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 Top 10 reasons for expats to get a comprehensive health insurance in Thailand
Moving to Thailand offers a prospect full of excitement and adventure, but in the same vein, if any injuries were to occur (and god forbid it does), the local healthcare system can be confusing at first glance for many expats...
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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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Unhinged Thai son attacks mother in dog discipline dispute
A 68 year old Thai woman was allegedly attacked by her son and suffered critical injuries after trying to discipline a dog. The son is known in the community for his peculiar behaviour with pit bulls, even at one point parading them in his car until they died. The incident happened in the city of Rangsit in Pathum Thani province. Three…
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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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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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Prachinburi locals discover monk-like termites, place bets on lucky lottery numbers
In a rather unusual discovery, residents of Prachinburi province have witnessed the appearance of strange monk-like termites and long-haired young women termites. Found on the road to the eucalyptus forest near the ancient woods in the Ya Naree district, these peculiar termites have stirred up the curiosity of the locals. The sighting took place during yesterday evening. The substantial termites,…
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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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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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Teenagers engage in bloody bomb attack after provocation, causing serious injuries
In a disturbing incident, a 14 year old was involved in hurling a bomb at vocational students after being provoked, resulting in one serious injury. A 17 year old may need to have his leg amputated due to severely shattered bones in his right leg. Meanwhile, the bomb’s shards injured another 17 year old in his right arm, while the…
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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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Nakhon Ratchasima highway police nab 3 with counterfeit licences
Nakhon Ratchasima‘s Highway Police apprehended three individuals accused of using counterfeit driving licences. The police warned the public of the serious repercussions of using such forged documents, reaffirming that genuine licences can only be obtained through the Department of Land Transport. Pol. Capt. Pichrut Kulwimonprateeb, commander of the 6th Provincial Police Station, along with Pol. Lt. Col. Jiraphan Rujirakul, deputy…
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Online debate erupts after woman recounts unsettling experience with app-ordered taxi
In an incident that sparked an online debate, a young Thai woman reported a harrowing experience involving a taxi service ordered via a mobile application. Throughout the journey, the driver allegedly behaved inappropriately, including asking to visit her home, requesting contact information, and proposing an outing together. Following the incident, which took place yesterday, the woman shared a video recounting…
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TD-IWTA Awards 2023 celebrates exceptional women in the Asian travel industry
It’s not every day that you witness trailblazing women being praised for their incredible accomplishments in the travel sector. Well, the first-ever Travel Daily Media – Inspiring Women in Travel (Asia) Awards 2023 did just that! The prestigious event garnered rave reviews, uniting travel industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries from across Asia. Its purpose was to recognise and laud the…
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US Ambassador celebrates first shipment of Thai pomelos to America
US Ambassador to Thailand Robert Godec had an opportunity to engage with Thai and foreign media today, where he expressed his delight at the first-ever shipment of Thai pomelos reaching the United States. This is a milestone that comes 190 years into the diplomatic ties between the two countries. The first export lot of the popular citrus fruits was dispatched…
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Drug awareness in focus as Phuket initiates anti-drug events
In commemoration of World Drug Day, a series of events unfolded yesterday in Phuket, supervised by government authorities to fortify global standing against drug abuse. World Drug Day, also known as International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, is a global observance brought to light by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, held every year on June…
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Biker’s road rage terrorising Bangkok family evokes societal concerns (video)
A road rage incident escalated on Pattanakan Road in Bangkok last week, when two young motorcyclists aggressively pursued and damaged a pickup truck, leaving the 39 year old driver shocked and distressed. He said that this type of behaviour presents a societal risk and has now been shared on social media. The disagreement started when the driver, Nattawat, was driving…
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Whale of a collection: Thai masseur wows beachgoers with intriguing 50 million baht puke treasure
A Thai masseur captivated the public’s attention by showcasing his intriguing collection of whale puke while plying his trade on beaches in the southern province of Phang Nga. If proven to be authentic, it could be worth 50 million baht. The owner of a local furniture store in Phang Nga, Wirat Ratso, invited reporters from ThaiRath to explore the whale…
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Firefighters mourn student: A heartfelt tribute to a life cut short by extinguisher explosion
A poignant ceremony was held at 7.30am today at the Sunthornthammathan Temple or Kaenangleung Temple in Bangkok. Four firefighters paid their respects to a student in Year 12 who tragically died when a fire extinguisher exploded on school premises. The firefighters came to the temple to ignite the funeral pyre, dedicating their merits to him. The men visibly displaying their sadness…
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Police nab 2 more members of notorious loan shark and abduction gang
Two more gangsters associated with notorious loan sharking and drugged abduction practices across three Thai provinces have been apprehended. The suspects, both denying the charges so far, were apprehended at a regional court and reputable hotel. One individual confessed at around 9am today. Police led by Lieutenant Colonel Montri Thedkhan ordered the apprehension of the individuals. With assistance from regional…
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Covid cases nosedive in Thailand: Unvaccinated elderly hit hardest
The Public Health Ministry of Thailand yesterday announced there has been a dramatic reduction in Covid-19 infections in the kingdom adding that deaths related to the virus are largely those unvaccinated and over 70 years old. Public Health Secretary Dr Opas Karnkawinpong yesterday revealed there has been a steady decline in worldwide Covid cases and related mortalities. Parallel to this…
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2 Thai women seek help after being lured into prostitution in India
Two Thai women sought help from a lawyer after a Thai woman and her Indian husband lured them into prostitution in India. The lawyer, Nopphon Auamson, revealed to the media yesterday, June 26, that 32 year old May and her friend 30 year old Da, who are trapped in India, called and requested he facilitate their return to Thailand. ThaiRath…
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LGBTQ+ rights: US and UK envoys strengthen support in Thailand
In a reaffirmation of their commitment towards promoting LGBTQ+ rights across the globe, the United States and the United Kingdom have taken a significant initiative to support Thailand in its valorous efforts. This came as a collective resolve showcased at the US-UK Annual Pride Event that took place on June 23 with the theme, ‘United in Love 2023.’ The event…
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Lightning tragedy: Son’s search for mother ends in a tragic bolt from the blue
In a heartbreaking incident in Khon Kaen, a son seeking his absent mother discovered her lifeless body alongside a friend in a neighbouring hut near their cattle pen after they were struck by lightning. To add poignancy to the tale, a dog was found by the bodies faithfully guarding them. The shocking event occurred in the vicinity of a Banyan…
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Thai cyanide serial killer loses baby in prison, lawyer plans legal action
The Thai cyanide serial killer lost her baby last week during imprisonment in the Central Women’s Correction Institution. The killer, Sararat “Am” Rangsiwuthaporn, reportedly displayed no signs of emotion or disappointment. Sararat’s lawyer is preparing to take legal action against the Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, and his team for putting too much…
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Speeding drunk driver triggers horrific road accident: 1 dead, 1 injured
A terrible accident took place around 3am today, where a speeding car collided at high speed with a motorbike and a bicycle, leading to a fatality. The car driver, found with a high blood alcohol concentration, was arrested by the local police. An alarming sequence of collisions occurred in the heart of Mak Khasan district, Bangkok, at an intersection on…
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BMW driver arrested for using fake registration plate to waive toll fees
Police swooped on a Thai woman who used a fake registration plate on her BMW sedan to illegally waive toll fees more than 260 times. The arrest was made at Thanyaburi and Thab Chang Tollgate yesterday, June 26. The Highway Police had installed an automatic license reading system at these toll gates specifically to identify vehicles suspected of dodging toll…
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Thai Police arrest woman for million-baht cyber scam
A 44 year old woman was arrested by the cybercrime division of the Thai Police today for her alleged involvement in a fraud operation that lost victims over 1 million baht. The operation comprised a gang operating call centres, which conned their victims into revealing sensitive banking information. The call centres duped victims by pretending to be bank employees or…
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Economic disparity in Thailand widens, agricultural sector hit hardest
The age-old struggle with economic disparity continues to cast a shadow on Thailand’s society as inequality widens, particularly in the agricultural sector, which sees roughly 6% to 8% of its populace remaining below the poverty line. According to a recent study by the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO), this disparity has been fuelled by multiple factors, including the move…
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