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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Thai group stranded in China after Chiang Mai company deception
A group of Thai nationals, duped by a company in Chiang Mai into selling goods in China, is desperate for help after running into legal and financial trouble. The group, consisting of over 80 individuals, is now stranded in China, facing dwindling funds, visa expiry, and the risk of becoming illegal immigrants. The group was lured to China by a…
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Thai Red Cross clarifies blood donation charges are for service not sale
The Thai Red Cross Society’s National Blood Centre clarified that the blood donated and subsequently delivered across the nation’s hospitals is not up for sale. However, recipients are required to cover a service fee. This clarification came to light via the National Blood Centre’s website in response to a Facebook post claiming the Thai Red Cross Society was profiting from blood…
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Philippines: Mindanao University Sunday mass terror attack
A peaceful Sunday mass at Mindanao State University, Marawi, Philippines, turned into a nightmare as a bomb ripped through the congregation, leaving at least three dead and seven injured. As worshippers gathered for their regular Sunday mass service at Mindanao State University’s gymnasium in Marawi, the tranquillity was shattered by a bomb blast. Regional police Chief Allan Nobleza disclosed that…
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Flash floods claim one life and leave 11 missing at Indonesia’s Jewel, Lake Toba
Flash floods in Lake Toba, Indonesia wreaked havoc, claiming one life and leaving 11 missing on December 1. Lake Toba experienced a heavy downpour, triggering devastating flash floods. The heavy rain caused widespread destruction that extended beyond homes to include a church, a school, and even a hotel. The aftermath resembled a nightmare, as large stones, trees, and mud cascaded…
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Thailand’s plan to extend Songkran raises eyebrows and 5.1 billion baht in soft power bid
Thailand‘s iconic Songkran Festival might be turning into a month-long water extravaganza in a bid to boost the country’s soft power, or a potential disaster waiting to happen? Thailand’s political arena is buzzing with controversy as the Pheu Thai Party, led by Paetongtarn Shinawatra, unveils an audacious plan to extend the beloved Songkran Festival. The goal? To solidify the nation’s soft…
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Are bread krathongs harming Bangkok’s public park ponds?
Environmental advisor to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Pornporm Wikitsate, exposed the negative impacts of biodegradable Krathongs on public park ponds after the recent Loy Krathong Festival. The public, in a bid to reduce waste and protect the environment, had opted to float Krathongs made from bread. However, the aftermath was not as environmentally friendly as anticipated. Pornporm questioned whether bread…
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Chon Buri: Motorbike rider meets tragic end in crash with parked lorry in Bang Lamung
A motorbike rider crashed into the rear of a parked 18-wheel lorry which proved to be fatal in Bang Lamung, Chon Buri yesterday, December 2, at 12.16am. The incident took place on the Pattaya-Rayong bypass road, and the Nong Prue police were immediately alerted. Upon receiving the distress call, Pattaya rescue teams were promptly dispatched to the scene. The grim sight…
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Update: Luxury gambling den busted in Nonthaburi – 49 arrested, owner denied bail
In the heart of Ngamwongwan, Nonthaburi, a luxury gambling den concealed within a hotel was recently exposed, leading to the capture of 49 individuals, comprising gamblers and employees alike. This took place on November 30 and was a significant operation spearheaded by Rattanathibet police officers. Officers immediately began the process of questioning the suspects, subsequently pressing charges against them. Following…
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Khon Kaen’s Major Cineplex under police inspection due to 4 Kings II
Khon Kaen‘s Major Cineplex Movie Theater was subjected to an official inspection by Mueang Khon Kaen police officers on November 30 at 4.30pm. The inspection was carried out in anticipation of potential conflicts that could be sparked between college students due to the screening of the film 4 Kings II. The police officers took it upon themselves to inform the…
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Significant earthquake in Mindanao Philippines triggers tsunami warning but spares Thailand
The Philippines experienced a significant earthquake near the island of Mindanao, triggering a tsunami warning. The quake, measuring 7.5 in magnitude, didn’t affect Thailand, according to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD). Japan also issued a tsunami warning in response to the seismic activity occurring on December 3. At 9.57pm yesterday, December 2, the TMD stated the earthquake in Mindanao, Philippines.…
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Thailand’s embassy in Beijing ramps up efforts to enhance national image
A concerted effort to rejuvenate Thailand‘s image among the Chinese population is being championed by Benjamin Sukanjanajtee, the Charge d’Affaires of the Royal Thai Embassy in Beijing. Benjamin emphasised that the Thai government should also focus on enhancing the quality of Thai products to amplify the nation’s reputation in China. Sukanjanajtee expressed his conviction that despite recent incidents which have…
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Elderly Thais targeted by scammers posing as bank agents
Scammers posing as bank agents targeting elderly Thai citizens have recently swindled multiple victims out of their savings. A 68 year old housewife lost 1.5 million baht (US$44,000) to such a scam after she was led to believe she was eligible for a government financial aid scheme. The fraudsters presented her with two receiving options for the supposed aid: a…
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Overwhelmed businesswoman registers for Thai government’s debt relief scheme
A businesswoman, burdened with an overwhelming debt, registered for an out-of-system debt relief scheme. She owes money to 14 lenders and faces the daily challenge of finding more than 7,000 baht for interest payments at a rate of 20%. This move comes after the government, under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, has been focusing on resolving out-of-system debt issues for citizens…
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Thai loan shark arrested for scamming over 1 million baht
A crackdown led by the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) resulted in the arrest of a 37 year old woman for operating more than 10 illegal loan shark gambling rings. The operation defrauded victims of over 1 million baht and involved intimidation to prevent reporting of the crime. The arrest of the loan shark was executed today, December 2, following an…
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Fire destroys textile warehouse, 100 million baht loss
A devastating fire blazed through three textile warehouse facilities in the Kabin Buri district of Prachin Buri province, causing an estimated damage of over 100 million baht. The fire, which lasted for over eight hours, was reported in the early hours yesterday at the S. Chutima textile warehouse facility, located in Lat Takhian subdistrict. The textile warehouse compound, spanning an…
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Massive 14 million methamphetamine pill haul intercepted in Laos
A mammoth haul of over 14 million methamphetamine pills, destined for Thailand, was intercepted in Vientiane with five suspects taken into custody. The monumental seizure was achieved during an operation carried out from November 28 to 30, conducted by the drug suppression police in Laos. Among those apprehended in the methamphetamine crackdown operation were four individuals from Laos and a…
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Tourists injured in ride malfunction at International Silk Festival
Tourists were injured when a giant squid ride at the International Silk Festival malfunctioned, causing a piece to break off and hit the ground. The accident, which occurred during the last ride of the day yesterday, December 1, resulted in three people sustaining injuries. Following the incident, authorities swiftly stepped in, providing immediate medical assistance to the injured and transporting…
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Siblings surrender following fatal shooting in Sichon mall
Two siblings, 21 year old Jeerasak and 15 year old Jeerawat handed themselves over to the authorities at Sichon station last night, December 1, following a fatal shooting. The pair were implicated in the fatal shooting of 18 year old Khanisorn Chan-u-thai in a department store in the Sichon district. The incident was confirmed by Police Lieutenant Colonel Bundit Sukhavisit,…
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Thailand’s looming gun crisis: RTP crackdown nabs nearly 15,000 suspects
In a pre-Loy Krathong Festival blitz, the Royal Thai Police (RTP) swooped down on a staggering 14,909 suspects, unearthing a chilling 14,339 criminal cases. National Police Chief Police General Torsak Sukvimol revealed that of the 1,320 cases linked to guns, the majority centred on illicit sales and wrongful firearm ownership. The crackdown’s focal point? To stem the tide of gun…
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Belgian tourist injured by loose wire in Pattaya, safety concerns raised
A 61 year old Belgian tourist in Pattaya suffered a harrowing ordeal when a sharp metal wire pierced his palm while he was walking near a traffic light box at the Grand Condo Thepprasit intersection in Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, Chon Buri province. The incident unfolded in the late hours of November 29. The foreigner, identified as Philippe Leoncuan Damme,…
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Fugitive child sexual abuse offender reveals bribery plot to escape justice
German media has uncovered a dark tale of child sexual abuse in Thailand, where a suspect spills the beans on his desperate bid to escape justice by using bribery. The story kicks off in Thailand, where a notorious foreigner involved in child sexual abuse was arrested. The Thai authorities held a press conference to announce the arrest, sending shockwaves through…
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Young motorcyclist injured in hit-and-run incident on Pattaya’s Beach Road
Pattaya witnessed an unfortunate hit-and-run incident in the early hours of yesterday, December 1, where a young motorcyclist was left injured due to a collision with a fruit side cart. The incident took place on the bustling Beach Road, and the victim was identified as 20 year old Krawit Jandang. Pattaya police were alerted about the accident around 2am. They…
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Fatal night-time collision on Uthai Thani road claims teenage life
A tragic collision on a dark road resulted in the death of a 17 year old high school student and injured two others yesterday, December 1. The incident occurred on the Khao Khong Chai-Ban Pa Ao route, in Uthai Thani’s Lan Sak district. The vehicles involved were an E-Tan pickup carrying a full load of rice, a Honda PCX scooter,…
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Thailand ambulance crew narrowly escapes attack by drug-crazed patient
An ambulance crew had a near-death experience when they were attacked by a patient yesterday, December 1. The patient’s relatives had obscured information, not disclosing that the patient was in a drug-induced frenzy. The patient turned violent, using an electric saw to attack the ambulance, with no one coming to the rescue. The driver’s quick thinking allowed the whole team…
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Thailand’s digital leisure evolution
Thailand, a country known for its vibrant culture and picturesque landscapes, is currently experiencing a remarkable transformation in its leisure and entertainment sectors. This transformation, deeply rooted in the digital revolution, is reshaping how Thais engage with entertainment and cultural activities. Thailand is forging ahead on an innovative path where technology expands cultural offerings to make them more accessible and…
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Popular snack vendor finds 100,000 baht stolen from Chiang Mai home
A popular snack vendor known for her revealing outfit, returned to her Chiang Mai home yesterday, November 30 to find nearly 100,000 baht had been stolen from her safe. The 27 year old vendor, Aranya Abhaiso, also known as Olive Tokyo No Bra, suspects the culprit to be someone close to her and is preparing to file a police report.…
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House committee formulates 2024 budget proposal
The House committee responsible for scrutinising planning and monitoring budget expenditure is formulating a budget proposal for next year. The proposal is expected to be reviewed by the House in early January. Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, the committee’s chair and a list MP of the Move Forward Party, confirmed that the panel is currently processing budget requests from various state agencies. These…
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Thai drug addict leaves 9 year old boy fighting for life in shocking Isaan attack
Police arrested a Thai drug addict after he attacked three victims in the Isaan province of Nakhon Panom on November 29. Among the victims were a nine year old boy who is battling to save his life and another individual who sustained serious injuries. Phonsawan Police Station officers swiftly responded to the incident at Phon Sawang Temple in the Phonsawan…
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Sky’s the limit for drama: Fire drill steals the show near Phuket International Airport
Onlookers in the vicinity of Phuket International Airport yesterday were treated to an unexpected spectacle of dark smoke rising into the sky. Fear not, Phuket Airport General Manager Monchai Tanode clarified that the source of the smoke was a routine fire drill conducted by the airport’s Fire and Rescue Department. Monchai, in his role as the general manager of Phuket…
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Rice production crisis forecast: Dry woes, dwindling waters, and El Nino brew trouble
Asian rice production during the off-season is predicted to suffer due to a blend of unfavourable weather conditions including dry planting, dwindling reservoirs and ongoing El Nino weather patterns. These issues are due to reduce the early 2024 yields, further squeezing supplies and potentially causing a rise in food inflation. Both India, the world’s largest rice exporter and Thailand, the…
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