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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Thai business group demand rate cut to keep exports afloat
Thailand’s leading business group called for an urgent reduction in interest rates, reflecting growing concerns about the impact of a rapidly appreciated baht on exports. The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) chairman, Sanan Angubolkul, highlighted the urgency for the Bank of Thailand (BoT) to adjust rates, aligning with the government’s repeated calls for monetary easing. Markets…
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Rice Department fraudsters cook up fake seed sales online
The Rice Department’s Facebook page highlighted an increase in online scams. Fraudsters are using fake pages to impersonate legitimate businesses, luring victims to purchase rice seeds and disappearing after receiving payments. The Rice Department’s Facebook page revealed that scammers have created a fake page named Phantawee Mall Corporation, falsely using images and names of Rice Department officials to build trust.…
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Penny-wise, pound foolish: Thailand’s budget delay leaves fiscal year in arrears
The Government of Thailand’s delayed budget approval led to significant underinvestment in the previous fiscal year, according to the Comptroller General’s Department (CGD). The state budget for the fiscal year is divided into a fixed fund and an investment fund. For fiscal 2024, which ended on September 30, the fixed fund amounted to 2.8 trillion baht (US$84 billion), covering expenses…
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Blazing drama: Phuket boat blaze leaves captain burnt out
A fire erupted aboard a Phuket tourist boat leaving the captain nursing injuries and igniting a full-blown investigation. The Phuket Marine Office got the alarming call at 10.35am today, October 3, about the Flamingo Lady 2 tour catamaran going up in flames, sending shockwaves and panic rippling down the Andaman coast. The vessel, which had just dropped off 22 tourists…
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Smile: Pure Heart Foundation donates wheelchairs in Ayutthaya
The Pure Heart Foundation, in collaboration with Thai Smile Bus, has provided wheelchairs to disadvantaged disabled individuals in Thailand to enhance their mobility and improve their quality of life. Thirarat Nawamawat, President of the Pure Heart Foundation, shared yesterday that they were contacted by Rungruthip Janthong, Ayutthaya’s provincial labour officer, and Supinya Kaenchai, Ayutthaya’s employment officer. They reported numerous disabled…
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Shocking turn: Lightning bolt transforms military unit into hot spot
Lightning struck a transformer, causing an explosion and subsequent fire at a military unit building in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. The old wooden structure sustained damage but fortunately, there were no injuries or fatalities reported. The incident occurred at the Explosives Factory Division, Ordnance Industry Centre, Ordnance Department of the Royal Thai Army (RTA), located in Ban Ko subdistrict, Mueang…
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Village headman in Udon Thani kills son in self-defence
A tragic event unfolded when the village headman of Nong Wua So district in Udon Thani province, found himself in a life-and-death situation with his youngest son who was under the influence of methamphetamine (meth). The confrontation ended with the village chief fatally shooting his son in self-defence after the latter fired at him. The incident occurred yesterday, October 2.…
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Residents make offerings after winning lottery in Ratchaburi
Residents are celebrating substantial lottery wins by making offerings at Phupahung Wongwanaram Monastery in Ratchaburi, bringing chicken eggs, flower garlands, and fireworks to express their gratitude. The temple’s abbot received donations, with some winners attributing their luck to the Naga Loop charm. At Phupahung Wongwanaram Monastery in Ban Huay Sala, Yang Hak subdistrict, Pak Tho district, Ratchaburi province, people from…
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Men with swords and bats storm Udon Thani children’s centre
Two men wielding swords and baseball bats stormed a children’s development centre in Udon Thani, causing panic among teachers and children. CCTV footage captured the incident, which took place at 12.40pm yesterday, October 2, showing the men attacking each other. Police Lieutenant Precha Kangkhonnok of the Na Kha Police Station received a call from 59 year old Praipai Sintipla, the…
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Indian ice cream vendor killed by train after ignoring railway barrier
A tragic incident occurred when an ice cream vendor riding a motorcycle was struck and killed by a train. The accident, which took place yesterday, October 2, involved a foreign national who ignored an automatic railway barrier. Police Lieutenant Thanayot Theerinimman from Prachantakham Police Station received a report from the Sawangbamphen Thammasathan Foundation about a fatal collision between a train…
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Thailand introduces three-digit lottery tickets to combat overpricing
The Government Lottery Office (GLO) is set to release three-digit lottery tickets this month to address the persistent issues of overpricing and black-market ticket sales, board member Thanavath Phonvichai announced. The initiative aims to enable Thais to purchase lottery tickets at a price not exceeding 80 baht (US$2.5), according to Thanavath. For decades, the office has struggled to mitigate the…
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Phuket’s veggie fest: A taste of tradition that’s un-beet-able
The enchanting atmosphere of Phuket’s iconic Vegetarian Festival has officially started. Yesterday evening, October 2, the ceremonial raising of the Go Teng poles took centre stage at Chinese shrines across the island, heralding a nine-day celebration that promises to captivate both locals and visitors alike. At the heart of the festivities, thousands flocked to the Jui Tui Tao Bokeung Shrine…
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Driving change: Thai tax breaks on cars for the elderly, disabled
The Excise Department is set to introduce a new ministerial regulation to waive taxes on cars designed specifically for the elderly or people with disabilities. This regulation would reduce the current excise tax rate of 25 to 40% on such vehicles. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, director-general of the department, explained that vehicles with over 10 seats, such as passenger vans, are currently…
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Chalong cops stage ‘active gunman’ drill amid festival fears
Shoppers at Chalong’s popular Robinson Lifestyle mall were left in shock as police staged a dramatic active gunman drill, simulating a gunman on the loose. A video, posted by Chalong Police on Tuesday, October 1, shows a man pulling up on a motorbike, wielding what looks like an assault rifle, before storming the mall in a mock mass shooting. As…
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Thailand to go cashless by 2028, leads ASEAN in RTP usage
Thailand is set to transition to a cashless society more swiftly than its regional counterparts, driven by the nation’s rapid digital adoption and transformation, as per a Visa survey. Visa, a global leader in digital payment services, recently conducted the Consumer Payment Attitude Study, which indicated that Thailand could become a cashless society by 2028. This forecast places Thailand ahead…
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New ‘Dee-Delivery’ regulation to combat COD fraud epidemic
With online scams skyrocketing, the Government of Thailand is stepping in to crack down on delivery fraud. Enter the new Dee-Delivery regulation, designed to shield cash-on-delivery (COD) shoppers from getting duped. According to Minister Jiraporn Sindhuprai from the Prime Minister’s Office, this drastic move comes after a jaw-dropping 365,000 scam cases were reported in the last 18 months, causing financial…
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New opposition leader takes the helm after party collapse
People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut has officially taken on the role of opposition leader, following a royal command issued by His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua. This appointment, made on September 25, marks the beginning of a crucial chapter for Natthaphong and the People’s Party, as they step into the role of holding the government to account. The royal…
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Thai PM orders embassy to evacuate nationals amid Israel-Iran tensions
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra directed the Thai embassy in Tel Aviv to vigilantly monitor the security situation in Israel, provide updates to Thai nationals residing there, and facilitate their evacuation if necessary. This directive came yesterday in response to rising tensions between Iran and Israel. Iran responded to missile attacks by the state after Israel claimed they were targeting Hezbollah…
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Thailand’s wellness powerhouse: A health revolution in Phuket
BDMS Wellness Clinic has teamed up with Sri Panwa Phuket and Bangkok Hospital Phuket to create an unparalleled fusion of relaxation and medical excellence, as part of the ambitious Phuket Wellness Hub project. With wellness tourism projected to hit a staggering US$1.4 trillion (around 46 trillion baht) by 2027, and Thailand already ranking seventh globally with a market value of…
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Thai woman wanted for tricking victim into delivering drugs to South Korea
Police are searching for a Thai woman who tricked an innocent man in the Isaan province of Udon Thani into delivering drugs to South Korea. The victim, 20 year old Auan, was hired for 500 baht by a woman, named Eye, to deliver a parcel for her on two occasions. Auan became suspicious about the contents and suspected they might…
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Ratchaburi man steals truck for food and shelter in prison
A man has been arrested after stealing a white Toyota Revo pickup truck and leading police on a chase across provinces before surrendering. The thief claimed that he committed the crime because he was ill, had no income, and preferred prison life where he would be guaranteed meals. The 191 radio centre in Samut Songkhram was notified by police in…
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National Boyfriend Day: A perfect excuse to spoil the man in your life
Ladies, today is National Boyfriend Day—an annual celebration dedicated to appreciating that special guy who makes your world a little brighter, writes Zo Sikander. October 3 is the perfect excuse to shower your beau with love and appreciation. While we’re all familiar with the classic gifts of dinner dates and heartfelt cards, why not take it up a notch this…
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Agriculture minister vows to expedite debt relief for farmers
Ekaphap Phonsue, spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, revealed that Saikrai Pimbueng, a committee member and secretary of the Farmers’ Rehabilitation and Development Fund (FRDF), recently met with Narumon Pinyosinwat, the Minister of Agriculture. The meeting aimed to discuss policies and actions concerning Thai farmers’ issues. Saikrai detailed that since 2019, the previous government had considered restructuring farmers’…
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Thai man murders business partner before committing suicide
A housing estate owner shot and murdered his female business partner before taking his own life in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, allegedly due to financial issues. The shooting at the sales office of a housing estate in Nonthaburi province was reported to Sainoi Police Station at around 6.10pm yesterday, October 2. Officers investigated the scene and found two bodies in…
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Spirit of resistance: Thailand’s lawmakers toast booze bill rejection
The House of Representatives decisively rejected a bill aiming to liberalise Thailand’s alcohol industry, proposed by the opposition People’s Party. The bill, introduced by Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, was voted down with 237 votes against and 137 in favour. The proposed legislation sought to permit individuals to own alcohol distillation equipment and produce booze for personal use without needing government approval. Government…
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Bangkok police arrest man for receiving stolen tower batteries
Police in Bangkok apprehended a suspect in connection with receiving stolen property, specifically stolen phone tower batteries. The suspect claims he did not purchase the items but received them from a customer for repair. Police Major General Teeradej Thamsutee, along with officers from the Investigative Division 4, Bureau of Investigation, yesterday, October 2, arrested 49 year old Ekasit, who was…
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Foreign couple loses 100,000 baht to Muay Thai trainer in Phuket
A foreign couple exposed the fraudulent behaviour of a Muay Thai trainer and his Chinese wife in Phuket, who tricked them into a visa scam, resulting in a 100,000 baht loss. The 29 year old Czech victim, Vit Musilik, and his 26 year old Chinese wife, Xiao Feng Kang, urged officers from the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) to help them retrieve…
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Elderly woman dies in Nakhon Phanom after electricity cut off
The family of a 68 year old bedridden woman who tragically died is laying the blame squarely at the feet of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) after her electricity supply was cut off for failing to pay a bill of 1,500 baht in Nakhon Phanom province. Hospital director Nongluk Chanchana, along with the grieving relatives, is demanding accountability from the Provincial…
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Relief team cars break down in Chiang Rai due to water in petrol
A team led by Panadda Wongphudee, a beauty queen, presenter, and president of the Foundation for Good Deeds, encountered significant issues during their relief efforts in Chiang Rai. Panadda revealed that five vehicles broke down after refuelling at a local petrol station, which allegedly had water mixed with the fuel. Panadda shared her experience on her Facebook page, Dr Panadda…
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Bus-ted: Driver in bus blaze tragedy jailed, previous accidents shared
Police denied a bail request from the driver involved in the bus blaze tragedy that claimed the lives of 23 people in Pathum Thani. He was detained at Thanyaburi Provincial Court. A school director and student from the central province of Uthai Thani came forward to share details of previous accidents involving the same bus company. The driver, 48 year old Saman…
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