Thailand News
Thailand news, politics, business, crime, and lifestyle—get breaking updates from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond. Stay informed on Thai society, economy, tourism, and expat life with The Thaiger.
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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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China Southern Airlines ready for Bangkok takeoff
News breaking yesterday that China Southern Airlines is planning to resume flights to Bangkok signals more good news for the Thailand tourism industry aiming to attract another 12 million foreign travellers before the end of the year. In 2019 more than 12 million Chinese tourists travelled to Thailand, making up one-quarter of the kingdom’s foreign arrivals. There had been a…
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Porsche-driving Frenchmen who put Thai man in a coma denied bail
UPDATE The Porsche-driving Frenchmen who gave a Thai man a brain hemorrhage in Koh Samui, Surat Thani province, southern Thailand, has been denied bail. Officers from Borphut Police Station arrested 34 year old Vincent Raymond Bugeya and 28 year old Julien Gerard Rene Vincent under suspicion of “joint assault causing serious harm” as well as “driving a car with a…
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Bangkok motorcycle taxi rider attacked by teenagers
A motorcycle taxi rider was brutally attacked by teenagers in the Thon Buri district of Bangkok. He says he had to pretend to die to save his own life, although that appears to be a bit of an exaggeration given the man is allegedly well-known for being a troublemaker. The teenagers who assaulted the man surrendered themselves to the police…
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Pheu Thai calls to dissolve Bhumjaithai Party over cannabis policy
The Pheu Thai Party is pushing to see rival Bhumjaithai Party go up in smoke, planning a petition to dissolve the party over the handling of their cannabis policies. The party plans on filing a petition to the Election Commission to consider the dissolution of all parties involved in the bungling of the decriminalisation of cannabis in Thailand. They claim…
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VIDEO: Thailand’s ‘master complainer’ attacked over complaint against comedian
Thai social activist Srisuwan Janya, deemed “Thailand’s master complainer,” was attacked today after accusing comedian Nose Udom of violating the law with his anti-government standup comedy sketches. Secretary-General of the Association for the Protection of the Thai Constitution – Srisuwan Janya – travelled to the Crime Suppression Division at 10am today to request that the authorities launch an investigation into…
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Thai tourism industry wants 5 billion baht handout to draw tourists
The Thai tourism industry is asking for a five billion baht handout to boost tourism and draw 12 million foreign tourists to Thailand by the end of this year. The President of the Tourism Council of Thailand, Chamnarn Sisawat, revealed yesterday that the council and other 11 tourist associations organised by the private sector will meet PM Prayut Chan-o-cha tomorrow to…
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Floods could take a toll on Thailand’s rice industry
Floods could take a toll on Thailand’s rice industry. The honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, Chookiat Ophaswongse, says it’s too early to estimate the value of damages since floods are still happening in many parts of the country. However, the Kasikorn Research Center estimates that the floods from August and October may cause around 2.9-3.1 billion baht…
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Thailand introduces new rule for cash deposit machines
On November 15, people depositing cash into their bank account via cash deposit machines (CDMs) in Thailand will have to insert their credit or debit card and PIN to verify their identity. The Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) said the new identification requirement is a safety measure to prevent money laundering earned from drug trafficking, gambling, and other criminal activity. Bank…
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‘Pay for a pool villa in Phuket instead of paying the energy bills’ this winter, advises Thai official
Instead of wasting money on high energy bills this winter, Westerners should turn off the heating and spend their money in Thailand instead, advises the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). With wholesale gas and electricity prices rocketing in Europe TAT’s invitation makes sense. In the UK, the average household is about £2,500 a year, up from £1,400 in October 2021.…
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Winter is Coming to Thailand… I GMT
New rule for cash deposit machines from November 15th. Ministry eyes steps to spur spending. Bangkok could hit lows of 15°C by end of October. Drunken monk with an axe causes chaos smashing cars. Flood-damaged Phuket returning to normal. – all are coming up today.
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Bangkok could hit lows of 15°C by end of October
Time to invest in a woolly sweater or two as Bangkok is transitioning into ‘winter.’ By the end of the month, the temperature in the capital could hit lows of 15 degrees Celsius, according to the Meteorological Department. Yesterday, a chill was felt in the capital for the first time in a long time, reaching lows of 22 degrees Celsius.…
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Drunken monk with an axe causes chaos smashing cars
Another day of shame for the Buddhist faith after a drunken monk was arrested for causing chaos in the central province of Kamphaeng Phet. The monk went on the rampage smashing cars in the community with a beer can in one hand and an axe in the other. The arrested monk, 49 year old Prayoon, defended his actions by claiming…
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Google Maps update makes it easy to find EV charging stations in Thailand
As more and more people opt for electric vehicles (EVs) in Thailand, Google Maps has added a feature to make it easy to find a place to charge your car. Google added the feature after searches for EV charging stations in the kingdom grew by 350% over the past year. Simply launch the app and search for EV charging stations…
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Abbot crashes into motorbike killing village chief’s daughter in northeast Thailand
The abbot of a famous temple pulled out onto the main road causing a motorbike to crash into his car in Khon Kaen province, northeast Thailand, yesterday afternoon. The village headman’s 23 year old daughter died in the crash and her brother was injured. The 74 year old monk, Phra Sen Sikayom, is the acting abbot of Wat Suwannaram in Bang…
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Thailand’s 11th monkeypox patient confirmed in Bangkok
Thailand’s 11th monkeypox patient has been confirmed in Bangkok. The acting director-general of the Department of Disease Control (DDC) said today that the patient is a 40 year old masseur. The masseur returned to Bangkok from Qatar on Saturday. The DDC’s acting director-general, Dr Tares Krassanairawiwong, said the man started getting a fever and blisters on his hands and legs…
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Deputy PM says criticising government is not a big deal
Criticising the government or Thai monarchy is generally punished with a lese majeste charge and time in prison as three critics discovered last week. Yet this week, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan hailed Thai comedian Udom Taepanich’s satire adding that the funnyman’s criticisms of the government are not a big deal. Udom Taepanich, aka Nose Udom, is a Thai stand-up…
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Thailand has the world’s worst pension system
Thailand often ranks highly in best destination polls and once again the Land of Smiles has come out on top – for having the worst pension system in the world. Iceland is ranked as having the world’s best pension while Singapore is No.1 among Asian countries as having the best pension. The American asset management firm, Mercer, revealed the survey…
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Phuket light rail project derailed once again
The light rail project planned for the Thalang district of Phuket has been derailed once again. Thai Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchop revealed the project will be delayed because it needs to be revised by a specialist. The Thai Cabinet approved the project in the Thalang district of Phuket in 2016 and charged the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA)…
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VIDEO: Porsche-driving Frenchmen put Thai man in a coma in Koh Samui
Police arrested two Frenchmen who got out of a Porsche and attacked a Thai man on Saturday night in Koh Samui, Surat Thani province, southern Thailand. The victim suffered a brain hemorrhage and was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery. He remains in a coma in the ICU. At around 9pm, one of the men was caught on camera kicking…
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Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach unveils senior leadership team
PRESS RELEASE Ahead of its highly-anticipated opening in Q4 2022, Hyatt’s new luxury and lifestyle resort reveals the talented hospitality professionals who will bring the guest experience to life. Pattaya, Thailand, 11 October 2022: Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach, Hyatt’s inaugural Andaz-branded luxury and lifestyle resort in Thailand, has unveiled its highly skilled and experienced executive management team ahead of its…
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Thailand finds 3 new subvariants, 4th in Hong Kong from Thai travellers
Three new Covid-19 subvariants have been found within Thailand’s borders according to Thai scientists. The global scientific community believes that the subvariants in the group found in the kingdom will become the dominant strains of Covid within the next few months. A separate strain, XBB, was found in three passengers from Thailand in Hong Kong, despite the variant not being…
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Why Thailand is famous – 10 Things You Should Know about Thailand
Thailand is one of the world’s most popular holiday spots, with more than 35 million visitors travelling through each year. Thailand is known for a variety of things and is a fascinating and unique country. In this tropical paradise, there is simply too much to offer visitors, from stunning hotels and white sand beaches to historic temples and mouth-watering cuisine. Here are ten factors that contribute to Thailand’s popularity as a tourist destination. 1.…
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Street food Thailand – The best street food in Thailand 2022
Whether you’re in Bangkok, Phuket, or Chiang Mai, street food in Thailand is sure to be a star attraction. The street food culture in Thailand is significant- the locals and foreigners love street food since it’s cheap and delicious. Thailand, especially Bangkok, is dotted with street foods on almost every soi (streets). Just walking down a road or a local…
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Phone use must be hands-free while driving
A new regulation went into effect this week requiring the hands-free use of mobile phones while driving. The law is now being enforced in all of Thailand according to a deputy government spokesperson. They issued a warning yesterday to make drivers aware that holding a phone while driving is now illegal. Section 43(9) of the Land Traffic Act of 1979…
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The Best Places to Retire in Thailand in 2022
Retire in Thailand- Thailand is undoubtedly a charming country. And for many people, spending retirement years in this country is the ultimate dream. There are so many good reasons to retire in Thailand. The people are friendly and welcoming, the weather is fantastic, and high-quality medical care is widely available. Plus, who wouldn’t want to live in the perfect property…
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Thailand expects tourism boom over October holidays
Tourism officials say they are expecting to see more than three million travellers over this month’s two holiday periods. The four-day anniversary holiday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great’s passing started on Thursday. Both Thais and foreigners have taken off to major tourist destinations around the kingdom. The other holiday from October 22-24, is expected to also see…
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How to become a Monk in Thailand at iMONASTERY Chiangmai
Press Release Becoming a Buddhist Monk in Thailand used to be a difficult and long process but has now been made easier through the Monk Life Project. The Monk Life Project offers in-depth English Dhamma and Meditation instruction in a structured program that draws participants from many international countries. While in Thailand young men often ordain to make good Karma…
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PM Prayut avoids being pelted with rotten fish & faeces
A group of activists armed with rotten fish and faeces were ready to pelt Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha as he visited flood-hit areas of Thailand yesterday. Fortunately, the PM’s entourage was tipped off about the planned attack and he avoided the activists lying in wait at a temple in Muang district PM Prayut was scheduled to visit Wat Khemaphirataram before…
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Philippine Airlines takes off to Bangkok
Philippine Airlines (PAL) today announced it will reintroduce direct flights between Cebu City and Thailand’s capital city Bangkok in December. The Philippine flag carrier made public it is to introduce a twice-weekly service, operating on Monday and Friday, which will depart from Cebu in the morning of December 9 and depart from Bangkok in the early afternoon. PAL previously operated…
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Muddy flood water can carry deadly bacteria
With rain battering much of Thailand and causing widespread flooding, authorities are warning about an unseen risk in the rainwaters. Muddy water that people are trudging through during flood times can be full of nasty bacteria that can cause illness and infections. Thai News Room reported on the popular medical Facebook page Panda Lab Doctor. The page posted a message…
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