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 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,...
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Thai CEO donates 1 million baht at singer Kong Huai Rai’s concert
A donation of 1 million baht was bestowed upon the popular singer Kong Huai Rai by Ninew-Niphanrat Salika, the young, wealthy CEO of a world-renowned brand. The generous contribution, made during one of Kong’s concerts, has been deemed the largest garland he has ever received. Kong Huai Rai shared the news with his Facebook followers, posting a picture of the…
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Thailand’s major negotiation tool to be AI at World Economic Forum
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to unleash Thailand’s secret weapon, artificial intelligence (AI), at the 54th World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos. This year, the WEF is not just a meeting, it’s a battleground for global leaders navigating a world torn apart by geopolitics and AI advancements. Thailand’s 12th year at the WEF is more critical than ever, with…
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Optimism for Thai stock exchange rebound despite US economic downturn
InnovestX Securities, part of the SCB X Group, expressed optimism about the rebound potential of the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) index. The company predicts the index could approach 1,700 points this year, driven by stabilising global interest rates and domestic economic stimulation efforts. The first quarter of 2024, however, could be marked by volatility, with possible economic downturns in…
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‘Snakes on a Plane’ moment on a Bangkok to Phuket flight sparks online frenzy (video)
A shocking “Snakes on a Plane” incident unfolded on a domestic flight when a slithery serpent was discovered slithering over the head of a passenger. A TikTok user, @wannabnailssalon, uploaded a series of three clips detailing the event, causing a stir among netizens. The incident occurred on Saturday, January 13, when the TikTok user was returning from Bangkok to Phuket. As…
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Sports car driver caught drifting at Sukhumvit Road intersection
In a daring public display of automotive bravado, a sports car driver was caught on CCTV performing multiple drifts at a busy traffic light intersection on Sukhumvit Road, in the Bang Saen district of Chon Buri. The reckless act occurred around 12.30am on January 8, inciting disapproval from locals. According to surveillance footage, the driver performed several laps of drifting…
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Sa Kaeo murder sparks debate over police transparency and leniency on teenage murderers
The murder of a Thai woman in the Isaan province of Sa Kaeo sparked a debate about the lenient punishment handed out to teenage murderers and raised concerns about the transparency of the Thai police. The dead body of a 47 year old Thai woman named Buaphan Thansu was found in a pond near an abandoned petrol station in the…
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Thai lottery ushers in new year with lucky numbers frenzy
The Thai Government Lottery Office today is set to reveal the initial lottery outcomes for the auspicious Dragon Year. Enthusiastic fortune seekers and lottery enthusiasts are actively seeking fortuitous numbers to usher in the new year. Recently favoured number combinations have been collated from diverse sources, encompassing the propitious sequence 08-01-30, New Year numbers 567, 67, 024, 24, and Children’s…
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CentralWorld hosts Bangkok Countdown 2024
Central Pattana plc, Thailand’s number one real estate developer and operator of 39 Central shopping centers nationwide, in collaboration with leading public and private partners including the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Royal Thai Police, Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association (RSTA), Advance Info Service plc., Thai Honda Co., Ltd., Coca-Cola (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Haad Thip plc., Boonrawd Trading Co.,…
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Thai government resists Israeli embassy’s call for hostage release in Gaza
A call for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, initiated by the Israeli embassy, met with opposition from the Thai government. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara expressed his disapproval of the move on Tuesday. He has requested a meeting with the Israeli ambassador for a discussion on the issue.…
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Royal Thai Air Force to battle surging fine dust pollution crisis
With fine dust pollution surging to alarming levels in Thailand, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin tasked the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) with spearheading the nation’s countermeasures. RTAF chief ACM Phanpakdee Pattanakul yesterday confirmed the directive. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) revealed that the provinces of Samut Songkhram and Samut Sakhon are presently grappling with high levels of…
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Global car firms urge fair Thai EV promotion amidst competition fears
European, American, and South Korean automobile manufacturers are urging the Thai government to ensure its electric vehicle (EV) promotion policy benefits all EV makers evenly. This plea arises amidst growing concerns that Chinese and Japanese rivals might be enjoying an unfair advantage. Industry Minister Pimphattra Wichaikul revealed these countries are seeking enhanced support for their EV sales and automotive supply…
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Thai ministry propels rice trade growth with G2G agreements
The Ministry of Commerce in Thailand is set to discuss the potential sale of a massive 1 million tonnes of rice to Indonesia tomorrow, under a government-to-government (G2G) agreement. This comes with a commitment to further engage in similar discussions about rice sales with China. Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai revealed that the head of the Foreign Trade Department has been…
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Motorcycle and pickup collision causes fatal accident in Mueang Chachoengsao
A fatal collision occurred between a motorcycle and a pickup truck on Suk Prayun Road near the Ju Chareon intersection in Mueang Chachoengsao. The incident took place close to a U-turn point in the city centre, and resulted in the death of the 31 year old motorcycle rider, Waranyu Worasing, also known as Kru Gai. Authorities were alerted to the…
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Boom Mookatha pauses free meal campaign following exploitation
Yutthaphum Kaewkhem, also known as Boom Mookatha, recently expressed disappointment over his social campaign, which offered free meals to pregnant women, disabled people, children, older, and rescuers at his hotpot restaurant. His goodwill, however, was exploited, leaving him deeply disheartened. Boom revealed that he allowed these groups to eat for free at his restaurant, Toey Katha, for the past three…
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Thai justice minister supports DSI in bribery, human trafficking probe
Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong stepped forward to support the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) as it investigates accusations of bribery and human trafficking levelled against two previous Cabinet ministers and two high-ranking officials involved in the supply of Thai labour to Finland. Tawee, who spoke before the regular Tuesday Cabinet meeting, denied any form of victimisation in the joint inquiry…
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Tourist traps or traffic tricks? Pattaya’s road signs under scrutiny
The Machanu Roundabout, where Jomtien Second Road meets the path to Jomtien Beach in Pattaya, has turned into a perilous zone, prompting residents to demand swift intervention. The pedestrian crossing signs, seemingly innocuous, are placed at a precarious height of only 160 centimetres. Tourists, oblivious to the looming hazard, find themselves colliding with these signs, resulting in a string of…
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Thai coconuts take China by storm: How RCEP sparks culinary craze
Thai coconuts have become a sensation, captivating the taste buds of the vast Chinese market. Since the initiation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in 2022, these delectable coconuts have found their way into an array of Chinese dishes, from cakes and coffee to hot pot extravaganzas. Two years on, the RCEP has not only transformed the economic landscape…
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Dengue fever claims lives in Songkhla province amid rising cases
A female doctor from Songkhla Province tragically succumbed to dengue fever, marking the latest fatality in a year that has seen 7,400 cases and 10 deaths in the area. Authorities issued a warning today as the dengue fever situation in the province remains concerning. Over the past week, there have been reports of two fatalities: the first being a female…
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Update: Chiang Mai Night Safari confirms four zoo animals died, not 13
Kritsada Lapimon, Deputy Director of the Pinkanakorn Office and Director of the Central Administration Office performing duties on behalf of the Director of the Pinkanakorn Development Office, chaired a press conference to clarify the number of deaths of animals at the Chiang Mai Night Safari yesterday, January 15. Thitirat Tawanwong, Deputy Director of the Pinkanakorn Development Office and Director of…
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Thai naturalist embarks on a 1,000km trip to save Mekong River
The Mekong River, a lifeline for millions, is currently in a state of distress. Naturalist Paramin Wannakornbancha, known as Bass, embarked on a 1,000-kilometre journey on foot to raise awareness about the river’s plight. His journey, which started yesterday, January 15, has been warmly welcomed by local fishermen who are heartened by the younger generation’s concern for the river. In…
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Young girl finds and returns gold bracelet worth 70,000 baht to owner
A primary 4 girl returned a gold bracelet worth more than 70,000 baht to its owner. Villagers flocked to praise the honest girl who picked up a 2 baht (approximately 30.32 grammes) gold bracelet and returned it to the owner. The girl, of Number 53, Village No. 2, Ban Talu Non Muang. Samrong Ta Jen Subdistrict, Khukhan District, Si Sa…
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Cathay Pacific welcomes 100 mainland China cabin crew in diversity drive
Cathay Pacific Airways welcomed 100 cabin crew members from mainland China, marking the first intake from its recruitment initiative in the region. The new staff members are set to spearhead the airline’s goal to bring onboard 1,500 individuals from across the border by 2025. Mandy Ng, Cathay’s director of service delivery, stated that hiring Mandarin-speaking flight attendants was a natural…
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Thai woman’s legal battle after husband’s affair with adoptive mother
A Thai woman in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat is taking legal action against her husband’s adoptive mother for having a secret affair with her husband. The 28 year old woman named Amm took to social media to share the story of her cheating husband’s sexual relationship with his adoptive mother as a warning to others. Amm’s story…
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Investigation into Yoko’s death uncovers purchase of cyanide for 33,000 baht
The investigation into the death of Praowrawee Sahasathapong, better known as Yoko, is progressing. At 9.30am today at Klong Tan Police Station, Police Captain Witawat Chikham, Superintendent of Division 5, disclosed that a close male friend of Yoko, along with his lawyer, had come forward to help the investigation officers at Klong Tan Police Station. Pol. Cap. Witawat further stated…
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Thai AirAsia merger grounded till 2027
The consolidation of AirAsia (AAB) and AirAsia X (AAX) might be a lengthy affair, extending up to 2027, according to Executive Chairman Tassapon Bijleveld. The merger, aimed at creating a powerhouse in the industry, faces delays as AAX grapples with its ongoing rehabilitation process. Last week, AAX made a revelation on the Malaysian stock exchange, announcing a non-binding letter of intent…
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Ex-deputy health minister faces lawsuit for Khao Yai park encroachment
The state prosecutor announced plans to file a lawsuit against ex-Deputy Public Health Minister Sunthorn Wilawan, along with 11 others in connection with the encroachment of the Khao Yai National Park. The court date is set for February 28, according to Wirun Chanthananan, Director of Public Prosecution of the Office of the Attorney-General’s (OAG) Special Litigation Office. On January 4,…
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Lottery expert reveals top numbers and zodiac predictions for 2023 in Thailand
A recent lottery show revealed the top lottery numbers for the upcoming draw tomorrow, along with promising predictions for five zodiac signs for the year 2024. This was presented by renowned lottery expert, Ball Parway. The numbers that were highlighted include 425-97, a result of the New Year’s Day horoscope reading at a house built for Phya Naga in Uttaradit…
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Thai TV star reveals three sets of lucky numbers from lottery purchase on Instagram
Lottery enthusiasts are urged to enhance good fortune for themselves and their families to welcome the new year by paying respect at the Bangkok City Pillar Shrine. Good-humoured TV star Thongchai Thongkanthom, better known as Ping Pong, shared a photo of the three sets of lucky numbers that he got at the shrine with fans on his Instagram account @sindy_pwoong.…
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Tourist bus crash in Phuket injures 17 Chinese tourists
A bus journey to the picturesque Similan Islands took a horrific turn today when a vehicle ferrying 17 Chinese tourists careened off the road in Tha Chatchai, located in the northernmost part of Phuket. The incident occurred early today, January 16. Authorities were alerted to the disaster at 8.10am. Responding to the call were Tha Chatchai police officials, including Police…
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Elon Musk aims for 25% voting control for AI and robotics expansion
The world’s most affluent individual and Tesla CEO Elon Musk revealed yesterday that he would feel uneasy expanding the electric vehicle (EV) company’s presence in the artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics sectors unless he possesses at least a quarter of the company’s voting control. This is a significant increase from his current 13% stake in the company. He voiced this…
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