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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Brits and pieces: Pattaya calm shattered by heated road rage clash
The tranquillity of Pattaya’s sun-kissed streets was shattered yesterday by a shocking road rage meltdown involving a British man and a Thai local. Chaos unfolded outside the LK Metro Hotel on Soi Buakhao as emergency services rushed to the scene in response to a violent altercation between a British man and a Thai driver. James Edward, a British national, was…
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Toxic warehouse: Cops uncover illegal operation in Chachoengsao
Police in Chachoengsao uncovered a shocking illegal operation housing hazardous chemicals within a warehouse complex in the Plang Yao district. A massive investigation launched yesterday, November 10, revealed that nine out of ten warehouses were being used for illicit factory activities, with the primary focus being the illegal recycling of hazardous materials. The probe, carried out in partnership with the…
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Thai PM Paetongtarn’s APEC visit strengthens Thailand-Peru ties
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s participation in the 31st Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, Peru, is anticipated to bolster bilateral ties between Thailand and Peru while contributing to the advancement of the APEC framework. This prediction comes from Cecilia Zunilda Galarreta Bazan, Peru’s ambassador to Thailand. This trip marks PM Paetongtarn’s inaugural visit to the Latin American continent…
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Tak Bai massacre impacts Pheu Thai ahead of Thai election
The unresolved issue of the 2004 Tak Bai massacre in Thailand’s deep south is perceived by many locals as a potential detriment to the Pheu Thai Party, as revealed by a recent opinion poll. Meanwhile, the People’s Party emerges as the preferred choice for the upcoming General Election. This survey, conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), gathered…
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Thailand implements 8.36 billion baht plan to stabilise rice prices
The National Rice Policy and Management Committee has introduced three strategic measures to stabilise rice prices amidst concerns of potential oversupply during the harvest season. By maintaining a balance between demand and supply, these initiatives aim to prevent a price drop in this year’s rice crop. Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan announced that the first measure entails an 8.36 billion baht…
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Police raid exposes illegal gambling in Bangkok restaurant
Police raided a Chinese restaurant in the heart of Bangkok, disguised as a legitimate eatery, and arrested four Chinese nationals for illegal gambling. The raid, which took place yesterday, November 9, at 9.30pm, was led by Jesada Yangnok, alongside deputy officers from Wang Thonglang Police Station. This followed intelligence that the establishment was operating as a covert gambling den. Upon…
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Bangkok police nab suspects in tourist robbery with steak knife
Bangkok police recently apprehended two young men accused of robbing a Chinese tourist with a steak knife in the bustling Bang Rak district. The incident, which took place in the early hours of the morning, resulted in the suspects facing serious charges. Jetsada, a 22 year old man, and 23 year old Suradet were arrested by Bang Rak police on…
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Tattoo artist arrested for ketamine dealing in Bang Lamung
In an evening operation on November 8, Bang Lamung police arrested a young tattoo artist suspected of drug dealing. The arrest took place at a tattoo shop in the Bang Lamung district around 6pm, following a tip-off about a planned ketamine delivery intended for Pattaya’s nightlife scene. Police had set up surveillance around the shop and observed a man fitting…
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Koh Si Chang police uncover illegal immigration operation
Koh Si Chang police, in collaboration with various agencies, discovered a significant case of illegal immigration while patrolling the waters off Koh Si Chang in Chon Buri on November 8. A cargo vessel was found transferring a group of workers to a smaller boat. Upon further inspection, police identified that none of the 72 workers had the necessary immigration documents…
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Chinese tourist rescued from banyan tree after Pattaya argument
A Chinese tourist found himself in a precarious situation on November 8 in Pattaya, capturing attention as he perched atop a large banyan tree in a state of distress. The incident unfolded at a parking lot in the Bang Lamung district, prompting an emergency response from Pattaya’s Sawang Boriboon Rescue Centre at 10pm. Responders, including rescue volunteers, disaster prevention officers,…
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Suvarnabhumi Airport urges safety during Loy Krathong festival
Suvarnabhumi Airport issued a strong warning to the public, urging them to avoid flying lanterns or balloons, setting off fireworks, or using lasers in the vicinity of the airport on November 15 during the Loy Krathong festival. These activities are not only a potential disruption to flight operations but also pose significant threats to aviation safety, potentially resulting in accidents,…
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Thailand reaffirms sovereignty over Koh Kut amid MoU dispute
The Thai government reinforced its stance that a 2001 memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Cambodia serves as a mechanism to safeguard Thailand’s interests. Officials insist that Thailand retains sole sovereignty over Koh Kut, located in Trat province. This statement comes amidst concerns that the agreement, signed during Thaksin Shinawatra’s tenure as prime minister, could potentially affect Thailand’s sovereignty over the…
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Thailand mayor’s murder linked to notorious assault rifle
A shocking murder unfolded in Narathiwat, Thailand, where a military rifle with a notorious history has been linked to the assassination of a prominent local figure. The rifle, which has been implicated in over 20 criminal cases across the southern region, has raised numerous questions about ongoing security concerns in the area. Wichet Thaithongnum, the mayor of Tambon Rueso municipality,…
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Thailand set to welcome two new pandas from China by 2027
Thailand is poised to welcome two new pandas from China, as the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment anticipates signing a transfer agreement next year. Permanent Secretary Jatuporn Buruspat announced the ministry’s ongoing progress, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in negotiations with Chinese officials. The discussions with China aim to ensure the pandas have suitable habitats and exhibition…
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Big pay day: Thailand minimum wage to hike to 400 baht in 2025
Thai workers could be ringing in the new year with a pay boost, as the Labour Ministry announces plans to raise the minimum wage to 400 baht per day in 2025. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn confirmed the increase, calling it “a new year present” for the nation’s workforce. Initially slated for October, the raise faced delays as the national wage…
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ERC mulls 31% electricity tariff hike despite lower fuel costs
Businesses and households are facing a significant decision regarding the future of their electricity costs as the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) considers changes to the power tariff. Despite a projected decrease in fuel costs, the ERC is evaluating whether to maintain the current rate or implement an increase of 26 to 31% early next year. The existing tariff, set at…
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THAI union fights to keep government out of airline’s rehab plan
Thai Airways International (THAI) staff are up in arms, rallying against what they see as an attempt by the government to seize control of the airline under the guise of a rehabilitation plan amendment. The airline’s labour union staged a peaceful but determined protest outside THAI headquarters yesterday, November 8, holding up placards and calling on creditors to reject the…
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Loy Krathong festival to generate 6.9 billion baht tourism revenue
Thailand’s Loy Krathong festival is set to boost the economy, with an expected 6.9 billion baht in tourism revenue from 1.9 million domestic trips, as reported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The northern region is forecasted to be the most popular destination, drawing the highest number of tourists. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool projected a 9% increase in tourist…
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French tourist severely injured after suicide attempt in Phuket hotel
A 34 year old French tourist was discovered in critical condition following a suspected suicide attempt in a hotel room located in Phuket Town yesterday, November 8. The incident unfolded at a hotel on Phuket Road, where the man was found with severe self-inflicted injuries. Phuket City Police were summoned to the scene around 5.40pm after the hotel owner expressed…
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Cyber police arrest Thai woman for illegal lending in Songkhla
Cyber police executed a raid on a residence in Songkhla to apprehend a woman involved in illegal money lending with a staggering interest rate of 15%. The operation uncovered weapons, land deeds, and multiple vehicles used as collateral. The investigation revealed a turnover exceeding 1 million baht. A team led by Jirawat Phayungtham, acting commander of the Cyber Crime Investigation…
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Shop fire causes injuries in Samut Prakan, spreads to apartment
A fire erupted at a car accessory shop and quickly spread to an adjacent apartment building, prompting an evacuation and resulting in injuries. The incident occurred yesterday at 9.30pm in Samut Prakan, with the blaze originating from the shop’s ground floor and extending to the 5th floor of the neighbouring apartment via vinyl signs. Firefighters and rescue teams from various…
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Phuket Airport boosts efficiency with facial recognition technology
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat made an appearance at Phuket International Airport yesterday, November 8, marking a significant advancement in passenger processing through the launch of facial recognition technology. This initiative aims to streamline procedures and cut down on wait times for travellers. Phuket International Airport introduced this advanced system for domestic flights last week, with plans to extend it to…
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Mae Sai battles floods again as Chiang Rai plans flood prevention
Mae Sai district residents are grappling with the aftermath of severe flooding, only weeks after recovering from the previous inundation during the rainy season. Torrential rains on Thursday night, November 7, led to the Sai Lom Joy market, positioned along the Sai River, being submerged under floodwater. Despite the adverse weather conditions, Mueang Daeng Road and Lung Khon Wood Market…
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Samut Songkhram: Man arrested for assaulting girl via online game
A harrowing case in Samut Songkhram has led to the arrest of a 28 year old man suspected of sexually assaulting an 11 year old girl. Police detailed that the man was apprehended on Thursday, November 7, after a warrant was issued in connection with a rape charge. Surapol Suanguen reportedly confessed to the crime, revealing he connected with the…
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NHSO investigates clinics over universal healthcare referral issues
The National Health Security Office (NHSO) has announced an investigation into clinics that fail to properly refer universal healthcare patients to hospitals, potentially resulting in legal action and penalties. This decision comes in response to complaints from healthcare subscribers in Bangkok, who have reported significant challenges in obtaining necessary referral documents for hospital treatment. These complaints highlight a worrying trend…
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Thailand grants citizenship to 483,000 migrants
The Thai government’s recent decision to grant citizenship to a significant number of migrants and ethnic minorities has received a warm welcome from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). The move, announced by the Cabinet yesterday, aims to provide Thai citizenship to over 483,000 individuals who have either been residing in Thailand for an extended period or were born within…
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Pattaya mayor wins big for Thai-Chinese diplomacy
In a glittering ceremony that brought together stars and statesmen, Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet proudly took home the prestigious Political News award at the Thailand Headlines Person of the Year Awards 2024. Celebrating leaders who champion Thai-Chinese relations, this high-profile event highlighted Thailand’s diplomatic soft power and the approach of a landmark year – the 50th anniversary of Thai-Chinese ties…
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Immigration raid uncovers 100 illegal workers at Pattaya hotel site
More than 100 illegal foreign workers have been uncovered by immigration police during a significant operation at a luxury hotel construction site on Pattaya Second Road, Chon Buri province. This joint initiative was spearheaded by immigration officials and a labour expert from the Chon Buri Provincial Employment Office. Yesterday, November 7, over 50 officers converged on the construction site, where…
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Thai PM unveils 3Cs strategy to boost Greater Mekong Subregion
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra unveiled a strategic initiative known as the 3Cs, connectivity, competitiveness, and community, to fortify the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). This announcement was made during the eighth GMS Summit, which took place yesterday, November 7, in Kunming, China, the capital of Yunnan province. The summit, themed Toward a Better Community Through Innovation-driven Development, presented a vision that…
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UNICEF Thailand launches campaign for children’s brighter future
UNICEF Thailand has launched an ambitious campaign titled A Better Tomorrow, Today, urging collective action for a brighter future for children. Faced with global challenges like conflicts, health crises, poverty, and climate change, UNICEF is pressing for immediate measures to safeguard children’s rights and potential. The campaign, which will include public events, social media initiatives, and celebrity participation, is designed…
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