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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 Digital nomading in Chiang Mai? What US$1,000 a month really gets you
Chiang Mai has become a popular destination for digital nomads due to its low living costs, rich culture, and active remote work community. The city offers affordable housing, tasty food, reliable internet, and many co-working spaces, making it a great...
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Thailand to launch green investment trusts for forestry initiatives
Thai regulatory bodies are paving the way for the establishment of investment trusts dedicated to forestry and tree-planting initiatives. These new financial products, dubbed green investment trusts, are part of an effort to diversify the capital markets and provide financial support to sectors that align with carbon neutrality goals. Pornanong Budsaratragoon, the secretary-general of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC),…
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Thai company sues Chinese coffee chain Luckin Coffee over trademark infringement
Thailand’s 50R Group unleashed a US$290 million (10 billion baht) legal storm against Chinese coffee giant Luckin Coffee. The lawsuit is over alleged economic losses during a trademark dispute that has shaken the caffeine industry. Thailand’s 50R Group claims it legally staked its claim to the Luckin trademark with the Thai Ministry of Commerce in 2020, unveiling stores in December…
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Phetchabun taskforce dismantles illegal resorts in forest reserve
Authorities in Phetchabun province acted swiftly on a tip-off regarding encroachment upon the Khao Polklon Forest Reserve. In a coordinated operation, the Tiger Forestry Taskforce, along with other units, detained five individuals linked to luxury resorts and a café constructed illegally in the Khao Kho area. The mission underscored the government’s commitment to preserving national forest reserves and highlighted the…
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Thai women in cross-cultural marriages unite to tackle the challenge of widowhood
For Thai women residing in Germany, the abrupt demise of a German spouse plunges them into a bewildering maze, especially when language differences compound the already overwhelming grief of widowhood. The Thai Women Network in Europe (TWNE) recently took the initiative to address this dire situation, organising a two-day event in Hua Hin. Chongcharoen Sornkaew Grimsmann, former president of TWNE,…
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Thai man arrested for attempting to rape 74 year old distant relative
Locals rescued a 74 year old Thai woman after her 42 year old distant relative attempted to rape her in the Satuek district in the Isaan province of Buriram. The 74 year old victim, Mongpramoon, filed a complaint with Satuek Police Station officers that her distant relative, Uthen Jampanuan, stole 400 baht and tried to rape her yesterday morning, January…
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Thailand’s economic growth labelled underwhelming by government
The economic expansion of Thailand in the previous year and the anticipated growth in the current year have been labelled as underwhelming by the government, referencing a report from the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO). The assertion was made by Chai Wacharonke, the government spokesperson, through a Line chat group created for communication with reporters from the Government House. The FPO…
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Jive at Dong Tan: Beach-turned-bazaar sparks excitement in Jomtien
Dong Tan Beach has turned into a night bazaar, buzzing with commerce, stirring both excitement and disarray among local businesses in Jomtien. The once tranquil beach now hosts a nightly spectacle, drawing sellers and buyers alike, transforming this coastal haven into the vibrant Dong Tan Night Market. The market’s meteoric rise in popularity has, however, birthed a set of challenges.…
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MFP supports Pheu Thai’s two charter amendments referendums
The Move Forward Party (MFP) backs Pheu Thai‘s proposal for two referendums on charter amendments, promising to reshape Thailand‘s political landscape. Parit Wacharasindhu, an MFP list-MP and the party’s spokesperson, declared on Tuesday, January 23, the MFP’s full-throated endorsement of Pheu Thai’s deputy leader, Chusak Sirinil’s, proposition for just two referendums, stating that it’s a cost-effective and time-efficient approach. Not…
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AirAsia X expansion sparks unprecedented growth
AirAsia X soared to new heights, carrying a staggering 890,289 passengers in the fourth quarter of 2023, experiencing a 2.6-fold increase year-on-year. Passenger Load Factor (PLF) has risen to 82%, a remarkable three-percentage-point surge. The surge comes on the heels of an impressive 2.5-fold increase in seat capacity, making it a clear winner in the aviation race. During the quarter…
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Kamphaeng Phet prison sweep finds zero contraband, upholds security
Kamphaeng Phet’s Central Prison conducted a surprise operation following the Department of Corrections’ policy to prevent the smuggling of contraband into the inmates’ quarters. Chathip Rujonseree, the Governor of Kamphaeng Phet Province, today chaired the launch of this special inspection operation to safeguard against the illicit introduction of prohibited items into the prison cells. The operation was a coordinated effort…
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Thai police officer kills boyfriend of his friend’s daughter in Bangkok
A Sutthisan Police Station officer shot dead the boyfriend of his friend’s daughter outside the victim’s house in Huay Kwang district of Bangkok last night. The officer’s disapproval of the relationship was cited as the motive behind the tragic incident The death of the 25 year old Thai man, Thitiwat Auayklang, was reported to Huay Kwang Police Station at 7pm,…
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Tourism minister presents six proposals to boost ASEAN relations
The Minister of Tourism and Sports received the Cabinet‘s approval for six proposals set to revolutionise ASEAN tourism. The Cabinet’s green light paves the way for Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol to champion regional partnerships at the 27th Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers in Vientiane, Laos. In an exclusive statement on January 23, Minister Sudawan disclosed the approved documents, each designed to…
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Rising Red Sea tensions to spike freight rates warns EconThai
Global supply chains are bracing for further potential disruptions, as rising tensions in the Red Sea are projected to escalate freight rates in February, according to the Employers’ Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry (EconThai). The organisation has already noted an increase in freight rates by 1.89 to 2.42 times, a trend expected to persist should the tensions continue. Tanit…
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DSI officials prosecuted for alleged corruption
Former Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin, alongside three confidants, launched a lawsuit against top officials of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). The former DSI director-general, the acting DSI director-general, and the director of the Human Trafficking Cases Division were accused of being involved in a corrupt scheme. Suchart, flanked by his associates, addressed the media with a bombshell revelation. According…
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My Thai Boyfriend, new LGBTQA+ dating sim game inspired by Pattaya
Game developer Alright Peaches Studio launched a dating simulator game inspired by the LGBTQA+ community in Pattaya called My Thai Boyfriend. My Thai Boyfriend has been available on Steam since January 1. The game is a dating simulator, also known as a dating sim or visual novel, which allows players to interact and build relationships with characters in the video…
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Transforming Thailand’s Koh Yao into a wellness tourism hotspot
The Thai Public Health Ministry is set to transform Koh Yao district in Phang Nga into a wellness hotspot by augmenting medical services and expanding long-stay options for tourists. The solitary hospital on Koh Yao Noi, Kohyaochaipat Hospital, currently caters to over 12,000 island residents and sporadic tourists requiring medical attention, according to Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew. The hospital…
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Bangkok gears up for eighth round of FTA talks with EFTA
Bangkok is preparing to host the eighth round of free trade agreement (FTA) discussions with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), scheduled to take place from January 30 to February 2. The Thai government aims to wrap up the negotiations by the middle of this year. Chotima Lemsawasdikul, the director-general of the Trade Negotiations Department, has confirmed that the discussions will…
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Thailand aims to be among top five Asian tech ecosystems
Aspiring to rank among Asia’s top five tech ecosystems within the next decade, Thailand is currently focusing on the development of smart industries, particularly in tourism, healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing, according to a statement by a corporate innovation accelerator. Dr Kid Parchariyanon, CEO and co-founder of RISE, the accelerator, insisted that the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), along with nurturing…
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Thailand expects 1-3°C temperature drop amid strong high-pressure system
Thailand is bracing for a further 1 to 3 degrees Celsius drop in temperatures as a strong high-pressure system covers the nation and the South China Sea. This Meteorological Development of Thailand (TMD) is set to bring cooler to cold conditions, accompanied by strong winds across various parts of the country, including the greater Bangkok area. The northern region is…
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Thai ministries to patrol schools post operational hours following assault
The aftermath of a shocking assault on a school teacher in Chiang Rai last week has instigated the Education Ministry to collaborate with the Interior Ministry and Royal Thai Police (RTP). The objective is to ensure local law enforcement officers patrol schools after operational hours. A 38 year old man was responsible for the severe injuries inflicted on a female…
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Thailand aims to become Asian aviation hub, says Thai PM
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin outlined plans to transform Thailand into an Asian aviation hub. The announcement was made during his keynote speech at the Thailand 2024 The Great Challenges event. He highlighted the government’s focus on tourism and the introduction of several measures to boost the industry, including reciprocal visa exemption programmes. A reciprocal visa exemption deal will be signed…
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Thai government insists on land bridge project amidst criticism, seeks international investors
Despite facing criticism, the Thai government remains determined to proceed with its Land Bridge project, inviting foreign investors and prioritising environmental implications, especially in headwater regions. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke, addressing a mobile Cabinet meeting in Ranong, confirmed the government’s intent to engage foreign investors post the project’s promotion by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin at three international events. These included…
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Eight year old wing-foiling prodigy aims for record-breaking 110-kilometre Gulf of Thailand journey
In a display of sheer talent and determination, an eight year old kid is set to embark on a groundbreaking journey across the Gulf of Thailand. Thailand’s wonder kid, Thanawat Promwaen, aka Shane from Pattaya, plans to cover an astonishing 110 kilometres, soaring from Pattaya to Pak Nam Pran near Hua Hin. If successful, Shane will etch his name in…
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36 Laotian babies to receive life-saving surgeries in Thai hospitals
In a heartwarming collaboration, 36 Laotian babies grappling with congenital heart defects are set to undergo free life-saving surgeries in Thai hospitals this year, thanks to a groundbreaking Thai-Lao medical cooperation scheme. The initiative is a beacon of hope for these young patients in Laos, where limited surgical equipment poses a significant challenge. The Thai Red Cross Society, Chulalongkorn Hospital,…
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Nachat under fire for offhand infidelity quip about singer’s wife
Social media erupted with criticism towards actor Nachat Chantaphan, following the resurfacing of a clip where he seemingly teases Pumpui Pantipa, wife of the famous singer Gavin Duval, about infidelity. The video in question, titled Inside Pumpui 30+ Million Home & Car – Exposing Nikki’s Past Flirtations, dates back to December 2023. It features a lighthearted tour of Pumpui’s residence,…
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Vietnamese village brings incense stick tradition to social media
In the quaint Incense Village of Quang Phu Cau, nestled in the northern part of Vietnam, a vibrant transformation is underway. Dang Thi Hoa, a seasoned artisan with three decades of incense stick craftsmanship, finds herself not just steeped in tradition but riding the wave of Instagram fervour. Lunar New Year, locally known as Tet, has taken on a whole…
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Community rallies to fund funeral for Thai grandmother
A heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded in the small community of Khao Kuba in Thailand, as 62 year old Pranom succumbed to the challenges of caring for her bedridden 12 year old grandchild, Nong Tong. Nong Tong, who has been disabled since birth, grapples with severe muscular weakness. The grieving family, already burdened by sorrow, encountered the additional challenge of lacking the…
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4 Thai TikTokers attack woman after illegal business exposed
Police arrested four famous Thai TikTokers after they brutally attacked a Thai woman at a condominium in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok. The attack was allegedly triggered by suspicions that the victim and her friend disclosed information about their illegal business on social media. The 18 year old victim, Autsamanee, also known as Gam, filed a complaint at Bang Sri Mueang…
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Thai Constitutional Court ruling spares Pita stating iTV not mass media
The Constitutional Court’s panel of judges has ruled ex-Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat not guilty in the iTV shareholding case regarding his membership in the House of Representatives. The court met at 9.30am today, January 24, to discuss and vote in the case where the Election Commission (EC) had requested to decide the case of Pita who is…
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Thailand’s minister calls for industrial sector transformation
Thailand Industry Minister Pimpatra Vichayakul likened the nation’s industrial sector to a sleeping tiger ready to awaken and roar, emphasising the need for a transformation towards S-Curve industries. This declaration came during the Thailand 2024: The Great Challenges seminar held yesterday, January 23, at the Pullman King Power Hotel in Bangkok. Pimpatra highlighted the government’s role in supporting local and…
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