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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Accountant arrested in Thailand for 130 million baht tax fraud
Thai authorities recently apprehended a 46 year old accountant involved in a substantial tax invoice fraud, causing a loss of over 130 million baht (US$3.6 million) to the state. The arrest of Wimala, the individual at the centre of the investigation, marked a significant breakthrough in a tax evasion case that has highlighted vulnerabilities in the country’s financial regulation systems.…
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Security guard shot at Nakhon Ratchasima’s Center Point Hotel
A chilling shooting incident transpired in Nakhon Ratchasima at 7.15pm on March 2, when a security guard at the Center Point Hotel, situated at Terminal 21 Korat, was shot six times by a fellow hotel employee, causing pandemonium amongst the shoppers present at the time. The incident instantly brought back dreadful memories of the February 8, 2020, mass shooting at…
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Thailand speeds up development of six airports to boost global aviation ranking
In a substantial move to elevate Thailand’s aviation stature on the global platform, the Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) fast-tracked the development of six of its national airports. This ambitious venture, set in motion on March 2, entails an estimated investment of 210 billion baht (US$5.86 billion). It resonates with the Thai government’s policies aimed at transforming Thai…
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Thai Cabinet tackles smog problem with 272 million baht project
The annual 2024 fiscal budget saw the Thai Cabinet allotting 272 million baht (US$7.59 million) towards a strategic project, intent on confronting wildfire and smog problems, and reducing PM2.5 dust. The announcement came from the Thai deputy government spokeswoman, Kanika Aunjit, during a press conference held on March 3. The alarming rise of PM2.5 problems accelerated this decision witnessed in…
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Bangkok joins forces with Netherlands for eco-friendly urban mobility
Bangkok has coordinated with the Dutch concept to design Bangkok into a walkable and cycling city. Assoc. Prof. Wisanu Supsompon, along with Sanon Wangsrangboon, the Deputy Governors of Bangkok and Remco Johannes van Wijngaarden, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Thailand, attended a presentation of ideas and group activities discussion at the ACTIVE Workshop in Bangkok at…
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From top chef to Michelin stars: The inspiring journey of Chef Tam
Top Thai chef Chudaree Debhakam, better known as Chef Tam, reminisced about the nerve-wracking moments preceding the grand announcement at the 2024 Michelin Guide Thailand Ceremony. Chef Tam’s restaurant, Baan Tepa, clinched two Michelin stars, catapulting her into culinary stardom and making history as the first Thai female chef to achieve such a feat. “Retaining a single Michelin star is…
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Thai surrogacy revolution: Foreign couples welcome
Authorities in Thailand are on the brink of a groundbreaking change in surrogacy laws, poised to welcome foreign couples into the country for surrogate births, reveals the Department of Health Service Support. The current legislation, known as the Protection for Children Born through Assisted Reproductive Technologies Act, restricts surrogacy services to Thai nationals alone, clarified Arkhom Praditsuwan, the department’s deputy…
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Myanmar seminar: Promoting dialogue amid political turmoil
In a bold move challenging the Myanmar junta’s objections, Thai politicians kickstarted a two-day seminar delving into Myanmar’s political turmoil. Despite diplomatic tensions, the event aims to foster dialogue among stakeholders. Thai parliament’s Move Forward Party (MFP) member Rangsiman Rome, leading the House committee on national security, initiated the seminar with a vision of promoting peace and sustainability in Myanmar’s…
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Thailand unveils new culinary gem: Koh Yao sea cucumber
Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) unveiled the coveted Koh Yao sea cucumber, freshly adorned with a prestigious geographical indication (GI) stamp. Hailing from the picturesque district of Koh Yao, nestled in Phang Nga province, these sea cucumbers boast a journey from earthen ponds to dining tables, brimming with local expertise. Crafted with indigenous knowledge and wisdom, the Koh Yao…
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Bangkok’s iconic river sees revamped Tha Tien Pier reopened
Tha Tien pier, nestled in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district, is poised for a grand reopening following extensive renovations, announced Marine Department Director-General Kritpetch Chaichuay. Teaming up with the Crown Property Bureau, the department has meticulously upgraded the pier and its environs to seamlessly blend with the area’s rich historical architecture. Endorsed by the preservation committee overseeing Rattanakosin and old cities,…
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Northeast Thailand bus crash leaves students injured, driver dead
A bus crash on Si Kew-Chaiyaphum Road near Nakhon Ratchasima on Friday left 47 students and teachers injured and the driver dead. The bus crash occurred at approximately 10.30pm, with the vehicle carrying 39 students and 12 staff members on a field trip from Chaiyaphum province to the revered Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok met with tragedy. Eyewitnesses…
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Thailand and Switzerland secure significant sum from drug kingpin
Thailand secured a substantial windfall of 1.88 million Swiss francs (76.89 million baht) from Switzerland, originating from the assets of drug kingpin Wei Hsueh-kang. In a ceremony presided over by Deputy Attorney General Jumpon Phansumrit, Thailand inked its inaugural asset-sharing pact with a foreign nation, setting a precedent for future collaborations in the war against crime. This landmark agreement signals…
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Chinese tourist mowed down on zebra crossing in Samut Prakan
A Chinese tourist was fatally struck down on a zebra crossing by a reckless pickup truck driver in Bang Bo district, Samut Prakan province. The Chinese tourist, merely on his first day in Thailand, faced an untimely demise in the flurry of Friday night chaos. Authorities have launched a frantic search for a 35 year old Cambodian suspect allegedly behind…
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Tourist’s near-death ordeal at Pattaya Beach, rescued from waters
Pattaya Rescue Radio Centre received a report of a foreign tourist drowning at Pattaya Beach, Bang Lamung, Chon Buri yesterday afternoon at 4.20pm. Emergency services rushed to the scene with urgency, locating an unconscious tourist, aged between 50 and 60, who had been brought ashore. Pattaya Beach lifeguards and rescue teams swiftly administered vital first aid before transporting the stricken…
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Intoxicated driver crashes into police car in Chon Buri, two injured
Chaos erupted on Rural Road 2081, Bang Lamung, Chon Buri, as a pickup truck careened into a police vehicle yesterday at 12.06am, leaving two officers injured. Pattaya Rescue Radio Centre received a distress call detailing a collision between a grey pickup truck and a police vehicle. Rushing to the scene, local emergency crews found themselves amidst a forest, confronted by…
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Thai woman seals 10.5 million baht land deal after divine blessing
After sealing a successful land deal worth over 10 million baht, a former nurse fulfilled her vow at Wat Noen Suk in Rayong province by presenting a grand offering to the deity Thao Wessuwan. The former nurse turned property developer, 31 year old Nawal Jarmjurek, and her colleague 28 year old Sawitree Tungsawanich, were observed meticulously arranging red syrup and…
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Thailand bids to host International Horticultural Expo 2029
Thailand has thrown its hat into the ring to host the International Horticultural Expo in 2029. The Southeast Asian nation has set its sights on attracting up to four million visitors during the four-month-long event. The Foreign Affairs Ministry spokeswoman, Kanchana Patarachoke, announced yesterday that the government has proposed the 25th global event to take place in Nakhon Ratchasima, with…
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Manhunt in Bangkok after daylight robbery and shooting
A shocking incident unfolded in the heart of Bangkok when a man, reportedly close friends with the victim, pulled a gun and opened fire in a violent dispute over personal matters before fleeing with a fake gold necklace. The altercation, which took place in the Ladprao area, has left locals alarmed and law enforcement officers on high alert as they…
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Thai authorities dismantle illegal border communication networks
A coordinated effort by the Thai Cyber Police, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has led to the successful crackdown on illegal communication networks along Thailand’s border. The operation, which took place today, March 2, resulted in the dismantling of illicit signal towers and the confiscation of thousands of unauthorized SIM cards,…
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Chiang Mai to Bangkok bus crash injures passengers near Ban Tak
A tour bus en route from Chiang Mai to Bangkok met with a severe accident, ramming into the back of a trailer truck, leaving passengers injured, two critically. The incident unfolded near Ban Tak District Hospital in Tak province, prompting an immediate emergency response. Yesterday, a catastrophic collision occurred on Phahonyothin Road between kilometres 547 and 548, just north of…
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RTSD proposes disputed land for Khao Yai National Park
A proposal has been put forth by the Royal Thai Survey Department (RTSD) suggesting the disputed territory, previously designated for land reform, be given to Khao Yai National Park. The proposal was presented to Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang, as disclosed by an inside source. The disputed territory was chosen by the RTSD’s One Map system to be incorporated into the…
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Thai janitor cleared of rape after DNA implicates stepfather
The exoneration of a school janitor wrongly convicted of rape highlights the complexities of the Thai justice system. The janitor, who spent six years in prison for a crime he did not commit, has finally been vindicated after DNA evidence proved that the actual perpetrator was the stepfather of the victim. On February 1, a dramatic turn of events unfolded…
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Pathum Thani karaoke drug bust nets several amid crackdown
A special administrative unit led a successful raid on an illegal karaoke establishment in Pathum Thani Province, arresting several individuals and uncovering evidence of drug use. The operation took place at 3am today, March 2. The venue, disguised as an ordinary apartment block, hosted a bustling night-time scene where patrons and employees were found to be consuming and in possession…
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Thai defence ministry to resolve submarine procurement issue soon
The Thai defence ministry is anticipating a solution to its submarine procurement dilemma in the forthcoming two weeks, with the likely adoption of the Chinese engine, according to an official from the Royal Thai Navy (RTN). The current predicament is under examination by a panel focusing on the RTN’s procurement of a Chinese submarine. The panel’s task is to determine…
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Kamphaeng Phet gold shop heist nets 74,300 baht in jewellery
In a brazen daylight heist, a young man robbed a gold shop in Kamphaeng Phet Province, making off with two baht-weight gold necklaces valued at 74,300 baht (US$2,000). The robbery took place at approximately 3.30pm yesterday, March 1, when the suspect, feigning a regular purchase, snatched the jewellery and fled on a motorcycle. The police, led by Deputy Inspector Atit…
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Thai govt’s debt settlement programme attracts over 150,000
The Thai government’s debt settlement programme has attracted over 150,000 registrations, totalling informal debts of nearly 12 billion baht (US$337 million), the Interior Ministry reported. So far, the initiative has facilitated the settlement of over 771 million baht (US$22 million) in debt for 18,509 individuals. The registration window spanned from December 1 to February 29. Suttipong Juljarern, the permanent secretary…
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Bangkok’s Loy Krathong goes digital and eco-Friendly, wins Asia Pinnacle Awards
Bangkok won the Asia Pinnacle Awards for Best Eco-Friendly Festival category under Loy Krathong Digital’s judges’ assessment on 28 February. BMA Spokesperson and Assistant Secretary to the Governor of Bangkok, Mr. Aekvarunyoo Amrapala, announced that the first “Bangkok Digital Loy Krathong Festival”, held on November 27, 2023, at Khlong Ong Ang, Phra Nakhon District, and Samphanthawong District by the Bangkok…
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AirAsia launches Takeover Thailand campaign with celeb partner
AirAsia is doubling down on its commitment to boost regional tourism, unveiling the Takeover Thailand campaign, aimed at thrusting Thailand into the spotlight as the go-to destination for travellers from Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. Strategically aligning forces with Tay Tawan, a distinguished Thai personality appointed as AirAsia’s Route Presenter for Malaysia, the airline is geared up to elevate the travel…
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Fare play: Thai taxi driver slams cops for toll indulgence
A female Thai taxi driver condemned police officers for indulging two foreign tourists who refused to pay toll fees by covering the costs themselves. The female taxi driver shared a video of when she engaged in an argument with police officers and two foreign women passengers on Facebook. In the video, she refused to accept money from the police and asked…
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Raging forest fires force closure of Thai-Cambodian Border park
Forest fires ablaze along the Thai-Cambodian border have ignited chaos, choking Khao Phra Wihan National Park in Sisaket province with clouds of thick smoke and dust particles, forcing a three-day shutdown. The infernos, wreaking havoc on the region’s flora and fauna, including monkeys, bats, and birds, have sparked concerns for both tourism and wildlife preservation. Sisaket Governor Anuphong Suksomnit, undertook…
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