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 How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
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Fugitive in Phuket tourist murder returns to Norway
There’s been a new development on an international fugitive wanted on an Interpol Red Notice for the murder in Phuket. The fugitive, Roger Bullman, is wanted for the murder of British tourist Amiptal Bajaj at a Phuket resort in 2019. Bullman has returned to his home country of Norway, The Phuket News reported this morning. Bullman had been on the…
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Japan on alert as Typhoon Mawar threatens floods and landslides
Torrential rains loom over Japan as Typhoon Mawar approaches, threatening to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds across the main islands. Having already caused significant damage in Guam earlier this week, Mawar has since weakened from its super typhoon status to a tropical storm. Taiwan’s coast also experienced the effects of Typhoon Mawar, with seawater flooding the streets of Suao,…
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Rooting for innovation: Thai researchers unveil PRK, the tooth-ally awesome breakthrough
In a significant advancement for dental healthcare in Thailand, local researchers successfully developed an artificial tooth root named PRK, which stands for Phraramkao in Thai or Rama IX in English. This innovation is expected to make dental implant services more accessible to the public by reducing the cost of implants by a factor of ten compared to similar quality imported…
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Thai digital industry sentiment hits three-year high amid economic recovery
A recent survey by the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (Depa) revealed that the Digital Industry Sentiment Index has risen above the 50-point threshold for the first time in a year, reaching a three-year high. The index reached 54.0 during the first quarter, up from 49.0 in the final quarter of 2022, indicating increased confidence among entrepreneurs as Thailand‘s economy recovers…
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Shocking surge: Chinese EV makers eyeing membership in FTI
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers are expressing interest in joining the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) to support the growth of Thailand’s emerging EV sector. The FTI is currently in discussions with Chinese automobile manufacturers and aims to reach a decision shortly, according to Surapong Paisitpatanapong, vice-chairman of the FTI and spokesman for the FTI’s Automotive Industry Club. He said……
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Chinatown crackdown: 48 partying Chinese nabbed in Bangkok massage parlour drug bust
Forty-eight Chinese nationals were arrested by Children and Women Protection Sub-Division and Narcotics Control Board officers during a drug-fuelled party at a massage parlour on New Phetchaburi Road in Bangkok early this morning. The Superintendent of the Children and Women Protection Sub-Division, Theerasak Chantarapipat, shared the arrest details with ThaiRath. Theerasak disclosed that a tip-off had been received by the…
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Thai bank employee drinks 6 beers, shoots at Youtuber’s car in road rage incident
A 51 year old Thai bank employee was arrested for allegedly shooting at a popular YouTuber’s car after consuming six cans of beer. Police apprehended the suspect at the junction of Chaturathit and Phra Ram 9 roads in Bangkok, seizing a 9mm pistol and nearly 30 rounds of ammunition. Punnanikorn Pholmakrut, a 46 year old YouTuber behind the channel ‘Diew…
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Florida teen wins US National Spelling Bee with ‘psammophile’
In an impressive display of linguistic prowess, 14-year-old Dev Shah from Largo, Florida, emerged as the champion of the 2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee in the United States. Demonstrating exceptional skill, Dev correctly spelled the word “psammophile” to secure his victory in the 95th edition of the prestigious competition, along with a prize of US$50,000. The runner-up, Charlotte Walsh, also…
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Indian bride rejects groom at wedding after discovering his bald truth
A wedding in India was cancelled after the bride discovered the groom’s baldness during the ceremony, causing her to faint mid-event. Following her recovery, she demanded the wedding be called off, sparking disputes between both families. The incident occurred in India on February 23, 2023, as the groom and his family visited the bride’s home for the wedding ceremony. As…
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Airport Rail Link suffers 70 million baht monthly loss amid 25% commuter drop
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) reports that the Airport Rail Link (ARL) service has been losing 70 million baht per month, as it continues to carry fewer passengers than before the pandemic in 2019. To address long-standing operational issues, the SRT chose to involve a private company, Asia Era One, in managing rail operations during the pandemic. An agreement…
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Thai homeowner haunted by ghostly tokay gecko, forced to flee
A homeowner in Surin province has been driven to spend sleepless nights away from her own home due to the ghostly presence of a dead tokay gecko. Jitapha Pothisa, the distressed owner, claims to frequently hear the eerie calls of the phantom lizard but has never actually seen it. The unsettling experience has compelled the 32 year old mother of…
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WhatsApp’s role in UK Covid-19 response under scrutiny in official inquiry
WhatsApp has been revealed to play a central role in communications between UK ministers during the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to the release of over 100,000 messages by former health secretary Matt Hancock and his memoir co-author Isabel Oakeshott. These messages, which were handed over to The Daily Telegraph, have raised questions about the transparency of government communications and the availability…
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Jealous Thai bus driver fatally shoots girlfriend in restaurant before attempting suicide
A heated argument at a Laab restaurant in Chon Buri Province ended with deadly consequences, as a Thai bus driver fatally shot his 36 year old girlfriend, an employee at the establishment, before attempting to take his own life. However, the 42 year old attacker survived, receiving serious injuries and is currently in a coma. At around noon yesterday, Ratchapol…
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Grab taxi driver threatens to harm former Thai singer
A former Thai singer took to social media to reveal that a Grab taxi driver, claiming to be a soldier, threatened to physically harm her. The singer, Jamila “Mila’ Panpinij, demanded that Grab takes responsibility for the incident and pay for treatment costs associated with her post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which was triggered by the incident. On Wednesday, May 31,…
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Brics foreign ministers demand global order rebalancing amid Putin arrest warrant
Foreign ministers from the BRICS nations gathered in South Africa, urging for a shift in the global order away from Western nations. The BRICS group, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, envisions providing global leadership in a world facing geopolitical tension, inequality, and global insecurity. However, the recent allegations of Russian war crimes in Ukraine have cast a…
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Luxury watch thefts surpass drugs as criminals’ top choice in UK
The theft of high-end watches has become a criminal enterprise more profitable than drug dealing, according to former dealer Paul Thorpe, who was forced to retire after being violently robbed three times. Thorpe claims that a week’s worth of stealing luxury watches in London could generate more money than some people earn in a lifetime. He believes that in many…
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French influencers face jail for flouting new ad regulations
France has recently adopted legislation that could lead to jail time for influencers who violate new promotion regulations. The laws aim to protect consumers from deceptive or counterfeit online commercial practices and impose restrictions on the promotion of lottery and betting games, as well as prohibiting the advertisement of products such as tobacco. This marks the first time the role…
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Ukraine accused of shelling Belgorod as Russia claims thwarted invasion
Belgorod, a Russian region, has once more experienced attacks from across the Ukrainian border, with at least eight individuals injured due to shelling. Russia’s defence ministry asserts that it has prevented other attempts by Ukraine to “invade” the region. Kyiv has not responded to these claims but has denied involvement in previous cross-border attacks. This latest incident occurs over a…
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Elon Musk regains world’s richest title as Tesla value soars, Arnault slips
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has once again become the world’s wealthiest individual, surpassing LMVH founder Bernard Arnault. Musk’s net worth increased by US$55.3 billion since January, reaching US$192 billion, primarily due to the rising value of his electric car company, Tesla. Meanwhile, Arnault’s fortune dropped by US$24.5 billion to US$187 billion, according to Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index. Jeff Bezos and Bill…
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Thousands jeer far-right minister at Jerusalem Gay Pride amid security fears
The Jerusalem Gay Pride march saw thousands of participants, despite security concerns due to online threats and counter-protests. This was the first march since the election of a hardline religious-nationalist government, which includes senior ministers with openly homophobic views. The event highlighted the deepening divisions within Israeli society, where secular Jews have long supported LGBTQ rights, but political and demographic…
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Church of England abuse support scheme risks re-traumatising victims, report reveals
A report by the Church’s Independent Safeguarding Board (ISB) has found that the Interim Support Scheme (ISS), established for Church of England abuse survivors, may be causing further trauma for some victims. The ISS was created in 2020 to provide financial assistance to those in need while awaiting a full compensation scheme. However, some survivors expressed difficulties in engaging with…
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Phillip Schofield denies grooming amid affair scandal with younger colleague
Phillip Schofield, the former This Morning presenter, has denied being a “groomer” after admitting to having an affair with a younger male colleague. Schofield left ITV last week following the confirmation of the relationship and his dishonesty about it. In an interview with The Sun, he expressed deep regret for his actions and the impact on the other individual’s life.…
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Referee Anthony Taylor harassed by Roma fans at Budapest Airport
English referee Anthony Taylor and his family faced harassment from a group of Roma supporters at Budapest Airport following the Italian team’s loss to Sevilla in the Europa League final. Videos on social media depict Taylor and his family being escorted from a cafe to a secure area by airport security as fans targeted the referee after a contentious match…
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Schofield denies grooming in affair scandal, feels ‘broken and ashamed’
Phillip Schofield has expressed his remorse and shame following a scandal involving a relationship with a younger male colleague, while denying allegations of grooming. The 61-year-old resigned from ITV last week and was dropped by talent agency YMU after admitting to an “unwise but not illegal” affair with the younger colleague. In an interview with The Sun, Schofield emphasised that…
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Teenage girl drowns in Merseyside reservoir despite emergency rescue efforts
A tragic incident occurred at Carr Mill Dam in St Helens, Merseyside, when a 15-year-old girl lost her life while swimming with her friends. Merseyside Police received reports of the teenager in distress at around 12.30pm, prompting the emergency services to rush to the scene. Chief Inspector Paul Holden reported that officers entered the water in an attempt to locate…
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Nova Scotia battles largest wildfire in history, thousands evacuated
Nova Scotia firefighters are currently facing the largest wildfire in the history of the Atlantic province. The fire, located on the southern tip of the province, has burned over 17,000 hectares with flames reaching nearly 100m in height. In addition, another fire near Halifax, the largest city, has led to the evacuation of thousands of residents. As of Thursday morning,…
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Canadian socialite avoids jail for Belize police chief’s manslaughter
Canadian socialite Jasmine Hartin, 34 years old, has reportedly avoided prison time for the killing of Belize police chief Henry Jemmott with his own weapon. Local reports state that she has been given a £30,000 fine and 300 hours of community service. Hartin pleaded guilty to manslaughter in April after Jemmott’s death on 28 May 2021, which was caused by…
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US debt ceiling deal faces Senate race against time to avoid default
A deal to raise the US government’s US$31.4tn debt ceiling is urgently being pushed through the Senate to prevent the world’s largest economy from defaulting on its debt. The House of Representatives has already approved the deal with a 314-117 vote. However, it must pass the Senate and be signed by President Joe Biden before the deadline on June 5th.…
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Robot artist Ai-Da sparks debate on trust in AI technology
Ai-Da, a highly skilled artist and robot, has exhibited her creations at the Venice Biennale and discussed the future of creative industries at the House of Lords. She can talk, answer complex queries, paint, and create art, which is now on display at the London Design Biennale. Ai-Da utilises advanced AI technology to produce designs of everyday items like cutlery…
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Belfast taxi driver sacked over firearm threats in dashcam video
A driver for Belfast-based taxi firm FonaCab has been dismissed following a video that surfaced on social media, showing him wielding what appears to be a firearm and threatening passengers. The Police Service of Northern Ireland has launched an investigation into the incident. The video, seemingly recorded by a dashcam inside the taxi, shows the driver pointing the suspected weapon…
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