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 Digital nomading in Chiang Mai? What US$1,000 a month really gets you
Chiang Mai has become a popular destination for digital nomads due to its low living costs, rich culture, and active remote work community. The city offers affordable housing, tasty food, reliable internet, and many co-working spaces, making it a great...
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Actress Aom Sakaojai files police complaint against cyberbully
Renowned Thai actress Aom Sakaojai reported a case of severe online harassment to the police, triggered by explicit and threatening comments on one of her Facebook posts. Today, May 1, at 10am, Aom approached Deputy Inspector Chalerm Noppakarn of RomKlao Police Station to take legal action against the cyberbully identified by the Facebook name Nui Yabot. The incident began on…
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Bangkok police bust couple for covert online ammo sales
In a major crackdown on the illegal arms trade, the Thai police arrested a couple for selling ammunition online. Yesterday, April 30, law enforcement officers apprehended 29 year old Sarawut, and his 19 year old girlfriend Nariporn, for their involvement in an illicit online ammunition business. Operating under the guise of selling film cameras, they cleverly masked their trade on…
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Qantas apologises for app glitch revealing user travel details
An apology was issued by Qantas, the Australian airline, due to a technology issue with its mobile application, which resulted in the exposure of users’ travel details such as their names, flights, and points. The apology followed media reports hinting at a data breach in the app used by frequent flyers, which inadvertently gave users access to other passenger’s travel…
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Thai lottery hopefuls dissect past May 2 draws for winning edge
Aspiring fortune-seekers keenly analyse historical lottery results, anticipating patterns that may predict future winnings. This analysis hones in on the statistics of the Thai Government Lottery, particularly for the upcoming draw, which is of significant interest as players strategize their next move in the hope of hitting the jackpot. Over the past ten years, the lottery numbers drawn on May…
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Thai police dismantle major illegal online gambling rings
Thai police delivered a significant blow to the online gambling industry with the dismantling of two major illegal betting websites. The operation, dubbed ZERO BET, saw the seizure of nearly 10 million baht (US$270,000) in cash and luxury assets, including high-end vehicles like Lamborghinis and BMWs, totalling over 60 million baht (US$1.6 million) in value. The investigation revealed an annual…
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Thammasat University appoints new rector
One of Thailand’s most prestigious educational institutions, Thammasat University, has announced the appointment of Professor Supasawad Chardchawarn as its new rector. He replaces Associate Professor Gasinee Witoonchart, who has held the role since 2018. This significant development was revealed yesterday at 9am during the University Council’s final selection round, as reported by the Thammasat University Student Union (TUSU) on their…
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Thai government preps digital wallet scheme for 50 million citizens
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) is getting ready to support the government’s digital wallet scheme, aimed at benefiting 50 million Thai citizens. Under the direction of Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) will monitor the security of the 500-billion-baht (US$13.4 million) digital initiative. Simultaneously, the Digital Government Agency (DGA) will take charge of digital…
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Nakhon Phanom pub bust reveals drugs, minors and indecent acts
Police in Nakhon Phanom arrested the operators of a well-known pub for a series of legal infractions, including allowing minors on the premises and indecent performances, amid revelations of drug use among patrons. The establishment, known as AEC Nakhon Phanom, was also found to be operating beyond legally allowed hours, causing disturbances to nearby residents. The crackdown, led by Nakhon…
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Laotian tourist’s 80,000 baht gold necklace stolen in Pattaya
Emerging from the nocturnal charm of Pattaya, an intriguing tale of a Laotian tourist and a vanished 80,000 baht (US$2,150) gold necklace has surfaced. The unfortunate incident unfolded early this morning, May 1, along the bustling Sukhumvit Road in the Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, Chon Buri province. The victim, Detnakhon Inthakoummane, a 37 year old Laotian national, recounted his ordeal…
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Kasikornbank and SUN group fund Thai solar startup Ion Energy
Kasikornbank’s subsidiary Beacon Venture Capital has collaborated with Indonesia’s Solar United Network (SUN) Group to complete a Series A funding round for Ion Energy, a solar energy startup based in Thailand. The funding round closed at US$3 million. Ion Energy offers affordable, clean energy solutions to both residential and commercial sectors within Thailand. Beacon Venture Capital Managing Director Thanapong Na…
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Family suffers burns as fire razes home in Samut Songkhram
A Samut Songkhram family’s home was engulfed in flames early today, leading to three people sustaining burn injuries. The inferno, which broke out around 5am today, May 1, is believed to have been caused by an electrical short circuit due to the melting of wire insulation amid the sweltering heat. The property, a single-story wooden house, was completely destroyed, and…
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British tourist detained in Phuket for assaulting tuk tuk driver
Police in Phuket have detained a British national following an altercation involving a tuk tuk driver, where the foreigner was accused of physically assaulting the driver over a fare dispute. The incident, which was captured on CCTV footage, garnered significant attention on social media, leading to a swift police response. The confrontation took place on the evening of April 26,…
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AoT plans to boost Suvarnabhumi Airport into world’s top 50
Airports of Thailand (AoT) disclosed plans to elevate Suvarnabhumi International Airport into the league of the world’s top 50 airports within a year and subsequently to the top 20 by 2028. This announcement was made by AoT Director Kirati Kijmanawat. The director shared that Suvarnabhumi International Airport currently ranks 58th in Skytrax’s World’s Best Airport Rankings for 2024, a significant…
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Thai labour ministry initiates farm worker scheme with South Korea
The Department of Employment (DoE) under Thailand’s Labour Ministry initiated a programme to deploy Thai workers to South Korea as seasonal farm labour. This scheme is the outcome of a meeting last month between Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, the Labour Minister of Thailand, and his South Korean counterpart, Lee Jung-Sik. During Pipat’s official visit to South Korea, he met with Kim Dong-yeon,…
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Thai baht finds its groove: Depreciation rate takes a dip
The Thai baht experienced a lessening in its depreciation rate in April, buoyed by an uptick in the country’s economic performance. A leading figure from the country’s central bank anticipates that the local currency will make a recovery in the second half of the year. In the initial quarter of this year, the baht saw a 7.8% decline against the…
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Scorching 44°C wave to hit upper Thailand, caution urged
Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a severe heat warning for upper Thailand, with temperatures expected to soar to a scorching 44 degrees Celsius in the northern, central, and northeastern regions. The capital, Bangkok, is also set to experience high heat levels, with temperatures predicted to reach 42 degrees Celsius. The public is advised to avoid prolonged outdoor activities and strenuous…
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Prachinburi locals flock to temple for lucky lottery numbers
As the Labour Day lottery draws near, the residents of Prachinburi province are flocking to a renowned temple to seek out auspicious numbers for the upcoming draw. The temple, famous for its spiritual significance and lottery number predictions, is celebrating its 120th anniversary, coinciding with the birthday of its abbot, who has turned 83 years old. This significant cultural event,…
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Speeding pickup slams into trailer on Phaholyothin, driver hurt
A high-speed collision occurred today at 2am when a closed-box pickup truck crashed into the rear of a broken-down trailer truck on Phaholyothin Road in Pathum Thani province, Thailand. The driver of the pickup was seriously injured and trapped in the wreckage, necessitating urgent rescue efforts to save his life and transport him to the hospital. The incident, which took…
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Ex-teacher in Bangkok held for assaulting student
A former primary school teacher has been arrested in Bangkok for sexually assaulting a 13 year old student inside his car, despite the presence of the victim’s younger sister. The 44 year old man was apprehended by police while selling fried meatballs on a street in the capital, following an investigation into the incident on March 22. Somkiat, a former…
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NHSO forms team to probe Bangkok healthcare malpractice
Bangkok’s primary healthcare clinics have been hit with a staggering 3,771 complaints, prompting the National Health Security Office (NHSO) to form an investigative team to probe alleged malpractices. The NHSO issued a statement yesterday, April 30, addressing its commitment to resolve grievances from patients under the 30 baht universal healthcare scheme. These objections arose following the NHSO’s decision to modify…
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Factory owner donates 100,000 baht to Ayutthaya Ashram statue
In a charitable act, a factory owner donated a generous sum of 100,000 baht to construct a large statue of Father Ruesi Naen, following a windfall of 1 million baht. The donation ceremony occurred at the Ruesi Naen Ashram in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, where members of the public gathered today to seek blessings and examine the auspicious numbers floating…
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Thai man nabbed for neighbour’s murder, claims adultery as motive
Police today arrested a Thai man for the murder of his neighbour at a condominium in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok. The killer insisted his motive was not a dog dispute but a result of long-term bullying and the deceased’s alleged adultery with his wife. The 47 year old killer, Narin “Sam” Prinkprayong, shot dead his neighbour, a 45 year old…
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Phone fumble leads to deadly pickup crash in Lampang
A tragic road accident occurred today when a woman driving a pickup truck dropped her phone, causing her to veer across the lane and collide head-on with an oncoming sedan, instantly killing the male driver and injuring a 19 year old passenger. In the district of Hang Chat, Lampang, police were alerted to a fatal collision at a U-turn near…
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Thailand’s major airports plan US$4.8 billion capacity doubling
Two of Thailand’s main airports, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, are set to undergo significant expansions. The Airports of Thailand (AOT) Public Company Limited intends to invest approximately US$4.8 billion to more than double the airports’ capacity by the end of the decade. The expansion aims to accommodate a predicted surge in tourism as the world recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.…
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Unlicensed Pattaya party villa raided restoring peace for locals
Peace has been restored in Pattaya, as a noisy, reportedly unlicensed pool villa was raided by authorities yesterday evening. The operation was spurred by complaints from residents, who were disturbed by the loud music and partying emanating from the villa. Weekit Manarojkit, the Banglamung District Chief, directed his deputy, Pornchai Sang-iad, to spearhead a team of officials in raiding the…
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Thai delight: Thailand a Golden Week hotspot for Japanese tourists
Online booking platform Agoda declared Thailand as the second most popular destination for Japanese tourists during the Golden Week according to the search data. Agoda yesterday revealed the search data of Japanese nationals during Japan’s Golden Week, April 29 to May 6, and reported that Thailand emerged as the nation’s second most popular destination. While South Korea took the top…
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Manufacturing production index drops by 5.13% in March
Continuing its downward trend for the 18th month in a row, the manufacturing production index experienced a 5.13% drop in March compared to the same period last year, according to an Industry Ministry report. This decline, which is more severe than analysts’ predictions, is attributed to a slowdown in automobile production, a decrease in exports, and increasing household debt. Analysts…
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Ex-hotel chef arrested for sexual assault in Rayong
A former five-star hotel chef turned delivery rider was apprehended yesterday for sexually assaulting a female customer on May 13, 2023. On the night of the event, 29 year old chef San, deviated from the route to indulge in his inappropriate urges under the guise of darkness. Thai authorities, led by senior police officer Thiti Saengsawang, have been relentless in…
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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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