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 fast-tracks labour law reforms to meet ILO standards
The Labour Ministry is fast-tracking revisions to key legislation to elevate the country’s labour rights to international standards. Spokesperson Phumipat Mueanchan confirmed that Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has prioritised updating the Labour Relations Act and the State Enterprise Labor Relations Act in alignment with International Labor Organisation (ILO) conventions. These legislative changes aim to enhance workers’ rights, particularly focusing on…
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Thai woman admits murdering friend, foreign husband denies involvement
Concrete evidence compelled a Thai woman to confess to the murder of her friend, whose body was discovered with missing ring fingers in a palm plantation in Rayong province on Friday, November 15. The suspect’s foreign husband is also under suspicion. The 35 year old suspect, identified as Wannarat Saengkaew, filed a complaint with Sattahip Police Station in Chon Buri…
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Thailand airports to rival global top 20 within five years, says AoT
Thailand’s major airports are set for a significant transformation as Airports of Thailand (AoT) aims to elevate them into the top 20 globally within five years, drawing inspiration from Singapore’s renowned Changi Airport. This ambitious plan, spearheaded by the Transport Ministry, targets Suvarnabhumi International Airport as a key player in achieving this goal. Permanent Secretary for Transport, Chayatan Phromsorn, confirmed…
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Thailand economy gives a surprise ‘Thai’ five with Q3 growth leap
Thailand’s economy just delivered a surprise package of positive news! Official figures released today, November 18, reveal that the nation’s economic growth has leapt to a striking 3.0% increase in the third quarter compared to last year, leaving analyst predictions of 2.6% in the dust. In a stellar performance, Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy also recorded a seasonally adjusted growth of…
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EV excitement with a shock: Thailand’s green dream hits a snag
Thailand’s electric vehicle (EV) industry may be sparking excitement but beneath the surface, a storm of challenges is threatening to short-circuit the nation’s EV ambitions. Despite a surge in EV usage, the sector is grappling with poor domestic car sales, sluggish economic growth, crippling household debt, and cutthroat pricing wars that could derail its progress. Chinese EV manufacturers, with their…
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Phuket’s tourism set to earn 500 billion baht this year
Phuket’s tourism industry is poised for a financial boom, with anticipated earnings reaching an impressive 500 billion baht this year. The island’s strategic focus on attracting visitors through sports tourism, even during the traditional off-season, is driving this growth, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) Phuket office. Director of TAT Phuket, Lertchai Wangtrakuldee highlighted that the island effectively…
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Storm warning: Thailand’s weather is about to reign on your parade
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a weather forecast for tomorrow, November 19, warning of thunderstorms and heavy rain in certain areas. Bangkok and central regions are expected to experience the most severe conditions, affecting 22 provinces in total. An influx of moderately cold air from China is currently covering the upper northern region, the upper northeastern region, and…
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10 year old homeless boy steals 3.5 million baht from Aussie woman in Pattaya
Police yesterday arrested a 10 year old homeless Thai boy for stealing valuables worth 3.5 million baht from an Australian businesswoman staying in a rented house in Pattaya on Saturday, November 16. The victim, 40 year old Toni Anne Hughes, filed a complaint at Mueang Pattaya Police Station on Saturday, reporting that she left her rented house on Friday, November…
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Flame-ingo: Thai woman escapes burning pickup inferno
A Thai woman had a miraculous escape from a fiery fate after her pickup truck caught fire while she was driving. Thanks to the heroic actions of a quick-thinking motorcyclist, she was pulled to safety just moments before her vehicle was completely engulfed in flames. The heart-stopping incident unfolded at 8.30pm, yesterday, November 17, on Highway 22 in Nakhon Phanom…
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American arrested for alleged sexual assault of Chinese woman
Hat Yai police have arrested a 39 year old American man following serious allegations of sexual assault against a 35 year old Chinese woman. The case unfolded after the victim, known publicly as Chang, bravely came forward to report the distressing incident. The drama began on November 2 when Chang and the suspect, identified as Christian, first crossed paths at…
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Pattaya’s pageant blast: Where beauty meets the bang
The glitzy world of beauty pageants is about to hit Pattaya with a bang as the city prepares to host the Miss Grand Contest for Thailand’s southern border provinces from December 11-15. The excitement is palpable as anticipation builds for this lavish affair, set against the stunning backdrop of the Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya. In an exciting press…
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Jealousy-fuelled attack suspect caught after seven years on the run
Police apprehended a 55 year old man for a violent jealousy-fuelled attack in which he shot his former father-in-law and the mother of his ex-wife’s former boyfriend. After evading capture for seven years, he was found bedridden due to a stroke. Suwat was arrested yesterday, November 16 in a hut within a sugarcane field in Udon Thani province. The arrest…
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Buddhist abbot smashes minivan window, sparks outrage in Thailand
An incident involving a Buddhist abbot has stirred controversy after he reportedly smashed a school’s minivan window with staff in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, causing distress to kindergarten children inside. The abbot’s actions have raised concerns and prompted official complaints. Social media was abuzz with images and accounts of the incident, as shared by Social Hunter 2024. The post questioned…
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Fatal crash in Pathum Thani as truck hits motorcycle
A tragic road accident occurred early today involving a speeding pickup truck that collided with a motorcycle, resulting in the death of a 58 year old man. Police are investigating the incident and reviewing CCTV footage to determine the cause. At 1.15am today, November 17, Veerawat Niyomsap, an investigator at Khlong Luang Police Station, received a report of a collision…
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Thai influencer arrested for promoting illegal gambling at 3,000 baht per post
A Thai 27 year old influencer was apprehended for promoting illegal online gambling in exchange for 3,000 baht per post. The arrest occurred at her residence following an investigation by the Technology Crime Suppression Division 4. Kulltada, better known as “Baifern,” from Udon Thani, is a well-known social media personality with over 1 million followers. She was summoned by senior…
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Pickup truck crash in Chon Buri sparks fatal transformer explosion
A tragic incident unfolded today when a pickup truck collided with a high-voltage electricity pole, resulting in a transformer explosion and a subsequent fire. The driver was fatally trapped inside the vehicle. This accident occurred on the Sukhumvit 8 Road, in the Nong Kham area of Si Racha district, Chon Buri province. At approximately 12.30am, today, November 17, officers from…
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Burmese man drowns retrieving coins during Loy Krathong in Phuket
A tragic incident unfolded in Phuket as a Burmese man drowned while attempting to retrieve coins from floats in a reservoir during the Loy Krathong festivities. This unfortunate event took place in Thalang, with police confirming the man’s death in the early hours of November 15. The Loy Krathong festival, celebrated at the Bang Ma Ruan reservoir in the Sri…
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Cold air brings storms and cooler weather to Thailand
A new cold air mass is spreading across Thailand, bringing thunderstorms and cooler temperatures. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warns of adverse conditions affecting 32 provinces, with the central region, including Bangkok, expected to experience the most severe impact. A fresh, moderately strong high-pressure system from China has reached Vietnam’s northern region and the South China Sea. This weather pattern…
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Young man electrocuted stealing cables in Kanchanaburi field
A tragic incident unfolded when a 22 year old man, from a village in Kanchanaburi was found dead in a sugarcane field. He had attempted to steal high-voltage power cables when he was electrocuted and fell to his death. His body lay undiscovered for three days until yesterday when it was found by locals. The local police in Tha Mueang…
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Thai PM meets Xi Jinping at APEC, boosts China ties
At 10am local time in Lima, Peru, on November 15, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra engaged in a significant bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the 31st APEC Economic Leaders’ Summit. The discussions highlighted the enduring partnership between Thailand and China, marking the year as the Golden Year of Thai-Chinese Friendship. PM Paetongtarn confirmed support for China’s role…
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Thailand climbs to 41st on 2024 Global Innovation Index
Thailand reached a milestone in innovation, securing the 41st spot out of 133 economies on the Global Innovation Index (GII) for 2024, as reported by the National Innovation Agency (NIA). This achievement marks Thailand’s highest ranking in a decade, showcasing its progress in fostering an innovative environment. Thailand’s ascent from the 43rd position last year highlights its consistent improvement in…
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Seven arrested in Yasothon for luring boys into obscene videos
Seven transgender women have been apprehended in Yasothon for their alleged involvement in a scheme to lure boys into participating in obscene video recordings, subsequently selling the content to a private group. This crackdown stems from a police raid on eight locations across the northeastern province, following a tip-off about the group’s illicit activities. Police Colonel Sarawut Chantawong, leading the…
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Tragic electric bus accident in Sakon Nakhon kills one, injures 25
A tragic accident unfolded in Sakon Nakhon when an electric shuttle bus lost control and descended a steep slope, resulting in the death of one individual and injuries to 25 others. The mishap took place near Wat Phra Tha Pek in Phana Nikhom district. The incident occurred around 3pm on November 15 as the shuttle bus navigated the 3-kilometre road…
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Methamphetamine thrown on stage at Kalasin beauty pageant (video)
A surprising incident unfolded during a beauty pageant at a Loy Krathong festival when a young man unexpectedly threw methamphetamine (meth) onto the stage. This disruption occurred at Huai Mano Reservoir, Seri Thai Airport, in Na Khu district, Kalasin province, at 10pm yesterday, November 15. The individual involved, a known psychiatric patient with a history of drug use, had recently…
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Loy Krathong tragedy: Pet dog dies from firework shock
A beloved pet dog tragically died due to shock from fireworks, prompting an important reminder for pet owners to keep their animals safe indoors during festive events. The Loy Krathong festival is marked by celebrations on November 15 (yesterday), and the tradition of setting off fireworks and firecrackers is widespread. This has led to many pets experiencing fear, with some…
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Restaurant owners in Pattaya warned of food poisoning scam
A cunning scam targeting restaurants in Pattaya City, Chon Buri, has been unravelled. Fraudsters have been falsely claiming food poisoning to extort money. Restaurant owner Singhanat Rulapak discovered the scam when cross-checking a customer’s claim, which led to the identification of a notorious fraudster operating in multiple locations. A renowned restaurant in Pattaya City received a call yesterday, November 15,…
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Girl rescued from water at Loy Krathong festival in West Thailand
A near-tragic incident unfolded during the Loy Krathong Festival in Prachuap Khiri Khan province when a young girl slipped into the water while attempting to collect coins from floating krathongs (lanterns). Fortunately, quick-thinking bystanders managed to prevent a disaster. The festival, held at Wat Khao Noi Lang in Pran Buri district, nearly turned tragic when a girl, under her mother’s…
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Phuket police arrest local man with meth pills and Ice
Phuket police have apprehended a local man following the discovery of a significant cache of drugs in his possession. The 34 year old Thai man was found with over 2,000 methamphetamine (meth) pills and nearly 200 grammes of crystal meth, also known as Ice. The arrest took place in front of a rental room located in Soi Thiam Pracha Uthit,…
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Maldivian national arrested in Bangkok for drug trafficking
Police in Bangkok have announced a significant drug bust involving the seizure of nearly 3 kilogrammes of mephedrone, a Category 1 narcotic, which was hidden in a protein supplement container sent from the UK. A Maldivian national was apprehended at a courier facility in Bangkok while attempting to collect the illicit package. The Secretary-General of the Office of the Narcotics…
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Thailand launches QR system to track tobacco products
Thailand’s Finance Ministry has unveiled a new technology aimed at transforming the monitoring of tobacco products. The “QR Cigarette” system, announced by Deputy Finance Minister Paophum Rojanasakul, is a Track & Trace innovation designed to follow tobacco products throughout their lifecycle, from production to purchase. This move is part of a broader effort to enhance tax collection efficiency, boost transparency,…
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