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 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...
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Franklin Templeton eyeing expansion into Thailand’s offshore market
Franklin Templeton, an American multinational holding company with a portfolio worth US$1.5 trillion, is contemplating an expansion into Thailand to tap into the local market for offshore products. The Asia-Pacific head, Tariq Ahmad, revealed this in an interview in Hong Kong, however, he did not specify a timeline for the expansion. The firm is also planning to bolster its alternative…
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School bus crash in Mae Sot leaves teen critically injured
A horrifying car crash that saw a school bus plough into an electricity pole and a roadside stall in Mae Sot, Tak province, left a 14 year old boy critically injured. The 57 year old driver, Aminullah, admitted to falling asleep at the wheel after consuming heart medication and cold medicine. The incident occurred on the main road passing through…
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Thailand’s economic growth falls short of projections amid potential crisis
The pace of Thailand’s economic recovery slackened last year, falling short of the official predictions, as disclosed by government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke. This could increase the likelihood of the central bank considering an early easing strategy. Chai revealed today, January 23, that the Thai economy only expanded by 1.8% last year, a drop from the 2.6% growth experienced in 2022.…
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Thailand’s hot springs used as tourism strategy
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports unleashed a grand plan to catapult the nation’s hot springs into the global spotlight. Thai hot springs are set to rival European spa towns and Japanese Onsen havens, creating a hotbed for international travellers and an advantage for local economies. Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol revealed the ambitious scheme, aiming to transform Thailand’s hot…
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16 year old motorcycle rider attacked by 2 teenage attackers in Chiang Mai
A 16 year old boy filed a complaint against two teenage attackers who last week assaulted him and tried to steal his motorcycle on a road in the northern province of Chiang Mai. The mother of the victim took to social media after the two attackers remained at large even though the physical assault took place almost a week ago,…
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Bangkok bracing for temperature drop and dust pollution fluctuations
The capital city of Thailand, Bangkok, is set to experience a slight drop in temperatures tomorrow, January 24, amid ongoing concerns over high levels of dust pollution. As forecasted by the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD), temperatures are predicted to decrease by 1-3°C for a single day. Meanwhile, other regions of the country, barring the south, will see a temperature…
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NASA closely monitors 2300 asteroids posing potential threat to Earth
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is keeping its eye on 2,300 potentially dangerous asteroids. These celestial bodies pose a risk of colliding with Earth as they orbit the Sun. The exact times and dates of these potential impacts have been disclosed, and astronomers have shared how to mitigate the dangers posed by these fast-moving space objects. A small…
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Update: British man who contracted leukaemia whilst on vacation in Thailand loses battle
The British man from Southend who fought a battle against leukaemia, contracted whilst on holiday in Thailand, in late November last year, has passed away at Southend Hospital. Dean Penson’s fateful journey began when he fell critically ill during a holiday in Thailand, prompting a 10-day hospital stay where doctors initially feared the worst – leukaemia. A desperate fundraising effort…
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Party entertainer accuses former Thai politician of rape
A female party entertainer filed a complaint against a former Thai politician in the Sattahip district of Chon Buri province accusing him of defrauding and raping her. The 35 year old party entertainer, identified only as Bee, complained to Sattahip Police Station on January 20 that a former politician refused to pay for her services and also reportedly raped her…
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Magnitude 7.0 earthquake tremors hits China and three other nations
A powerful land earthquake of magnitude 7.0 struck China today, causing tremors felt across four countries, followed by 17 aftershocks ranging from magnitudes 4.1 to 5.8. The incident took place today early this morning as reported by the Disaster Management Centre of the Department of Mineral Resources at 1.09am local Thai time. The earthquake’s epicentre was located at a depth…
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Bitcoin plunges 20% following launch of US Bitcoin ETFs
Bitcoin, the world’s leading digital currency, has seen a sharp decline of nearly 20% since January 11. This follows the launch of the inaugural Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) that invest directly in Bitcoin. The downturn has been attributed to increased caution among investors regarding the potential effects of these new financial products. On the day of the ETFs’ launch, Bitcoin soared…
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Thai deputy PM calls for abolition of controversial teacher-guardian system
In a significant administrative shift, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is advocating for the cancellation of the teacher-guardian system, asserting that it is the responsibility of security agencies, not teachers. He emphasises that the simplest and most immediate solution is to return teachers to the classroom. This development emerged following an incident where a teacher was physically assaulted while guarding…
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Internet idol’s chilling end sparks murder-suicide investigation
The lifeless body of a young Internet idol was found in a condominium in the Ratchada area, under Huay Kwang police jurisdiction. Thamolwan Chaleamchaisri, better known as Nong WanChiap, was discovered naked on her bed, with a gun magazine in her left hand, displaying gunshot wounds around her left ear. Friends of the 23 year old raised suspicions towards her…
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Thailand braces for temperature drop and thunderstorms across 19 provinces
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) forecasts a fresh bout of cold wind resulting in a sharp 5 degrees Celsius drop in temperature. Accompanied by thunderstorms in 19 provinces, the TMD also warns of a storm wreaking havoc in the southern region. In the next 24 hours, a relatively strong high-pressure system will gradually cover the northeast region and is…
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Tragic road accident in Trat claims life, leaves one injured
A tragic road accident in Trat province led to the death of one man and left a woman injured. The incident occurred when a pickup truck lost control and collided with an electricity pole, causing it to fall and overturn the vehicle. The 49 year old driver, Somai Saengphloi, was killed, and his 22 year old passenger, Sirikan Junmareong, was…
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Thai police officer allegedly faked marriage certificate and swindles money from woman
An angry Thai woman accused a police officer in the northern province of Lamphun of forging a fake marriage certificate and defrauding more than 300,000 baht from her and her mother. The 39 year old woman named Aut urged Thai news agencies to help her seek justice after she and her mother lost more than 300,000 baht to a police sub-lieutenant…
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SET-listed banks’ net profit surges 15.6% due to rate hikes
Interest income growth due to policy rate hikes has contributed to a 15.6% year-on-year increase in consolidated net profit for ten Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) -listed commercial banks in 2023, reaching a total of 232 billion baht. The previous year’s profit was around 201 billion baht. In the context of these rising interest rates, the banking sector demonstrated a…
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Thai economy experts predict 3% growth despite digital wallet scheme delay
Leading economist Somchai Phakapaswiwat foresees a 3% economic growth despite the government’s 500-billion baht handout scheme‘s potential delay. Renowned economist Somchai Phakapaswiwat set tongues wagging yesterday, January 22, when he confidently declared that Thailand’s economic trajectory remains unscathed, poised for an impressive 3% growth, despite uncertainties surrounding the government’s 500-billion baht handout scheme. According to Somchai, the delay in the…
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Rayong: Residents draw the line against U-Tapao Airport noise nightmare
Nearly 500 households in Ban Chang district, Rayong, united against the U-Tapao-Rayong-Pattaya International Airport expansion. The bone-rattling aircraft noise has reached a fever pitch, and tensions are soaring as authorities remain deaf to their pleas. The community, armed with determination, has drawn the line with an imminent demonstration at U-Tapao Airport. Chawalit Romruen, the headman of the Samnakthon sub-district, alongside Prasert…
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SET anticipates Oliver Wyman’s report on Thailand’s securities trading
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) anticipates an imminent report from international consultant Oliver Wyman. The report, expected to be completed in the first week of February, focuses on the suitability of Thailand’s securities trading programs and the prevention of naked short selling. This initiative, led by SET President Pakorn Peetathawatchai, follows investigations into four alleged instances of naked short…
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Teenager shot in Prachin Buri: Police hunt for culprits underway
A teenager in Prachin Buri was shot three times after driving past a group of youths. The injured teenager was immediately transported to the hospital as the police launched a hunt for the gunman. The incident took place near a curve leading into a residential community, in front of a local disaster rescue station. The police are also investigating the…
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Rock ‘n’ roll on Sukhumvit: Chinese tourist’s bizarre antics shock Pattaya
A Chinese national attracted attention when he exhibited erratic behaviour on Sukhumvit Road, Pattaya, resorting to self-harm by smashing his head with a rock, last Saturday, January 20. The shocking scene unfolded in broad daylight, triggering immediate concern from alarmed onlookers. Quick-thinking passers-by wasted no time and alerted the authorities, sparking a rapid response from the police and rescue units.…
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Thai SMEs threatened by proposed minimum wage hike and high loan rates
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) warned that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) could be significantly affected by the proposed daily minimum wage hike and high loan interest rates. This comes as the government persists in its efforts to increase wages. Towards the end of 2023, a resolution was reached by the tripartite wage committee, composed of representatives from the…
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Kuwaiti woman killed in motorcycle accident in Kamala, Phuket
A Kuwaiti woman was killed yesterday morning in a motorcycle accident in Kamala, Phuket. The incident was reported to Kamala Police by a passerby at around 3am. Two individuals who were riding the motorcycle were transported to Patong Hospital. A Honda PCX motorcycle was found in a drainage ditch, as well as a broken blue helmet. The motorcycle driver, a…
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Thai health minister unveils emergency airlift project to save tourists
In a move set to revolutionise emergency medical services, Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew declared the expansion of Thailand’s Sky Doctor project during an emergency airlift rehearsal in Phang Nga. The rehearsal unfolded at Koh Yao Witthaya School, where the minister, accompanied by permanent secretary Opas Karnkawinpong, showcased their commitment to elevating the nation’s healthcare services to international standards. Addressing…
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Teenager in Thailand brutally assaulted by notorious youth gang
A brutal assault on a 13 year old boy by a notorious youth gang in Nonthaburi, Thailand, led to a formal complaint being lodged at the Ratthanathibet Police Station. Ekapop Luengprasert, an adviser to the interior minister and founder of the Sai Mai Tong Rod (Sai Mai District Must Survive) Facebook page, accompanied the mother of the victim to the…
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Russian roulette: Five nabbed in Phuket villa for illegal gambling and shisha stash
Officers from the Investigation Division of the Provincial Police Region 8 and Chalong Police Station yesterday arrested five Russian nationals for illegal gambling and the illicit possession of water pipes for shisha smoking at a luxury villa in the Rawai sub-district of Phuket. Officers received a tip-off that a group of foreigners turned a lavish accommodation in Soi Salika in…
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US-China tensions fuel e-commerce growth in Thailand
The mounting geopolitical tension between the US and China is precipitating an influx of new e-commerce entities into Thailand, a development set to escalate market rivalry and broaden the scope of the cross-border e-commerce industry. Thanawat Malabuppha, the CEO of Priceza and honorary president of the Thailand E-Commerce Association, asserts that the escalating US-China geopolitical strife has triggered an expansion…
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5 Thai teenagers arrested for trying to rob Kuwaiti man in Pattaya
Mueang Pattaya Police Station officers arrested five Thai teenagers for trying to rob a Kuwaiti man in Pattaya in the early morning of yesterday, January 22. Channel 7 reported that the 23 year old Kuwaiti victim filed a complaint against a group of Thai teens after he survived the attempted robbery at 3.30am yesterday. The foreign man explained that he…
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Seaplane terminal boosts tourism in Phuket
Airports of Thailand (AOT) announced Thailand’s inaugural seaplane terminal, slated to grace Phuket International Airport. AOT’s visionary project aims to meet the demand for coastal tourism, taking reference from the Maldives. The ambitious initiative involves a comprehensive study to bolster tourism links between Phuket and the Andaman islands and beaches while concurrently enhancing the airport’s capacity. With the study, encompassing…
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