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 Digital nomading in Chiang Mai? What US$1,000 a month really gets you
Chiang Mai has become a popular destination for digital nomads due to its low living costs, rich culture, and active remote work community. The city offers affordable housing, tasty food, reliable internet, and many co-working spaces, making it a great...
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Move over ChatGPT, Meta’s AI chatbot now speaks Thai
In a bold move to challenge OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, is rolling out its artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, Meta AI, to 21 new markets, including Thailand. With Thai language support now on the table, Meta is upping the stakes in the race for AI chatbot supremacy. Big tech companies have been fiercely competing to attract…
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US ambassador vows stronger ties with Thailand
In a high-profile diplomatic push, the US ambassador to Thailand, Robert F Godec, has committed to enhancing economic, security, and humanitarian cooperation with Thailand under its new government. This bold pledge came during a meeting yesterday, October 9, with Chusak Sirinil, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, as both nations gear up for the 200th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.…
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Bangkok bust: Cops hang up on Thailand’s largest call centre scam
Crime Suppression Division (CSD) police swooped on four clandestine locations in Bangkok and arrested two Thai and Chinese leaders of the largest call centre scam gang in Thailand. Over 18,000 items of evidence were seized. CSD officers held a press conference yesterday, October 9, at about 4pm, to report on the details of the call centre scam suppression operation, named…
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Dam full: Phuket’s reservoirs overflow as Bang Niew hits 103%
Phuket’s reservoirs are bursting at the seams, with Bang Niew Dam in Srisoonthorn now at a staggering 103% capacity. The island is bracing for more rain and potential flash floods through to Saturday, as the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warns of continued downpours. Bang Niew Dam currently holds a whopping 7.39 million cubic metres of water, surpassing its official capacity…
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Economists urge Bank of Thailand to maintain independence
Economists are urging the Bank of Thailand to maintain its independence, emphasising its importance for the nation’s economic stability and growth. Nonarit Bisonyabut, a research fellow at the Thai Development Research Institute, pointed out that globally, countries with autonomous central banks tend to achieve better economic stability, lower inflation, and stronger economic growth compared to those where central banks lack…
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Butterbear fan meet in Thailand criticised for high ticket prices
The fan meets event in Thailand for the popular mascot Butterbear sparked a heated debate due to the high ticket prices, comparable to major Korean artist concerts. The event, titled Butterbear’s 1st Fam Meeting: Adventure Awaits! is scheduled for November 9 to 10 at MGI Hall, Bravo BKK in Huai Kwang district, Bangkok. Tickets are priced from 1,900 baht to…
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Big Buddha Phuket charged with encroachment after deadly landslide
Police have charged the Big Buddha Phuket Phraphutthamingmongkhol Sattha 45 Foundation and its president, Suporn Wanichakul, with forest encroachment and unauthorised construction following a deadly landslide at the site. Karon police announced the charges related to forest destruction and have referred the case to public prosecutors. The landslide, which occurred after heavy rain on August 23, struck Nak Koet Hill,…
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Voted: Top 10 travel influencers in Thailand that you need to follow
For many, Thailand is the traveller’s ultimate dream. It is full of interesting and beautiful sights, delicious food, and some of the nicest people you will meet on Earth. However, there are probably too many things to see and there might be a lot more that you don’t know about Thailand and that’s where the top travel influencers come in.…
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Old Thai man commits suicide after love triangle dispute
A 73 year old Thai man committed suicide in the Mae Sai district of the northern province of Chiang Rai, following a bizarre love triangle and an argument with his legal wife and children. Koh Chang Police Station officers received a report of the man’s suicide, identified as Lai, at his home in the Mae Sai district. They coordinated with…
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Don’t ban TEMU: Thai experts call for enhanced trade standards
Thailand should embrace trade opportunities with China rather than follow Indonesia’s lead in banning the Chinese e-commerce platform TEMU, say experts. In light of Indonesia’s recent decision to prohibit the TEMU application, the International Institute for Trade and Development (ITD) voiced its opposition to a similar move by Thailand. Wimol Pankong, Deputy Director (Academic) of ITD, urged the Thai government…
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Thailand, Cambodia to revive US$300 billion offshore oil field talks
The Pheu Thai-led coalition government is set to revive talks with Cambodia regarding the exploration of a contentious offshore oil and gas field, estimated to hold at least US$300 billion in reserves. This field has been a point of contention between the two nations since the 1970s. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who assumed office in September following the Constitutional Court’s…
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Thaksin and Pheu Thai Party face constitutional showdown
Independent lawyer Thirayut Suwankesorn, renowned for dismantling the Move Forward Party, has launched a scathing complaint against the ruling Pheu Thai Party and its influential patriarch, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The complaint, submitted to the Constitutional Court at 10.30am today, October 10, accuses them of a serious breach of constitutional protocol, alleging attempts to undermine the country’s constitutional monarchy.…
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Foreigner’s body found near Patong Beach, police investigate
Police are scrambling to identify the body of a foreign man found floating in the water south of Patong Beach early this morning. Officers were alerted to the scene, located in front of a hotel on Muen Ngern Road, at 9.10am, today, October 10, after a guest spotted the body and raised the alarm. A team from the police force,…
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Tragic accident at Surin bus terminal claims young attendant’s life
A tragic accident occurred at Prasat Bus Terminal in Surin when a double-decker bus, en route from Rayong to Mukdahan, ran over and killed a bus attendant. The incident happened around 7pm, yesterday, October 9, as the bus was reversing from its parking spot. Witnesses reported that the bus attendant, 19 year old Suphanai, was behind the bus, possibly checking…
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Former Aussie cop’s epic run across Thailand for tsunami victims
A former forensic cop from Australia is gearing up for his biggest physical challenge yet—a gruelling 1,400-kilometre run across Thailand in December. Dubbed “Run to Remember,” this endurance test marks the 20th anniversary of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, which claimed 230,000 lives worldwide, including 5,400 in Thailand. Starting on December 1, charity Hands Across the Water founder Peter Baines…
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Deaf, mute Grab driver tangled in sexual assault claims after ride goes awry
A deaf, mute Thai Grab driver is seeking justice after a passenger accused him of attempted sexual assault due to a misunderstanding during a trip in Bangkok on Tuesday night. The Grab driver’s 70 year old mother, Thongmuan, visited Huay Kwang Police Station yesterday, October 9, to seek justice for her son. The misunderstanding led to her son being charged with…
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Thai king’s birthday sparks 10 royal projects to transform Bangkok
To celebrate His Majesty the King’s 6th cycle birthday, the Thai government has launched 10 ambitious royal projects under the theme Forest, Water, People. These initiatives align with His Majesty’s vision to blend environmental conservation with improving the quality of life for Thai citizens. Among the standout projects is the Elevate Pocket Park initiative, a partnership between the government and…
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High stakes: Thailand rolls out stricter cannabis controls
Thailand’s Public Health Ministry is set to tighten control over the production, import, export, sale, and possession of cannabis and hemp extracts through a new ministerial regulation. Police Lieutenant General Phanurat Lukboon, Secretary-General of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), announced that the Cabinet has approved the draft regulation in principle. The draft, proposed by the Public Health…
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Oedipus rex-ed: Doctor caught in toxic plot to kill mum’s partner
In a subverted Oedipus-like tale, a once-respected doctor has admitted to plotting a shocking murder attempt by disguising himself as a community nurse and poisoning his mother’s partner with a fake Covid booster. Hong Kong-born doctor 53 year old Thomas Kwan aimed to kill 72 year old Patrick O’Hara, who was left battling a rare flesh-eating disease after the deadly…
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Thai society’s con man unmasked: Smooth criminal pledges to change his stripes
Officers from the Investigation Division of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (IDMB) arrested a fake Thai Hi-So (high-society) man for deceiving more than 30 victims, mostly women, for money. The suspect promised to change his ways after serving his punishment. The 27 year old suspect, Krittidate, also known as Sia Meen or Meen Vogue, shared his fake luxurious lifestyle on social…
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Police investigate suspicious friend in Udon Thani stabbing
A police investigation is intensifying as they uncover suspicious behaviour from a friend following the stabbing death of a 25 year old man at a traditional Thai event. The victim’s mother, still in shock, expresses her profound grief and disbelief over the tragic incident. Police in Udon Thani are actively investigating the murder of Sawit, who was fatally stabbed during…
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Tidal wave of trouble: Phitsanulok fields flooded as waters overflow
Floodwaters are inundating the Bang Rakam model fields in Phitsanulok province, receiving overflow from Sukhothai and reaching 571 million cubic metres, or 143% of capacity. The water expands, flooding nearby areas and roads, particularly in Phrom Phiram, Mueang, and Bang Rakam districts. Since late September, 304 villages across 50 subdistricts in nine districts of Phitsanulok have been affected by floodwaters…
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Police hunt for gang rape suspects as more victims step forward
In a chilling tale of intimidation and sexual violence, a 19 year old woman from Phetchabun has bravely stepped forward to expose a nightmarish ordeal that saw her and several other young women fall prey to a brutal gang rape. The vicious attack, reportedly carried out by a mob exceeding 10 men, left the victims too terrified to seek justice…
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Businessman pays 7.5 million baht for holiday home, gets pavilion
A businessman lodged a complaint after paying 7.5 million baht for a holiday home, only to receive a structure resembling a temple pavilion. The issue has been taken to legal officials, with plans to pursue the case to its fullest extent. Anantachai Chaidej accompanied 21 year old Pitiya and his mother, Dr Dolly Sui, to file a complaint at Kumpawapi…
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Crocodile captured after escaping temple enclosure in Kalasin
A crocodile named Jao Tui, which escaped from its enclosure at Wat Kalayanaborrihan Temple in Kalasin province was successfully captured after being found swimming in the temple’s pond, causing alarm among the locals. Officials from the Kalasin Fisheries Department, led by a team of skilled crocodile catchers, managed to capture Jao Tui yesterday, October 9. The crocodile had escaped its…
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Beauty & the bleak: Cops probe iCon brand in ugly Ponzi scandal
Royal Thai Police (RTP) officers are investigating the renowned beauty product and food supplement company THE iCon Group, along with the famous Thai celebrities associated with it, following the bankruptcy of its selling agents and the tragic suicides of some individuals linked to its alleged Ponzi scheme. THE iCon Group has garnered significant attention in Thailand as numerous investors and…
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Thai cyber police arrest gold scammer in 85 million baht fraud
Cyber police arrested a 31 year old Thai man for allegedly conducting livestreamed scams involving the sale of gold at significantly reduced prices, resulting in over 500 victims and damages exceeding 85 million baht. Police executed a search warrant on a residence in Lam Luk Ka, Pathum Thani, following an investigation. Phromthada, also known as Mae Bainaad, director of Thada…
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Three men arrested for charity scam in Chon Buri
Police arrested three men dressed in Department of Provincial Administration vests, driving around in a pickup truck, falsely claiming to represent a rescue foundation and soliciting money from residents. The incident took place yesterday in Chon Buri. Police Lieutenant Colonel Nathakorn Chanlod of the Nong Prue Police Station, along with Police Lieutenant Surachai Chuaykhun, received a report from locals and…
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Construction worker dies after lightning strike in Pathum Thani
A construction worker tragically lost his life after being struck by lightning amidst heavy rain while working on a housing project in Pathum Thani. Four fellow workers narrowly escaped the incident. Around 3.30pm yesterday, October 9, police officer Parada Tuntirungarun from Suan Phrik Thai Police Station in Pathum Thani received a report of a man being struck by lightning at…
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Young Thais increasingly rent homes due to high prices
A recent survey by DDproperty reveals that young people are increasingly opting to rent homes rather than buy them due to high prices and insufficient savings. Concerns about managing financial liquidity in an uncertain economy also play a significant role in this trend. The survey highlights that financial factors are the primary reason why consumers prefer renting. More than half,…
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