Thailand News
Discover the most recent and relevant news from across Thailand on The Thaiger’s National News page. Covering a wide range of topics, including politics, business, crime, and lifestyle, our dedicated team brings you breaking news, in-depth analysis, and exclusive stories from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond.
Stay informed about the latest developments in Thai society, economy, and culture, as well as updates on travel, tourism, and expat life. With The Thaiger, you’ll never miss out on the essential news that matters to you.
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Sponsored How to choose the perfect family-friendly property in Phuket
Phuket has long attracted visitors from around the globe with its golden beach and lush green hills. Many come for a holiday and leave captivated, often deciding they want a piece of the island for themselves. That’s why, despite fluctuations...
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Bangkok to bang-bang: Thai tourist shot in escort row in India
A Thai tourist found herself in the crosshairs of danger after a heated dispute over escort services spiralled out of control, leading to her being shot in the historic city of Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. The altercation erupted at a local hotel, ultimately escalating into violence, on Saturday, November 9. The scene unfolded when four men left the woman, identified as…
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Bitcoin hits record high after Trump’s US presidential victory
Bitcoin surged past US$81,000 (2.78 million baht) today, November 11, hitting a record high, following Donald Trump’s win in the US presidential election. The victory, alongside the election of pro-crypto candidates to Congress, has fuelled speculation about a more lenient regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies. The digital currency has experienced a remarkable rise, more than doubling from its lowest point of…
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Chinese call centre scam leader surrenders after 7 months in hiding
A leading Chinese member of a call centre scam gang in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat surrendered to Thai police after seven months in hiding. The 33 year old Chinese man, Jiang Zhaitian, reached out to the Thai police via his lawyer, expressing his intent to turn himself in. Jiang was subsequently taken to the Cyber Crime Investigation…
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Thailand gears up for excise tax as it charges into electric future
Thailand is set to adjust its automotive excise tax structure to reflect the global shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), according to Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul. This move aims to harmonise local policies with international trends in the automotive industry, particularly as the competition between battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) intensifies. Paopoom highlighted the uncertainty…
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Thai police develop influencers to combat cybercrime and aid public
National police chief Kittharath Punpetch is spearheading an innovative approach to bridge the gap between the Royal Thai Police (RTP) and the public by developing police influencers. This initiative aims to establish a direct connection with the community and serve as a primary resource for crime prevention and assistance. Kittharath emphasises that RTP influencers will be accessible channels for public…
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A World Kindness Day: Spread kindness, prevent illness – Get your 10% discount
With World Kindness Day just two days away on November 13, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how empathy and care can make a real impact, not just in our relationships but in our health, too. This day is all about creating a more compassionate, understanding world, an opportunity to connect the themes of kindness and health prevention. For…
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No time to lose: Mexican tourist returns pricey watch after Bangkok airport mix-up
A Mexican woman on holiday with her family in Phuket agreed to return a luxury watch worth about 200,000 baht to a Thai woman, stating that she thought it belonged to a family member and mistakenly took it from Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok. A 21 year old Thai woman, Rachawalee, filed a complaint with Don Mueang Police Station…
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Motorcyle thief busted by Bang Lamung’s brave teen vigilantes
In a remarkable display of community spirit and quick thinking, a group of local teens turned heroes yesterday as they apprehended a suspected motorcycle thief in the bustling streets of Bang Lamung. The drama unfolded at 2pm, yesterday, November 10, right in front of a mobile phone repair shop near Wat Boon Samphan, drawing quite a crowd. When Nong Prue…
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Police drug bust seizes 56kg of heroin in Nakhon Phanom
Nakhon Phanom was the scene of a blockbuster drug bust yesterday as police and local security forces joined forces to take down major drug lords, confiscating a monumental 56 kilogrammes of heroin and a mind-boggling 121,000 methamphetamine pills in the Thao Uthen district. This daring operation was set in motion after an explosive tip-off about a narcotics shipment sneaking across…
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Brits and pieces: Pattaya calm shattered by heated road rage clash
The tranquillity of Pattaya’s sun-kissed streets was shattered yesterday by a shocking road rage meltdown involving a British man and a Thai local. Chaos unfolded outside the LK Metro Hotel on Soi Buakhao as emergency services rushed to the scene in response to a violent altercation between a British man and a Thai driver. James Edward, a British national, was…
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Toxic warehouse: Cops uncover illegal operation in Chachoengsao
Police in Chachoengsao uncovered a shocking illegal operation housing hazardous chemicals within a warehouse complex in the Plang Yao district. A massive investigation launched yesterday, November 10, revealed that nine out of ten warehouses were being used for illicit factory activities, with the primary focus being the illegal recycling of hazardous materials. The probe, carried out in partnership with the…
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Tak Bai massacre impacts Pheu Thai ahead of Thai election
The unresolved issue of the 2004 Tak Bai massacre in Thailand’s deep south is perceived by many locals as a potential detriment to the Pheu Thai Party, as revealed by a recent opinion poll. Meanwhile, the People’s Party emerges as the preferred choice for the upcoming General Election. This survey, conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), gathered…
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Thailand implements 8.36 billion baht plan to stabilise rice prices
The National Rice Policy and Management Committee has introduced three strategic measures to stabilise rice prices amidst concerns of potential oversupply during the harvest season. By maintaining a balance between demand and supply, these initiatives aim to prevent a price drop in this year’s rice crop. Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan announced that the first measure entails an 8.36 billion baht…
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Police raid exposes illegal gambling in Bangkok restaurant
Police raided a Chinese restaurant in the heart of Bangkok, disguised as a legitimate eatery, and arrested four Chinese nationals for illegal gambling. The raid, which took place yesterday, November 9, at 9.30pm, was led by Jesada Yangnok, alongside deputy officers from Wang Thonglang Police Station. This followed intelligence that the establishment was operating as a covert gambling den. Upon…
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Chinese tourist rescued from banyan tree after Pattaya argument
A Chinese tourist found himself in a precarious situation on November 8 in Pattaya, capturing attention as he perched atop a large banyan tree in a state of distress. The incident unfolded at a parking lot in the Bang Lamung district, prompting an emergency response from Pattaya’s Sawang Boriboon Rescue Centre at 10pm. Responders, including rescue volunteers, disaster prevention officers,…
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Suvarnabhumi Airport urges safety during Loy Krathong festival
Suvarnabhumi Airport issued a strong warning to the public, urging them to avoid flying lanterns or balloons, setting off fireworks, or using lasers in the vicinity of the airport on November 15 during the Loy Krathong festival. These activities are not only a potential disruption to flight operations but also pose significant threats to aviation safety, potentially resulting in accidents,…
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Thailand eyes F1 event to boost economy and tourism
Thailand is gearing up for an economic boost as the government commits to bringing a Formula 1 (F1) racing event to the country. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced the ambitious plan yesterday, November 9, emphasising its potential to invigorate tourism and stimulate urban development. The government is actively pursuing discussions to secure an F1 event, which is part of a…
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Thailand mayor’s murder linked to notorious assault rifle
A shocking murder unfolded in Narathiwat, Thailand, where a military rifle with a notorious history has been linked to the assassination of a prominent local figure. The rifle, which has been implicated in over 20 criminal cases across the southern region, has raised numerous questions about ongoing security concerns in the area. Wichet Thaithongnum, the mayor of Tambon Rueso municipality,…
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Thailand set to welcome two new pandas from China by 2027
Thailand is poised to welcome two new pandas from China, as the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment anticipates signing a transfer agreement next year. Permanent Secretary Jatuporn Buruspat announced the ministry’s ongoing progress, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in negotiations with Chinese officials. The discussions with China aim to ensure the pandas have suitable habitats and exhibition…
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Big pay day: Thailand minimum wage to hike to 400 baht in 2025
Thai workers could be ringing in the new year with a pay boost, as the Labour Ministry announces plans to raise the minimum wage to 400 baht per day in 2025. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn confirmed the increase, calling it “a new year present” for the nation’s workforce. Initially slated for October, the raise faced delays as the national wage…
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Cat chaos: Jomtien official abused in late-night clash
In a bizarre midnight showdown by Jomtien Beach, a city official found himself at the centre of a street-side skirmish over none other than a cat’s chair. Jomtien municipal officer Kritsana Rattanakhuen filed a formal complaint with Pattaya City Police on Thursday, November 7, after an encounter that escalated from polite request to heated confrontation. The drama unfolded around midnight…
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THAI union fights to keep government out of airline’s rehab plan
Thai Airways International (THAI) staff are up in arms, rallying against what they see as an attempt by the government to seize control of the airline under the guise of a rehabilitation plan amendment. The airline’s labour union staged a peaceful but determined protest outside THAI headquarters yesterday, November 8, holding up placards and calling on creditors to reject the…
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Loy Krathong festival to generate 6.9 billion baht tourism revenue
Thailand’s Loy Krathong festival is set to boost the economy, with an expected 6.9 billion baht in tourism revenue from 1.9 million domestic trips, as reported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The northern region is forecasted to be the most popular destination, drawing the highest number of tourists. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool projected a 9% increase in tourist…
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French tourist severely injured after suicide attempt in Phuket hotel
A 34 year old French tourist was discovered in critical condition following a suspected suicide attempt in a hotel room located in Phuket Town yesterday, November 8. The incident unfolded at a hotel on Phuket Road, where the man was found with severe self-inflicted injuries. Phuket City Police were summoned to the scene around 5.40pm after the hotel owner expressed…
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Scottish pervert hiding in Thailand for 40 years extradited and jailed
In a landmark case for Scottish police, a pedophile who fled to Thailand has finally been jailed, decades after committing a series of horrifying sexual crimes against children. The deviant Scotsman, 74 year old John Martin, was extradited from Bangkok to Scotland in December last year, facing justice at last for historical abuse offences uncovered by a painstaking investigation led…
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Shop fire causes injuries in Samut Prakan, spreads to apartment
A fire erupted at a car accessory shop and quickly spread to an adjacent apartment building, prompting an evacuation and resulting in injuries. The incident occurred yesterday at 9.30pm in Samut Prakan, with the blaze originating from the shop’s ground floor and extending to the 5th floor of the neighbouring apartment via vinyl signs. Firefighters and rescue teams from various…
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Phuket Airport boosts efficiency with facial recognition technology
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat made an appearance at Phuket International Airport yesterday, November 8, marking a significant advancement in passenger processing through the launch of facial recognition technology. This initiative aims to streamline procedures and cut down on wait times for travellers. Phuket International Airport introduced this advanced system for domestic flights last week, with plans to extend it to…
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Mae Sai battles floods again as Chiang Rai plans flood prevention
Mae Sai district residents are grappling with the aftermath of severe flooding, only weeks after recovering from the previous inundation during the rainy season. Torrential rains on Thursday night, November 7, led to the Sai Lom Joy market, positioned along the Sai River, being submerged under floodwater. Despite the adverse weather conditions, Mueang Daeng Road and Lung Khon Wood Market…
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Airport initiative boosts culture and economy in northern Thailand
Phitsanulok and Nan airports have introduced an innovative Live Airport concept aimed at highlighting the cultural identities of these provinces while generating sustainable economic benefits for local communities. The initiative was inaugurated on November 1 and seeks to position airports as not only transit points but also as cultural gateways into the region. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri, accompanied by…
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NHSO investigates clinics over universal healthcare referral issues
The National Health Security Office (NHSO) has announced an investigation into clinics that fail to properly refer universal healthcare patients to hospitals, potentially resulting in legal action and penalties. This decision comes in response to complaints from healthcare subscribers in Bangkok, who have reported significant challenges in obtaining necessary referral documents for hospital treatment. These complaints highlight a worrying trend…
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