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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Thailand’s delayed 2024 budget bill presented in Parliament
The delayed budget bill for this year, amounting to 3.48 trillion baht (US$101.52 billion), was presented today by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin in the House of Representatives. This event marked the start of a three-day debate among lawmakers. PM Srettha emphasised the importance of the budget to Parliament. “The budget is crucial in moving the economy forward.”…
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Thai man surrenders after stabbing his wife’s lover to death
A Thai man surrendered to the police after he stabbed the lover of his wife to death outside a convenience store in the central province of Ratchaburi. Officers from the Ban Pong Police Station were called to investigate the death of the 67 year old Thai man named Wanchai outside a convenience store in the Ban Pong district of Ratchaburi…
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Essential ascent: Despite fiscal twists, analysts predict vital goods to drive economic lift-off
Despite the financial rollercoaster, essential goods are set to expand. Analysts declare that essential goods will help boost the economy. The Thai Chamber of Commerce’s recent survey predicts a 1.5% dip in purchasing power, attributed to escalating interest rates, inflation, and the lingering pandemic hangover. Undeterred, consumers are rallying around staples like food, beverages, personal care products, household items, and…
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Thai man surrenders to police following fatal assault on girlfriend
A 34 year old man today surrendered to local police in the Nonthaburi province of Thailand, following accusations of causing fatal injuries to his girlfriend. The incident took place at the Bang Sri Mueang Police Station, where the accused, Thanawat, was interrogated by law enforcement officials. The accused was brought to the station in the early hours by his relatives.…
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Understanding the risk of personal belongings during aircraft evacuations
Did you know that aircraft evacuations occur more frequently than you might think? These events bring to mind the fiery plane cases, similar to the Haneda Airport incident, underscoring the potentially life-threatening risks of personal belongings. Yesterday, January 2, an Airbus A-350 of Japan Airlines collided with a coastguard aircraft at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Japan. All 379 passengers and…
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Thailand’s triumph and tribulations: OECD report urges bold reforms
Thailand has made good economic recovery post-pandemic, with tourism as a major boost, however, a recent report from the Organisation for Co-operation and Development (OECD) highlights the need for bold reforms to solidify and extend this triumph. The second OECD Economic Survey of Thailand commends the nation for averting a severe economic downturn during the pandemic, crediting robust fiscal support.…
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Thailand’s interior ministry initiates nationwide waste bank scheme
The Ministry of Interior Thailand has launched a nationwide initiative, collaborating with 7,773 local administrative organisations (LAOs) across the country, to establish at least one waste bank in each LAO within 60 days. This scheme is part of a broader effort to improve environmental conditions and promote sustainable living among Thai citizens. Sutthipong Juljarern, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry…
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Special tactic: Thai police pays respect to buffaloes to clear road (video)
A great number of people have read the book or seen The Horse Whisperer movie, now get ready for the buffalo whisperer after a video shared by Bang Chan Police Station went viral showing a Thai officer whispering sweet nothings in the ears of two buffaloes blocking a road in Bangkok. The Horse Whisperer is a 1998 movie based on…
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Covid-19 cases skyrocket after new year holiday
As the world ushered in the new year with hope, statistics revealed a rapid surge in Covid-19 cases across Thailand, leaving experts scrambling for answers. The Covid wave is intensifying, sending shockwaves through the medical community. According to an epidemiologist from Chulalongkorn University, hospitalisations have soared by 7% compared to last week. Associate Professor Thira Woratanarat warns that respiratory problems linked…
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Surprise drug test at Phuket’s Ratsada Pier reveals shocking find
At the heart of Phuket‘s east coast, a pivotal marine tourism hub, Ratsada Pier, was the scene of a surprise drug testing operation today. The results revealed a shocking find – one out of the 18 boat captains and crew members tested had traces of drugs in their system. The harbour, also known as Rassada Harbour, is managed by Seatran…
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Japan’s devastating earthquake and plane crash: A double tragedy with increasing death toll
The death toll from the devastating 6.7-magnitude earthquake that rocked Japan’s central sea yesterday has risen to at least 62, with expectations of a further increase. The latest two victims were found in the city of Suzu, northeast of Ishikawa province, bringing the city’s specific death toll to 22. In Wajima City, at least 24 fatalities were reported. Efforts by…
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Employee critically injured in shooting at Krabi’s Maya Bay national park
A violent disagreement escalated into a shooting incident between two employees of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park in Krabi, leaving one critically injured. Yutthapong Damsrisuk, the park’s chief, revealed that the victim was shot twice during the dispute, which happened at their residence in Maya Bay, a beloved tourist spot. Following the altercation, the injured party was…
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Thailand’s tourism revenue surges by 44% as new year ushers in boom
The start of the new year saw a significant boom in Thailand’s tourism sector, with a 44% spike in tourism-related revenue. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) attributes this surge to the visa-free scheme and extended entertainment hours in select provinces. Thapanee Kiatphaiboon, the Governor of TAT, revealed that the country amassed a staggering 54.4 billion baht (US$1,588,321,152) from December…
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Gunkul Engineering targets 25 billion baht to fund renewable energy projects
Gunkul Engineering Plc, a leading renewables developer and construction company, announced intentions to generate 20.8-25 billion baht (US$607 million-730 million) through fundraising. The raised funds are earmarked for the development of 17 renewable energy initiatives, as part of the government’s 5.2-gigawatt renewable scheme. The company’s chief financial officer, Thitipong Techaratanayuenyong, disclosed the plans. In the previous year, Gunkul Engineering participated…
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Tying the knot with change: Thailand raises marriage age to 18 in human rights stride
The Thailand Cabinet has embraced a proposal to elevate the minimum age of marriage from 17 to 18, aligning with global human rights standards. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is spearheading this change, aiming to bring the country in line with international principles. Deputy government spokesperson Rudklao Suwankiri disclosed that amendments to the Civil and Commercial Code, along with…
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English national arrested in Phuket over violent tuk tuk altercation
A violent altercation involving a gun and a tuk tuk in Phuket led to the arrest of an English national. The incident, which occurred on the evening of January 1, involved the suspect, identified as 38 year old Jamie, hitting his co-passenger with a hidden firearm. The argument escalated within the tuk tuk while en route to a café in…
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Foreigner steals from renowned Thai designer’s store, Vatanika seeks online help (video)
Well-known fashion designer, Vatanika Patamasingha Na Ayudhaya, affectionately known as Prae, recently took to her personal Instagram account to seek help identifying a foreign man who allegedly stole glasses from her clothing store VATANIKA in Chidlom. The post, which included CCTV footage from within the store, has sparked a flurry of comments and shares across social media platforms. The 44-second…
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Thai-Chinese visa exemption policy may boost outbound travel by 10%
The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) predicted a 10% surge in outbound visitors from Thailand to China, due to the new mutual visa exemption policy between the two countries. However, the ATTA President, Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, expressed doubts over the government’s projected figure of 8.2 million inbound visitors from China. The visa-free arrangement, aimed at enhancing bilateral relations and boosting tourism…
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Export of Thai fruit faces competition from China
Deputy Commerce Minister Napintorn Srisunpang reveals a bumpy road ahead, with China’s market becoming a fierce battleground for Thai fruit exporters. In the opening 10 months of last year, Thailand exported 1.74 million tons of fruits, pocketing 174.27 billion baht. Thailand’s fruit royalty, including durians, longans, mangosteens, mangoes, and pineapples, dazzled the export scene. However, trouble lurks in the dragon’s…
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Red skirt revelation: Chinese man unravels wife’s mysterious attire, unlocking life-altering secret
A Chinese man named Zhang Yu, noticed his wife, Li Ting, consistently donning a red skirt each time he returned from a business trip. This peculiar behaviour became an enigma that Zhang decided to investigate, only to discover a hidden secret that would change their lives forever. Zhang and Li had a harmonious marriage since they tied the knot after…
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Thai industries foresee slow growth, tourism still below 2019 levels
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) anticipates sluggish growth for the steel and internal combustion engine (ICE) industries this year, whilst the tourism sector remains unlikely to reach 2019 levels. FTI chairman Kriengkrai Thiennukul emphasised the need for economic measures to support certain industries due to these projected declines. The steel and iron industry faces a slowdown as state construction…
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Thai vet’s estranged husband links cult and depression to shocking double suicide exit
The estranged husband of a Thai vet believes his wife committed suicide with his 12 year old daughter because she suffered from depression and her involvement in a cult that advocated peculiar rituals as a means to attain freedom. The vet’s employee, 52 year old Thaweesak Boonthawee, found the dead bodies yesterday, January 2, at his employer’s home in the eastern…
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Former Thammasat University rector Nongyao Chaiseri passes away at 90
The esteemed former rector of Thammasat University, Khunying Nongyao Chaiseri, yesterday passed away. He was 90 years old. Charnvit Kasetsiri, another former rector of the University, confirmed her demise in a personal Facebook post. Nongyao, born in 1935, had a remarkable career in academia and public service. Her tenure as rector from February 25, 1982, until May 31, 1988, was marked…
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Ko Mai Thon speedboat accident: Captain found drug positive
A speedboat collision off Mai Thon Island near Phuket on New Year’s Eve claimed the life of a five year old Russian girl, with others facing life-threatening injuries. The tragedy took a bizarre turn as reports surfaced, revealing that the 41 year old captain, currently on life support, tested positive for an amphetamine-related substance. Phuket authorities are now under scrutiny,…
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EEC policy committee sanctions business centre and smart city
The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee yesterday sanctioned the creation of the EEC Business Centre and Livable Smart City. The new ventures are projected to yield over 200,000 employment opportunities. The establishment of the EEC Business Centre and Livable Smart City aligns with the broader vision of transforming the EEC into a major business and finance hub in the…
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Yellow Line’s wheel deal: MRT mishap takes a detour, hits taxi, driver escapes unscathed near Bangkok
After the MRT Pink Line mishap a week ago, another train accident was reported yesterday when the wheel of an MRT Yellow Line carriage fell off and hit a taxi on Thepharak Road in Samut Prakarn province near Bangkok. Fortunately, the driver escaped any injury. Samrong Nuea Police Station officers received a report of the accident at 6.30pm yesterday, January…
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Thai Smile Bus to decommission gas vehicles, focuses on electric fleet
Thai Smile Bus (TSB) company announced its commitment to clean air and environmental sustainability with plans to decommission its entire fleet of 350 natural gas-fuelled vehicles (NGV) buses by the end of the month. Kulpornpath Wongmajarapinya, TSB Chief Executive Officer, revealed that over 95% of the NGV buses have been already phased out, including the latest batch of 58 buses…
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Thailand’s new reserves to boost tiger population
Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation set plans in motion to create new wildlife reserves in Ratchaburi and Kanchanaburi. This move is part of a broader initiative to bolster the tiger population across the western forest complex. The reserves are anticipated to serve as a link between Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Uthai Thani, and…
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Taiwanese woman discovers husband’s four-year affair after wedding
A woman from Taiwan, recently married, was left in shock after discovering a four-year-long affair her husband had been concealing in his mobile phone. The couple had been in a relationship for eight years and had just celebrated their wedding when she stumbled upon the heartbreaking secret. This story may likely end in a divorce. The woman shared her shocking…
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Thai government initiates measures to alleviate SMEs’ debt
As part of its ongoing commitment to address economic issues, the government has launched a programme to suspend and alleviate debt for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Government spokesperson, Chai Wacharonke, confirmed this. The board of the Thai Credit Guarantee Corporation (TCG), a state-owned specialised financial institution under the jurisdiction of the Finance Ministry, has recently given the go-ahead for…
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