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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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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Heavy rain warning issued for 35 provinces in Thailand
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning for heavy rain, predicting a high probability of rainfall across 80% of the northern and central regions of Thailand, impacting 35 provinces. Bangkok is also expected to experience significant weather conditions, with risks of sudden flooding and forest runoff. Today, May 24, the TMD forecasted the weather for the next 24…
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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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Oxygen tank explosion kills worker and damages Bangkok home
An explosion from an oxygen tank tragically claimed the life of a young man, causing extensive damage to a two-storey house and instilling fear among residents in the Nong Khang Phlu area of Bangkok. Police were alerted at around noon yesterday, May 22, to an explosion in Soi Phetkasem 77/8, Nong Khang Phlu, Nong Khaem District, Bangkok. Upon reaching 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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THAI set for shock stock market comeback: PM Srettha
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin ordered from the Finance Ministry an expedited rehabilitation plan for Thai Airways International Plc (THAI) to see the national carrier relisted on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) by the end of this year, according to a ministry insider. Originally slated for a stock market return in April or May next year, THAI’s accelerated timeline is…
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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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Central Thailand: Fire at Wat Suan Kaew kills three boys
A fire at Wat Suan Kaew’s monk quarters resulted in the tragic death of three boys who were trapped inside. The incident occurred last night. Initial investigations suggest an electrical short circuit may have caused the blaze. Police officers from Bang Yai Police Station in Nonthaburi, along with the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, responded to reports at 11.45pm yesterday of three boys…
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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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Man falls to death from fifth floor in Bangkok mall
A foreign man tragically fell to his death from the fifth floor of a shopping mall in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit area last night. The circumstances around his untimely death are currently unknown. Thong Lor Police Station received the report of the incident around 10.30pm. Responding quickly, police officers, forensic officials, and rescue workers rushed to Soi Sukhumvit 35 in Khlong Tan…
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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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Tourists behaving badly: Locals protest for better respect
Thailand is not the only country in the world with badly behaved tourists. As Ibiza and Mallorca say no to tourists coming to party, it’s becoming increasingly clear that expectations on travellers in the world’s most popular destinations are changing. In recent months, Thailand has seen an increase in crime committed by foreign tourists, from illegal employment to property damage…
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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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Thai government urged to regulate booming influencer industry
With the explosive growth of social media and e-commerce, the role of influencers has never been more prominent. Recognising the immense economic potential, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) calls for the Thai government to implement regulations and provide support for this burgeoning career path. In 2023, the ASEAN region boasted approximately 13.5 million influencers, according to Nielsen.…
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Man survives 20-metre fall from sugar palm tree in Udon Thani
A 38 year old Udon Thani native miraculously survived a fall from a 20-metre-tall sugar palm tree with only minor scrapes. The incident, which occurred in Dong Mafai village, Na Phue sub-district, Phen district, Udon Thani, has left locals astounded. Reporters visited Dong Mafai village yesterday, May 23, after hearing about the remarkable survival of Watchara Chusena, also known as…
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Norwegian study finds that consuming potatoes lowers risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality
In a groundbreaking study, researchers in Norway have discovered that eating potatoes can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. This study’s finding, challenges the common perception of potatoes as a less desirable vegetable due to their high starch content and glycemic index. The study’s results suggest that potatoes, particularly when boiled, offer notable health benefits that…
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Record sea temperatures devastate coral reefs and marine life
Record sea surface temperatures in Thailand’s eastern gulf coast are causing severe damage to the region’s aquatic life, raising concerns among scientists and local communities. Coral reefs that were once vibrant and colourful, situated about 5 metres underwater, have turned white due to coral bleaching. This phenomenon indicates deteriorating health caused by elevated water temperatures. Data reveals that sea surface…
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Pichit exit rocks premiership boat amid legal storm
Pichit Chuenban, the Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, has resigned after a legal complaint from senators that threatens the premiership of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Pichit’s resignation follows a bombshell petition from 40 senators, urging the Constitutional Court to scrutinise the qualifications of both Prime Minister Srettha and Minister Pichit, alleging they fall short under Article 160 of…
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