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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Private car blocks emergency vehicle, patient dies in Samut Prakan
Yesterday, November 3, at roughly 9.30pm, a car obstructed an emergency vehicle in Samut Prakan, ultimately resulting in a patient’s death. Despite lights and sirens, the car’s driver refused to yield for over a minute, causing delays for the rescue team. The incident, which was captured on video and shared online, shows the emergency vehicle from Samut Prakan City Municipality…
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Russian driver allegedly flees responsibility after Phuket accident
A Thai man demanded that a Russian pickup driver take responsibility for a car accident on Rawai Road in Phuket on October 29 after the foreign man twice failed to appear at a police station. The Phuket Times reported on October 29 that the Russian man, whose name remains undisclosed, allegedly ignored a red light on Rawai Road and drove…
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Subway: Thailand customers’ ink-stained sandwich surprise
Subway, the beloved American sandwich franchise, has found itself at the centre of controversy after customers reported issues with the quality of food, particularly concerning the ink-stained wrapping paper sticking to both their sandwiches and their hands. The social media outcry has raised questions about why a franchise that has been officially terminated is still allowed to operate under the…
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MPs probe Thaksin’s alleged special treatment during detention
A House committee announced plans to convene tomorrow, November 5, to investigate allegations of preferential treatment afforded to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during his incarceration at the Police General Hospital. The inquiry is a part of a broader discussion on reforming the justice system, with Thaksin’s case drawing significant attention. Leading the charge is the committee on state security,…
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Indonesian woman abandoned in Thai mangrove forest by German friend
An Indonesian woman sought help from Thai officials after her German male friend abandoned her in a mangrove forest in Samut Sakhon Province, near Bangkok, following an argument he had with his wife on the phone. Highway Police officers coordinated with Samut Sakhon Provincial Police after the Indonesian woman, whose name was not disclosed, requested assistance, stating that she was…
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Bangkok aims to turn Chatuchak Market into soft power paradise
Thailand is setting its sights on transforming the iconic Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok into a hub for soft power, with an ambitious two-year plan spearheaded by the National Committee on Soft Power Development. This initiative aims to capitalise on the market’s popularity and diverse offerings to bolster Thailand’s global cultural influence. Surapong Suebwonglee, chair of the National Committee on…
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Bus-ting with green energy: Phuket’s smart bus takes fresh direction
All aboard the eco-friendly Phuket Smart Bus express. Phuket’s transport scene is getting a high-voltage makeover with the launch of the spanking new Phuket Smart Bus service, and it’s already steering the island’s travel scene in a new direction. Connecting Phuket Town and Patong with ease and style, this service is run by Phuket City Development Co Ltd (PKCD) and…
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Thailand Consumer Council to challenge Bangkok city plan flaws
The Thailand Consumer Council (TCC) plans to challenge the Bangkok city plan by submitting a petition to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), citing significant failings in the public hearing processes that they argue infringe on citizens’ rights. This action, set for tomorrow, November 5, reflects growing concerns over the lack of public engagement and awareness regarding the city’s planning…
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RTN chief assures Thailand’s waters are in good hands on Koh Kut
Royal Thai Navy (RTN) Chief Jirapol Wongwit touched down on the picturesque island of Koh Kut, Trat province, bringing with him a message of unwavering commitment: Thailand’s national interests and sovereign waters are in safe hands. His mission? To boost the morale of the RTN’s brave men and women posted at the nation’s eastern maritime frontier. Jirapol laid it out…
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Thailand seeks more jobs for workers in Singapore shipyards
The Labour Ministry is actively pursuing opportunities to send more of Thailand’s workers to Singapore, particularly targeting the shipyard sector. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, alongside the ministry’s Permanent Secretary Boonsong Thapchaiyuth, visited Singapore over the weekend. They engaged with officials from the Labour Office in Singapore, local businessmen, and Ureerat Chareontoh, the ambassador of Thailand to Singapore, to discuss expanding…
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Thai ESG fund rockets to top spot with impressive returns
One Equity Thailand ESG Fund (ONE-THAIESG) is stealing the spotlight in the Thai ESG fund scene, boasting a whopping 8.53% return this year, as proudly announced by One Asset Management (ONEAM). What’s behind this stellar performance? A one-two punch of a policy rate cut by the US Federal Reserve and Thailand’s very own economic comeback. TESG funds are the latest…
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Thai transwoman assaulted by Chinese man for rejecting him (video)
A Thai transwoman filed a complaint against a Chinese man for physically assaulting her after she rejected his advances in an entertainment venue car park in the eastern province of Rayong on Saturday, November 2. The 25 year old transgender victim, whose name remains undisclosed, reported the physical assault to Pluak Daeng Police Station and shared CCTV footage from the…
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Auto boom: Thailand revving up as global car parts powerhouse
Thailand is racing ahead in the fast lane of auto parts manufacturing in the Asia-Pacific region, speeding towards becoming a crucial export hub for Germany’s esteemed Schaeffler Group. Spotlighting both traditional internal combustion engines (ICE) and the rapidly accelerating electric vehicle (EV) industry, Schaeffler is gearing up for an automotive revolution. Micah Shepard, Schaeffler’s head honcho for vehicle lifetime solutions…
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Poll position: US election could rattle global markets, says ASPS
Asia Plus Securities (ASPS) is urging investors to pay close attention to the forthcoming US election, predicting it is set to send shockwaves through global markets. With expectations of heightened volatility, ASPS has delivered a stern warning: it’s time to back stocks boasting low volatility and stellar third-quarter performances for 2024. Insider tips from ASPS suggest the starched-collar bigwigs at…
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Labour pains: Committee demands rethink on export strategy
The House Committee on Foreign Affairs slammed the Ministry of Labour, demanding an urgent rethink of its labour export strategy. The committee is calling for a shift away from conflict-ridden hotspots like Israel, in light of last week’s heartbreaking events where a Hezbollah rocket attack claimed the lives of four Thai workers and left another injured. Chonticha Jangrew, a prominent…
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Worker crushed under collapsed cement tank in Kanchanaburi
A shocking incident unfolded yesterday when a homeowner, who had hired a worker to move stones around an old cement water tank, discovered the man crushed to death under the collapsed structure upon returning home. The tragic event took place yesterday, November 2, at 4pm in the Wang Sala area of Thamuang district, Kanchanaburi province. Local police received reports of…
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Phuket motorcycle taxi driver arrested after clash with tourists
Patong police in Phuket apprehended a motorcycle taxi driver following a heated altercation between tourists and a local taxi driver. The incident unfolded on October 31 at the intersection near the football field on Thawiwong Road, leading to several charges being filed against the motorcycle driver. Around 5.30pm, two tourists had just boarded an electric vehicle (EV) taxi they had…
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Toddler tragically found in pond at Chachoengsao worker camp
A tragic accident unfolded when a one year old boy was found unconscious after falling into a pond behind a worker’s camp in Bang Nam Priao, Chachoengsao. Yesterday, November 2, the boy’s mother, a Myanmar national, discovered him missing after she had fallen asleep. Desperately searching for her child, she followed a black dog, known to play with the boy,…
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Young driver drowns after crashing into tree in Ubon Ratchathani
A tragic accident occurred when a young man driving a pickup truck fell asleep and lost control, crashing into a tree and being thrown into a nearby pond where he drowned. At approximately 4.30am today, November 3, Somporn Akkabut, a police officer at the Buntharik Police Station, received a report of a pickup truck colliding with a tree along the…
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Teen violence erupts at Pattaya skateboard park, two injured
A violent altercation involving teenagers at a Pattaya skateboard park left two injured as rival groups clashed. A 14 year old girl recounted the chaotic incident before the attackers fled, leaving chaos in their wake. Law enforcement seized five customised motorcycles at the scene. The incident unfolded late last night when officers from the Pattaya City Police Station, in coordination…
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Fire at Indian Restaurant near Pattaya Beach swiftly contained
A fire broke out early yesterday, November 2, at the Sultan Indian Restaurant, a four-story establishment located near Pattaya Beach Road. The incident, which occurred at approximately 12.10am, led to the swift evacuation of both Thai and international tourists from the building. The fire originated on the ground floor of a seven-unit commercial building, rapidly filling the upper floors with…
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Bangkok MRT Orange Line construction to disrupt traffic this month
Construction on the western segment of Bangkok’s MRT Orange Line is set to bring some disruptions, as announced by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA). The project, which aims to enhance the city’s transit network, will necessitate the closure of a traffic lane along the initial five stops of the light rail line, stretching from Bang Khun Non…
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Thailand protests after rocket attack kills four Thai workers in Israel
The recent tragedy in Israel has prompted the Thai government to take swift action, sending a formal protest to Israel following a rocket attack that resulted in the death of four Thai workers and left another injured. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has emphasised the importance of halting the deployment of Thai workers to high-risk areas, cautioning citizens against non-essential…
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Thailand to boost trade ties with South Asian nations
Thailand is setting its sights on strengthening ties with South Asian countries to enhance trade in food, energy, and human security sectors across the Southeast region. Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, during his visit to India, discussed these ambitions following a meeting with Thai ambassadors and consuls stationed in South Asia. Maris highlighted South Asia’s strategic significance, noting that the…
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Cattle herder murder: Body found in Nakhon Phanom forest
A man who had gone to tend to his cattle was found dead in a forest in Nakhon Phanom province with multiple stab wounds. Police were alerted to the scene, uncovering a brutal murder that left the family devastated. The incident came to light around 8.30pm yesterday, November 1, when police were informed about a body found in the forest…
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Chiang Mai resident hits 6 million baht lottery jackpot
A resident of Lao Pao subdistrict, Doi Lo district, Chiang Mai, recently struck it lucky by winning the first prize in the government lottery, securing a 6 million baht reward. The first prize-winning number for yesterday’s draw was 536044, and it marked a life-changing moment for the local winner. The draw also included other results such as the three-digit front…
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Thai police arrest suspect in 2.7 million baht footballer scam
Thai police have apprehended a suspect involved in an online loan scam that swindled a prominent national footballer out of nearly 2.7 million baht. The suspect, identified as 45 year old Wanchai, confessed to managing mule accounts for the criminal gang. The crackdown, led by Police Major General Jirawat Payoongtham, took place today, November 2, when cybercrime officers, directed by…
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Bangkok mandates microchipping for pets under new law
Bangkok is set to enforce a new regulation requiring all dogs and cats to be microchipped, alongside measures to control stray animal populations and manage dangerous dogs. The Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) has recently approved a draft ordinance regarding pet ownership and stray animals. Naphaphon Chirakul, a member of the BMC for the Bang Khun Non district, and head of…
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Sea turtle found tangled and lifeless on Phuket beach
In a heartbreaking discovery, a young olive ridley sea turtle was found dead, entangled in fishing debris on Phuket’s Pak Phra Beach. Officials from Thailand’s Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) were alerted to the tragedy on Tuesday, October 29, by the Marine National Park Operations Centre 2. The juvenile turtle, weighing only 3 kilogrammes, was identified by DMCR’s…
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Hundreds of Phuket families await relief as flood damage mounts
Phuket’s flood-stricken families are still waiting for disaster relief funds, as officials gathered at Phuket Provincial Hall on Thursday, October 31 to address pending disbursements. The meeting, chaired by Vice Governor Adul Chuthong and attended by Sopon Thongsai, head of the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM Phuket), reviewed the island’s slow-moving relief fund process. The gathering united…
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