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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 Thailand health insurance that covers chronic conditions: What expats need to know
The Thaiger key takeaways Managing chronic conditions in Thailand requires health insurance that covers specialist visits, medications, tests, and hospital stays. Cigna offers high-coverage plans with access to top hospitals, direct billing, and telemedicine support for convenient long-term care. Expats...
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Thai govt greenlights 500 billion baht boost for state-owned enterprises in 2024 budget bonanza
The Thai government yesterday approved a massive investment budget of 500 billion baht dedicated to 46 state-owned enterprises for the fiscal year 2024, commencing this October. The substantial budget aims to stimulate the national economy and bolster fiscal growth. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke detailed the budget allocation, stating that the funding includes 209 billion baht earmarked for ongoing and routine…
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Thai exports spring back to life: A global manufacturing and clean energy surge
After 11 months in decline, Thai exports have made a surprising return to growth, largely due to a resurgence in global manufacturing, consumer spending and a thriving service sector among trading partners. This upturn has been further fuelled by the promotion of clean energy policies, increased demand for technological products and the relative depreciation of the baht, according to the…
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Treasure discovery: Canadian man unearths 14.5 million baht in late music teacher’s home
A Canadian man stumbled upon a treasure trove worth more than 14.5 million baht after purchasing a house from his late music teacher for a little over 300,000 baht. Despite his familiarity with the previous owner, he had never inspected the house before the purchase and was utterly astounded when he discovered an unimaginable wealth inside. The unexpected treasure discovery…
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UOB report uncovers economic concerns and investment trends in ASEAN nations
The United Overseas Bank (UOB) released a significant report revealing the current economic sentiments of citizens and businesses across five ASEAN nations – Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand. Two days ago, Yuthchai Tayaratchakul, the Executive Vice President of UOB, provided a statement regarding the ASEAN Consumer Sentiment Study (ACSS). The UOB report aimed to shed light on the top…
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Deadly duel: Teenager accidentally stabs friend to death while playing with knife
A 17 year old man accidentally stabbed his friend to death while they were playing with their brand-new knives in a public park in the northeastern province of Nong Bua Lamphu. Nong Bua Lamphu Hospital reported the teenager’s death to Mueang Nong Bua Lamphu Police Station at 7.30pm on Sunday, September 24. The hospital reported that the teen, named Ton,…
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Italian mafia boss Matteo Denaro dies aged 61 after cancer battle
Matteo Messina Denaro, a leading mafia figure in Italy who was apprehended in January, has succumbed to cancer at the age of 61. Denaro, who had been diagnosed with colon cancer at the time of his arrest, had evaded capture for 30 years and was later found guilty. His condition had deteriorated over recent weeks, necessitating his transfer from a…
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US dollar surge hits Asian currencies: Thai baht suffers
Asian currencies experienced a dip today, with the Thai baht and Indonesian rupiah bearing the brunt of the losses. This was mainly due to the rising strength of the US dollar, bolstered by robust economic indicators and the threat of inflation from the Federal Reserve, which have pushed US bond yields to a 16-year peak. The baht saw a fall…
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Hefty heartbreak: Thai chubby chaser’s twisted dating tactics in motorcycle theft
Police arrested a chubby-chasing Thai man who confessed he used a dating app to lure fat-bottomed girls into going out with him so he could steal their motorcycles. The thief confessed that chubby girls were his main target as he believed they were low on self-esteem and easier to impress in person. Police Cyber Taskforce Division 5 (PCT5) conducted a…
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Social media stress sparks ‘rash’ decisions: Medical mystery solved for overworked Thai man
A young man shared a distressing experience on social media about overworking, which led to an unusual rash all over his body within just three days. Despite multiple medical tests, all the results came back normal. The doctor’s advice was simple yet crucial: Get some quality sleep for two days. This incident serves as a warning about the potential harm…
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Climbing restrictions loom for tourists at sacred Khao Klang Nok
Phetchabun’s Si Thep Historical Park may soon restrict tourists from climbing Khao Klang Nok, a ruin considered sacred by locals. The move comes in response to the increasing number of visitors following the park’s declaration as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on September 19. Locals expressed concerns about the influx of tourists, many of whom have been climbing Khao…
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Travel Daily Media rebrands as Brand TD
In the ever-evolving landscape of the travel industry, one thing has remained constant – the importance of a strong and memorable brand. It is the essence of a company’s identity, the first impression that potential customers have, and the lasting image that loyal clients carry with them. Singapore-based travel trade news agency Travel Daily Media (TD) recognises this fundamental truth and…
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Phallic Phantasm: Thai man erects 3 penis statues for good luck in central Thailand
A retired senior police sergeant major, in the central province of Kampaeng Phet, raised a few titters after he completed an unusual erection on his land, three penis statues. He believes the phallic erections will bring him good luck in selling his land, which is worth 60 million baht. Three penis statues stand prominently on the land of the 86…
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Royal rumble: Four years behind bars for outspoken lawyer and Thai activist
A prominent Thai activist and lawyer, known for his brazen calls for reforms in Thailand’s monarchy, received a four-year prison sentence today over charges of royal insults, a verdict confirmed by both the judge and his legal counsel. Arnon Nampa emerged as a notable figure during the pro-democracy demonstrations in 2020, where the Thai activist publicly advocated for a discourse…
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Florida’s jaws-dropping discovery: Alligator spotted with human body in its jaws
A shocking incident unfolded in Florida, USA, when a large 4-metre alligator was spotted carrying what appeared to be a human corpse in its mouth. The victim has been identified as a 41 year old homeless woman. The incident was reported in Largo, Tampa Bay when a local man noticed the massive alligator near a pond, close to the road,…
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4 fake police officers kidnap woman for 300,000 baht ransom
A Thai woman filed a complaint alleging that four men posing as police officers kidnapped her for a 300,000 baht ransom. One of the suspects involved was the ex-boyfriend of the victim’s daughter. He was arrested by police while the other three suspects remain at large. The 48 year old victim, Patcharee, told officers at Mueang Prachuap Kiri Khan Police Station…
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UNESCO’s recognition triggers visitor surge at Si Thep Historical Park in northern Thailand
Si Thep Historical Park in Phetchabun experienced an unexpected surge in visitor numbers over the weekend, following its announcement as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on September 19. The ensuing tourism influx prompted local agencies to call on the government for increased accommodation and facilities for the increasing number of tourists. Sittichai Poodee, the director of Si Thep Historical…
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Phuket’s pristine promise: Chalong’s no-littering sign takes center stage
In a bid to maintain cleanliness and orderliness, the Chalong Municipality erected a sign prohibiting littering and the dumping of garbage in Phuket. This commendable move is aimed at preserving the beauty and hygiene of the municipality. According to Chalong’s village headman Kokchai Sae-Ung, the land is privately owned. Last year, approval had been given to raise the site using…
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Rain reigns in Khon Kaen: Pumps pump out the flood
Heavy rains in Khon Kaen triggered a swift response from emergency services, with seven water pumps set up in flood-prone areas to efficiently drain the excess water. The local authorities are confident in their ability to manage the high water volumes in Bueng Kaen Nakhon and Bueng Thung Sang. Essential manpower and equipment are on standby to aid those affected around…
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Faulty brakes lead to 14 vehicle pile up on Rama II Road, Bangkok
A bus with faulty brakes caused a massive pile-up involving 14 vehicles on Rama II Road, resulting in numerous injuries. The crash occurred at 8am today. The incident led to severe traffic congestion as the damaged vehicles blocked all four lanes of the road. Upon arriving at the accident scene, officers from Bang Mod Police Station observed several damaged vehicles…
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FDA confirms Japanese seafood imports safe from Fukushima radioactivity
Seafood imported from Japan is free of harmful radioactivity levels, as confirmed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This comes in response to global worries about the potential contamination of marine life following the discharge of wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant that was devastated by a tsunami. Lertchai Lertvut, the FDA’s deputy secretary-general, detailed yesterday that rigorous…
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Banpu’s rare earth pivot for cleaner energy
Banpu, a Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET)-listed company, is planning a strategic shift towards the mining of rare earth, a move anticipated to replace its coal mining operations as the firm prioritises the creation of a cleaner, smarter energy. The company’s interest is especially piqued by the elements required to produce lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles (EVs). Banpu is in…
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Thailand’s DoPA cracks down on ‘influential figures’ in nationwide crime hunt
The Department of Provincial Administration (DoPA) in Thailand is vigorously working to identify individuals linked to criminal activities across the nation, revealed Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaiset. These individuals, referred to as “influential figures,” are purportedly involved in 16 distinct criminal offences. These include predatory lending, bid collusion, bribery from public transport vehicles, smuggling of untaxed goods, both online and…
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Tragic early morning crash claims life of young man on rain-soaked Thailand highway
A 26 year old man lost his life in a tragic crash when a pickup truck he was driving plunged into a ditch after hitting an electricity pole on the Asia Highway, Route 32, in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province today at 3am. The tragedy, which unfolded in the early hours of the morning, also resulted in injuries to two other…
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Thailand’s DES ministry intensifies fight against rising online fraud
Damages in Thailand by online fraud have seen a surge, despite a decrease in the victim count to an average of 580 daily complaints, a drop from the earlier 800, the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry reports. This is attributed to the implementation of a new law targeted at curbing cybercrime. Prasert Jantararuangthong, DES Minister, observed that scammers are…
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Weather forecast: Storm to bring heavy rain across Thailand
Today’s weather shows a fading yet still potent storm set to pass through northern Thailand with heavy rains anticipated between September 26 and 29. The Department of Meteorology announced the weakening of the pressure system at 1am today. The storm, formerly known as “Depression,” has diminished into a strong low-pressure system near the city of Danang in Vietnam. This system…
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Big Joke caught partying with leading online gambling operator
Further suspicion has been cast on the Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, after a video recorded by a renowned Thai lawyer showed Big Joke singing with a leading online gambling operator at a party. The former president of the Lamphun Warrior Football Club, Pongsiri “Tarn” Ratchawongsuek, and a Thai woman named Suchanan, also…
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Thai steel market stagnation expected in 2023 amid economic concerns
The Thai steel market faces a period of stagnation in 2023, with consumption levels predicted to match those of last year at 16 million tonnes. This prediction comes from Chaichalerm Bunyanuwat, president of the EAF Long Product Steel Producers Association, who cites the slow resumption of government infrastructure projects, weak consumer spending power, and high household debt as contributing factors.…
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Thailand’s State Railway seeks 50 billion baht for expansions
Thailand’s State Railway (SRT) is planning to request Cabinet approval for a funding amount exceeding 50 billion baht. This hefty sum is aimed at financing the construction of a double-track railway stretch from Khon Kaen to Nong Khai and the expansion of Red Line electric train routes. The announcement follows a directive from Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, who instructed the…
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AIS and Trip.com partner to boost Chinese tourism in Thailand
Thailand’s leading 5G digital service provider, Advanced Info Service (AIS), is partnering with China’s top online travel agent, Trip.com, to create a smooth travel experience for Chinese tourists. This move comes in response to the government’s recent introduction of a visa-free policy for Chinese visitors. AIS aims to stimulate Thailand’s tourism sector by offering a comprehensive user experience for Chinese…
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Consumer finds unidentifiable object in FDA-approved seaweed soup
The end of a comforting seaweed soup meal turned into a shock when a consumer discovered an unidentifiable dark string mixed in with the seaweed. The incident, which occurred yesterday, sparked concern among members of the consumer group ‘We Are Consumers’ on social media. Amidst the worry, questions arose about the nature of the foreign object and whether the seaweed…
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