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 Digital nomading in Chiang Mai? What US$1,000 a month really gets you
Chiang Mai has become a popular destination for digital nomads due to its low living costs, rich culture, and active remote work community. The city offers affordable housing, tasty food, reliable internet, and many co-working spaces, making it a great...
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Explosion at fireworks factory in Thailand leaves 22 dead
A devastating explosion at a fireworks factory resulted in 22 fatalities. The factory was still within its permit period. This tragic event has left a profound impact on a fifth-year secondary school student who lost both parents in the incident and is still in shock. Sitthisak Yaempraipirom, the district officer of Mueang Suphanburi, Suphanburi Province, revealed the developments in the…
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Teen girl found drowned in Pak Pha Ying Canal after distressing messages
The body of a 15 year old girl was discovered drowned in the Pak Phing Canal after a two-day search by authorities. The girl, identified as Neem, had been missing since the evening of January 16. The teenager had previously sent distressing audio and video messages to a friend at 1am on January 16 before her disappearance. Neem, who was…
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Storm warnings for southern provinces as Thailand braces for cold snap
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) warns of storms hitting eight southern provinces with sea waves exceeding 2 metres. Meanwhile, the upper part of the country continues to experience cold weather today. For the next 24 hours, the moderately high-pressure area covering the northeastern part and the South China Sea is weakening, while the westerly wind at the upper level…
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Public Health Ministry to use AI for depression diagnosis
The Public Health Ministry announced plans to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into its online platform to aid in the diagnosis of depression. Revealed yesterday by the permanent secretary for public health, Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, this move is part of a broader effort to boost mental healthcare in the country. The AI system, named the Detection and Monitoring Intelligence Network for…
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Thailand’s central bank bans prepayment charges in new lending regulation
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) has introduced a new responsible lending (RL) regulation that bans charges for debt prepayment and restructuring across all consumer loan products. The regulation, which comes into effect on January 1, impacts various financial institutions such as banks, non-banks, asset management companies, and specialised financial institutions. However, the ban does not apply to fees for mortgage…
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Transgender trio snatch gold necklace from Korean tourist in Pattaya
A Korean tourist last week was allegedly robbed of his 200,000 baht gold necklace by a trio of transgender suspects in Pattaya. The 51 year old tourist, Seongmu, accompanied by his 43 year old Thai friend, Surat Kongin, revealed the details of the robbery which took place on Thursday, January 11, imploring justice for the brazen theft. The escapade unfolded…
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Cool weather predicted across Thailand with isolated rainfall in the north
The Department of Meteorology of Thailand (TMD) forecasts cool weather in the morning across the northern, northeastern, central, and eastern regions of Thailand, as well as the upper south. However, some areas in the upper north and southern regions are expected to experience rainfall. A westerly trough is covering the upper north of Thailand and the upper part of Laos,…
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Chulalongkorn Hospital to employ robot helper ‘Mr Sam’ to assist paperwork
Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital has unleashed a team of five robots, headed by Mr Sam, to revolutionise outpatient services. This futuristic endeavour aims to slash red tape, accelerate patient processes, and provide a helping hand to overwhelmed medical staff. It marks the dawn of a new era in healthcare technology, with robots taking charge of paperwork and streamlining the registration process.…
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Thai authorities bust Chinese-funded counterfeit cosmetics ring causing hair loss
A Chinese-funded warehouse was raided and counterfeit cosmetics and hair straightening products were seized. These fraudulent products, sold online, resulted in significant hair loss for many consumers. The operation revealed that the warehouse was selling an astonishing 3 million units per month. Witthaya Sriprasertphap, an officer from the Royal Thai Police, along with Anuwat Rakcharoen, Chattha Nakkaew, Weeraphong Klaithong, and Veerachai…
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Electricity bills set to stay steady despite global turmoil
In an exclusive update from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), consumers can breathe a sigh of relief as Secretary-General Komkrit Tantravanich guarantees minimal disruption to household electricity bills. Komkrit reassures the public that from May through August, electricity rates will hover between 4.20 to 4.25 baht per unit. Moreover, this promising price stability is linked to a surge in natural…
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Udon Thani youth gang nabbed for burglary spree and drug use
A gang of young boys aged between eight and 15 years old have been apprehended by the local police in Udon Thani for a string of burglaries in the neighbourhood, as well as drug use. The group, led by a 15 year old Puek (pseudonym), was arrested on the evening of today, at 10.30pm, by the investigative unit of the…
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Grim reality of Thai agricultural worker’s life in South Korea revealed
Working as an agricultural labourer in South Korea may not be as pleasant as one might think, according to a Thai worker’s review posted online today. The worker, Abhisit began his job in South Korea on June 29, 2023, after passing the Department of Labour’s E-9 agricultural visa exam. Abhisit worked in a mixed vegetable farm, primarily cultivating high-value crops…
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PAD group acquitted for 2008 airport siege, fined 20,000 baht for trespassing
The People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) group, who stormed and occupied airports in 2008, were acquitted by the court for their actions but were fined 20,000 baht on charges of trespassing and violation of the Emergency Decree. The verdict was delivered today at 9am at the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road The case dates back to November 24-December 3, 2008,…
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Heated debate over car mods escalates into fatal stabbing
A heated argument over car modifications during a hot pot party in Don Tum, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, ended in a fatal stabbing incident today, at 3am. The 40 year old attacker, identified as Teedsak, managed to escape the scene but was later apprehended. The victims were identified as 31 year old Songkran, who unfortunately did not survive the assault, and…
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Thai actress Mew Nittha receives public apology after bakery’s cake mishap
A recent incident involving a cake order mishap by popular Thai actress Mew Nittha led to the bakery owner issuing a public apology. The misunderstanding occurred when Mew ordered a cake to celebrate the one-month birthday of her youngest son, Makin. Mew requested for Makin 1 month to be written in white. However, the bakery staff misinterpreted the instructions and…
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Bruno Mars reaches for the Bangkok stars in March extravaganza
Promoter Live Nation Tero unveiled the ticket prices for the upcoming Bruno Mars concert in Bangkok this March. The Grammy-winning American maestro is set to grace the stage at Rajamangala National Stadium on March 30, promising a musical spectacle that fans won’t want to miss. Ticket prices, ranging from 2,000 to 11,000 baht, cater to all music enthusiasts ready to…
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Fatal motorbike and truck collision in Chachoengsao City centre
A fatal collision between a motorbike and an 18-wheel truck took place around 10am today in the heart of Chachoengsao City. The incident resulted in one death and serious injuries. The accident occurred near the city’s central intersection. The deceased, 49 year old Nikom, from Bang Samak sub-district in Bang Pakong district, Chachoengsao, was found with major facial injuries. Nearby…
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Kiwi couple demands refund from Qantas after 10-hour flight in urine
In a stomach-churning revelation, a New Zealand couple successfully secured a refund from Qantas Airways, alleging they unwittingly spent a 10-hour flight submerged in a fellow passenger’s urine. The revolting journey unfolded during a flight from Bangkok to Sydney, leaving the couple fuming and the airline scrambling for damage control. A Qantas spokesperson provided a statement, acknowledging the disturbing incident…
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Delayed launch of Thailand’s 500 billion baht digital wallet rattles government
The much-anticipated 500-billion-baht (US$14.3-billion) digital wallet initiative, a flagship policy of the Pheu Thai-led government, has hit a snag. The planned rollout for May has been deferred, according to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, delivering a blow to Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin’s coalition government, which has been promoting the scheme as a lifeline for the faltering economy.…
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Mystery of Thai hunter’s death deep within Nam Nao national park
The body of a 42 year old Thai hunter, who had been missing for five days, was discovered deep in the forest on January 17. Police investigator Phitak Deesang from the Ban Klang Police Station, Lom Sak, Phetchabun, was notified of the discovery of Saiyant Mueangkaen’s body near Wang Yao village, Pak Chong sub-district, Nam Nao national park. A subsequent…
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Bangkok residents call for 20 baht fare amid uproar over 100 baht BTS cost
The fare for a journey on the BTS Skytrain from Asoke to Minburi station has been set at 100 baht, causing uproar among Bangkok residents. They argue that it is nearly a third of the daily minimum wage and have started calling for the implementation of the 20 baht fare policy across all routes, previously promised by the government during…
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Tiny tusker in a mud muddle: Brave Thai park rangers rescue baby elephant in perilous plight
A group of intrepid park rangers in Thailand stumbled upon a lone baby elephant at Tat Mok National Park, trapped in mud up to its tiny ears, faced a perilous fate until the rangers stepped in. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) revealed that on January 11, vigilant park rangers discovered a baby elephant ensnared in…
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Russian tourist’s wild rampage damages Phuket Town Hall
A Russian tourist’s reckless rampage through Phuket Town Hall, leading to significant damage to the governor’s office, ended with his arrest and subsequent hospitalisation. The 24 year old man stole a local’s motorbike and fled the scene before being apprehended by police. The incident, which occurred at 7.27am today, was reported to the police by the town hall’s security staff…
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Central Thailand: Residents demand urgent action as lead pollution threatens Klity Creek
Long-suffering residents of Klity Creek in Thong Pha Phum district are reaching their breaking point as they intensify their fight against lead pollution. Petitioning the Pollution Control Department (PCD), these fed-up villagers demand action to eradicate the lingering toxic sediment, amounting to a staggering 800,000 tonnes, still plaguing their community. The apparent failure of the PCD’s much-hyped rehabilitation programme has…
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Thai court clears postal worker accused of drug trafficking
A Thai court today dismissed a case against a postal worker accused of being involved in a drug trafficking incident. The case pertained to the seizure of a parcel containing 6,000 ecstasy pills, intercepted at the Bangkok Post Centre in Hua Lamphong, Bangkok, on October 17, 2022. The parcel was traced back to Germany. An Airport Interdiction Task Force comprising…
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Sky’s the limit: Royal Thai Air Force gears up with plans for 12 sleek new fighter jets
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) announced plans for significant advancement, including the procurement of 12 new fighter jets. The development plan will be presented in detail at the RTAF Symposium 2024 next month. Phanpakdee Pattanakul, the Commander-in-chief, laid out RTAF plans, which involve not only the acquisition of new weapons and equipment but also the improvement of existing maintenance…
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New year fortune seekers flock to Kamchanod for lucky numbers
The island of Kamchanod in the Non Mueang District, Ban Dung, Udon Thani Province, continues to attract visitors, hoping for good luck. Today, many came to request blessings and participate in the late-night ceremony conducted by Por Jum Chawakarn, Kam Wan Sa, the resident fortune teller of Kamchanod. People seeking fortune at Kamchanod cannot miss PorJum. Last night’s ceremony took…
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Amazing Muay Thai World Festival 2024 to come to Hua Hin
Hua Hin is poised to become the epicentre of Muay Thai madness from February 4 to 6, hosting the Amazing Muay Thai World Festival 2024 at the prestigious Rajabhakti Park. A spectacular celebration blending tradition and modernity, this festival promises to deliver a knockout punch of cultural richness and martial arts mastery. The Deputy Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan, Komkrit…
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Phuket: Chinese street beggar arrested for deceitful collection of donations
A Chinese man has been arrested by police for collecting donations that he falsely claimed would go towards funds to help a disabled child. Phuket police arrested the Chinese national on January 15 for fraud by posing as a deaf-mute person collecting funds for an allegedly sick child with leukaemia who required a bone marrow transplant. The Chinese man had…
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Tragic domestic dispute ends in triple fatality in Khon Kaen
A gruesome incident unfolded in a house in Khon Kaen province when a man shot his wife and mother-in-law before turning the gun on himself. The incident, which occurred at midnight today, left three people dead. The victims were identified as 52 year old Manee, 35 year old Chanutda, and 39 year old Kraipop. A 9mm gun and six bullet…
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