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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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Lava bypasses town, dodges devastation in Iceland volcanic eruption
A massive volcanic eruption in Iceland seems to have spared the only town in its path, offering a glimmer of hope for the residents of Grindavik. Geologists and rescue officials are now breathing a sigh of relief as the lava takes an unexpected detour away from the vulnerable town. The explosive volcanic eruption, which rocked the Reykjanes peninsula on the…
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Thai industries shift from traditional car parts to electric vehicle components
A deal has been struck between the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) and global car manufacturers to aid approximately 1,700 local auto parts manufacturers in transitioning from the production of traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) car parts to those for electric vehicles (EVs). Evolving global campaigns for zero-emission vehicles necessitate this shift. The FTI is facilitating collaborations between local manufacturers…
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Thai military launches early retirement scheme funded by 600 million baht
The Defence Ministry is advancing with an initiative to streamline the Thai military, proposing the allocation of 600 million baht from the central budget to facilitate an early retirement scheme over the next three years. Defence Minister, Sutin Klungsang, unveiled the strategy as a crucial part of the plan to reduce and optimise the military force, with the initial phase…
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Fatal collision at Talat Phlu intersection: motorcycle hits taxi
A 21 year old man riding a motorcycle against the traffic flow collided with a taxi on a bridge crossing Talat Phlu intersection, resulting in a fatal accident. The cab driver recalled the shocking moment, noting that he had to regain composure before alerting the police. The incident took place around 1am today. The Talat Phlu police station received a…
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Thai AirAsia X sets sights on Kazakhstan: New route sparks tourism frenzy
In a bold move set to revolutionise travel, Thai AirAsia X is gearing up to launch direct flights between Bangkok and Almaty, the thriving heart of Kazakhstan. Riding high on the unprecedented influx of tourists from Kazakhstan this year, the airline, under the visionary leadership of Tassapon Bijleveld, the executive chairman of Asia Aviation, the holding company of Thai AirAsia,…
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Magical sunset kiss: Discover the hidden ‘Kissing Mountain Cave’ in Khao Sam Roi Yot
In the heart of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park lies a mesmerising secret: the Kissing Mountain Cave, an enchanting spectacle of rocks that come alive as a romantic silhouette during sunset. As the sun dips below the horizon, witness nature’s own love story unfold. The rocks, strategically positioned, cast a shadow that resembles a tender kiss shared between two…
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Chilling forecast for northern Thailand while south braces for heavy rain
The Thai Meteorological Department has issued a level 4 warning, forecasting a sharp drop in temperatures across northern Thailand and heavy rainfall in the southern region. The warning, which came into effect from 5am today, is expected to last until December 25. The cold spell is due to a high-pressure system from China that is set to cover Thailand and…
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Phatthalung highway police intercept 58 illegal immigrants from Bangladesh
Highway police in Phatthalung intercepted three pickup trucks carrying 58 illegal Bangladesh immigrants. The migrants were being smuggled into Hat Yai to work. The drivers confessed to receiving 1,500 baht per person, a higher income than transporting goods or vegetables. Today, Deputy Superintendent Chamnan Suwanchatree, along with seven officers, set up a checkpoint on the southbound Asia Highway between Nakhon…
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China’s deadliest earthquake in years leaves 127 dead in Gansu (video)
Northwest China is reeling from the aftermath of a monstrous 6.2 magnitude earthquake that struck Gansu province, marking the country’s deadliest seismic event since 2014. The toll stands at 127 lives lost, with fears that the numbers may surge as icy conditions and treacherous terrains impede rescue efforts. As President Xi Jinping mobilises thousands of rescue crews to the impoverished…
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Thailand and Cambodia to resume talks over disputed Gulf region
February will see the reignition of talks between Thailand and Cambodia regarding a disputed region in the Gulf of Thailand, spanning 26,000 square kilometres. This area, rich in energy resources, is a matter of contention as both nations lay claim to it. Experts suggest that the discussions should primarily concentrate on the mutual development of energy resources in the Overlapping…
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Phuket to host luxury boat show: Multi-billion baht yachts and jets
In a dazzling display set to elevate Phuket‘s status on the global luxury stage, the Thailand International Boat Show A Luxury Lifestyle Event is gearing up to showcase a spectacular line-up of yachts, private jets, and more. This high-profile event is poised to inject a staggering 500 million baht into Phuket’s economy, drawing in a crowd of High Net Worth…
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Thailand’s tripartite committee to reconsider new minimum daily wage
A pivotal meeting is set to take place on Tuesday, led by the tripartite committee on minimum daily wages in Thailand. The discussion is centred around the possibility of revising the new daily wage rate that was established on December 8. This comes in the wake of comments made by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin criticising the newly determined rate as…
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Thai man murders 2 year old stepdaughter while intoxicated
A Thai man admitted to murdering his two year old stepdaughter at a house in Samut Prakarn province near Bangkok while he was intoxicated. Police suspected a 16 year old caregiver of involvement in the murder. Medical professionals reached out to officers from Phra Pradaeng Police Station at night on December 17 after an unconscious girl, 2 year old Focus,…
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Tragic car and motorcycle collision in Chachoengsao claims mother’s life, leaves daughter critically injured
An unfortunate collision between a car and a motorcycle resulted in the death of a mother and left her daughter seriously injured. The incident, which took place on route 304, Chachoengsao, was reported by Police Lieutenant Colonel Peeradon Saengsuwan, the investigating officer from Phanom Sarakham Police Station, at 10.35pm yesterday. The accident occurred near a U-turn close to Phanom Sarakham…
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Exports grow for fourth consecutive month in Thailand misses projections
November marked the fourth consecutive month of growth for Thailand’s customs-based exports, which saw a 4.9% rise from the same period last year, according to data from the customs department. However, this fell short of the projected 6.3% year-on-year increase anticipated in a Reuters poll. Last month, October had witnessed an 8% year-on-year rise. In an unexpected turn, imports for…
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Halal holidays: Malaysia lifts ban, allowing Christmas greetings on Muslim cakes
Malaysia‘s halal-certified bakeries are breaking free from a three-year ban on Christmas greetings. The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) declared yesterday, December 18, that businesses can now sprinkle some Yuletide joy on their cakes. The change came after a viral uproar over a leaked internal memo from Berry’s, a popular bakery chain, instructing staff to steer clear of Merry…
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State-owned company officer accused of age fraud to prolong retirement
A group of people calling themselves the State Enterprise Lover Club accused a deputy executive director of a state-owned telecommunications company in Thailand of committing age fraud to extend his retirement. The State Enterprise Lover Club urged a renowned Thai lawyer, Sittha Biabangkerd, to expose the matter to the public as they filed a complaint with the relevant government agencies, but…
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The hidden struggle of Thailand’s overlooked workforce
Thailand’s National Statistical Office (NSO) Director, Piyanut Wuthison, has exposed the stark reality of the nation’s labour force where 21 million workers in the informal sector constitute a staggering 52.3% of Thailand‘s workforce. “Our annual survey sheds light on the silent warriors of the informal labour sector, a staggering 21 million strong. These workers, often grappling with irregular hours and…
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Chiang Mai’s sunrise leads to capture of suspected gunman
The capture of Anawin, the suspected gunman in the cases of shooting Nong Yod and Teacher Jeab, occurred in Chiang Mai. After a restful night and watching the sunrise atop the mountain, he was apprehended and flown back to the capital for further questioning. In the ongoing investigation of a crime gang allegedly responsible for the shootings, both victims tragically…
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Thai lottery vendor accused of fraud in refusal to pay 18,000 baht prize
A Thai woman filed a complaint against a lottery vendor accusing her of fraud after the seller refused to pay a prize of 18,000 baht on the December 1 draw. The 51 year old real estate business operator, Aramsri Hathongkham, filed a complaint with the officers at Mueang Ubon Ratchathani Police Station in the Isaan province of Ubon Ratchathani on…
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Thai prime minister’s holiday escape revelation sparks controversy
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has stepped up to shield Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin amid a storm of criticism over his unannounced four-day holiday break to be with family. Phumtham, doubling as the commerce minister, staunchly defended the PM’s right to take a breather, asserting that a holiday is perfectly normal. Striking back at detractors, he revealed that the 61…
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Tiger rescue mission in Thailand saves 15 big cats from illegal farm
A landmark rescue operation unfolded in northern Thailand, where a dozen tigers and three leopards were liberated from a hidden tiger farm. This covert operation, conducted on December 16, was the result of legal proceedings against the farm over suspected illicit wildlife trade. The rescue mission involved wildlife experts and veterinary teams, marking the commencement of the most extensive tiger…
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Malaysia’s Health Minister reveals bold move: Not returning to Covid lockdowns
Malaysia‘s Health Minister, Dzulkefly Ahmad, declared yesterday, December 18, that the country has no plans to reinstate the dreaded Covid-19 Movement Control Order (MCO). “For the time being, we are not considering reinstating the MCO, although a lot of people are talking about it on X.” The minister assured the public that despite a surge in infections, the situation is…
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Supreme court’s Sitthichote Intharawiset named new election commissioner
Sitthichote Intharawiset, the senior judge of the Supreme Court, has been announced as the most recent election commissioner. He fills the position left vacant by Chatchai Janprasri, who stepped down in June. The Senate cast its vote, 175 to 16, with eight abstentions, confirming Sitthichote as the newest member of the Election Commission. Sitthichote, who also presides over the Supreme…
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EEC water miracle: Government’s plan ensures businesses swim through summer
The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) can breathe a sigh of relief as the government swoops in to address concerns over looming water shortages, promising a well-hydrated future until the summer of next year. The EEC, a flagship special economic zone spanning Rayong, Chon Buri, and Chachoengsao, faced imminent water crises, raising alarms within the community. Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsutin…
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Thai man accuses 6 relatives of embezzling nearly 200 million baht
A Thai man accused six relatives of embezzling nearly 200 million baht assets from him and his mother. The relatives allegedly took advantage of the mother’s illness and the man’s imprisonment to make wills and transfer property to themselves. A 42 year old Thai man named Preecha and his 32 year old wife named Siriluck filed a complaint against six…
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PM Srettha reveals bold plans for seamless tourism and rice boost in regional summit
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin revealed visionary plans to foster seamless tourism among Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. The grand revelation unfolded during a high-profile meeting with the leaders of these nations on the sidelines of the Tokyo summit, celebrating Japan’s half-century collaboration with ASEAN countries. During a tête-à -tête with Vietnam President Võ Văn Thưởng, Srettha enthusiastically announced the revival of…
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Stable gold prices in Thailand offers secure investment opportunity
The Gold Traders Association announced today’s gold prices, maintaining the same rates as yesterday. The selling price for gold jewellery is set at 34,050 baht. The price of gold remains unchanged from yesterday, with the Gold Traders Association revealing the selling price for gold jewellery at 34,050 baht per baht, according to the latest information published on their website at…
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Freedom fighter or foe? Trial of Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai
Media tycoon Jimmy Lai, the fearless founder of the now-shuttered Apple Daily, is set to face the music in a high-stakes trial that could see him behind bars for life. The United States and British governments are sounding the alarm, calling for Lai’s release as he stands accused of collusion with foreign forces under Beijing’s controversial national security law. Lai,…
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Taiwanese teen loses testicle due to overlooked torsion: a urology emergency
A 14 year old Taiwanese student was suddenly afflicted with severe pain and swelling in his left testicle, which began to turn black. After enduring three days of discomfort, the boy sought medical attention. Renowned urologist, Huang Wei-lun, described his surprise upon examining the boy. His left testicle was not only swollen and hard like an egg but had also…
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