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.
-
Sponsored Answers to the most common questions about international health insurance
If you’ve been thinking of staying in Thailand long-term, you’ve probably already asked the big question, “Do I actually need international health insurance?” It’s a question that often comes up among expats, digital nomads, retirees, and even frequent travellers. Sure,...
-
Malaysia consolidates IT systems, aims to save RM7bn annually
The Malaysian government is working to consolidate its information technology systems, including government databases and websites, according to Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli. The current system costs approximately RM7 billion (US$1.7 billion) annually to maintain. The centralised database initiative aims to bring together 297 separate databases, with government ministries and agencies expressing support for the approach. Rafizi also mentioned plans to…
-
Malaysia urged to ratify ICERD and end LGBT persecution in post-pandemic recovery
The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (Forum-Asia) has called on the Malaysian government to ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD). In collaboration with Malaysian civil society organisations (CSOs), Forum-Asia also recommended that the government put an end to the persecution of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. These…
-
U-turn tragedy: High-speed chase ends in fatal crash as taxi driver takes a deadly detour
An officer died during a high-speed chase with suspects after a taxi driver made a u-turn causing the police officer’s motorcycle to crash into the cab. The superintendent of Samre Police Station, Chattakit Phadungchanthabai, told Channel 3 that the fatal accident occurred on Southern Sathon Road in Bangkok at 2.30am on Monday, June 5. Two officers from Yannawa Police Station…
-
Stark faces 23 billion baht arbitration dispute with German firms Leoni AG
Stark Corporation, a SET-listed company, is facing an arbitration dispute with German firms Leoni AG and Leoni Bordnetz-Systeme GmbH. The German firms are claiming 608 million euros (23 billion baht) from Stark, alleging a breach of their sales and purchase agreement, Bangkok Post reported. According to a filing to the Stock Exchange of Thailand yesterday, the case refers to Stark’s exercise of…
-
Fatal shooting after ex-husband attacks woman with debts
Police in Nong Ruea, Khon Kaen were alerted to the fatal shooting of a Thai man and the injury of a woman at a shop in the Chorakhe subdistrict. A 58 year old man was found dead, identified as the ex-husband of the injured 48 year old woman. Upon investigation, the injured woman, recently discharged from the hospital and still…
-
Japanese customer accuses Thai masseur of attempted rape in Bangkok
A Japanese woman took to Twitter to share a story that a Thai masseur attempted to rape her while providing a service at a massage parlour near Khao San Road in Bangkok. The female shop owner defended her male employee, telling police that inserting a finger into a woman’s vagina is part of the service. A Thai Twitter user, @Reiriesz,…
-
Russia’s national day: President Putin encourages patriotism and unity
Celebrating Russia’s National Day, President Vladimir Putin urged citizens to be patriotic and dedicated to their nation amid challenging times. Speaking in Moscow, Putin did not mention Russia’s military operations in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia’s Ministry of Defence released a video showcasing Russia’s beautiful landscapes, as well as citizens and soldiers expressing their love for the country. Putin also paid tribute…
-
Zen Corp and CPF launch ready-to-eat Tummour meal at 7-Eleven stores
If you visit 7-eleven a lot in Thailand, there’s good news for you. Zen Corporation Plc, known for operating restaurant chains such as Zen, AKA, and Tummour, has announced its expansion into the ready-to-eat meal market in a bid to strengthen its long-term business prospects. The company’s chief commercial officer for Thai brands, Siruwat Chatchawan, disclosed that Zen Corporation has…
-
Trump faces 37 charges over classified documents at Mar-a-Lago
The indictment of Donald Trump on charges of mishandling classified documents at his Florida estate has thrust a high-profile case into the spotlight, marking a significant development in the United States Justice Department’s history. This comes less than three months after Trump faced 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in New York, making it the most substantial legal threat…
-
Three dead in Nottingham as van rampage suspect arrested
A tragic series of events unfolded in Nottingham, a city in the English midlands, as three individuals were discovered dead in separate incidents. British police have arrested a 31-year-old man on suspicion of murder, following reports that a van had attempted to run over three other people. Initially, two victims were found deceased in the city centre. Shortly after 4am…
-
FTC seeks halt of Microsoft’s $69bn Activision deal amid competition fears
US regulators have requested a judge to halt Microsoft’s US$69bn acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the Call of Duty publisher. The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) expressed concerns that the deal, the largest in the video game industry’s history, could “substantially lessen competition” within the sector. This development follows the UK’s decision to block the deal over similar concerns, while the…
-
Mother jailed for illegal home abortion ignites calls for UK law reform
Carla Foster, a mother of three, has been jailed after inducing an abortion outside the legal limit using pills at home, sparking calls for a parliamentary debate on overhauling abortion rules. The 44-year-old was sentenced to 28 months, with 14 of those months to be spent in custody. Foster was between 32 and 34 weeks pregnant when she took medication…
-
Malaysia’s NIMP2030 to boost economic complexity, targeting key sectors
The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry in Malaysia is working on the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP2030) to drive industrial development and increase the nation’s economic complexity. Set to launch in August, NIMP2030 aims to align with the New Investment Policy (NIP), which has identified five key sectors for enhancing future exports of complex products. These sectors include…
-
Malaysia’s river pollution hits 4% in 2021, government tackles causes
A recent report revealed that four per cent of Malaysia’s 672 rivers were polluted in 2021, according to Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, the Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change (NRECC). The data was gathered by the Department of Environment (DOE) through monitoring the Water Quality Index (IKA) of these rivers during that period. The primary causes of river…
-
Malaysia seeks Interpol help to locate comedian over controversial remarks
Malaysian authorities are seeking assistance from Interpol to locate Singapore-born comedian Jocelyn Chia, who is believed to be based in New York, following her controversial remarks about Malaysia during a recent comedy performance. Inspector-General of Police Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani announced that the application to obtain Chia’s identity and location will be made as soon as possible to commence investigations.…
-
Malaysia’s King appoints 16 judges in ceremony at Istana Negara
In a recent ceremony at Istana Negara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s King, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, granted an audience and presented the instruments of appointment to 16 judges. Queen Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah was also in attendance. The ceremony commenced with the presentation of the instruments of appointment to Federal Court judges…
-
Malaysia denies sale of Iskandar film complex, sells operator shares
The Malaysian Finance Ministry has refuted claims that a 49-acre film and television production complex in Iskandar Puteri, Johor Baru, has been sold. Deputy Finance Minister Steven Sim clarified that the land remains under the ownership of state investment firm Khazanah Nasional Bhd through special-purpose vehicle Tanjung Bidara Ventures Sdn Bhd. Instead, the shares of studio operator company Iskandar Malaysia…
-
Online scam syndicate members deny abusing teen employee, face prison and fines
Four individuals, including two minors aged 15 and 17, have pleaded not guilty to charges of ill-treatment, voluntarily causing harm to a 15-year-old teenager, and possession of pornographic materials. Soh Sun Hung, 20 years old, and Yap Kah Seng, 22 years old, along with the two minors, are believed to be part of an online scam syndicate and were the…
-
Malaysia to review health workforce needs amid oversupply concerns
The Ministry of Health (MoH) in Malaysia is set to conduct a study this year to review the country’s actual needs for different categories of human resources for health, according to Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa. The study will consider the impact of new policies introduced after 2016 and the health needs of the population, enabling the distribution and requirement…
-
Malaysia aims for digital investment hub status with startup ecosystem revamp
The Malaysian government seeks to reform the country’s startup ecosystem by focusing on funding and investment opportunities at the seed and angel investor stages, according to Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli. In a recent talk, Ramli highlighted Malaysia’s potential to become a regional hub for digital investors, on par with neighbouring Singapore and Indonesia. Plans are also underway to integrate back-end…
-
Kind-hearted Thais donate over 1 million baht to help 4 year old girl and her blind grandmother (video)
The gut-wrenching struggle of a four year old girl and her 68 year old blind grandmother in the Isaan province of Buriram tugged on the nation’s heartstrings leading the good people of Thailand to dig deep into their pockets and donate 1 million baht to help the family. A Thai teacher, Phatcharin “Aoom” Esatee, took to social media to seek…
-
SCB-Julius Baer launches 45 Academia programme for Thai business heirs
In Thailand, there’s a new academic programme for business heirs. SCB-Julius Baer Securities, a joint venture between Siam Commercial Bank and Julius Baer, has introduced The 45 Academia programme as part of its New Wave of Wealth strategy. This initiative aims to nurture the future leaders of wealth management by offering comprehensive training for business heirs in Thailand. The 45…
-
TCEB seeks global support for Phuket to host Specialised Expo 2028
As the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) prepares for its final presentation to the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) next week, it continues to seek support for Phuket’s bid to host the Specialised Expo 2028. Over the past three years, TCEB has been working with Thai stakeholders and BIE member states to garner votes for Phuket as the host…
-
Thailand’s tourism rebounds with 11.4 million visitors
Thailand has experienced a surge in foreign tourist arrivals, with 11.4 million visitors recorded from January to June 11, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. This figure has already surpassed the total number of tourists in 2022, which reached 11.15 million. The statement also revealed that tourist spending during this period amounted to 472…
-
CPF targets 7-8% revenue growth, eyes Philippines animal feed sector
The leading food and agribusiness conglomerate Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) anticipates a 7 to 8% increase in total revenue to 610 to 620 billion baht this year, primarily due to contributions from its international business, with a focus on the growing animal feed sector in the Philippines. CPF’s chief executive, Prasit Boonduangprasert, stated that the company has been investing in pork,…
-
Thantawan Industry Plc targets eco-friendly products for Thai BCG initiative
There’s a new eco-friendly initiative in Thailand. Thantawan Industry Plc, a leading plastic manufacturer and developer of innovative products, is focusing on producing eco-friendly products in support of the Thai government’s bio-, circular, and green (BCG) economic development initiatives. The company’s garbage bags, made from recycled plastic beads, and straws, which are made from biodegradable materials, are aimed at helping…
-
Actor Treat Williams dies in motorbike accident aged 71
Renowned actor Treat Williams, known for his roles in the film musical Hair and the American television series Everwood, has tragically passed away in a road accident at the age of 71. Williams was involved in a collision with an SUV while riding his motorbike in Vermont on Monday. He was airlifted to hospital in critical condition but was sadly…
-
Reeling it in: Fisheries Dept hooks attention with temporary fishing ban in Gulf of Thailand’s Tua Kor area
The Fisheries Department announced there will be a temporary fishing ban implemented in the Tua Kor area of the Gulf of Thailand. The decision was made as a direct result of the substantial rise in the amount of fish caught for commercial purposes in the area. The amount of fish that was caught each day in 2022 averaged out to…
-
Japanese investors seek Thai tech startups for regional expansion
Thai tech startups have caught the attention of Japanese investors, who are keen to support their expansion into regional markets, according to an executive at Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri). Southeast Asia, and Thailand in particular, are considered prime investment locations for Japanese investors, who see potential in the country’s high-growth tech startups. Bunsei Okubo, head of Japanese corporate and multinational…
-
Anwar Ibrahim defends U-turns on healthcare scholarships, egg and chicken subsidies
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed his willingness to reconsider previous decisions if it would alleviate the public’s burden. He argued that there is no reason to avoid changing a decision if it initially caused inconvenience. “The old decision was to stop, our decision is to continue. What is the flip-flop? If the decision burdens the people Tanjong Karang should raise…
Don't forget to check out some other things to do in Thailand - get help starting a business or finding a job in Thailand, buy Thailand property, rent a yacht or book a medical procedure worldwide.