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 Why health insurance costs more each year and how expats in Thailand can save more money
Each year, many expats living in Thailand see their health insurance premiums go up and often without a clear reason. This can be frustrating, especially when you're trying to plan your budget. But by understanding why prices rise and learning...
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Thai nominee crackdown: DBD ‘takes stock’ in sweeping investigation
Thailand’s business watchdog, the Department of Business Development (DBD), is gearing up for a major crackdown on foreign firms using Thai nominees to skirt local regulations. Next year, they’re planning a sweeping investigation into a whopping 27,000 business entities. The mission? To dig deep into industries like tourism, real estate, hotels and resorts, transport and logistics, and even the bustling…
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Bangkok police gets medical training to enhance emergency skills
The Police Hospital in Bangkok is enhancing the tactical medical skills of officers through a comprehensive training programme. The initiative aims to increase the capabilities of police in handling tactical medical emergencies. The training, known as Police Tactical Emergency Care (PTEC), involves 240 officers, divided into four groups of 60. The primary goal of this programme is to equip police…
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12 year old boy saves suicidal teen girl from Chao Phraya, Bangkok
Thai media outlets and netizens praised a 12 year old boy for the rescue of a 17 year old girl from an attempted suicide in the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok on Friday. The Ruamkatanyu Foundation at Bang Phong Phang Police Station Facebook page shared a video of the young hero on Friday, November 22. In the caption, the foundation…
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Thailand’s biz boom buzzes past 90,000 as exports, tourism take off
Thailand’s business scene is buzzing, with new registrations expected to smash through the 90,000 mark this year. This surge comes courtesy of a rebound in exports and tourism alongside government stimulus measures kicking in as 2024 draws to a close. According to Auramon Supthaweethum, the Director-General of the Department of Business Development (DBD), there was a promising 2.18% uptick in…
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Thailand’s TV dramas to ‘script’ new chapter in economic growth
Thailand’s TV dramas are set to become the next big thing in economic growth as the government throws its weight behind the creative industry. In a bold move, a dedicated subcommittee has been established under the National Soft Power Development Committee to craft policies turbocharging the sector. With traditional TV viewership dwindling, channels are dusting off old classics and cutting…
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Thai man commits suicide after shooting 2 women over love fraud
A 60 year old Thai man committed suicide in the middle of a rice field in the central province of Ayutthaya after shooting two women, allegedly for cheating him out of money in a love fraud. The two victims remain in critical condition. A local discovered the two injured women on Bang Pla Mor Temple Road in the Ban Barn…
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British tourist dodges death after toxic night at Laos hostel (video)
A British tourist revealed her narrow escape from death after a night out at a notorious Laos hostel turned into a near-fatal encounter with methanol poisoning. This same party spot has become infamous following the tragic deaths of six other holidaymakers, casting a dark shadow over Vang Viang, a village once famed for its boisterous backpacker scene. The unfortunate casualties…
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Thailand video news | Chaos at Don Mueang Airport as bomb threat sparks panic, 6,000 motorcyclists cause chaos in Phetchabun
In today’s video news update, Alex and Jay delve into key stories from Thailand and across Asia. From a bomb hoax at Don Mueang Airport to a missing tourist in Surat Thani, they explore gripping incidents impacting the region. Highlights include a tiger trafficking bust, the ongoing investigation into methanol poisoning in Laos, and the transfer of Bali Nine prisoners…
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Labour of love: Minister fights for informal workers’ rights
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn is actively advocating for a legislative measure to enhance the protection and welfare of approximately 20 million informal workers, according to a statement from the ministry’s spokesperson. The Labour Ministry is preparing to engage in discussions with the Cabinet’s secretary-general to determine the appropriate timeline for presenting the bill to the Cabinet for consideration. Phumiphat Mueanchan…
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Michelin shifts gears: Revs up investment amid Thailand’s EV push
Iconic French tyre manufacturer Michelin is turbocharging its investment in Thailand, eager to ride the wave of the government’s electric vehicle (EV) push, even as local car sales take a dip. With the pedal to the metal, Michelin plans to rev up sales by rolling out cutting-edge products and eco-friendly technologies in line with the global shift towards sustainable business…
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Thai PM yet to unveil new stimulus to boost economic growth
After nearly three months in office, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is poised to influence Thailand’s economic growth through a series of new stimulus proposals. These measures aim to address various economic challenges and are anticipated to be unveiled shortly. The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) recently projected Thailand’s GDP growth to be between 2.3% and 3.3% for 2025,…
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No Bathing Trip but lots of noise as safety ride becomes a gamble (videos)
The Phetchabun Provincial Transport Department and police emphasised safety improvement in the controversial motorcycle trip, known as the No Bathing Trip as only one death was reported. However, gambling, fake banknotes, and loud noises continued to make headlines. A group of more than 6,000 motorcyclists and their followers, led by the YouTuber May Rai Ratchada, held their annual No Bathing Trip on…
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Thailand to expand child support to all under six years old
Thailand’s Ministry of Social Development and Human Security is poised to propose an expansion of the early childhood development scheme, with plans to present the child support proposal to the Cabinet shortly. The scheme aims to broaden its reach by extending financial support to all children under six years of age, enhancing the current system that aids children from impoverished…
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Trailer Mobile drives change: Pattaya clears the air on pollution
In a bid to clear the air, Pattaya City unveiled its latest weapon against pollution yesterday: a cutting-edge mobile air and noise monitoring station, aptly named the Trailer Mobile. Launched yesterday, November 24, in a breezy ceremony on Pattaya Beach by Mayor Poramase Ngampichet, the initiative promises to keep locals and tourists clued up on the city’s environmental status. Mayor…
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Man accidentally shoots himself cleaning gun in Phuket
A man accidentally shot himself while cleaning his gun, leading to a critical situation as he lay in a pool of blood. His girlfriend, initially thinking a hairdryer had exploded, discovered the true cause upon turning around. The incident occurred at 5pm yesterday, November 24. Police Lieutenant Somchai Nuboons, an investigator from Kathu Police Station in Phuket, was alerted to…
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Working in Thailand: How expat health insurance protects your career and lifestyle
Starting a career in Thailand can be an exciting chapter, but it also brings unique challenges, especially when it comes to health and wellness. For expats, navigating Thailand’s healthcare system and meeting work permit requirements can be difficult. And while many employers offer some form of health insurance, it’s often not enough to fully protect you, particularly when unexpected medical…
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Drunk deputy district chief kills 2 teenagers, injures 1 in Tak car crash
A drunk deputy district chief crashed her pickup into a motorcycle carrying three Thai teenagers on a road in the northern province of Tak, resulting in two deaths and one serious injury. Officers from Umphang Police Station were alerted to the fatal accident on the Mae Sot-Umphang Road in the Umphang district of Tak at approximately 8.15pm on Friday, November…
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Phetchabun police detain 722 in motorcycle gang crackdown
Police in Phetchabun detained 722 people linked to the Nam Mai Aab motorcycle gang gathering, roughly translating to no showering or no bathing. Over 10,000 participants and 6,000 motorcycles assembled in the province, prompting police action to maintain order and ensure public safety. The gathering took place over two days, with Phetchabun’s Provincial Police Commander, Saranai Kongmuang, directing units to…
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Concrete chaos: Chinese tourist dodges disaster in South Pattaya
A night out in South Pattaya turned into a scene from a horror film as a Chinese tourist narrowly escaped serious harm when a homeless man launched a concrete block at her. The shocking incident unfolded in front of a Bali Hai hotel, setting off a flurry of activity as local rescue services and police rushed to the scene. The…
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Amulet’s claims go nuclear: Protection from radiation and epidemics?
A Buddhist amulet from a temple in Chiang Mai province drew criticism for claims that it can protect its owner from nuclear radiation and epidemics. The amulet, with its surprising alleged abilities, was featured on the Facebook page หลวงพี่จัสติน วัดดูยูมีน (Luang Phee Justin What Do You Mean) on Thursday, November 21. The page shared an image of the white amulet…
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Monk defrocked after drug raid at Khon Kaen monastic site
Police swooped on a monastic site in Chum Phae district, Khon Kaen province, following complaints from villagers about non-monastic activities. One monk was found with a positive drug test and was immediately defrocked. The incident took place yesterday, November 23, when Aoychai Khamboonruang, the district chief of Chum Phae, along with Rakchat Rueangcharoen, the superintendent of Chum Phae Police Station,…
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Teenagers injured in Samut Prakan street chase shooting
Two former vocational students became embroiled in a dramatic street chase in Samut Prakan, pursued and shot by rivals from a different institution. Both teenagers suffered injuries in the incident and managed to escape to a convenience store for help. The shooting occurred yesterday, November 23 at 7.30pm outside a convenience store in Si Racha Kraeng Noi, Bang Sao Thong…
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Man leads police on three day car chase across three provinces
A dramatic car chase unfolded across three provinces in Thailand after a man allegedly stole a vehicle from a petrol station and evaded police for three days while on methamphetamine. The man, identified as 37 year old Weeraphon Laphan was eventually apprehended after a collision with a police vehicle. Officers first received reports of a stolen grey Honda Civic from…
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Thai medical council lawsuit threatens free medicine scheme
The ongoing legal tussle between the Medical Council of Thailand and the National Health Security Office (NHSO) over the provision of free medicine under the universal healthcare scheme is causing alarm among civil society groups. The Thailand Consumer Council (TCC) is urging the Medical Council to reconsider its lawsuit, which challenges the NHSO’s policy of distributing free medication for 16…
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EC persists in Thaksin investigation despite court ruling
The Election Commission (EC) remains steadfast in its investigation into allegations against former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, focusing on claims of his manipulation of the Pheu Thai Party and interference in the coalition government. This action continues despite the Constitutional Court’s recent decision to dismiss a petition accusing Thaksin and the ruling party of attempting to overthrow Thailand’s constitutional monarchy.…
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Wichit, Phuket set to face water supply outages
A significant water supply outage is set to impact a large area of Phuket on Thursday, November 28. The outage, scheduled from 9am to 11.30pm, is necessary to facilitate essential repairs to a 400mm HDPE water supply main in key areas. The Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) Phuket urges residents and businesses in the affected areas to take the following precautions.…
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Police raid tiger trafficking ring in Nonthaburi
Police recently raided a tiger carcass trafficking ring in Nonthaburi, discovering a large tiger skin openly advertised for sale on social media. This operation followed a tip-off received yesterday, November 23, prompting swift action from local and international wildlife protection agencies. Attaphol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, noted that the raid was part…
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Security bolstered for Pattaya fireworks festival next weekend
Security preparations for the Pattaya International Fireworks Festival are underway as Chon Buri police gear up for the event scheduled for next weekend. At a meeting held yesterday, November 23, the Commander of Chon Buri Provincial Police, Thawatchakiat Jinda Kuansanong, gathered representatives from over 30 agencies to finalise security measures, ensuring the safety of attendees during the festival on Pattaya…
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Thailand braces for weather changes amid rising temperatures
Thailand is experiencing significant weather changes, with the Meteorological Department (TMD) warning of rising temperatures in the north and severe monsoon conditions in the south. Heavy rainfall is expected in eight provinces, leading to potential flash floods and landslides. TMD has forecasted weather conditions for the next 24 hours indicating that the high-pressure system and moderate cold air mass covering…
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East Thailand: Exhausted driver crashes pickup into street light
A factory owner experienced a serious accident after falling asleep at the wheel due to exhaustion. The accident occurred when his black Ford Ranger pickup truck veered off the road, crossed the median, and crashed into a street light, before flipping over into a forested area in Chanthaburi province, East Thailand. The incident took place yesterday, November 22, and police…
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