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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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Monsoon surge raises flood risk across Thailand: 47 provinces on high alert
Swelling rainfall across Thailand, spurred by the increasing strength of a monsoon coupled with an area of low atmospheric pressure, has compelled the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) to warn that 47 provinces could face potentially hazardous situations. Over the next 24 hours, it predicts 60% of their areas will face heavy rain, with the severity being the most significant in…
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Elderly Thai woman dies in van-lorry collision: Baby escapes unhurt
An unfortunate collision incident involving a van and a lorry full of rice cost an elderly Thai woman’s life and left three others hospitalised. Fortunately, the youngest passenger, a one year old girl, was spared any injuries, benefitting from her car seat. The collision incident which occurred on Highway No. 340, near kilometre marker 94 in Sri Prachan District of Suphan Buri…
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Fire drill tragedy sparks aid: Bangkok education ministry offers financial support to grieving family
Following the tragic death of an 18-year-old student at a school in Bangkok last Friday, the Education Ministry revealed it will provide financial assistance to the victim’s family. The boy died during a fire drill activity intended to ensure school safety when a fire extinguisher exploded. Atthapol Sangkhawasi, the permanent secretary for education, along with Niyom Phaisopha, director-general of Bangkok…
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Fitch ratings reveal Thailand’s economic recovery to boost corporate earnings in 2023
Recovery of the domestic economy and alleviation of inflationary pressures are set to bolster the performance of corporations in Thailand this year, suggest analysts from Fitch Ratings during the 2023 Thailand Corporate Credit Outlook & Asean ESG conference, held recently in Bangkok. Corporates at Fitch Ratings (Thailand)’s Lertchai Kochareonrattanakul, a senior director, indicated in his talk that a boost in…
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Buying a franchise Vs buying a business: The benefits and drawbacks of each option
Are you considering starting your own business? Do you have the motivation and desire to be an entrepreneur but are unsure of which route to take? Buying a franchise or buying a business are two popular options for aspiring entrepreneurs. Both have their own set of benefits and drawbacks. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of each…
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Bangkok traffic: New automatic system launched to ease city congestion
As a strategic initiative aimed at improving vehicle movement, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) recently initiated an automatic traffic-management system. This pilot project focuses on optimising traffic across four significant roads within the capital city. Chadchart Sittipunt, the Governor of Bangkok, divulged that the modern system is to be installed at 13 intersections on key city routes, counting Rama VI Road,…
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Hotel Act concerns addressed by Thai Hotels Association due to government’s registration rules
The Thai Hotels Association (THA) has taken a positive step by welcoming the Ministry of Interior’s new regulations. These rules will now classify smaller accommodations that were operating before 2016 as hotels. This decision is expected to result in increased tax collection, providing additional income for the government. However, the proposal to exempt larger accommodation facilities from registration under the…
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Boggle Boggle: Korean noodle pop-up store debuts in Thailand with K-drama experience
In a move influenced by the continued fascination with K-pop culture among Thai enthusiasts, ‘Boggle Boggle,’ a Korean noodle pop-up store reminiscent of the famed late-night food spots or vintage red tents frequently portrayed in South Korean TV dramas, has made its recent debut in Thailand. Hosting its grand opening on June 24, Boggle Boggle occupies a space on the…
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Thai economy booms as government’s fiscal income beats projections with 122bn baht surplus
The Thai economy demonstrates strong recovery and active imports as the Thai government’s net income during the first two-thirds of fiscal 2023 has surpassed projections by 122 billion baht, revealed Fiscal Policy Office Director-General, Pornchai Thiraveja, 42 years old. Between October 2022 and May 2023, the Thai government raked in a total of 1.64 trillion baht, which is an 8%…
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After 23 years, TikTok user finds her birth mother through Facebook
After a relentless, 23-year pursuit, a Thai TikTok user, known as @kualanut2543, finally found her birth mother. Today, the woman explained her long journey, carried by the hope of seeing her mother’s face for the first time despite her doubts about whether her mother would recognise her. Overcoming her fears, she made the move, opening her up to a whirlwind…
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San Antonio Airport worker tragically dies after being sucked into landing plane’s engine
A tragic incident on a runway left an airport employee dead after being sucked into a plane’s engine while it was landing. The horrific scene unfolded in San Antonio, Texas, USA, sparking global attention. The United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed a ground worker at San Antonio International Airport tragically lost his life yesterday at about 10.25pm local…
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Phuket Peranakan festival dazzles, promotes sustainable tourism and local culture
In a resounding celebration of heritage and culture, over 1,000 people gathered for the Phuket Peranakan Festival‘s ‘Extravaganza Carnival’ grand parade. The sparkling event unfolded in the vintage vicinity of Phuket Old Town on a joyous Saturday evening. The iconoclastic carnival, the crown jewel of the three-day extravaganza, resulted in the closure of roads, culminating in a tremendous spectacle. The…
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Thailand’s real estate sector eyes foreign investment boost
With an eye on boosting the economy, real estate developers and consultants are urging Thailand‘s new government to implement policies that promote foreign investment. They believe such measures will stimulate a more positive environment for overseas buyers in the property market, suggesting promotional efforts to increase awareness among foreign investors. Artitaya Kasemlawan, head of residential sales projects at CBRE Thailand,…
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Pattaya hotel rooftop sauna engulfed in flames
In Thailand’s eastern city of Pattaya, a hotel’s rooftop sauna was suddenly engulfed in flames at 10pm on Saturday. According to hotel staff, the sauna room was under renovation and had a sign prohibiting entry. However, some guests secretly used the room, resulting in an unexpected fire. The incident took place at a hotel located on Soi Arunothai, within the…
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Rock ‘n’ roll cuisine: Stir-fried pebbles cause a stir among daring foodies in China (video)
The latest culinary craze sweeping mainland China is proving a bit difficult for foodies to get their teeth into. Gastronomists in Hubei province have taken their palates to a whole new level with a dish that will leave foodies chewing on…pebbles. That’s right, stir-fried stones have become the talk of the town and a bizarre culinary craze. The taste buds…
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Phone theft in Ho Chi Minh City takes a twist as dog bites victim
A serious incident emerged in the area of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where a phone theft escalated unpredictably, concluding with a dog attack. Authorities have been informed and are actively tracking down the offenders using CCTV footage. The series of events transpired at around 8pm on June 17. A 40 year old woman accompanied by her 20 year old…
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AIS urged to retract NBTC lawsuit amidst True-DTAC merger controversy
In an undisclosed revelation from employees within the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), it was indicated that Advanced Info Service (AIS) has been encouraged to retract its lawsuit against last year’s NBTC board resolution, which validated the amalgamation of True-DTAC. This lawsuit could potentially create complications for the commission when deliberating the ongoing acquisition of the fixed broadband service…
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Mysterious death in jungle hut prompts investigation in Lampang province
In the early hours of yesterday morning, a tragic discovery was made in the district of Wang Nuea, Lampang province. A 48 year old man’s body was found lifeless in a hut in a dense jungle near the village. His death was mysterious, sparking an urgent response from local rescue workers, police from Wang Nuea station, and on-call physicians from Wang…
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Pride month marketing sparks backlash amidst ‘Rainbow Washing’ claims
The marketing strategies utilised by companies throughout Pride Month have sparked criticism from LGBTQ+ rights advocates who accuse businesses of merely capitalising on Pride-themed merchandise but not backing the call for equal rights in real terms. This can refer to as “Rainbow Washing.” Nikki Phinyapincha, founder of TransTalents Consulting Group, claims that these businesses just incorporated Pride Month, which is…
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Fatal handgun accident in Uthai Thani casts shadow over memorial preparations
A shocking incident unfolded in the early hours of this morning when a playful test of a handgun amongst friends took a fatal turn. A gathering at a residence in the Uthai Thani district descended into panic as one individual was fatally shot. The tragedy occurred amidst preparations for a religious ceremony. Despite immediate hospitalisation, the 38 year old victim’s…
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Global Thai rice export forecast to surpass 8 million tonnes
The appeal for Thai rice continues to be significant globally, with both Indonesia and Bangladesh expressing their aspirations to buy the grain through G2G or government-to-government contracts. Ronnarong Phoolpipat, head of the Foreign Trade Department, stated that the immense global demand for Thai rice is likely to boost exports to surpass 8 million tonnes this year. The department has plans…
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RTAF officer tragically dies in a motorcycle accident near Bangkok hospital
In the early morning hours of this morning, a tragic traffic accident claimed the life of a Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) officer, who was catapulted from his motorcycle after colliding with a median strip barrier near Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital in Bangkok. On-site inspection revealed severe damage on both the officer’s Honda Click and the concrete barrier. Police are working…
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Phuket Airport tests security with a gunman simulation drill
Phuket International Airport on Friday became a hive of activity as it underwent a security drill in case of a gunman attack. A full-scale exercise of Phuket International Airport Emergency Plan (PEMEX 2023) was enacted, simulating an ‘active gunman’ scenario. The drill took place following the departure of the last domestic flight for the day and was conducted from 11pm…
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Teenage student hospitalised after overdose amid bullying in southern Thailand
A tragic school bullying incident occurred yesterday as a 15 year old Thai female student consumed over 20 pills, a mix of sleeping tablets and paracetamol, resulting in her being rushed to Phatthalung Hospital in southern Thailand. The incident occurred in one of the schools in the Kuan Maprao City area, Phatthalung province. A student, named “A,” shared her dorm…
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Former military officer accused of assaulting beer promoter in Nakhon Sawan restaurant (video)
A former military officer has been accused by a 20 year old beer promoter of physically assaulting her in a restaurant in Nakhon Sawan province, northern Thailand. The female worker, Susita Rachakit, who sustained injuries to her face, claims she was slapped and kicked by the man after he accused her of inappropriately touching him. It has been confirmed that…
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Thai council pays tribute after young doctor’s tragic fatal accident
In an unfortunate twist of events yesterday, the Medical Council of Thailand (MCT) extended its deepest sympathies over the untimely passing of a newly qualified young doctor, who endured a fatal traffic mishap in Kanchanaburi. The doctor, 24 year old Yanisa Suebchiang, best known as Dr Mean, fell casualty to a catastrophic four-car accident that transpired at around 4pm on…
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Drought hits Thailand’s cassava yield, imports to fill shortfall predicted
A projected decrease in Thailand’s yield of cassava and its by-products from 11 million tonnes last year to an estimated 9 million tonnes this year has been attributed to drought conditions. This situation is further compounded by more farmers opting for sugar cane cultivation instead. Ronnarong Phoolpipat, director-general of the Foreign Trade Department, revealed that despite the drought-induced shortfall in…
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PM spices things up: Saluting Thai restaurant’s thai-licious triumph in ‘World’s 50 Best Restaurants’
In a commendation to Thailand’s food and beverages sector, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha expressed gratitude to two Thai restaurants which have made their mark on this year’s World’s 50 Best Restaurants listing. This prestigious list is crafted annually by the UK-based organisation William Reed Business Media. This year, two Bangkok-based restaurants were applauded for their culinary excellence. Placed at No.15…
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Man with epilepsy dies after falling into Udon Thani canal during seizure
In a tragic event, a man suffering from epilepsy reportedly drowned after falling into a canal during a seizure. The unsettling event occurred in Udon Thani province, in northeast Thailand at a canal in Ban Bo Nam, Moo 7, Mu Mon municipality. The deceased, identified as 41 year old Chokchai Jandabao, was found lifeless in the canal by his wife…
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Thailand poised to emulate Korean Wave’s success, Asia Video Summit reveals
In a foreseeable shift, Thailand is emerging as a hotbed for flourishing content on a scale reminiscent of the highly influential Korean Wave. Such a promising outlook was significantly echoed in the recently concluded Asia Video Summit 2023, organised by Asia Video Industry Association in Hong Kong. During this gathering, the attendees comprising 180 participants from 22 different nations engaged…
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