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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Mackerel ice cream becomes star attraction at Maeklong Festival
The Maeklong Mackerel Festival in Samut Songkhram province has taken a delightful turn with a unique signature item – Mackerel Ice Cream. The frozen dessert, designed to resemble the iconic fish, comes in four delicious flavours: Thai tea, chocolate, strawberry, and milk. The news broke out on the festival’s Facebook page, leading to a rapid viral spread. The post received…
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Thai man robs store for 900 baht to buy rice for sick family
A Thai man was arrested for robbing a convenience store using a fake gun, tearfully confessing he had no money to buy rice for his sick mother-in-law and wife. The 24 year old, Thanawut Thiapthanom, admitted to the crime, stating he also used drugs to help him work longer hours and earn more money. He was tracked and seized by…
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World’s largest private jet, the Flying Palace, drops price to 16 million baht
The world’s largest and most luxurious private jet, the Boeing 747-8, often dubbed the Flying Palace, announced a significant price drop to fly in the globe’s most expensive aeroplane. The gigantic aircraft, unmatched in its size in the private jet sector, is outfitted with all the necessities one could need when travelling at an altitude of 40,000 feet. The Flying…
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KFC invests 500 million baht for digital transition in Thailand
KFC, overseen by Central Restaurants Group (CRG), unveiled plans to invest 500 million baht in the transition to digital stores in the coming year. Piyapong Chitchumnong, who oversees quick-service restaurants & Western cuisine, as well as the KFC brand, revealed that the budget is allocated for the inauguration of 15-20 new KFC digital outlets, and the transformation of a similar…
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TikTok turmoil: Chinese influencer in hot water after Soi Nana video, fined for illegal work
The Immigration Bureau police conducted an investigation into a Chinese TikToker who gained viral attention for her video shot in Soi Nana. Subsequently, she was fined for working in Thailand without the required permit. Thai netizens urged the police and relevant authorities to take action after the Chinese woman, later identified as Wang Zi Yu, made a video that could…
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Chiang Mai teacher accused of falsifying meal allowances, not redistributing school meals
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) clarified allegations against Chaiyayot Suktho, a special senior teacher (Grade 3) at Yang Pao School, Aom Koi district, Chiang Mai. Chaiyayot was not accused of redistributing school meals to underprivileged students but of falsifying meal allowances, indicating a deliberate attempt to evade subsequent audits. Chaiyayot continues to volunteer at Yang Pao School without a salary,…
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Pattaya’s infamous 4 Step Tomboy nightclub takes a stumble in narcotics raid
Officials yesterday cracked down on Pattaya‘s infamous 4 Step Tomboy nightclub. Allegations of illegal activities prompted a raid that exposed the possession of narcotics at the nightclub. Bang Lamung District Office and Pattaya Police Station officials, spearheaded by district chief Phisit Sawatdinukul and district chief secretary Kamolchanok Konsombat, launched a decisive raid on the notorious 4 Step Tomboy nightclub at 3.30am,…
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Loan dispute escalates into violent altercation in central Thailand
A debtor, who had previously complained to the Crime Suppression Division about being attacked with a knife and having his teeth knocked out, has been informed that his case is not progressing. The police superintendent of Bang Bua Thong Police Station clarified that the incident was not related to illegal lending but was a case of assault stemming from a…
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Cold spell from China brings cooler temperatures to Thailand
A cold spell from China is bringing cooler temperatures to Thailand, with a decrease of 1-3 degrees Celsius forecasted across the country. The 24-hour weather forecast indicates that this high-pressure system or cold mass of air is spreading over northern Thailand and the South China Sea, resulting in colder temperatures and strong winds, particularly in the north and northeast of…
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Discrediting Thailand: Chinese TikToker’s distorted info about Soi Nana in Bangkok
A Chinese woman has been slammed by netizens for discrediting and destroying the image of tourism in Thailand by portraying Soi Nana in Bangkok as dangerous and full of bad people. A Facebook page, Lui Jeen (ลุยจีน), shared a video of the spiteful woman who is famous on the Chinese social media platform called Douyin. “Chinese TikToker makes a video…
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Cable cash approved: Thai Cabinet greenlights 28 million baht for sky-high project in Phu Kradueng
The Thai Cabinet recently approved a 28 million baht budget to design a contentious cable car project at Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei, according to Lertsak Watthanachaikul, a Pheu Thai Party MP for Loei. This was further confirmed by PM’s Office Minister Puangpet Chunlaiad, a former Loei MP, who stated the design fund was presented to the cabinet at…
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Tripartite committee set to discuss new daily minimum wage rates
The tripartite committee, which consists of representatives from the ministry, employers, and employees, is set to deliberate on the new daily minimum wage rates across various provinces. The meeting, confirmed by Pairoj Chotikasathien, the permanent secretary for labour, is scheduled for today, December 8. According to the data finalized by a sub-committee under the main wage committee on November 27,…
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Legendary journalist John McBeth passes away, leaving a legacy of his 62-year career
New Zealand journalist John McBeth‘s passing in Jakarta at 79 on December 6 has left a void, but his legacy echoes through decades of groundbreaking journalism. McBeth, an unapologetic old school reporter, carved his niche in Asia, scorning those fleeting colleagues. Embracing his role as an Asian lifer, he stood as a stalwart amidst transitory pens. His extensive career meandered through…
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Iconic Thai heritage closing for renovation: Kamthieng House Museum shutting down
The historic Kamthieng House Museum, a cultural gem in the heart of Bangkok, is set to close its doors for a major renovation. The Siam Society, custodians of the beloved Kamthieng House Museum, has dropped a bombshell by announcing its closure for extensive renovations starting from December 30. The delay in the restoration, the society reveals, was a meticulous process…
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British literary legend passes away at 65: The legacy of Benjamin Zephaniah (video)
British poet and writer Benjamin Zephaniah passed away yesterday, December 7, at the age of 65. The nation mourns the loss of a titan whose journey from a dyslexic school dropout to a prolific writer and actor has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape. Born and raised in Handsworth, Birmingham, Zephaniah faced the challenge of dyslexia, compelling him to…
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Tomorrowland plans a decade-long dance in Thailand, says PM Srettha
The Prime Minister of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin, this week had dinner with the organisers of the world-renowned Tomorrowland music festival and told Thai EDM music fans to look forward to plans for the festival coming to Thailand over the next ten years. PM Srettha shared a picture and some words with the Tomorrowland organising team on his Twitter account on…
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Chon Buri: Peacock on residential rooftop captured by rescue teams in Nong Prue
A peacock was spotted yesterday perching on a residential rooftop at Eakmongkol Village 3, Bang Lamung, Chon Buri. The Nong Prue rescue teams, upon receiving the unusual report at 5.40pm, promptly arrived on the scene to manage the situation. The peacock, typically an inhabitant of the wilderness, had somehow made its way to the urban locality and decided to make…
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Thai man arrested over death of Thai woman with tattoos in Chon Buri
Police arrested a Thai man over the death of a Thai woman with tattoos who was found buried in Chon Buri province. Officers insisted her case was unrelated to the body of a Thai man found near the scene. Locals in the Huay Yai district of Chon Buri discovered the lifeless body of the unidentified Thai woman buried in a…
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Trunk trouble: Wild elephant herd creates chaos in Prachin Buri farmlands
In the heart of Prachin Buri, Khao Mai Kaew subdistrict located in the Kabin Buri district, a herd of over 100 wild elephants emerged from the Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary, wreaking havoc on local farming land. The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment (MONRE) swiftly took action, initiating an operation to usher the elephants back into their natural…
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Lampang high-speed chase ends with seizure of 1.3 million amphetamine pills
Amidst the serene landscapes of Lampang, the tranquillity was shattered on December 6, as a high-speed chase ended in the capture of two alleged drug smugglers with amphetamine pills. The suspects, identified only as 43 year old Worapot and Chainarong, were found in possession of an astonishing 1.3 million amphetamine pills. The apprehension of such a significant drug haul was…
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Thai man dies on police station waiting room sofa in Bangkok
A Thai man tragically died on a Bang Khen Police Station sofa in Bangkok yesterday, December 7, while waiting to report a physical assault by his employer’s son. Police officer Somporn Sata approached the 45 year old victim, a Thai man named Tui, to inform him that it was his turn to file a complaint. However, upon reaching Tui, Somporn…
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Thai Health Minister delivers bundle of joy and initiative: Give Birth, Great World
Dr Cholnan Srikaew, the Thai Minister of Public Health and associated agencies, this week launched an initiative called Give Birth, Great World at a press conference in Ayutthaya. The primary concern addressed at the launch meeting was Thailand’s alarming demographic trends, which, according to reports, is causing the nation to be among 23 others worldwide with a higher death rate…
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Democrat party power struggle emerges ahead of leadership election
A power struggle has emerged within the Democrat Party as a group of Members of Parliament (MPs), headed by Dech-it Khaothong, the Democrat MP for Songkhla, made moves to oppose the leadership bid of acting Deputy Leader Narapat Kaewthong. This event, which unfolded on Wednesday, saw a significant number of MPs express their reluctance to endorse Kaewthong. The faction is…
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Knife-wielding man invades Pattananikom School causing panic, quick thinking saves day
A knife-wielding man stormed into Pattana Nikom School in the Pattana Nikom district, Satun province, causing panic among teachers and students. The knife-wielding man, later identified as 31 year old Narong (surname withheld), also brandished a slingshot, causing alarm as teachers and students were participating in a school clean-up. The quick thinking of school staff secured the premises, allowing everyone to…
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Bankrupt millionaire seeks opportunities and jobs after life as thief
A victim urged the Thai police to arrest a former millionaire in Chon Buri who, facing bankruptcy, resorted to becoming a thief. The man evaded several arrests by claiming he was mentally ill, evoking sympathy from some, who wished he could rebuild his life. One Facebook user, Aroon Kab, shared security camera footage of a man stealing three aluminium step…
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Ex-protest leader Chinnawat gets suspended sentence for royal defamation
Chinnawat Chankrachang, better known as Bright, a former co-leader of pro-democracy demonstrations who later supported the United Thai Nation Party (UTN) linked with ex-Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, has been given a suspended sentence for royal defamation. This conviction is related to a rally held in February 2002. The details were revealed on Chinnawat’s Facebook page, where he shared that the…
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German backpacker speaks out about rape ordeal on Koh Chang
In a horrifying revelation, a young German backpacker shared her traumatic experience of a sexual assault in Koh Chang, Trat province. As her attacker faces justice, the survivor broke her silence, urging caution to lone female travellers. Florentina Retka, a 24 year old cruise ship worker, embarked on a solo adventure to Southeast Asia, seeking the sun-kissed shores of Thailand’s Koh…
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Bangkok’s Pink Line monorail to open on December 18: Free rides until January 2
Passengers can now embark on a thrilling ride through Bangkok‘s Pink Line monorail, soaring 34.5 kilometres from northwest to northeast. Offering an early holiday treat, the city is generously providing free rides until January 2, creating a buzz of excitement among locals and tourists alike. Mark your calendars for the grand opening on Monday, December 18. The Pink Line, an…
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Chiang Mai teacher dismissed over student lunch programme mismanagement
Chaiyot Suktor, a senior professional level teacher (K3) at Yangpao School in Omkoi, Chiang Mai, has been dismissed from the civil service following allegations of corruption by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). Chaiyot, identified as the fourth accused, is allegedly guilty of criminal misconduct as an official, accused of performing or neglecting duties without authority. The case centres around Chaiyot,…
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Thai King and Queen gear up for 35th Phuket King’s Cup Regatta
The Thai King and Queen participated in today’s international sailing competition training in Phuket, joining the THA72 team in the IRC Zero category. The event took place today, December 7, at 7.42am at Kata Beach. His Majesty the King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and his wife Queen Suthida were preparing for the 35th Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, a prestigious international…
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