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 5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
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Coffin on the run: Chiang Mai flood takes a morbid float
A brown coffin that drifted along with floodwaters in Chiang Mai has been collected by the municipal officials and taken to the Nong Pratheep cemetery. The coffin, which was found near Montfort College Secondary School in Tha Sala, Chiang Mai, was initially spotted by a local who posted a photo on the Chiang Mai 108 CM108 Facebook group, urging the…
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Noodle trouble: Celebrity chef’s diamond heist leaves victim in a lather
A Thai celebrity chef known for her popular noodle shop franchise was arrested yesterday in Bangkok for diamond sale fraud, resulting in 2 million baht in damages to her victim. Police apprehended 54 year old Yuwadee, widely known as Chef Aoi, while she was selling food at a booth in a shopping mall on Srinagarindra Road in the Prawet district.…
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Warning issued for 16 areas in Bangkok at risk of flooding
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) issued a warning to people living in 16 areas across seven districts of Bangkok that are at risk of flooding, advising them to move their valuables and belongings to higher ground. Although the flooding in Thailand this year is not as severe as the great floods of 2011 but the floodwater levels in many provinces are…
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Missing South African teacher found dead in Phnom Penh pool
The search for missing South African teacher Angelique Tong has ended in tragedy after her body was discovered following a swimming pool-related incident. The 26 year old woman, who had been missing in Phnom Penh since September 29, was last seen on a dinner date with a man known only as Jack. Friends launched an urgent appeal after the teacher,…
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Thailand and Laos combat drug smuggling and online scams
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra engaged in a pivotal meeting with her Lao counterpart to address pressing cross-border issues, including drug smuggling, human trafficking, and the alarming surge in online fraud. During the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, the Thai premier, accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan, and PM’s secretary-general Prommin Lertsuridej, met with Sonexay Siphandone…
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Rain check! Bangkok braces for a drenching deluge
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a stark warning: heavy rain and cooler temperatures are on the horizon for tomorrow. A staggering 33 provinces will be affected by the weather with Bangkok expected to see a soggy 60% of its area drenched. Get ready for potential flooding and flash floods as the storm rolls in. In their latest forecast, the…
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Thailand implements law for package checks before CoD payments
A new law enabling customers to open packages of products ordered online before making payments has come into effect, according to the Royal Thai Police (RTP). Prime Minister’s Office Minister Jiraporn Sindhuprai announced the law in the Royal Gazette on July 5, which came into effect on October 3. The law, known as the Contract Committee Notification on Cash-on-Delivery (CoD)…
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10 tips for a healthy retirement in Thailand
Imagine spending your golden years surrounded by breathtaking scenery, enjoying an affordable lifestyle, and immersing yourself in a warm, welcoming culture. Retiring in Thailand offers all of this and more. To help you make the most of this exciting chapter, here are 10 practical tips that will ensure your retirement is not only healthy but also deeply fulfilling. 1. Stay…
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Bangkok: 16 communities brace for Chao Phraya River deluge
Bangkok is on high alert as the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) issued a dire flood warning to residents in 16 communities across seven districts. With no protective flood levees in place, these areas are at serious risk of inundation between October 13 and 23. A looming surge in the Chao Phraya River, fuelled by rising sea tides and increased water…
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New PM office spokesperson announced at Government House
In a whirlwind Cabinet reshuffle, the Government of Thailand is shaking up key roles, including naming a new spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office and promoting the deputy secretary-general of the National Security Council (NSC) to council chief. It’s all part of the latest wave of power moves under PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Announcing the changes at a press briefing today,…
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Floods wreak havoc on Chiang Mai hotels occupancy rates
Severe floods in Chiang Mai from October 4 to 6 have devastated the local hotel industry, plunging occupancy rates by a staggering 30% and impacting 1,500 to 2,000 rooms across the province. La-iad Bungsrithong, a board advisor for the Thai Hotels Association (THA), revealed that conditions are gradually improving. “Since Monday, many hotels in the affected areas have begun cleaning…
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Thai couple seeks answers after newborn dies in Rayong hospital
A Thai couple is demanding an explanation from a hospital in the eastern province of Rayong following the death of their newborn child. They believe that mistakes during the delivery led to the baby’s death. The couple brought the coffin containing their child’s lifeless body to the Ministry of Public Health yesterday, October 7, to seek answers regarding the cause…
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Phuket veggie festival gets a ‘clean plate’ in food hygiene check
As the vibrant Phuket Vegetarian Festival unfolds, a team from Vachira Phuket Hospital is cracking down on unsanitary practices among street market food vendors and shrine kitchens. Last Friday, October 4, Dr Thiraphong Aramruang, Head of the Social Medicine Group at Vachira Phuket Hospital, led an inspection mission at the Sui Boon Tong Shrine (Lor Rong) and the Tao Bo…
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Scammers posing as repair technicians target homes in Buriram
Scammers posing as repair technicians have been targeting residents by forcibly entering homes and demanding payment for unnecessary repairs. This unsettling incident has left the community of Samrong, Plapplachai district, Buriram province in a state of alert. On October 6, around 1pm, 59 year old Jamnien, was looking after her four month old granddaughter in front of her house when…
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Thailand targets 36.7 million tourists in 2024 despite challenges
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) predicts a steady growth in international tourists for the fourth quarter of 2024, despite recent flooding in the country. The initial concern was that such natural disasters might deter visitors. However, the influx, particularly from Chinese tourists during China’s National Day holiday, has surpassed expectations. To achieve the target of 36.7 million international tourists…
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Pattaya sweeps streets of homeless to ‘clean’ up its act for tourists
Pattaya City officials took to the streets yesterday, October 7, in a bid to clear homeless hotspots and maintain the city’s pristine image for tourists. The sweep targeted key areas, including the Bali Hai overpass, the Thappraya junction on Pattaya Third Road, and Pattaya Second Road, where they encountered 10 homeless individuals. The initiative, designed to keep Pattaya attractive to…
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Thai Airways soars with ‘plane’-tastic gourmet menus for all classes
Thai Airways (THAI) is taking in-flight dining to new heights, literally. The airline has rolled out premium menus across all cabin classes, offering a luxurious yet culturally immersive experience. With European routes booming at an 80% load factor, Thai Airways has decided to up the ante on its service offerings. In First Class, passengers can indulge in Italian caviar sourced…
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Thailand assures 60-day oil reserve amid Middle East conflict
The Ministry of Energy assured the public that Thailand’s oil reserves are sufficient to last over 60 days amidst the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Measures are being taken to ensure stable oil prices despite the volatile situation. Weerapat Kiatfuengfu, Deputy Permanent Secretary and spokesperson for the Ministry of Energy, stated that the ministry and relevant agencies are closely…
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Over 28% of Thais hit by fraud as AI scams soar
Thailand is facing a scam epidemic, with more than a quarter of its citizens falling victim to fraudsters in just the past year, a bombshell report has revealed. A staggering 28% of Thais have lost money, according to new data from Whoscall developer Gogolook, in collaboration with the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) and ScamAdviser. The survey of over 9,000 Thais…
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Scooting trouble: Luxembourg man ‘wheeled’ in for illegal Bangkok tour guide gig
Tourist Police officers arrested a man from Luxembourg for illegally working as a tour guide after he was found leading clients around Bangkok on electric scooters. The arrest followed a tip-off from Yongyos Samransook, head of the Inspection and Supervision of Travel Agency and Tour Guide Registration Division under the Department of Tourism. Yongyos reported that the foreign man was unlawfully…
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Fake Line Man caught in gold ‘heist’ situation by sharp-eyed bikers
A man disguised as a Line Man delivery driver attempted to rob a gold shop in Samut Sakhon but was captured by vigilant motorcycle taxi drivers before he could escape. The robbery occurred at the Bangkok Golds shop located in the Lotus Mahachai 2 branch in Maha Chai subdistrict, Mueang Samut Sakhon district, Samut Sakhon province. The suspect, a tall…
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Shinawatras open kitchens to feed flood victims in Chiang Mai
The Shinawatras are back in action, and this time it’s all about giving back. Former Thai premiers Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra have stepped up in a big way, sponsoring two relief kitchens in their hometown of Chiang Mai, ensuring flood victims don’t go hungry. Thaksin, who recently returned to Thailand after years in exile, has funded a kitchen at Paed Kao…
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Fishing for owner: Chiang Mai rescue reels in 300kg catfish
A rescue team that operated during the floods in Chiang Mai discovered a 300-kilogramme giant catfish in the floodwaters and is now searching for its owner, believing the fish to be a pet. One of the rescuers, who found the giant catfish, Wi Sang, took to his Facebook account to post pictures of the animal, both to record the shocking…
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Electric car catches fire at flooded Chiang Mai home
A fire broke out in an electric car submerged in floodwaters at a residence in Chiang Mai, subsequently spreading to a nearby pickup truck and causing significant damage. Police are currently investigating the cause of the blaze, which also led to damage to two additional vehicles. Rescue officials from the Chiang Mai Philanthropic Association received a report of a fire…
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Elderly Swiss man busted with gun at Phuket Airport
An 82 year old Swiss man was arrested at Phuket International Airport after security found a handgun tucked away in his luggage. The Swiss national, Kurt Fritz Loliger, a seemingly unassuming pensioner, was stopped at Gate 81 of the International Passenger Terminal last night, October 7. The drama unfolded around 8.30pm when Ainah Pango, an X-ray image officer, spotted something…
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Smogged in: Bangkok wakes up to a PM2.5 breath of fresh despair
Bangkok and its neighbouring provinces awoke today to find themselves enveloped in a thick blanket of smog, as pollution levels reached dangerously high levels. The stagnant air trapped hazardous levels of PM2.5, leaving the city gasping for breath. According to the Pollution Control Department, PM2.5 (tiny particles less than 2.5 microns in diameter) breached the safe threshold of 35 microgrammes per…
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Thai man receives death threats from cheating, bed-hopping wife
A Thai man pleaded for help after receiving death threats after seeking a divorce from his unfaithful bed-hopping wife, who cheated on him five times to his knowledge. The non-profit organisation Saimai Survive assisted the desperate Thai man, identified only as 45 year old A, and held a press conference today, October 8, for him to share his story with the…
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No more slack: Thailand tightens the noose on illegal workers
The Government of Thailand is tightening the noose on illegal foreign workers in a sweeping crackdown, with over 2,000 arrests in recent weeks. While the bulk of those detained are undocumented migrants from neighbouring Myanmar, the hunt is expanding to include Western foreigners working illegally in jobs reserved for Thai nationals. Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director General of the Department of Employment…
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PM Paetongtarn urges swift update of laws to boost road safety
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has directed officials to expedite the amendment of outdated laws to enhance road safety. At a road safety meeting yesterday, the 38 year old prime minister highlighted the tragic accident on October 1, which has led the government to reassess existing frameworks and regulations concerning vehicle safety for passengers. Paetongtarn emphasised the necessity for stricter…
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Thai national returns from Lebanon amid Israeli airstrikes
A Thai national has safely returned from Lebanon to Thailand, while five others await evacuation amidst Israeli airstrikes, as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). Nikorndej Balankura, the MFA spokesperson, noted that approximately 100 Thais residing in Lebanon prefer to stay and monitor the situation. The spokesperson held an online press conference on October 6 addressing Israel’s attack…
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