Hot News
Stay updated with the latest Hot News in Thailand, featuring in-depth reporting and analysis of local events and goings on! We bring you breaking news, in-depth reports, and exclusive interviews covering a wide range of Thailand-focused topics, from Crime and Politics to Tourism and Business.
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Sponsored Leap into English mastery with Green Valley's LEAP Programme
For many years, St. Andrews International School, Green Valley’s students who did not speak English as their first language have typically participated in English as an Additional Language (EAL) programmes to build proficiency. However, the school has recently introduced a...
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Scorching heatwave sparks record-breaking electricity surge
Energy officials revealed that electricity demand skyrocketed to a staggering 35,830 megawatts (MW) at precisely 8.58pm on Monday, shattering previous records amid a blistering national heatwave. Temperatures across the country soared between 35 and 38 degrees Celcius, peaking at a scorching 42 degrees Celcius on the same day. “This demand surge surpassed the previous record of 34,656MW set on April…
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South Korean man’s cat-killing spree lands him in prison
A South Korean man, identified only as being in his twenties, has been handed a 14-month prison sentence for slaughtering 76 cats. This harrowing revelation emerged from the recent verdict delivered by the Changwon District Court, which condemned the perpetrator for violating South Korea’s stringent animal protection laws. According to court documents obtained by the Associated Press, the man’s gruesome…
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Thailand’s heatwaves claims 30 lives so far
The Ministry of Public Health issued a warning about the dangers of Thailand’s heatwaves after 30 deaths were attributed to heatstroke this year. Medical professionals are advising the public to avoid prolonged exposure to intense sunlight and to take precautions against a potential spike in Covid-19 cases, particularly among vulnerable groups. With the temperature soaring, Thailand is grappling with the…
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Health Ministry greenlights medical opium and magic mushrooms
The Public Health Ministry authorised the utilisation of opium and magic mushrooms for medical treatment and research purposes. This groundbreaking decision, disclosed in a directive published in the Royal Gazette yesterday, signifies a significant shift in drug policy. Signed by Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew, the directive came into effect today. It categorises opium and psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as…
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Buddhism Office probes monks over ‘Mind Connection’ cult claims
A controversial spiritual practice in Thailand, dubbed the “Mind Connection” technique, has prompted an investigation by the National Office of Buddhism (NOB). The director of the NOB, Intaporn Jantaeiam, recently announced a legal pathway to take action and initiated a probe into two monks whose images appeared at an event related to this practice. The case came into the spotlight…
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Songkran festival boosts Thailand’s tourism with 140 billion baht
This year’s Songkran festival, spanning over three weeks, spurred a remarkable 140 billion baht influx into Thailand’s tourism sector, surpassing the anticipated 132 billion baht. Foreign tourist arrivals soared to a hefty 1.9 million amidst the celebrations, divulged the Tourism and Sports Ministry. The festival, running from April 1 to April 21, witnessed multiple sectors cashing in on the festive…
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Koh Pha Ngan: French tourist nabbed for drug dealing
Surat Thani police officers, alongside the Pa Cha Da Special Operation Unit, apprehended a 41 year old French national at a hotel bar on Koh Pha Ngan yesterday. Authorities unveiled a stash of narcotics and incriminating evidence. Among the damning items seized were 19.7 grammes of cocaine, 23 ecstasy pills, a digital scale, and 6,000 baht in cash, along with…
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PM Srettha reveals ‘Phuket Model’ to boost tourism and safety
Srettha Thavisin unveiled the Phuket Model which aims to revolutionise tourism management and social security in the tourist hotspot. Addressing a gathering of consular mission heads and law enforcement officials from 12 countries, PM Srettha highlighted the urgent need to prevent Phuket from descending into a haven for safety tourism. “Phuket was the first province I visited after taking office…
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Phuket gets new Australian Consul-General
Following an announcement made by Penny Wong, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kirsten Fletcher was named the new Australian Consul-General for Phuket and its nearby provinces. Fletcher’s appointment was confirmed yesterday. Fletcher, known for her active involvement in sustainability and tourism, was recently seen at an event in Phuket last month, where locals shared ideas on reducing plastic waste. Angela…
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Thai airports soar in Skytrax rankings: Suvarnabhumi leaps to 58th
The global airport ranking agency, Skytrax, recently unveiled its 2024 report on the World’s Best Airports. A notable mention in this year’s list is Thailand’s very own Suvarnabhumi International Airport, which has impressively climbed up ten places from the previous year to secure the 58th spot. The rise in the ranking can be attributed to a number of various improvements…
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Thai woman spills beans on corrupt cop’s love-linked traffic fines
A Thai woman took to social media to expose a corrupt police officer from Mueang Khon Kaen Police Station in the Isaan province of Khon Kaen after the officer instructed locals to transfer traffic fines to a girlfriend’s bank account. The woman recounted the corrupt behaviour of the police officer, known only as Police Senior Sergeant Major S., through the…
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Thai SEC crackdowns on unlicenced crypto operators
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Thailand (Thai SEC) has declared war on unauthorised digital asset services, aiming to safeguard investors from financial pitfalls. Pornanong Busaratrakul, Secretary-General of the Thai SEC stated that at the meeting on April 19, it was resolved to order the SEC to submit information on unauthorised digital asset service providers to the Ministry of Digital…
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Thaksin hospital release: Justice Minister denies misconduct
Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong remained resolute, shrugging off the latest petition urging the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to delve into the ministry’s alleged misconduct surrounding Thaksin Shinawatra’s hospital release and parole. Police Colonel Tawee reiterated the ministry’s adherence to regulations governing prisoner treatment outside confinement and parole eligibility. However, he acknowledged citizens’ rights to petition the NACC if they perceive…
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Phuket model: Thai govt’s innovative approach to tourist safety
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and the acting Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Police, Police General Kittirat Panphet, convened with local consuls to discuss the Phuket Model – an innovative approach to law enforcement. The meeting took place yesterday at the Banyan Tree Hotel in Phuket. The Phuket Model, a comprehensive strategy aimed at safeguarding the interests of tourists, was unveiled…
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Thailand’s central bank defends policy rates amidst govt pressure
Amidst persistent governmental pressure to decrease borrowing costs and stimulate slow-paced growth, Thailand’s central bank (BoT) defended its current policy interest rate settings today, stating they are resilient and capable of tackling future economic risks. The bank warned that although rate reductions could alleviate debt in the short term, they could also invite long-term hazards. By maintaining a steady rate…
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Big Joke withdraws PM Srettha acting illegally complaint
The former Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, accused Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of malfeasance and interfering in the RTP before withdrawing the complaint a day later. Big Joke and the RTP Commander Torsak “Big Tor” Sukvimol were transferred to work at the Office of The Prime Minister in March over some alleged…
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British tourist’s beach blunder lands him in trouble
A British tourist found himself in a sticky situation after driving onto the sidewalk and getting trapped in the sand on Kamala Beach on Monday. The mishap led to police intervention and hefty fines for the Brit’s reckless escapade. Officers from the Kamala Police Station, Phuket Province, launched an investigation into the baffling trend of tourists driving onto the sidewalk…
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Bangladesh prime minister visits Thailand
Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to make waves in Thailand as she embarks on a high-profile six-day mission, kicking off with her arrival today at the invitation of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Government House confirmed Hasina’s stay until next Monday, April 29, promising a flurry of diplomatic activity. A series of significant signings, including official agreements and memoranda…
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Thailand expects nearly a million Chinese and Japanese visitors
Tourism in Thailand is set to experience a significant boost as an estimated 996,000 Chinese and Japanese tourists are predicted to visit during the Labour Day holiday and Japan’s Golden Week. This figure indicates a 29% increase from the corresponding period last year, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). From April 26 to May 5, Thailand is expected…
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Burmese man commits murder-suicide killing wife and son
A Burmese man carried out a murder-suicide in a rented house in the Sankampaeng district of Chiang Mai province. He stabbed his wife to death and hanged their nine year old son from a bedroom door before hanging himself. The family of three was found dead inside the one-storey house in the Sankampaeng district of Chiang Mai province yesterday, April…
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Thai tourism operators brace for impending annual low season
Thailand is set to face its annual tourism low season, warned Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, the leading figure of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA). The transition into the low season comes after the country’s Songkran Holidays, a peak period for tourism. This shift leaves tourism operators grappling with the challenge of keeping their businesses afloat during the lull in tourist…
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Bangkok and Chiang Mai among top Asian cities for expats in 2024
A recent report by an acclaimed online language-learning marketplace unveiled its list of the top 10 Asian cities for expats making a move in 2024. Two Thai gems, Bangkok and Chiang Mai, have made their mark on this list, further cementing Thailand’s appeal to a global audience. Second in the ranking, the bustling metropolis of Bangkok has been lauded as…
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Thai Cabinet approves UNESCO Heritage Status for Songkhla
Thailand has set its sights on securing UNESCO World Heritage status for four ancient towns nestled within the southern province of Songkhla. The Cabinet’s resounding approval on April 9, marks a pivotal step towards immortalising the rich cultural tapestry of this southern gem. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has been tasked with crafting a proposal that was scheduled…
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PM highlights enhanced ASEAN connectivity for regional growth
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin affirmed yesterday the critical role of enhanced ASEAN connectivity in unlocking the region’s full potential and boosting its collective competitiveness. The 62 year old Thai PM revealed this perspective during a virtual gathering for the ASEAN Future Forum 2024, which focused on the theme Towards Fast and Sustainable Growth of a People-Centred ASEAN Community. “Our emphasis…
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Thailand addresses refugee crisis amid Thai-Myanmar conflict
Responding to the escalating conflict along the Thai-Myanmar border, Thailand’s government committee convened its inaugural meeting yesterday to address the refugee crisis and bolster security measures. The committee, led by Deputy Prime Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, strategised ahead of an inspection tour of Tak’s Mae Sot district, which lies opposite the Myanmar town of Myawaddy. The latter recently witnessed a surge…
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Fire at chemical warehouses in Rayong sparks arson suspicions
The fire at the industrial and chemical waste warehouses of Win Process in the Ban Khai district of Rayong, in the eastern province, has raised suspicions of arson, although the company’s owner has chosen to remain silent. According to the latest reports from multiple news agencies as of last night, the firefighting team had not fully extinguished the fire at…
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Thai firms jointly build waste-to-energy power facilities
A strategic alliance has been formed between local power and waste management firms to jointly finance and construct 12 waste-to-energy power facilities and three refuse-derived fuel production plants. This initiative is aimed at bolstering the country’s bio, circular, and green economic strategies. Supawat Khunvoravinij, who is currently serving as the acting managing director of Earth Tech Environment, a waste recycling…
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Huay Yai locals stop cable thieves funding birthday bash and drugs
In an unexpected turn of events in Huay Yai, Chon Buri, two thieves were apprehended in the act of stealing power cables by vigilant locals. One of the culprits confessed that the motive behind this crime was to fund his birthday celebration and substance abuse habits. The incident occurred in the early hours of yesterday, near Soi Khao Makok 10,…
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Thai man arrested for part in Japanese man’s murder in Nonthaburi
Police yesterday arrested a Thai man for his involvement in the murder and dismemberment of human body parts found in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok. He claimed that the deceased was a Japanese man and two other Japanese nationals were the killers. The first body part, a wrist, was discovered by a 10 year old Thai boy on April 19 in…
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Intoxicated man with knife dozes off in hospital sparking scare
An intoxicated man was arrested after entering a hospital with a knife and causing a commotion before dozing off in a patient observation room. The incident occurred around 1.30am at the Chularat 11 Hospital in Bang Pakong, Chachoengsao. Police and rescue workers promptly responded, subduing the situation and detaining the 31 year old man. Nikorn Janruang, under the influence of…
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