News
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 Planning to extend your Thai visa? Why health insurance is more important than ever
If you plan to stay longer in Thailand, having health insurance is now more important than ever. Thai immigration often asks for proof of medical coverage when you apply to extend your visa. This applies to many types of visas,...
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Man tragically killed by crane in Chon Buri construction site
A man seeking respite from the heat during a midday break was tragically killed under a construction crane in Chon Buri yesterday, August 3. Despite the noise of the machinery, the man didn’t seem to notice that it was in operation. At 1.30pm on August 3, Police Major Anan Chalermwattanakorn from Ban Bueng Police Station was notified of a fatal…
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Thai officials search for hidden Cambodian rockets after border clash
Thai officials are actively searching for BM-21 rockets fired from Cambodia into Thailand, with some still possibly remaining undiscovered. Residents reported anomalies in fields, prompting concerns that rain might obscure visibility due to soil coverage. Yesterday, August 3, reports indicated that, although the clash between Thai and Cambodian soldiers has ended, government agencies are still not allowing all evacuees to…
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Surin province combats unauthorised drone threats with defensive actions
Surin province has recently experienced unauthorised drone activity, prompting local officials to respond with defensive measures. The governor authorised the shooting of drones, suspecting them as potential threats. Mysterious cone-shaped debris was found and collected for investigation. Yesterday, August 3, reports emerged of unidentified drones flying over the Surin province, including border areas and Mueang district, for several days. Gunfire…
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Pickup truck loses wheel at Nakhon Ratchasima intersection (video)
Yesterday, August 3, a pickup truck’s wheel detached and rolled across an intersection before hitting a curb. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the incident was captured on video and shared online as a warning to other drivers. The footage depicted a black pickup truck carrying a motorcycle at the rear, halting at a red light at the Nong Krasang…
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Heavy rainfall and high sea waves expected in Thailand
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts heavy rainfall in 30 provinces today, with Bangkok expecting significant precipitation in 20% of its areas. In the south, sea waves are expected to reach over two metres, prompting a warning for boats to avoid areas with thunderstorms. The weather forecast for the next 24 hours indicates minimal rain in northern Thailand due to…
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Cambodian spy arrested in Thailand for military espionage
In a dramatic crackdown on espionage, Thai security forces arrested a Cambodian national on August 1 in Ta Phraya district, Sa Kaeo province, accusing him of spying and transmitting sensitive military information back to Cambodia. The suspect, whose identity has been withheld due to ongoing investigations, reportedly received a daily payment of 20,000 Cambodian riel (approximately 162 baht) in exchange…
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Phuket fishing vessels cleared of forced labour, trafficking concerns
A comprehensive inspection of fishing vessels near Phuket has confirmed the absence of forced labour or human trafficking, according to officials. This development is considered a positive advancement for Thailand’s labour rights reputation within the marine industry. The inspection, conducted on July 31, was orchestrated by a multi-agency task force under the guidance of the Phuket Provincial Labour Protection and…
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Five drug traffickers killed in Thailand, 1.35m meth pills seized
Soldiers in Chiang Mai’s Fang district engaged in a confrontation with suspected drug traffickers early today, August 3, resulting in the deaths of five suspects and the capture of 1.35 million methamphetamine pills, along with firearms, the military reported. The incident took place at approximately 2.40am when soldiers from the 3rd Cavalry Company, part of the Chaiyanupap Task Force, encountered…
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Lopburi woman arrested for illegal karaoke bar and child exploitation
Police in Lopburi have arrested a 50 year old woman accused of operating an illegal karaoke bar and facilitating underage prostitution. The arrest took place yesterday, August 2, after police received information about the illegal activities at the establishment. The operation was led by Police Major General Songkrot Krikkriya, who instructed Police Colonel Warit Pathumarak and Police Lieutenant Colonel Supoj…
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Chachoengsao mystery: woman found dead in fish pond
A 51 year old woman was found deceased in a fish pond in Chachoengsao province, with her husband weeping nearby. A 5 year old boy, the deceased’s nephew, claimed to have witnessed a disturbing event. The police are investigating and have detained the husband for questioning. Yesterday, August 2, Police Lieutenant Somprasong Sa-in, an investigator from Bang Pakong Police Station,…
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Chumphon tragedy: teenage girls die in motorcycle crash
A tragic accident occurred when a 14 year old girl, Tipwimon, rode her motorcycle to pick up her 15 year old friend, Kanda, for a visit. Both teenagers died instantly after their motorcycle lost control and collided with a post. The incident happened at approximately 5.30pm yesterday, August 2, on the Phato-Ratchakrut Road near the curve before the entrance to…
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Man found dead with phone in hand in Samut Prakan condo
A 31 year old man named Anukul was discovered deceased in his condominium room in Bang Sao Thong district, Samut Prakan, holding a charging mobile phone. His sister had been unable to contact him for two days before discovering his body. Police are investigating the cause of death. At 10pm yesterday, August 2, Police Lieutenant Worakit Pharuang, a deputy inspector…
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Fire at Chon Buri postal warehouse traps four, causes extensive damage
A fire engulfed a postal warehouse in Phanat Nikhom, Chon Buri, causing extensive damage to packages and trapping four residents inside. Emergency services successfully rescued all people, who were safely evacuated. Police are currently investigating the cause. At 1.30am today, August 3, Deputy Investigator Police Lieutenant Colonel Natchapol Saengsee from Phanat Nikhom Police Station received a report of a fire…
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Raids in Jomtien’s Soi 2 lead to drug arrests
In the late evening of August 1, a coordinated raid was conducted in the Jomtien Soi 2 community of Nongprue, Banglamung district, Chon Buri. The operation was led by Deputy Superintendent Arut Saphanont, Deputy Inspector Prasitboon Bunprasit, and the Narcotics Suppression Unit, in collaboration with Banglamung district administrative officials Nathaphop Yomjinda, Tharit Chancharoon, and Natthawat Sophonsewatsilp. This initiative was part…
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Thailand and Cambodia to hold GBC meeting with observers in Malaysia
The Ministry of Defence has announced that China, the United States, and Malaysia will observe the final day of the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting between Thailand and Cambodia, scheduled for August 7 in Malaysia. Rear Admiral Surasan Kongsiri, spokesperson for the ministry, stated that Deputy Defence Minister General Nattaphon Narkphanit, currently acting as minister, has approved the presence of…
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Thai hospital fined 1.2 million baht for data breach via snack bags
A significant private hospital in Thailand has been penalised with a fine of 1.2 million baht after patient paper records were discovered being repurposed as snack bags, as reported by the nation’s data protection authority. This incident was one of five major cases announced on August 1 by the Personal Data Protection Committee (PDPC), which also included penalties for data…
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Thailand weather alert: 30 provinces warned of severe thunderstorms
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather forecast for today, August 3, alerting 30 provinces to expect thunderstorms, with the southern region facing the most severe conditions. Mariners in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand are advised to exercise caution. In the next 24 hours, upper Thailand is expected to have minimal rainfall due to a…
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How much does it cost to live in Thailand in 2025
If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to the sound of ocean waves or enjoying street food for just a couple of dollars, you may have asked yourself: how much does it cost to live in Thailand? The answer depends on your lifestyle, location, and spending habits — but compared to Western countries, Thailand offers a significantly lower cost of…
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Thailand unveils new traffic ticket formats from August 4
The Royal Gazette has published an announcement from the Royal Thai Police (RTP) detailing the new formats for traffic tickets, effective August 4. The updated designs, intended to align with administrative fine orders, include three formats as part of its 2025 implementation. The Royal Gazette published the Royal Thai Police’s announcement regarding the new traffic ticket designs. This follows a…
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Bangkok man nabbed for selling bank accounts in fraud case
An arrest in Bangkok has uncovered a man selling bank accounts for criminal activities, leading to millions in losses. In an operation led by the Metropolitan Police Division 3, a 25 year old man, Surayut Kungseng, was arrested for selling his bank accounts for 3,000 baht each. These accounts were later used in fraudulent activities that caused financial damage exceeding…
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Thaksin pushes for high EV tax to protect Thailand’s car industry
Could the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) be putting Thailand’s homegrown auto industry at risk? Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra thinks so, and he’s pushing for drastic tax changes to protect local manufacturers from foreign competition. Thaksin has called for a high excise tax to be imposed on imported EVs that contain minimal local content, in a bid to protect Thailand’s…
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Phuket sand fence project launched to combat coastal erosion
A stunning move to preserve Phuket’s natural beauty is underway, with a major investment to combat coastal erosion. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Chalermchai Sri-on has launched an ambitious project to combat the relentless coastal erosion threatening Phuket’s shores. Sirinat National Park has been tasked with the implementation of sand fences at Sai Kaew Beach in the Maikhao subdistrict of…
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Phayao lottery vendor helps friend win 12 million baht prize
In a heartwarming tale of fortune and friendship, a lottery vendor in Phayao province witnessed an extraordinary event when a close friend won the top prize in the national lottery. Yesterday, August 1 at 5pm, 44 year old lottery vendor Yaowanut reported the astonishing news to Police Lieutenant Colonel Sonthaya Pathawi of Mueang Phayao District Police Station—her customer had won…
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Pattaya launches eco-tourism project to boost marine life
In an exciting step towards eco-tourism, Pattaya has launched a groundbreaking project to restore marine life and teach the public how to nurture aquatic species. On Thursday, July 31, Pattaya began a new eco-tourism initiative to raise public awareness about the breeding and care of aquatic species. Part of the Nature Restoration for Eco-Tourism Promotion programme for 2025, this project…
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Love triangle turns deadly in Bangkok minibus shooting
A bitter love triangle turned deadly in Bangkok, leaving one man dead and another on the run. At around 2am today, August 2, a tragic shooting occurred outside an apartment on Rama 2 Road, leaving 38 year old minibus driver Anucha dead after being shot multiple times. The suspect, 36 year old Sira—also a minibus driver—is currently on the run.…
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Sweden denies stopping fighter jet deal with Thailand
A major international defence deal is under threat after claims surfaced that Sweden may freeze a fighter jet sale to Thailand. Thailand Deputy Defence Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit has firmly dismissed reports that Sweden plans to halt a fighter jet agreement with Thailand due to concerns about the jets being used in recent air strikes against Cambodia. This came after allegations…
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Phuket’s Srisoonthorn Road upgrade gains massive public backing
A major road upgrade is on the horizon in Phuket, and locals couldn’t be more excited. With a 420 million baht budget, the plan to revamp Srisoonthorn Road is gaining traction, promising smoother, safer travel for everyone. Srisoonthorn Road, one of Phuket’s most important routes, is set to undergo a much-anticipated upgrade, following strong public support at a recent hearing.…
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Thailand deluge: Nan province hit by worst flood in 40 years
A province in northern Thailand has been left reeling from catastrophic floods, but in the darkest hours, help came from unexpected places. Volunteers braved rising waters to save lives, leaving one woman grateful for the anonymous heroes who rescued her. On July 23, Diane Francheska Ruiz, a Filipina English teacher in Nan province, noticed something was off. While she couldn’t…
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South Korean tourist assaulted in Pattaya robbery gone wrong
A brutal assault on a South Korean tourist outside a Pattaya nightclub has left police probing whether it was a botched robbery or something darker. At 4.06am yesteday, August 1, Police Lieutenant Colonel Alis Phuangwai, Deputy Chief of Pattaya City Police Station, received an urgent call about a violent incident in a parking lot near an entertainment venue on Soi…
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Thunderstorms set to batter Thailand’s southern coast
The Thailand Meteorological Department (TMD) reported that thunderstorms are expected in 28 provinces, with 30% of the areas likely to experience rain. Residents in the southern region are advised to exercise caution as sea waves may rise above 2 metres. Upper Thailand will see limited rainfall due to a weak southwesterly monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf…
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