News
Thailand news, politics, business, crime, lifestyle, and tourism—stay updated with breaking news and in-depth analysis from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond. The Thaiger delivers the latest national news that matters.
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Sponsored Thinking of retiring in Thailand long-term? Here’s your health checklist before the move
Thinking of retiring in Thailand long-term? Thailand is a popular choice for retirees because of its beautiful landscapes, warm climate, and affordable living. Cities like Chiang Mai and coastal areas offer a relaxed lifestyle with friendly communities. The country also...
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Thai man admits attempted rape of Chinese woman
Police arrested a Thai man for attempting to rape and murder a Chinese woman in Pattaya. The suspect confessed to the attempted rape charge but denied setting her on fire to kill her. The 29 year old Chinese victim, Meilin, filed a complaint at Nong Prue Police Station on February 18 that a Thai motorcycle rider offered her a ride…
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SET to tighten supervision of listed Thai firms starting March 25
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) announced plans to strengthen the supervision of its listed companies from March 25 onwards, as part of an initiative to reinforce their financial standing and provide detailed disclosure for investors. SET’s president, Pakorn Peetathawatchai, stated that the move aims to provide investors with clearer and more varied warning signs to alert them of potential…
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Coconut jelly waste transformed into billion-baht bonanza
Professor Hathaikarn Manuspiya and her team from Chulalongkorn University have turned coconut jelly waste into a goldmine of valuable food ingredients worth billions. In a bid to tackle food waste and revolutionise the circular economy, the team’s creation, dubbed Cello-Gum, promises to reshape industries and economies alike. Professor Hathaikarn, the mastermind behind the ingenious creation, hails from Chulalongkorn University’s Petroleum…
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OAG ready to seize 597 million baht from Chinese gang’s assets
In a significant move against financial crime, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is primed to seize assets amounting to nearly 596.58 million baht (US$16 million), previously impounded from a prominent Chinese gang on December 7, as stated by Wirun Chanthananan, the director-general of the OAG’s Department of Special Litigation (DoSL). The Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) has a timeframe…
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Satellite imagery to resolve Khao Yai National Park land dispute
In a bid to resolve the ongoing dispute over Sor Por Kor rights for land located inside Khao Yai National Park in Nakhon Ratchasima, the Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment ministries convened yesterday, February 20. They agreed to employ satellite imagery data from the Royal Thai Survey Department to determine the lawful owners of the contentious lands. Agriculture Minister Captain…
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Krabi rampage: Chinese woman blocks road, tries undress, bites cop
A Chinese woman went on a rampage in the southern province of Krabi after breaking up with her boyfriend. She blocked the road, attempted to undress, and bit a police officer on the arm. Mueang Krabi Police Station and Tourist Police officers tried to calm the 34 year old Chinese woman, Zhang Yanxin, after she startled motorists. Witnesses reported that…
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Thai man murders wife, hides her body in rubber plantation
A Thai man in Chachoengsao admitted to the brutal murder of his wife after her remains were found in a rubber plantation. Initially reporting her missing, the 33 year old man named Sirichai later disclosed the violent altercation that led to him taking 27 year old Chollada’s life yesterday, February 20, and attempting to conceal the crime by burning her…
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Thai opposition urges aid for Myanmar nationals fleeing conscription
The Thai government is being urged by opposition MP, Kannavee Suebsang, to extend humanitarian aid to Myanmar nationals escaping mandatory military service in their homeland. Kannavee, who represents the FAIR Party, highlighted that Myanmar’s military junta has recently paused the export of labourers to Thailand, with a usual daily influx of 700-800 workers now absent. Kannavee voiced his uncertainty regarding…
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PM Srettha urges bank of Thailand to consider interest rate cut
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed his concerns to the Bank of Thailand’s (BoT) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), suggesting an urgent meeting to discuss a potential cut in interest rates, rather than waiting until the scheduled April meeting. Following a recent Cabinet meeting, PM Srettha clarified that he hadn’t imposed any pressure on the secretary-general of the National Economic and Social…
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High airfares dampen Songkran holiday spirit
Despite the extended Songkran holiday, a surge in outbound trips is not anticipated, mainly due to high airfares and deflation risk concerns. This perspective comes from travel agents who predict that the 21-day Water Festival campaign is more likely to entice foreign tourists than the local market. Kriangphon Piyaekchai, the vice president of the Thai Travel Agents Association, explained that…
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Bank of Thailand explores credit guarantee schemes for SMEs
The Bank of Thailand is contemplating the establishment of credit guarantee schemes for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to enhance their access to bank loans. Suwannee Jatsadasak, assistant governor for the supervision group, stated that the central bank is analysing various credit guarantee schemes implemented in other countries, including Japan and Taiwan. These nations offer more extensive credit guarantee packages…
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Thai baht’s future forecast: Dollar domination looms on the horizon
Predictions by Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research) indicate a potential decline in the baht to 37 against the US dollar in the coming year. This anticipated depreciation is linked to a combination of a faltering Thai economy and a delay in American interest rate reductions, thereby placing the Thai currency under considerable strain. Kanjana Chockpisansin, K-Research’s head of banking and financial…
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Prohibition lifted on controversial Shakespeare Must Die film
The long-standing prohibition on the screening of the contentious film, Shakespeare Tong Tai (Shakespeare Must Die), was lifted by the Supreme Administrative Court yesterday, bringing an end to an 11-year ban. The court’s ruling also mandated the Film Screening Committee, informally known as the Censorship Department and operating under the preceding Culture Ministry, to provide financial compensation to the individuals…
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Burned human remains found linked to missing Prachinburi woman
Authorities in Prachinburi province are conducting a meticulous investigation after the discovery of human skeletal remains that had been burned in a rubber plantation. Nearby, a wrist with a bracelet resembling gold was found, which has led to speculation about the identity of the deceased. The coordinates of the last known location of Chollada Muthuras, commonly known as Nunn, aged…
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Thailand extends visa exemption for Kazakhstani tourists
The Thai Cabinet recently extended the visa exemption for Kazakhstani tourists by another six months. The exemption, which is now valid until August 31, is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to stimulate Thailand’s tourism sector. This move comes in the wake of an impressive surge in the number of Kazakhstani visitors, a trend that began after the government waived…
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Dutchman fined 14,000 baht by AI for scratching head whilst driving
A routine act of scratching his head while driving led to an unexpected fine for a Dutchman after an AI-powered traffic camera misinterpreted the gesture for using a mobile phone. Tim Hansen received a fine of 380 euros (14,000 baht) last November, sparking a debate on the efficacy of AI in law enforcement. Hansen was stunned to receive a traffic fine…
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10 year old boy drowns in Mekong River whirlpool
A tragic incident on the banks of the Mekong River claimed the life of a 10 year old boy whose body was discovered last Saturday, February 17, after being drawn into a whirlpool three days prior. Veerawat’s grandfather managed to rescue the boy’s sister but could not reach Veerawat in time. The local authorities in Ubon Ratchathani’s Khemarat district have…
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Ex-Man United and Liverpool stars swap stadiums for fairways
Former Manchester United and Liverpool football icons traded their legendary kits for golfing attire, hitting the lush greens of the prestigious Royal Hua Hin Golf Course in a star-studded get-together. The illustrious gathering, uniting luminaries from two of England’s footballing powerhouses, marked a delightful sojourn for the retired sports heroes, who basked not only in the challenges of Thailand’s oldest…
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Thailand extends visas to Kazakh tourists for six more months
Kazakh tourists will continue to enjoy a visa-free scheme in Thailand for an additional six months, following an extension by the Thai Cabinet. The exemption, applicable to those carrying Kazakhstani passports or equivalent documents, is now due to run from March 1 to August 31, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. “As per our records, each Kazakh tourist spends roughly…
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Cumbria couple relocates to Thailand, goes off-grid
In a tale of resilience and determination, a couple from Cumbria, in the United Kingdom made their dream of relocating to Thailand come true sooner than planned. Formerly entrenched in the bustling food and beverage scene of Cumbria, Ben and Anna battled through the pandemic’s harsh realities, fighting tooth and nail to keep their businesses afloat. “We were both working…
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Edinburgh Thai eatery’s 20-year business comes to an end
Phuket Pavilion, a renowned Thai eatery nestled across from the Playhouse Theatre on Union Street, Edinburgh, UK, closes its doors after over 20 years of operation. The announcement of the eatery’s permanent closure came via a sombre social media post, with a staff member expressing gratitude for 15-plus years of serving food. The once vibrant eatery now stands vacant, marked by…
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DSI offer 2 million baht reward for info on historic murder case
Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is offering a reward of 2 million baht in a bid to encourage anyone with any potentially helpful information to aid in the resolution of a long-standing murder case. The murder victim, Tomoko Kawashita from Japan, was only 27 years old when her life was tragically cut short in Sukhothai Thain 17 years ago.…
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Transwoman injures two women in Pattaya Beach attack
A transwoman reportedly attacked two women on Pattaya Beach at 4.36am on Saturday, February 17. The Sawang Boriboon Dhamma Sathan Rescue Foundation Radio Centre in Pattaya received distress calls on February 17, alerting authorities to a harrowing physical assault. Rushing to Soi 13, Pattaya Beach, Bang Lamuand ng, Chon Buri, rescue teams and local police uncovered a scene of horror. Two…
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Man nabbed for illegal otter trade in wildlife bust in Chachoengsao
Authorities in Chachoengsao province apprehended a 26 year old suspect for harbouring protected wildlife, including otters, in his possession. During the raid in Plaeng Yao district, law enforcement officers seized not only the carcasses of three soft-shelled turtles but also those of two pangolins from the suspect’s residence. The identity of the individual, however, remains undisclosed. The suspect is set…
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Algerian tourist nabs 20,000 baht amulet from Bangkok gold shop
An Algerian tourist has been apprehended and charged with the theft of a valuable amulet worth around 20,000 baht from a prestigious gold shop nestled in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district. The Algerian tourist was identified as Garou by Police Superintendent Police Colonel Santi Kornkasem of the Children and Women Protection Sub-Division. He was nabbed on Monday following an intense investigation triggered…
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PTTGC expands recycling operations focusing on opaque plastic containers
Thailand’s foremost petrochemical producer by capacity, PTT Global Chemical Plc (PTTGC), is broadening its recycling operations with a focus on opaque plastic containers, primarily bottles. This endeavour is part of the company’s newly introduced campaign aimed at fostering eco-friendly habits among the youth. The campaign constitutes the company’s second environmental initiative following its venture into recycling waste polyethene terephthalate (PET)…
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The holistic approach of Thai medicine and western medicine
Traditional Thai Medicine (TTM) has evolved over the centuries into a holistic health system that encompasses five diverse approaches: Internal Medicine, External Medicine, Spirit Medicine, Divination, and Buddhism. This natural and comprehensive approach to healthcare mirrors the development of Western medicine. Internal Medicine in TTM involves the use of herbs and diet, a practice that predates Western medicine’s shift to…
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Tibet Airlines confirms order for 50 jets from China’s Comac
Tibet Airlines, a Chinese carrier, confirmed an order for 40 C919 narrowbody jets and 10 ARJ21 regional jets from the state-owned Chinese plane manufacturer, Comac. This deal was finalised at a ceremony during the Singapore Airshow, a biennial commercial and defence-focused event. Before this deal, Tibet Airlines and Comac announced in December their plans to jointly research a version of…
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Phuket gears up for annual Makha Bucha national Buddhist holiday
The bustling town of Phuket is set to observe a moment of stillness as the main Phuket Immigration Office, alongside other government establishments, prepares to halt operations for the upcoming Makha Bucha national Buddhist holiday on Monday, February 26. This sacred holiday not only brings about a day of rest for public offices but also a countrywide prohibition on alcohol…
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Hua Hin: Elephant found dead in stream, intense conflict suspected
The lifeless body of an elephant was discovered in the waters in Huai Sat Yai, Hua Hin. The dead elephant is believed to have succumbed to brutal injuries inflicted during a fierce clash. Deputy Inspector Police Lieutenant Colonel Somphot Prayangam, stationed at Nong Plub Police Station in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan, received a distress call from 51 year old…
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