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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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    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....

  • Massage parlour in northern Thailand raided for underage sex trafficking

    Massage parlour in northern Thailand raided for underage sex trafficking

    Police swooped on a massage parlour in the northern province of Tak after a tip-off on underage sex trafficking. The owner of the parlour was arrested and two teenage Burmese girls were rescued. The Anti Trafficking In Persons Division Police (ATPD) received a tip-off that a Thai woman, 40 year old Suphaporn Makaew, was operating an underage sex trafficking racket…

  • Charles III’s coronation: A mix of tradition, modernity and controversy

    Charles III’s coronation: A mix of tradition, modernity and controversy

    In a moment of historic splendour, Britain is set to witness its first coronation in 70 years as the nation prepares to crown King Charles III at Westminster Abbey on Saturday. This religious confirmation follows the passing of Queen Elizabeth II last September, and besides crowning Charles, the ceremony will also crown his second wife, Camilla, as queen. Although many…

  • Increase in fresh fruit exports to China expected due to improved land transport flow

    Increase in fresh fruit exports to China expected due to improved land transport flow

    Exports of fresh fruit to China are expected to surge by at least 10% this year, thanks to improved land transport flow and better cross-border trade facilitation. Commerce Permanent Secretary Keerati Rushchano revealed that land border transportation for fresh fruit is predicted to rise significantly in the coming months, with durian making up about 80-90% of the transported produce. Fresh…

  • Philippine annual inflation on track for government target as food prices ease

    Philippine annual inflation on track for government target as food prices ease

    Philippine yearly inflation is predicted to remain within the government’s 2% to 4% target range in Q4, following a decrease in April due to reduced food prices. The consumer price index increased by 6.6% YoY in April, the lowest rate since August, and lower than the 7.0% predicted in a Reuters poll. As a result, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas…

  • Singapore car COE prices to remain high due to limited supply and strong demand

    Singapore car COE prices to remain high due to limited supply and strong demand

    Prices for Singapore’s Certificate of Entitlement (COE) are likely to remain high as demand continues to outstrip limited supply. Despite a dip in premiums for cars after the latest bidding exercise closed on 4 May, it is too early to tell if prices have peaked, said analysts who forecast that COE premiums for cars may rise in the next few…

  • Turtle nest discovered on Koh Phra Thong beach, Phang Nga

    Turtle nest discovered on Koh Phra Thong beach, Phang Nga

    The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) Region 6 office in Thailand has reported the discovery of a turtle nest on Koh Phra Thong island, located off the coast of Kuraburi District in Phang Nga province. Yesterday, a team of DMCR officials, along with a village chief assistant from Moo 3 Baan Koh Ra, inspected the turtle nest situated…

  • SAS to launch direct Copenhagen – Bangkok flights

    SAS to launch direct Copenhagen – Bangkok flights

    Danish flag carrier SAS Scandinavian Airlines will launch a direct route between Copenhagen in Denmark and Bangkok in Thailand in October this year to meet increasing demand, the airline announced on Tuesday. SAS first opened a route from Copenhagen to Bangkok way back in 1949, which was discontinued in 2014. Bangkok was SAS’s first-ever destination in East Asia. The relaunched…

  • China’s aircraft carriers: A threat or propaganda showpiece?

    China’s aircraft carriers: A threat or propaganda showpiece?

    While China’s recent military drills with its Shandong aircraft carrier showcased its modernizing forces, experts believe it could take over a decade for China to pose a credible carrier threat far from its shores. Military attaches and defence analysts question the value of China’s carriers in a potential conflict with the US over Taiwan or their ability to be protected…

  • Prachuap Khiri Khan braces for rainy season to start in mid-May

    Prachuap Khiri Khan braces for rainy season to start in mid-May

    Thailand’s Prachuap Khiri Khan province is bracing for the rainy season to start in mid-May. The Thai Meteorological Department predicts that the rainy season in Thailand will start around the third week of May 2023, with one to two tropical storms possibly passing through the northeastern and northern regions in August and September. Thailand’s rainy season typically occurs from May to…

  • Chinese foreign minister assures Russia and India of deepening bilateral ties at SCO meeting

    Chinese foreign minister assures Russia and India of deepening bilateral ties at SCO meeting

    Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang has assured his Russian and Indian counterparts that China will continue to deepen bilateral relations and that “coordination and cooperation” will only grow stronger, as it demonstrates its solidarity with two of China’s biggest neighbours. Qin met with other foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in India last week, as Beijing seeks to…

  • Mai Khao authorities in Phuket enforce removal of illegally posted signs

    Mai Khao authorities in Phuket enforce removal of illegally posted signs

    Efforts to remove illegal roadside signs throughout the Mai Khao area have been ramped up, following orders given by Sarawut Srisakukham, the Chief of the Mai Khao Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor). As part of the ongoing crackdown, officials have been tasked with identifying and dismantling any unauthorised signage, to help maintain order and cleanliness in the region. The campaign commenced…

  • Thailand welcomes 8.5 million foreign tourists so far this year

    Thailand welcomes 8.5 million foreign tourists so far this year

    Thailand welcomed over 8.5 million foreign tourists in the first four months of 2023, generating revenue of 353 billion baht, according to data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Government spokesperson Anucha Buraphachaisri revealed today that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was delighted to hear about the strong recovery of Thailand’s tourism sector from January to April. In total, 8,596,452…

  • Heartbroken Thai durian farmer cries after trees poisoned, causing 30 million baht loss

    Heartbroken Thai durian farmer cries after trees poisoned, causing 30 million baht loss

    A heartbroken durian farmer in South Thailand cried after he discovered on Wednesday that most of his trees had been poisoned, causing a long-term loss of around 30 million baht (US$936,000). The farmer, 51 year old Charin Phuachai, lives with his family in Chumphon province, in the Hat Phan Kraj sub-district of the main city district. Charin had 25 Mon…

  • Dexon Technology’s overseas expansion strategy amid global recession forecasts

    Dexon Technology’s overseas expansion strategy amid global recession forecasts

    Despite numerous predictions of a potential global economic recession, Dexon Technology’s chief executive Mallika Kaekla is confident that the company’s strategy to expand overseas will help boost revenue this year. Established in 1996 close to the Map Ta Phut industrial estate in Rayong province, Dexon Technology originally provided engineering inspection services for the energy and petrochemical sectors, ensuring efficiency and…

  • Serbian mass shooting leaves 8 dead and 13 injured

    Serbian mass shooting leaves 8 dead and 13 injured

    A tragic shooting last night in the vicinity of Belgrade, Serbia, resulted in the deaths of eight individuals and injuries to another 13. This shocking incident comes in the wake of another mass shooting in Serbia just one day earlier. Serbian authorities are reportedly searching for a 21 year old male suspect after a warrant was issued for his arrest.…

  • CIA accused of using powerful cyberweapons against China and other countries, report reveals

    CIA accused of using powerful cyberweapons against China and other countries, report reveals

    China’s National Computer Virus Emergency Response Centre (CVERC) and cybersecurity company 360 jointly released a report yesterday, accusing the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of using powerful cyberweapons to attack other countries, including China. The report claims that the CIA has orchestrated “peaceful evolution” and “colour revolutions” worldwide through superior technology. The report concentrated on numerous cyberattacks within China. Investigators…

  • PWO collaborates with NACC and Amlo for lawsuits over rubber glove corruption scandal

    PWO collaborates with NACC and Amlo for lawsuits over rubber glove corruption scandal

    The Public Warehouse Organisation (PWO) is collaborating with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to proceed with lawsuits against individuals involved in the corruption surrounding the procurement of 500 million boxes of rubber gloves worth 112 billion baht in 2020. PWO director Kriangsak Prateepvisut disclosed last week that the organization is preparing to file civil and…

  • Thailand’s pollution control department to lower safe PM2.5 levels following WHO guidelines

    Thailand’s pollution control department to lower safe PM2.5 levels following WHO guidelines

    The Pollution Control Department (PCD) yesterday announced plans to align with the World Health Organisation guidelines and reclassify the safe level for ultra-fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from 50 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3) to 37.5 µg/m3 in an effort to address dust pollution concerns. Jatuporn Burutphat, the permanent secretary for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, expressed the ministry’s…

  • Thailand to close several popular islands for environmental restoration

    Thailand to close several popular islands for environmental restoration

    Four islands in Trang province, southern Thailand, will close for four months to give nature a chance to restore itself after a hectic tourist season, namely Koh Muk, Koh Kradan, Koh Chuek, and Koh Waen. Thailand’s Similan Islands will also close for the monsoon season. Yesterday, the Chief of Hat Chao Mai National Park Prit Narasaritkul announced the temporary cease of…

  • South Korea aspires to become a global pivotal state for Indo-Pacific crisis response

    South Korea aspires to become a global pivotal state for Indo-Pacific crisis response

    South Korea‘s aim to become a global pivotal state (GPS) will help countries in the Indo-Pacific region address crises, according to the nation’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Choi Youngsam, who spoke to media in Seoul. Choi addressed the World Journalist Conference, hosted by the Journalist Association of Korea from April 24-29. Around 50 international journalists, including five from Southeast Asia –…

  • Thailand’s One Drone, One Community project aims to boost smart farming and economy

    Thailand’s One Drone, One Community project aims to boost smart farming and economy

    The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (Depa) has announced its plan to launch a pioneering project in Thailand that will provide large drones to communities and offer training in drone maintenance to encourage smart farming development. The initiative, titled “One Drone, One Community,” is backed by the Digital Economy Fund and aims to create an economic impact exceeding 800 million baht…

  • The future of Thai workforce: Embracing flex work and employee experiences

    The future of Thai workforce: Embracing flex work and employee experiences

    Despite facing economic uncertainties, nearly 60% of global executives anticipate their businesses to achieve stable or significant growth. Asian leaders, however, express concerns about the rising cost of capital and debt, labour market tightness, and competition for talent when planning for the upcoming year. In the Global Talent Trends (GTT) Study 2023 by Mercer, human resources leaders in Thailand shared…

  • Thai robbers nabbed for stealing from Chinese renters in Pattaya

    Thai robbers nabbed for stealing from Chinese renters in Pattaya

    Officers from Chon Buri Provincial Police arrested two Thai men for robbing a rental house occupied by three Chinese nationals in Pattaya on Wednesday while the other three suspects are still at large. A Thai female party entertainer was accused of supporting the gang. The Mueang Pattaya Police Station received a notification about the theft at a beachfront rental house…

  • Rare strong winds topple tree at Doi Suthep temple, causing panic among visitors

    Rare strong winds topple tree at Doi Suthep temple, causing panic among visitors

    A rare windstorm, known locally as “Lom Luang“, surprised tourists and monks when it struck Doi Suthep Temple in Chiang Mai, resulting in a large tree collapsing across the Naga staircase. The incident occurred at 4pm today, when the forceful winds swept through the summit, causing a large red tree, big enough for three people to hug, to fall, blocking…

  • Twist in Thai cyanide serial killer case: Actress and nurses investigated for buying same poison as killer

    Twist in Thai cyanide serial killer case: Actress and nurses investigated for buying same poison as killer

    There has been another twist in the Thai cyanide serial killer case. Not only has the serial killer’s husband been charged with aiding and abetting her crimes and released on bail but the Royal Thai Police (RTP) is investigating the purchase of some cyanide by a famous Thai actress and 10 nurses, who reportedly bought the poison from the same…

  • US authorities investigate Goldman Sachs’ role in Silicon Valley Bank collapse

    US authorities investigate Goldman Sachs’ role in Silicon Valley Bank collapse

    US authorities have launched an investigation into Goldman Sachs‘ work with Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) in relation to the events that led to the collapse of the California-based bank. Goldman disclosed the probe in a recent securities filing, noting that they are cooperating and providing information to various government bodies. The investigation focuses on the bank’s activities for SVB in…

  • Body found floating near Koh Samui, Thailand

    Body found floating near Koh Samui, Thailand

    A dead body was found floating in the sea between Koh Samui on Koh Pha Ngan in Surat Thani province, southern Thailand, yesterday. The deceased appears to be a foreign woman, reports MGR Online. Yesterday, the Facebook page “Chalerm Yord Phongsri” posted photos of a swollen body floating face down in the sea, wearing only underwear/swimwear, with the caption… “I…

  • Phuket motorbike tragedy claims life of young Polish woman

    Phuket motorbike tragedy claims life of young Polish woman

    A motorbike tragedy in Phuket claimed the life of a young Polish woman yesterday, in Thailand’s latest road accident. The 33 year old rider was killed after she crashed her motorbike and slid under a trailer truck in the Chalong sub-district of Phuket’s main city district. Rescuers arrived at the scene on Chao Fa West Road, in front of a…

  • Belgrade security guard hailed a hero after school shooting

    Belgrade security guard hailed a hero after school shooting

    In a tragic event that shook the entire nation, nine lives were lost in a school shooting in Belgrade by a teenage gunman, including those of the long-time security guard, Dragan Vlahovic, and eight students. As the community grieves and tries to come to terms with the deadliest school shooting in Serbia‘s recent history, Vlahovic is hailed as a hero…

  • Canadian teenager found dead in Bangkok condo room

    Canadian teenager found dead in Bangkok condo room

    A young Canadian man was found dead in his rented condo room in Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. Police say they are investigating suspicious evidence found inside the room. At 2.30pm, officers at Bangrak Police Station were notified that a foreigner was found dead in his rented room on the 6th floor of a luxury condominium building on the Samyan – Silom…