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 How to travel around Thailand for under US$30 a day
The Thaiger key takeaways Staying in budget hostels or guesthouses and eating street food keeps daily expenses low. Mixing buses, trains, and budget flights allows affordable travel between cities and islands. Free or cheap activities, such as temples, markets, parks,...
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Thailand Video News | Formula-E coming to Thailand, Cannabis reform sparks controversy
In this video, Alex and Jay cover the latest news in Thailand. Beginning with Formula-E’s imminent arrival sparks excitement in Thailand, while cannabis reform stirs controversy. Severe thunderstorms loom, and a floating ‘hand’ surprises locals. France offers assistance to enhance the Thai aviation experience. Formula-E is coming to the land of smiles The Government of Thailand, under Prime Minister…
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Thai industries federation urges stringent checks on imported produce
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) urged the government to intensify scrutiny of agricultural imports, particularly fruits and vegetables, from neighbouring nations and China, following the detection of pesticide contamination in some produce. Kriengkrai Thiennukul, the FTI chairman. stated that Thailand continues to import fruit and vegetables contaminated by chemicals banned in many countries. He emphasised the need for a…
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Australian man under investigation for road rage incident near Bangkok (video)
A Thai woman filed a complaint against an Australian man, accusing him of intentionally causing an accident and damaging her car at Bearing Intersection in Samut Prakarn province near Bangkok on March 3. The Thai driver, Angkana, reported to DailyNews that the incident took place when she was driving her sedan to her home in Samrong Nuea district of Samut…
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Commerce Minister markets Thailand film industry in Hong Kong
Phumtham Wechayachai, commerce minister, is currently on a visit to Hong Kong to market Thailand’s film industry and Y Series TV dramas. The visit, which started recently and is scheduled to run until Tuesday, also includes exploring avenues to broaden the Hong Kong market for Thailand’s agricultural products. The visit is led by Phumtham, who is also the deputy prime…
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Thai government plans six flagship AI projects in national strategy
Six flagship projects, including the development of an artificial intelligence (AI) workforce and the Thai large language model (ThaiLLM), are on the cards for the second phase of the national AI strategy and action plan. The initiation of these projects is pending approval from a new National AI Committee, appointed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. An estimated budget of 1.5…
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Thai retail sector struggles despite tax incentives and tourist spending
Despite increased spending by tourists and tax incentives to encourage buying, Thailand’s retail sector is under strain. The sector, facing the challenges of a surge of substandard goods from China, is burdening local entrepreneurs. Thai Retailers Association Vice President Chatchai Tuongratanaphan predicts a growth of only 1-2% in the retail sector for the first half of the year. This is…
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Paetongtarn Shinawatra: Thailand’s political sector’s rising star
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the dynamic youngest daughter of former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is making waves in the nation’s political sector. As the current leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, she brings a combination of academic prowess and political lineage to the table. Holding degrees in Sociology and Anthropology from Chulalongkorn University and in International Hotel Management from the…
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Phang Nga’s lithium deposits eyed for Thailand’s EV ambitions
Phang Nga’s rich lithium deposits were the focal point of a House Committee on Industry visit yesterday, as the government looks to establish the area as a global lithium source. The move aligns with the government’s strategy to make Thailand an electronic vehicle (EV) manufacturing hub. Akkaradech Wongpitakroj, chairman of the House Committee and United Thai Nations MP for Ratchaburi,…
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Thai navy’s frigate procurement plan gets House Committee’s nod
The Royal Thai Navy‘s (RTN) plans for procuring a new frigate received an endorsement from the House of Representatives Committee on the Armed Forces. This move is expected to pave the way for more job opportunities for local labour. The RTN’s frigate procurement strategy recently encountered a setback when its budget request of 17 billion baht (US$480 million) for the…
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Thailand and France collaborate to upgrade Thai aviation industry
Thailand’s aviation industry is set to undergo a significant upgrade, in collaboration with France, as announced by Thai Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit. The partnership, conceived during a recent official visit to France, is intended to ready Thailand for future aviation demands. The minister held discussions with Damien Caze, the head of France’s Directorate-General for Civil Aviation, in the French capital.…
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Thailand’s Kantharalak district to reopen Preah Vihear temple
The district of Kantharalak in Sisaket, Thailand, is buzzing with anticipation as it prepares to reopen access to the Preah Vihear temple after 16 years. The decision to establish a temporary checkpoint for entry into the Cambodian temple followed Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s recent visit to the province. The move has sparked excitement among the locals, who view it as…
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Mysterious hand discovered in Samut Prakan canal sparks comedy
A suspected human hand floating in a canal caused quite a stir in Samut Prakan province but upon closer inspection, it turned out to be just a discarded rubber glove, much to the amusement and relief of the onlookers and authorities involved. Yesterday, at 5.30pm, the local police of Samut Prakan province were alerted to a suspicious object resembling a…
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Bangkok bans parking under BTS stations to ease traffic
Bangkok’s traffic management authorities have implemented a new regulation prohibiting parking in the indented areas of central road islands beneath BTS Skytrain stations. The regulation, which took effect immediately, aims to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce accidents caused by illegal parking. The Royal Gazette announced a traffic regulation for Bangkok, effective today, which forbids parking in the indents of central…
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Udon Thani college guard finds corpse in shocking discovery
A startling discovery at a prominent technical college in Udon Thani province shook the local community when a security guard stumbled upon the body of a man dressed in black, lying beneath a bridge near the college. The guard, initially mistaking the figure for a rubber doll, was horrified to find it was a corpse, setting off a police investigation…
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Buriram shooting: Teenagers injured in revenge attack
A violent encounter last night left two high school students injured after being shot by a younger peer. The incident, which took place near a petrol station in Buriram province, was reportedly an act of revenge on behalf of a friend. The two victims, both Grade 9 students, were attacked as they rode their motorcycle in the vicinity of Nong…
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Bangkok cops bust plus-size women’s sex trade party organiser
Bangkok’s bustling city centre became the scene of a significant police raid when police apprehended a 49 year old woman, the alleged organiser of plus-size women’s parties involving illicit activities. The police operation, led by high-ranking officers from the Metropolitan Police, resulted in the seizure of condoms, sex toys, and other items related to the sex trade. The crackdown took…
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Severe summer storms to lash Thailand’s upper regions
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued its final advisory warning of severe summer storms striking the upper regions of Thailand. The alert, issued today, March 10, highlights the danger of thunderstorms, and strong winds, and cautions the public of the risks posed by these weather conditions. A high-pressure system from the east is dominating the northeastern part of Thailand and…
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Thai govt enhances medical accessibility for HIV/Aids patients
The Thai government, represented by the Public Health Ministry, has green-lit a plan to enhance medical accessibility for individuals living with HIV/Aids. This decision follows a multi-agency meeting headed by Minister Cholnan Srikaew. The dialogue, held on Friday, included representation from the Thai Network of People Living with HIV/Aids (TNP+), the Aids Access Foundation, the Institute of HIV Research and…
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Anthrax outbreak in Laos prompts raw meat warning in Thailand
Kenika Ounjit, a deputy government spokesperson, yesterday revealed a public health warning from the Department of Livestock Development. The warning urged the public to refrain from consuming raw meat. This follows a report of an anthrax outbreak in Laos, published on the World Forum Facebook page on Wednesday. According to the report, three cases of anthrax were identified on March…
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PM Srettha may meet paroled Thaksin during Chiang Mai visit
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has suggested a potential meeting with the recently paroled former premier, Thaksin Shinawatra. This event could take place during PM Srettha’s upcoming visit to Chiang Mai, which coincides with Thaksin’s planned trip to his hometown. The Thai prime minister is scheduled to inspect haze pollution, drug-related issues, and the progress of royally initiated development projects in…
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AI-driven project launched to tackle Bangkok’s traffic congestion
An artificial intelligence (AI) technology-driven project, the Ratchaprasong Model, has been launched by the government to combat excessive traffic congestion in the bustling business district of Ratchaprasong. This area is also recognised as a tourist hotspot in the capital. The inauguration of the project was presided over by the Prime Minister’s Office Minister, Puangpet Chunlaiad, and vice minister Warawut Yanjareon,…
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Thailand to host prestigious Formula E electric-car championship
The Government of Thailand is set to welcome the prestigious Formula E electric-car racing championship in the coming year. This revelation was made by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on his X account yesterday, following an engaging conversation with a senior executive of Formula E. Formula E, also known as the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, has earned global recognition…
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Desperate Thai fruit seller offers eye for sale to clear debt
A poignant image of a 57 year old Thai fruit seller in Bangkok has stirred waves across the Internet after he pledged to donate one of his eyes to resolve his financial woes. The heartrending scene, initially shared by the Facebook Page Panda Lab Doctor, depicts the man selling fruits with a placard bearing the urgent message: “Eye for Sale.”…
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British couple in Pattaya tell tales of Britain’s luxurious pet hotel
In Pattaya, a British couple from Newport, Shropshire tells the remarkable story of pets in the UK, with a published book available on Amazon. Geoffrey and Kathy Doody’s latest venture sees them as authors, regaling readers with their three-part saga, Thank Goodness They Can’t Talk. These rib-tickling memoirs unveil the secrets of their illustrious career as proprietors of one of…
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BMTA set to go green with 3,390 electric buses
Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) embarks on an initiative to replace its ageing fleet with 3,390 electric buses, announced Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri. During a recent board meeting, it was revealed that the BMTA has prioritised the urgent acquisition of new electric buses, aligning with its commitment to mitigate environmental impact across the metropolitan area. Manaporn, overseeing the BMTA,…
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PM Srettha strikes deals in Parisian power play
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin made waves in Paris as he orchestrated a series of high-stakes meetings with France’s business elite. From fashion to automotive technology, the 62 year old Thai PM’s mission was clear: to solidify Thailand’s status as a regional powerhouse for trade and innovation. Kicking off his jam-packed schedule yesterday morning, PM Srettha delved into talks with Sébastien…
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Revolutionary ‘Air Swipe Bag’ holds single item
In a groundbreaking fusion of fashion and aerospace technology, the designer brand Coperni has stunned the world with its latest creation: the Air Swipe Bag. Dubbed the “Air Swipe Bag,” this avant-garde accessory unveiled during the 2024 Paris Fashion Week has sent shockwaves through the fashion industry. Crafted from an astonishing 99% air and 1% glass, this bag is as…
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Bank guard confesses to murder of durian farm owner in Rayong
A brutal murder case has been resolved with the confession of a bank security guard, who admitted to killing a 60 year old durian farm owner in a cold and calculated manner. The body of Chaweevan Jaichuea, also known as Aunt Eiad, was discovered in a water pool within her durian farm in Rayong Province, with her hands tied behind…
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Indian national accused of theft in Pattaya
An Indian national found himself in the grip of Pattaya Immigration on Thursday following an accusation of theft from his employer. The theft amounted to 100,000 baht and a tablet. The Indian man confessed that he had exhausted all the stolen funds on self-gratification. The accused Indian national, known by the family name Palliparambil (first name withheld), faced charges from…
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Phetchabun temple’s ritual sparks lottery fever
Scores of hopefuls gathered yesterday at the Wat Pratu Dao in Phetchabun to participate in a ceremonial blessing and fortune-seeking ritual in anticipation of the lottery draw scheduled for March 16. The event took place in the temple grounds located in the In Mueang district of Phetchabun province, which was once a site for the cremation and burial of executed…
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