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 Working in Thailand: How expat health insurance protects your career and lifestyle
Starting a career in Thailand can be an exciting chapter, but it also brings unique challenges, especially when it comes to health and wellness. For expats, navigating Thailand’s healthcare system and meeting work permit requirements can be difficult. And while...
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Thailand slips to 47th in global travel rankings
The World Economic Forum (WEF) unveiled its Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024, and the results have left many surprised. Released on May 21, the Index provides a comprehensive evaluation of the global travel and tourism landscape, assessing the essential conditions required for investment and operation in the sector. According to the report, Thailand has slipped to the 47th position…
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Man high on marijuana crashes car, cuddles pets & smiles at cops
A heavily intoxicated man driving under the influence of marijuana crashed his car into a power pole and refused to leave the vehicle, instead choosing to cuddle with his dog and cat while smiling at officers. The incident occurred yesterday at approximately 10.46pm in Soi Wat Boon Sumpan 9, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri Province. Police from…
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Panel to auction 15,000 tonnes of rice from Yingluck era
A dedicated panel has been established to manage the auction of 15,000 tonnes of rice remaining from the contentious rice-pledging scheme initiated during former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s tenure. This announcement came from Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. The panel is set to draft the terms of reference (ToR) for the auction, with completion expected by the end of this month.…
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Power play: Thailand to spark up grey businesses in Myanmar
Thailand may soon provide electricity and Internet access to grey businesses across the border in Myanmar, according to Move Forward Party list-MP Rangsiman Rome. This decision comes after the previous revocation of electricity and water supplies due to an increase in transnational crimes, including call centres. Rangsiman, who chairs a House committee on state security, expressed concerns that power supplies…
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Drug dealer’s crash claims lives of two students in Sa Kaeo
A drug dealer yesterday crashed a pickup into a baht bus, killing two students in the Isaan province of Sa Kaeo. The fatal accident occurred on No. 3259 road in Sa Kaeo province at about 7am yesterday, May 23. The pickup, a white Mitsubishi Triton, crashed into a baht bus carrying students from Wang Prai Witthayakhom School. The pickup was…
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Japan considers extending tourist visa waiver for Thai citizens
Japan is contemplating an extension of its tourist visa waiver for Thai citizens due to rising concerns over its potential discontinuation next year. This matter surfaced during discussions held in Tokyo between Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and his Japanese counterpart, Yoko Kamikawa. Trade and investment relations were the primary focus of their meeting. However, the visa waiver programme was also…
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Thai students leaving school mid-year at alarming rate
Thailand’s Education Minister Police General Permpoon Chidchob announced yesterday that Thai students are leaving mid-year at an alarming rate. But despite this recent uptick, the minister expects a reversal of this trend in the near future. New data indicates that approximately 20,000 students have dropped out this year. Permpoon shared these statistics following a meeting with top executives from the…
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Satun’s Khao Khom cave recognised as new prehistoric site
The Fine Arts Department of Thailand has officially recognised Khao Khom cave in Satun province as a new prehistoric archaeological site, revealing that the cave’s discoveries could date back as far as 6,000 years. Fine Arts Department Director-General Phanombut Chantarachot confirmed that a recent study was conducted on human skeletons and pottery remains found in the cave. This preliminary research…
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Cannabis crackdown: Only buds back on the blacklist
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin revealed that only cannabis buds will be reclassified as Category 5 narcotics, while the rest of the marijuana plant remains legal. This dramatic shift is set to clarify the murky waters of Thailand’s cannabis regulations, following Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s controversial pledge to recriminalise marijuana. “The new directive will specify that leaves, branches, roots, stems,…
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The hidden epidemic: Almost 90% of individuals do not even know they have kidney issues until it is too late
Kidney disease, a condition affecting an estimated 850 million people worldwide, is alarmingly underdiagnosed. Astonishingly, 90% of individuals with kidney disease, including two in five people with severe cases, remain unaware of their condition. In the United States, United Kingdom, Thailand and Australia, kidney disease is the fastest-growing noncommunicable disease, making early detection crucial for improving patient outcomes. Understanding the…
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Snakes alive: Python and king cobra showdown stuns locals
A dramatic encounter between a 3-metre king cobra and a large python ended in a surprising twist, with the king cobra regurgitating its half-swallowed prey. The incident took place in Chai Buri, Surat Thani, and was reported by residents to the Chai Buri Rescue Centre. Locals of Khlong Noi, Chai Buri, last night, May 22, alerted the rescue team about…
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Monkey business ends: Lopburi’s underwear thief finally caught
Lopburi residents can finally breathe a sigh of relief as the notorious monkey, infamous for stealing women’s underwear, has been captured. The mischievous primate caused significant distress in the area, even disrupting local businesses. The saga began when a frustrated shop owner in Lopburi, known for her suit store, reached breaking point after repeated thefts by the monkey, named Ai…
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Big Joke leads petition to oust NACC over corruption claims
Thailand’s suspended Deputy National Police Chief, Police General Surachet Hakparn, known as Big Joke, initiated a campaign in Pattaya to gather signatures for the removal of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). The event, held yesterday at the J A Plus Hotel, aimed to address accusations of corruption, unexplained wealth, and severe ethical breaches against the NACC. Big Joke highlighted the…
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Actresses take the stage to accuse manager of sexual assault
Several actresses have come forward as victims of sexual assault perpetrated by a male celebrity manager. Three of them have taken steps to pursue legal action against the accused. Thai social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet accompanied the three actresses to file a complaint against their former manager at Kannayao Police Station yesterday, May 22. The three actresses included 27…
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Myanmar national arrested for samurai sword attack in Bangkok
Authorities in Bang Khun Thian arrested a 21 year old Myanmar national for attacking a teenager with a samurai sword, leaving the victim seriously injured. The incident occurred yesterday when Ye Min Htit, reportedly angered by taunts, retaliated violently. Earlier today, authorities led by Police Major General Prasong Anomanee and Police Colonel Kritidech Chanphet, apprehended Ye Min Htit. The arrest…
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Villagers in Thailand turn to Doraemon for rain
In a quirky twist to tradition, villagers in Thailand have ditched live cats for plush toy versions of the beloved Japanese cartoon character Doraemon in their rain-calling rituals. Amid severe heatwaves, this change has not only brought relief but also garnered amused and supportive reactions from netizens across Japan and China. One netizen observed that the Doraemon ritual shows we…
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70% of Thais clueless about upcoming senatorial elections
A new poll revealed that nearly a quarter of Thais are unaware of the upcoming senatorial elections, while a whopping 70% do not understand how the new election system works. This startling revelation comes as the nation prepares for elections from June 9 to 26, where thousands of candidates will vote among themselves to elect 200 senators. The poll, conducted…
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Thai trade envoy spices up talks with Shanghai to stir-fry ties
In a significant move to bolster economic ties, Thai trade representative Narumon Pinyosinwat met with Zhao Zhuping, Deputy Secretary-General of the Shanghai municipal government yesterday. The discussion centred on expanding trade and investment between Thailand and Shanghai. “Chinese investors sought the highest number of investment privileges from the Thai government last year.” Narumon noted that 430 projects valued at 160…
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Thailand’s MICE industry shakes up IMEX Frankfurt 2024
A dazzling display of Thai hospitality took centre stage at IMEX Frankfurt 2024 as 36 Thai exhibitors united under the Thailand Pavilion. Representing Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, and Phang-nga (Khao Lak), the delegation comprised 20 hotels and resorts, 11 DMCs and organisers, two venues, one airline, one association, and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). TCEB President Chiruit Isarangkun Na…
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King of Fruits creates stink in Swedish Disgusting Food Museum
Durian, often hailed as the King of Fruits sparked a heated debate after being ranked 17th in Sweden’s Disgusting Food Museum. The museum, located in Malmö, showcases some of the world’s most repulsive foods. Karim Bukhadurov, a travel influencer based in Sweden, captured the attention of millions by posting a video on Instagram featuring the museum. The video has garnered…
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Domino’s Pizza asserts dough supremacy over flaky rivals
Domino’s declared war on its rivals, Pizza Hut and The Pizza Company, asserting that its food quality and promotions are far superior to those of its rivals after both brands faced a customer backlash due to failed sales systems during special promotions. The Pizza Company, a leading brand in Thailand, launched a special promotion on May 21, offering medium-sized pizzas…
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Thai minister reveals groundbreaking health initiative with China
Thailand’s Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation unveiled a pioneering research programme in collaboration with China’s leading genome research powerhouse, BGI. This initiative, aimed at transforming healthcare in Thailand, promises to elevate the quality of life for locals while slashing healthcare costs tied to late-stage diseases. The ambitious project, spearheaded by Thailand’s National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology…
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British man apologises for drunken assault of gas station worker
The recent incident involving a 25 year old gas station attendant, who was the victim of a drunken assault by a foreign man, has now reached a resolution with justice prevailing. The foreign man, identified as Anthony Davis, has been approached by the Udon Thani Provincial Police and has subsequently come forward, acknowledging his wrongdoing and expressing remorse for his…
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Northeast Thailand: Wildlife officer mauled by bear survives attack
A brave wildlife officer narrowly escaped death after being mauled by a ferocious bear while patrolling a remote mountain in northeast Thailand. Danai, a 39 year old officer from the Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary in Chaiyaphum province, was conducting a routine patrol through dense woodland last Friday, May 17 when an Asian black bear emerged, attacking Danai with its powerful…
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Royal splendour: King and Queen lead Visakha Bucha ceremony
Their Majesties, King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida graced the Temple of the Emerald Buddha within Bangkok’s Grand Palace complex yesterday, presiding over a solemn religious ceremony to mark Visakha Bucha Day. A group of venerable senior monks orchestrated the spiritual proceedings, infusing the ancient halls with sacred reverence. As twilight descended, the king took the lead in the wian…
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Thai Constitutional Court accepts petition against PM Srettha
The Constitutional Court accepted a petition calling for the removal of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin over his decision to appoint a minister with a criminal record. Despite this, the court narrowly voted 5-4 not to suspend the Bangkok-born PM from his duties while awaiting its final ruling. A panel of nine judges convened today to consider the petition submitted by…
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Buddhist park sign triggers online uproar with shoot to kill sign
Phutthamonthon Buddhist Park in Nakhon Pathom province near Bangkok sparked controversy on social media with a sign that displayed it would shoot visitors if they broke any park rules. The Phutthamonthon Buddhist Park is located in Nakhon Pathom near the western side of Bangkok. The place is known for being the highest-standing Buddha statue in the world. It is regularly…
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MRT clarifies water leakage caused by clogged A/C system
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) today clarified that the water leakage on a Bangkok MRT train captured on camera was due to a clogged air-conditioning system. The incident occurred at 6.35pm on Tuesday, May 21, on a Blue Line train travelling from Bang Sue station to Tao Poon station, which saw water flowing from the A/C vents, causing concern…
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App-alling Thai man: Admits to sexual assault of multiple taxi riders
A Thai man sexually assaulted an app-based motorcycle taxi rider in Bangkok and astonishingly confessed to assaulting other riders during previous rides. The victim took to social media to share a video of him arguing with his passenger over the sexual assault on the footpath in Bangkok. The video was posted on a Facebook page, เพื่อนRiDer ไม่ทิ้งกัน (meaning friends for…
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Thai car production drops 11.02% in April amid long holidays
Car production in Thailand experienced a significant decline of 11.02% in April from the previous year, with total units produced amounting to 104,667, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). This decrease follows a more substantial drop of 23.08% year-on-year in March. The FTI attributed April’s reduced production figures to long holidays during the month. For the January to…
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