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 5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
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Gunkul Engineering pulls the plug on cannabis investment
Gunkul Engineering, a Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET)-listed renewable energy firm, is halting its investment in the cannabis industry, awaiting clearer government regulations. The company, which ventured into cannabis and hemp through its subsidiary GK Hemp Group, has already spent nearly 500 million baht (US$14 million) on developing its cannabis project but is now pausing further expenditure. The firm’s decision…
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Tuk tuk driver faces 90 day suspension for overcharging tourists
In a recent development, the tuk tuk driver who overcharged a group of Japanese tourists has been summoned for further questioning on the incident following a swift response from transportation authorities. The driver demanded a fare of 1,500 baht per person for a short journey from Asoke to Thanon Thaniya, totalling a hefty 6,000 baht for the four passengers. In…
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Thailand Video News | Political activist dies after 65-day hunger strike, Woman suffers panic attack after Isaan rocket lands on lawn
In this Thailand video news, Alex and Jay unfold stories from across the country. Beginning with the nation mourning the loss of a political activist who succumbed after a 65-day hunger strike, the report highlights the intense political struggles within the country. Meanwhile, a woman in Isaan suffered a severe panic attack when a stray rocket landed on her lawn,…
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Pier pressure: Pattaya’s iconic sign vandalised, community shocked
In a shocking act of vandalism, Pattaya City’s cherished landmark, the PATTAYA CITY sign at Bali Hai Pier, has been defaced, leaving the community reeling. The iconic sign, once a proud emblem of Pattaya’s vibrant identity, now stands marred by thoughtless spray paint, a glaring symbol of disrespect. This landmark, adored by locals and tourists alike, represents more than just…
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Thai tyrant’s son blames shadowy figure for student massacre
Colonel Narong Kittikachorn, once notorious as one of Thailand’s three tyrants of the 1970s, passed away yesterday morning at the age of 90 in Bangkok’s Phramongkutklao Hospital. Hospital officials confirmed he had been receiving treatment in the intensive care unit. Born on October 21, 1933, Narong was the son of the infamous Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn and the son-in-law of…
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Superrich faces stalled growth as tourists prefer travel cards
Renowned local money changer Superrich Currency Exchange (1995) Co, known by its SuperRich Orange brand, has faced a challenging start to the year with its transaction growth stalling at zero during the initial four months, despite an increase in foreign travellers. The stagnation in Superrich’s growth is largely due to the rising popularity of travel card services, which are increasingly…
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3 Thai man arrested for kidnapping Indonesian man for ransom
Police arrested three Thai men for kidnapping an Indonesian man, detaining him in a residence in the southern province of Phatthalung, and demanding a ransom of 2.3 million baht from the victim’s family. The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia sought assistance from officers of Mueang Phatthalung Police Station after receiving a report about the kidnapping of a 29 year…
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Justice minister vows action after hunger strike activist’s death
Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong announced plans yesterday to visit political activist Tantawan Tuatulanon, who has been on a hunger strike since late January. This decision follows the tragic death of fellow activist Netiporn Sanesangkhom who succumbed to cardiac arrest at Thammasat University Hospital yesterday. Minister Tawee expressed his condolences over Netiporn’s death, emphasising the government’s commitment to transparency. “A thorough…
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Thailand introduces 10-year EEC visa to attract global talent
Aiming to bolster the Eastern Economic Corridor‘s (EEC) potential as a regional industrial powerhouse, Thailand’s Cabinet has sanctioned a novel 10-year visa specifically designed for top-level professionals and experts. The EEC visa is part of a strategic move to attract talent to the country’s targeted industries, as announced by deputy government spokeswoman Rudklao Intawong Suwankiri following a recent cabinet meeting.…
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Thailand champions LGBTQ rights with World Pride 2030 bid
As Thailand gears up to potentially host the prestigious World Pride event in 2030, Siam Piwat Group is championing a progressive stance on LGBTQ rights. The property and retail giant has launched the “Celebration: Right to Love” campaign in anticipation of the same-sex marriage bill’s enactment by the end of the year. This legislative milestone would position Thailand as the…
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Man perishes as van crashes into canal near Pathum Thani
A tragic accident occurred this morning at 3.30am, when a man lost control of his vehicle, colliding with a parked pickup truck and crashing into a canal in Pathum Thani province, resulting in his death merely 1 kilometre from the safety of his home. The incident was reported to Police Lieutenant Wutichai, who led the investigation at the scene. The…
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Thai woman assaults girlfriend, throws cat from Pattaya condo
A Thai woman is taking legal action against her girlfriend, who physically assaulted her and killed her cat by throwing it from the 21st floor of a condominium in Pattaya yesterday. The story of Tara and her cat was shared via her friend’s Facebook account yesterday, May 14. The friend shared images of Tara cradling her motionless cat, Minjoo, as…
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From Down Under to Bangkok Hilton: An Aussie woman’s harrowing tale
An Australian woman who spent seven gruelling years in a Thai prison for heroin trafficking revealed the appalling conditions she endured in the so-called Bangkok Hilton. Holly Deane-Johns, then 29, was caught trying to mail a parcel of heroin to her family in Perth. Facing the death penalty, she was instead sentenced to 31 years in the infamous Lardyao Women’s…
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Engineer’s zero sperm count unveils family lineage mystery
A 40 year old engineer recently discovered he had a zero sperm count, leading to a shocking revelation about his family’s lineage. Dr Gu Fangyu, a specialist in urology, recounted the case of his patient, who worked in the technology industry and suffered from infertility. After a thorough examination, the engineer was diagnosed with congenital absence of the Vas deferens,…
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Phra Nakhon Khiri eyes UNESCO Heritage status
The bid to elevate Phra Nakhon Khiri National Historical Park, also known as Khao Wang, to the esteemed status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is underway, as confirmed by Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol. In a recent Cabinet meeting held on location in Phetchaburi, she disclosed that the Fine Arts Department is tasked with assessing the 165-year-old historical site’s eligibility for…
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Toll tales: Motorway myths debunked by Thailand’s collectors
Recent online discussions sparked curiosity about the daily lives of motorway toll collectors in Thailand, leading to a wave of speculation and myth-busting by the insiders themselves. The question that set the digital sphere abuzz came from a TikTok user called ummie..28. “Has anyone ever wondered how toll booth operators get to and from work?” The query ignited a flurry…
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Invasive sucker fish crisis threatens Thailand’s waterways
Thailand is currently grappling with a severe invasive sucker fish crisis, exacerbated by human actions that have released non-native fish into waterways without considering the environmental impact. These invasive species are wreaking havoc on Thailand’s native ecosystems, causing environmental, economic, and health-related damage. This issue is frequently highlighted in various media outlets. In a recent social media sensation, a fish…
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Chilli shoppers feel the heat as market prices surge amid dry spell
Shoppers at Naklua Market were left stunned by an unexpected surge in veggie costs, particularly garden chilli peppers, driven by a relentless dry spell gripping the region. A survey yesterday revealed a dramatic spike in the cost of garden chilli peppers, which have skyrocketed from 200 to 400 baht per kilogramme. To cope with the steep prices, vendors have resorted…
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Thai woman suffers panic attack after Isaan rocket lands on lawn
A Thai woman suffered from a panic attack after a missile from a rocket festival in the Isaan province of Roi Et landed on her front lawn. Her son demanded accountability from the relevant parties. Thai television host Thanasub Ounsuang is seeking justice for his family by sharing the rocket incident at his home in Roi Et on Facebook last…
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Take a thrilling ride on the Pattaya Sky Ride
Nestled amidst the glimmering beaches and pulsating nightlife of Pattaya lies a new gem captivating the hearts of locals and tourists alike – the Pattaya Sky Ride. Offering a euphoric adventure, this latest addition allows thrill-seekers to soar above Pattaya’s enchanting landscape, gazing down upon its wonders from the heights of a helicopter. The grand unveiling was nothing short of…
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Phetchaburi’s plan to lure 10 million tourists each year
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports revealed an ambitious blueprint to entice over 10 million tourists to Phetchaburi Province each year, harnessing soft power to drive sustainable tourism and unleash substantial economic rewards. The groundbreaking announcement, made on May 13 ahead of Thailand’s Cabinet meeting, unfolded in the scenic backdrop of Phetchaburi, setting the stage for a tourism renaissance in…
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Ex-minister dodges jail over Pattaya luxury condo scandal
The Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases acquitted former Culture Minister and ex-mayor of Pattaya City Itthipol Khunpluem in a luxury condo scandal case. The high-profile case, involving allegations of abuse of power, reached its statute of limitations, allowing Itthipol to escape legal repercussions. Itthipol, who attended the court session in Rayong province yesterday, left without addressing the media…
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Bangkok hotels ‘MICE’ their way back to pre-pandemic occupancy levels
Bangkok hotel occupancy rates in the first quarter of 2024 have nearly hit pre-pandemic levels, driven largely by a surge in meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) travellers. Tanakorn Thanuthanud, manager of the valuation and advisory services department at Colliers Thailand, revealed the exciting news. “The resumption of international events in Bangkok attracted more tourists to the city. Fan meetings…
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Thai tour buses set to drive cross-border travel surge into Malaysia
Thailand’s tour buses are now set to roll into Malaysia, promising a surge in cross-border travel. According to Malaysian Minister of Transport Anthony Loke, this exciting development allows Thai buses to bring in tourists, provided they secure temporary permits from the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) beforehand. Speaking to the press yesterday, Loke emphasised that tour bus operators must submit…
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Thai airlines soar with record profits despite rising costs
Thailand’s booming aviation sector has given Thai airlines Bangkok Airways and Thai AirAsia a profitable first quarter, despite the challenges posed by escalating costs. Bangkok Airways, known for catering to leisure travellers, reported a robust comeback with tourist arrivals reaching 87% of pre-pandemic levels in the first three months of 2024. A standout achievement was the launch of direct flights…
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Hospital director accused of assaulting teen for smoking
A disturbing incident unfolded at Mongkutwattana Hospital yesterday, where the director, Doctor Rianthong Nanna, is accused of physically assaulting a 14 year old boy and ordering him to strip naked as punishment for smoking in the hospital’s restroom. The case, which has escalated to a formal complaint by the boy’s mother, raises serious questions about the appropriate measures for enforcing…
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Thai Vietjet halts Phuket-Chiang Rai flights
Thai Vietjet has abruptly cancelled its direct flights between Chiang Rai, in northern Thailand, and Phuket, a favourite destination on the Andaman Sea coast. The budget airline remained tight-lipped about the sudden suspension. However, the timetable for May 1 to 31, filed with Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport and posted on its Facebook page, indicates that the final…
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Nong Khai battered by fierce storm, homes and temple ravaged
An unprecedented storm struck Nong Khai province last night, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure, including a widespread power outage due to fallen electricity poles. A lifelong local, 55 year old Boorachai expressed he had never witnessed such severe weather in his lifetime. As the storm raged through the region, residents of the Ban Fang district of Sakhrai scrambled…
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Thai cult leader claims to cure all illnesses with pot ritual (video)
A cult leader in the Isaan province of Buriram claims he can cure all illnesses by placing an aluminium cooking pot over patients’ heads. Despite the seemingly absurd nature of the treatment, both Thai and foreign followers have shared testimonials of successful outcomes on social media. The cult‘s Facebook page features videos of the Thai man, known as Ajarn Pu…
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Nakhon Ratchasima farmer earns big with sweetleaf bush
In a remarkable agricultural venture in Nakhon Ratchasima, a Thai farmer transformed a 1-acre plot of land into a thriving sweetleaf bush plantation, with a yield that commands an impressive price of 200 baht per kilogramme. The 63 year old farmer, Aatthakorn Kaewmorakot, resides in Chan Kho, Mu 3, Rang Ka Yai Sub-district, Phimai District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, and is…
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