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 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...
-
Thai health expert urges caution on mRNA vaccines due to rising disease rates
With the death toll rising and various diseases increasing from head to toe, the use of mRNA vaccines has been in question. Teerawat Hemajuta, Head of the Health Science Centre for Emerging Diseases at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine, called for the Ministry of Public Health to study this data before recommending the frequency of vaccination. Teerawat asserts that the…
-
Bank of Thailand resists calls for policy adjustments amid economic slump
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) countered government calls for monetary policy adjustments to stimulate the country’s slumping economy. Piti Disyatat, BoT Assistant Governor, stated today, January 15, that interest rates, already quite low compared to global standards, are not the solution to an economy being pummelled by external factors like dwindling global demand. Piti emphasised that the country’s lacklustre economic…
-
Indonesian volcano Mount Merapi erupts again, causing ash rain and evacuations
Mount Merapi, an Indonesian volcano, erupted for the second time in a month, sending a 1,300-metre high plume of ash into the sky and covering nearby homes, vehicles, and evacuation tents in volcanic ash. This latest eruption occurred on Sunday, with no reported fatalities. Mount Merapi is among over 120 active volcanoes in Indonesia, notorious for their unpredictable and sudden…
-
Tantrum in the sun: Foreigners’ sunbathing sparks debate at Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok
A debate erupted over two foreigners sunbathing at Sanam Luang, a leisure park in front of Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok. Numerous netizens expressed disapproval of the act, while some argued that the foreigners might be behaving based on cultural differences. Additionally, there were calls for the park to be opened to the public. Facebook user Kamron Patprayoon shared a…
-
Steady gold prices in Thailand spark call for quick decisions
The Gold Traders Association (GTA) revealed that today’s gold prices remain unchanged from yesterday, urging quick decisions to be made. As of today, the selling price for gold ornaments is stated at 34,350 baht per baht-weight, a steady hold from the final price of yesterday, according to the most recent data from the GTA at 9.03am. Gold bars with 96.5%…
-
Mystery shrouds millionaire model Yoko’s death: Suicide or foul play?
The death of Praowrawee Sahasathapong, commonly known as Yoko, a millionaire model, continues to be shrouded in mystery. Recently, Police Lieutenant Colonel Wittawat Chinkham of the fifth precinct confirmed the initial theory of suicide, following the discovery of cyanide and a farewell message. However, Yoko’s mother remains unconvinced of her daughter’s self-inflicted death. On November 1, Yoko’s body was discovered.…
-
Migration education: Thai vice minister urges deep understanding to tackle illegal migration roots
Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasised the necessity for a profound understanding of illegal migration among lawmakers and the general public to address the root causes of the issue. He voiced these comments during a recent seminar, Shaping Public Perception Towards Migrants, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the International Organisation for Migration. Sihasak pointed out…
-
Astrologer predicts financial prosperity for three zodiac signs in lottery season
As the lottery season approaches, people are hopeful to boost their finances at the start of the year. According to astrologer Thosaporn, three zodiac signs are poised for financial fortune. Thosaporn reveals that those belonging to the zodiac signs of Aquarius (born between February 13 and March 14), Cancer (July 17 and August 16), and Sagittarius (November 17 and December…
-
Thai lottery enthusiasts in a flutter over auspicious numbers for January 17 draw
Thai lottery numbers for the draw on January 17 have sparked excitement throughout the Kingdom of Thailand, with various predictions being made. Several prominent figures, including Khun Phaen, Tuktaen Chonlada, and the Prime Minister, have been connected with these predictions. Khun Phaen and Hong Prai Khun Phaen and Hong Prai, while making a ceremonial offering, drew the numbers 9, 8,…
-
Fatal highway collision in Prachin Buri leaves woman dead and man critically injured
A fatal highway collision between a pickup truck and an 18-wheeler lorry left a woman dead and a man critically injured. The incident occurred around 12.50am today on the main highway between Prachantakham and Kabin Buri, known as Suwanson Road (Route 33), in Prachin Buri province. The 18-wheeler, a Hino brand with license plates 70-2949 and 70-2849 from Chai Nat,…
-
Thai market trader extorted by fake officers for 20,000 baht
Four men, posing as officers from the Crime Suppression Division, extorted a 39 year old market trader, known as Ta, of 20,000 baht. The incident occurred on January 9 when the man, without showing any legal identification or paperwork, confiscated about 20 fashion bags from his stall at a local flea market. Ta explained that the men proceeded to lead…
-
Tragic motorcycle sidecar accident claims life of Thai child
A tragic accident occurred just a day after Children’s Day when five related children were driving a motorcycle sidecar home and crashed into an electricity pole. The oldest of the children, a ten year old girl, lost her life. The unfortunate incident took place around 9.30pm yesterday, January 14, when Thai Buddhist Charity Foundation volunteers in Kabin Buri were notified…
-
Shana E-Sport’s daring tune-up turns Ranger Raptor into a trucking masterpiece (video)
In the realm of Thai automotive enthusiasm, pickup trucks reign supreme, with the Isuzu D-Max and Toyota Hilux dominating sales charts. Not to be left in the dust, the Ford Ranger claims its stake in this truck-loving nation, and thanks to one daring tuner, Shana E-Sport from Chon Buri, it just underwent a jaw-dropping transformation. This Thai tuning maestro recently…
-
Taxing choices: Thai Excise Department ponders single rate or weighty decision for cigarettes
Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Excise Department Director-General, announced that the department is deliberating over whether to implement a single tax rate or a weight-based tax for cigarettes. Currently, the tax structure is a two-tier system, with a 25% tax applied to cigarette packs retailing at up to 72 baht (US$2), aimed at reducing the impact on low-income individuals. Packs costing more than…
-
Severe weather warning for 18 provinces in Thailand
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a severe weather warning today for 18 provinces spanning the north and south of the country. Heavy rains, strong winds, and hailstorms are expected, posing a potential danger to residents. The department advises people to avoid open areas and weakly constructed buildings. This weather forecast for the next 24 hours predicts another western…
-
Rice rivalry: India’s export ban grains optimism for Thai prices
The ongoing ban on white rice exports in India is bolstering the optimism of local shippers that Thai rice prices will remain relatively high during the first half of this year. Chookiat Ophaswongse, the honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, expressed that global market prices are likely to stay around US$600 per tonne, a rate not seen in…
-
Urgent call for faster use of investment budgets to boost the economy of Thailand
Business executives are urging the government to prompt state enterprises and local government organisations to speed up the use of current investment budgets and to roll out more stimulus packages. This is seen as a crucial step to propel the economy while awaiting the fiscal 2024 budget. The executives stress the importance of quick distribution of the 2024 budget once…
-
Concerns after two foreign women sunbathe in Chiang Mai temple
A Thai tourist called on the authorities to put up warning signs after spotting two foreign women sunbathing inside Chiang Man Temple in the northern province of Chiang Mai. The Thai tourist who witnessed the foreigners’ action took a picture and sent it to Channel 3 around 1.30pm yesterday, January 14. The picture showed two foreign women in shorts and…
-
Hells Angels chief’s wings clipped in Bangkok bust: Fleeing Australia on fake wings
The Thailand Immigration Bureau (IB) swooped to arrest Hells Angels chief Rodrigo Elices who fled Australia on a false passport on charges of drug trafficking, smuggling and firearms at a luxury apartment in Bangkok. Thai officials revealed that Elices entered the country last month using an Italian passport with a suspected false identity. Fingerprints associated with the Italian passport were…
-
AI surge anticipated in devices following CES reveals
Tech analysts are anticipating a surge in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) assistants in devices such as PCs and smartphones. This follows several AI-related announcements at the recent Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The new products include AMD’s Ryzen 8000 series of processors, the complete range of Intel’s 14th Gen processors, and a variety of laptops featuring…
-
Boxed milk prices set to rise due to increased raw milk costs
The Internal Trade Department under the Commerce Ministry is poised to consider and approve a potential rise in boxed milk prices, following a request in alignment with increased raw milk production costs. The move comes on the heels of the Milk Board’s recent approval to hike the median ex-factory rates for raw cow’s milk by 2.25 baht (US$0.064) to reach…
-
Bangkok residents warned of escalating air pollution, urged to work remotely
The Pollution Control Department (PCD) warned residents of Bangkok to prepare for an escalation in ultra-fine particle pollution in the air, which is anticipated to worsen by Wednesday. As a result of this alert, the PCD has implored individuals residing in the capital to opt for remote working until the situation improves. The intensifying accumulation of PM2.5 pollutants, according to…
-
Thai government’s plan to open drug rehab centres in army barracks raises concerns
Civil society groups are expressing apprehension regarding the Thai government’s decision to establish drug rehabilitation centres, known as Rakjai centres, in 52 army barracks across the country. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin highlighted the nation’s drug issues on social media and outlined the government’s plan to utilise military premises for drug rehabilitation programmes. Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang has since been involved…
-
PM Srettha to pitch Land Bridge megaproject at WEF
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to entice foreign investors towards the 1 trillion-baht Land Bridge megaproject during the World Economic Forum (WEF) which starts on Monday and concludes on Friday in Davos, Switzerland. PM Srettha will be accompanied by a team of cabinet ministers including Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, the Foreign Affairs Minister, and Transport Minister Suriya JungrungÂreangkit, following an invitation…
-
Fatal accident in Samut Prakan as truck falls on worker during repair
A tragic accident occurred in Samut Prakan province, where a heavy-set man was killed after a six-wheel truck fell on him while he was conducting repairs on it. The incident happened at a Ta Sai located along Khlong Khud Road, Bang Phli District yesterday, January 14. The man, a 57 year old worker from Warin Chamrap, Ubon Ratchathani province, was…
-
Eerie spectacle in Thai village: Lottery number ritual stirs curiosity
At the Witching Hour, an eerie spectacle unfolded as villagers gathered to perform a lottery number ritual at the shrines of Mae Ya Oros and Mae Phan Phanpilai, the Kuman Thong. Yesterday, January 14, at the Mae Phan Phanpilai and Mae Ya Oros shrines in Kabin Buri district, Prachinburi province, locals sought luck and prosperity by inviting spirits to partake…
-
Children’s Day ceremony in Satun turns tragic with rescue vehicle malfunction
Satun witnessed an unfortunate turn of events yesterday, as a Children’s Day ceremony in the Kuan Don Subdistrict took a tragic turn. A rescue vehicle, intended to demonstrate natural disaster operations, malfunctioned during the show, resulting in injuries to 44 children. Local media outlets reported that the incident occurred when a steel sling on the bridge vehicle, used for natural…
-
Koh Samui set for tourism boost with influx of cruise liner visits
Surat Thani province’s popular resort island Koh Samui is expecting a significant boost in tourism this year, with 47 cruise liners set to dock and unload around 25,000 international travellers, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). As stated by Kanokkittika Kritwuthikorn, TAT’s director for Koh Samui, the majority of these tourists will be hailing from the United States, Europe,…
-
Rubber trees in Rayong bestow lottery luck according to local Thai folklore
A legendary tale of fortune has emerged from the Ban Chang-Pla road in Rayong province, where three intertwined rubber trees have become the subject of a lottery luck charm. Locals believe that the spirits residing beneath these trees, which are estimated to be over 100 years old, have bestowed lottery luck upon numerous individuals. On January 8, around 3.30pm, a…
-
Thailand’s tourism authority to boost Chiang Mai visits with year-round campaigns
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is set to initiate year-round campaigns aimed at elevating tourism in Chiang Mai. The news was delivered by TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, who reported a surge in tourism in the region following the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions. From January to November of last year, Chiang Mai saw around 9.4 million tourists grace its attractions,…
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.