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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Myanmar ambassador attends memorial for Siam Paragon shooting victim
The solemn atmosphere of the Phasukmanee Chak Temple in Ban Mai, Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, deepened on the second night of the memorial service for Momin, also known as Nong Tawan (her Thai name). Momin, a Myanmar woman, tragically lost her life in the Siam Paragon shooting incident on October 3. The ceremony was attended by her work colleagues and employer,…
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ERC approves new tariff, reducing Thailand’s electricity costs
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) approved a new electricity tariff of 3.99 baht per kilowatt-hour, a reduction aimed at decreasing power bills for households and businesses for the remaining four months of this year. This change is a response to the government’s energy price policies. In its initial meeting on September 13, the Cabinet agreed to lower the electricity tariff…
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Outbound travel market resilient despite weakening baht and fluctuating forex
Despite the weakening baht and fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates, the outbound travel market is predicted to remain stable. This is largely due to the fact that potential tourists, possessing the necessary purchasing power, are prepared for travel in the cooler season, coupled with the fact that airlines are increasing flights. Chotechuang Soorangura, the vice president of the Thai Travel…
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Industrial estates in Thailand surge 182% due to foreign manufacturing influx
Industrial land sales in Thailand, managed by the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT), witnessed a dramatic rise of 182% year on year in fiscal this year, totalling 5,693 rai. This substantial increase was due to the migration of foreign manufacturing plants to Thailand and the country’s government’s investment incentives. The sales figures surpassed the previously projected target of 2,500…
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Shocking telephone junction box theft attempt turns deadly for Thai men
Two Thai men who attempted to steal a telephone junction box this morning met a tragic end due to a fatal electric shock. Their lifeless bodies were discovered at 6am today beside their Isuzu pickup truck in Soi Suksawat 62, Bang Mot, Thung Khru, Bangkok. The individuals have been identified as 44 year old Somchok and 63 year old Kamphon.…
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Thai Defence Ministry prioritises flood response in annual fiscal policy
The Ministry of Defence in Thailand recently put forth a directive highlighting the urgency of flood response preparations by military units. This announcement followed a Defense Council gathering that outlined the yearly fiscal policy under the jurisdiction of the Defense Ministry. The goal is to bolster administration efficiency and smooth functioning within the ministry. A crucial aspect of this policy…
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Facebook live bust: Rogue doctor injects trouble with counterfeit cosmetics in Thailand
A rogue doctor has been apprehended in action during a live Facebook session, following allegations of injecting counterfeit substances that caused severe facial damage to victims. The arrest operation was conducted by authorities, led by Bunlue Pudngtun, the Deputy Chief of Police, alongside Sravut Jantawong, the Commander 2nd Division, and Pratch Manadech, the Director of the 2nd Division, on October…
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Couldn’t give a rats: Chinese passengers smuggle animals onboard Bangkok-Taipei flight
Thailand’s VietJet Air found itself in a ‘wild’ situation when some Chinese passengers, who did not give a rats, attempted to smuggle a menagerie of animals onto a flight from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport to Tao Yuan International Airport in Taipei, Taiwan. The covert cargo included a white rat, an otter, snakes, and various other critters, which the flight attendants…
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Rise in Thai gun ownership raises alarm after Siam Paragon murders
The tragic shooting which claimed the lives of two women at the Siam Paragon shopping mall in Bangkok sparked public concern over how a young man could obtain firearms. More startling was the discovery of a trove of guns and ammunition at the young man’s residence, along with videos of him expertly demonstrating gun use. This incident has raised questions…
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Thai police ‘tourist-trap’ scammer nabbed: Hundreds of thousands in baht swindled
A recent raid by the Thai police led to the arrest of a 52 year old man who is accused of scamming unsuspecting victims out of several hundred thousand baht through a fraudulent tour operation. The Thai man’s arrest occurred yesterday at a Surat Thani residence. A concerted effort by law enforcement, spearheaded by officers from the 5th Crime Suppression…
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Thai patient’s ‘threesome’ encounter sparks mpox alert in northern Thailand
A Thai patient visited an entertainment venue in Chaing Mai and allegedly admitted to having a threesome with two foreigners, subsequently testing positive for mpox. The Lamphun Provincial Public Health Office confirmed the latest mpox case in Thailand yesterday, October 4, marking it as the province’s first recorded instance. Provincial public health doctor Suriyapong Suriyapongtakun reported today, October 5, that…
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Fin-tastic feast: Seafood sensation set to make waves in Sri Racha
In the coastal district of Sri Racha, a fin-tastic feast is on the horizon as the year-end seafood festival gears up to tantalize taste buds from tomorrow until October 8. The Sri Racha Clean Food & Seafood Festival 2023, an eagerly awaited annual event, will be hosted on the third floor of the Central Sri Racha Shopping Centre. Seafood enthusiasts…
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Amulet credited: Thai man’s ‘tree-mendous’ fall sparks belief in ‘nine lives’ miracle
In a ‘tree-mendous’ twist of fate, a Thai man has defied gravity and emerged unscathed after a heart-stopping fall from a towering 15-metre tree. The astonishing survival has led both the victim’s mother and astonished locals to believe he possesses an incredible nine lives, seemingly protected by a Buddha amulet he wore. The resilient 48 year old, Amnuay Siriwaew, embarked…
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Rare sun bear cub arrives, ‘pawsitively’ brightening the day at Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo
In a ‘bear-y’ rare occurrence, a one-month-old sun bear, a species on the brink of extinction and under protection, has been joyfully welcomed at Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo Zoo director, Thanachon Khensing, shared the news of the cub’s arrival today, October 5, stating that the young bear is robust and in good health. Its parents, both sun bears aged 10 years,…
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Heavy rain refrain: TMD issues another stormy warning for Thailand
Thailand Meteorological Department (TMD) issued yet another alarming warning today to 40 provinces across Thailand, cautioning against continuous heavy rain. The central region is bearing the brunt of the deluge, with 80% of the area experiencing significant downpours. As the capital city remains waterlogged, the public in Bangkok is urged to remain vigilant against potential dangers. Today the TMD forecasted…
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Bangkok police seek warrants in Siam Paragon shooting case
The diligent efforts of the Yannawa Station Police officers are currently focused on compiling substantial evidence to secure arrest warrants for three individuals embroiled in the grave incident which resulted in two deaths and five injuries. These individuals are alleged to have engaged in the illicit sale of a blank gun to a 14 year old boy, a transaction that…
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Global stocks take a rollercoaster ride as investors chase ‘oil-usive’ recovery
Global stocks experienced a mixed performance yesterday, as investors sought recovery from the significant drop in the previous session, induced by a sharp dip in oil prices. The 10-year US Treasury note, which reached a 16-year high on Tuesday, experienced a retreat after a disappointing US recruitment report surfaced. Adam Sarhan of 50 Park Investments stated that investors are entering…
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Bangkok bust: CIB officers nab 18,000 imported sex toys, couple faces sticky situation
Officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) embarked on a rather titillating mission at a luxury house in Bangkok‘s Lat Krabang district yesterday where they seized 18,000 sex toys imported from China. A Chinese man and his Thai wife were arrested for illegally importing and selling sex toys. Patthawit Wongpinit, director of the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD), told Channel…
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TikTok user spends 13 hours locked in bathroom (video)
A TikTok user, known as tncybss, was trapped in a bathroom for a staggering 13 hours, from 4pm until 11am the following day. Despite attempts to follow YouTube tutorials to free herself by removing the doorknob, she was unable to unlock the door and eventually had to resort to breaking through it. The incident started at 4pm when the user…
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JSCCIB for water: Thai committee floats idea to dip into digital wallet funds for H2O solutions
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) proposed that the Thai government allocate a portion of its 560 billion baht digital wallet scheme budget towards supporting water management plans. The committee argues that Thailand needs immediate and long-term solutions to deal with flooding and drought, which is forecasted to affect the agricultural sector due to El Niño-induced…
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Thai PM vows enhanced security after deadly Siam Paragon shooting
Two people, both foreign nationals, met their unfortunate end while five others sustained injuries in a shocking shooting incident at the Siam Paragon shopping mall on Tuesday. In response to the tragic event, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin directed various state agencies to enhance security precautions to avert future occurrences. The 61 year old Srettha took to Twitter to express his…
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Thai teacher accused of assaulting student, mother demands justice in Thailand
A shocking incident unfolded in the district of Phran Kratai, Kamphaeng Phet, as a secondary school teacher was accused of physically assaulting a 13 year old student. The incident, captured in a 20-second video clip, was brought to the attention of the media by the 44 year old victim’s mother, Sathip. The video reveals the teacher, identified only by his…
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Thailand’s tourism ministry to compensate shooting victims amid regulatory gap
The aftermath of the recent Siam Paragon shooting has unveiled an apparent regulatory gap in Thailand’s support mechanism for distressed tourists. A previous government disbanded the Foreign Tourists Assistance Fund – a safety net providing financial aid for tourists in times of adversity, and a replacement source of funding had not been set in place. The Tourism and Sports Ministry,…
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Siam Paragon shooting prompts new mental health unit
A new mental health consultation unit, established to assist individuals emotionally distressed by the recent fatal shooting in Siam Paragon, started operations yesterday. The tragic incident, involving a teenage boy who killed two women, left many feeling traumatised and in need of psychological support. Amporn Benjaponpitak, the leading authority of the Department of Mental Health, revealed that she, along with…
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Ayutthaya builds dykes to protect homes amid rising Chao Phraya River levels
The fast-rising waters of the Chao Phraya River have led to the construction of dykes along its banks in the province of Ayutthaya. There is a growing concern that the swelling river may overflow, potentially flooding homes and historical landmarks. The Chao Phraya River’s rising levels are attributed to an increased water volume from upstream provinces. However, on Wednesday, it…
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Thai defence minister proposes public distribution of military-owned land
Sutin Klungsang, the Defence Minister, put forth a proposition to distribute some military-owned land to the local populace, as part of the governmental strategy to modernise the armed forces. This was revealed by the Defence Ministry’s spokesperson, Thanitpong Sirisawetsak, post a Defence Council meeting. The 62 year old Sutin presented policies to the ministry’s department heads and the leaders of…
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Thai man murders wife’s ex-husband after seeing them have sex in Chiang Mai
An outraged Thai man allegedly murdered his wife’s ex-husband after he caught her having sex with him last night in the northern province of Chaing Mai. The killer’s 16 year old son reportedly took part in the gruesome murder. Jom Thong Police Station officers and the Intanon Rescue Team rushed to the rented room in the Jom Thong district of…
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Fuelled for trouble: Police pickup Thai thief’s cross-province chase ends in arrest
A young man sparked a cross-province chase after stealing a police pickup truck from a station in Phichit and fleeing to a petrol station where he fuelled up and left without paying. The incident, which took place today, ended in Sing Buri, where the police finally apprehended the suspect. The director of Bueng Na Rang Police Station in Phichit revealed…
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Thailand’s firearm frenzy: Tops ASEAN in guns, 13th in global tragedy
Thailand has the most firearms in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and lies 13th in the world for the most firearm deaths according to Switzerland’s Small Arms Survey (SAS). Following yesterday’s shooting at the Siam Paragon mall in Bangkok, questions have been raised about the ease with which Thais can access and own guns. Locals say that Thai…
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Critical look at emergency alert systems: Thai agencies lag behind global counterparts
The Cell Broadcast or the modern Emergency Alert System has become a crucial tool for many countries around the world in times of crises that affect public safety. This mobile phone-based warning system, compatible with 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G, is used by various governments globally to issue wide-ranging emergency alerts or disaster situations. Cell Broadcast is a method of sending…
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