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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Thai PM plans revision of 5.1 billion baht for national art and culture
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday announced plans to revise the substantial sum of 5.1 billion baht (US$145 million), originally designated for the promotion initiatives of national art and culture by the National Soft Power Development Committee (NSPDC). The Thai prime minister expressed the need for judicious use of the funds to maximise efficacy. PM Srettha’s statements followed the NSPDC’s second…
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Bangkok bus crash causes 18-vehicle pile-up on Phaya Thai Road
In the hustle and bustle of the vibrant city of Bangkok, a startling multi-vehicle collision occurred on Phaya Thai Road, right in front of the esteemed Chulalongkorn University. On this day, at 6:35pm, the Pathumwan Police Station was inundated with calls reporting a significant collision involving no fewer than 18 vehicles, which resulted in four individuals sustaining injuries. The scene…
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Thailand poised to become regional hub for electric vehicle production
Thailand is stepping into the spotlight as a potential regional centre for Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturing, bolstered by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin‘s confidence and support. This sentiment was shared with the public on December 1 by the Government Spokesperson, Chai Watcharong. PM Srettha has reportedly been working closely with various agencies to encourage and aid international private entities, particularly those…
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Drug traffickers encounter with military patrol in Chiang Mai
A skirmish erupted between the members of the Pha Mueang military patrol squad and a group of alleged drug smugglers in the Ban Muang Chum area of Fang, Chiang Mai. This encounter occurred in the early hours of December 2, around 2 am. The altercation, which lasted for over five minutes, led to the discovery of a substantial amount of…
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Transgender woman brutally murdered in Kanchanaburi: Robbery suspected
A brutal murder has shocked the local community in Kanchanaburi province, where a 38-year-old transgender woman was found dead in her bedroom, shot through the head. Her missing assets suggest a robbery, with the victim’s father pleading for assistance to find the ruthless murderer, who is believed to be an acquaintance. Police captain Mana Samranwong, along with investigation officers from…
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University sues former lecturer for 16 million baht over scholarship dispute
The case involving a former lecturer with mental health issues, being sued for a whopping 16 million baht by the university that granted her a Ph.D. scholarship, has drawn the attention of the Higher Education Ministry and a House committee. Both bodies have declared their intent to investigate the matter thoroughly. Takorn Tantasith, the chair of the House Committee on…
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Thailand’s weekly Covid-19 cases surge over 500 with three fatalities
The Department of Disease Control in Thailand (DDC) reported a sudden surge in weekly Covid-19 cases with over 500 new patients and three fatalities. The DDC revealed 88 cases of pneumonia among Covid patients. The report, which covers the period from November 26 to December 2, confirms an average of 76 hospital admissions and one death per day. Since the…
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Phu Kradueng cable car project set for debate at mobile Cabinet meeting
The mobile Cabinet meeting in Nong Bua Lamphu province today is set to deliberate on the long-awaited cable car project at the Phu Kradueng mountain resort in Loei province, according to Phuangphet Chunla-iad, the Prime Minister’s Office Minister. The local authorities of Loei province are requesting a 28 million baht budget to carry out a survey and draft the design…
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Coin-tastic: Teenager breaks the ‘piggy bank’ to bag a gaming smartphone
A young man carrying a bag filled with coins and banknotes weighing at least 5 kilogrammes, left smartphone shop owners and social media users in awe when he used the contents of his piggy bank to purchase a gaming smartphone. The incident was shared by a TikTok user @lovemobile999, a mobile phone store in Samut Sakhon province, which revealed a…
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Thai backstage artist fakes kidnapping over 90,000 baht debt in Bangkok
A woman known as Premika, who works as a backstage artist, was allegedly kidnapped from her workplace by a group of creditors due to her inability to repay a debt of 90,000 baht. Her husband, using the pseudonym “Ek,” reported the incident to Huai Khwang Police Station. It was revealed that the couple had been together for over a decade…
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Winter wanderlust: Doi Inthanon sees tourism spike as holiday-goers chase the chill in Chiang Mai
The holiday season has brought a surge of tourists to Doi Inthanon, Chiang Mai, as they flock to experience the chill of the winter months. Tourism numbers have hit a record high for this winter season, nearing 10,000 visitors. Kriangkrai Chaiyaphiset, head of Doi Inthanon National Park, revealed that the upcoming holiday tomorrow, December 5, resulted in a continuous stream…
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Lesson learned: Thailand issues recruitment scam alert for assistant teacher gigs
Education officials in Thailand urged people to be wary of potential scams linked to the recruitment of assistant teacher positions. This warning comes after the Office of the Civil Service Commission (OCSC) received complaints about attempts to extract benefits from the special selection process for assistant teachers. The OCSC is currently refining the selection criteria, aiming for transparency, fairness, and…
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AI accelerates: Dell’s 2024 forecast unveils tech integration triumph for business evolution
Dell Technologies predicts that by 2024, artificial intelligence (AI) will be the driving force behind the integration of other emerging technologies, including advanced hardware, edge devices and cybersecurity, all aimed at enhancing business transformation. The tech firm foresees a convergence of quantum computing and generative AI within the next five years. John Roese, Dell Technologies’ Global Chief Technology Officer, shared…
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Devastating road accident claims life in Chon Buri: Drunk driving suspected
A devastating road accident in Chon Buri province claimed the life of a factory worker and severely injured her colleague, riding on a motorbike. The incident occurred when a pickup truck veered off the road and collided with the two-wheeler. The driver of the pickup truck, who appeared intoxicated, also suffered injuries. Around 5am today, Deputy Inspector Sravut Sribundit of…
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Veterinary scientist turned political spokesperson finds success in new role
A 64 year old veterinary scientist turned political spokesperson is thriving in his new role leveraging his years of experience in sales and marketing to effectively communicate the government’s message. Having transitioned from working in pet companies to politics, Chai Wacharonke’s ability to simplify complex issues has proven to be a critical asset. “When they wanted to convey important messages…
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German national alleges bribe for release on pedophilia charge in Thailand
Provincial Police Region 2 launched investigations into allegations against a 55-year-old German national accused of paying a bribe of 1 million baht to secure his release on charges related to pedophilia. The police announcement follows a documentary by Deutsche Welle titled Sex Tourists in Thailand, which highlighted the account of the accused, Jens Kirch. It is worth noting that the…
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Thailand’s transport ministry commits to 100% public electric vehicles
A bold step towards a greener future was taken by Thailand’s Transport Ministry as it committed to transforming its entire fleet of public transport vehicles into a 100% electric. The initiative, as announced by the Transport Minister, Suriya Jungrungreangkit, begins with the electric conversion of the limousine service of the Airports of Thailand (AoT). This development was shared during Suriya’s…
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Thai lecturer’s 10 million baht lawsuit after mental health dismissal
Sombat Boongamanong, also known as Polka Dot, has shed light on the life journey of Dr Keng, a scholarship student who, after completing her PhD in England, returned to work as a Thai university lecturer. However, she fell ill and was asked to resign by the university management, leading to a lawsuit seeking over 10 million baht. Sombat arrived this…
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Thailand intensifies efforts to free remaining Thai hostages in Gaza
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is pushing forward with efforts to secure the release of the remaining nine Thai hostages held captive by Hamas. This comes as six additional Thai workers, recently liberated from their captors, are on the brink of returning to Thailand, scheduled to arrive on Monday. Expressing concern over the termination of the ceasefire in the…
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Concerns over rising HIV infections among teenagers in Thailand
The Aids Health Care Foundation (AHF) Thailand raised concerns over the rising prevalence of HIV infection among teenagers due to unprotected sex. The foundation’s Thailand Country Programme Director, Kritsiam Arayawongchai, disclosed this during a recent forum aimed at encouraging safe sex practices among high school students. In a broad-scale study conducted by AHF Thailand in collaboration with 25 healthcare centres,…
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Rain reigns: TMD warns 27 provinces, including Bangkok, to brace for heavy rainfall
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a heavy rainfall warning for 27 provinces, including Bangkok. The southern region is expected to receive significant rainfall, covering 80% of the area, which may lead to sudden flooding and runoff. A high-pressure system from China is covering the northern region, the northeastern region, and the South China Sea. This system is bringing…
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Steve Galster roars: Let’s trade wildlife for a pandemic-free world
Steve Galster, the founder and CEO of the anti-trafficking organisation Freeland, has advocated for the complete eradication of illegal and legal wildlife trade to avert the possibility of the next pandemic. He highlighted that Thailand, with its superior infrastructure, has been a longstanding hub for such activities, facilitating the movement of wildlife trade from source countries like Africa and Indonesia…
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French tourist dies in waterfall accident on Samui Island
A 20 year old French tourist tragically lost his life after slipping from a waterfall on the island of Samui. Ryan Meghan was visiting with four friends when he wandered off alone to an area known for its danger. He was later found stuck under a rock in the waterfall by the officials of the Radio Centre 191, Koh Samui,…
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Thai group stranded in China after Chiang Mai company deception
A group of Thai nationals, duped by a company in Chiang Mai into selling goods in China, is desperate for help after running into legal and financial trouble. The group, consisting of over 80 individuals, is now stranded in China, facing dwindling funds, visa expiry, and the risk of becoming illegal immigrants. The group was lured to China by a…
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Philippines: Mindanao University Sunday mass terror attack
A peaceful Sunday mass at Mindanao State University, Marawi, Philippines, turned into a nightmare as a bomb ripped through the congregation, leaving at least three dead and seven injured. As worshippers gathered for their regular Sunday mass service at Mindanao State University’s gymnasium in Marawi, the tranquillity was shattered by a bomb blast. Regional police Chief Allan Nobleza disclosed that…
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Flash floods claim one life and leave 11 missing at Indonesia’s Jewel, Lake Toba
Flash floods in Lake Toba, Indonesia wreaked havoc, claiming one life and leaving 11 missing on December 1. Lake Toba experienced a heavy downpour, triggering devastating flash floods. The heavy rain caused widespread destruction that extended beyond homes to include a church, a school, and even a hotel. The aftermath resembled a nightmare, as large stones, trees, and mud cascaded…
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US Google Maps nightmare: Desert detours lead drivers to nowhere, stranding them for hours
Google Maps has left motorists stranded on treacherous desert roads, turning what should have been a smooth drive between Los Angeles and Las Vegas into a nightmare. Apologies have been issued, but for some, the damage is already done. Shelby Easler and her family set out on the well-trodden path from Los Angeles to Las Vegas to catch the thrilling…
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Thailand’s plan to extend Songkran raises eyebrows and 5.1 billion baht in soft power bid
Thailand‘s iconic Songkran Festival might be turning into a month-long water extravaganza in a bid to boost the country’s soft power, or a potential disaster waiting to happen? Thailand’s political arena is buzzing with controversy as the Pheu Thai Party, led by Paetongtarn Shinawatra, unveils an audacious plan to extend the beloved Songkran Festival. The goal? To solidify the nation’s soft…
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Chon Buri: Motorbike rider meets tragic end in crash with parked lorry in Bang Lamung
A motorbike rider crashed into the rear of a parked 18-wheel lorry which proved to be fatal in Bang Lamung, Chon Buri yesterday, December 2, at 12.16am. The incident took place on the Pattaya-Rayong bypass road, and the Nong Prue police were immediately alerted. Upon receiving the distress call, Pattaya rescue teams were promptly dispatched to the scene. The grim sight…
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Update: Luxury gambling den busted in Nonthaburi – 49 arrested, owner denied bail
In the heart of Ngamwongwan, Nonthaburi, a luxury gambling den concealed within a hotel was recently exposed, leading to the capture of 49 individuals, comprising gamblers and employees alike. This took place on November 30 and was a significant operation spearheaded by Rattanathibet police officers. Officers immediately began the process of questioning the suspects, subsequently pressing charges against them. Following…
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