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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Two students drown in Chon Buri reservoir whirlpool tragedy
Two students drowned in a reservoir after being sucked into a whirlpool while swimming to beat the heat during their school holidays. Friends called for help, but it was too late. Their bodies were found by divers an hour later. Police Lieutenant Colonel Pornchai Lueaphon, an investigator from Phlu Ta Luang Police Station in Chon Buri province, received the distress…
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Phuket’s new tourism tax won’t affect foreign residents or workers
Phuket’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MoTS) has confirmed that the upcoming tourism tax, expected to be implemented early next year, will not impact foreigners who reside or work in Thailand. A MoTS Phuket official clarified that the proposed tax has not yet been presented to the Cabinet for approval. “We should wait for any further information because now the…
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Ammonia gas leak at Udon Thani ice factory traps six workers
Ammonia gas leakage at an ice factory in Udon Thani caused chaos as six workers were trapped inside. Emergency responders acted swiftly to rescue them, while locals described their terrifying escape from the toxic fumes. At 6pm yesterday, the 1669 Emergency Centre in Udon Thani received reports from residents about a strong ammonia smell emanating from an ice factory in…
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Man cuts off EM bracelet, takes girlfriend hostage in Chon Buri
A man recently released on bail cut off his electronic monitoring bracelet and took his girlfriend hostage at a condominium in Chon Buri. Police stormed the unit after negotiations failed, rescuing the woman and arresting the suspect. Today, October 27, police, led by Police Colonel Wattanachai Sangrit, coordinated with over 20 officers and local government officials to raid a condominium…
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Tropical Storm Chami prompts warning for heavy rains in 44 provinces
Weather conditions today prompted the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) to issue the 11th warning for Tropical Storm Chami. Heavy rains are expected to hit 44 provinces, including Bangkok, from today through October 29, cautioning residents about potential flash floods and forest runoff. TMD, under the acting director Sukanya Yawichan, has issued the 11th announcement regarding Tropical Storm Chami. The tropical…
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Chinese fugitive arrested in Pattaya for 225 million baht loan fraud
Chon Buri Immigration officers arrested a former Chinese bank manager wanted for loan fraud exceeding 200 million baht in Pattaya on October 25. At 4.11pm, police apprehended Wang Luan Fa, a 49 year old Chinese national, at a local hotel. Wang had been evading Chinese officials for allegations of fraud and document forgery, accused of embezzling over 45 million yuan…
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People’s Party challenges congestion fees, urges investment in public transport
The People’s Party (PP) is challenging the government’s proposal to introduce traffic congestion fees, advocating instead for the development of a comprehensive public transport network to alleviate urban crowding. Surachet Praweewongwut, a list-MP for PP, argued that while congestion charges might help ease traffic, the current feeder system is insufficient to persuade people to switch from private cars to public…
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Mekong River dams threaten Thailand’s environment and economy, warns NHRC
Transboundary hydropower dam projects along the Mekong River could jeopardise Thailand’s environment, economy, and community welfare, according to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on October 3, the NHRC highlighted its concerns about four hydropower dam projects: Ban Koum Dam, Sanakham Dam, Phou Ngoy Dam, and Pak Chom Dam, all situated…
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Thai nationals unscathed in Israeli attack on Tehran, says ministry
Thai nationals remain unaffected by the recent Israeli attack in Tehran, as confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today. Nikorndej Balankura, the ministry’s spokesman, reported that the Thai Embassy in Tehran has been in constant communication with the ministry. According to the Thai Association in Iran, no Thai nationals were impacted by the attack. Balankura noted that Iran’s air…
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Call for Thai government to aid 110 trafficked victims in Myanmar
A call for government intervention has risen, urging the officials to assist 110 victims of human trafficking who were deceived and transported through Thailand to engage in illegal work in Myanmar. The Network for Victim Assistance in Human Trafficking addressed an open letter to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, highlighting the plight of the victims. These individuals, hailing from nine countries,…
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Dugong deaths rise, experts warn of drastic decline in Andaman Sea
Eight dugongs have died and washed ashore this month, according to the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR). Marine ecosystem expert Thon Thamrongnawasawat has warned that in five to eight years, only a few dozen dugongs might remain in the Andaman Sea. The DMCR reported that between October 1 and October 24, four male and four female dugongs were…
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Tourists rush to Doi Inthanon as temperatures drop to 10 degrees
Tourists flocked to Doi Inthanon National Park today, October 26, as temperatures dropped to 10 degrees Celsius (°C), marking the beginning of the winter season. They gathered to enjoy the crisp morning air and stunning sunrise views, creating a lively atmosphere. At Doi Inthanon, located in Chom Thong, Chiang Mai, the National Park’s head, Kraingkrai Chaiyapisek, reported a drop in…
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BEM takes legal action against escalator stunt at Bangkok metro
Bangkok Expressway and Metro (BEM) has taken legal action against an individual for his alleged reckless behaviour, as captured in a viral video showing him sliding down an escalator handrail at a metro station in Bangkok. A Facebook user known as Nut Freerunning posted the video on October 22, tagging it with “Slider+MRT+freerunning.” The footage depicted the man running through…
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Second phase of Khon Kaen to Nong Khai railway starts this year
Construction for the second phase of the double-track railway from Khon Kaen to Nong Khai will commence at the end of this year, with an estimated budget of 28.6 billion baht. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Governor, Veeris Ammarapala, confirmed that the project is expected to take approximately three years to complete. The SRT board, in a meeting yesterday,…
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Phuket police to fast-track testimonies in The iCon Group case
Phuket Provincial Police Commander Police Major General Sinlert Sukhum has directed all police stations on the island to fast-track the summary of testimonies in the case involving The iCon Group and submit them to Phuket Provincial Police. The directive was issued during a meeting held at the Phuket Provincial Police headquarters, which saw the attendance of superintendents from all local…
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Thai government urges swift updates for digital wallet distribution
The Thai government confirms that the second phase of the 10,000 baht digital wallet distribution will reach all registered citizens, urging vulnerable groups to rectify any issues promptly to avoid forfeiting their rights. Today, October 26, Jirayu Huangsap, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, discussed the progress of the 10,000 baht economic stimulus transfer in an interview broadcast on the…
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Pattaya Tourist Police prepares for upcoming high season
Pattaya Tourist Police are increasing safety measures for the upcoming high season, especially for the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations heading into 2025. On October 24, Police Colonel Man Rotthong, Superintendent of Tourist Police Division 2, led a meeting to discuss preparations for the high season in Pattaya. Key points included reviewing the Strong Tourism Community (S.T.C.) project and…
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Chiang Mai unveils cultural and health tourism route
Chiang Mai launched a new cultural and health tourism route during the National Thai Traditional Medicine Wisdom Day and the Thai Traditional Medicine Wisdom Fair. The event took place yesterday, October 25, and was presided over by Siwa Thamikanon, the Deputy Governor of Chiang Mai, who was assigned by Nirut Phongsitthithaworn, the Governor of Chiang Mai. Thitikarn Na Pan, the…
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Thailand establishes semiconductor board to boost industry
Thailand aims to bolster its standing in the regional semiconductor industry, with significant efforts underway to prepare a skilled workforce for escalating demands. This move is marked by the formation of the National Semiconductor and Advanced Electronics Industry Policy Committee, also known as the National Semiconductor Board, chaired by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Paetongtarn signed an order to establish the…
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Man shoots wife in heated argument in Nakhon Si Thammarat
A man was apprehended after shooting his wife, leaving her in critical condition, following a heated argument. The incident took place yesterday, October 25, in Pak Phanang, Nakhon Si Thammarat, after the couple exchanged harsh words. Police officers, including Deputy Investigator Raengchai Khaorueang from Pak Phanang Police Station, received a call about a domestic shooting. Upon arrival at the residence…
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Insurgent threats in deep South as Tak Bai massacre case passes
Security measures have been increased in Thailand’s deep South amidst intelligence reports suggesting insurgent groups are planning to instigate violence from today, October 26, until October 28, following the expiration of the statute of limitations for the Tak Bai massacre case. Reports indicate that these groups aim to incite violence across four provinces to mark the 20th anniversary of the…
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Tropical storm Trami to drench 31 provinces in Thailand today
A severe tropical storm, Trami, is set to bring heavy rain and potential flooding to 31 provinces across Thailand today, October 26, with 40% of the areas expected to experience significant rainfall. The Meteorological Department has issued a weather forecast, warning of the tropical storm’s impact over the next 24 hours. Strong northwesterly and northeasterly winds are sweeping across the…
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Thailand raises retirement age to 65 for all sectors
Thailand’s Labour Ministry is set to extend the retirement age for both private and government sectors to 65 years, aligning it with countries like Singapore and Switzerland, announced Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. Phiphat stated that the decision to increase the retirement age is influenced by significant advancements in health and medical technology, which have improved life expectancy. Additionally, the ministry plans to…
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Big Joke’s wife counters alleged victim with illegal police uniform claim
Sirinatda Hakparn, the wife of former police chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, denied allegations of theft made by another police officer’s wife. She also accused the woman of wearing a police uniform despite having no position within the Royal Thai Police (RTP). The 50 year old woman, Thanattha, filed a complaint at Phra Kanong Police Station on October 20, alleging…
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Thai’d and tested: Pattaya’s 30-baht wonder serves up tasty treats
A humble Pattaya diner is taking the seaside resort by storm with its lip-smacking Thai dishes at just 30 baht a plate, proving that great taste doesn’t need to break the bank. At the heart of this culinary buzz is Krua Khun Nai Kiew, a small eatery run by its passionate owner Rattanaporn Chueachuchat. While most restaurant owners might fret…
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Perverted man terrifies locals by masturbating in public for 2 hours
Residents in the Mak Khaeng sub-district, Mueang District, in the Isaan province of Udon Thani, urged local police to arrest a perverted man after he was seen masturbating outside a victim’s home for over two hours on Wednesday, October 23. The owner of the house where the incident occurred, 51 year old Praphada, shared in an interview with Matichon that…
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Thai freshman remains unconscious 6 months after brutal hazing
A Thai freshman remains unconscious at a hospital in Pathum Thani province, near Bangkok, after being brutally assaulted in a hazing at a university in Bangkok in April. An older student admitted to kicking the victim in the chest. The victim’s 42 year old mother, Thanawan Pannoppha, sought help from Channel 7 after no one took responsibility for her injured…
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Thailand’s card payments to hit 3.3 trillion baht by 2028
Thailand’s card payments market is projected to achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2% from 2024 to 2028, reaching 3.3 trillion baht (US$94.5 billion) by 2028. This growth is driven by a consistent consumer shift towards electronic payments, according to data and analytics firm GlobalData. Data from GlobalData’s Payment Cards Analytics indicates that card payment value in Thailand…
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Illegal catch! Phuket cops net 12 foreigners in immigration swoop
Phuket Immigration Police swooped on 12 foreigners for violating the Immigration Act and working illegally, following a series of inspections conducted over two weeks. Immigration Police intensified their crackdown on illegal activities involving foreigners from October 9 to October 18, according to a report by the Phuket branch of the Public Relations Department (PR Phuket). Police carried out inspections at…
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Fishy business! Sauce boss sues ex over 80-million-baht ‘phony’ loan
The CEO of a fermented fish sauce factory in the Isaan province of Sakon Nakhon is taking legal action against her ex-husband for allegedly forging her signature and document on a loan amounting to 80 million baht. The CEO of Imsook Foods, 31 year old Cherlin “Ninew” Apinarakasemsit, held a press conference at 11am today, October 25, to disclose details…
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