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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Pattaya: British tourist injured in road accident involving motorbike
A 52 year old British tourist was struck by a motorcycle while crossing Thepprasit Road, Bang Lamung, Pattaya on the evening of December 28. The British man, known only as Mei, was struck by Thai motorcyclist, 35 year old Suphansa Taengthong, while crossing Thepprasit Road, creating a spectacle near a PTT gas station around 5.50pm. The Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation’s…
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Suvarnabhumi Airport braces for record-breaking new year influx
Dr Keerati Kitmanawat, the president of Airports of Thailand Co Ltd. (AOT) led a thorough inspection on December 28, of Suvarnabhumi Airport‘s preparedness for the impending new year celebrations. Sources reveal that Dr Keerati is gearing up for an aviation onslaught from December 29 to January 4, with a staggering 6,777 flights scheduled at Suvarnabhumi Airport. This sky-high number includes…
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Pita Limjaroenrat crowned ‘Politician of the Year’ in Isaan poll
Pita Limjaroenrat, the former helm of the Move Forward Party (MFP), has clinched the coveted title of Politician of the Year in a high-octane survey conducted by Isaan Poll. The political battleground witnessed Pita soaring ahead with a formidable 34% of support from the 2,156 respondents aged 18 years or more across the 20 provinces of the Northeast. Associcate Professor…
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Thai PM’s billion-baht lifestyle unveiled
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin opens up about his staggering wealth, leaving the public astonished at the opulence hidden behind the political curtain. Once a high-flying business magnate, 61 year old Srettha acknowledged his affluence. The PM attributed his riches to years of relentless work and astute investments. “I can’t deny that I am wealthy.” The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) disclosed…
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Bangkok grapples with severe air pollution despite New Year holiday lull
Despite the reduced traffic during the New Year holiday, Bangkok continues to battle severe air pollution issues. A total of 16 districts were marked as red zones due to significant health risks today, December 29. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) website revealed that at 8am, PM2.5 dust levels were recorded above 75 microgrammes per cubic metre (μg/m3)…
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Southern Thailand: Pattani province in state of emergency due to escalating floods
A state of emergency is in effect in Pattani, a southern province in Thailand, as floodwaters continue to rise, severely affecting the local economy. The overflow of the Sai Buri and Pattani rivers has caused significant flooding in the Pattani town area. As of this morning, December 29, water levels in the Muang Pattani municipality were rapidly increasing. Several business…
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Teenage Grab driver fatally stabbed in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district
An 18 year old Grab driver was fatally stabbed in the early morning today, December 29, in a major alleyway in Bangkok‘s Chatuchak district. Atit (last name withheld), who was outfitted with a label from a technical institute on his belt, was found with three head wounds and four body stab wounds. The scene of the crime, Ratchadaphisek Soi 36, also…
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Hong Kong actress Bonnie Lai found dead in apparent suicide
Prominent Hong Kong actress and former beauty queen, 46 year old Bonnie Lai, was found unconscious in her North Point apartment, as reported yesterday, December 28. Lai later succumbed and was declared dead, sending shockwaves throughout the entertainment industry and her family. On the day before, around 1pm, the actress’s husband August Hui, a renowned cosmetic surgeon, discovered Lai unconscious…
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Benz Apache warns about new scam after sister’s 200000 baht close shave
Prominent influencer, Benz Apache, has warned the public about a new type of scam where fraudsters impersonate sellers. The scammer usually contacts the victim immediately after a live broadcast ends. Without careful scrutiny, victims can easily lose money. Benz, a well-known influencer, issued a warning about a new type of scamming technique where culprits impersonate sellers and contact potential victims…
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Gold prices in Thailand take a slight dip today
Gold prices decreased today, according to the Gold Traders Association. The price of gold ornaments was adjusted to 34,100 baht (US$994) per baht-weight, a drop of 50 baht (US$1.46) compared to the final price on December 28. This adjustment was reflected in the latest data from the Association’s website at 9am today. The selling price for 96.5% gold bars in…
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Man under drug influence burns grandmother’s house in Phayao
A 48 year old man, under the influence of narcotics, has been arrested for setting fire to his grandmother’s house in Phayao Province, Thailand. The fire, which started in the man’s bedroom, quickly engulfed the entire property, leading to substantial property damage but no casualties. The local police have also charged the man with arson and drug use, following the…
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Chumphon teenager disappears in sea after wave mishap
A tragic incident unfolded yesterday, as a 17 year old high school student, hailing from Chumphon’s capital district, disappeared into the sea while playing with friends near the Saphli pier in Chumphon province. Despite friends’ desperate attempts to help, the powerful waves swept him away. The 43 year old boy’s mother, was left in shock and distress, looking out to…
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Newborn found dead in Hat Yai City dump shocks community
A harrowing event unfolded on the evening yesterday (December 28), when the lifeless body of a newborn baby boy was discovered in a rubbish bin behind the waste separation plant of Hat Yai City Municipality in Songkhla. The baby, suspected to have been dead for at least two to three days, was found naked, with a green and bruised face,…
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Bazaar Hotel Bangkok fined 1.3m baht over controversial sculpture
Suan Lum Night Bazaar Ratchadaphisek Co, operating the Bazaar Hotel Bangkok, has been slapped with a fine of 1.3 million baht. The penalty comes after the company allowed for the installation of a gargoyle-like sculpture, known as Khru Kai Kaew, on its rented premises. The half-god, half-demon figure sparked controversy due to its frightening appearance leading to numerous complaints from…
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Fatal car crash claims life of town clerk in Samut Songkhram
A tragic accident occurred when the town clerk was driving home and collided with a sedan, resulting in his death. The police sent the body for an autopsy and are urgently investigating the cause. This incident took place at 11:30 pm yesterday (December 28). The deputy investigation officer at the Bang Khonthi Police Station in Samut Songkhram province was informed…
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Thai politics 2023 in review: Challenges and changes
The landscape of Thai politics in 2023 was filled with suspense, surprises, and setbacks. The Move Forward Party, despite winning the most seats in the May election, couldn’t form a government. Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, a significant figure in the country’s political sphere, decided to retire. A potential reconciliation between the red and yellow shirts was on the horizon. Thaksin Shinawatra,…
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Drug-induced hallucination leads to violent assault on two young boys in Bangkok
A man under the influence of marijuana and cough syrup mixed with kratom severely hallucinated, chased and injured two young boys aged six and nine with a blunted knife. Plc Yongyut Thongma, an investigative officer at the Chok Chai Police Station, was notified about the violent assault on the two boys. The incident took place in front of a porridge…
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Monk turns influencer: Thai monk faces backlash for enjoying Japan trip
Thai netizens criticised a well-known Thai monk from Rai Pru Temple in the southern province of Trang after he shared videos of himself and other monks travelling to Japan and enjoying soft ice cream and snow, which is considered inappropriate for monks. The Twitter account, Red Skull, shared a video of the deputy abbot of Rai Pru Temple, Phra Maha…
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South Korean YouTube channel explores national parks in Thailand
South Korean YouTubers behind the hugely popular Cullen Hateberry channel are teaming up with Thailand’s national parks for an exciting venture to boost tourism. Atthaphon Charoenchansa, the director general of the National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation Department (DNP), revealed the intriguing collaboration that is set to unfold in the coming year. “We’ve reached out to the Cullen Hateberry channel,…
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Thailand’s Louis Tussaud wax museum to unveil lifelike King Charles III figure
Following the resounding success of the Joe Biden wax figure debut last year, the Royal Dynasty room at Louis Tussaud’s is unveiling a life-size wax figure of the British monarch King Charles III. Nestled within the Royal Garden Plaza Pattaya shopping center in Chon Buri province, this cultural hotspot promises an unparalleled display of regal wax royalty. King Charles III,…
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Pregnant Thai woman with autism accuses father of raping her
A pregnant Thai woman with autism accused her biological father of raping her. The accused father denied the allegation, and other family members were not convinced. A Thai man named Lek urged a news Facebook page, ZOOM Rayong, to help his neighbour, his 22 year old neighbour with autism, saying she was raped by her 56 year old father. Lek…
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Thailand tourism: 10 provinces elevated to first tier attractions
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has handpicked 10 second-tier provinces to be promoted as first-tier tourist hotspots on December 26. This strategic initiative, concocted in collaboration with the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand, is set to revolutionise the tourism landscape. The chosen provinces, brimming with untapped potential, include Phrae, Lampang, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Phanom,…
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Huge deficit in 2025 fiscal year
The government has laid bare its plans for the 2025 fiscal year, unveiling a colossal budget deficit of 713 billion baht. This unprecedented move comes hand in hand with a staggering increase in spending, soaring to 3.6 trillion baht, leaving citizens and experts alike scratching their heads. The ambitious forecast also includes a predicted gross domestic product (GDP) growth of…
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New year’s travel surge causes traffic on Nakhon Ratchasima bypass
As the New Year celebration kicks off, citizens embark on a journey back to their hometowns in the Northeast region of Thailand. This has resulted in heavy traffic congestion on the bypass road around Nakhon Ratchasima, extending over one kilometre. However, the M6 Motorway has effectively alleviated inner city traffic. Around 8am, the continuous stream of people travelling back to…
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Chiang Mai: Thai scientists discover edible mushrooms
A team of scientists from the Center of Excellence for Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilisation at Chiang Mai University has unveiled two new species of mushrooms— Russula pseudomodesta and Russula sribuabanensis, in northern Thailand. Led by Dr Nakarin Suwannarat, Dr Jaturong Khamla, Professor Emeritus Dr Saisamorn Lamyong, and Dr Soumitra Paloi, the researchers, in collaboration with Prof Dr Samantha C.…
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2 Thai women die after their SUV crashes into parked truck
Two Thai women died when their SUV crashed into a parked truck on Rattanathibet Road in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok yesterday, December 27. Bang Bua Thong Police Station officers investigated the accident on the Rattanathibet Road at around 3pm yesterday. At the scene, officers discovered that a white Toyota SUV crashed into the back of a 10-wheel Hino truck parked…
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Myanmar rescue operation frees 525 Thais from call scam gangs
A recent rescue operation in Laukkaing town, northern Myanmar, freed 525 Thais from the clutches of call scam gangs. However, only one-third of them were identified as actual victims of human trafficking. The revelation was made during a teleconference between Deputy National Police Chief Surachate Hakparn, stationed in Bangkok, and senior police officials in Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of…
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Thai PM in talks at Mekong-Lancang video conference
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin catapulted Thailand into the heart of Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) during the 4th Leaders’ Meeting on December 25, seizing the virtual stage with an unprecedented proposal for a shared future of peace and prosperity. Government Spokesperson Chai Wacharonke set the tone, declaring the event under the theme, Join Hands on the Building of a Community of Shared…
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BOI unleashes green revolution to fight PM2.5
The Board of Investment’s (BOI) board of directors has given the green light to a comprehensive plan to combat PM2.5 particulate pollution. According to BOI Secretary-General Narit Therdsteerasukdi, a slew of measures has been approved to incentivise investments and drive positive change. The BOI’s strategy involves an expansive approach, extending support for community and social development through investment promotion. This…
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Thai teacher physically assaults 2 schoolboys, leaving one with broken ribs
A Thai teacher at a private school in the central province of Lop Buri physically assaulted two 12 year old schoolboys. One of the victims suffered broken ribs as a result of the assault. Parents of the two victims filed a complaint against the male teacher, Atisit Ninlanark, at Mueang Lop Buri Police Station yesterday, December 27. The parents reported…
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