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 The 5 best luxury villa rentals in Koh Samui by The Luxury Signature
Koh Samui has long been known as one of the world’s finest luxury travel destinations. Its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and crystal-clear waters create an idyllic setting that attracts travellers seeking an escape from the everyday grind. And opting to...
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Thai tourism must shift to supply-driven strategy for 2025, says TAT
The Thai tourism industry must adopt a supply-driven strategy to enhance its competitiveness, according to the former governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The TAT outlined its marketing direction for 2025, aiming to increase revenue by 7.5% from 2024, targeting 39 million foreign arrivals and 205 million domestic trips. This figure is a revision from the 220 million…
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Thai village health volunteer wins 6 million baht in lottery
A village health volunteer from Yasothon has struck it rich by winning the first prize in the lottery, netting a total of 6 million baht. The lucky numbers were chosen from a ticket she had reserved but not yet paid for. Rungaradee Sriwisat, a 53 year old resident of Ban Hua Kham, Moo 4, Samran subdistrict, Mueang Yasothon district, revealed…
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Naked truth: Victims pursue legal action against ‘cancer-curing’ hermit
More victims have stepped forward to pursue legal action against a hermit and his wife in the southern province of Surat Thani, who allegedly claim they can cure cancer through naked massages. A Thai man claimed that his wife died in May as a result of the hermit’s treatment. The first victim to seek assistance from the Ministry of Social…
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Thailand expects 42 billion boost from French tourists post-Olympics
The Paris Olympic Games are projected to draw fewer visitors than initially expected, prompting the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to anticipate a resurgence in the French market post-event. The TAT forecasts 42 billion baht in revenue from French tourists in 2024. Soraya Homchuen, TAT Director in Paris, indicated that the French market is experiencing a lull due to two…
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Cyanide poisoning suspected in deaths of 6 Vietnamese nationals
A Thai academic suspects that cyanide poisoning may have been used in the deaths of six Vietnamese nationals at a hotel in Bangkok. The deaths of the six Vietnamese visitors came to light at approximately 7.30pm, yesterday, July 16. They were found lifeless in the same room on the fifth floor of a luxury hotel, reported to be the Grand…
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Thai lottery vendor wins 24 million baht after funeral ticket sale
A lottery vendor in Nong Bua Lamphu has struck it rich, winning 24 million baht from four lottery tickets. The tickets, which included the number 36 matching the age of a deceased individual at a funeral she attended, were initially unsold and kept by the vendor herself. Chantip Anusi, who has been selling lottery tickets for decades, revealed that she…
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Thailand launches retirement lottery to boost savings for low-income earners
The Cabinet has introduced a new savings initiative for low-income individuals titled the retirement lottery, which offers enticing prizes to encourage saving. Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul announced the Cabinet’s approval of this measure, aimed at bolstering savings under the National Savings Fund (NSF) through the Retirement Savings Lottery project. The NSF will amend relevant sections of its Act to…
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Chiang Mai earthquake causes tremors, no major damage
An earthquake measuring 3.3 on the Richter scale struck Mae Chaem, Chiang Mai, causing noticeable tremors but no reported injuries or significant damage to buildings. Local officials have been instructed to conduct thorough inspections of the area to assess potential impacts. A 3.3-magnitude earthquake occurred in the Mae Na Chon area of Mae Chaem district yesterday at 11.04pm, with a…
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Thailand braces for severe weather with heavy rain and floods
Thailand braces for severe weather as The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) warns of heavy rainfall and potential flash floods across various regions. Citizens are advised to stay alert for sudden flooding and landslides, particularly in hilly and low-lying areas. The TMD’s 24-hour forecast predicts intense monsoon activity affecting the northern regions and moving towards an area of low pressure…
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BREAKING: 6 Vietnamese nationals found dead at hotel in Bangkok
Six Vietnamese nationals mysteriously died today at a luxury hotel in Bangkok after allegedly drinking tea and coffee mixed with poison. Police believe there may be a seventh Vietnamese but that individual has not been located. The deaths of the six foreigners were reported to the Metropolitan Police Bureau at approximately 7.30pm today, July 16. They were reportedly found lifeless…
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TAT unveils 2025 plan to boost tourism
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) unveiled its 2025 marketing plan to revitalise Thai tourism. The annual TAT Strategic Direction conference was a star-studded affair, featuring Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports H.E. Sermsak Pongpanit, and TAT’s Chairperson of the Board Natthriya Thaweevong. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool declared that recognising 2025 as another challenging year, TAT will be putting its best…
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Controversial sea bridge to Koh Samui stirs debate
The hotly-debated sea bridge connecting the Thai mainland to the paradise island of Koh Samui is one step closer to reality. The second phase of public hearings for this ambitious project kicked off in Surat Thani province yesterday, July 15, setting the stage for a project that promises to revolutionise travel to one of Thailand’s most beloved holiday spots. Set…
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New canal bridge in Ayutthaya opens to boost local travel
The new bridge over Bang Luang Canal in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya has officially opened, enhancing travel for residents between the two sides of the canal to important locations. This significant development aims to improve both economic and social aspects for the local communities. Director-General of the Department of Rural Roads Aphirat Chaiyavongnoi announced the completion of the Bang Luang…
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Iranian man and Thai wife murdered in Pattaya restaurant
A relative’s dream led to the discovery of the murder of an Iranian man and his Thai wife at their restaurant in Pattaya. The bodies of Mojtaba Ghanbariazad, a 64 year old Iranian, and his Thai wife, Thanaporn Poonprakone, were found in their bedroom on the second floor of their Iranian restaurant today, July 16. Ghanbariazad was lying half-naked in…
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Five charged in Thai Rice Department extortion case
Police have completed their investigation and forwarded the case to prosecutors involving five individuals accused of extorting 1.5 million baht from the Director-General of Thailand’s Rice Department. These individuals face multiple charges related to corruption and abuse of power. Deputy Commander of the Crime Suppression Division, Police Colonel Anek Taosupap, announced that the investigation team has concluded their work on…
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Overloaded truck blocks Patong Hill, causing long delays (video)
A truck overloaded with hay bales blocked traffic over Patong Hill last night, causing extensive delays. The incident occurred when the truck struggled to climb the steep hill, before ultimately coming to a halt near its base. The video, shared on Facebook by Newshawk Phuket, recorded the truck at 11.25pm, yesterday, July 15, as it struggled and eventually stopped. The…
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17 year old girl brutally assaulted by ex-boyfriend in Chon Buri
A Thai woman sought justice for her 17 year old daughter after she became a victim of a brutal knife attack by her ex-boyfriend at his home in Chon Buri. The teenage girl’s ears and a finger were cut off in the frenzied attempted murder attack. The girl’s 55 year old mother, Malisorn, urged non-profit organisation Saimai Survive to seek justice…
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Bangkok governor goes fishing for answers over fish deaths
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt inspected Bueng Makkasan in Ratchathewi district following a large number of fish deaths, suspected to be caused by oxygen depletion and expressed concern over the potential spread of the blackchin tilapia to other areas. Chadchart visited Bueng Makkasan in the Ratchathewi district today to investigate the mass fish deaths in the area. Local fishers reported that…
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Thailand commits to child refugee rights by lifting CRC reservation
The Royal Thai Government made a significant stride in children’s rights by agreeing to withdraw its reservation on Article 22 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), with the move now guaranteeing rights to refugee children. This decision was officially announced by the Cabinet on July 9 and is set to be formalised through the United Nations…
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Fertiliser fiasco: Thailand halts farmers’ subsidy scheme
Trouble is brewing for Thailand’s farmers as the much-anticipated fertiliser subsidy faces suspension until next year, according to Agriculture Minister Thamanat Prompow. Thamanat announced plans to discuss the troubled fertiliser subsidy policy with economic ministers, following revelations that the scheme could be on hold until 2024. Initially, the government had approved subsidies of 500 baht per rai, capped at 10,000…
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Power play: Thailand’s coalition leaders unite over dinner
Emerging from a high-profile dinner meeting at the Nai Lert Park Heritage Home, Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin confidently asserted that the coalition now commands the unwavering support of over 314 MPs. The informal dinner, attended by core leaders of the 11 coalition parties, underscored the unity among the partners. The 62 year old Thai premier highlighted the solidarity within…
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Student files complaint after alleged drugging and assault by senior
A university student filed a complaint with the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) after being allegedly drugged and nearly raped by a senior. The student revealed that nearly ten other juniors have also fallen victim to similar incidents. Today, July 16, at the CIB’s complaint centre, Thammanan Tangtim accompanied a 21 year old student, referred to as B, from a prominent…
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Ancient artefacts found in Phrae to boost tourism
The ancient city of Wiang Chiang Chuen in Phrae, northern Thailand, has unveiled numerous historical artefacts, including polished stone axes and objects over 2,000 years old. The Fine Arts Department plans to develop it into a new historical tourist attraction. During a survey today, Warawut Euapinyakul, MP for Phrae’s 3rd district from the Pheu Thai Party, and Director-General of the…
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Pattaya police deny collusion in Chinese tourist extortion scandal
One of the police officers accused of extorting 700,000 baht from Chinese tourists in Pattaya denied involvement in the act, claiming he was in the car the entire time and did not know what had happened to the foreigners. A dashcam video showed a group of men introducing themselves as police, raiding the car of the Chinese victims and later…
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Well-trusted nanny arrested for multimillion-baht theft and fraud
A deeply trusted nanny in Nakhon Pathom has been arrested for theft and fraud amounting to millions of baht. Despite receiving a high salary and being treated well, she allegedly stole valuable items and borrowed money under false pretences. Officers led by Police Major General Saruti Kwangsopha today, July 16, ordered the arrest of a 45 year old nanny, Anong,…
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Bus fare collector dies in tragic motorcycle crash in Bangkok
A tragic accident occurred when a bus fare collector, riding a motorcycle to work, lost control and crashed into a signpost, resulting in his death before reaching the BMTA bus depot. The fatal accident involved a motorcycle losing control at a curve and crashing into a signpost. The incident occurred around 4.30am today, July 16, on a newly constructed road…
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Kindergarten officer arrested for embezzlement of 2.8 million baht
Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) officers arrested a former kindergarten finance officer for embezzlement of over 2.8 million baht from a bilingual program. The suspect was taken into custody on charges of corruption. The Secretary-General of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), Phumivisan Kasemsuk, today, July 16, directed a team under the PACC to facilitate the arrest of the suspect. The…
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Thailand approves genome editing to boost agricultural yields
Thailand officially sanctioned Genome Editing (GEd) technology for advanced plant breeding, aiming to boost yields while reducing chemical use in agriculture, according to the Department of Agriculture (DoA). DoA Chief Rapeepat Chansriwong announced the approval of the GEd technique under a ministerial regulation. This decision was endorsed by the agriculture minister and subsequently published in the Royal Gazette. Typically, new…
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Thai Education Ministry advances tablet initiative despite budget cut
Thailand’s Education Ministry continues to advance its tablet distribution initiative, despite a budget reduction from 16 billion to 13 billion baht. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, an assistant to the Education Minister, confirmed the ministry’s commitment to the project yesterday. Education Minister Police General Permpoon Chidchob is spearheading the One District, One Quality School project. This initiative aims to consolidate educational resources, both…
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Thai YouTuber shoots man in leg over football betting dispute
A Thai YouTuber, with over one million subscribers, shot a former boxer in the leg at a restaurant in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok over a football bet and financial dispute. The victim, 38 year old Atikhun “Oat” Nueangpim, sought help from Porramate Chaipatcharakunpong, the President of the Advisory Committee of the Nonthaburi Provincial Prosecutor, fearing he would never receive justice…
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