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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 9 most common health issues covered by insurance for expats in Thailand
Thailand is a popular destination for expats due to its affordable lifestyle and excellent healthcare system. However, settling in a new country often brings health concerns. To ensure you’re covered for the most common medical needs, understanding what expat health...
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Thai lottery ushers in new year with lucky numbers frenzy
The Thai Government Lottery Office today is set to reveal the initial lottery outcomes for the auspicious Dragon Year. Enthusiastic fortune seekers and lottery enthusiasts are actively seeking fortuitous numbers to usher in the new year. Recently favoured number combinations have been collated from diverse sources, encompassing the propitious sequence 08-01-30, New Year numbers 567, 67, 024, 24, and Children’s…
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CentralWorld hosts Bangkok Countdown 2024
Central Pattana plc, Thailand’s number one real estate developer and operator of 39 Central shopping centers nationwide, in collaboration with leading public and private partners including the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Royal Thai Police, Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association (RSTA), Advance Info Service plc., Thai Honda Co., Ltd., Coca-Cola (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Haad Thip plc., Boonrawd Trading Co.,…
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Police confirm model Prawrawee Sahatthatphong’s death as suicide
Unveiling a fresh timeline, police authorities confirmed on Tuesday that the evidence gathered backs the assumption that Prawrawee Sahatthatphong, also known as Yoko, the 28 year old motor show model, took her own life on November 1. The recently surfaced data reveals that Prawrawee, who was found lifeless in her Ekkamai condominium, had procured a bottle of cyanide online in…
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Thai government resists Israeli embassy’s call for hostage release in Gaza
A call for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, initiated by the Israeli embassy, met with opposition from the Thai government. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara expressed his disapproval of the move on Tuesday. He has requested a meeting with the Israeli ambassador for a discussion on the issue.…
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Global car firms urge fair Thai EV promotion amidst competition fears
European, American, and South Korean automobile manufacturers are urging the Thai government to ensure its electric vehicle (EV) promotion policy benefits all EV makers evenly. This plea arises amidst growing concerns that Chinese and Japanese rivals might be enjoying an unfair advantage. Industry Minister Pimphattra Wichaikul revealed these countries are seeking enhanced support for their EV sales and automotive supply…
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Thai ministry propels rice trade growth with G2G agreements
The Ministry of Commerce in Thailand is set to discuss the potential sale of a massive 1 million tonnes of rice to Indonesia tomorrow, under a government-to-government (G2G) agreement. This comes with a commitment to further engage in similar discussions about rice sales with China. Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai revealed that the head of the Foreign Trade Department has been…
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Southeast Asian nations ramp up efforts to boost upstream oil industry
Southeast Asian nations are intensifying their efforts to boost the upstream oil industry, with Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand vying for investment from both domestic and international entities, as revealed by a study from BMI, a Fitch Solutions company. In 2022, Malaysia received foreign investment of 287 million ringgit (US$61.7 billion), equivalent to 47% of the nation’s overall investment, in…
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Motorcycle and pickup collision causes fatal accident in Mueang Chachoengsao
A fatal collision occurred between a motorcycle and a pickup truck on Suk Prayun Road near the Ju Chareon intersection in Mueang Chachoengsao. The incident took place close to a U-turn point in the city centre, and resulted in the death of the 31 year old motorcycle rider, Waranyu Worasing, also known as Kru Gai. Authorities were alerted to the…
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Thai justice minister supports DSI in bribery, human trafficking probe
Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong stepped forward to support the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) as it investigates accusations of bribery and human trafficking levelled against two previous Cabinet ministers and two high-ranking officials involved in the supply of Thai labour to Finland. Tawee, who spoke before the regular Tuesday Cabinet meeting, denied any form of victimisation in the joint inquiry…
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Tourist traps or traffic tricks? Pattaya’s road signs under scrutiny
The Machanu Roundabout, where Jomtien Second Road meets the path to Jomtien Beach in Pattaya, has turned into a perilous zone, prompting residents to demand swift intervention. The pedestrian crossing signs, seemingly innocuous, are placed at a precarious height of only 160 centimetres. Tourists, oblivious to the looming hazard, find themselves colliding with these signs, resulting in a string of…
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Man’s public poop at Thai car showroom creates online buzz
A man’s desperate need for relief led to a spectacle at a showroom front when he had no choice but to publicly poop. The incident, which occurred on January 11, was captured on a video posted by a 29 year old Moss showroom salesperson, on a Facebook page named Want to be famous, let’s arrange it to return to part…
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Thai coconuts take China by storm: How RCEP sparks culinary craze
Thai coconuts have become a sensation, captivating the taste buds of the vast Chinese market. Since the initiation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in 2022, these delectable coconuts have found their way into an array of Chinese dishes, from cakes and coffee to hot pot extravaganzas. Two years on, the RCEP has not only transformed the economic landscape…
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Update: Chiang Mai Night Safari confirms four zoo animals died, not 13
Kritsada Lapimon, Deputy Director of the Pinkanakorn Office and Director of the Central Administration Office performing duties on behalf of the Director of the Pinkanakorn Development Office, chaired a press conference to clarify the number of deaths of animals at the Chiang Mai Night Safari yesterday, January 15. Thitirat Tawanwong, Deputy Director of the Pinkanakorn Development Office and Director of…
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Thai naturalist embarks on a 1,000km trip to save Mekong River
The Mekong River, a lifeline for millions, is currently in a state of distress. Naturalist Paramin Wannakornbancha, known as Bass, embarked on a 1,000-kilometre journey on foot to raise awareness about the river’s plight. His journey, which started yesterday, January 15, has been warmly welcomed by local fishermen who are heartened by the younger generation’s concern for the river. In…
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Cell caper: Phone shop employee steals mobiles worth 400,000 baht
A phone shop employee took advantage of the store owner’s trust after working for a full year, and stole 10 mobile phones worth more than 400,000 baht. A Facebook page posted a warning message about a phone store employee stealing 10 phones, including iPhones today, January 15. “Warning about a fraudster embezzling more than 10 iPhones and models of other…
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Young girl finds and returns gold bracelet worth 70,000 baht to owner
A primary 4 girl returned a gold bracelet worth more than 70,000 baht to its owner. Villagers flocked to praise the honest girl who picked up a 2 baht (approximately 30.32 grammes) gold bracelet and returned it to the owner. The girl, of Number 53, Village No. 2, Ban Talu Non Muang. Samrong Ta Jen Subdistrict, Khukhan District, Si Sa…
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Thai woman’s legal battle after husband’s affair with adoptive mother
A Thai woman in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat is taking legal action against her husband’s adoptive mother for having a secret affair with her husband. The 28 year old woman named Amm took to social media to share the story of her cheating husband’s sexual relationship with his adoptive mother as a warning to others. Amm’s story…
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Investigation into Yoko’s death uncovers purchase of cyanide for 33,000 baht
The investigation into the death of Praowrawee Sahasathapong, better known as Yoko, is progressing. At 9.30am today at Klong Tan Police Station, Police Captain Witawat Chikham, Superintendent of Division 5, disclosed that a close male friend of Yoko, along with his lawyer, had come forward to help the investigation officers at Klong Tan Police Station. Pol. Cap. Witawat further stated…
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Thai Airways increases flights between Bangkok and Sydney
Thai Airways is set to redefine your travel experience with a brand new double-daily flight connecting Sydney and Bangkok. The modern Airbus A350 promises a quieter and more relaxing journey, leaving behind the noisy Boeing 777s in the dust. Thai Airways unveiled its revamped schedule effective April 1, turning the Sydney-Bangkok route into a seamless gateway to Europe and Japan.…
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Thai AirAsia merger grounded till 2027
The consolidation of AirAsia (AAB) and AirAsia X (AAX) might be a lengthy affair, extending up to 2027, according to Executive Chairman Tassapon Bijleveld. The merger, aimed at creating a powerhouse in the industry, faces delays as AAX grapples with its ongoing rehabilitation process. Last week, AAX made a revelation on the Malaysian stock exchange, announcing a non-binding letter of intent…
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Lottery expert reveals top numbers and zodiac predictions for 2023 in Thailand
A recent lottery show revealed the top lottery numbers for the upcoming draw tomorrow, along with promising predictions for five zodiac signs for the year 2024. This was presented by renowned lottery expert, Ball Parway. The numbers that were highlighted include 425-97, a result of the New Year’s Day horoscope reading at a house built for Phya Naga in Uttaradit…
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Thai TV star reveals three sets of lucky numbers from lottery purchase on Instagram
Lottery enthusiasts are urged to enhance good fortune for themselves and their families to welcome the new year by paying respect at the Bangkok City Pillar Shrine. Good-humoured TV star Thongchai Thongkanthom, better known as Ping Pong, shared a photo of the three sets of lucky numbers that he got at the shrine with fans on his Instagram account @sindy_pwoong.…
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Thailand opposes Israel photo campaign on Bangkok tuk tuks
The Deputy Prime Minister (PM) of Thailand and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Pranpree Bahiddhanukon, reported that Thailand locked horns with the Embassy of Israel in Thailand over its campaign of putting photos of hostages on the back of the capital’s tuk tuks. The Embassy of Israel in Thailand launched a campaign calling for the immediate release of the hostages held in…
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Tourist bus crash in Phuket injures 17 Chinese tourists
A bus journey to the picturesque Similan Islands took a horrific turn today when a vehicle ferrying 17 Chinese tourists careened off the road in Tha Chatchai, located in the northernmost part of Phuket. The incident occurred early today, January 16. Authorities were alerted to the disaster at 8.10am. Responding to the call were Tha Chatchai police officials, including Police…
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MFP MP Suphanat makes recommendations to improvements at Mo Chit 2
Move Forward Party (MFP) MP for Bangkok District 9 Suphanat Minchainan made recommendations for improving the escalators and lifts at Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal. Suphanat suggested that the deputy minister of transport and executives should listen to service users in terms of the issues that have arisen regarding the station and that they shouldn’t rely on their judgment. He…
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Thai couple arrested for illegal blank gun trade earning 120,000 baht monthly
A married couple was arrested today for illegally manufacturing and selling blank gun weapons and parts through a closed social media group, earning them an astonishing monthly income of 120,000 baht (US$3,415). The arrest of the couple, identified as 39 year old Wimol and 37 year old Chanthana, was led by the Special News and Tools Analysis Division of the…
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Young man dies in tragic motorcycle crash on eve of his 25th birthday
A tragic accident claimed the life of a 25 year old man after he crashed his motorcycle into a lorry carrying electrical poles. The incident occurred on Phaholyothin Road, at kilometre marker 190-191, near Kok Sam Rong Subdistrict, Lopburi Province. The young man, identified as Worut (surname withheld), met his untimely death on the eve of his birthday, leaving his…
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Thai woman arrested for illegal surrogacy on her return from China
Police arrested a Thai woman at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok on her return from China for operating an illegal surrogacy racket. The arrest followed a crackdown on a transitional criminal gang in the Isaan province of Nong Khai in May last year. The criminal gang procured Thai women for illegally providing surrogacy services to foreigners. During the operation, Department…
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Thai institutional investors foresee policy interest rate cut in 2024
The Association of Investment Management Companies (AIMC) disclosed that institutional investors anticipate Thailand’s policy interest rate to reduce by 0.25% to 2.25% this year. Investors are encouraged to take a heavyweight stance on fixed-income assets. Chavinda Hanratanakool, AIMC chairwoman, conveyed the results of a survey conducted amongst institutional investors. The survey explored their views on economic conditions and interest rate…
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Bangkok-Chiang Mai train collides with parked pickup, female driver seriously injured
A Bangkok-Chiang Mai train crashed into a parked pickup truck in Lopburi province at 4.45pm yesterday, January 15. The female driver of the pickup truck survived but was seriously injured. Police Major Srettha Saranan, duty inspector at Ban Mi Police Station in the Lopburi Province, along with Ruamkatanyu Foundation volunteers inspected the accident scene which was a railway track in…
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