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 How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
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Asia-Pacific consumers to boost health and wellness spending post-pandemic
A recent survey reveals that approximately 70% of consumers in the Asia-Pacific region are prepared to increase their expenditure on health and wellness products, as the pandemic has heightened health consciousness. The study called the Asia-Pacific Health Priority Survey, was carried out by US supplement distributor Herbalife and highlighted a particularly strong interest in health improvement in Southeast Asia, specifically…
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Chinese driver injures three in Pattaya road accident, faces charges
A road accident in Pattaya resulted in injuries to three Thai nationals, including a 74 year old woman, after a Chinese woman’s car collided with their vehicles. The incident occurred yesterday, May 30, on Sukhumvit Road, inbound to Sattahip in Chonburi province. Na Jomtien Police and rescue workers from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation were promptly dispatched to the scene…
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Teenager dies in Pattaya motorbike accident amid rainy conditions
A teenage motorcyclist tragically lost his life in an accident while driving home during rainfall in the early hours of this morning. Pattaya Police were alerted to the incident at 2.20am today and promptly arrived at Sukhumvit Road in the Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung District, Chon Buri province, to attend to the victim. Upon reaching the scene, authorities discovered a damaged red…
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Jackpot winner strikes gold with 19 lottery tickets after visit to Tiger Shrine
A lucky Thai man scooped a 114 million baht jackpot after buying 19 digital lottery tickets, following a visit to the renowned Tiger Shrine on the shrine’s opening day. He later returned to perform a ritual with his family, seeking blessings and good fortune. The Thanakhan Phoem Bun Foundation, a major philanthropic organisation managing the Tiger Shrine, shared photographs and…
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Student denied college interview over methamphetamine vindicated by second test
The 19 year old student from Khon Kaen who was initially deemed ineligible for a college interview test due to a positive methamphetamine test has now been cleared after a second test came back negative. The family plans to submit the blood test results to Khon Kaen University’s Faculty of Pharmacy to confirm her eligibility for the interview test. Last week, Anama…
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Alcohol ban in Thailand on June 3 for Visakha Bucha and royal visit
A nationwide alcohol ban will be enforced in Thailand this Saturday, June 3, in observance of the Buddhist holiday Visakha Bucha. The ban coincides with a royal visit to Phuket by King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana, celebrating Her Majesty’s birthday. Visakha Bucha commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Prince Siddhartha, which all occurred on the same date,…
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China snubs US invitation for defence meeting in Singapore
China rejected a US proposal for a meeting in Singapore between Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu, according to the Pentagon. The refusal to engage in military-to-military discussions raised concerns but the US Department of Defence remains committed to pursuing open lines of communication with the People’s Liberation Army. Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder said……
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Ex-Chinese CDC head: Don’t rule out Covid lab leak theory
The possibility of the Covid virus leaking from a laboratory should not be dismissed, according to a former leading Chinese government scientist. Prof George Gao, who was once the head of China’s Centre for Disease Control (CDC), played a crucial role in the pandemic response and efforts to trace its origins. While the Chinese government denies any suggestion that the…
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IRA agent Stakeknife admits to killing informer in uncovered 1990 court document
A BBC investigation has revealed that Freddie Scappaticci, the man believed to have been one of the British Army’s top agents within the IRA, admitted in 1990 to shooting a suspected informer. Scappaticci, who passed away in April, consistently denied being the agent known as Stakeknife. He is suspected of being involved in over 20 murders during the Troubles in…
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UK homeless charity St Mungo’s staff strike over pitiful 2.25% pay rise dispute
Homeless charity St Mungo’s is facing a month-long strike from its staff, beginning today, as workers protest against what they consider an insufficient pay increase. Unite union members will form picket lines outside the charity’s offices in London, Brighton, Bristol, and Oxford. According to the union, the employees are “taking a stand” following a “pitiful” offer of a 2.25% pay…
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UK supermarket inflation hits 9% due to coffee, chocolate, and non-food goods
Inflation at UK supermarkets reached a new peak in the year to May, driven by the rising cost of commodities such as coffee, chocolate, and non-food items. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) and NielsenIQ reported that overall inflation at grocers climbed to 9%. Although fresh food prices have experienced a slight decrease, the government is considering asking supermarkets to cap…
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Bangkok bids to host World Pride 2023, promoting LGBTQ+ acceptance
Bangkok is preparing to host the highly anticipated World Pride event in 2028, with Move Forward Party (MFP) leader and deputy prime minister Pita Limjaroenrat unveiling the ‘Road to Bangkok Pride 2023’ campaign. This landmark event aims to celebrate diversity, foster equality, and establish Thailand as a premier LGBTQ+ tourism destination. After Sydney, Washington D.C., and Amsterdam, MFP leader Pita…
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Thailand’s Cannabis Future Network warns parties against reinstating plant as narcotic
The Cannabis Future Network in Thailand has called upon three alliance parties not to reinstate cannabis as a narcotic drug, referring to the decision as “getting the first shirt button wrong” and potentially leading to further issues. The network leader, Prasitchai Nunual, expressed his concerns on their Facebook fan page, stating that the ad-hoc committee responsible for discussing the removal…
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China rotates crew on fully operational space station, sends first civilian
China has successfully launched three astronauts, including its first civilian scientist, to its fully operational space station as part of a crew rotation. The Shenzhou-16 spacecraft, carrying commander Jing Haipeng, engineer Zhu Yangzhu, and Beihang University professor Gui Haichao, lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the Gobi Desert. The mission aims to conduct large-scale, in-orbit experiments, studying…
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Surat Thani sees 155% increase in international visitors, boosting revenue
Surat Thani sees a significant increase in international tourists, with over 1.5 million visitors arriving in the province so far this year, a 155% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the provincial governor. Governor Witchawut Jinto announced that since January, the province has welcomed a total of 2.05 million visitors, with 1.5 million being international tourists.…
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China aims for moon landing by 2030, expands space station
China announced plans to send astronauts to the moon before 2023 while also expanding its space station. Today, a live broadcast will cover the launch of a spacecraft at 8.31am Thai time, carrying three Chinese astronauts. Tensions between China and the United States have intensified in various spheres, among them the competitive nature of their respective space industries. The US…
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Unemployed man found dead in vehicle amid struggle with depression
A 42 year old unemployed man was found dead in his pickup truck near Rama III Road, Soi 41, Yan Nawa district, Bangkok, reportedly suffering from depression. The initial investigation reveals he has been unemployed for almost a year and had a history of depression. At around 10pm yesterday, local authorities in the Bang Phongpang, Yannawa district received reports of…
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Fortune teller reveals lucky lottery numbers, thrilling hopeful crowds
The Thevada Fortune Teller‘s office in Rayong held a ceremony, where locals sought blessings for luck after winning significant lottery prizes in the past. The auspicious numbers revealing event mesmerized the attendees. The ceremony took place at Thevada Fortune Teller office located along BanKhai-BanBueng road in Nong Bua, Ban Khai District, Rayong. Niruth Lamdapwong, Thevada Fortune Teller (Psychic Communicator with…
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Bangkok deluge: Heavy rain floods city, prepares for monsoon season
Bangkok yesterday was hit by heavy rainfall, with Bang Khun Thian district receiving the most with 124 millimetres, causing flooding in seven locations. As the rainy season is imminent in Thailand, officials revealed they are prepared to support residents affected by the flooding. In the past 24 hours, several areas in Bangkok experienced moderate to heavy rain, with the Bang…
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Tragic school knife fight claims life and leaves three injured in northeast Thailand
A devastating incident unfolded at a renowned school in Sisaket province, northeast Thailand, as a confrontation between seventh and eighth-grade students escalated into a fatal knife fight, resulting in one fatality and three injuries. The school promptly informed the police, who started an investigation to pursue legal measures. Yesterday, May 29, amidst the sombre atmosphere of grieving teenage students, a…
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Venice’s Grand Canal turns fluorescent green, sparking health fears and mystery
Venice’s renowned Grand Canal turned bright green recently, generating concerns for residents and tourists alike. Local authorities are investigating the cause, while environmental experts conduct water testing to determine the potential harm to public health. This is not the first time the canal’s waters have changed colour, with similar incidents occurring in the past. A photograph shared by Luca Zaia,…
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North Korea to launch military satellite amid US-South Korea drills
North Korea is set to launch its first military reconnaissance satellite in June, aiming to monitor US military activities in real-time, according to state media KCNA. Ri Pyong Chol, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers’ Party, criticised joint military exercises conducted by the United States and South Korea, describing them as displays of “reckless ambition for…
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Canadian boxer accuses Thai restaurant of poisoning him
A Canadian boxer accused a Thai restaurant of poisoning him because of a previous insult to Muay Thai. The boxer, Dave Leduc, took to Facebook on Sunday, May 28, to share selfies with captions written in Burmese and Cambodian languages. Apologising for not responding to all the messages, Leduc stated that he had been in the hospital for two days.…
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Nato condemns Kosovo attacks as peacekeepers clash with Serb protesters
NATO has criticised the recent attacks on its peacekeepers in Kosovo, calling them “totally unacceptable.” Clashes erupted between police, NATO troops, and Serb demonstrators in the north of the country, resulting in injuries to approximately 25 peacekeepers. The unrest is connected to the installation of ethnic Albanian mayors, which has sparked tensions in the region. In Zvecan, tear gas and…
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Singapore’s private home prices soar to US$1.2 million, topping Asia Pacific cities
The median price of a private home in Singapore reached US$1.2 million in 2022, making it the highest among Asia Pacific cities, according to a report by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Asia Pacific Centre for Housing. Singapore is also ranked as the most expensive city in the region for renting a private home. The median private home price in…
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Pattaya bar owner faces loan shark threats forcing staff to undress for debt money
A bar owner in Pattaya reported a violent debt-collecting gang to the local police after facing harassment and threats from 14 different loan providers. The 31 year old woman was forced to borrow money from various lenders for financial troubles, accumulating around 800,000 baht (US$23,100) in debt, with a daily interest payment of 30,000 baht (US$870). The bar owner, Daranee…
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Japan prime minister’s son to resign amid scandal of staged news conference photos
The son of Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Shotaro Kishida, will resign as his father’s aide following a scandal involving photographs of him and other family members pretending to hold a news conference at the official residence. The prime minister announced the decision, stating that his son’s behaviour was “inappropriate” for someone in an official position. Last week, a weekly…
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Thai man set on fire by cousin in drug-related dispute
A Thai man suffered serious injuries after his cousin intentionally set him on fire at his home in the northern province of Chaing Rai at night on May 28. The perpetrator’s girlfriend revealed that the violent act was motivated by a drug-related dispute. The incident took place in a residential area belonging to the Akha ethnic community, situated in the…
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Italian intelligence agents among Lake Maggiore boat disaster victims
A tragic boating incident on Lake Maggiore in northern Italy claimed the lives of four individuals, including two Italian intelligence agents and a retired Israeli security forces member. The victims were identified as Claudio Alonzi, 62 years old, Tiziana Barnobi, 53 years old, and Shimoni Erez, 60 years old. The fourth victim was Anya Bozhkova, the 50-year-old Russian wife of…
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Korean War hero’s remains returned to family after 73 years
After 73 years, the remains of a US soldier who perished in the Korean War have finally been returned to his family for burial. Army Cpl Luther Herschel Story was just 18 years old when he was presumed killed in action on September 1, 1950, after being wounded while covering his company’s retreat. Although his remains were found about a…
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