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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Dugong deaths rise, experts warn of drastic decline in Andaman Sea
Eight dugongs have died and washed ashore this month, according to the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR). Marine ecosystem expert Thon Thamrongnawasawat has warned that in five to eight years, only a few dozen dugongs might remain in the Andaman Sea. The DMCR reported that between October 1 and October 24, four male and four female dugongs were…
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Tourists rush to Doi Inthanon as temperatures drop to 10 degrees
Tourists flocked to Doi Inthanon National Park today, October 26, as temperatures dropped to 10 degrees Celsius (°C), marking the beginning of the winter season. They gathered to enjoy the crisp morning air and stunning sunrise views, creating a lively atmosphere. At Doi Inthanon, located in Chom Thong, Chiang Mai, the National Park’s head, Kraingkrai Chaiyapisek, reported a drop in…
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Petrol prices risen by 0.30 baht per litre for the weekend
PTT Station has announced an increase in petrol prices, effective today, October 26, which may impact motorists planning weekend trips. Petrol prices have risen by 0.30 baht per litre, while diesel prices will remain unchanged. PTT Station has adjusted the retail prices of all petrol and gasohol types. Regular petrol will be priced at 43.94 baht per litre, Gasohol 95…
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BEM takes legal action against escalator stunt at Bangkok metro
Bangkok Expressway and Metro (BEM) has taken legal action against an individual for his alleged reckless behaviour, as captured in a viral video showing him sliding down an escalator handrail at a metro station in Bangkok. A Facebook user known as Nut Freerunning posted the video on October 22, tagging it with “Slider+MRT+freerunning.” The footage depicted the man running through…
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Phuket police to fast-track testimonies in The iCon Group case
Phuket Provincial Police Commander Police Major General Sinlert Sukhum has directed all police stations on the island to fast-track the summary of testimonies in the case involving The iCon Group and submit them to Phuket Provincial Police. The directive was issued during a meeting held at the Phuket Provincial Police headquarters, which saw the attendance of superintendents from all local…
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Thai government urges swift updates for digital wallet distribution
The Thai government confirms that the second phase of the 10,000 baht digital wallet distribution will reach all registered citizens, urging vulnerable groups to rectify any issues promptly to avoid forfeiting their rights. Today, October 26, Jirayu Huangsap, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, discussed the progress of the 10,000 baht economic stimulus transfer in an interview broadcast on the…
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Chemical tank explosion kills two, injures twelve in Thai factory
A chemical storage tank explosion at a lead-smelting factory in the Borthong Industrial Estate has resulted in two fatalities and twelve chemical exposure injuries. Police are urgently investigating the incident, which occurred at 9.26am today, October 26. On receiving the report, Police Lieutenant Colonel Worawit Wanna of Wang Takian Police Station took immediate action. The explosion happened at a factory…
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Pattaya Tourist Police prepares for upcoming high season
Pattaya Tourist Police are increasing safety measures for the upcoming high season, especially for the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations heading into 2025. On October 24, Police Colonel Man Rotthong, Superintendent of Tourist Police Division 2, led a meeting to discuss preparations for the high season in Pattaya. Key points included reviewing the Strong Tourism Community (S.T.C.) project and…
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Thailand establishes semiconductor board to boost industry
Thailand aims to bolster its standing in the regional semiconductor industry, with significant efforts underway to prepare a skilled workforce for escalating demands. This move is marked by the formation of the National Semiconductor and Advanced Electronics Industry Policy Committee, also known as the National Semiconductor Board, chaired by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Paetongtarn signed an order to establish the…
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Man shoots wife in heated argument in Nakhon Si Thammarat
A man was apprehended after shooting his wife, leaving her in critical condition, following a heated argument. The incident took place yesterday, October 25, in Pak Phanang, Nakhon Si Thammarat, after the couple exchanged harsh words. Police officers, including Deputy Investigator Raengchai Khaorueang from Pak Phanang Police Station, received a call about a domestic shooting. Upon arrival at the residence…
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Parking altercation at Nonthaburi market, two women stabbed
A late-night altercation at the Owl Market in Nonthaburi, Thailand, resulted in two women being stabbed over a parking dispute over a barrier fence. The confrontation escalated when concerns about moving a fence to avoid vehicle damage spiralled into violence. Police received a report around 1.30am today, October 26, about a woman being stabbed in the car park behind the…
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Insurgent threats in deep South as Tak Bai massacre case passes
Security measures have been increased in Thailand’s deep South amidst intelligence reports suggesting insurgent groups are planning to instigate violence from today, October 26, until October 28, following the expiration of the statute of limitations for the Tak Bai massacre case. Reports indicate that these groups aim to incite violence across four provinces to mark the 20th anniversary of the…
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Thailand raises retirement age to 65 for all sectors
Thailand’s Labour Ministry is set to extend the retirement age for both private and government sectors to 65 years, aligning it with countries like Singapore and Switzerland, announced Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. Phiphat stated that the decision to increase the retirement age is influenced by significant advancements in health and medical technology, which have improved life expectancy. Additionally, the ministry plans to…
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Big Joke’s wife counters alleged victim with illegal police uniform claim
Sirinatda Hakparn, the wife of former police chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, denied allegations of theft made by another police officer’s wife. She also accused the woman of wearing a police uniform despite having no position within the Royal Thai Police (RTP). The 50 year old woman, Thanattha, filed a complaint at Phra Kanong Police Station on October 20, alleging…
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Thailand’s auto industry brakes as production target stalls
Thailand’s auto industry is stuck in first gear, with car production now expected to fall short of the 1.7 million target for 2024 as sales and exports hit a serious slump. The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) warns that car manufacturing could face another downgrade this year, with officials predicting a sharp drop from the original target of 1.7 million…
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Thai’d and tested: Pattaya’s 30-baht wonder serves up tasty treats
A humble Pattaya diner is taking the seaside resort by storm with its lip-smacking Thai dishes at just 30 baht a plate, proving that great taste doesn’t need to break the bank. At the heart of this culinary buzz is Krua Khun Nai Kiew, a small eatery run by its passionate owner Rattanaporn Chueachuchat. While most restaurant owners might fret…
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Thai freshman remains unconscious 6 months after brutal hazing
A Thai freshman remains unconscious at a hospital in Pathum Thani province, near Bangkok, after being brutally assaulted in a hazing at a university in Bangkok in April. An older student admitted to kicking the victim in the chest. The victim’s 42 year old mother, Thanawan Pannoppha, sought help from Channel 7 after no one took responsibility for her injured…
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Thailand’s card payments to hit 3.3 trillion baht by 2028
Thailand’s card payments market is projected to achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2% from 2024 to 2028, reaching 3.3 trillion baht (US$94.5 billion) by 2028. This growth is driven by a consistent consumer shift towards electronic payments, according to data and analytics firm GlobalData. Data from GlobalData’s Payment Cards Analytics indicates that card payment value in Thailand…
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Thailand rejects lese majeste in new amnesty bill
The House of Representatives yesterday voted to reject the proposal to include lese majeste offences in the new political amnesty bill. The decision saw 270 MPs voting against the inclusion, with 152 in favour. The proposal, yesterday, October 24, was part of a special committee report that explored alternatives to the proposed amnesty bill for political offenders. Despite the rejection…
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Illegal catch! Phuket cops net 12 foreigners in immigration swoop
Phuket Immigration Police swooped on 12 foreigners for violating the Immigration Act and working illegally, following a series of inspections conducted over two weeks. Immigration Police intensified their crackdown on illegal activities involving foreigners from October 9 to October 18, according to a report by the Phuket branch of the Public Relations Department (PR Phuket). Police carried out inspections at…
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Nakhon Phanom monk attacks man with machete
A blade-wielding monk attacked a man with a machete, leaving him seriously injured. The incident occurred at Wat Si Bun Rueang in Nakhon Phanom, with the monk claiming self-defence against a suspected thief. Police received a report of an assault involving a monk at Wat Si Bun Rueang, located in Ban Kham That, Nakhon Phanom. Officers arrived to find a…
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Chiang Rai police arrest youth gang leader and 18 others
Chiang Rai police apprehended the ringleader of a youth gang involved in a series of violent disturbances across the city, along with 18 other individuals. The group had been engaged in random assaults, property damage, and detonating explosive devices on city streets. The incidents occurred near the Baan Den intersection, in front of Mengrai Maharaj School, in Mu 5, Nang…
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Thai abbot caught on leaked audio having sex call with woman
A Thai abbot in the northern province of Lampang denied leaving the monkhood after a leaked audio recording revealed him engaging in a sex phone call with a woman. The leaked audio was shared by locals living near the temple in the Phichai sub-district of Lampang province. The male voice in the recording is alleged to be that of the…
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Thailand pumps the brakes on private sector traffic perks
The Ministry of Transport firmly dismissed allegations from the opposition that its proposed traffic congestion fees will disproportionately benefit the private sector, asserting that the policy is designed with accountability in mind. Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote addressed concerns raised by Suphanat Meenchainan, a Bangkok MP from the opposition People’s Party, during a House meeting yesterday, October 24. Transport Minister…
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Thailand’s fruit season ends with prices going bananas
Thailand’s fruit season is wrapping up this year with a notable surge in prices for durian, mangosteen, rambutan, longkong, and mango. The successes of this year’s fruit season are attributed to the preparations made in advance. Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan announced that the Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has closely monitored fruit production and pricing for 2024. The season’s end…
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Blaze in Samut Sakhon warehouse causes millions in damages
A fierce fire erupted in a warehouse complex in Samut Sakhon, causing extensive damage and affecting multiple businesses. Over 10 fire trucks were deployed to contain the blaze, which resulted in losses amounting to several million baht. At approximately 6am today, October 25, Surapol Wichit, a deputy inspector from the Samut Sakhon City Police Station, received a report of a…
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Police seize over 1 billion meth pills, assets worth 12 billion baht
Thai police have successfully dismantled a major drug trafficking network, seizing over one billion meth pills and other narcotics throughout the year. Assets worth more than 12 billion baht have also been confiscated. Yesterday, October 24, Assistant Commissioner-General Nirandorn Lueamsri, and Somboon Thiankaew, Deputy Commissioner of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB), announced the arrest of key figures involved in the…
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Mae Hong Son police seize 77 gambling machines in raid
Police in Mae Hong Son conducted a raid and seized 77 coin-operated gambling machines from a rented house, suspecting plans to open a gambling den. The confiscated items are now being processed for legal action. Yesterday, October 24, Police Lieutenant Colonel Thawatchai Surinta, commander of Border Patrol Police Company 336, assigned Police Lieutenant Sumrerng Chamnarn, deputy commander of the same…
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Thailand video news | Foreigner Wrecks Chiang Mai Stall After Smoking Ban Warning & Drunk motorcyclist crashes into Pattaya repair shop
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex covers the latest pressing stories from Thailand and Southeast Asia. Key highlights include criticism directed at the a drunk motorcyclist crashing into a Pattaya repair shop. Additionally, there’s chaos in a village where a blacksmith’s night work has turned into a tale of terror. Meanwhile, a police officer’s wife is caught in a scandal…
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Bangkok market stabbing over 500 baht debt leaves one dead
A tragic incident occurred at a market in Bangkok, where a foreign worker fatally stabbed a drinking companion with scissors over a 500 baht debt dispute. Police were alerted to the incident around 10pm yesterday, October 23. Deputy Inspector Pisai Thongmee, along with several other officers, responded to a report of a fatal stabbing in Soi Ekkachai 64/7, Khlong Bang…
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