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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New year’s eve chanting ceremony at Ayutthaya’s Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon temple
On December 31, Buddhist devotees convened at the significant Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon temple in Ayutthaya province for the annual New Year’s Eve chanting ceremony. The evening event included meditation and listening to Dhamma preaching, culminating in the chanting of Buddhist mantras to usher in the New Year. The attendees, dressed in white, came as families and young individuals. The…
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New Year’s prayer ceremony attracts tourists at Khao Yai National Park
Tourists gathered for a New Year’s prayer ceremony at a temporary tent area on Khao Yai National Park‘s Rong Mountain. Amid the chilly weather, with temperatures dropping to 11 degrees Celsius at midnight of January 1 numerous tourists participated in the Buddhist chanting and New Year’s prayers. Despite the cold weather, tourists flocked to join the New Year prayers, welcoming…
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New year’s road safety campaign sees spike in accidents across Thailand
The nationwide road safety campaign over the New Year holidays, spanning from December 29 to January 4, experienced a substantial 385 road accidents on its second day alone. These incidents resulted in 404 injuries and claimed 37 lives, according to figures disclosed by Justice Minister Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong and the Road Safety Directing Centre. Tak, a northern province, reported…
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Bazaar hotel Bangkok slapped with 1.3 million baht fine for unlawful construction
Following the removal of the statues of Kru Kai Kaew and other deities, including Khun Paen, Umathumma, Brahma, nine-tailed fox, Thep Heng Chia, Thep Naja, and Thep Chaothaising, from the premises of The Bazaar Hotel Bangkok yesterday, a hefty fine of over 1.3 million baht (US$ 37,325) was levied on the company for unlawful construction activity in the area. Despite…
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Laotian couple resolves roadside dispute peacefully in Samut Prakan
A roadside dispute between a couple, 26 year old Kim, and 25 year old Magud, both Laotians, was defused by the Samut Prakan Rescue Association today at 1am. The verbal conflict escalated into physical violence, which alarmed the on-duty officers at a nearby petrol station, who quickly intervened and informed the local police. Both individuals seemed intoxicated. Despite suffering minor…
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Thai government’s budget bill for 2024 fiscal year under scrutiny
The Thai government’s budget bill for the fiscal year 2024 is under scrutiny as Sanphet Boonyamanee, a Democrat MP for Songkhla, raises concerns over major budget cuts and potential misrepresentation of off-budget funds. He reveals that despite the government’s request for 3.48 trillion baht (US$ 99,917,725,200) for the 2024 fiscal year, state agencies had initially asked for up to 5.8…
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Phu Kradueng National Park’s cable car project faces uncertainty
A cable car project, initially proposed in 1982 to reach the peak of a mountain at Phu Kradueng National Park in Thailand’s Loei province, may not materialise soon. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the decision will be reliant on a study due for completion in 2025. The initial goal behind the proposed 4.4-kilometre cable car system…
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Urgent renovation planned for Bangkok’s Mo Chit 2 bus terminal
Bangkok Bus Terminal, popularly known as Mo Chit 2, is set for an urgent renovation, according to the Transport Minister, Suriya Jungrungreangkit. His remarks were in response to a complaint lodged by Suphanat Meenchainan, a Move Forward Party MP who represents the Chatuchak, Bang Khen and Lak Si constituencies. Suriya, during a statement on Saturday, disclosed that he had instructed…
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Undercover operation uncovers hidden gambling den in Bangkok’s Don Mueang district
In the heart of Bangkok’s Don Mueang district, an undercover police operation led to the raid of a covert gambling den disguised as an abandoned futsal stadium at 1.30pm yesterday. The joint raid involved over 30 officers from Don Mueang police and relevant departments, following reports of illicit gambling activities at the premises. Previously, on November 21, the same establishment…
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South Thailand: Two vehicles used in car bomb attack on the run
Yala police warned the public to be on high alert for two vehicles suspected to be primed for a car bomb attack at New Year celebration events in the deep South provinces. The threat is real, and authorities are urging citizens to stay vigilant. Yala Police Station, in a bid to thwart disaster, unveiled images of the potential weaponised vehicles on…
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MFP accused of backing anti-government activities in Cambodia
The Move Forward Party (MFP) finds itself embroiled in a political storm as the Cambodian Khmer Unity Great National Party (KUGNP) accuses it of supporting activities against the Phnom Penh government from the sanctuary of Thailand. The opposition MFP vehemently denies these allegations, sparking a cross-border political spat. The KUGNP, an alliance of seven political parties and six civil society…
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China: Online debate on fireworks ban as Chinese New Year approaches
Chinese lawmakers have waded into the online fireworks debate, shedding light on the contentious issue of whether fireworks should illuminate the Lunar New Year festivities. Addressing concerns yesterday, December 29, officials acknowledged the difficulty of enforcing an outright ban on pyrotechnics, given the country’s historical connection with inventing these dazzling displays. Lawmakers revealed the nuanced nature of the supposed fireworks…
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Phuket: Russian tourist’s water slide nightmare sparks urgent safety probe
A 42 year old Russian tourist found himself at the centre of a harrowing ordeal at a renowned water park in Phuket. His quest for aquatic thrills turned into a nightmare, resulting in severe injuries and a subsequent complaint filed with the Consumer Protection Committee. On November 10, Fedor Kondrakov’s day of fun took a perilous turn as he encountered…
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Pattaya beach brawl erupts between Indian tourists and Thai locals (video)
In Pattaya, a group of Indian tourists and some Thai locals broke into a fight in the middle of the road at Pattaya beach on December 28. A viral video has been shared online shows the brawl involving sticks, belts, bottles, and even ladles, causing pandemonium and traffic mayhem. The one-minute footage, spreading like wildfire across social media, unveils a…
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Hat Yai: 760 million baht profit predicted from New Year festivities
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) forecasts a staggering 760 million baht windfall for Hat Yai during the upcoming New Year holiday period. Nongyao Jirundon, the TAT’s Hat Yai office director, predicts an unprecedented surge in arrivals from both foreign and domestic tourists between December 30 and January 1. The city is already buzzing with excitement, especially with the influx of…
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Court orders 300K baht compensation for protesters from Thai police
The Royal Thai Police (RTP) have been slapped with a hefty bill of 300,000 baht over a brutal crackdown on pro-democracy Ratsadon, or People’s Party, protesters. While the court’s decision may have came as a shock to many, the details of the ruling reveal a deeper, contentious battle between the authorities and the people. The Civil Court ruled on December…
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CNN chooses Wat Arun for New Year’s Eve bash
CNN International has handpicked the iconic Wat Arun in Bangkok to be the star of their global New Year’s Eve Live celebrations. Under the banner of Wichit Arun, this extravaganza promises to showcase the vibrant tapestry of Thai identity through a stunning display of fireworks. On the eve of December 28, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) proudly announced that…
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Thailand and China unveil game-changing cargo link
Thailand and China have launched a direct cargo rail link, whisking farm-fresh delights straight from Nong Khai to the bustling metropolis of Chongqing via Laos. Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thamanat Prompow, a key player in this historic venture, flagged off the inaugural Thai train loaded with the jewel of Thai agriculture – dried longan. This marks the commencement of the…
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Pattaya: British tourist injured in road accident involving motorbike
A 52 year old British tourist was struck by a motorcycle while crossing Thepprasit Road, Bang Lamung, Pattaya on the evening of December 28. The British man, known only as Mei, was struck by Thai motorcyclist, 35 year old Suphansa Taengthong, while crossing Thepprasit Road, creating a spectacle near a PTT gas station around 5.50pm. The Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation’s…
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Suvarnabhumi Airport braces for record-breaking new year influx
Dr Keerati Kitmanawat, the president of Airports of Thailand Co Ltd. (AOT) led a thorough inspection on December 28, of Suvarnabhumi Airport‘s preparedness for the impending new year celebrations. Sources reveal that Dr Keerati is gearing up for an aviation onslaught from December 29 to January 4, with a staggering 6,777 flights scheduled at Suvarnabhumi Airport. This sky-high number includes…
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Thai PM’s billion-baht lifestyle unveiled
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin opens up about his staggering wealth, leaving the public astonished at the opulence hidden behind the political curtain. Once a high-flying business magnate, 61 year old Srettha acknowledged his affluence. The PM attributed his riches to years of relentless work and astute investments. “I can’t deny that I am wealthy.” The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) disclosed…
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Fatal Rayong motorcycle accident: Tragic collision claims rider’s life instantly
A fatal incident took place in Rayong, where a man riding a motorcycle lost control of his vehicle, crossed into the opposite lane, and violently collided with a concrete wall. The force of the impact resulted in a broken neck, causing instant death at the scene. The incident occurred at approximately 12.30am today, December 29. Local police and emergency medical…
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Bangkok grapples with severe air pollution despite New Year holiday lull
Despite the reduced traffic during the New Year holiday, Bangkok continues to battle severe air pollution issues. A total of 16 districts were marked as red zones due to significant health risks today, December 29. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) website revealed that at 8am, PM2.5 dust levels were recorded above 75 microgrammes per cubic metre (μg/m3)…
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Southern Thailand: Pattani province in state of emergency due to escalating floods
A state of emergency is in effect in Pattani, a southern province in Thailand, as floodwaters continue to rise, severely affecting the local economy. The overflow of the Sai Buri and Pattani rivers has caused significant flooding in the Pattani town area. As of this morning, December 29, water levels in the Muang Pattani municipality were rapidly increasing. Several business…
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Hong Kong actress Bonnie Lai found dead in apparent suicide
Prominent Hong Kong actress and former beauty queen, 46 year old Bonnie Lai, was found unconscious in her North Point apartment, as reported yesterday, December 28. Lai later succumbed and was declared dead, sending shockwaves throughout the entertainment industry and her family. On the day before, around 1pm, the actress’s husband August Hui, a renowned cosmetic surgeon, discovered Lai unconscious…
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Thai Revenue Department mandates online platforms to submit trader income data from 2023
The Thai Revenue Department has mandated online platforms to submit income data of online traders into the system, starting from the accounting period of January 1 in the upcoming year. The conditions were announced on today. Kulaya Tantitemit, the Director-General of the Revenue Department, announced on December 27, about income tax concerning the regulation for electronic platforms to prepare special…
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Benz Apache warns about new scam after sister’s 200000 baht close shave
Prominent influencer, Benz Apache, has warned the public about a new type of scam where fraudsters impersonate sellers. The scammer usually contacts the victim immediately after a live broadcast ends. Without careful scrutiny, victims can easily lose money. Benz, a well-known influencer, issued a warning about a new type of scamming technique where culprits impersonate sellers and contact potential victims…
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Gold prices in Thailand take a slight dip today
Gold prices decreased today, according to the Gold Traders Association. The price of gold ornaments was adjusted to 34,100 baht (US$994) per baht-weight, a drop of 50 baht (US$1.46) compared to the final price on December 28. This adjustment was reflected in the latest data from the Association’s website at 9am today. The selling price for 96.5% gold bars in…
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Chumphon teenager disappears in sea after wave mishap
A tragic incident unfolded yesterday, as a 17 year old high school student, hailing from Chumphon’s capital district, disappeared into the sea while playing with friends near the Saphli pier in Chumphon province. Despite friends’ desperate attempts to help, the powerful waves swept him away. The 43 year old boy’s mother, was left in shock and distress, looking out to…
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Siam Paragon shooting case update: prosecutors demand complete mental health assessment
The investigation into the infamous Siam Paragon shooting that transpired in the heart of Bangkok approximately three months ago, involving a 14 year old suspect, has taken an unanticipated turn. Prosecutors have handed back the police’s summarised investigation, citing an insufficiently comprehensive mental health assessment of the young suspect. This summary encapsulated the police’s examination of the evidence and the…
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