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 one hospital visit in Thailand could cost more than your whole trip
Thailand is a favourite spot for travellers who want to enjoy more while spending less. From cheap street food to low-cost hotels and fun attractions, it’s easy to stretch your budget here. But there’s one thing many people don’t think...
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Rosmah Mansor denies involvement in royal pardon request for Najib Razak
In Kuala Lumpur, Rosmah Mansor, the wife of former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, stated that she has not been involved in the request for her husband’s royal pardon. The United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) has been seeking a pardon for Najib, who was convicted of corruption charges. Rosmah made a rare public appearance and expressed her gratitude to UMNO…
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Malaysia considers five-season paddy cultivation for agro-food ecosystem boost
The Malaysian government is considering a two-year paddy cultivation initiative with five seasons to enhance the country’s agro-food ecosystem. The decision was made during a recent Cabinet Committee on the National Food Security Policy (JKSMN) meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The committee also discussed efforts by the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) to ensure food supply availability and…
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Man arrested for assaulting female driver with helmet in road rage incident
In Balik Pulau, a 32-year-old motorcyclist has been arrested following an assault on a female driver on June 10 at Jalan Permatang Damar Laut. Barat Daya district police chief Kamarul Rizal Jenal confirmed that the man was taken into custody yesterday to assist with the investigation. According to initial findings, the motorcyclist was upset with the female driver, who had…
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ACCCIM urges stamp duty exemption extension for RM500,001-RM1m properties
The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) has expressed its hope that the government will extend the stamp duty exemption period for properties priced between RM500,001 and RM1 million until the end of 2025. This extension would align the exemption period with that of properties valued at RM500,000 and below, which is also set to expire…
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Putin admits Ukraine’s counteroffensive, claims significant losses
Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, confirmed that Ukraine has launched its anticipated counteroffensive against Moscow’s occupying forces. He acknowledged the Ukrainian army’s use of strategic reserves, while claiming they had not achieved their objectives and were suffering significant losses. However, the lack of independent reporting from the front lines and limited information from Kyiv makes it difficult to verify Putin’s…
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Boris Johnson resigns, blasts Sunak and slams partygate inquiry
Boris Johnson has resigned as an MP, effective immediately, and criticised Rishi Sunak in a scathing resignation letter. The former Prime Minister also attacked the panel of MPs investigating whether he lied to the Commons over the partygate scandal. The privileges committee confirmed that it will meet on Monday to conclude its inquiry, with a spokesperson promising to publish its…
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Malaysian Pharmacists Society urges swift passage of Tobacco Control Bill
The Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) has urged the country’s Parliament to pass the Tobacco Product Control for Public Health Bill 2023 without delay, including the Generational End Game (GEG) provision. MPS President Prof Amrahi Buang emphasised the importance of controlling vape products and nicotine liquid, which were delisted from the Poisons Act on March 31. He stressed that any delay…
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Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission accused of unlawful lawyer denial
Lawyers for Liberty (LFL), a Malaysian lawyer group, has stated that it is unlawful for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to deprive the public of their right to legal counsel during questioning. The group’s director, Zaid Malek, emphasised that MACC has no arbitrary right to deny the public legal counsel during the interrogation process. “This is arbitrary, unlawful and unbefitting…
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Phuket emergency centre opens as mystery illness strikes 100+ people
An emergency operations centre (EOC) has been established by the Public Health Ministry in response to over 100 people falling ill from an unidentified pathogen across three districts in Phuket. The pathogen has caused severe diarrhoea among those affected. Public Health Permanent Secretary, Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, stated that health authorities are investigating the cause of the outbreak, which was initially…
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Russia blamed for Ukraine dam collapse causing floods and $5m Japanese aid
The Kakhovka dam collapse in Ukraine has sparked a heated debate over responsibility, with European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell pointing the finger at Russia. According to Borrell, the dam was destroyed by explosives placed in the turbine areas, which are under Russian control. The New York Times cited an unnamed US official who claimed that US spy satellites…
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Thai elephant to be repatriated from Sri Lanka with 19 million baht budget
Animal lovers will be happy to know that Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has allocated a budget of 19 million baht for the return of Sak Surin, an ailing Thai elephant, from Sri Lanka next month, as announced by Minister Varawut Silpa-archa. Sak Surin was one of three elephants sent to Sri Lanka as goodwill ambassadors from Thailand…
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Boris Johnson resigns as MP after tumultuous political career
Boris Johnson’s fall from power in the UK was as dramatic and controversial as his rise. The former prime minister, whose career was defined by surviving scandal, stepped down as an MP after a series of controversies. Despite this, Johnson left the possibility of a return to politics open for his allies. Born in New York in 1964, Johnson’s political…
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Khairy Jamaluddin to discuss Bersatu membership with Muhyiddin Yassin
Former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin is set to meet with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin next week to discuss the potential of joining the party. In a recent podcast, Khairy clarified that there was no conspiracy behind his meeting with suspended former Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein. “I have known Hisham for a…
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Man escapes work stress, rescued after six days lost in forest
A 41-year-old man, Mohamad Suhairy Mohamed, who had sought refuge in a forest for six days to escape work-related stress, was rescued by the Malaysia Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) in the early hours of the morning. The rescue took place after the man contacted emergency services for help. Perak JBPM assistant director of operations, Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad, stated that…
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Tractor accident kills driver in Lopburi, workers shocked at discovering body
A 69 year old farmer was crushed to death by his overturned tractor in a forest in Lopburi province, Thailand yesterday. Authorities and rescue workers were called to the scene where they discovered the flipped farm vehicle with the man’s body beneath it. At the site of the accident, investigators found the toppled tractor laying on top of the farmer, Chatchai…
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Trump indicted for hoarding classified documents at Mar-a-Lago
In a major development, US federal prosecutors have unveiled a comprehensive indictment against former President Donald Trump, accusing him of hoarding and concealing classified documents containing sensitive national security information. The 49-page document details 37 federal charges against Trump, with 31 of those charges relating to violations under the Espionage Act. The remaining six charges are connected to Trump’s alleged…
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Sunak faces revived Tory chaos as Boris Johnson resigns as MP
The political landscape in the United Kingdom has been shaken once again with the unexpected resignation of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson as an MP. This development has reignited the internal squabbles within the Conservative Party that had somewhat subsided during Rishi Sunak’s seven-month tenure as Prime Minister. Sunak, who has been struggling in opinion polls, now faces the challenge…
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Malaysia seeks to improve ‘Allah’ usage directive with Islamic scholars
The Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) recently held a meeting with Islamic scholars and religious teachers in an effort to develop a proposal aimed at improving the administrative directive on the use of the word ‘Allah.’ This move comes in response to the order issued by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah on June 5,…
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Sarawak Dayak National Union seeks answers on Iban alphabet, native language institution
The Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) is seeking answers from the Sarawak state government regarding two proposals it submitted 14 years ago. The proposals included the adoption of the Iban alphabet in the education system and the establishment of an institution dedicated to the development of native Sarawak languages. SDNU president Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom stated that after successfully…
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20,000 Man City fans in Istanbul for Champions League showdown
Istanbul is preparing to welcome an influx of 20,000 Manchester City supporters, as the team gears up to take on Inter Milan in the Champions League final this Saturday night. The Turkish authorities are relieved that the city does not appear to be overwhelmed by football fans, and English police officers are optimistic that the chaos experienced during last year’s…
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Boris Johnson resigns, avoiding career-ending suspension and by-election
In a surprising turn of events, Boris Johnson announced his resignation on Friday, effectively putting an end to his political career. Despite hints of a possible comeback in his resignation statement, it seems unlikely that Johnson will return to the political stage. Some MPs may call for his return if the Conservatives underperform in the next general election, but the…
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Umno Women and Youth wings embrace former rivals for Malaysian stability
Sections of Umno Youth and Women leaders in Malaysia have announced their readiness to work alongside former rivals within the national unity government, putting aside years of hostility for the sake of the country’s political stability. Leaders from the party’s Women and Youth wings spoke about the importance of this collaboration during this year’s Umno general assembly. As Malaysia gears…
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Disney’s Hotstar offers free mobile streaming of cricket tournaments in India
Hotstar, owned by Walt Disney Co, has announced that it will provide free streaming of cricket tournaments in India on mobile devices, following the success of rival JioCinema’s similar strategy in the cricket-loving nation. The streaming platform will offer the Asia Cup and ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup tournaments at no cost to users, aiming to make the matches accessible…
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Pakistan targets 6.54% deficit with $50.45bn budget to unlock IMF funds
Pakistan’s finance minister has announced a budget deficit target of 6.54% of economic output for the upcoming fiscal year, starting July 1. This figure is slightly lower than the current year’s revised estimate of 7%. The budget aims to satisfy the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to secure the release of bailout funds for the crisis-stricken country, which is due to…
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US bans Chinese printer maker Ninestar, chemical firm over Uighur abuse links
In a move to combat human rights abuses in China, the US has imposed a ban on imports from Chinese printer manufacturer Ninestar Corp and chemical company Xingjang Zhongtai Chemical Co Ltd. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has accused these companies of participating in business practices that target China’s Uighurs and other persecuted groups. Ninestar, which claims to…
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Blinken’s delayed China trip aims to mend strained US relations
Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, is reportedly planning a visit to China this month in an effort to mend the tense relationship between the two nations. According to unnamed US officials, Blinken is expected to arrive in Beijing on June 18 for discussions with high-ranking Chinese officials, including Foreign Minister Qin Gang and potentially President Xi Jinping. US…
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Newcastle secures £25m annual shirt deal with Saudi-backed Sela
Newcastle United has inked a lucrative multi-year shirt sponsorship agreement with Saudi events management firm Sela, following the lifting of a temporary ban on owner-related commercial deals. The sponsorship, reportedly valued at £25 million annually, comes as both organisations experience rapid growth. Sela is supported by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which also owns an 80% stake in Newcastle…
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Boris Johnson resigns as MP, citing Partygate probe as reason
Boris Johnson, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, has resigned from his position as a Member of Parliament, citing a parliamentary investigation into the “Partygate” scandal as the reason for his departure. The 58-year-old announced his resignation on Friday, causing an immediate by-election in his constituency and putting pressure on his successor, Rishi Sunak. The parliamentary inquiry was…
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Serbians demand interior minister resignation amid anti-violence protests
A wave of anti-government sentiment has swept through Serbia, with tens of thousands of citizens taking to the streets in Belgrade for the sixth time since May 3. This public outcry has been fueled by a perceived culture of violence, which many believe is responsible for the deaths of 18 individuals in two mass shootings. The protesters are calling for…
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Breaking Bad actor Mike Batayeh dies aged 52 from sudden heart attack
US actor and comedian Mike Batayeh, best known for his role in the hit series Breaking Bad, has passed away at the age of 52. His family informed TMZ that he died in his sleep on June 1 at his Michigan home, following a heart attack. Batayeh had no known history of heart problems, and his family described his passing…
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