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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Cannabis decriminalisation not linked to rise in psychiatric patients
Professor Panthep Puapongphan, Dean of the College of Oriental Medicine at Rangsit University, addressed misinformation about an alleged increase in psychiatric patients following the decriminalisation of cannabis since June 9, 2022. His comments came in response to claims suggesting that this legal change has led to a surge in psychiatric issues. Prof. Panthep refuted these claims by highlighting that comparing…
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EC intensifies legal push to dissolve opposition MFP
The Election Commission (EC) intensified its legal pursuit to disband the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) by submitting additional documents to the Constitutional Court. EC Secretary-General Sawaeng Boonmee confirmed that these documents pertain to legal issues surrounding the case and were delivered to the court yesterday. Sawaeng stated that presenting a list of witnesses was unnecessary because the court’s previous…
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Provincial Senate election tomorrow: Candidates must be punctual
The nationwide provincial-level Senate election will occur tomorrow, with the Election Commission (EC) urging candidates to arrive at polling stations punctually without introducing themselves during the vote. Election officials, led by EC Secretary-General Sawaeng Boonmee, inspected the Vayupak Convention Centre at the Centara Life Government Complex Hotel on Chaeng Watthana Road in Lak Si district, a designated polling station for…
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Pride Month to boost Thai economy by 4.5 billion baht
June’s Pride Month is anticipated to stimulate over 4.5 billion baht in economic activity, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Phumtham announced yesterday that the government, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, is actively endorsing sexual diversity and collaborating with the private sector to organise additional Pride Month festivities. These events aim to attract LGBTQ+ tourists…
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Thailand pledges peace talks to address Myanmar conflict
Thailand’s newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs has underscored the country’s commitment to fostering peaceful dialogue to address the conflict in Myanmar. During the Meet the Press#1 event held yesterday, Maris Sangiampongsa shared his foreign policy agenda under the banner Ignite Thailand, Re-ignite Thai Diplomacy. He stressed the significance of maintaining strong relationships with neighbouring countries to bolster Thailand’s stability,…
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Thailand nears historic approval of marriage equality bill
Thailand is on the verge of making history by passing the Marriage Equality Bill, which is set to undergo its final round of Senate voting this month. If approved, the bill could come into effect by the end of the year, making Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia to endorse gender equality in marriage. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin assured…
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Survey reveals pollution as Thai citizens’ biggest worry
A survey by Marketbuzzz reveals that Thais have declared environmental issues such as pollution as their top public concern for 2024, with 30% of respondents prioritising it, closely followed by rising prices at 28%. This annual survey, running since 2019, highlights the growing unease about environmental issues among Thais, who also rank other concerns like corruption, healthcare, traffic congestion, crime,…
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Thailand tourism takes a tumble: WEF report
Thailand’s tourism industry has suffered a dramatic setback, plummeting 11 spots in the latest World Economic Forum (WEF) Travel and Tourism Development Index, leaving experts calling for urgent investment and innovation. In a devastating blow to the Thai government, which reported a modest 1.5% growth in the first quarter of 2024, the WEF index revealed Thailand’s fall from 36th to…
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Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn vows to reclaim Bangkok seats
Pheu Thai’s leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra has stepped into the ring with a new role, aiming to revive the party’s fortunes in Bangkok after last year’s crushing defeat by the Move Forward Party (MFP). Paetongtarn signed an order on Thursday to establish a panel dedicated to crafting political strategies, overseeing MPs and Bangkok Metropolitan councillors, and providing them with crucial advice.…
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Pattaya mayor’s big bet on Irish tourism
In a significant push to boost international tourism, Mayor Poramet Ngampichet welcomed H.E. Patrick Bourne, Ambassador of Ireland to the Kingdom of Thailand, and his delegation. The high-profile visit centred on strengthening tourism ties and introducing measures to support Irish tourists in Pattaya. During the meeting, Mayor Poramet expressed his delight and honour in hosting Irish ambassador Bourne. Poramet emphasised…
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NHRC urges Thai govt to stop deportation of Vietnamese activist
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the Thai government to halt plans to deport Vietnamese activist Y Quynh Bdap, expressing concerns for his safety. Authorities arrested 32 year old Y Quynh Bdap in Bangkok this week. He is a prominent figure within the Montagnard ethnic group from Vietnam’s Central Highlands and co-founded Montagnards Stand for Justice, an organisation…
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Pattaya police drug raid in Jomtien detains 24 suspects
Pattaya police conducted a significant crackdown on the local drug trade, targeting Jomtien Soi 1 to 3. Pattaya City Police, led by Police Colonel Navin Teerawit, along with Banglamung District officials, launched a comprehensive operation to dismantle the underground drug network in the area. The operation began at 3.06pm yesterday, June 14, when law enforcement, including Deputy Chiefs of Banglamung…
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Thailand free of human bird flu cases since 2006
Thailand remains free of human bird flu cases, according to the Department of Disease Control (DDC). Authorities urge travellers from H5N2 outbreak areas to self-monitor for respiratory symptoms within 14 days of arrival and seek medical attention if symptoms arise. Travellers entering the country have been advised to remain vigilant for irregular respiratory symptoms. Immediate medical consultation is recommended if…
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Sustainability needs more than ESG compliance, says expert
Achieving sustainability requires more than just adherence to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, according to Rajeev Peshawaria, CEO of Stewardship Asia Centre. Speaking at a conference in Bangkok this week, Peshawaria emphasised that a genuine desire for a better future is crucial. The ESG framework, which has been around since the 1990s, is proving effective in some areas but…
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Southeast Asia leads in anti-corruption initiatives with public support
Southeast Asia has emerged as a leading example of public initiatives tackling corruption, as highlighted by legal experts and academics at the Anti-Corruption Innovations in Southeast Asia conference recently held in Bangkok. The conference, which took place on June 7, aimed to share perspectives on innovative strategies to promote integrity and good governance across the region. Experts underscored the importance…
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Monsoon meltdown: Thailand braces for scattered rain
The monsoon in southwest Thailand has taken a backseat, leading to reduced rainfall across the country. However, some northern areas are still in for a soaking, prompting warnings for residents to stay vigilant against heavy and accumulated rain. Northern region: Thunderstorms are expected to cover 30% of the area, with particularly heavy rain forecasted for Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai,…
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PM Srettha dismisses resignation rumours amid court case
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin dismissed rumours of his potential resignation or dissolution of the House of Representatives before the Constitutional Court rules on a case that could see him removed from office. The controversy stems from his appointment of Pichit Chuenban as a PM’s Office minister. “I never think about resignation or a House dissolution. Let the legal procedure take…
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Beach vendor arrested in Pattaya for illegal alcohol sales
Police in Pattaya have arrested a beach vendor for illegally selling alcoholic beverages and resisting officials. The arrest took place in the early hours yesterday, June 14, at Pattaya Beach, following a prior incident where city officials tried to apprehend vendors violating regulations by selling alcohol and renting out beach equipment without proper licences. The incident began at 2.36am, when…
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eCommerce growth and digital payment trends in Thailand
As the second-largest digital economy in Southeast Asia, Thailand is seeing a significant shift in consumer purchasing habits due to these technological advancements, including the increasing adoption of digital payment methods. This article explores the current state of eCommerce, popular digital payment methods, and the opportunities they present for digital marketers. eCommerce Growth in Thailand Thailand’s eCommerce sector is thriving,…
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Knife attack on Myanmar nationals leads to crash in Phuket
Two Myanmar nationals were attacked and chased by an unknown assailant wielding a knife, leading to a crash with a food delivery driver in Srisoonthorn, Phuket, late yesterday. The incident occurred at the three-way intersection outside Phuket Provincial Prison in Moo 4 at approximately 9.15pm. Thalang Police and rescue workers from Srisoonthorn Municipality responded to the scene, finding two motorbikes…
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World Tourism Council: Innovative strategies to combat overtourism
Tourism is in crisis as overtourism sparks protests and unrest across the globe. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has a plan to turn the tide, urging cooperation between businesses and local communities to manage the influx of visitors. As travel demand skyrockets post-pandemic, locals in several countries are pushing back, calling for measures to control the surge of…
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Cyber police arrest online loan shark charging 3% daily interest
Cyber police raided and arrested an online loan shark charging exorbitant interest rates of 3% per day, threatening, shaming, and destroying the property of those who failed to pay. They seized numerous items of evidence. The operation took place yesterday under the command of Cyber Police Chief, Worawat Watnakornbancha who instructed relevant authorities to execute a search warrant issued by…
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Thai woman seeks help after brutal assault by ex-boyfriend
A Thai woman in the eastern province of Rayong is seeking help after repeated harassment and a recent physical assault by her ex-boyfriend at her workplace, which left her with severe injuries. The 31 year old victim turned to social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet after officers from the Khao Chamao Police Station ignored her case. She was left living…
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PM Srettha monitors Bangkok canal development projects
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has taken a hands-on approach to ensure the success of a monumental development project in celebration of His Majesty the King’s 72nd Birthday or 6th Cycle Anniversary on July 28. The ambitious Klong Ong Ang and Klong Bang Lamphu project, one of 10 initiatives aimed at rejuvenating Bangkok, has been hailed for transforming the cityscape, making…
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Phuket launches workshops to curb rising motorcycle fatalities
Phuket authorities initiated a series of workshops yesterday to address the increasing number of fatalities and injuries caused by road accidents, particularly focusing on motorcycle riders. The launch event took place at a hotel in Ratsada, with a significant turnout of district and community leaders. Phuket Vice Governor Sattha Thongkam introduced the initiative, part of the District Drive Project, aimed…
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Pattaya’s peacekeepers tackle homelessness with beachfront initiative
Efforts to address homelessness in Pattaya took a significant step forward. The Peacekeeping Division of Pattaya’s Social Welfare Office, in collaboration with Chon Buri Provincial Homeless Protection Centre, launched a targeted initiative to assist homeless individuals in the Pattaya Beach area. This joint effort zeroed in on Soi 13/4, the local market vicinity, and Wat Chai Mongkol Temple in South…
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Driver defends parking on bridge after collision injures motorcyclist
In the aftermath of a collision between a car and a motorcycle, a debate erupted regarding the decision of the sleepy driver to park his pickup on the bridge. At the accident scene, he argued that safety concerns drove his controversial choice. The incident took place at 6.30am yesterday, June 13 when police officers and rescue teams were called to…
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Ko Samui waterfall rescue: Italian’s ordeal ends with a splash
Thai rescuers spent over three hours rescuing an Italian man who suffered injuries to his hips and legs in an accident at Na Mueang Waterfall 2 in Koh Samui, an island in the southern province of Surat Thani. Koh Samui Tourist Police were alerted to an accident at Na Mueang Waterfall 2 yesterday, June 13. An Italian man, later identified…
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Revved up: Thai used car market set to accelerate
The used car market in Thailand is poised for growth in the latter half of this year as financial service providers may ease lending criteria for prospective buyers. According to the President of the Association of Used Cars, Vichai Suwanasilar, this development follows discussions about stringent loan conditions. “We talked about lending with banks and finance companies, which affects the…
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Third sea turtle rescued from fishing nets in Phuket this week
Another sea turtle, entangled in discarded fishing nets, washed ashore in Phuket yesterday. The young turtle was found by lifeguards on Kalim Beach, north of Patong, amidst a mix of debris. Patong Surf Life Saving Club lifeguards successfully freed the turtle by cutting away the netting before notifying officials from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR). DMCR officials…
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