BoT Flags Withdrawals, Enforces Online Gold Trading Rules

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Thailand's central bank, the Bank of Thailand (BoT), is intensifying efforts to combat dubious financial activities after detecting unusual cash withdrawals amounting to 250 million baht from commercial banks. BoT Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput announced that banks have been instructed to swiftly investigate these irregular withdrawal patterns. In one instance, a customer withdrew 250 million baht at once, while another transaction involved splitting a 200 million baht withdrawal between two banks.

No Nipah Virus Detected in Thailand, Authorities Confirm

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Thailand’s Department of Medical Services (DMS) has confirmed that there are no current Nipah virus infections in the country, following social media speculation after a visit by the DMS Director-General to Rajavithi Hospital. The visit was part of routine preparedness planning, not an indication of an outbreak. The DMS urged the public to avoid sharing inaccurate information to prevent undue panic.

Lisa Joins Thailand Tourism Campaign with Wat Arun Debut

Photo courtesy of Khaosod

Thailand has launched its new tourism campaign, “Feel All the Feelings,” with global superstar Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal as the face of the initiative. The announcement took place at Wat Arun Ratchawararam, seeking to reposition Thailand as a top leisure destination by promoting its scenic beauty and deep cultural values. This move aims to boost tourism by offering enriching and emotional travel experiences.

Thailand's Hospitals Gear Up for Nipah Virus Threat

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

Thailand's Department of Medical Services has announced that major hospitals including Rajavithi Hospital are ready to handle any cases of Nipah virus, even though no infections have been reported in the country so far. Dr. Nattapong Wongwiwat, the department's director-general, stated that hospitals such as Rajavithi, Nopparat Rajathanee, and Lerdsin have ramped up their preparedness. This includes ensuring the availability of medical resources, hospital beds, and setting up isolation facilities.

Ammo and Buddha Statues Discovered in Thai Roadside Ditch

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A woman’s motorcycle accident led to the discovery of nearly 1,000 rounds of ammunition and religious artefacts in a roadside ditch in Chachoengsao, Thailand. The incident occurred in the Chukcho subdistrict when residents reported the unusual find on Ban Don Road. Local police were alerted and later discovered a fertiliser sack containing .38-calibre practice rounds, 12-gauge shotgun shells, Buddha statues, and a bronze likeness of King Rama IV.

Dog Attacks in Bangkok Prompt Concerns Over Safety

Photo via CH7 News

A woman in Bangkok's Phasi Charoen district narrowly avoided another attack by a neighbor's dog on January 23. This incident marked the second aggressive encounter involving the same dog. Previously, in March 2024, the dog had bitten the woman, requiring her to receive hospital treatment.

Miscommunication Causes AirAsia to Leave 23 Passengers on Bus

Separate image of an AirAsia flight taking off | Photo via Laude Creator

AirAsia has issued an apology after 23 passengers were inadvertently left on a shuttle bus during boarding for a flight from Bangkok to Hat Yai on January 17. Flight FD3116 was scheduled to depart from Don Mueang International Airport at 7:10 am but experienced a delay. The situation came to light when an elderly passenger notified the crew that her friend, who had checked in, was missing from the boarded passengers.

Pakistani Man Caught Stealing Cannabis in Phuket

Photo via Khao Phuket

In Phuket, a Pakistani man was apprehended by cannabis shop owners and witnesses after stealing a jar of cannabis from a store in Patong. The incident occurred on January 27, with the shop owner filing a complaint at the Patong Police Station the following day. The suspect, along with a group of others, had engaged the shop owner in conversation before seizing the opportunity to steal the jar.

2.9-magnitude Earthquake Hits Chiang Rai, No Damage Reported

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A 2.9-magnitude earthquake struck Chiang Rai's Mae Suai district on Thursday afternoon, according to the Meteorological Department. The quake's epicenter was located in Tambon Si Thoi and occurred at 1:32 PM. The shallow tremor caused minor building swaying, but fortunately, no damage was reported.

Tourists Use Singapore to Traffic Cannabis from Thailand to UK

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

Tourists have exploited Singapore as a transit hub to traffic cannabis from Koh Samui, Thailand to the United Kingdom, according to Thai customs officials. Between March and September last year, numerous seizures of marijuana destined for the UK were intercepted. British tourists were frequently involved, using Singapore's connectivity to facilitate their activities.

Police Connect Kalasin Councillor to Online Gambling Network

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Police have uncovered evidence connecting Kalasin provincial councillor Patthanun Chandorn and his wife, Parinya Mukdasamutsan, to an extensive online gambling network. As authorities hunt for the couple, their activities on the Banhuay98 platform have come to light, with financial transactions used to trace their involvement. Arrest warrants are now issued for both suspects amid ongoing investigations.

British Tourist Injured in Illegal Paragliding on Krabi Cliff

Photo via Facebook/ อุทยานแห่งชาติหาดนพรัตน์ธารา-หมู่เกาะพีพี

A British man was injured after illegally paragliding and crashing into a cliff in Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, Krabi. Rangers found the 52-year-old suspended from the cliff with leg injuries, following a sudden change in wind direction. He was rescued and hospitalized, with legal consequences pending for violating park regulations.

Royal Thai Police Implement New Traffic Policy for Road Safety

Infographic by the Royal Thai Police (Translated into English)

The Royal Thai Police introduced a new road safety policy on January 28 aimed at improving traffic discipline. Officers will issue verbal warnings instead of fines from January through March for most traffic violations, to educate the public and reduce road accidents in Thailand.

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Thailand Live Friday 30 January 2026

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