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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Many expats feel worried that their pre-existing health problems will stop them from getting insurance in a new country. This fear is common, especially when medical care can be expensive. But the good news is, some insurance, like the plans...
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Deadly hit and run in Kampaeng Phet: cyclist found dead at roadside
In what appears to be a case of a hit and run, a cyclist‘s body was found abandoned alongside a road in Kamphaeng Phet province, Thailand. The victim’s body found 5 kilometres away from his shattered bicycle, bore the worrying signs of a collision and was hastily discarded. Residents heard the loud crash while the culprit’s identity remains unknown. Upon…
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Bangkok community demands expulsion of disrespectful teacher
Tensions erupted in a close-knit neighbourhood located in Wat Suttharam school surrounding Bangkok yesterday as residents sought to oust a school teacher and his wife accused of disrespectful and aggressive behaviour. The resentment harboured towards the teacher by the community, which comprises over 200 residents, reached a fever pitch following his controversial behaviour on social media, wherein he insulted and…
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Ghost Fungus resembling human hand in West Thailand garden sparks lottery number superstitions
An uncanny, death-stenched fungus, similar to a human hand or known as Ghost Fungus, emerged in a Ko Lanta, West Thailand, resident’s front garden, sparking lottery number speculations based on the house number. This happened yesterday, and the discovery was reported through social media by a bewildered resident. The woman resident said… “The peculiar mushroom showed up at my sister’s…
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Man shot in arm during neighbourhood dispute in Trang
A neighbourhood argument escalated to gun violence, leaving a 26 year old in critical condition last night in Trang, Krabi. The victim, identified as Amornthep, was allegedly shot by his 25 year old neighbour, Natthapong, who subsequently fled the scene with his 52 year old father, Anon. At about 9.30pm yesterday, local police were alerted to a shooting in front…
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Villages and academic collaboration gathers crucial data on Mekong River dam projects’ impact
In a collective stance against two prospective dam projects along the Mekong River, villagers from five communities, researchers, as well as a Thai university, have teamed up. The collaboration aims to gather comprehensive data regarding their local economy, natural resources, and potential downstream impacts. The participation from within the communities stretches to Ubon Ratchathani province, located in northeast Thailand. The…
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Lotto craze: Thai lottery community digs deep for unconventional jackpot clues
The Thai lottery community is abuzz with anticipation for the July 1 draw as special numbers emerge from unexpected sources: from vehicle registrations of bigwigs visiting Samut Songkram, to the mystical Chinese calendar, and even the peculiar characteristics of animals. Delightfully, the Thai lottery continues to be as diverse and unpredictable as ever. Among the highlights is car registration mentioned…
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Volcano durian: South Thailand farmer introduces unique breed to nationwide praise
In South Thailand a farmer has successfully grown a unique variety of durian, calling it a ‘volcano durian.’ Harvesting started a couple of days ago and the fruits, selling for 200 baht per kilogram, have already attracted numerous customers from across the country. Sixty-year-old Sai Yud Chansawang owns a durian orchard located in the Na Yung district, Trang province. With more…
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Business uncertainty grows as Thai stock slide continues amid Chinese property defaults and Russian turmoil
Analysts flagged potential downswings to the Thailand Stock Exchange (SET) index due to ongoing business uncertainties in Russia and loan defaults in China’s property market. Over the past week, the SET index experienced a seven day consecutive drop, and despite brief rallying, finished in the red. Concerns stemming from smaller stock performances and news of Chinese property market default have…
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Defamation case rejected by Thai court against Thai Pakdee Party leader
Today, the Criminal Court discarded a case of defamation that had been lodged by the Move Forward Party (MFP), targeting Warong Dechgitvigrom, the leader of the Thai Pakdee Party. The ruling from the court was based on the assertion that the defendant had acted within his rights, making a critique that was deemed honest and secured by the Constitution. Accusations…
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Pattaya incident: Police investigate Thai guide’s fatal fall at a hotel
A tragic Pattaya incident unfolded at a hotel as a Thai guide suffered a fatal fall from the fourth floor balcony of his accommodation. Pattaya authorities rushed to the Malibu City Place Hotel at around 6.30am, following a distressing call about the discovery of the guide, Puwasit Chailangka, lying lifeless in the parking area adjacent to the hotel premises. The…
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Business uncertainty fuels Thai Baht dip amid political unrest and Asian currency devaluation
Embroiled in political and business uncertainty, the Thai baht plummeted to a low unseen since last November, a seven-month dip, agitating investor confidence. This occurred alongside a universal lowering in the value of various emergent Asian currencies versus an emboldened dollar, fuelled by robust US data allaying recession fears. Stock markets in the region largely painted a bleak picture, with…
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El Nino drought: Thailand braces for potential impact, agencies prepare
The National Water Resources Office of Thailand (ONWR), the country’s central agency for water resource management, warns of a potential drought due to the influence of a “mild” El Nino weather phenomenon. In a recently held meeting, the ONWR pressed associated agencies to prepare for a likely dry spell. The meeting held yesterday brought together representatives from various domains, including…
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Teenage girl files complaint against her drug-addled mother after she abused her 4 year old brother
A teenage Thai girl filed a complaint against her drug-addled, gambling-addicted mother who physically abused her four year old brother. The 17 year old girl, Sirirat, captured videos of her mother, Rattiya, taking drugs with her boyfriend and violently assaulting her younger sibling. She handed over the videos to the community leader, Malee Kanyo, who then reported the matter to…
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Truck driver awakens to stolen coffee cargo: 120 boxes missing
Last night, a 37 year old truck driver from Buriram province was stunned when he woke up to find part of his truckload of coffee missing. Having left the Nong Khae Industrial Estate in Saraburi province to deliver the popular brand of coffee to Khon Kaen province, Thien had parked by Mitraphap Road in Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima, due to…
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Fiery cables ignite chaos, but Bangkok pedestrians escape fire unscathed (video)
Shocked pedestrians looked on in horror as cables caught fire at lunchtime today outside KKP Tower in Bangkok. Fortunately, there were no casualties. Auxiliary firefighters dashed to the scene and quickly extinguished the fire as shocked lunchtime onlookers watched in awe as sparks turned into a blaze and rubber dripped dangerously onto the pavement below on Soi Sukhumvit 21, Khlong…
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Bright future cut short: Beloved bartender dies in tragic Udon Thani motorcycle crash
Tragedy struck the heart of Udon Thani province, when a popular 24 year old bartender known for his hard work and dedication lost his life in a terribly unfortunate motorcycle accident. The young man was working diligently towards becoming a civil servant and was known to be saving up to buy a new vehicle. The incident took place on Soi…
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Yellow Line Monorail to face new fare regulations from July 3
In recent developments, government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri confirmed yesterday’s Cabinet approval for the initiation of fare collection on the Yellow Line monorail from July 3. The fares, determined by five newly drafted regulations from the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), will range from 15 baht to a higher limit of 45 baht for the Yellow Line’s extensive track…
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Thaipocrisy: United States deny meddling in Thailand political affairs
Unsurprisingly, and not for the first time, the United States has been accused of meddling in another country’s political affairs, surprisingly, this time it’s Thailand’s turn. The US has a long history of interfering in foreign affairs, as Cuba, China, Russia, Iran, Vietnam, and most South American nations can testify. It appears to be endemic in US politics. US Ambassador…
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Prawit and seek: Deputy PM shuts down Thaksin meeting rumours in UK
In response to recent speculation, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon denied meeting with exiled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during a visit to England. The deputy PM, a list MP and leader of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), stated that he hadn’t been in contact with the fugitive politician in almost two decades. The 77 year old’s recent journey to…
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Divine intervention: Buddha statue transport turns fatal, spirits stir unrest
A Thai man was killed and another injured when a Buddha statue they were transporting from Baan None Kate Temple in the northeastern province of Si Saket toppled over them. Residents believe the fatal accident occurred because the Buddha spirits did not want the statue to be moved. Baan None Kate Temple was preparing to hold a royal cremation ceremony…
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Thai exports set for surge amid favourable market conditions and expansion plans
With predictions of a rebounding global economy, Thai exports are expected to witness a surge in the second half of the year, according to the nation’s Commerce Ministry. Keerati Rushchano, the permanent commerce secretary, revealed that the current competitive baht exchange rate coupled with planned market expansion initiatives could significantly boost trade. The regions targeted for market expansion include Yunnan…
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Russian tourism faces a slowdown in Thai markets amid Moscow’s political tension
Amid heightened political tensions in Moscow, the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) observes a potential slowdown in Russian tourists to Thailand, although an increase in long-term stay visitors is also predicted if the situation worsens further. To comprehend the short-term market movements of Russian tourism in detail, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has instructed its Moscow office to…
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Thai woman swindles over 1 million baht from husband
A Thai man urged Channel 3 to share a story about his ex-wife, who deceived him and swindled over 1 million baht from him, to warn other men not to fall victim to a similar situation. The Thai woman, 42 year old Dee, caught the attention of 52 year old Nat on Facebook. Dee claimed to be employed at the…
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Bank of Thailand to loosen foreign exchange regulations to stabilise long-term exchange rates
The Bank of Thailand revealed plans to loosen foreign exchange regulations to stabilise the long-term exchange rate. The move, which shows a clear focus on balancing capital inflows and managing volatility, comes as Thailand’s economy globally integrates further. Under the foreign exchange initiative, Thai individuals will now be able to pour as much as US$10 million into offshore markets, doubling…
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German and French firms eye Thailand’s booming electric vehicle sector
A surge of interest in Thailand’s budding electric vehicle (EV) industry has been noted among businesses from France and Germany. The Thailand Board of Investment (BoI) revealed this interest following an investment promotion roadshow in these European nations. The BoI’s Deputy Secretary-General, Wirat Tatsaringkansakul, suggested a particularly keen receptiveness from French and German investors. These potential investors are reportedly looking…
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Thai-m to cluck about: 2 chicken dishes from Thailand soar in global rankings
A recent ranking of global chicken dishes by the esteemed food mapping site TasteAtlas has positioned two Thai food plates among the top 50. Thai meals “Khao mok kai (a Muslim-style platter of chicken with saffron-flavoured rice)” and “Kai yang (simple grilled chicken dish)” were No. 38 and No. 46, respectively. “Khao mok kai” notched up a commendable 4.3-star rating…
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RTP to erase 10 million innocent individuals from criminal database
A sweeping initiative is currently underway at the Royal Thai Police (RTP) headquarters, set to clear nearly 10 million innocent individuals from its criminal database. Deputy National Police Chief, Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, yesterday revealed at a press conference that RTP seeks to integrate enhanced human rights principles into its processes. The initiative, grounded in the new fingerprint regulation announced…
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Teen enlists friend for fatal shooting of ex-girlfriend in southern Thailand
In an unsettling incident, a 16 year old lured his friend into fatally shooting his 17 year old ex-girlfriend, who had moved on several months after their breakup in Phatthalung province, southern Thailand. The police station in Phatthalung received reports from the local hospital about the unfortunate incident last night at 9pm. The victim, Thanapimol Kaewrat, from Cha Uat district…
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Ubon Ratchathani crackdown nets 3 illegal Chinese immigrants in border raids
In a significant operation in the Ubon Ratchathani province, three illegal Chinese immigrants were detained whilst they were in hiding in a border village. The three men were reportedly waiting to be transported to work for telecommunication fraud and online gambling organisations. In the course of the same operation, police also apprehended a Thai national who had been sheltering the…
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Woman cleared of 12 million baht lottery ticket theft accusation, plans defamation case
In a tale of family dynamics gone awry, a 93 year old woman accused her 53 year old granddaughter of stealing two winning government-issued lottery scratch cards worth a total of 12 million baht (US$340,000). The case arose after an investigation by the Lottery Department, which included examining the original stubs of three books of tickets. However, the department confirmed…
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