Around Thailand

File photo: Jakrapob Penkair / his Facebook page

Jakrapob set to return from exile tomorrow

Former MP and media personality Jakrapob Penkair, who has been in self-imposed exile since 2009, has declared on his Facebook page that he will return to Thailand tomorrow. There are…

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FT charge for May-August period to remain unchanged

The Energy Regulatory Commission has decided to freeze the fuel tariff (FT) for the May-August period at 39.72 satang/unit, which will keep the price of electricity at an average of…

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What advent of virtual banks could mean to customers and markets

What difference can virtual banks make in a financial market where depositors are not happy with the low interest rates offered by commercial banks while borrowers are fretting about higher…

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Cabinet approves Bt2.9Bn for free student lunches next academic year

The cabinet has approved Bt2.95 billion for a free lunch program for the 2025 academic year. This will benefit 575,983 students attending 7,344 schools across the country. Karom Pholpornklang, the…

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Former PM Chuan Leekpai talks to reporters after listening the verdict.

Chuan cleared of defamation charge filed by Thaksin

The Bangkok South Criminal Court ordered the acquittal today of former prime minister Chuan Leekpai on a defamation charge, filed against him by ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra. The court case dates…

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Lop Buri macaque relocation underway

National park officials started the selective capture of aggressive macaques in Lop Buri’s Muang district yesterday, for relocation to an animal shelter in Nakhon Nayok province. Controls on the distribution…

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“Digital wallet” scheme disbursements to start in Q4 : Julapan

About 50 million Thai people, who are eligible to receive the 10,000 baht benefit under the digital wallet scheme, will receive the payments within the fourth quarter of this year,…

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Booze battle: Thailand still missing the middle path in alcohol control

No less than four draft laws on alcohol control will soon go before Parliament, but none appear to contain a middle path that will satisfy everyone. Two drafts, one proposed…

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Six brands of personal care items banned

The Thai Food and Drug Administration (Thai FDA) has banned six brands of toothpastes, shampoo and face mask after finding that they  were on the market without permits. The ban…

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PM assigns acting national police chief to deep south

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin hosted an urgent meeting today with senior security officials, including acting national police chief Pol Gen Kittarat Panphet, following this morning’s attacks in three southernmost provinces….

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Photo by FB พี่ดาบนิกกี้ พี่ดาบท่องเที่ยว

In Uniform and Out: Sereechai Sukmak

Sereechai Sukmak is a senior sergeant major in the tourist police force in Nakhon Ratchasima province. For Thai TikTokers, however, he is ‘Phi Serg Nicky’, who has 132,400 followers. What…

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Nakhon Ratchasima

Dating app billboard criticised by Korat women’s right group

The leader of a women’s rights protection group in Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima province has described a dating app’s advertisement as being disrespectful to women. “The word ‘delicious’ should only be…

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File photo : Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong

Tawee Sodsong: Justice minister with Shinawatra links under fire for Thaksin treatment

The Corrections Department has been accused of double standards in its handling of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was “imprisoned” for six months at the Police General Hospital before…

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Dating app billboard causes a stir in Korat

A billboard promoting a dating app, recently erected in Muang district of Nakhon Ratchasima, known locally as Korat, has drawn mixed reactions from Thai netizens. On the billboard, this question…

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Commander of HTMS Chonburi transferred pending investigation

The Navy has transferred the commander of HTMS Chonburi to the Royal Thai Fleet Command on a temporary basis, pending the outcome of the investigation into an accident in which…

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UTTC cuts Thailand’s growth forecast this year to 2.6%

Thailand’s economic growth forecast for 2024 is 2.6%. This is a reduction from 3.2%, as earlier projected, due to the fragile economic recovery, a slowdown in private investment, the weak…

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Photo by Kho Pa-ngan FB

Russian “kicking” suspect surrenders to Pha-ngan island police

A Russian woman surrenders to police on Pha-ngan Island today, after a Thai woman, who is eight months pregnant, had reported that the Russian kicked and injured her. The Russian…

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New literary organisations proposed by “soft power” committee

Thailand’s national soft power sub-committee on books will propose to the government the establishment of ‘the Book Institute’ and ‘One Province, One Landmark Library’. Charan Homtientong, its chair, said that…

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30,000 pairs of smuggled elephant pants seized from Bangkok warehouse

Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECSD) officers seized 30,000 pairs of “elephant pants” today, worth about six million baht, from a warehouse in Bangkok’s Bang Khun Thian district. Acting on a…

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“One Health” concept promoted in ten pilot high schools

The Southeast Asia One Health University Network (SEAOHUN) and Kasetsart University, with the support of Chevron, have joined forces to promote the “One Health” model and knowledge on how to…

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HTMS Chonburi

HTMS Chonburi moored at sea after accidental weapons discharge

The Navy has relocated HTMS Chonburi out to sea, from the naval base in Chon Buri province, after a jammed artillery shell was accidentally discharged into HTMS Khirirat, which was…

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More than 200 hectares of Sor Por Kor certificates in Korat province to be revoked

The Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO) has ordered its office in the north-eastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima to revoke the Sor Por Kor 4-01 land certificates issued to 10 people…

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Two suspected insurgents shot dead, one officer injured in clash in Pattani

Two suspected southern rebels were killed and one officer was injured in a clash in Sai Buri district of the southern province of Pattani today. Acting on a tipoff, about…

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Thailand to propose “Wai Khru” ceremony for UNESCO intangible cultural heritage listing

The Ministry of Education plans to propose that UNESCO includes the Thai ceremony for paying respect to teachers, known as the “Wai Khru” ceremony, in the intangible cultural heritage list….

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Thai Muslims perform the Taraweeh prayer during the holy month of Ramadan

Thai Muslims immersed in spirituality as they perform the Taraweeh prayer at The Foundation of the Islamic Centre of Thailand, marking a sacred nightly tradition during the holy month of…

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Dead Russian found in cannabis garden

A 42-year-old Russian, who went missing for two days in Phuket, was found murdered in a cannabis plantation at a house in Mueang district yesterday. Artur Mkhitarian’s throat had been…

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Panel to discuss domestic airline which rejects passengers in wheelchairs

A subcommittee on the elimination of discrimination against persons with disabilities will meet soon to address the problem of a domestic airline refusing to allow disabled passengers in wheelchairs to…

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Photo by Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation

GPS collars help track elephants approaching inhabited areas

GPS collars for elephants have proved to be helpful by enabling officials to know when the animals wander out of national parks and into inhabited areas,” said a senior National…

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Joint forces have seized 20 million meth pills in multiple raids

Nearly 20 million methamphetamine pills were seized by police and para-military forces in Nakhon Sawan, Lampang and Chiang Rai provinces on Monday, as illegal narcotics continue to flow into Thailand…

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Tight control of alcohol sales during Songkran festival

In a bid to reduce road accidents caused by drunk driving during the extended “World Songkran Festival”, which takes place between April 1st and 21st, the Ministry of Public Health…

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Holy month of Ramadan begins in Thailand on March 12

The Muslim community in Thailand is preparing for the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, starting on March 12th this year, according to an announcement from Aroon Boonchom, the Sheikhul Islam…

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New look of the Government House’s lawns

Government House front lawn given a fresh look

The spacious lawn at the front of Government House in Bangkok has been re-turfed, as part of a major face-lift, reported to be costing ฺBt138 million. The old grass has…

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Phuket to crack down on illegal foreign businesses using Thai nominees

Phuket administration has agreed to set up a centre to deal with illegal alien businesses, after complaints from Thai business operators that many foreigners have set up businesses on the…

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Two women found shot to death in Hua Hin shop house

Two women were found dead in a shop house in downtown Hua Hin on Sunday, in what police suspect is an accident or murder attempt by one of the women,…

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Reward offered per arrest of forest fire starters in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai administration is offering a reward of Bt10,000 for the arrest of the person or people who started forest fires, as the PM2.5 dust problem in 17 northern provinces,…

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Photo : Watchdog Thailand Foundation

Rayong dog owners seek justice as death toll of dog poisoning hits 36

Three dog owners in Rayong’s Nikhom Phatthana district have asked police to take action against those responsible for poisoning their pets in separate incidents, resulting in the deaths of 36…

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Anthrax alert at Thai-Lao border after human infections reported in Laos

The Livestock Development Department has warned cattle raisers be on alert for anthrax, after three Laotians living in Champasak province in southern Laos are reported to have fallen sick after…

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Victims of monkey attacks can now claim compensation

People who are attacked by wild monkeys can now claim compensation from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, following an attack on a woman in Lop Buri…

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Woman wants to file police complaint against monkey business in Lop Buri

A 37-year-old woman was robbed of her shopping by macaque monkeys at a local market in Lop Buri’s Muang district on Wednesday. Arikanta Kanjanasinmetha said she wants to file a…

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Swiss man who allegedly assaulted Thai doctor faces additional charges

The Ministry of Interior will press additional charges against the Swiss national who allegedly kicked a female Thai doctor as she sat on the staircase of his rented villa in…

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Labour groups make demands of government on International Women’s Day

Thai women’s labour groups marched through the streets of Bangkok to Government House today, to submit their 11 demands to the government on International Women’s Day. Under the slogan “Resistance…

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DSI to probe legitimacy of land certificates on Phuket’s Yamu peninsula

Officials from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will conduct a field inspection of the Yamu peninsula in Phuket next Tuesday, to…

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Khon Kaen to develop light rail transit system next year

Construction of Thailand’s first light rail transit (LRT) system, in the north-eastern province of Khon Kaen, is expected to commence early next year, scheduled for completion and public service in…

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Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse//his FB

Vacharaesorn back in Thailand on Wednesday

Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, aka “Than On” returned to Bangkok on Wednesday, according to his Facebook page. He is the second eldest son of HM the King and his former royal consort…

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Visa revoked for Swiss man who allegedly assaulted Thai doctor

The Immigration Bureau has revoked the visa of the Swiss national who allegedly kicked a female Thai doctor, who sat on the staircase of his rented villa on Yamu Beach…

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Giant fireball in the sky Monday night was a huge meteor : Expert

The giant fireball, which streaked across the night sky on Monday night and was seen by many people in central provinces, was a huge meteor, according to Wimut Wasalai, an…

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File photo

Firefighter dies of heart attack, two hospitalized in Nan

One firefighter has died of a heart attack, while two others are suffering from heat stroke and cerebral haemorrhage, as firefighters from the Department of Forests and the Department of…

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Photo by Phuket Info Center

Staircase in Phuket where doctor was assaulted now a tourist attraction

If you go to Phuket Island this summer, you should not miss taking photos with the stairway where a Swiss man allegedly kicked a Thai female doctor. People were seen queuing…

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Police crackdown on major online gambling racket, seize Bt320m in assets

Technology Crime Suppression Bureau police have announced the successful crackdown on a major illegal online gambling network, with more than 200,000 gamblers registered as members. They also seized assets worth…

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Photo : Thai Foreign Ministry

“MoU 44” should be basis for talks to resolve Thai-Cambodia overlaps

The House Foreign Affairs Committee has urged the government to stick to the memorandum of understanding, signed in 2001 between Thailand and Cambodia and known as “MoU 44”, as the…

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Migrant worker and ethnic people’s children should get citizenship – TDRI

A social expert has proposed that the government grant Thai citizenship to children born in Thailand to ethnic parents or migrant workers, to address the declining birth rate among Thais….

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Agriculture Ministry’s claim of “buffer zone” in Khao Yai park challenged

Defiant National Parks chief Chaiwat Limlikhitaksorn has challenged the Agriculture Ministry’s claim, based on the Army Survey Department’s “One Map”, that the disputed land in Khao Yai National Park is…

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Demarcation stones around Khao Yai National Park on Sor Por Kor land – Minister

A map, called “One Map”, recently completed by the Army Survey Department, clearly shows that the Sor Por Kor (land reform) demarcation stones found by park officials are actually on…

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Several road checkpoints in 3 southernmost provinces dismantled

The Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) has ordered the dismantling of several road checkpoints in Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat, to be in line with the recent resumption of peace talks…

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No expressway tolls on Maka Bucha day tomorrow : EXAT

Motorists will enjoy toll-free expressway use on Saturday, February 24, a compensatory public holiday for Makha Bucha Day tomorrow, according to the Expressway Authority of Thailand. The tollgates offering free…

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Probe ordered into alleged forest encroachment in Pang Asoke

The Royal Forest Department has order an investigation into an allegation that one of its former employees has encroached on the Pang Asoke woodlot, in Klang Dong sub-district of Nakhon…

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Thai-US mission launched to find remains of missing HTMS Sukhothai crew

The Thai and US navies launched a joint operation today, to search for the remains of five crew missing from the sunken HTMS Sukhothai corvette, to salvage some weaponry and…

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Agriculture Ministry backs down on Sor Por Kor land claims in Khao Yai park

The Ministry of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives has agreed to revoke all Sor Por Kor land certificates for all land reform plots in the Khao Yai area, to end the…

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Southern MPs complain about expensive air tickets to coastal provinces

Southern MPs of Bhumjaithai party have been airing their grievances over the high cost of domestic flights to the Andaman coastal provinces, such as Phuket, Krabi, Phang-nga, Satun and Trang,…

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Firefighters trying to control forest fires in three national parks in Chiang Mai

Park officials are trying hard to control forest fires raging in Don Inthanon, Mae Thjo and Ob Luang national parks in Chiang Mai province. Two teams of firefighters from the…

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Man arrested for otter trading in Chachoengsao

Police in Chachoengsao province have detained a 26-year-old man for having protected wildlife animals including otters and their carcasses. Police also confiscated three soft-shelled turtle carcasses and those of two…

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Army survey team to inspect disputed land in Khao Yai National Park

Mapping officers from the Survey Department and officials from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation will visit Khao Yai National Park on Sunday, to conduct field mapping…

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Chief of Thai peace delegation Chatchai Bangchuad (left) with head of BRN delegation Anas Abdulrahman and Malaysian facilitator Gen Zulkifli Zainal Abidin during a press conference after the latest round of peace talks in Kuala Lumpur on February 6-7.

Thai delegation, BRN hope to clinch peace deal by year-end

After 10 years of on-and-off dialogue, Thailand’s peace negotiators and representatives of the biggest separatist group in southern Thailand finally hope to be able to reach a peace agreement by…

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Bt2m reward for information leading to arrest of Japanese tourist’s murderer

The Department of Special Investigation has offered a reward of 2 million baht to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest of the killer of a Japanese tourist 17…

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File photo : Agriculture Minister Thammanat Prompao inspects maps of Khao Yai National Park recently.

Agriculture minister orders investigation into removing of demarcation marking stone in Khao Yai

The ministries of Agriculture and the Natural Resources and Environment appear to be at the loggerheads over land ownership claims in Khao Yai National Park in Nakhon Ratchasima province. On…

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Airborne pollution forecast to worsen this weekend

The PM2.5 problem in and around Bangkok, in 17 northern provinces and in the northeast is predicted to get worse this weekend, while the situation in the south is steadily…

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The caption reads, ‘We love Royal Ajarn (teacher)..

Valentine’s Day sees wave of support for Princess Sirindhorn

More and more people are using the occasion of Valentine’s Day to offer their moral support to HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, in the wake of an incident involving a…

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Move over elephant pants, “Capybara pants” are here!

While Thai elephant pants have become a viral sensation, Khao Kheow Open Zoo, in Thailand’s Chonburi province, has introduced its new “capybara pants”, which are expected to go on sale…

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A diver inspects the sunken Sukhothai corvette. In the photo, a sign reads ‘Sukhothai’.”

Operation to assess salvaging of Sukhothai corvette to begin on February 21

The Thai and US navies will launch a joint operation on February 21, to explore the sunken Sukhothai corvette, to destroy the remaining ammunition and, if possible, salvage the ship,…

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File photo

Japanese father returns to Thailand, pursuing 17-Year quest for daughter’s murderer

Yasuaki Kawashita, a Japanese man from Osaka, returned to Thailand today to demand answers from the Thai police regarding the unsolved murder of his then 27-year-old daughter during the Loy…

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Tourists flock into Chinatown and Phuket to celebrate Chinese New Year

Tourists, mostly Chinese, and locals have been flocking to Bangkok’s Chinatown yesterday and today to celebrate Chinese New Year while, in Phuket, tourists on the resort island have pushed hotel…

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First red-headed vulture born in the wild in Thailand in 30 years

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation announced yesterday the hatching of red-headed vulture chick (Asian king vulture – sarcogyps calvus) – the first of its kind in…

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Commercial fishing restrictions in Gulf of Thailand start February 15

The Fisheries Department has announced a 3-month commercial fishing restriction in the Gulf of Thailand, starting February 15, to protect spawning mackerel and to allow their fry to mature. The…

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Hundreds of firefighters tackling fires in western forest complex

About 250 firefighters have been deployed by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to prevent fires in the western forest complex from spreading. So far, 1,600 hectares…

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Flights to and from Chiang Mai affected as passenger tries to open plane door

Several flights departing from Chiang Mai airport were delayed and a few arriving flights were diverted to other airports last night, after a passenger on a Thai Airways International flight…

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Lop Buri macaques to be relocated

Macaque monkeys in Lop Buri province that have caused a nuisance to visitors and residents in Lop Buri province will be relocated to a zoo by the end of this…

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“Indy Jumbo” arrives in Lampang

The elephant has become famous after her mahout posted a video of her relaxing on a beach, looking at the sea and sky. The clip went viral and Thai netizens…

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Cool weather until Tuesday in north, northeast, east and central region

People living in the north-eastern, northern, eastern and central regions, including Bangkok and its vicinity, will experience another round of cool weather from tomorrow until Tuesday, due to the arrival…

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Three weeks of Songkran celebrations begin April 1

Thailand will celebrate this year’s Songkran festival for three weeks nationwide, starting on April 1st, in the hope that the planned fun-filled activities will develop the traditional water-splashing event into…

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Draft bill on protection of ethnic peoples approved by Cabinet

The Cabinet has endorsed a draft bill on the protection and support of indigenous ethnic peoples in Thailand, Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanich said after the weekly cabinet meeting today. The…

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37 protected forests off-limits to outsiders to prevent bushfires

Thirty-seven protected forests, including several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, have been declared off-limits to outsiders without prior permission to enter, as the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant…

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Maya Bay voted world’s third best beach by Lonely Planet

Maya Bay, in Thailand’s southern province of Phang-nga, has been ranked the world’s third best beach by the Lonely Planet travel guide in its January edition. Maya Bay was described…

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File photo : Angpao

Scammers exploit Chinese New Year with deceptive promises of big Angpao : Cyber police

Scammers have seized the opportunity of the upcoming Chinese New Year by sending links via SMS, Line and Facebook, claiming that by simply clicking on the link, people can claim…

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Disabled man’s long tricycle journey to claim his disability allowance

A disabled made a long journey on a hand-operated tricycle, from his hometown in Sukhothai province to Bangkok, to claim his disability allowance from the Comptroller Department. Monthon Petchsang, 48,…

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Disappearing seagrass in sea off Trang threatens dugong population

Seagrass, a major food source for dugongs, has been steadily disappearing from the seas off Thailand’s southern province of Trang, raising concerns among marine scientists and conservationists over the fate…

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CU Radio’s new broadcasting hours spark outcry and disapproval

The decision by the Chulalongkorn Radio (CU Radio) station to reduce its broadcasting hours, from 6am to midnight to only 6am to 6pm, has drawn strong criticism from its listeners,…

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Uthenthawai college told to stop accepting new students this year

The Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok Uthenthawai (RUTU) campus has received an order to cease the admission of new first-year students, marking the initial phase of its closure. This measure…

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Sacred Khao Thamorat// Photo by Warunee Maneekum

Khao Thamorrat, the sacred landmark of Sri Thep

Since UNESCO’s recognition of Sri Thep as a World Heritage site last year, visitors have been flocking to the ruins. Yet few make it to Khao Thamorrat, the sacred mountain…

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GPS gone awry

A woman, who was relying on GPS to navigate the way to visit a friend in Phrae province on Sunday, found her car stuck on a small pedestrian suspension bridge…

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Buriram province becoming an ideal place for water bird watching

Tweeters can enjoy water bird watching at this time of the year at the Sanambin Reservoir Non-Hunting Area in Prakhon Chai district of Thailand’s north-eastern province of Buriram. From November…

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Military dogs which failed tests on auction at Military Dog Training Centre

Many dog lovers showed up this morning at the Military Dog Training Centre, in Pak Chong district of the north-eastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima, to participate in the auction of…

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Lin Lin and Alau arrive at the wildlife breeding centre.

Two pet lions seized from house in Chon Buri

Police have seized two lions, being kept as pets without the required permits, from a house in Chon Buri’s Bang Lamung district and relocated them to a wildlife breeding centre….

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Two more ‘pet’ lions sighted in Pattaya

Residents of a housing estate in Pattaya have been seeking help, after their foreign neighbour purchased two lions as pets, one of which gets loose and wanders around the neighbourhood….

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“Curve of Secrets” scuba diving attraction unveiled in Trang

Trang province has introduced an underwater attraction for SCUBA divers, called the “Curve of Secrets” at Waen Island, where visitors have the opportunity to enjoy the rare and untouched beauty…

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15 people on a fishing trip rescued from capsized boat off Koh Kut

Fifteen passengers and crew from a boat engaged in a fishing trip, about 16 miles from Koh Kut in the Gulf of Thailand, were safely rescued after their vessel capsized…

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Big cat cruising

A Thai woman has been identified as the owner of a young lion, recently taken on a ride in a convertible in Pattaya. Atthaphon Charoenchansa, the director-general of the Department…

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Misunderstanding over actual size of lithium deposits found in Thailand

The Department of Primary Industries and Mines has explained that there appears to be a misunderstanding that two major lithium deposits in Phang-nga province have been found to contain 14.8…

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Experts urge policy rethink as elephant population boom sparks escalating conflicts

2023 was a bloody 12 months in the ongoing saga of human-elephant conflicts in Thailand, marking the sixth consecutive year of escalating incidents. Records for 2023 show a disconcerting surge…

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Call for overhaul of outdated firework factory icensing laws after Suphan Buri tragedy

Representatives of the Interior Ministry and Industrial Works Department will be invited for a discussion about amending the outdated law governing the licencing of firework factories, House Industrial Affairs Committee…

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Survivors tell of tragic losses in firecracker factory explosion

Two people, happy to have survived a massive blast at a firecracker factory in Suphan Buri province on Wednesday, say they are sad over the loss of many of their…

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