 rai of land to farmers
In a significant move to uplift the farming community, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, on a visit to the northeastern region of Udon Thani, officially handed over lease contracts to farmers for over 10,000 rai of land owned by the 3rd Field Artillery Regiment. This marked a significant day in the Nong Wua So development scheme, designed to safeguard the interests…
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Pollution turns Nonthaburi canal water pink
Reports revealed strange pink canal water in Nonthaburi on Valentine’s Day last week as scientists scrambled to uncover the truth behind the sudden rosy hue. Experts from the Department of Science Service (DSS) embarked on an investigation uncovering startling findings that could change the way we see pollution. The case, discovered in Khlong Bang Phraek near the Big C department store…
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Thailand gears up for 4 expressway projects worth 120 billion baht
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) is set to launch four expressway projects amounting to approximately 120 billion baht (US$3.3 billion). The projects, once approved and operational, are anticipated to stimulate economic growth and create job opportunities across the nation. Surachet Laophulsuk, the head of EXAT, revealed that the four proposals are ready for submission to the Cabinet for approval.…
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Chaos outside passport office claims lives in Myanmar
In Myanmar’s Mandalay, a rush for escape turned fatal as two lives were lost in a stampede outside a passport office yesterday. According to an AFP report, the victims, two women aged 52 and 39, succumbed to the overwhelming surge of hundreds clamouring to secure their passage out of the country, amplifying the harrowing toll of Myanmar’s societal upheaval. A…
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