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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    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...

  • Thailand’s MPI drops 3.5% amid auto, construction slowdown

    Thailand’s MPI drops 3.5% amid auto, construction slowdown

    Thailand’s Manufacturing Production Index (MPI) experienced a decline of 3.5% year-on-year, reaching 92.4 points in September. The Office of Industrial Economics (OIE) attributes this drop primarily to a slowdown in both the automotive and construction sectors. As the final quarter of the year approaches, the uncertainty surrounding the US presidential election might add further challenges. The third quarter saw the…

  • BoT inflates hopes: Targets snug 1-3% to turbo-charge economy

    BoT inflates hopes: Targets snug 1-3% to turbo-charge economy

    In a bold move to turbo-charge Thailand’s economic engine, the Bank of Thailand (BoT) pegged its hopes on keeping inflation between a snug 1% and 3%. The aim is to shift the economy into top gear, with deputy governor Piti Disyatat revealing at the Monetary Policy Forum that they’re targeting headline inflation of 1.2% by 2025. That’s a noticeable bump…

  • Chiang Mai film director gets knickers in twist over water crisis

    Chiang Mai film director gets knickers in twist over water crisis

    A Chiang Mai film director donned red women’s underwear to protest a persistent water supply issue in his village, capturing social media’s attention. This unusual demonstration highlights a decade-long problem affecting residents’ daily lives. Nitchapoom Chaianan, a 39 year old movie director at Wayufilm, took an unconventional approach to draw attention to the ongoing water crisis. In a bold move,…

  • Thai mother pimped out autistic daughter to dealer for drugs

    Thai mother pimped out autistic daughter to dealer for drugs

    Police arrested a Thai mother at her home in the Khlong Sam Wa district of Bangkok on Tuesday, after she pimped out her 16 year old autistic daughter to a dealer to obtain free drugs. A Thai grandmother filed a complaint with Nimitmai Police Station, yesterday, October 30 that her autistic granddaughter went missing from their home in the Khlong Sam…

  • HSBC Thailand is the big cheese, claims No.1 bank title again

    HSBC Thailand is the big cheese, claims No.1 bank title again

    HSBC Thailand once again has proven itself the big cheese of banking, clinching the Best International Bank in Thailand award for the fourth year running from both Euromoney and FinanceAsia. This coveted accolade reflects the bank’s top-notch financial prowess and its solid standing in the Thai market. The accolades don’t stop at Thailand’s borders! HSBC’s domination extends throughout the ASEAN…

  • Former Thai police officer-turned-imam killed in Yala shooting

    Former Thai police officer-turned-imam killed in Yala shooting

    Police recovered over 50 spent bullet casings from the scene of a fatal shooting involving a 54 year old former police officer and current imam, suggesting insurgent groups are behind this attack in Yala province. Phuad Raseming, known as the imam of the Muhayirin Mosque in Ban Nam Yen, was ambushed and killed by three assailants wielding military-grade firearms and…

  • Bangkok hospital manager criticised following pharmacist’s suicide

    Bangkok hospital manager criticised following pharmacist’s suicide

    Opinions among Thai netizens are divided after viewing a conversation between a manager at Rama 9 Hospital in Bangkok and a pharmacist who recently committed suicide, leaving a note claiming that pressure from his manager led to his tragic decision. Esor News yesterday, October 30, shared screenshots of the conversation between the hospital manager named Aof and the pharmacist named…

  • Cha-Am police investigate delivery rider’s mysterious pond death

    Cha-Am police investigate delivery rider’s mysterious pond death

    Police in Cha-Am, Phetchaburi province, are investigating the mysterious death of a young delivery rider whose body was discovered in a pond, leading his family to suspect robbery and murder. The discovery was made yesterday, October 30, prompting an urgent police response. Police were alerted at 3.15pm to the presence of a man’s body floating in a pond within the…

  • Phimai residents flock to lucky turtle for lottery numbers

    Phimai residents flock to lucky turtle for lottery numbers

    Residents of Phimai district in Nakhon Ratchasima are abuzz with excitement as they continue to seek good fortune from a local turtle named Chao Chao Kuay. This turtle has reportedly brought luck for three consecutive lottery draws, prompting locals to offer flowers, incense, and candles in gratitude. Chao Chao Kuay resides at house number 127, Moo 1, in the Nai…

  • Thai monk gives 40 baht bribe to silence 5 year old sex abuse victim

    Thai monk gives 40 baht bribe to silence 5 year old sex abuse victim

    A Thai monk attempted to cover up sexually abusing a five year old girl at a temple in the central province of Nakhon Pathom by giving the young victim 40 baht in cash. The victim’s 62 year old grandmother requested Channel 3 to help bring justice to her young granddaughter. The woman explained that the sexual assault took place on October…

  • Thailand sows seeds of change at World Food Security meeting

    Thailand sows seeds of change at World Food Security meeting

    Thailand’s commitment to advancing global food security took centre stage as officials participated in the 52nd Committee on World Food Security meeting in Rome, highlighting efforts to enhance agricultural policy and women’s roles. Discussions focused on food security and nutrition, aiming to address global hunger challenges. The meeting, held at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) headquarters, saw participation from…

  • Pickup lines crossed: Truck crashes into Chon Buri home decor store

    Pickup lines crossed: Truck crashes into Chon Buri home decor store

    A dramatic incident unfolded in East Thailand yesterday when a pickup truck crashed into a home decor store, causing significant damage. The driver, appearing intoxicated, claimed he swerved to avoid an oncoming motorcycle. Police are investigating the event, which occurred yesterday, October 30, in Chon Buri. Police in Pattaya, specifically the Bang Lamung district, responded promptly after receiving reports of…

  • Turbocharged cops shift gears to bust Thai luxury car scam (video)

    Turbocharged cops shift gears to bust Thai luxury car scam (video)

    In a story more fitting for a Jason Statham heist movie, police finally cracked a high-rolling car scam, seizing a £6.5 million (285 million baht) stash of stolen luxury motors, including a jaw-dropping £220,000 (9.65 million baht) Lamborghini Huracan Spyder. These wheels were fraudulently whisked away from Britain and shipped to Thailand eight years ago but now they’re coming home,…

  • Thailand targets 3.5% GDP growth amid economic challenges

    Thailand targets 3.5% GDP growth amid economic challenges

    The Finance Ministry of Thailand has ambitiously set the stage for GDP growth by targeting a 3.5% annual increase. This announcement was made at the CEO Econmass Awards 2024, where Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira delivered a keynote address. The minister expressed optimism that next year’s growth rate could reach 3%, marking a 10% increase from this year’s forecasted 2.7%. “This…

  • Young woman stabbed in Bang Lamung after relationship breakup

    Young woman stabbed in Bang Lamung after relationship breakup

    A tragic incident unfolded yesterday in Bang Lamung, Chon Buri, when a young man, angered by a breakup, stabbed a young woman before fatally wounding himself to escape the consequences. Police rushed the injured woman to the hospital for immediate treatment. Around 12.36am today, October 31, Apinan Sritongrungrup, a duty officer at Bang Lamung Police Station, received a report of…

  • Monk on the run: Abbott crashes and dashes after bail (video)

    Monk on the run: Abbott crashes and dashes after bail (video)

    A Thai abbot crashed his pickup into a prison guard’s car on a road in Chiang Mai, seriously injuring the guard. The monk later disappeared after being granted bail. The public raised suspicions of corruption in the road accident case involving the abbot and the prison guard in Chiang Mai. The accident occurred on October 24 but the suspect, the abbot…

  • Thailand airports see passenger surge with 19% increase

    Thailand airports see passenger surge with 19% increase

    Thailand’s air travel sector is experiencing a significant upswing, with the nation’s six principal airports reporting a surge in passenger numbers. In the fiscal year ending yesterday, these airports welcomed 119.2 million passengers, marking a 19% increase from the previous year, as reported by the Airports of Thailand (AoT). The AoT oversees operations at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket,…

  • Thailand braces for cooler temperatures and heavy rain

    Thailand braces for cooler temperatures and heavy rain

    Thailand is experiencing fluctuating weather patterns, leading to temperatures dropping by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius (°C) in the northern and northeastern regions. Meanwhile, heavy rain is expected in parts of the central, eastern, and southern areas, with high waves in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a forecast for the next 24…

  • Thailand denies Koh Kut territorial loss to Cambodia amid MoU dispute

    Thailand denies Koh Kut territorial loss to Cambodia amid MoU dispute

    Thailand Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai firmly denied any governmental action regarding Koh Kut in Trat province amid growing concerns about losing territory to Cambodia. The statement came in response to the Palang Pracharath Party’s (PPRP) objections to the 2001 memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Cambodia. This MoU pertains to joint marine resource development in the Gulf of Thailand—a move the…

  • Thai man regains consciousness hours after murder-suicide (video)

    Thai man regains consciousness hours after murder-suicide (video)

    A Thai man murdered his wife before attempting to commit suicide at a house in the central province of Prachin Buri. A rescue team found the couple unresponsive after the tragic act. However, in a bewildering twist, the man regained consciousness three hours later, leaving the rescue team in disbelief at his unexpected revival. Officers from Si Maha Pho Police…

  • Phuket’s courtroom prescription: Legal drama escalates in Swiss assault dismissal

    Phuket’s courtroom prescription: Legal drama escalates in Swiss assault dismissal

    A gripping legal battle is heating up in Phuket as the lawyer representing a woman doctor challenges the court’s shocking decision to dismiss her assault case against a Swiss man. Dr Thandao Chandam claims she was kicked in the back by 45 year old Urs Fehr, also known as David, while she sat outside his villa on Yamu Beach in…

  • Dead body found on beach sends shockwaves through Pattaya

    Dead body found on beach sends shockwaves through Pattaya

    A shocking discovery has sent shockwaves through the Pattaya community after a body was washed up on Dongtan Beach in Jomtien. At precisely 9.46am yesterday, October 30, police received a distress call that would lead to a grim scene. Pattaya police wasted no time responding, and they were joined by rescue teams from the Sawang Boriboon Thamasathan Foundation. Upon arrival,…

  • iCon Group CEO to sue former members and presenter over negative statements

    iCon Group CEO to sue former members and presenter over negative statements

    The lawyer representing iCon Group CEO Waratphol “Paul” Waratworakul, declared intentions to sue seven former members and a former presenter. They are accused of causing harm to the company by making negative statements across various media platforms. A total of 18 leading members of the iCon Group are currently in detention for alleged public fraud and the importation of false information…

  • Central Pattana unwraps festive cheer with finn-tastic partnership

    Central Pattana unwraps festive cheer with finn-tastic partnership

    Central Pattana Plc (CPN), Thailand’s retail powerhouse, is teaming up with a host of partners including the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Embassy of Finland, Sculptra by Galderma, and Finnair to launch the extravagant The World’s Great Celebration 2025. With a whopping 700 million baht investment, this initiative aims to give Thailand’s economy a festive boost and reinforce its…

  • Gold rush fever: Prices surge, Thai buyers told to act fast

    Gold rush fever: Prices surge, Thai buyers told to act fast

    In a dazzling turn of events, gold prices shot up today, leaving potential buyers scrambling to make their move as the Gold Traders Association (GTA) reveals hefty increases. Gold ornaments are now flaunting a price tag of 44,800 baht per baht weight, leaping up by a solid 350 baht overnight. According to the GTA, bullion gold with a 96.5% purity…

  • Thailand cash splash: Foreign tourists send Visa spending soaring

    Thailand cash splash: Foreign tourists send Visa spending soaring

    Thailand is basking in a financial boom, with foreign tourists spending a staggering 90% more on Visa credit cards this year compared to the pre-pandemic high of 2019. While Thai travellers are tightening their purse strings amid a sluggish economy, foreigners can’t seem to get enough of the Land of Smiles. Visa Thailand’s country manager, Punnamas Vichitkulwongsa, revealed that Thailand…

  • Thai millionaire reveals lawyer’s 71 million baht fraud, political links

    Thai millionaire reveals lawyer’s 71 million baht fraud, political links

    A Thai millionaire returned to Thailand from France to take legal action against a well-known lawyer, who allegedly swindled 71 million baht from her. She also disclosed a secret meeting in Hong Kong involving high-ranking Thai politicians. The millionaire, Jatuporn “Madam Oi” Ubonlert, attended an interview with former political activist Sondhi Limthongkul to publicly reveal the details of the issues with…

  • Cloud nine: Equinix boost set to reign over Thailand’s data skies

    Cloud nine: Equinix boost set to reign over Thailand’s data skies

    American tech giant and cloud extraordinaire Equinix is making waves in Thailand with a colossal 16 billion baht investment. This financial injection over the next decade is set to supercharge Thailand’s data centre infrastructure, targeting the surging demand from the bustling CLMVT region, according to Thailand’s Board of Investment (BoI). For those not in the know, the CLMVT region comprises…

  • Starbucks stirs up Thai market with a ‘latte’ new stores brewing

    Starbucks stirs up Thai market with a ‘latte’ new stores brewing

    Hold onto your coffee cups, folks! Starbucks Thailand is brewing up a storm with plans to roll out 30 new stores annually, even as the country’s coffee market bubbles with fierce competition. This caffeine-fuelled expansion underscores the coffee giant’s faith in Thailand’s untapped potential in Southeast Asia. Spearheading this bold venture is Starbucks Thailand’s Managing Director, Nednapa Srisamai, who’s unfazed…

  • Panda-monium: Giant pandas to strengthen Thailand-China ties

    Panda-monium: Giant pandas to strengthen Thailand-China ties

    Another pair of giant pandas is set to arrive in Thailand as part of a diplomatic gesture to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Sino-Thai relations next year. The announcement follows a meeting of key stakeholders, including representatives from the Zoological Park Organisation, Chiang Mai Zoo, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, the Department of East Asian Affairs,…