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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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    Why retirees in Thailand are choosing long-term health insurance over quick fixes

    Retirees in Thailand are increasingly seeing the importance of health insurance in protecting their well-being during retirement. With insurance requirements for retirement visas and rising healthcare costs, many are moving away from short-term plans and choosing long-term coverage. Long-term health...

  • Phuket police crackdown on crime boosts safety for visa-free tourists | Thaiger

    Phuket police crackdown on crime boosts safety for visa-free tourists

    In a span of seven days, Phuket police apprehended 64 individuals in an effort to bolster the safety measures for tourists from China and Kazakhstan who are visiting under a visa-free arrangement. The Phuket Provincial Police’s campaign is primarily aimed at curbing crime rates, particularly drug-related offences, to uphold Phuket’s reputation as a safe tourist destination. According to a report…

  • Entertainment venues: Bangkok governor paints the town ‘green’ with 4am nightlife nod | Thaiger

    Entertainment venues: Bangkok governor paints the town ‘green’ with 4am nightlife nod

    Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittupunt has given green light approval to entertainment venues to extend their closing time to 4am, provided they implement appropriate safety measures and take into consideration the welfare of nearby residents and young people. He also insisted that clear and transparent operations are better than secretly operating past the legal hours. During a recent executive meeting at…

  • Thai prime minister zaps to police meeting in eco-style – EV-entful ride | Thaiger

    Thai prime minister zaps to police meeting in eco-style – EV-entful ride

    The Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Srettha Thavisin, attended a National Police Office meeting today in an electric vehicle (EV) to reduce pollution. The meeting with Police Lieutenant General Torsak Sukvimol, the National Police Chief, was held in a white Tesla with Bangkok licence plates 2KHP5171. The 61 year old Thai prime minister personally stated that he chose a Tesla…

  • FTI urges new regulatory body to curb cheap Chinese imports | Thaiger

    FTI urges new regulatory body to curb cheap Chinese imports

    The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) urged the Industry Ministry to establish a novel regulatory body to supervise product standards. The move is intended to curb the influx of inexpensive Chinese imports, which the FTI claims are flooding the Thai market. The FTI did not clarify whether the proposed regulatory body would be governed by the state or the business…

  • Thai economy caught in global crossfire as Israel-Hamas tensions fuel price hike fears | Thaiger

    Thai economy caught in global crossfire as Israel-Hamas tensions fuel price hike fears

    The Thai economy, already tested by geopolitical conflicts over the past few years, is facing potential consequences from the hostilities between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East, as governments and corporations all over the world look for excuses and justifications to hike prices to obscene heights. It’s a well-worn tactic last seen in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine…

  • Ubon Ratchathani residents face health risks as stagnant floodwaters turn toxic | Thaiger

    Ubon Ratchathani residents face health risks as stagnant floodwaters turn toxic

    The residents of Ubon Ratchathani continue to struggle with rising water levels as the Ubonrat and Lampao dams contribute to the increasing floodwaters in northeast Thailand. They are grappling with stagnant water that has begun to spoil, leading to requests for medication to treat water-borne diseases and fever, intensifying the impact of Ubon Ratchathani flooding. Banjong Wongvien, a resident of…

  • Clean getaway foiled: Man ‘purifies’ methamphetamine pills smuggling attempt into Thailand | Thaiger

    Clean getaway foiled: Man ‘purifies’ methamphetamine pills smuggling attempt into Thailand

    Customs officials in Nong Khai apprehended a man who was smuggling nearly 60,000 methamphetamine pills into Thailand, cleverly hidden inside an air purifier. The suspect claimed to be unaware of the illicit contents, stating he was merely hired to transport the goods from Laos to Udon Thani province in Thailand. The arrest took place at the first Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge…

  • Thai democracy forum echoes concerns over capitalism in politics | Thaiger

    Thai democracy forum echoes concerns over capitalism in politics

    The struggle for democracy in Thailand remains a long and arduous one, as highlighted by a recent public forum. Held in memory of the brave students and pro-democracy protesters who perished during the military dictatorship five decades ago, the forum emphasised how little progress has been achieved since the historic October 14, 1973 uprising. The commemorative event, organised by the…

  • Traveloka reports surge in Thailand travel bookings amid slow aviation recovery | Thaiger

    Traveloka reports surge in Thailand travel bookings amid slow aviation recovery

    Travel bookings to Thailand have seen a significant surge, according to online travel agent Traveloka. The company’s president, Caesar Indra, highlighted that despite the slow recovery of the aviation sector, Thais have predominantly utilised their platform for air ticket bookings, veering towards less frequented destinations. This trend has been mirrored across numerous Asian markets. Indra reported a fivefold increase in…

  • Thai weather forecast predicts heavy rain and thunderstorms | Thaiger

    Thai weather forecast predicts heavy rain and thunderstorms

    A high-pressure system is presently sweeping across northern and eastern Thailand, resulting in rainfall across the country. Weather warnings have been issued for 38 provinces, with Bangkok experiencing a 30% drop in rainfall. Unpredictable winds and sea waves higher than 2 metres were reported today. The Thai weather forecast predicts that a monsoon trough is approaching the eastern and upper…

  • Thailand’s digital economy ministry sparks ‘byte’-sized revolution for national growth | Thaiger

    Thailand’s digital economy ministry sparks ‘byte’-sized revolution for national growth

    Thailand’s Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry, led by Prasert Chantararuangthong, is turning to digital technology in a bid to propel the nation’s development. As outlined in an interview with the Bangkok Post, Prasert revealed the DES Ministry has a policy to position digital technology as the fifth driver of the country’s growth. “I underlined ‘the Growth Engine of Thailand’…

  • Late-night accident results in tragic death of elderly couple in Ratchaburi | Thaiger

    Late-night accident results in tragic death of elderly couple in Ratchaburi

    A tragic accident claimed the lives of an elderly couple when a pickup truck collided with their sidecar motorcycle in Ratchaburi. The incident occurred today, around 2am, on Petchkasem Road, Ang Thong subdistrict in Ratchaburi province. The couple, who were returning home from a local market where they had been selling vegetables, collided with a black Isuzu pickup truck. The…

  • Murder-suicide suspected as couple found dead in Thai rental home | Thaiger

    Murder-suicide suspected as couple found dead in Thai rental home

    A chilling murder-suicide discovery was made in the Phana district of Amnat Charoen when a foreign couple, found dead in their rented house, sparked a police investigation. The 47 year old Swiss man and 40 year old Moldovan woman were identified by Police Colonel Chotnarin Sathupawarat, the superintendent of Phana station. Found in their shared bedroom on Saturday, both individuals…

  • Cement truck ignores warning and crashes into canal after wooden bridge collapse | Thaiger

    Cement truck ignores warning and crashes into canal after wooden bridge collapse

    A cement truck plunged into a canal after its driver ignored warnings and drove onto a wooden bridge, causing it to collapse. The 55 year old driver, from Amnat Charoen, revealed that he thought the bridge was supported by concrete pillars, and thus decided to cross it. The incident occurred at 12.30pm today. The 10-wheel truck, registered in Samut Prakan,…

  • Flash flood destroys bridge in Phayao, disrupting districts and leaving locals missing | Thaiger

    Flash flood destroys bridge in Phayao, disrupting districts and leaving locals missing

    Last night’s severe rainfall in Phayao province resulted in a flash flood that destroyed a bridge, disrupting connectivity between the districts of Chiang Muan and Dok Khamtai. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, swept away two vehicles and left several individuals missing. Authorities are currently mobilising efforts to locate the missing persons from the Nong…

  • The EU and ASEAN marked the start of Green Diplomacy Weeks 2023 through a fun run, walk, and cycling event in Jakarta | Thaiger

    The EU and ASEAN marked the start of Green Diplomacy Weeks 2023 through a fun run, walk, and cycling event in Jakarta

    Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to ASEAN, H.E. Sujiro Seam, the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community H.E. Ekkaphab Phanthavong and the Ambassador/Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Philippines to ASEAN, H.E. Hjayceelyn Mancenido Quintana, officially launched the start of the EU-ASEAN Green Diplomacy Weeks 2023 today in Jakarta, Indonesia. Over 300 people, representing officials from ASEAN,…

  • Tropical depression triggers heavy rain warnings for 47 Thai provinces, including Bangkok | Thaiger

    Tropical depression triggers heavy rain warnings for 47 Thai provinces, including Bangkok

    Today, 47 provinces of Thailand, including Bangkok, brace for heavy rainfall due to a tropical depression covering the Gulf of Thailand. The public has been warned to be cautious of flash floods and forest runoff, especially in hillside areas and low-lying regions. The sea waves are expected to reach a height of 2 metres in areas affected by thunderstorms. The…

  • Two killed in fiery road accident involving multiple motorcycles and pickup truck | Thaiger

    Two killed in fiery road accident involving multiple motorcycles and pickup truck

    A horrific road accident claimed two lives and injured others in the early hours of today on Asia Highway No. 32 in Ayutthaya province. The accident involved multiple motorcycles and a pickup truck, leading to a fiery aftermath. At around 12.30am, the police in Bang Pa-in district of Ayutthaya received a report of a serious road accident involving several motorcycles…

  • MFP MP clarifies sexual harassment accusation, second MP faces same claim | Thaiger

    MFP MP clarifies sexual harassment accusation, second MP faces same claim

    After a Move Forward Party (MFP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Prachin Buri province was accused of sexual harassment, another MP faced the same allegation. Details of his identity have not yet been released. The Facebook page What MFP Lying About Today (วันนี้ก้าวไกลโกหกอะไร) recently accused Prachin Buri MP, Wuttipong “Jae” Thonglao, of sexually harassing a member of the MFP’s volunteer…

  • Suphanburi shooting: Mechanic critically injured in shock attack | Thaiger

    Suphanburi shooting: Mechanic critically injured in shock attack

    A motorcycle mechanic was shot in a surprising attack in Suphanburi, leaving him critically injured. The brutal Suphanburi shooting incident occurred near a grocery store and a grilled chicken shop in the Sam Chuk district. The police are urgently on the search for the gunman, reviewing CCTV footage to trace the escape route and apprehend the perpetrator. Upon reaching the scene,…

  • Domestic violence shock: Thai celebrity’s assault on girlfriend | Thaiger

    Domestic violence shock: Thai celebrity’s assault on girlfriend

    A brutal domestic violence incident involving a minor celebrity and his girlfriend has become the talk of the town in Thailand. The couple’s dispute, revealed in CCTV footage, was ignited when the 43 year old woman discovered that her 38 year old boyfriend, a supporting actor in various TV shows, had been unfaithful to her with five other women. The…

  • Bank of Thailand maintains 4.4% GDP growth forecast amid stimulus measures | Thaiger

    Bank of Thailand maintains 4.4% GDP growth forecast amid stimulus measures

    A 4.4% GDP growth forecast for the coming year has been maintained by the Bank of Thailand, factoring in the government’s proposed economic stimulus measures. Assistant Governor Piti Disyatat confirmed this projection following the Monetary Policy Committee’s vote on September 27 to hike the benchmark interest rate by a quarter-point, making it a decade-high 2.5%. The committee, however, reduced its…

  • Thai official gets 52 years sentence for misuse of government vehicle | Thaiger

    Thai official gets 52 years sentence for misuse of government vehicle

    Rungrak Lookbua, the Director of the Department of Religious and Cultural Education under the Provincial Administration Organization of Yasothon, has been indicted by the Anti-Corruption Commission for misuse of a government vehicle for personal gain. The Director, along with his team, was accused of using a government vehicle for commuting and golfing. The charges were brought by the Office of…

  • 75 year old Thai woman loses over 18 million baht to romance scam | Thaiger

    75 year old Thai woman loses over 18 million baht to romance scam

    A 75 year old Thai woman lost over 18 million baht to a romance scam within just a few months of making contact with the scammer. The scammer tricked her into investing in a deceitful company called Gold Future. The victim’s son told Channel 7 that his mother invited him to invest in the Gold Future business in early July.…

  • One-legged Thai dine-and-dasher ‘hops’ it, leaves 5,700 baht bill in central Thailand | Thaiger

    One-legged Thai dine-and-dasher ‘hops’ it, leaves 5,700 baht bill in central Thailand

    A one-legged Thai man hopped out of a restaurant and a petrol station in the central province of Ayutthaya in a daring dine-and-dash manoeuvre, resulting in a 5,700 baht loss. A female staff member who accompanied the legless man was also abandoned in the midst of it all. The restaurant’s manager, speaking to Channel 3, revealed that the 60 year…

  • Teen’s truckin’ troubles: Migrant worker smuggling ends in pickup predicament in central Thailand | Thaiger

    Teen’s truckin’ troubles: Migrant worker smuggling ends in pickup predicament in central Thailand

    A 19 year old man was apprehended for smuggling 13 illegal migrant workers in a pickup truck that he claimed to have borrowed from his father under the pretence of visiting his girlfriend. Phinwit Udomphon, an officer from the Ayutthaya Provincial Police, stated that efforts to curb the smuggling of illegal workers into Bangkok and its surrounding provinces continue unabated.…

  • Thailand boosts tourism with free SIM cards and digital privileges for visitors | Thaiger

    Thailand boosts tourism with free SIM cards and digital privileges for visitors

    The Welcome Back to Thailand campaign, a collaborative endeavour by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Advanced Info Service (AIS), is ready to roll out. The initiative is designed to attract international tourists by offering them Amazing Thailand SIM cards, bundled with an array of digital privileges and services. As part of the campaign strategy, TAT plans to distribute…

  • Toll-free treat: Thailand waives toll charges on major expressways for King Bhumibol Memorial Day | Thaiger

    Toll-free treat: Thailand waives toll charges on major expressways for King Bhumibol Memorial Day

    The upcoming holiday tomorrow, October 13, has led the Thailand Expressway Authority (TEA), under the Ministry of Transport, to waive toll charges on three major expressways, covering a total of 60 toll gates. The decision was made to facilitate travel on the anniversary of the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, a public holiday as declared by…

  • World Bank identifies growth potential in Thailand’s secondary cities | Thaiger

    World Bank identifies growth potential in Thailand’s secondary cities

    The World Bank has highlighted the potential for growth in Thailand’s secondary cities such as Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen and Rayong in a recent study. The report, Thailand Urban Infrastructure Finance Assessment, suggests that these cities could boost Thailand’s economy if they invest in urban infrastructure improvements, such as mass transit systems and renewable energy sources. However, the study points…

  • Middle East tensions cause gold rush, prices poised to strike US$1,875 | Thaiger

    Middle East tensions cause gold rush, prices poised to strike US$1,875

    The escalating conflict in the Middle East could drive global gold prices to US$1,875 (67,950 baht) per ounce, as predicted by the Gold Traders Association (GTA). The association’s president, Jitti Tangsithpakdi, pointed out that prices have risen by US$20-30 per ounce since the onset of hostilities between Israel and Hamas militants. Gold prices reached a one-week high of US$1,860 yesterday…