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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Children’s Day ceremony in Satun turns tragic with rescue vehicle malfunction
Satun witnessed an unfortunate turn of events yesterday, as a Children’s Day ceremony in the Kuan Don Subdistrict took a tragic turn. A rescue vehicle, intended to demonstrate natural disaster operations, malfunctioned during the show, resulting in injuries to 44 children. Local media outlets reported that the incident occurred when a steel sling on the bridge vehicle, used for natural…
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Koh Samui set for tourism boost with influx of cruise liner visits
Surat Thani province’s popular resort island Koh Samui is expecting a significant boost in tourism this year, with 47 cruise liners set to dock and unload around 25,000 international travellers, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). As stated by Kanokkittika Kritwuthikorn, TAT’s director for Koh Samui, the majority of these tourists will be hailing from the United States, Europe,…
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Rubber trees in Rayong bestow lottery luck according to local Thai folklore
A legendary tale of fortune has emerged from the Ban Chang-Pla road in Rayong province, where three intertwined rubber trees have become the subject of a lottery luck charm. Locals believe that the spirits residing beneath these trees, which are estimated to be over 100 years old, have bestowed lottery luck upon numerous individuals. On January 8, around 3.30pm, a…
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Thailand’s tourism authority to boost Chiang Mai visits with year-round campaigns
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is set to initiate year-round campaigns aimed at elevating tourism in Chiang Mai. The news was delivered by TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, who reported a surge in tourism in the region following the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions. From January to November of last year, Chiang Mai saw around 9.4 million tourists grace its attractions,…
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Youth gang wreaks havoc in Buriram, Thailand: Teen seriously hurt
A gang of reckless youths caused havoc on the streets of Buriram, Thailand. A 13 year old boy was injured after the group pursued and attacked him amidst moving traffic. The incident was followed by the gang posting a taunt on Facebook, ridiculing their victim. Following the incident last night, police are now urgently hunting down the culprits. Upon arrival…
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Thailand courts Hungary for investment to boost global influence
Hungary has been courted by Thailand for potential investment opportunities in a bid to broaden the Southeast Asian nation’s global influence or soft power. This strategic call for investment was made by the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Phumtham Wechayachai, in a recent conversation with Sandor Sipos, the Hungarian Ambassador to Thailand. The dialogue, which took place yesterday, comes ahead…
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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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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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Land dispute turns violent in Buriram: Man injured in car and harpoon attack
In a violent dispute over land ownership, a 50 year old man was injured when a mechanic allegedly rammed him with his vehicle and stabbed him with a harpoon. The incident occurred yesterday in a lane opposite Buriram prison. The victim, Nopporn Thianwan, suffered a punctured wound to his back and several bruises. The argument was reported to stem from a…
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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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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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Former labour minister seeks legal advice over alleged Thailand-Finland trafficking scandal
Former Labour Minister of Thailand Suchart Chomklin is seeking legal advice following allegations of involvement in a human trafficking and bribery scandal. The case in question pertains to the deployment of Thai workers to Finland for berry picking. Suchart vehemently denied receiving payments or engaging in any human trafficking activities related to this employment scheme. An ongoing investigation into the case…
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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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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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Democrat Party leader denies ties with billion-baht pork smuggling suspect
Democrat Party leader Chalermchai Sri-on yesterday refuted whispers of familial connections with the primary suspect in a billion-baht pork smuggling saga. Li Sheng Jiao, also known as Hia Kao (Brother Kao), is among four individuals sought by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) on multiple charges including money laundering, customs act infringements and tax evasion. Earlier this week, arrest warrants were…
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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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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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House Committee denied access to hospitalised ex-PM Thaksin
A visit to the Police General Hospital by members of the House Committee on police affairs was met with resistance yesterday, as they were denied access to the hospitalised former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The committee’s objective was to verify if Thaksin was indeed under treatment at the hospital, following approval for the visit granted on Monday. The committee, led…
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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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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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MP investigates Thaksin’s alleged 2 million baht treatment at Police Hospital
A delegation from the Police Committee of the House of Representatives, led by its chairman Chaichana Dejdecho, an MP from Nakhon Si Thammarat and a Deputy Leader of the Democrat Party, visited the Police Hospital to check on the health of former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The delegation was guided by Police Lieutenant Colonel Samart Muangsiri, a doctor at the…
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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 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 police apprehends deranged man who climbed onto car roof wielding a knife
A deranged man wielding a knife wreaked havoc during his rampage at Building E, Ping Amporn Condominium, in Mueang District, Nonthaburi province. Police Lieutenant Colonel Thongrat Riansuwong, Deputy Superintendent of Rattanathibet Police Station, received a report about the incident and travelled to the scene with more than 10 patrol police officers. The officers brought a forked stick to stop the…
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