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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Elephant carcass found in Chiang Mai after severe flooding
A tragic discovery was made yesterday, October 4, when the carcass of an elephant was found washed up near an elephant camp in Chiang Mai following severe flooding. This incident highlights the urgent need for improved animal management during natural disasters. The flooding, which occurred in several areas of Chiang Mai province, particularly impacted the region of Mae Taeng, where…
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Bangkok named fourth friendliest city in the world for 2024
Bangkok has been named the fourth friendliest city in the world in 2024, according to Condé Nast Traveller. The travel magazine, known for its focus on luxury and independent travel, announced its annual Readers’ Choice Awards, highlighting the 10 friendliest cities as voted by travellers worldwide. Singapore topped the list with a score of 94.84. Known for its financial hubs,…
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British man busted in Pattaya after cannabis-fuelled escape attempt
A British man on the run from Thai police had his escape plan go up in smoke—literally. On Thursday, October 3, Chon Buri Immigration officers apprehended a 28 year old British national who was wanted for trespassing and overstaying his visa in Thailand. But in a bizarre twist, the arrest only came after he tried to flee while high on…
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Soldiers in Lopburi camp hospitalised after severe punishment
A military camp in Lopburi has come under scrutiny following reports of two soldiers being subjected to severe punishment late at night, leading to their admission into the intensive care unit (ICU). The soldiers were allegedly ordered to continue working immediately after being discharged from the emergency room. Former candidate for MP in Constituency 10, Chon Buri, for the now-defunct…
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Phuket cracks down on illegal busking during Vegetarian Festival
Police in Phuket have issued a stern warning against begging and busking in key public areas during the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. This comes after several individuals were apprehended at Jui Tui Shrine in Phuket Town on Thursday, October 3. A team of officers, led by officials from the Phuket Provincial Office of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security…
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Chiang Mai Airport operational despite severe Ping River flooding
Chiang Mai Airport remains fully operational despite severe flooding from the Ping River. The airport, unaffected by the rising water levels, confirmed its status by issuing an update at 11am yesterday, October 4. The Ping River’s water level at Nawarat Bridge reached 4.88 metres, significantly exceeding the 3.70-metre crisis threshold, as reported by the Irrigation Department’s warning system. Despite this,…
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Blind elephant left behind as Chiang Mai floods ravage sanctuary (video)
Dramatic footage from the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai shows the heartwarming moment when four elephants waded through rising floodwaters, escaping a sanctuary inundated by severe flooding. The park’s staff scrambled to lead the animals to safety as relentless downpours from Typhoon Yagi, Asia’s most powerful storm this year, battered the region. Among the group, one elephant moved noticeably…
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Turtle-saving tech: Thai students invent beach lamp
Thailand’s sea turtles are getting a lifeline, thanks to a bright idea from students at Chulalongkorn University. Enter COCOLAMP—a clever light-diverting bulb shade designed to protect baby turtles from disorienting beach lights, ensuring they can safely crawl to the sea. With sea turtles at risk of extinction, this innovation could make all the difference. Lights from beachfront hotels, resorts, and…
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Thai crackdown on activists ignites fresh tensions in Deep South
Five activists in Thailand’s insurgency-plagued Deep South are facing the heat after hosting a mock referendum on self-determination. Yesterday, October 3, police charged two activists and three students for organising the event in June last year, sparking renewed debates about free speech in the volatile, heavily militarised border region. The group, which includes members of The Pattani political movement and…
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Banking on transparency: Thailand opens data doors for financial access
The Bank of Thailand unveiled an open data initiative aimed at enhancing access to financial services for Thai citizens and businesses. The Your Data initiative allows individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to share their data with financial institutions, facilitating improved access to a range of financial services. The central bank’s project, in collaboration with regulatory agencies and financial…
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Crystal clear bust: South Korean drug kingpin nabbed in Thailand
A dramatic international manhunt has ended with the arrest of a South Korean man accused of trafficking crystal methamphetamine from Thailand to South Korea. Thai narcotics police, working closely with their South Korean counterparts, swooped in on 44 year old Seo Jung Num in Chon Buri province. Police Lieutenant General Panurat Lakboon, Secretary-General of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board…
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DSI fast-tracks fraud case against celebrity retailer Kornkanok
Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong authorised the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to expedite the high-profile fraud case against celebrity online retailer Kornkanok “Mae Tuck” Suwannabut. The case has been designated a special case to ensure a swift resolution. Kornkanok and her husband, Kanpon Rueang-aram, were arrested on September 30 in Bangkok, facing multiple charges. They are accused of public fraud,…
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Thailand climbs the global ranks: 28th best country in the world
Thailand secured its spot as one of the world’s best places to live, work, and explore, leaping up one place to 28th in the US News & World Report’s 2024 Best Countries in the World ranking. This comes as the country continues to shine globally for its rich heritage, booming industries, and irresistible tourism appeal. The list, compiled in collaboration…
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Court issues arrest warrant for Thai MP over 2004 massacre
The Narathiwat provincial court issued an arrest warrant for 74 year old General Pisal Wattanawongkiri, a Pheu Thai Party list MP, in connection with the 2004 Tak Bai massacre case. This significant development, announced by the Cross Cultural Foundation today, October 4, comes at the request of the victims’ lawyer. Gen. Pisal, a former commander of the Fourth Army Region,…
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Thailand’s LGBTQI+ discrimination costs the economy big time
Thailand’s economy is losing billions, and discrimination is the culprit. A new report by Open for Business reveals that LGBTQI+ exclusion is costing the nation a staggering 51.8 to 121.8 billion baht annually. This shocking figure comes from a mix of lost wages, healthcare costs, and missed economic opportunities, all linked to ongoing discrimination against the LGBTQI+ community. The report,…
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Armed men arrested after storming Udon Thani childcare centre
Two young men armed with a knife and a baseball bat were apprehended after storming into a childcare centre, admitting to using drugs and engaging in a dispute over drug debts. They claimed they did not realise they had entered a childcare centre during their chase. Yesterday, October 3, around midday, a group of teenagers armed with a baseball bat…
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LINE MAN Wongnai expands food delivery across Thailand
LINE MAN Wongnai is significantly expanding in Thailand’s food delivery market, with over 10 million users monthly and more than 100,000 riders servicing all 77 provinces. Yod Chinsupakul, CEO of LINE MAN Wongnai, highlighted the continuous growth of the food delivery market in Thailand. The platform now caters to over 10 million users each month and has a rider network…
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Finance minister prioritises funding access over rate cuts
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira affirmed the significance of access to funding sources over lowering interest rates. Following discussions with Bank of Thailand Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, Pichai underscored that interest rate policy remains under the purview of the central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), which is set to convene on October 16. Describing the talks as comprehensive, Pichai highlighted various factors…
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Thailand races to attract 10 million more tourists before year-end
Thailand is pulling out all the stops to reclaim its crown as a world-class tourism destination. In a high-profile meeting yesterday, October 3, at the Dusit Thani Bangkok, the Tourism and Sports Ministry, along with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), unveiled their ambitious plans to attract more tourists to the Land of Smiles. With representatives from TAT’s 74 domestic…
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Fake Thai monk’s gamble goes bust in Bangkok mall
Police arrested a fake Thai monk at a bank within a shopping mall in the Chatuchak district of Bangkok yesterday, October 3, for scamming money from Buddhists to clear his gambling debts. Ironically named “Duangdee,” which translates to “good fortune” in Thai, this bogus monk’s luck ran out as he was apprehended outside Krungthai Bank in Central Lat Phrao shopping…
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Arrest warrants issued in Kamnan Nok meth gang shooting case
The court issued arrest warrants for the leader of the Kamnan Nok gang and his associate, who are accused of firing 30 shots into a Toyota Camry over a dispute involving 600,000 methamphetamine pills. Police are expanding their investigation to apprehend all involved parties. Yesterday, October 3, the investigation, supervised by Praphat Mangkhang, Deputy Commander of Samut Prakan Provincial Police,…
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WHO gives green light to first mpox test
In a crucial move to fight the growing mpox crisis, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has approved Abbott Laboratories’ mpox diagnostic test for emergency use. This marks the first approval of its kind as the global health body ramps up efforts to tackle outbreaks across affected regions. The real-time PCR test, known as the Alinity m MPXV assay, can detect…
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Corruption scandal hits the brakes: Thailand’s bus industry whistleblows dirty dealings
A shocking revelation has swept through the coach bus industry of Thailand as several anonymous companies have blown the whistle on rampant corruption within the Land Transport Department‘s vehicle inspection process. A sneaky bribe of 3,000 to 4,000 baht is all it takes to fast-track an inspection, making life suspiciously easy for some. This disgraceful practice was put under the…
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Phang Nga governor pushes for Phuket rail link
Plans for a game-changing rail link to Phuket are gathering steam—but officials are staying tight-lipped. Phang Nga Governor Supoj Rotreuang Na Nongkhai has just held a high-level meeting to review the ambitious project connecting Tha Noon in Takua Thung district to Phuket International Airport. The proposed 18-kilometre railway, expected to feature four stations—Khok Kloi, Tha Noon, Mai Khao, and Phuket…
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Chadchart paves way for smoother days ahead on Sukhumvit Road
Bangkok’s streets are in for a major overhaul, and not a moment too soon. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, along with Deputy Governor Wisanu Subsompon, inspected Sukhumvit Soi 23 in Watthana district on Wednesday, October 2, highlighting some glaring urban headaches. Top of the list? The road surface. It’s been damaged by water pipe installations and shoddy temporary repairs made during leak…
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Purr-fect rescue: Team revives cat that took an electrifying tumble
A rescue team in Samut Prakan province near Bangkok performed CPR on a stray cat whose heart stopped beating after it fell from an electricity pole when a transformer exploded. A member of the Samut Prakan Rescue Foundation, Nattapong, revealed to Channel 3 that he and his team were called to save the cat, which was stuck at the top…
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Two mechanics fatally electrocuted at Suphan Buri repair shop
Tragedy struck a repair shop in Dan Chang district, Suphan Buri yesterday when two mechanics were fatally electrocuted due to a faulty battery charging cabinet. The incident took place yesterday, October 3, at a car repair shop located in Village 21, Nong Makha Mong subdistrict. Upon receiving the report, Nirun Thongpan, Deputy Police Inspector of Dan Chang Police Station, coordinated…
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Thailand unveils 145 billion baht cash handout to boost economy
Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul unveiled a whopping 145 billion baht ((US$4.4 billion) cash handout scheme that promises to rev up the economy before the year’s end. This mega injection is set to turbocharge the nation’s GDP by a tidy 0.3 percentage points. And it’s not just a flash in the pan, the economic boost is expected to keep rolling…
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Thai businesses gear up for AI-mazing future with tech adoption plans
A recent survey reveals that approximately 17% of Thai organisations are currently utilising artificial intelligence (AI), with 73% planning to adopt the technology in the future. This data comes from the Readiness for the Application of AI Technology for Digital Services in 2024 survey, conducted by the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) and the National Science Technology Development Agency (NSTDA).…
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Thailand flights face delays amid severe monsoon weather
Thailand is currently grappling with severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, which is affecting aviation visibility and causing flooding in many areas. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) reported that Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd. (AEROTHAI) is prepared to handle these challenges by implementing measures to ensure flight safety and efficiency. The Deputy Minister of…
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