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 Planning to extend your Thai visa? Why health insurance is more important than ever
If you plan to stay longer in Thailand, having health insurance is now more important than ever. Thai immigration often asks for proof of medical coverage when you apply to extend your visa. This applies to many types of visas,...
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Thailand to go cashless by 2028, leads ASEAN in RTP usage
Thailand is set to transition to a cashless society more swiftly than its regional counterparts, driven by the nation’s rapid digital adoption and transformation, as per a Visa survey. Visa, a global leader in digital payment services, recently conducted the Consumer Payment Attitude Study, which indicated that Thailand could become a cashless society by 2028. This forecast places Thailand ahead…
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New ‘Dee-Delivery’ regulation to combat COD fraud epidemic
With online scams skyrocketing, the Government of Thailand is stepping in to crack down on delivery fraud. Enter the new Dee-Delivery regulation, designed to shield cash-on-delivery (COD) shoppers from getting duped. According to Minister Jiraporn Sindhuprai from the Prime Minister’s Office, this drastic move comes after a jaw-dropping 365,000 scam cases were reported in the last 18 months, causing financial…
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Moo-ving in on trouble: SAO official nabbed for stealing 50 cows
Police arrested a member of the Sub-district Administrative Office (SAO) in the northern province of Mae Hong Son for stealing 50 cows and buffaloes from locals and selling them at a slaughterhouse. More than 10 residents in the Mae Sariang district of Mae Hong Son province sought help from officers at Mae Sariang Police Station after their livestock was stolen.…
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New opposition leader takes the helm after party collapse
People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut has officially taken on the role of opposition leader, following a royal command issued by His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua. This appointment, made on September 25, marks the beginning of a crucial chapter for Natthaphong and the People’s Party, as they step into the role of holding the government to account. The royal…
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Thailand’s wellness powerhouse: A health revolution in Phuket
BDMS Wellness Clinic has teamed up with Sri Panwa Phuket and Bangkok Hospital Phuket to create an unparalleled fusion of relaxation and medical excellence, as part of the ambitious Phuket Wellness Hub project. With wellness tourism projected to hit a staggering US$1.4 trillion (around 46 trillion baht) by 2027, and Thailand already ranking seventh globally with a market value of…
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Thai woman wanted for tricking victim into delivering drugs to South Korea
Police are searching for a Thai woman who tricked an innocent man in the Isaan province of Udon Thani into delivering drugs to South Korea. The victim, 20 year old Auan, was hired for 500 baht by a woman, named Eye, to deliver a parcel for her on two occasions. Auan became suspicious about the contents and suspected they might…
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Minister suspends student field trips after fatal bus fire
Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob has called for an immediate suspension of student field trips following a devastating bus blaze tragedy on October 1. The incident has ignited a widespread social media debate over the safety of children during such activities. Yesterday, October 2, Permpoon announced a temporary halt to study trips in state schools and urged private institutions to adopt…
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Ratchaburi man steals truck for food and shelter in prison
A man has been arrested after stealing a white Toyota Revo pickup truck and leading police on a chase across provinces before surrendering. The thief claimed that he committed the crime because he was ill, had no income, and preferred prison life where he would be guaranteed meals. The 191 radio centre in Samut Songkhram was notified by police in…
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Agriculture minister vows to expedite debt relief for farmers
Ekaphap Phonsue, spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, revealed that Saikrai Pimbueng, a committee member and secretary of the Farmers’ Rehabilitation and Development Fund (FRDF), recently met with Narumon Pinyosinwat, the Minister of Agriculture. The meeting aimed to discuss policies and actions concerning Thai farmers’ issues. Saikrai detailed that since 2019, the previous government had considered restructuring farmers’…
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Thai man murders business partner before committing suicide
A housing estate owner shot and murdered his female business partner before taking his own life in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, allegedly due to financial issues. The shooting at the sales office of a housing estate in Nonthaburi province was reported to Sainoi Police Station at around 6.10pm yesterday, October 2. Officers investigated the scene and found two bodies in…
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Thailand video news | Four charges filed against driver in deadly bus fire, Thailand plans to regulate sex work, igniting public debate
In Thailand video news, Alex delves the stories from across Thailand and around the world cover critical issues ranging from legal action and public safety to significant economic investments and political developments. In Thailand, charges have been filed against the driver involved in a deadly bus fire, while the government is sparking public debate with plans to regulate sex work.…
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Spirit of resistance: Thailand’s lawmakers toast booze bill rejection
The House of Representatives decisively rejected a bill aiming to liberalise Thailand’s alcohol industry, proposed by the opposition People’s Party. The bill, introduced by Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, was voted down with 237 votes against and 137 in favour. The proposed legislation sought to permit individuals to own alcohol distillation equipment and produce booze for personal use without needing government approval. Government…
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Foreign couple loses 100,000 baht to Muay Thai trainer in Phuket
A foreign couple exposed the fraudulent behaviour of a Muay Thai trainer and his Chinese wife in Phuket, who tricked them into a visa scam, resulting in a 100,000 baht loss. The 29 year old Czech victim, Vit Musilik, and his 26 year old Chinese wife, Xiao Feng Kang, urged officers from the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) to help them retrieve…
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Elderly woman dies in Nakhon Phanom after electricity cut off
The family of a 68 year old bedridden woman who tragically died is laying the blame squarely at the feet of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) after her electricity supply was cut off for failing to pay a bill of 1,500 baht in Nakhon Phanom province. Hospital director Nongluk Chanchana, along with the grieving relatives, is demanding accountability from the Provincial…
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Thailand to resolve forest land disputes by 2026, says minister
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) aims to resolve disputes over 75,000 square metres of forest land by 2026, as announced during its 22nd anniversary celebration. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Chalermchai Sri-on addressed the ongoing conflicts between the DNP, other government agencies, and residents regarding the forest boundaries. He emphasised the need to find solutions…
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Relief team cars break down in Chiang Rai due to water in petrol
A team led by Panadda Wongphudee, a beauty queen, presenter, and president of the Foundation for Good Deeds, encountered significant issues during their relief efforts in Chiang Rai. Panadda revealed that five vehicles broke down after refuelling at a local petrol station, which allegedly had water mixed with the fuel. Panadda shared her experience on her Facebook page, Dr Panadda…
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Si Racha man donates 30 million baht lottery win to temple
A man from Si Racha scooped first prize in the recent lottery draw with five tickets, totalling 30 million baht. He intends to donate 499,999 baht to Khao Mai Daeng temple in Chon Buri for the construction of a new mandapa and a walking monk statue in honour of the revered Luang Phor Yongyuth Thammakosalo. Vorawong (surname withheld) visited Khao…
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Lotto a trouble: Woman caught betting big on Facebook
Police apprehended a young woman for posting advertisements for Lao lottery sales on Facebook, with bets reaching 30,000 baht per draw. She forwarded these bets to a major bookie, earning a 20% commission over the past six months. Yesterday, October 2, police officials, led by Phumiphat Phattharasriwongchai, Bancha Srisuk, and Thapakorn Hanumart, executed a search warrant at a residence in…
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Pattaya officials inspect Walking Street venues for fire safety
Pattaya officials conducted a thorough inspection of Walking Street venues on Tuesday evening, October 1, to ensure fire safety measures are up to par for the incoming tourist season. The inspection, which took place around 8pm, was spearheaded by Weekit Manarotkit, Bang Lamung District Chief, and Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampichet. The focus was on several entertainment venues located on Walking…
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Udon Thani man rescued from roof after drug-induced hallucinations
Police managed to rescue a man experiencing drug-induced hallucinations, who climbed onto his roof and refused to come down. The man, who had been in this state for several days, was eventually taken to a hospital for treatment. At 11.30am yesterday, October 2, Deputy Inspector Wichaneth Suetrong and his team were patrolling their area when they received a report about…
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10 essential tips for families moving to Thailand
Moving to Thailand is an exciting adventure, especially when you’re moving with your family. The country is popular for its warm climate, rich culture, and welcoming people, making it a popular destination for expatriates. However, settling in a new country can be challenging. To help make your transition smoother, here are 10 essential tips for families moving to Thailand. 1.…
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Cat’s out of the bag: Tomboy’s stolen car ride ends in Bangkok arrest (video)
Police swooped in yesterday to arrest a Thai tomboy struggling with mental health issues in a car park at an apartment in the Lat Phrao district of Bangkok after she stole a car, complete with a pet cat inside, from a shopping mall in the Ratchada area. Footage of security guards desperately trying to stop the black Honda HRV from speeding out of…
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Teen shootout in Samut Prakan leaves one dead, four injured
A violent confrontation between groups of teenagers in Samut Prakan resulted in one death and four injuries after a shootout involving over 30 bullets. The incident unfolded on Sriwaree Noi Road, Bang Sao Thong district. At around 9.30pm yesterday, October 2, police from the Bang Sao Thong Station were alerted to a shootout involving teenagers who had arranged to settle…
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Pattaya residents call for action against late-night street races
Residents of Pattaya are urging police to take action after late-night street races disrupted their peace on Jomtien Second Road. Local news reporters received numerous complaints from locals about street racers causing disturbances by racing motorcycles on public roads at 3am yesterday, October 2. The noise was so disruptive that nearby residents were unable to sleep. Upon investigating the area,…
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Bangkok drug bust seizes meth worth 100m baht, three arrested
A major drug bust in Bangkok led to the arrest of three alleged members of a substantial drug network, with methamphetamine (meth) pills and crystal meth worth over 100 million baht seized. Police Lieutenant General Samran Nuanma, assistant national police chief, and senior police officials, announced the operation at the Metropolitan Police Bureau office yesterday, October 2. The suspects, identified…
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Thai’d and tested: Pun-tastic Thai restaurant name breaks Internet (video)
A woman travelling in Sweden was left in stitches after discovering a Thai restaurant with a side-splitting name, sparking curiosity among many who are now desperate to try it out. Ema, a 29 year old traveller who shares her adventures online as @emaonthemove, recently posted a clip of a takeaway in her new hometown of Gothenburg, Sweden. The spot? Thai…
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Phuket scoops top awards in time for Vegetarian Festival
Phuket is proving it’s not just a holiday hotspot but a global player in events, as it bagged two major honours at the 2024 IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards in the US. The Thai island, renowned for its stunning beaches, was crowned World Festival and Event City, and its iconic Vegetarian Festival snatched the prestigious Grand Pinnacle award. These accolades…
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AIS launches 5G movie package for youths at 299 baht monthly
AIS ZEED 5G launched the AIS ZEED 5G Movie Lover package, catering to youngsters who love watching movies and entertainment content both in cinemas and online. This package offers one free cinema ticket per month and a second ticket for just 50 baht at Major Cineplex theatres nationwide. Additionally, subscribers receive 10 gigabytes of high-speed Internet for streaming premium content…
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Milking it: ThaiBev pours 18 billion baht into dairy, drinks expansion
ThaiBev Group plans to invest 18 billion baht in 2025, more than doubling its annual investment, focusing on strengthening its non-alcoholic beverage and dairy businesses, including establishing a dairy farm in Malaysia. ThaiBev Group, led by CEO Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi, announced a significant investment increase to 18 billion baht for the fiscal year 2025, which spans from October to September 2025.…
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Thai Airways to issue new shares worth 42 billion baht
Thai Airways International Plc (THAI) is set to issue new shares valued at a minimum of 42 billion baht by December, marking a significant move towards concluding its court-monitored debt restructuring and resuming trading on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). The national airline plans to offer 6.81 billion new shares to creditors as part of a debt-to-equity swap, as…
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