Thailand News
Thailand news, politics, business, crime, and lifestyle—get breaking updates from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond. Stay informed on Thai society, economy, tourism, and expat life with The Thaiger.
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Sponsored 12Go introduces Japan Rail Passes to enhance travel accessibility for international travellers
For those who have travelled throughout Thailand, 12Go is a well-known provider of various trips, though the platform itself has a much wider reach. Ranging from buses to planes, 12Go is undoubtedly a leading booking platform for travel throughout the...
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Pathum Thani vegetable vendor wins 12 million baht lottery prize
A vegetable vendor from Simummuang Market in Khu Khot, Lam Luk Ka district, Pathum Thani province, has struck gold by winning the first prize in the lottery, pocketing 12 million baht. The winning ticket, numbered 536044, was part of the draw held yesterday, November 1, and the news quickly spread as congratulations poured in for the lucky winner. The buzz…
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Sea turtle found tangled and lifeless on Phuket beach
In a heartbreaking discovery, a young olive ridley sea turtle was found dead, entangled in fishing debris on Phuket’s Pak Phra Beach. Officials from Thailand’s Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) were alerted to the tragedy on Tuesday, October 29, by the Marine National Park Operations Centre 2. The juvenile turtle, weighing only 3 kilogrammes, was identified by DMCR’s…
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Hundreds of Phuket families await relief as flood damage mounts
Phuket’s flood-stricken families are still waiting for disaster relief funds, as officials gathered at Phuket Provincial Hall on Thursday, October 31 to address pending disbursements. The meeting, chaired by Vice Governor Adul Chuthong and attended by Sopon Thongsai, head of the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM Phuket), reviewed the island’s slow-moving relief fund process. The gathering united…
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Heroic dad rescues family in Pattaya condo blaze
A dramatic blaze at a Pattaya condominium left three people injured and raised questions about emergency response times after one resident took it upon himself to rescue his family from the flames. The fire erupted just before 3am yesterday, November 1, at the seven-storey View Talay Residence 5, sending panic through the condominium. Emergency services rushed to the scene, with…
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Thailand boosts climate resilience in coastal areas with UN grant
Thailand is actively enhancing its capacity to tackle the escalating threat of climate change, particularly in its marine and coastal areas. This initiative, a collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is titled Increasing Resilience to Climate Change Impacts in Marine and Coastal Areas along the Gulf of Thailand, and is supported by a US$3 million (101.2 million baht)…
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Thai schools to allow regular attire for scout events
Thailand’s Education Ministry is set to introduce a new regulation allowing children to wear regular school attire instead of traditional scout uniforms during scout events. This change aims to offer more flexibility and reduce the burden on both teachers and students, according to Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob. Permpoon revealed that the National Scout Executive Committee is in the process of…
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Thailand to upskill 5 million workers by 2025 for economic growth
The Department of Skill Development (DSD) in Thailand is gearing up for a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the skills of over 5 million workers by 2025, prioritising digital technology to bolster industrial growth. This ambitious retraining programme is a strategic response to evolving business needs, as highlighted by Decha Pruekphathanarak, the deputy permanent secretary for the Ministry of Labour.…
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Phatthalung plans airport to become Thailand’s logistics hub
Officials in Phatthalung are gearing up to transform the province into a bustling logistics hub in southern Thailand with plans to construct a new airport. This ambitious initiative, aimed at elevating the province’s economic profile, is anticipated to be presented to the Cabinet soon. A major step forward was taken when the Phatthalung governor submitted a formal request to the…
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Loy Krathong festival set to light up Wat Arun on November 15
Bangkok’s Wat Arun is set to illuminate the night on November 15 with its Loy Krathong festival. The festival promises a multicultural experience, underscored by a theme song performed in an array of languages, including Thai, English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Spanish, to foster a deeper understanding of the event’s cultural importance. Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol announced that the Suntharaporn…
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5 surprising ways Internet of Behaviour impacts daily life and choices of Thais
It’s strange, almost unsettling, how an online ad seems to read your mind. It knows you’ve been eyeing those Onitsuka Tiger sneakers, popular among Bangkok’s fashionistas, even though you’ve barely mentioned it. That, right there, is the IoB at work—the Internet of Behaviours. Picture IoT (Internet of Things), but more invasive. While the IoT connects physical gadgets, like smart lights…
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Turning up the Thai-mometer: Thailand and Russia in heated talks for free trade pact
Thailand is turning up the heat on trade negotiations with Russia, as both nations look to seal a dynamic free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Recent high-stakes discussions at the Commerce Ministry between Thailand’s Commerce Minister, Pichai Naripthaphan, and Russian Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Sergey Levin, underscored a shared ambition to boost trade and investment. The spotlight…
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Thai man slaps famous lawyer allegedly over criticism of Islam
A Thai man slapped a famous lawyer during an interview at the Central Investigation Bureau’s Complaint Centre in Bangkok today, November 1, claiming he was offended by the lawyer’s criticism of Islam. Pictures and videos of the incident, in which renowned lawyer Dhammarat Sarapanya was slapped, circulated on Thai social media this afternoon. Dhammarat was seen giving an interview at…
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Thailand embraces AI to lead global economy by 2030
Thailand is rapidly embracing artificial intelligence (AI) technology across public and private sectors, aligning with global technological advancements. This movement was highlighted during a seminar, where experts emphasised the importance of an AI-ready workforce to propel Thailand into the forefront of the AI-driven global economy by 2030. Scheduled as a significant milestone, 2030 is anticipated to witness a global economic…
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Monks under ‘charm’ fire for selling Moo Deng amulets
A wave of drama unfolded when Thai monks from a temple in the Bang Lamung district of Chon Buri introduced Moo Deng amulets, sparking concern among residents. Locals worry that these charms could make people excessively gullible. The pygmy hippo Moo Deng has become a sensation among Thais and foreigners alike. Moo Deng has drawn thousands of visitors to the…
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Energy scam shock: 20 duped by bogus clean energy company
In yet another alarming tale of betrayal, the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) of the Central Investigation Bureau swooped in with allegations against a company accused of swindling 20 unsuspecting investors. The victims were reportedly lured into pouring their hard-earned cash into what turned out to be a phantom clean energy venture. Spearheading the charge against this audacious act of…
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Thailand’s industrial sector hit by mass layoffs amid economic woes
Mass layoffs have swept through Thailand’s industrial sector, with approximately 2,600 factory workers losing their jobs over the past two days. Financial difficulties have compelled employers to downsize their operations, leading to significant disruptions in the workforce. An electric vehicle manufacturer in Chachoengsao announced that 600 workers will be laid off, effective December 1. This decision, communicated in a letter…
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Med school malpractice: Thai students fight ‘doctoring’ of licence fees
A prospective Thai doctor is on a quest for justice after educational service agencies allegedly attempted to overcharge her and 20 other medical students studying in the Philippines, and fabricated a document for medical licences in Thailand. There are also suspicions that the Medical Council of Thailand may have had a hand in these dubious dealings. The victim, referred to…
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GDP on the up: Thailand’s economy gears up for 2.7% ‘Thai’ to growth
Thailand’s Finance Ministry is projecting GDP growth of 2.7% for the current year, with expectations to reach 3% in 2025. The Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) announced that while fiscal measures have been maximally employed to bolster the economy, further support from monetary policy is essential for achieving higher growth rates. During the ministry’s economic briefing, Pornchai Thiraveja, FPO Director-General, reaffirmed…
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Thailand shifts gears to keep diesel costs cruising under control
In a bold move to soothe the sting at the forecourts, the Oil Fuel Fund Office (OFFO) unveiled its plan to keep Thailand’s diesel prices under a breezy 33 baht per litre, even though the current subsidy scheme is revving to a halt. This decision steers from an unexpected upturn in OFFO’s finances, courtesy of plummeting global oil prices. Fiscal…
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Malaysian tourist falls from Phuket hotel balcony onto parked car
A Malaysian tourist‘s trip to Phuket took a dramatic turn when she fell from a hotel balcony in Patong, landing on a parked car below. The incident occurred early today, November 1, sending shockwaves across the bustling tourist area. The local police in Patong responded swiftly to an emergency call at 4.37am, arriving at the hotel situated on Rat-U Thit…
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Thailand plans retirement lottery for over 60s, launching 2025
Thailand’s Deputy Finance Minister announced plans to present the retirement lottery scheme to the Cabinet for approval next month, aiming to begin sales in the first quarter of 2025. The scheme proposes extending the eligible age for purchasing lottery tickets to over 60 years. Paophum Rojanasakul addressing the progress of the retirement savings lottery, stated that the proposal is expected to…
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Shocking tragedy: Electrician electrocuted in building mishap
An electrician tragically lost his life due to electrocution while working on the electrical installation of a newly constructed rental building. His death was discovered by a colleague who noticed he had not joined the team for lunch. Police received a report yesterday, October 31, at 3pm regarding the unfortunate incident at a rental room in Chong Kham, Mueang district,…
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Samut Prakan resident critically injured in Halloween shooting
A dramatic incident unfolded on Halloween night in Samut Prakan, where a man was left critically injured after being shot twice. The young man managed to flee on his motorbike for over 10 kilometres, seeking help from locals. Emergency responders from Samut Prakan Hospital rushed to provide first aid to 29 year old Komkrit after the shooting. He sustained gunshot…
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Udon Thani man arrested for child prostitution scheme
A 42 year old man was arrested for facilitating child prostitution after disguising himself as a food delivery rider in Udon Thani. The man, Yutthasart, allegedly charged clients 1,000 baht and deducted 200 to 300 baht from the children involved. Police Colonel Phatthanawong Chantapol, along with the investigative team from Udon Thani Provincial Police, announced the arrest, citing charges of…
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Investigation launched into lawyer accused of 71 million baht fraud
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) chief confirmed a thorough investigation has been conducted into a high-profile fraud case involving a prominent lawyer accused of defrauding an individual out of 71 million baht. The case, filed by Jatuporn “Madam Oi” Ubonlert, accuses prominent lawyer Sittha Biabangkerd of deceiving her into investing in an online lottery business. Police Major General Montri Teskan,…
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Jealousy turns deadly: Man shot at Mae Sot restaurant
A tragic incident unfolded at a restaurant in Mae Sot when a 34 year old man was shot dead by the establishment’s owner, a retired civil servant, in a fit of jealousy. The altercation, which escalated into a deadly confrontation, took place in the early hours of today, November 1. The incident occurred around 3am when the police, led by…
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South Korean man takes an ‘unfare’ ride in stolen Bangkok taxi
Police yesterday arrested a South Korean man for stealing a taxi parked near a petrol station in the Chatuchak neighbourhood of Bangkok. Officers from Bang Sue Police Station arrested the South Korean man, 52 year old Kim Hwangil, yesterday, October 31, shortly after he stole a blue Toyota Altis taxi with the registration plate ทฬ 9000 Bangkok, from 38 year…
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Spooky scenes: Police raid leaves partygoers haunted by drug bust
A Halloween night raid on two popular pubs in Chanthaburi left partygoers in disarray as police discovered nearly 100 people with drugs in their system and multiple underage patrons. The crackdown now seeks a five-year closure of the venues. The operation took place around 1:30am today, November 1, initiated by Anutin Charnvirakul, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.…
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Teen accidentally fires homemade gun, injures friend in Pathum Thani
A 19 year old man accidentally discharged a gun, injuring himself and critically wounding his friend at a convenience store. Police swiftly responded, discovering a homemade pen gun at the scene. The incident occurred in the early hours of today, November 1. At 3.30am, police were alerted to a shooting incident at the entrance of Soi Rangsit-Pathum Thani 14, Pathum…
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KO tragedy: British boxing hopeful’s final round in Pattaya hotel
A young British boxing hopeful was found lifeless at the swanky Vogue Hotel in Pattaya, Thailand. The grim discovery of Joshua Goldstone in the early hours of Wednesday, October 30, has left friends and fans reeling, as the boxer’s Australian mate is battling for his life amidst the scandalous surroundings of a potential drug overdose. The 21 year old fighter’s…
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