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 5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
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Marriage Equality Bill set for January enactment in Thailand
Civil society groups are eagerly anticipating the Marriage Equality Bill’s announcement in the Royal Gazette by October 2, with enforcement expected to commence in January next year. Waaddao Anne Chumaporn, founder of Bangkok Pride, shared that the bill passed the Senate on June 18 this year, and former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin submitted it for His Majesty the King’s endorsement…
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Executive jailed in Nakhon Ratchasima for illegal waste disposal
An executive from an industrial waste management company has been handed a two years and six months prison sentence, and the firm has been fined 250,000 baht for the illegal disposal of chemical substances in Nakhon Ratchasima in 2021. The Sikhiu Provincial Court found Varalee Kijsa-ard, an executive at Aek Uthai Co’s Klang Dong branch, guilty of breaching environmental and…
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Pattaya: South Korean drug suspect caught with heroin syringes
A South Korean man, previously deported from Thailand, was caught sneaking back into the country and living in Pattaya for weeks, with heroin syringes found scattered in his apartment. The shocking arrest raised eyebrows, with questions swirling about his alleged involvement in drug trafficking. The suspect, 42 year old South Korean national Hun Chon, was deported from Thailand in 2017…
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Phuket health officials warn of dengue crisis after floods
Phuket is on high alert after a dengue fever advisory was issued by the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO), warning residents of a potential surge in infections following a week of relentless rain, flash floods, and landslides. The advisory, released yesterday, September 19, comes with no detailed explanation but the timing is telling as stagnant water, a breeding ground…
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New rules at Bali Hai Pier promise smoother sailing for tourists
Pattaya’s Laem Bali Hai Pier has finally received a much-needed makeover after years of chaotic operations and tourist headaches. In a bid to overhaul the pier’s reputation, Mayor Poramet Ngampichet announced yesterday, September 19, a bold set of regulations to put an end to the disorder. Serving more than 10,000 visitors daily, the pier has long been plagued by fierce…
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Ex-foreign minister’s grandson acquitted in Thai actress rape case
The grandson of a former foreign minister has been acquitted in a criminal case where he allegedly sexually abused a 21 year old Thai actress. The court believed that the woman was conscious and aware during the incident. The Criminal Court scheduled a hearing for the verdict in the sexual offence case number A.2878/2022 today, September 20, in which the…
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Baht-boom: Thailand’s currency surge leaves tourism, exports short
Thailand’s baht is rocketing towards its biggest quarterly rise since the Asian financial crisis, a development that has key tourism and export industries clutching their pearls. Since the end of June, the baht has surged 10% against the dollar, its most significant gain since early 1998. This sudden leap has prompted frantic appeals from the tourism, hotel sectors, and business…
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AirAsia MOVE unveils exclusive discounts for Visa cardholders
AirAsia MOVE has identified three major travel trends gaining popularity: sustainable tourism, experiential travel, and domestic tourism. These travel styles align with the preferences of modern travellers who seek value-for-money deals, such as flight and hotel packages with special discounts, credit card perks, and eco-friendly destinations. AirAsia MOVE promptly offers exclusive discounts with no minimum spend for Visa cardholders, encouraging…
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Round-the-clock hippo-cam! Moo Deng’s 24/7 stream delights fans (video)
Fans of pygmy hippopotamus sensation Moo Deng are in for a treat as the hippo’s zoo owners announced they intend to video their star attraction 24/7 after the income from visitors reached almost 13 million baht. Zoo officials have announced they’ll keep cameras rolling around the clock to capture every adorable, wobbly moment. Today, September 20, at 11.30am, Narongwit Chodchoi,…
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Koh Loi residents face severe rubbish and mud post-flood crisis
Residents of Koh Loi in Chiang Rai are grappling with overwhelming amounts of rubbish and mud following severe flooding. The floodwaters from the Kok River, which surged on September 11, have left the community struggling to clean up, with waste accumulating and emitting foul odours. Flooding has severely impacted the Koh Loi and Thoet Phra Kiat communities, causing significant damage…
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Thai Air Force investigates unpaid duty allowances for soldiers
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF)addressed the issue of unpaid duty allowances following complaints from soldiers. The RTAF spokesperson, Boonlert Andara, announced that the commander-in-chief ordered an investigation into the matter, highlighting the importance of transparency and adherence to regulations. Yesterday, September 19, Boonlert responded to reports from a social media page, Survive, which claimed that RTAF personnel from Wing…
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Udon Thani family booted out by mother-in-law, walks 60km
A man, his wife, and their three children in Udon Thani province were forced to walk over 60 kilometres back home after being kicked out by his mother-in-law, only to be assisted by kind-hearted police officers who provided transportation and financial aid. Chompoonut Chaiwan shared a story on Facebook about a family pushing a cart from Nong Han Hospital to…
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Shoppers rush post-flood markets in Chiang Rai for bargains
Shoppers flocked to the Sai Lom Joi Market and Doi Wao Market in Chiang Rai‘s Mae Sai district to purchase discounted goods following the recent floodwaters receding. The bustling atmosphere saw a surge of visitors eager to take advantage of the low prices on offer. This annual post-flood shopping event has become a tradition for these border trade markets. Floodwaters…
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Delivery rider wades through flood to deliver package in Nong Khai (video)
A TikTok video showing a dedicated delivery rider wading through knee-deep floodwaters to deliver a package has gone viral, sparking calls for the rider to receive a bonus. The video, posted by user @pukky_laddawan from Nong Khai province, depicts the unexpected and heartwarming moment. Yesterday, September 19, TikTok user @pukky_laddawan, a resident of flood-affected Nong Khai province, shared a video…
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Phanom district honoured at Beautiful District Awards in Bangkok
Phanom district in Bangkok received an honourable mention at the Ministry of Interior’s Beautiful District Awards ceremony held yesterday. The event, organised by the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Interior Housewives Association, and the Department of Local Administration, celebrated districts providing exemplary public services. The ceremony took place at the Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao. Present at the…
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Thailand jumps to 7th in global cybersecurity index
Thailand has leapt to seventh position in the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) this year, a significant rise from 44th place in 2020, as reported by the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA). The index, which evaluates 194 countries, is administered by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The GCI, with 46 countries, including Thailand, classified as tier 1, measures cybersecurity commitment across…
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Teen fatally shot by schoolmate in Bueng Kan province
A tragic incident unfolded yesterday evening when a 14 year old student was fatally shot in the back of the head by a 15 year old schoolmate. The shooting occurred around 7.35pm, yesterday, September 19, in Pak Khat, Bueng Kan province. Police Lieutenant Colonel Teerawisit Jinjanda, Deputy Inspector of Pak Khat Police Station, was alerted to the shooting. He promptly…
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Scam caller demands 120,000 baht from Surin official
A mysterious call claiming to be from a high-ranking official in Surin province demanded 120,000 baht from the director of the Sri Narong District Lifelong Learning Centre in the province to clear up a complaint against her. The Facebook page Watchdog Operation recently published a post and images accusing Nitaya, the director of the Sri Narong District Lifelong Learning Centre,…
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New SRT governor aims to make Thailand ASEAN rail hub
Veeris Ammarapala, the newly appointed governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), pledged to transform Thailand into a leading railway service hub in the ASEAN region during his four-year tenure. Ready to begin his duties as the 20th governor, Veeris recognises the significance of his role and the SRT’s mission as the nation’s largest state-owned transportation enterprise. The SRT…
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Phuket police intensify search for MG linked to robbery-murder
Phuket police are intensifying their investigation into an MG car linked to a robbery-homicide in Nakhon Chai Si after GPS data revealed its presence in Phuket. Yesterday, September 19, Police Captain Ratchanat Ratsadaproni from Nakhon Chai Si Police Station was alerted to the discovery of 47 year old Thitirat Chatput’s body. Thitirat, who lived in the Lat Phrao district of…
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Krabi closes marine attractions until Sunday due to rough seas
Krabi’s Marine National Park has temporarily closed its marine tourist attractions for four days, from September 19 to 22, due to strong winds and rough seas. The National Park raised red flags across various tourist spots in the area. Had Nopparat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park in Krabi announced that red flags have been placed at all marine tourist…
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Thailand video news | Thai authorities shut down 21 illegal villas on Koh Samui, Thai authorities shut down 21 illegal villas on Koh Samui
In Thailand’s video news, Alex and Jay cover various stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia. Highlights include Thai authorities intensifying their crackdown on illegal properties, and shutting down 21 luxury villas on Koh Samui’s Khao Ma Ngaen mountain due to unauthorized construction. This is part of a larger operation targeting 46 properties built without proper permits, leading to the…
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Thailand unveils destination visa to attract remote workers
The Government of Thailand is intensifying efforts to promote its new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) to attract foreign nationals who wish to work while travelling in the country, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa. Maris announced that the ministry is playing a significant role in promoting the DTV, which is anticipated to generate revenue for Thailand. He emphasised that…
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Southern Industrial Council opposes 400 baht minimum wage rise
The Southern Industrial Council opposes the proposed 400 baht minimum wage increase, advocating for region-specific adjustments instead. Businesses face high costs for electricity and oil, alongside competition from Chinese investments. Adisorn Tanaengchuan, President of the Southern Industrial Council and executive member of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), expressed concerns regarding the Labour Wage Committee’s meeting today to consider the…
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Illegal care centre in Chiang Mai sends Thai father to hospital
A Thai woman took her father to a care centre in Chiang Mai, only to receive the news that he was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries. It was later revealed that the centre was operating illegally. A Facebook user named Mimm Jewpanya pleaded for help yesterday after her father was admitted to a care centre in Chiang Mai.…
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Biggus dickus: Rogue penis enlargement doc gets shafted by cops
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the National Health Security Office (NHSO) busted a rogue operator offering dubious penis enlargement procedures to men looking for a bigger package. Unfortunately, one victim, seeking a bit of extra length, has been left with painful infections rather than a bigger pecker. Heading the charge, Police Lieutenant General Jiraphop Phuridet and Police Major General…
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Thai household debt hits 13.6 trillion baht as bad loans rise
Thai household debt has surged to alarming levels, reaching 13.6 trillion baht, with non-performing loans (NPLs) climbing to 1.2 trillion baht. The National Credit Bureau reports a consistent rise in bad debts across housing, automotive, and credit card sectors. Data from the end of July indicates that household debt in Thailand reached a staggering 13.6 trillion baht. This figure is…
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Temple turmoil: Abbot arrested over sexual assault of minor
Police detained the abbot of a temple in Kui Buri district for questioning over allegations of sexually assaulting a minor. Villagers believe the abbot, known for accurate lottery predictions, is being falsely accused. The abbot denies the charges, while police reveal seven individuals have surrendered in connection with the case. Yesterday, September 19, at the office of the Kui Buri…
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Elderly monk brutally killed in Sisaket temple quarters
A tragic incident unfolded when a 73 year old monk was brutally murdered in his quarters. Two small cats were found wandering around his lifeless body. The discovery was made by a fellow monk who became concerned when the elderly monk did not appear for his morning alms collection. On the morning of yesterday, September 19, police officer Taweesin Srisuriyachai…
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Phuket teleconference reviews disaster plan for southern provinces
Royal Volunteer Command Center Region 4 held a teleconference yesterday with representatives from 14 southern provinces to review the 2015 National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Plan. The meeting, chaired by Major General Anusorn Ourai, Deputy Commander of Army Area 4 and Deputy Director of the Royal Volunteer Command Center Region 4, aimed to improve coordination and ensure systematic disaster relief…
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