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 Planning to extend your Thai visa? Why health insurance is more important than ever
If you plan to stay longer in Thailand, having health insurance is now more important than ever. Thai immigration often asks for proof of medical coverage when you apply to extend your visa. This applies to many types of visas,...
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Chon Buri forest mystery solved: Charred body on forest tyres identified
The identity of a man whose charred body was found sitting on tyres in a forest has been ascertained. Chon Buri authorities discovered his national identity card in his trouser pocket and have asked for time to investigate the incident. They have also accelerated their efforts to track down the ruthless killer. The body was found in a forest on…
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Small aircraft crash in Chon Buri leaves one dead and another severely injured
Authorities are urgently investigating the cause of a small aircraft crash that resulted in the death of one German-Austrian pilot and the severe injury of another. The accident occurred a mere 20 minutes after takeoff. The small aircraft, an X-AIR or Rotax912 Ultra Light model, crashed in a cow pasture behind a tyre store in Huay Yai, Bang Lamung, Chon…
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Tragic accident post-Children’s Day event claims life of one sister, leaves two unconscious
On a sorrowful Children’s Day, three young sisters were involved in a fatal accident after returning from a late-night event where they had been hoping to win prizes. The incident occurred around 12.30am today when the motorcycle they were riding collided with an electricity pole in Prachin Buri province. The 12 year old older sister, who was driving the motorcycle,…
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Thailand’s Transport Ministry plans to increase airport slots for summer season
A surge in foreign arrivals expected for the summer season has prompted the Transport Ministry to direct the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) to expand the number of available airport slots. These slots, which denote the time-bound authorisation for airlines to take off and land, are set to be increased at key transport hubs, including Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang…
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Thailand’s new 30-baht plus healthcare scheme takes off
Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew expressed satisfaction with the new 30-baht plus healthcare scheme in Thailand, which was launched last Sunday in Roi Et province. The programme, operating under the One Card for All concept, allows members of the universal healthcare card scheme, also known as the gold card scheme, to access medical services from any hospital in Roi Et,…
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Shooting at Ratchaburi power plant leaves three dead
An unexpected shooting incident left three dead and one injured at a power plant in Damnoen Saduak, Ratchaburi today. The victims were identified as Phichet Luamlalai, 55 year old manager of HSR Pro Company, Chanrop Phadee, the 50 year old deputy manager of the same company, and Chakrit Nakpradit, the company’s 52 year old training instructor. The injured party was…
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Unpredictable weather warning for 40 northern Thailand provinces
A forecast from the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning for 40 provinces in northern Thailand of unpredictable weather conditions, including storms and hail, from January 13 to 16, 2024. Bangkok and its surrounding provinces are expected to experience a drop in temperature starting from today. The Director of the TMD, Karnwi Sitthijiphak, announced the fourth weather alert…
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Thai lithium deposits outmatch global counterparts boosting EV production
A Thai geochemistry specialist recently confirmed that two primary lithium deposits located in Phang Nga hold an elevated concentration of lithium, surpassing many other significant deposits worldwide. This discovery reinforces the Thai government’s ambitious strategy to establish Thailand as a key producer of electric vehicles (EVs) and their components. The lithium sites in this southern province have been identified by…
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Fatal crash on Motorway M6 claims life of young Thai motorcyclist
A 29 year old motorcyclist was killed in a severe collision with a car on the Motorway M6. The incident occurred yesterday, at around 9.30pm near kilometre marker 189, linking Simum and Phongkrang districts in Nakhon Ratchasima province. The motorcyclist was reportedly riding against traffic when he collided with an oncoming car. Emergency medical teams from rescue service Huk 31…
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Four MFP MPs resign over 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge megaproject
A quartet of MPs from the Move Forward Party (MFP) resigned from a House committee that was examining the 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge megaproject. Their reason for stepping down was their refusal to passively approve a venture they fundamentally disagreed with. MFP MP Julapong Yukate reported that the committee’s final meeting was held yesterday, where they were supposed to endorse a…
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Thai police raid gambling den, seize assets over 1 million baht
A gambling den in Nakhon Si Thammarat’s Muang district was raided on Thursday evening, resulting in the arrest of nearly 130 people and the seizure of assets worth approximately 1 million baht. The Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) executed the raid in Soi Kru Somboon, located on Saphan Yao Road in Tambon Na Kian, following a lead hinting at the…
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Songwriter faces backlash for liking cover of his own song on Facebook
A songwriter known as Pratchaya Chitra, nicknamed Beer, found himself at the receiving end of a bullying incident after simply liking a video clip of his song being covered by a woman. The woman, feeling affronted, launched into a tirade against Beer, questioning his motives and mocking his appearance. It all began when Beer showed appreciation for the cover of…
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History makes a splash: World’s rarest whale steals the spotlight in cinematic encore (Video)
History has once again etched a remarkable sighting into its records, with the world’s rarest whale being captured on film for only the second time. This exceptional event transpired in the waters off Thailand, where a pair of elusive Omura’s whales were spotted swimming together in the Andaman Sea, one of which bore a distinctive, all-white hue. The surprise encounter…
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Thailand and Cambodia join forces to tackle transboundary haze pollution
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday unveiled plans to form a joint task force with Cambodia to combat transboundary haze pollution. The decision was made ahead of a scheduled meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet set to take place in Thailand on February 7. The leaders will undertake a joint study tour to Sa Kaeo province, an area severely impacted…
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School director transferred after student’s criticism of lunch quality sparks protest
A recent student protest has led to the imminent transfer of a school director in the Mae La Noi district, Mae Hong Son. The unrest was sparked when the director, Sineenat Rodkrue, complained to the local police about a student who had criticised the quality of school lunches on social media. The controversy unfolded on yesterday, January 12, at Rat…
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Thai Government plans digital shift for lottery sales
The Government Lottery Office (GLO), under the umbrella of the Finance Ministry, unveiled plans to transition from traditional lottery stalls to digital ones. Lavaron Sangsnit, the permanent finance secretary and chairman of the GLO board, revealed this strategy, which will be initiated from next month. The GLO has been selling digital lottery tickets through the Pao Tang app since 2022…
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Thailand’s kids need more protection, experts say ahead of National Children’s Day
In a thought-provoking revelation just ahead of Thailand’s National Children’s Day tomorrow, January 13, experts warn that the nation faces a dire threat of a lost generation. Despite the usual festivities, academics point to a pressing need for immediate action to secure the well-being, protection, and education of Thai children. Since 1956, National Children’s Day in Thailand has been a…
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Phayam Island children’s struggle to school spurs calls for new bridge
Children in Phayam Island in the Ranong province have been struggling to reach their schools due to the lack of a bridge. An online post appealing for help has sparked a call for government intervention, suggesting that before the economic bridge is built, these children need assistance. Monsoongarbage Thailand a Facebook page, shared the plight of the schoolchildren. “Can we…
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UNICEF open house sees youngsters voicing ambitions
In celebration of National Children’s Day, youthful voices echoed through UNICEF Thailand’s inaugural Open House, hosted at its bustling Bangkok headquarters last Saturday, January 6. Children and teenagers flocked from every corner of the country, transforming the event into a vibrant tapestry of dreams and aspirations. The primary goal? To empower the younger generation as they stride into the realms…
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AIS and True reinforce identity checks for multiple SIM card owners
In response to the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission’s directive, telecom giants AIS and True are set to tighten up measures to verify the identities of customers with multiple SIM cards. This move aims to prevent the temporary suspension of mobile numbers and protect user rights. Varunthep Watcharaphon, Business Relations Chief at Advance Info Service PLC (AIS), stated that AIS…
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Up in smoke: Royal Thai Police extinguish counterfeit cigarette ring
A major counterfeit cigarette network, known as Jae Pen Fang Thon, has been dismantled by the Royal Thai Police and the Department of Excise. The operation led to the arrest of 55 year old Tawan, and the seizure of an extensive cache of contraband, resulting in an estimated loss of 45 million baht to the state. The operation took place…
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Northeast Thailand: Mother and daughter injured after wild bull charged their motorcycle
A mother and her seven year old daughter yesterday were injured by a Khao Phaeng Ma wild bull which charged at them while the pair was riding a motorcycle in Nakhon Ratchasima. The bull ran in from the side of the road, crashing into the motorcycle. The mother fell to the ground whilst her daughter’s clothes got caught by the…
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Thai student protest erupts over unsatisfactory school meals
A student protest recently erupted in a school located in Mae La Noi, Mae Hong Son. The students rallied against the school’s director, barring entry into the school premises by locking all entrances. The protest was a response to the director’s decision to lodge a police complaint against a student who posted pictures of the school’s unsatisfactory midday meal consisting…
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Thai Tiktokers slam Indian artists’ song as racist, sexist, insulting toward Thailand (video)
Thai TikTokers slammed a song by some Indian artists, calling it racist, sexist and insulting toward Thai men and women. The Song, Bang Bang Bangkok, performed by Indian artists Ranina Reddy, Rita, and Devi Sri Prasad, serves as the movie soundtrack to the 2015 Indian rom-com Kumari 21F. Despite its release year, the song has just gained popularity on the…
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Thai schoolboy breaks knee after impaling it on Udon Thani school fence
A fifth-grade boy experienced a severe injury following an attempt to climb a school fence where misfortune paid a visit as he impaled his knee on the sharp metal, resulting in a broken bone. The incident occurred around 4.20pm yesterday at Ban Mak Khaeng School in the Udon Thani province. The rescue team from Udon Sawang Methadhammasathan Foundation for Rescue promptly…
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Shell-shocked in Samut Prakan: Thai woman’s seafood purchase unveils hidden pearl of delight
A Thai woman was surprised to find a pearl inside a shellfish she bought from Khlong Suan Market, Bang Bo District, Samut Prakan. The 53 year old woman, Wassana Phonmai, of 137/2, Village No. 4, Pak Phanang Subdistrict, West Side, Pak Phanang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat province reported the lucky find today, January 12. Wassana brought the discovery, along with shell…
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Astrologer forecasts windfall as stars align for monkey and goat zodiacs in 2024
Astrologer Thaworot, also known as White, revealed an exciting forecast for the year 2024. In the first half of the year, luck is on the side of those born in the Year of the Monkey and the Year of the Goat. These individuals are likely to experience a period of fast-paced fortune, with opportunities for career advancement and large-scale projects.…
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2 former ministers accused of demanding bribes from Thai workers in Finland
Former Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin is seeking justice after accusing the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) of damaging his reputation by calling out two former labour ministers for demanding bribes from Thai workers in Finland. ThaiRath reported that Thailand considers workers to be victims of human trafficking if employers detain, abuse or illegally exploit them. However, the law in Finland…
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Grab rider performs CPR on unconscious foreign tourist in traffic mishap
In an act of heroism, an anonymous Grab rider emerged as an unexpected saviour, administering crucial CPR to an unconscious foreigner entangled in a traffic catastrophe in Hua Hin. The Sawang Hua Hin Dhammasthan Rescue Unit swiftly responded to the distress call, revealing that a foreign male on a motorcycle had collided with a pickup truck, leaving him unconscious with…
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Severe weather alert issued for 32 provinces in Thailand: Thunderstorms and temperature drop forecasted
A severe weather alert has been issued for 32 provinces in Thailand’s north, northeast, and central regions. From tomorrow, January 13 to January 16 these areas are on high alert for thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail, with temperatures expected to drop by 1-3 degrees Celsius. This forecast is due to a western airflow from the Union of Myanmar that will…
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