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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Thai gambling queen arrested for 76 million baht tax evasion
Police arrested a Thai gambling queen in the southern province of Yala for tax evasion, causing the government to lose more than 76 million baht in revenue. Revenue Department (RD) officers recently filed a complaint against 67 year old Sirima with officers from the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD). The RD reported that Sirima secretly ran a gambling operation and…
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Thailand braces for storms and record heatwave with 43C highs
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasted 10 days of tumultuous weather, starting with thunderstorms from today, March 27 to Friday, March 29, followed by a severe heatwave that could see temperatures soar to a scorching 43 degrees Celsius. The predictions for this period, which extends to April 5, have been sourced from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF).…
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Major drug network busted 5.6 million meth pills seized
A significant drug patrolling operation, conducted in Pathum Thani’s Lat Lum Kaeo district, resulted in the apprehension of six individuals linked to a major drug network. The operation also led to the confiscation of 5.6 million methamphetamine pills and 200 kilogrammes of ketamine. The individuals were arrested from a property within the Nattanun Home housing estate in Tambon Khu Kwang,…
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Young motorcyclist perishes in Samut Songkhram accident
A tragic collision in Samut Songkhram province claimed the life of a young motorcyclist after a pickup truck made a sudden turn in front of him, leading to a forceful impact. The incident occurred at 9.45am today, March 27. Police Lieutenant Chanathip Ongkleub, the deputy inspector at the Mueang Samut Songkhram Police Station, received a report of a vehicular collision…
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Monkey mayhem: Lopburi locals go bananas over macaque move
Khao Phra subdistrict residents and community leaders in Nakhon Nayok province protest a scheme to temporarily accommodate a group of 50 macaques from Lopburi province. Fearing potential attacks and chaos, locals stand firm against the plan proposed by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP). The DNP’s strategy aims to address the escalating aggression of Lopburi monkeys,…
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Bangkok scoops best city prize in travel magazine survey
Bangkok scooped the best city award in the Asia-Pacific region from the travel magazine DestinAsian, while Suvarnabhumi International Airport secured the second-best airport among 51 countries. Prime Minister Office spokesperson Chai Watcharong encouraged Thai people to celebrate the country’s recent successes following the acknowledgement by DestinAsian in its Readers’ Choice Awards. The rankings cover various aspects of travel including best islands,…
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Chiang Mai ranked among top budget-friendly retirement locations
The lively and diverse city of Chiang Mai in Thailand has been listed among 13 budget-friendly global locations where couples can retire and live comfortably on a modest sum of US$1,500 per month, according to a new survey from International Living. The city, an eclectic mix of Thai, Chinese, Indian, and foreign residents, is celebrated for its rich history, culture,…
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Bamboo barges battle plastic pollution in Bangkok
To tackle Thailand’s plastic pollution crisis, a pioneering project has been launched on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Black flies scattered as plastic waste cascaded from bamboo conveyor belts onto solar-powered barges, marking a significant step towards cleaner waters. Dubbed the “interceptor,” this innovative boat-like structure, trailing a floating barrier, utilises the river’s currents to guide plastic debris into…
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Thai economy struggles post-election, foreign investment declines
Thailand’s economy continues to struggle despite the first General Election since 2019, which was anticipated to stimulate growth and attract foreign investors. Instead, the nation has seen its benchmark stock index decline for the fifth quarter consecutively, foreign investment is waning, and the baht is showing the second-worst performance amongst Asian currencies. According to Narongsak Plodmechai, CEO of SCB Asset…
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Ptyas found on deity’s palanquin sparks Thai lottery frenzy
An unexpected visitor, a nearly 2-metre-long Ptyas snake, was discovered lounging atop a palanquin meant for the revered Mother Goddess at the Thapthim shrine in Chai Nat, central Thailand, spurring a wave of lottery number seekers at the site. The incident occurred on March 23, when firefighters from the Chai Nat Municipality were called to the shrine situated behind the…
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BAAC to back 50,000 tech-savvy farmers with 55 billion baht
The Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC), a state-owned entity, outlined an ambitious plan to foster a new breed of technologically adept farmers. The bank intends to support 50,000 young, smart farmers over the next five years, offering low-interest loans that total 55 billion baht (US$1.5 billion). BAAC president, Chatchai Sirilai, announced the project’s key objective following a memorandum…
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Phuket villa manager caught faking robbery to hide lost deposits
A 21 year old luxury villa manager in Kamala Beach, Phuket, was apprehended for fabricating an assault and theft incident after failing to account for customers’ deposits. The manager, Chananchida Harnkamjorn, confessed to concocting a story about being attacked and robbed of 100,000 baht to cover up her misuse of the funds. The incident, initially reported to police on Monday…
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Thai police uncover British man’s decomposing body in Pattaya
The Royal Thai Police (RTP) on Monday discovered the deeply disturbing sight of a British man’s decomposing body inside a Pattaya condominium. Pattaya Police Station received notification of the body, prompting a swift response from officers and Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan rescue workers. Upon arrival, Pattaya police officers found the dead man, identified as Harold Jhon Milligan, a 63 year old…
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Thai government splurges 2.95 billion on free school lunches
The Cabinet has given the nod to a 2.95 billion baht free school lunch programme for nearly half a million students nationwide for the upcoming 2025 academic year. Karom Pholpornklang, the deputy government spokesperson, revealed the comprehensive scope of the initiative, stating that it will extend its benevolent reach across 7,344 schools throughout the country. This plan encompasses 6,855 schools…
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Price surge in off-season rice boosts Thai farming
The president of Ban Mai Khao Farmers Group commended the recent increase in the price of fresh off-season rice, which has hit 10,000 baht (US$280) per tonne. This price surge not only encourages the traditional practice of rice cultivation among Thai farmers but also ensures a steady income for them. Suphan Phathom’s area of oversight includes the last remaining rice…
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Thailand Video News | Bill for same-sex marriage heads to parliament, Blackpink’s Lisa supports both S. Korea and Thailand at world cup qualifier
In this video, Alex and Jay cover the diverse news across Thailand. Beginning with Thailand’s humanitarian aid to Myanmar, its progress towards legalizing same-sex marriage, Thaksin Shinawatra’s political return, Southeast Asia’s nuclear power advancements, a legal battle over song plagiarism, and BLACKPINK’s Lisa showing dual support at a World Cup qualifier. Thailand’s Humanitarian Aid to Myanmar: A Gesture Amidst Controversy…
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Quick action: Bangkok police recover 70,000 baht for Chinese man
Bangkok police officers demonstrated integrity by successfully recovering 70,000 baht in cash for a Chinese man who had lost his wallet on March 25, highlighting that not all Thai cops are corrupt. The Chinese man, Zhang Wei, rushed to Huay Kwang Police Station after finding himself without a wallet at midnight on March 25. Zhang believed he might have left…
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Growth in Thai exports expected in Q1 due to stable freight costs
Thailand is set to experience a 1 to 2% growth in export value during the initial quarter of the year, fuelled by stable freight costs and rising shipments of key commodities such as rubber, rice, pet food, electronics, and automobiles. This positive forecast is shared by Keerati Rushchano, the permanent secretary of commerce, who anticipates a steady growth trajectory as…
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University student found dead in Nan River, Phitsanulok
A 23 year old university student who had been missing for two days was found dead in the Nan River in Phitsanulok, northern Thailand. The fourth-year student from a well-known university, identified only as Teeraporn (surname withheld) was found without any apparent injuries, suggesting a grim conclusion to her life. The initial report came yesterday when local authorities were alerted…
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Northern Thailand’s persistent wildfires exacerbate air pollution
Wildfires persist in northern Thailand, contributing to a surge in air pollution despite recent downpours. As of Monday, Mae Hong Son recorded 6,646 wildfires this year, predominantly in the districts of Mueang Mae Hong Son, Pai, and Mae Sariang. This has led to Mae Hong Son exceeding safe levels of airborne particulates for 38 consecutive days. Mae Sariang district reported…
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Thai lawyer uncovers police-linked bribery network
A recent revelation has shaken the Thai law enforcement scene as a lawyer uncovered a gang, allegedly linked to the police, involved in an extensive bribery racket. The racket reportedly amasses over 100 million baht each month through illicit kickbacks. Sittra Biabungkerd, serving as secretary to the People’s Lawyers Foundation, brought this issue to light in a press conference held…
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Former prosecutor files lawsuit in Red Bull hit-and-run case
A former senior prosecutor from the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) filed a lawsuit against Police Colonel Thanasit Taengchan, a former forensic officer for the infamous 2012 hit-and-run incident involving Red Bull heir Vorayuth Yoovidhya, also known as Boss. Chainarong, accompanied by his lawyer Paisan Chuarphon, lodged the lawsuit at Bangkok South Criminal Court yesterday. The case accuses Pol. Col.…
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Pork-smuggling mafia’s son arrested at Don Mueang Airport
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) at Don Mueang International Airport yesterday apprehended Karin Piyapornpaiboon, the adopted son of a notorious Chinese pork-smuggling mafia figure, Li Sheng Jiao, known as Hia Kao (Brother Kao). The arrest took place at 7.40am as Karin’s plane from China touched down, with him being transported to the DSI headquarters by 9am, as disclosed by…
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Minimum wage rises to 400 baht in 10 Thai provinces
The minimum wage in selected areas of 10 Thai provinces is set to rise to 400 baht per day, as decreed by the tripartite wage committee yesterday. This new wage increase, which comes into effect on April 13, will apply to tourism-related businesses and four-star hotels with a staff of 50 or more. Pairoj Chotikasathien, the committee’s chairman and permanent…
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Saab swoops to supply Gripen jets to RTAF in 19-billion-baht deal
Saab AB, the Swedish aerospace company, yesterday announced its intention to supply Gripen fighter jets to the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF). The company’s proposal aligns with the Thai government’s offset policy and other requirements for national capability development set by the RTAF. The offset policy mandates that suppliers of new military equipment to Thailand provide equal economic evaluations in…
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Thai govt assures no loss of Koh Kood sovereignty in future talks
A reassurance has been issued by the Thai government, stating that the country will not surrender sovereignty over Koh Kood, located in Trat province, to Cambodia during future negotiations concerning the partitioning of marine resources in their shared Overlapping Claims Area (OCA). In a statement during the Senate’s general debate on Monday night, Deputy Prime Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara referred to…
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Friend of Thai comedian suspected of stealing from shoe collection
A close acquaintance of renowned Thai comedian Jazz Chuanchuen has been issued with an arrest warrant for making off with several items from Jazz’s extensive shoe collection, worth over 300,000 baht. Min Buri Police Station Chief, Police Colonel Kris Komnoi, stated that investigators had gathered evidence, particularly from a social media livestream by the individual claiming responsibility for the break-in and…
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Parents of eye doctor killed in hit-and-run to receive 27 million baht
A court ruling yesterday determined that a 23 year old police officer must pay 27.3 million baht in compensation to the parents of a doctor he fatally hit while riding a motorcycle in 2022. The incident occurred when the officer, Norawich Buadok, who was travelling between 108 and 128 kilometres per hour on his Ducati Monster big bike, struck 33…
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Thai Lion Air & Krabi Airport has worst WiFi in the world
Thai Lion Air and Krabi International Airport in southern Thailand have garnered notoriety as some of the worst WiFi service providers, according to reviews from travellers on Airline Quality (also known as Skytrax). EletronicsHub, an online tech gadget review and information platform, conducted an analysis of WiFi connectivity based on reviews of airports and airlines worldwide on the Airline Quality…
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TikTok user draws from Chinese calendar for April lottery
Lottery buffs remain undeterred in their search for lucky numbers, with the Thai government lottery draw scheduled for April 1, drawing considerable attention. As always, the quest for the winning digits is on, with participants scouring various sources for their preferred numbers. These sources range from celebrities’ suggestions to social media buzz, as well as tried-and-true methods like the Chinese…
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