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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Starting a new life abroad is exciting—new culture, new lifestyle, and new chances to grow. But living far from home also means taking steps to protect your health in unfamiliar surroundings. Without the right coverage, even small health issues can...
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Air China boosts Comac profile with massive C919 jet order
China’s national carrier, Air China, reportedly placed an order for 100 domestically-produced C919 jets, a move anticipated to garner international interest and further boost the profile of the relatively new aircraft. This comes as rival Boeing continues to grapple with ongoing safety concerns. The Beijing-based airline, which flies to 196 destinations, including over 60 international locations, confirmed the agreement with Comac,…
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Prosecutor seeks mystery Thai musician captivating netizens
In a heartwarming display of community and official concern, Director-General of the Prosecutor, Office of the Rights Protection and Legal Assistance to the Public (NCPO), Kosonwat Inthuchanyong, has issued a public appeal seeking a young pianist whose piano playing in a local market has captured the attention of netizens. The boy, who has been performing to financially support his household,…
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English tourist assaults tuk tuk driver over fare dispute in Phuket
An English traveller in Phuket has been caught in a troubling confrontation with a local tuk tuk driver over a fare dispute. The incident, which has been widely shared on social media platforms, shows the tourist physically assaulting the driver after accusing him of withholding change. The video clip reveals the English traveller forcefully gripping the driver’s neck and shouting…
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Salary surge: Thai civil servants set for pay raise starting May 1
The Thai government announced a significant salary increase for civil servants, effective from tomorrow, May 1, this year. This adjustment aims to ensure that those with a bachelor’s degree will earn no less than 18,000 baht per month, and those with a vocational certificate will receive no less than 11,000 baht per month within two years. This recent decision, made…
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Thai drug suspect’s Yaba buying claims to protect youth sparks online laughter
A Thai man, arrested on drug charges, sparked amusement online by his heroic claim that he only bought and used methamphetamine, also known as Yaba, solely to prevent teenagers from accessing them. An officer from the Narcotics Prevention and Suppression Centre in the northern province of Phitsanulok shared a video of the drug suspect, whose identity was not revealed, on…
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Venus shifts signs, Taurus and Scorpio brace for prosperity
Today marks a significant shift in the astrological landscape as the planet Venus transitions into a new zodiac sign. Noted astrologer Dr Chang Thotsaporn, with a keen eye on celestial movements, provided insights into how this transition will affect individuals across all zodiac signs, spotlighting those who might expect a windfall of fortune in love and finance, as well as advising…
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Celebrity diet pill under fire for false weight loss claims
A celebrity couple’s weight loss supplement, Genius, has come under scrutiny for allegedly exaggerated claims. At 10am this morning, Atchariya Ruangrattanapong, head of the Crime Victims Assistance Club, filed a complaint with the Central Investigation Bureau, questioning the product’s advertised benefits. Atchariya alleges the supplement, owned by the unnamed celebrity duo, boasts unrealistic weight loss capabilities, claiming users can lose…
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Thailand’s DES ministry to establish national AI committee
Plans are underway by the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry in Thailand to establish a new national artificial intelligence (AI) committee. The initiative is part of the second phase of the national AI strategy. The strategy is a cornerstone of Thailand’s ASEAN Digital Economy and AI Hub Plan, a key driver for the country’s digital economy. The ministry also…
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RTN ready to evacuate Thais in escalating Myanmar conflict
The escalating civil conflict in Myanmar prompted the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) to keep four ships on standby in the Andaman Sea, prepared to evacuate Thai citizens if required. Admiral Adung Pan-Iam, the RTN chief, has commanded the Region 3 commander, who oversees the Andaman coast, to ready two frigates, HTMS Saiburi and HTMS Prachuap Khiri Khan, along with two landing…
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Krungsri aims for 7% loan growth in multinationals.
Despite a contraction in loans last year, Krungsri, Bank of Ayudhya, is ambitiously targeting a 7% loan growth for its Japanese and multinational corporation (JPC/MNC) banking clients this year. This was announced by Bunsei Okubo, head of JPC/MNC banking at Krungsri, who attributed last year’s 10% loan contraction to the sluggish growth of the Thai economy and the automobile industry.…
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Drunken Pattaya tomboy injured in street food brawl
A late-night altercation outside a street food vendor in Pattaya turned violent when a tomboy, having consumed alcohol, lashed out verbally at a diner, leading to a physical confrontation that left her severely injured. The incident, which occurred at 10.36pm yesterday, in Soi Sukhumvit Pattaya 91, was reported to the Sawang Boriboon Tharm Satharn Rescue Center, which promptly dispatched a…
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Seasoned diplomat poised to replace Thai foreign minister
Seasoned diplomat Maris Sangiampongsa is reportedly the primary candidate to replace Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara as Thailand’s foreign minister following the latter’s sudden resignation. Maris, having served as a diplomatic advisor to Parnpree and ambassador to various nations, including Australia, Nepal, and Canada, is widely anticipated to take up the mantle. Maris’ diplomatic career spans over two decades, during which he worked…
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Pheu Thai Party highlights achievements, outlines future vision
The Pheu Thai Party organised a significant event on Friday to shed light on the party’s accomplishments over the past 10 months and to share the vision of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The event is aptly named 10 Months Without Waiting, Moving Forward to Achieve 10 out of 10, as revealed by Pheu Thai’s secretary-general,…
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Thailand’s tourism seeks boost after Cabinet reshuffle cooperation
Following the recent Cabinet reshuffle, Thailand’s tourism operators are urging for enhanced cooperation among ministries and related authorities to sustain the country’s transformation into a tourism and aviation hub. Khao San Road Business Association President Sanga Ruangwattanakul asserted that the Cabinet reshuffle would not destabilise the government, provided its key policies, particularly the 2030 Ignite Thailand vision, are sustained. This…
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Big Joke and suspended officers summoned by Thai Police
A disciplinary investigation panel from the Royal Thai Police (RTP) announced its intentions to issue a summons for five of their officers, including the currently suspended Deputy National Police Chief, Surachate “Big Joke”Hakparn. The announcement, made by Deputy National Chief Sarawut Kanpanich, comes in light of a serious disciplinary violation accusation linked to the BNK Master gambling website. The investigation…
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Thailand Video News | Cabinet shake-up plants seeds for cannabis reform, India and Thailand to launch cross-border QR payments
In this Thailand video news, Alex and Jay cover the stories across Thailand. Beginning with Thailand and India have announced plans to revolutionise cross-border payments with the introduction of QR code technology. Meanwhile, amidst political maneuvering, Thailand’s Cabinet reshuffle hints at forthcoming changes in cannabis legislation. However, not all news is positive for Thailand as its flagship carrier, Thai Airways, grapples…
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Young woman assaulted and forced drug use in Kamphaeng Phet
An 18 year old woman courageously reported a violent attack by her friend’s boyfriend, who not only assaulted her with a kick to the face leading to a split chin and bruises on her arms and chest, but also coerced her into drug use. This alarming incident occurred on April 28, with the victim, identified only as “Vee,” making the…
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Pichai Chunhavajira announced as new Thai Finance Minister
The former Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) chairman has been appointed as the new finance minister, a move that has garnered a positive reception from stock market analysts. They believe Pichai Chunhavajira will play an active role in managing the capital market and advancing economic stimulus, now that the 2024 fiscal budget is prepared for allocation. Expressing his view on…
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Thailand’s eastern corridor factories prepared for drought season
Factories within Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) are poised to weather an impending drought season, thanks to preventative measures undertaken by the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT). The EEC, which encompasses sections of Chon Buri, Rayong and Chachoengsao, is home to 41 industrial estates and 6,000 factories, and the daily demand for water across these establishments amounts to 1.5…
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Accommodation scam totalling 19,000 baht thwarted by police
Bangkok Metropolitan Police arrested a 20 year old woman for allegedly creating fake accommodation booking pages to scam and defraud victims. Despite her denial of any wrongdoing, the Thai authorities affirm that the evidence against the woman, Kanyawee Prompichai, is substantial. Police Lieutenant General Theeradech Thamsutee, Chief of the Special Branch Division, along with his team, apprehended Kanyawee under two…
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British publisher Colin Hastings dies in car crash in Chon Buri
The 74 year old British owner and publisher of The BigChilli magazine died yesterday in a car accident in Chon Buri province of Thailand. He reportedly lost control of his car and crashed into a house wall. Officers from Sattahip Police Station responded to the fatal accident in Soi Captain Muek in the Bang Saray district of Chon Buri province…
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Thailand ranked in top three for financial fraud scams, says Google
Google’s 2023 Bad Apps Report ranked Thailand among the top three countries in the Asia-Pacific region with a significant spike in financial fraud scams last year. Aman Dayal, Asia-Pacific head of trust & safety operations for Google Play, stated during an online media briefing that Singapore, Thailand, and India were particularly affected. With over 90% of smartphone penetration rates, the…
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Jomtien Beach sees tourist dip amid Thailand’s soaring heat
Pattaya’s Jomtien Beach is experiencing a noticeable dip in the influx of tourists as the summer heat in Thailand reaches its peak. The beach, a popular locale for sun-worshippers, swimmers, and city dwellers seeking a reprieve from the oppressive city heat, is seeing a marked reduction in footfall. Local reporters observed the crowd was distinctly thinner than it was in…
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Drought dries up Buriram: 300 Thai households forced to buy water
The protracted drought in Thailand has precipitated a water crisis in Mueang district, Buriram, compelling approximately 300 households across three villages to resort to purchasing water. The scarcity of water is attributed to the drying up of the area’s groundwater, which these villages heavily depend on, given that they are not linked to the local water pipelines. The impacted villages…
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Motorcyclist dies in Chon Buri after high-speed crash on bridge
A tragic road accident in Chon Buri claimed the life of a 40 year old man when he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a bridge’s guardrail. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning as the man was returning home. In the predawn hours today, an urgent call was received by Deputy Investigator Police Lieutenant…
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Crash course calamity: Family trip takes tragic turn in Phetchaburi
A devastating road accident occurred yesterday at 1pm in Phetchaburi’s Khao Yoi district, involving a family and resulting in critical injuries to an 11 year old child. The driver, identified only as Kai, lost control of the vehicle due to drowsiness, causing the van to veer off the road and collide with a roadside steel barrier. The impact was so…
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Mysterious stone turtle discovered in Thai cassava field
A colossal stone turtle, resembling a mythical creature under a spell, has been found nestled in a cassava field in Nakhon Ratchasima, sparking curiosity and awe among local cyclists and villagers. This natural marvel, discovered today, by a cycling group exploring the Khonburi region, has become a subject of fascination and speculation, with some even drawing lottery numbers from the…
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Stormy skies ahead: TMD forecast predicts May rainy season start
Thailand’s rainy season is anticipated to start the last week of May this year, according to the latest forecast by the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD). The announcement came with a cautious note that initial rains will be scarce, improving as the season progresses into June and July. Despite the slow start, the TMD remains hopeful that the overall rainfall…
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Tourists in Chiang Rai raft scare as locals reel in king cobra
A large king cobra caused panic on a raft in Chiang Rai as visitors scrambled to safety before locals managed to capture the slithery reptile. The incident, shared on social media by a user named Phatcharaphon Prombon, became a topic of widespread commentary online. Today, April 29, the poster owner, King, revealed the details of their encounter with the large…
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Crypto market dips as investors await Federal Reserve meeting
A slump in the crypto market was witnessed today with Bitcoin and other smaller tokens such as Ether, BNB and XRP experiencing a drop in value. Speculators tread cautiously in anticipation of the Federal Reserve meeting this week, which could potentially suggest extended periods of increased interest rates. Bitcoin, the most significant digital asset, fell to its lowest value in…
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