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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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    How to travel around Thailand for under US$30 a day

    The Thaiger key takeaways Staying in budget hostels or guesthouses and eating street food keeps daily expenses low. Mixing buses, trains, and budget flights allows affordable travel between cities and islands. Free or cheap activities, such as temples, markets, parks,...

  • Bangkok street food vendor dies after punch in card game dispute | Thaiger

    Bangkok street food vendor dies after punch in card game dispute

    A Bangkok street food vendor succumbed to injuries sustained from a single punch delivered by a friend during a drunken altercation over alleged cheating in a card game. The incident, which took place yesterday, February 12, resulted in the 49 year old vendor, Wichok, being found unconscious in his room with a swollen, bruised face and bleeding from the nose…

  • Thailand’s economic crisis feared amidst digital wallet dispute | Thaiger

    Thailand’s economic crisis feared amidst digital wallet dispute

    The Bank of Thailand and the government have been at odds for months, with tensions escalating last week when the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) kept interest rates at 2.5% despite political pressure for a reduction. This disagreement came to the fore during discussions about the digital wallet scheme, a 560 billion baht (US$15.58 billion) project which the central bank has…

  • Commerce Ministry plans to expand GI product list to boost sales | Thaiger

    Commerce Ministry plans to expand GI product list to boost sales

    Aiming to boost sales from geographical indication (GI) products to 60 billion baht (US$1.6 billion) by 2024, the Commerce Ministry is set to expand the GI product list by an additional 20 items this year. Deputy Commerce Minister Napintorn Srisunpang highlighted the plan as a strategy to enhance the competitiveness of the agricultural sector. By utilising GI as a tool,…

  • Controversy over new water tunnel network plan in Kanchanaburi’s wildlife sanctuary | Thaiger

    Controversy over new water tunnel network plan in Kanchanaburi’s wildlife sanctuary

    The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) and the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) have come under scrutiny for their plan to build a new water tunnel network in the Salak Phra Wildlife Sanctuary, Kanchanaburi. The project, designed to combat summer droughts, has sparked concerns among local conservationists due to its potential impact on the local ecosystem. The RID justifies…

  • Phuket residents urged to conserve water amid dry season | Thaiger

    Phuket residents urged to conserve water amid dry season

    A water conservation plea has been issued to Phuket residents by Udomphon Kan, the Director of the Phuket Provincial Office of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM-Phuket), in an attempt to prevent shortages amid the ongoing dry season. Udomphon Kan, while confident about the current water reserves, voiced his concerns about the diminishing water levels in the island’s…

  • Royal Thai Air Force relinquishes Kantarat golf course for public projects | Thaiger

    Royal Thai Air Force relinquishes Kantarat golf course for public projects

    A recent decision by the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) opened up new prospects for public project development. The RTAF consented to relinquish its Kantarat Golf Course, situated between the runways of Don Mueang Airport, for state project development, as revealed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. In a social media post, the prime minister expressed gratitude towards the RTAFforce’s initiative…

  • Phuket fraud suspects arrested over mule bank account scams | Thaiger

    Phuket fraud suspects arrested over mule bank account scams

    A recent operation led by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) resulted in the apprehension of two fraud suspects in Phuket. They were allegedly involved in creating mule bank accounts for scam gang operators. One of the individuals detained, referred to as Chaiphong, was arrested at a Patong residence. It was not disclosed when the…

  • Public health ministry sets drug possession thresholds | Thaiger

    Public health ministry sets drug possession thresholds

    The Public Health Ministry issued a directive setting a threshold for the possession of illegal drugs. Individuals found with quantities below this threshold will be classified as drug users and will not face criminal charges. This directive was issued by Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew and was announced in the Royal Gazette on February 9. This initiative is a companion…

  • Dark web leak reveals 19.7 million Thai older persons’ personal data | Thaiger

    Dark web leak reveals 19.7 million Thai older persons’ personal data

    A dark web data leak has exposed the personal details of 19.7 million members of the Department of Older Persons (DOP) in Thailand, sparking the Thailand Consumers Council to prompt immediate action. The council has implored the DOP to enlighten its members about the potential risks they face and to devise strategies that will ensure the protection of their data.…

  • BioThai urges caution over EU’s eased restrictions on gene-editing crops | Thaiger

    BioThai urges caution over EU’s eased restrictions on gene-editing crops

    BioThai, a leading environmental organisation, called for the Thai government to tread carefully in the wake of the European Parliament’s decision to ease restrictions on gene-editing crops, also known as new genomic techniques (NGTs). The European Parliament’s decision was made on February 7 and was accompanied by stringent regulations. After a vote of 307 in favour and 263 against, the…

  • Phuket fraudster’s hotel booking scam leaves 40 victims high and dry | Thaiger

    Phuket fraudster’s hotel booking scam leaves 40 victims high and dry

    A man from Phuket has been apprehended in Mae Hong Son for allegedly duping over 40 unsuspecting victims in an elaborate hotel booking scam. With damages estimated to be a staggering 800,000 baht, this cyber criminal’s web of lies has left a trail of frustrated tourists in its wake. The Phuket Express reports that the Cyber Crime Police recently made…

  • Pheu Thai’s Paetongtarn hopeful for Thaksin’s release on parole | Thaiger

    Pheu Thai’s Paetongtarn hopeful for Thaksin’s release on parole

    Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the Pheu Thai Party, expressed wishes for the release of her father, convicted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, on parole. With the possibility of his release looming, Paetongtarn remains uncertain if her father’s name will be included in the Department of Corrections’ (DoC) list of eligible inmates for parole and special parole. Special parole is typically…

  • Party chief Suwat celebrates 69th birthday with prime minister | Thaiger

    Party chief Suwat celebrates 69th birthday with prime minister

    Chart Pattana Kla Party chief Suwat Liptapanlop celebrated his 69th birthday by hosting the prime minister and lending his backing to the government’s highly debated digital wallet policy. Despite facing opposition from the central bank and various government agencies, Suwat firmly believes that the controversial plan to distribute 10,000 baht to nearly every Thai aged 16 and above is crucial…

  • West Thailand: Massive operation to save forests from devastating blaze | Thaiger

    West Thailand: Massive operation to save forests from devastating blaze

    More than 250 firefighters from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) have been deployed to the western forest complex to combat raging fires. With a whopping 1,600 hectares of forest already devastated, these brave souls are working tirelessly to prevent further destruction. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) issued alarming warnings regarding the threat…

  • ‘Pattaya flying club’: Romanian tourist plunges to death from hotel balcony | Thaiger

    ‘Pattaya flying club’: Romanian tourist plunges to death from hotel balcony

    A 63 year old Romanian tourist became the newest addition to the “Pattaya Flying Club” when he met with a fatal end after falling from the balcony of a seven-story hotel in Soi 5, Pattaya. The incident, which occurred yesterday morning has left the local community in a state of shock. Authorities were alerted to the incident at approximately 9.30am…

  • Thailand-Cambodia border gate to boost trade despite landmine challenges | Thaiger

    Thailand-Cambodia border gate to boost trade despite landmine challenges

    The Ban Nong Ian-Stung Bot border gate between Thailand and Cambodia is soon to be operational, aiming to stimulate trade and logistics between the two nations. This announcement was made by Parinya Potisat, the governor of Sa Kaeo province yesterday. The new frontier passage will ease the pressure on the Ban Khlong Luek-Poipet border by providing an additional route for…

  • Songthaew driver seriously injured after brawl in Pattaya | Thaiger

    Songthaew driver seriously injured after brawl in Pattaya

    In a violent altercation that unfolded on a busy Pattaya street, two Songthaew drivers went head-to-head in a brutal brawl over a group of Chinese tourists. The explosive confrontation left one driver hospitalised and the other facing serious legal consequences. Late in the evening on February 4, just steps away from Grand Honey 3 on South Pattaya Road, chaos erupted…

  • Australian governor-general to visit Thailand, strengthening ties | Thaiger

    Australian governor-general to visit Thailand, strengthening ties

    The longstanding ties between Thailand and Australia are set to be celebrated as Governor-General of Australia David John Hurley prepares for a visit to Thailand from February 13 to 17. The visit, as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, promises to be a significant event in the annals of both nations. The itinerary of the visit includes a royal…

  • 5 Lunar New Year festivals around the world you shouldn’t miss | Thaiger

    5 Lunar New Year festivals around the world you shouldn’t miss

    The Lunar New Year is almost here, and people around the world are gearing up to celebrate. Whether you call it Chinese New Year, Seollal, or Tet, this festive time marks a fresh start in the lunar calendar. It’s a time for vibrant parades, delicious food, and joyful gatherings. If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing Lunar New Year celebrations in…

  • Pita’s shocking family secrets exposed in IG post controversy | Thaiger

    Pita’s shocking family secrets exposed in IG post controversy

    Former Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat came forward to address the controversies surrounding his alleged Cambodian ancestry. In a recent Instagram post that captivated his 2.7 million followers, Pita shed light on his maternal grandmother, Anusri, and the intriguing connections within his family tree. Setting the record straight, Pita affirmed his grandmother’s birthplace as Bangkok, vehemently dismissing any claims…

  • Education visa in Thailand: Fulfilling your academic dreams | Thaiger

    Education visa in Thailand: Fulfilling your academic dreams

    Education visa in Thailand offers a unique opportunity for international students and learners to immerse themselves in the country’s rich culture, language, and traditions while pursuing their educational goals. This type of visa enables foreigners to study at accredited Thai institutions, ranging from language courses and vocational training to higher education programs. With its diverse educational offerings and enchanting landscape,…

  • PM Srettha heralds visa-free travel between Thailand and China (video) | Thaiger

    PM Srettha heralds visa-free travel between Thailand and China (video)

    In a heartening message marking the Lunar New Year, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed his optimism about the newly lifted visa requirements between Thailand and China, anticipating a significant boost in bilateral relations and travel. During his well-wishing messages on Lunar New Year, PM Srettha conveyed his hopes that the lifting of visa requirements would foster increased interaction between Thailand…

  • Interior minister condemns student activist’s act of defiance towards Thai royal convoy | Thaiger

    Interior minister condemns student activist’s act of defiance towards Thai royal convoy

    Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaiseth strongly condemned the actions of student activist Tantawan Tuatulanon and her friend for their behaviour towards a royal motorcade in Bangkok. Chada expressed his disapproval, stating that the motorcade was not causing any traffic obstruction and that the pair could have chosen alternative lanes. The deputy interior minister emphasised that honking at the royal convoy…

  • Alleged drunk police officer threatens with gun after pickup truck accident on Pattaya Road | Thaiger

    Alleged drunk police officer threatens with gun after pickup truck accident on Pattaya Road

    In the early hours of this morning, a car accident in Pattaya took a disturbing twist as the driver of a pickup truck, reportedly claiming to be a police officer, threatened others with a firearm while allegedly under the influence of alcohol. A collision involving a Honda Sumer motorcycle and a black Toyota Revo pickup truck unfolded at the intersection…

  • Less than 5% pay rise for Thai employees this year | Thaiger

    Less than 5% pay rise for Thai employees this year

    According to Aon Plc’s latest survey, Thai employees are set to experience a modest 4.9% pay rise this year, trailing behind their regional counterparts. The forecast anticipates a slight uptick from 4.7% last year but still falls short of the salary growth expected in Indonesia (6.5%), the Philippines (5.5%), and Malaysia (5%). Meanwhile, Singapore is projected to witness a 4%…

  • Thai soldier rapes his stepdaughter, mother forgives rapist | Thaiger

    Thai soldier rapes his stepdaughter, mother forgives rapist

    A Thai soldier raped his 14 year old stepdaughter and got her pregnant. The victim’s mother and grandmother insist that the charges be dropped because they are family, and the rapist is the household’s breadwinner. A Thai teacher at a school in the Isaan province of Udon Thani filed a complaint at Mueang Ubon Thani Police Station on February 6…

  • Thailand gears up for World Songkran Festival | Thaiger

    Thailand gears up for World Songkran Festival

    Preparations are underway for the World Songkran Festival, with a meeting set to take place next week, as per a statement given by Thapanee Kiatphaibool, the governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), on February 8. The meeting, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Interior, the private sector, and other relevant agencies, will focus…

  • Peruvian seeks Thai justice as yakuza thugs get ‘light’ punishment | Thaiger

    Peruvian seeks Thai justice as yakuza thugs get ‘light’ punishment

    A Peruvian man is seeking justice from the Thai authorities after five Japanese yakuza thugs received light sentences for assaulting him at a restaurant in Bangkok. The victim suffered severe injuries and spent more than 400,000 baht on treatment. The 35 year old Peruvian man, Tetsuo Kobashikawa, contacted non-profit organisation Saimai Survive for help seeking justice. The organisation accompanied him to…

  • The realities of PM2.5 in Thailand revealed by ‘Check Dust’ | Thaiger

    The realities of PM2.5 in Thailand revealed by ‘Check Dust’

    Thailand is facing a grave environmental crisis as PM 2.5 levels soar to dangerous heights, threatening the health of millions. The Thai Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI), in partnership with the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) and other relevant bodies, took decisive action to combat this escalating threat. The Check Dust application, utilising cutting-edge…