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Thailand hot news, breaking stories, crime, politics, tourism, and business—stay updated with in-depth reports and exclusive interviews on the latest events across the country. Get the latest from The Thaiger, your trusted Thailand news source.
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Sponsored How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
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Fatal pickup truck crash in Hua Hin claims four lives
A pickup truck carrying construction workers spiralled out of control and collided with a tree in Huai Sat Yai area of Hua Hin, resulting in four fatalities and numerous injuries on January 31. The calamity was swiftly reported to Nong Plub Police Station in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan province, late in the evening on Wednesday. The ill-fated accident involved…
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Thai stylist’s hair-raising encounter with furious Russian man
A Russian man shaved part of his barber’s hair after not getting his desired haircut in Jomtien, Pattaya on January 25. The hairdresser, 32 year old Supachai Maneecharoen found himself in a hair-raising predicament during a routine trim last month. The scissor showdown unfolded as the language barrier led to this salon drama. Amidst snips and clips, a Russian man,…
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Fashion subcommittee’s shocking resignation rocks national soft power strategy committee
The entire fashion subcommittee of the prestigious National Soft Power Strategy Committee (NSPSC) handed in their resignations last night, leaving the committee in turmoil. The fashion moguls, including sustainable fashion activist and subcommittee president Kamonnart Ongwandee, cited insurmountable challenges in meeting the policy goals set by the ruling Pheu Thai Party, compelling them to prioritise their businesses. The bombshell resignation…
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Route reboot: Transport Ministry’s bus number shuffle leaves Bangkok commuters in chaos
The Transport Ministry announced a major overhaul of new bus route numbers, leaving commuters in disarray. Amidst the chaos, the ministry stands firm on its decision, sparking a wave of criticism from disgruntled passengers. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit revealed today that he instructed the Land Transport Department to make modifications to all new route numbers, eliminating the dash between zone and…
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Phuket security meeting enhances tourist safety for Chinese New Year
A high-level security meeting was convened in Phuket yesterday, guided by the region’s top police officials and led by the Phuket Provincial Police Commander, Sinlert Sukhum. As per the directive of the Phuket Governor, the meeting aimed to bolster safety measures for tourists in anticipation of the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations, occurring from February 10-15. The agenda of the…
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Thai astronomers unearth 13 ancient galaxies, smaller than a speck in the universe
Thai astronomers have unravelled the mysteries of the universe by uncovering 13 low-mass galaxies, each a celestial relic from the dawn of time. The James Webb Space Telescope, their cosmic peephole, allowed them to peer into the very fabric of the early universe. The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) harnessed the power of the James Webb Space Telescope,…
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Thai PM Srettha and Cambodian PM engage in talks over air pollution crisis
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin declared his intention to engage in a crucial dialogue with Cambodian leader Hun Manet to tackle the alarming surge of transboundary air pollution. PM Srettha, expressing concern, revealed that a look at the satellite map shows that most of the relevant hotspots are in Cambodia, and the wind is blowing from the east. The MODIS satellite,…
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Political turmoil: Activists demand lifetime ban for 44 MFP MPs for lese majeste law reform attempt
Thai lawyer Teerayut Suwannakaesorn and political activist Sonthiya Sawatdee demanded that 44 Move Forward Party (MFP) MPs be permanently banned from politics after violating political ethics for supporting the reform of lese majeste law, also known as Section 112 of the Criminal Law. Teerayut previously accused the MFP, along with its former leader Pita Limjaroenrat, of attempting to overthrow the…
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Monkey mayhem: Tails of mischief make headlines worldwide
Recent incidents of monkey attacks have been in the headlines recently in several countries, featuring long-tailed and pig-tailed macaques in Thailand, Japanese macaques in Japan, and Hanuman langurs in India. While these incidents might paint monkeys as villains, the root cause is a phenomenon called over-habituation. Devil monkeys are born when animals lose their fear of humans due to over-habituation,…
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Russian ransom: Gang grabs Belarusian couple in Phuket crypto con
Five members of a Russian gang have been apprehended for the kidnapping and extortion of a Belarusian couple in Phuket, forcing them to transfer 30 million baht (US$848,296) in cryptocurrency before abandoning them. The incident occurred on January 31, at a prominent hotel in the Talad Yai area of Mueang Phuket district. A tourist witnessed the couple being forcefully pushed…
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Water pistol standoff and UFO jellyfish take top honours in wildlife photo competition
A young girl pointing a water pistol at a monkey and a celestial squadron of jellyfish saucers have clinched top prizes at the 50th European Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. The captivating collection, featuring mischievous animals and breathtaking landscapes, drew over 1,000 entries from professionals spanning 36 countries, overwhelming judges with a staggering 19,000 submissions. Organised by the German Society for…
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Thailand PM2.5 air pollution discussed at global summit
In a historic first for the International Union of Forest Research Organisations (IUFRO), Thailand played host to the Role and Fate of Forest Ecosystems in a Changing World conference, where the PM2.5 situation was discussed. Over 80 experts from across the globe converged at King Mongkut University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) to unpack the dire implications of air pollution and…
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West Thailand: Newly discovered black-and-white striped snake lurks in Khao Krachom
On the treacherous slopes of Khao Krachom in Thailand, a slithering menace lurked in the shadows, its brightly coloured stripes tempting fate. Unbeknownst to the fearless adventurers, this 3-foot-long creature turned out to be a sinister surprise: a newly unearthed species, now named Bungarus sagittatus, the barbed arrow krait. Scientists, daring the dangers of the elusive creature, uncovered the venomous…
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Parcel predicament: Thai delivery rider dodges drug charge in watch swap scam
A Thai delivery rider dodged a drug charge after a dealer tricked him into transporting crystal meth and ecstasy by claiming the parcel was a watch. The 38 year old delivery rider, identified as A, reported the discovery of the drugs to Hua Mark Police Station on January 31 at about 10.45pm. He reported to officers that he was hired…
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Thailand to launch roadshow in China promoting 1 trillion baht Land Bridge project
Thailand’s Transport Ministry, headed by Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, announced yesterday that it would be launching a roadshow in China next month to promote the Land Bridge project. This announcement followed a recent visit by Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi, who expressed China’s interest in the project. As a response, the Thai government is preparing to submit a project report…
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Suspected extortion saga: Police nab key figure in Bangkok bust
Eakluck Wareechol, a key figure in a suspected extortion case involving serial petitioner Srisuwan Janya, was apprehended by the police in his home located in Bangkok’s Khlong Sam Wa district yesterday morning. The arrest was carried out by a joint team of officers from the police, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), and the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC). This is…
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Demonstrators in Bangkok mark third year anniversary of Myanmar coup
In a display of resistance, hundreds took to the streets in Bangkok to protest on the third anniversary of Myanmar’s coup. Tears, slogans, and a powerful call for change echoed outside the United Nations headquarters as protesters, both young and old, demanded justice for the shattered dreams of democracy. Bangkok’s United Nations headquarters became a poignant stage yesterday as protesters,…
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Thailand to expect 1 million tourists from China and Hong Kong during CNY
Alipay+ reported a prediction from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) that nearly 1 million foreign tourists, primarily from China and Hong Kong, are poised to flood into Thailand during the upcoming Chinese New Year, unleashing a potential economic windfall of 28.4 billion baht. Trip.com shared the staggering numbers, highlighting the skyrocketing outbound travel bookings from China leading up to…
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Thailand set to sign free trade agreement with Sri Lanka
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) with Sri Lanka during his upcoming visit to the island nation this week, according to spokesperson Chai Watcharonke. This marks the 15th FTA for Thailand and the first since PM Srettha assumed office the previous year. PM Srettha’s visit comes at the invitation of Sri Lanka’s Premier,…
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TripAdvisor ranks Pattaya as 7th Best of the Best Destinations in 2024
Popular online travel platform Tripadvisor ranked Pattaya in Thailand 7th in the Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Destination for 2024, suggesting the beach city is the perfect choice for great resorts, outdoor activities, cabaret and cultural tours. Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award Best of the Best for 2024, is divided into five categories including destinations, restaurants, beaches, hotels and…
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Scientists at Mahidol University link PM2.5 exposure to onset of osteoporosis
A team of scientists from Mahidol University’s Faculty of Science, focusing on osteoporosis, recently discovered a potential link between fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) and the onset of osteoporosis. They observed that lab rats exposed to PM2.5 developed bone inflammation, leading to an increase in bone-degrading cells called osteoclasts. The research, carried out by the Centre of…
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Thailand warns students about ‘rub hew’ courier service amid drug trafficking concerns
Authorities in Nonthaburi, Thailand, intercepted a suspicious package containing 7.5 kilogrammes of cocaine, concealed inside 15 seat cushions, on January 2. The package, which was addressed to the homeowner’s daughter studying in Australia, was discovered after the homeowner reported the package. In Thailand, a trend called rub hew, which translates to help carry, is common among young people studying abroad.…
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Drunk officer leaves 12 year old boy in critical condition after hit-and-run (video)
A reckless police officer under the influence of alcohol crashed his pickup into a motorcycle and dragged a 12 year old boy along the road in the Isaan province of Roi Et, leaving the victim hospitalised and in critical condition. The crash between the two vehicles on Prem Pracharath Road was reported to Mueang Roi Et Police Station at 9.50am…
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Thailand’s NSM Foundation uncovers five unique insect and one plant species
The National Science Museum (NSM) Foundation in Thailand recently uncovered five unique insect species and a novel plant species, bolstering the nation’s strides in the arena of scientific discovery. The revelation was made public by NSM President, Assistant Professor Rawin Raviwongse, last Wednesday. The insect species discovered encompass three distinct earwig species, namely Mongolabis chiangmaiensis Nishikawa & Jaitrong, 2023; Mongolabis…
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AI’s impact on jobs raises concerns, experts urge preparedness
Concerns are rising across various sectors about the potential displacement of jobs due to the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), with experts advising organisations and individuals to prepare for the inevitable impact. A recent blog post by Kristalina Georgieva, chief of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), suggested that AI would affect nearly 40% of global jobs, replacing some and…
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Thai government aims to boost cross-border trade despite 2023 contraction
The Thai government is aiming to reinvigorate its cross-border trade, including transit trade, this year following a 2.6% contraction in 2023, which saw the value fall to 1.7 trillion baht (US$48 billion). The Foreign Trade Department’s director-general, Ronnarong Phoolpipat, stated that the Commerce Ministry would expedite cross-border and transit trade according to the government’s investment promotion strategy for 2024-27. To…
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Move Forward Party faces potential dissolution over royal insult laws
The Move Forward Party (MFP), Thailand’s main opposition, is on the brink of dissolution, following a petition submitted to the Election Commission (EC) by leading activists. The objection was lodged on account of the party’s position on royal insult laws. Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, a political activist, took his petition to the EC on Thursday, requesting the dissolution of the MFP. This…
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Thai parties unite to amend Referendum Act for easier constitution change
Thailand’s leading political parties, Pheu Thai and Move Forward, are joining forces to amend the country’s Referendum Act. The act’s existing flaws are viewed as hurdles to modifying the constitution, a critical move supported by many parties who see the current charter as a legacy of the National Council for Peace and Order, the orchestrator of the last coup. Both…
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Central Group grabs Ploenchit Road for record-breaking 16 million baht per square metre
The land price per square wah in the heart of Bangkok is set to smash records, with Central Group snatching up a plot on Ploenchit Road from the Sukosol family at 4 million baht per square wa (16 million baht per square metre). This coveted three-rai plot, formerly the Morakot parking lot nestled between Central Chidlom and Soi Somkid, has…
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Unidentified tourist found lifeless off Pattaya coast
A male tourist, believed to be of Indian nationality, was discovered lifeless, floating off the coast of Pattaya’s vibrant Walking Street this morning. The grim find unfolded around 10.30am near Soi 14, sparking concern through the area and prompting a rapid response from local authorities. Pattaya police, in collaboration with Tourist Police, immigration officers, and rescue personnel, swiftly arrived at…
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