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 5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
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Pattaya mayor’s surprise delivery transforms elderly woman’s life
The life of an elderly woman with limited mobility in Na Kluea, Bang Lamung district, Pattaya was dramatically changed when Mayor Poramet Ngampichet personally arrived at her doorstep with life-altering support. For 75 year old Wanram Singupatham, life had become a daily battle. Trapped in her modest Na Kluea home near Soi Bo Bae, her limited mobility and low income…
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Cigarette rites spark fiery debate among netizens in Thailand
A Thai man’s online query about the unusual practice of lighting cigarettes instead of incense sticks at funerals ignited a spirited discussion among netizens. On Monday, September 16, an anonymous user on the Facebook page Knowledge Around posed the question: “What does lighting cigarettes instead of incense at a funeral signify?” The post quickly went viral, attracting a flurry of…
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Phuket drug suspect nabbed in mangrove forest hideout
A Thai man wanted on serious drug charges was finally captured today after being tracked down to a remote mangrove forest in Pa Khlok subdistrict, Thalang district, Phuket. A police investigation team from Thalang Police, supported by local patrol officers, swooped in on the suspect’s hideout. The high-stakes raid, led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Suchart Luecha, Inspector of Investigation at…
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Pattaya Beach set to rock: Chon Buri music fest waves in the tunes
Pattaya Beach is about to be transformed into a musical paradise as the Chon Buri International Music Festival kicks off this weekend and continues the next. From 5pm to 11pm, Friday, September 20 through Sunday, September 22, music lovers can revel in a beachfront bonanza of sound and spectacle. And the best part? It’s absolutely free! Expect a star-studded lineup…
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Durian plantation owners busted for cheating electricity meters
More than 10 durian plantation owners in Khon Buri, Nakhon Ratchasima, have been caught red-handed in an electricity scam. A daring investigation by the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) exposed the scam after officials noticed suspiciously low electricity bills. The durian plantations, which typically cover between 32,000 and 48,000 square metres, were racking up bills of just 200 baht a month,…
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Finance Ministry set to cash in: £400bn portfolio gets a stock-over
In a bold new move, the Finance Ministry is gearing up to overhaul its colossal 400 billion baht stock portfolio, hinting at potential sell-offs. This announcement comes straight from Finance Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit, who let the cat out of the bag. Lavaron, a key player in the State Securities Management and Development Committee within the State Enterprise Policy Office…
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Virtual bank race: Five giants vie for digi-crown in Thailand
The race is heating up for the new virtual bank licences, with five heavyweight business groups ready to battle it out. Gulf consortium has already thrown its hat into the ring, according to Krungthai Bank (KTB) president Payong Srivanich. This power team includes Gulf Energy Development and PTT Group. Armed with a solid business plan and robust ecosystem that meets…
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Thailand banks could be forced to share hacking costs
Thailand’s Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Prasert Chantararuangthong has thrown his weight behind a groundbreaking proposal that could see commercial banks sharing the financial burden when their customers’ accounts are hacked. Prasert, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister, publicly backed opposition MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn’s suggestion during a heated House debate. Wiroj, from the People’s Party, argued that banks…
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Prawit’s leaked audio drama: Secret ambitions exposed?
An aide to Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader General Prawit Wongsuwan filed a police complaint against two high-profile figures for allegedly leaking a bombshell phone conversation. The explosive recording, which Prawit previously dismissed as a doctored or AI-manipulated fake, has now landed two individuals in hot water. PPRP Secretary-General Paibul Nititawan took the reins, filing the complaint today at Hua…
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Covid-19 now just flu-ing under the radar, says Thai virologist
Covid-19 is officially being treated like any run-of-the-mill respiratory illness, claims Dr Yong Poovorawan, a leading virologist from Chulalongkorn University. This dramatic shift comes as case numbers tumble and symptoms become milder. In a Facebook post yesterday, Dr Yong revealed that this year’s Covid-19 cases are on a clear downward trajectory. At the start of the rainy season, Covid-19 made…
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Snakes alive: Thai woman battles 4-metre python in Samut Prakan
A quiet night turned into a nightmare for a woman in Samut Prakan province when a 4-metre-long python wrapped itself around her for nearly two hours, leaving her fighting for her life. The woman, 64 year old Arrom Arunroj, had just finished her dinner and was washing dishes at the back of her house, located near a dense reed forest…
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Ex Pathum Thani PAO official faces warrant after court no-show
The Saraburi Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct issued an arrest warrant for a former Pathum Thani Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) official who failed to attend a court session regarding a corruption case. The court has rescheduled the hearing for October 24. Yesterday, September 17, the Saraburi Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct was set to deliver a verdict in…
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Thai influencer injured in accident during flood relief in Nong Khai
A Thai influencer was injured in a car accident while assisting with flood relief efforts in Nong Khai, causing concern among fans. Updates on his condition are expected tomorrow. Sungstarwin, whose real name is Starwin, experienced a serious car accident while on his way to help flood victims in the Phon Phisai area. The incident occurred amidst ongoing flooding issues…
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Bangkok joins 30-baht healthcare scheme with 6 billion baht budget
A budget allocation of 5.9 billion baht has been approved to support the 30-baht healthcare scheme, which will now extend to Bangkok, making it the 46th province in the programme. The project will be officially launched on September 27. The announcement was made at the National Health Security Office (NHSO) in Bangkok, where Jadej Thamatachaaree, Secretary-General of the NHSO, explained…
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Flooding in Thailand reduced to 13 provinces, 45 dead, 24 injured
Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) initially reported that 30 provinces experienced flooding but it has now reduced to 13 provinces. Some 45 people have died, and 24 sustained injuries. Efforts are ongoing to assist those affected and alleviate public distress. The floods, which occurred between August 16 and yesterday, impacted 30 provinces including Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai,…
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Thailand to give digital money to vulnerable groups via PromptPay
Thailand announced a significant economic stimulus package targeting vulnerable groups, including those with disabilities and state welfare cardholders. Starting Wednesday, September 25, the government will distribute 10,000 baht per person through the PromptPay system. The initiative, approved by the Cabinet for the 2024 economic stimulus plan, aims to support 14.55 million recipients. The distribution will be managed by the Comptroller…
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Capella Bangkok named World’s Best Hotel 2024
Capella Bangkok has taken the hospitality world by storm, claiming the coveted top spot on The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024 list. Leaping from No.11 in 2023 to No.1 this year, the hotel not only tops the global rankings but also secures the title of Best Hotel in Asia. Since its 2020 opening, the riverside retreat has charmed guests with…
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Thailand unveils transport development policy to boost infrastructure
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit unveiled an extensive policy for the country’s transport infrastructure development, aiming for improvements across short, medium, and long-term phases. During a meeting with transport organisations under the Paetongtarn Shinawatra administration, Suriya, along with his two deputies, presented a strategic policy guideline encompassing nine key points to be executed in three distinct phases. Suriya emphasised the need…
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Egg-cellent gratitude: Lottery winner hatches a plan with 900 eggs
A Thai woman who won the lottery with 87 tickets offered 900 chicken eggs as a form of gratitude. She previously won five second-prize tickets and revealed the source of her lucky numbers. Following the announcement of the government lottery results for September 16, the winning numbers for the first prize were 608662, and the two-digit ending was 37. Many…
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Southern residents protest SEC bills, oppose Land Bridge project
Southern residents are urging the government to revoke two Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) bills and abandon the Land Bridge megaproject, claiming these initiatives will drastically alter their way of life. Approximately 50 members of the Phato-Ranong Conservation Network convened at the Bhumjaithai Party headquarters in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district yesterday, calling for the party to retract the two bills it had…
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TAT launches three-city roadshow in Indonesia
Thailand is turning up the heat on its tourism campaign in Indonesia with an exciting new initiative. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is bringing its Amazing Thailand Road Show to Indonesia 2024 to three Indonesian cities (Medan, Jakarta, and Bali) in a bid to solidify its spot as the top holiday destination for Indonesian travellers. Kicking off tomorrow, September…
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Minibus drivers clash on Phahonyothin Road causing major traffic jam
Two minibus drivers clashed in the middle of Phahonyothin Road, near Khu Khot, Lam Luk Ka, causing a severe traffic jam and forcing passengers to flee. This incident occurred yesterday, September 17, around 8am, leading to a disruption in the traffic flow towards Bangkok. The altercation involved a white BMTA minibus on the Chatuchak-Thammasat University route and an interprovincial minibus…
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Thailand launches halal app to boost Muslim tourism
Muslim tourists in Thailand can now explore the country without a hitch, thanks to the newly launched Halal Route app. Developed by the Halal Science Centre at Chulalongkorn University, this game-changing app offers a comprehensive guide to halal-friendly restaurants, hotels, mosques, and even prayer locations. As Islamic tourism booms globally, with a predicted 168 million Muslim tourists this year, Thailand…
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Found fortune: Udon Thani man proves cash can’t buy character
A young man working at the VT Naem Nueang restaurant in Udon Thani has become a local hero after discovering a whopping 100,000 baht in cash lying on the street. Instead of pocketing the cash, he bravely handed it over to the police, hoping to reunite the money with its rightful owner, though he confessed he was seriously tempted to…
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Headless corpse found in flood shelter in Nong Khai
A woman intending to open her home for flood victims discovered the headless corpse of a man in a state of advanced decomposition submerged in water. Police have not yet identified the deceased, and no missing person reports have been filed in the area. Police Lieutenant Netipong Jamnongnit from Tha Bo Police Station in Nong Khai province was informed of…
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Burmese binman killed in horrific Patong crash
A Burmese binman tragically lost his life in a three-vehicle crash in front of Wat Suwan Kiriwong School in Patong in the early hours of yesterday morning. The incident unfolded around 5am, yesterday, September 17 on Phra Barami Road, just 370 metres from Wat Patong. The victim, identified as Myanmar national Aung Aung, was a garbage collector employed by Patong Municipality.…
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Woman tricked into 10 million baht debt after friend’s betrayal
A 41 year old woman devastated by the betrayal of a close acquaintance has found herself burdened with over 10 million baht in debt after her personal information was used to secure loans. She appeals to the police for justice and help. Krisyaniporn, from Sankhaburi in Chai Nat province, tearfully recounted her ordeal. She explained that a woman named Mat,…
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Thailand video news | Pakistani tourist scammed in US$900 Pattaya beach heist, Thailand’s new visa rules: game-changer or red tape?
In Thailand video news, Jay covered various news stories from across Thailand. From a Pakistani tourist scammed out of US$900 on Pattaya Beach to Thailand’s new visa regulations sparking debate, they’ll dive into key issues affecting locals and visitors alike. Also in the news, the tragic death of a man harassed by an illegal chicken farm in Nakhon Ratchasima, and…
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7,300 unsafe Chinese bug repellent devices seized in Bangkok
Police confiscated approximately 7,300 Chinese-made plug-in bug-repellent devices from three separate warehouses in Bangkok, citing potential health hazards and fire risks. The devices were discovered yesterday, September 17, in warehouses located on Sukhumvit Soi 54 in Phra Khanong district, Thian Thale Soi 20 in Bang Khun Thian, and a commercial building at Sampeng 2 market on Kanlapaphruek Road in Bang…
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Pattaya’s park and spark: New parking plan kicks off on South Road
Pattaya City is preparing to introduce new parking areas, beginning with a pilot programme on Pattaya South Road. Deputy Mayor Wuttisak Rermkijakarn chaired a meeting yesterday with officials responsible for organising parking in the city. The meeting included city council members and traffic police from Pattaya and Bang Lamung police stations. Following the discussions, Wuttisak revealed that the city council…
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