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 9 most common health issues covered by insurance for expats in Thailand
Thailand is a popular destination for expats due to its affordable lifestyle and excellent healthcare system. However, settling in a new country often brings health concerns. To ensure you’re covered for the most common medical needs, understanding what expat health...
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Elderly man accused of child sex abuse commits suicide in northern Thailand
A 72 year old man accused of child sex abuse committed suicide, escaping the legal consequences of his actions. The mother of the 11 year old girl victim revealed that she too had been molested by the same man when she was a child. The child sex abuse incident came to light when an 11 year old girl sent a…
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Stringing along trouble: Cambodian guitarist strikes wrong chord in Bangkok church heists
A Cambodian guitarist was arrested today after being accused of stealing musical instruments from Christian churches across Bangkok. The church theft arrest took place at an unnamed rental room in Suk Sawat Road, Phra Samut Chedi district, Samut Prakan. The suspect, Hek Sophol, was sought after an arrest warrant was issued by the Criminal Court of Southern Bangkok on October…
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Phuket Vegetarian Festival thrives with cultural rituals and street processions
The streets of Phuket town were buzzing with spiritual energy earlier today as the Phuket Vegetarian Festival entered its fourth day and the third day of street processions. Devotees and Mah song spirit mediums from the Lim Hu Tai Su Shrine in Samkong led the procession, showcasing a blend of Chinese culture and local traditions. The Samkong Shrine, one of…
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Sunny-side up: Thai exports set to crack 3.6% growth in 2023
Positive prospects are forecasted for Thai exports next year, with an anticipated growth rate of 3.6%. This rebound follows a projected 2% drop this year, according to a recent report by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC). UTCC’s president, Thanavath Phonvichai, attributes this optimistic projection to several factors including lower interest rates and easing inflation globally, which…
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Thai worker survives shooting in Israel, returns home thanks to fellow expat
A Thai worker who survived a shooting incident in Israel has returned home to Khon Kaen province thanks to the heroic efforts of a Thai woman from Nong Bua Lamphu. The Thai worker’s mother, Boonhom Butmo, expressed her deepest gratitude to 40 year old Jam for ensuring the safe return of her son, Ono. When reporters visited Ono’s parents at…
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Thai government committee plans referendum on constitutional amendments
Two sub-panels have been established by the government committee studying the proposed constitutional amendments in Thailand. Their mandate is to measure public sentiment on the proposed changes and devise a blueprint for a potential referendum. Phumtham Wechayachai, chair of the committee, has stated that while there is no set deadline for these sub-panels, it is anticipated that their tasks will…
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Thai PM dismisses rumours of expensive Super App for digital currency scheme
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin quashed rumours yesterday regarding the development of a new application for the country’s forthcoming 10,000-baht digital currency handout scheme. Speculation had been rife that an affiliate of property behemoth Sansiri Plc was to develop the new digital wallet application, named Super App, at a whopping cost of 12 billion baht. However, the 61 year old…
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NIA Reform: Thailand supports startups and SMEs market entry
The National Innovation Agency (NIA) reformed its financial assistance measures, shifting focus towards aiding startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in getting their products to market, rather than simply supporting the development of prototypes. This year, the state agency has allocated 300 million baht to support these businesses, to generate a 3 billion baht economic and social impact, which…
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National police chief probes Thaksin’s hospital treatment amid special privilege claims
National Police Chief General Torsak Sukvimol requested a report from the Police General Hospital (PGH) regarding the medical treatment provided to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra who is currently incarcerated. This request was prompted by a photograph circulating on social media that depicted Thaksin, donned in a patient’s gown and mask, presumably heading for CT and MRI scans. The image, which…
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Thailand to establish dedicated appeal court for narcotics cases
The Supreme Court of Thailand has set in motion plans to establish a dedicated appeal court for narcotics cases, aiming to expedite the legal process for confiscating assets of drug networks. This initiative follows a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsutin and the newly appointed Supreme Court president, Anocha Chevitsophon. The deputy prime minister requested guidance from Anocha Chevitsophon…
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Udon Thani sisters win 200,000 baht each in lottery, attributing success to father’s dream
Three sisters from Thung Fon District, Udon Thani Province scooped second prize in the government lottery. The lucky number, 431314, was revealed in a dream by their late father, bringing each sister a windfall of 200,000 baht. The news was announced on Facebook by Ratchadaporn Thongprasom, a resident of the same district, causing a buzz within the local community. The sisters,…
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Real estate giant Siam Piwat secures global partnerships to boost retail reputation
The Siam Piwat Group, a leading real estate and retail developer in Thailand, secured partnerships with seven global retail giants, boosting its reputation as a popular global destination. The group, which owns and operates several prominent shopping centres, including Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, ICONSIAM, and Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok, has also been in talks with Hyundai Department Store…
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Revved up worries: Middle East turmoil puts Thai car exports in the hot seat
The Federation of Thai Industries’ Automotive Industry Club warned that the ongoing Middle East conflict could potentially disrupt car exports to the region. Particularly, the popular pickup exports could see a downturn if the dispute remains unresolved. Given the current stagnation in domestic sales, the Thai auto industry relies significantly on its exports. Surapong Paisitpatanapong, the vice-chairman of the Federation…
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Hospital bombing in Gaza claims 500 lives (video)
A massive bombing attack by the apartheid Israeli regime in Gaza today resulted in the death of at least 500 people at a hospital, with Hamas labelling the incident as a war crime. The hospital was providing refuge to hundreds of patients and injured individuals. The Al-Ahli hospital, like many other facilities in Gaza, had been filled with Palestinians seeking…
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Thai workers in Israel red zone plead for government aid to return home
A plea for help has been issued by 28 Thai workers located in Israel. They are calling for the Thai government to facilitate their return home after their employer allegedly abandoned them in a high-risk area of ongoing conflict, known as the “red zone” and coerced them into continuing their work. A 31 year old man, Pongsakorn Intaworn, from Ban…
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Thai PM adviser urges police to improve criminal record updating system
Pichai Naripthaphan, previously holding the position of energy minister and presently advising Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, has urged the Royal Thai Police (RTP) to enhance their criminal record database updating system. The need for this improvement was highlighted when Pichai found his name still listed on the national police database during background checks, despite being cleared of all criminal offences.…
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Chinese corporations eye investment in Thai green economy
Chinese corporations have expressed their intent to invest in Thailand’s green economy and development projects, renewable energy, electric vehicles (EVs), and transportation infrastructure, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The Chinese investment announcement came after discussions between PM Srettha and Chinese business executives at the 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) in Beijing. The 61 year old…
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Thai student’s tragic death after falling victim to iPhone online scam
A tragic incident unfolded in Nakhon Si Thammarat when a 19 year old student was found hanged in her home after falling victim to an online scam. The fraudsters duped the victim, Atiya, into paying 20,000 baht for an iPhone 13 that never existed. The police launched an investigation yesterday to capture the culprits, including a woman who held an account…
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Thai women heroically rescue compatriots amidst Israel conflict
Two Thai women have emerged as heroes following their daring rescue of 32 Thai workers amidst the recent tumult in Palestine and Israel. The courageous act of the women, Wipawadee “Jam” Vannachai and Napaporn “Nong” Sohasun, caught the public’s attention yesterday when a series of videos shared by Wipawadee chronicling their risky mission went viral. This commendable act was carried…
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Child safety: Brave 4 year old Chinese boy rescues baby sister from suffocation
In an astonishing act of bravery, a four year old Chinese boy was responsible for saving his five month old sister from potential suffocation. The incident, captured clearly on CCTV, unfolded in their home in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China on October 14. The young boy ran to the aid of his sister who was lying alone, rapidly removing a suffocating…
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Italian police arrest two suspects in Milan linked to IS
Italian authorities cracked down on suspected Islamic State (IS) affiliates, deploying an elite police squad to disrupt and arrest two individuals in Milan, the capital of the Lombardy region in northern Italy. The operation was led by the Milan Public Prosecutor’s Office. The suspects, both of Italian and Egyptian nationality, were charged with promoting, inciting, recruiting and funding the IS.…
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Thai tycoon Premchai Karnasuta’s release reignites interest in Black Panther case
Premchai Karnasuta, a high-profile individual known for his involvement in the infamous Black Panther case, is set to be released from Thong Pha Phum prison today. This news has reignited interest in the case, which once shook the nation, on social media platforms. Premchai, the primary defendant in the case, is the president and managing director of Italian-Thai Development Public…
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Thai human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa bail hopes derailed again on less majeste charge
Arnon Nampa, a prominent human rights lawyer, faced a second denial for his bail request, as informed by Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR). The appeal court’s decision came yesterday, October 16, justifying it with the severity of the royal defamation charges against Arnon and the potential risk of him absconding if set free. Consequently, the court found no grounds…
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Chiang Mai military seize 12.2 million meth pills
Early this morning morning saw the seizure of over 12 million methamphetamine pills by military personnel in the Wiang Haeng district of Chiang Mai. The Pha Muang task force’s rangers of the Royal Thai Army discovered two suspicious pickup trucks parked in a garden along the Ban Mai Muang Jod road in the Piang Luang Tambon at around 5am, today,…
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Bangchak finalises Esso Thailand acquisition
The energy conglomerate Bangchak Corporation, listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), finalised its acquisition of Esso Thailand shares via a tender offer. The deal, valued at 3.54 billion baht, has resulted in Bangchak owning 76.3% of Esso Thailand. Previously, Bangchak secured a 65.99% stake in Esso Thailand, the entity managing Esso petrol stations, from Esso Asia Holdings Pte…
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Unexpected labour at Thai restaurant results in nine months of free meals for pregnant woman
A surprising incident occurred at a popular Thai restaurant when a pregnant woman dining there suddenly went into labour. The manager, Yuthaphum Kaewkhem, known as Boom, recalled the surprising event where the woman, who had been enjoying a meal, started experiencing labour pains. One of Boom’s staff, at the Moo Krata restaurant, revealed that a customer’s waters had broken and…
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Thai businesses on track to navigate energy price cuts: TDRI concerns loom
Thai businesses are assessing the implications of the government’s recent energy price cuts, amidst concerns from the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) about the potential adverse long-term effects of the policy. The Srettha Thavisin-led government has decided to slash the power tariff from 4.45 baht per kilowatt-hour to 3.99 baht between September and December and cap the retail price of…
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Thai woman’s lottery luck hits the skids: Damaged tickets raise winning dilemma
A young woman’s joy of winning the lottery with five tickets was abruptly dampened when she discovered the tickets were severely damaged. This incident sparked online debate about whether she could still claim her winnings. The lottery tickets, purchased for the draw on September 1, were five in total. The first two tickets, numbered 295491, along with one ticket numbered…
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Tesla ghost hunt goes viral: Scientist on track to uncover cemetery mystery in Thailand
A viral TikTok video featuring a Tesla car detecting a ghost in a cemetery sparked scientific analysis today by Dr Chetsada Denduangboripant, a lecturer in the Department of Biology at Chulalongkorn University. He suggested that the anomaly could be due to a malfunction in the car’s sensor and software systems. The viral video was posted by @aunnyc, who drove her…
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Bangkok father arrested for incestuous rape of daughter leading to pregnancy
A shocking case of incestuous rape emerged leading to the arrest of a man who confessed to sexually abusing his 14 year old daughter, resulting in her pregnancy. Paveena Hongsakul, the Chair of the Paveena Hongsakul Foundation for Children and Women, today, October 17, at 11am, accompanied the victim’s mother, 34 year old Oi (pseudonym), to the Prawet Police Station…
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