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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Each year, many expats living in Thailand see their health insurance premiums go up and often without a clear reason. This can be frustrating, especially when you're trying to plan your budget. But by understanding why prices rise and learning...
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High-speed airport rail link contract still pending review
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced today that the amended contract for the high-speed airport rail link connecting three major airports cannot yet be presented to the Cabinet this week, as it awaits thorough review from the State Enterprise Committee. Suriya today, November 4, said he plans to discuss the timeline with Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, who…
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Spirit blamed as Thai boy foams at mouth after drinking shrine alcohol
A 12 year old Thai boy began foaming at the mouth after drinking alcohol that was offered to a spirit at a shrine in his school in the Isaan province of Buriram. Locals believed he was possessed by the spirit as punishment for taking the alcohol. The 12 year old boy was playing with his twin brother and their friends…
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PM Paetongtarn leads Suan Dusit’s political-index survey
A recent survey conducted by Suan Dusit University reveals that the Thai government’s performance ratings have improved in October compared to September, with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra emerging as the most popular coalition politician. The Suan Dusit Poll, which surveyed 2,136 people across Thailand from October 25 to 30, asked participants to evaluate both government and opposition performance across 25…
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Pressure’s on: High blood pressure tops Thailand’s health charts
High blood pressure has muscled its way to the top of the health pile, becoming the most common condition treated under Thailand’s universal healthcare services in 2023. That’s the latest from the National Health Security Office (NHSO), which has revealed the nation’s pulse. NHSO’s top doc, Jadet Thammathataree, spilt the beans on an eye-watering 99.7 billion baht budget allocated for…
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Thai man shoots ex-wife and new boyfriend in jealous rage (video)
A Thai man shot dead his ex-wife and her new boyfriend yesterday at the woman’s rented home in the Thung Song district of the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat before he was arrested later that afternoon. Thung Song Police Station officers investigated the deaths of a 33 year old Thai woman, Jariya Tamtoi, at 4.45am yesterday, November 3, at…
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Road clash in Nonthaburi escalates with sword-wielding driver
A heated road altercation between two men in Nonthaburi, Thailand recently escalated, capturing considerable public attention. The incident, which unfolded yesterday, November 3, around 2pm at a U-turn near the MRT intersection in Nonthaburi 1, was widely discussed online after images of the confrontation surfaced. Involved were 50 year old Jirayut, a car driver, and 54 year old Saichon, a…
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Crimson crisis: Phuket’s urgent Rh-negative blood donation plea
Phuket is in the grips of a crimson crisis as the bustling tourist High Season unleashes a surge of road accidents, putting the squeeze on blood supplies for life-saving emergencies. In response, the Phuket branch of the Red Cross Society and Vachira Phuket Hospital are ramping up their efforts to boost blood reserves, particularly with a call for the desperately…
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Finance Ministry to sell 50% stake shares for 30 to 40 billion baht
The State Enterprise Policy Office (SEPO) is set to divest shares held by the Finance Ministry, where stakes are below 50%, over the next four to five years. The sale will utilise a mark-to-market pricing method to ensure fair market value is considered. Tibordee Wattanakul, SEPO Director-General, highlighted the challenges faced in previous attempts to offload these shares. A lack…
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Pheu Thai seeks easier referendum rules amid legislative clash
The Pheu Thai Party is making moves to amend the constitutional referendum requirements, aiming to ease the passage of such referendums by reducing the size of the majority needed. Prayut Siripanich, a member of the ruling party and deputy chairman of the joint House-Senate committee on the referendum bill, announced that discussions will take place tomorrow, November 5, to address…
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Chinese engineer arrested in Thailand with 41.5 tonnes of illegal chemicals (video)
The National Resources and Environmental Natural Resources (NREN) raided a factory in the central province of Prachin Buri, discovering 41.5 tonnes of chemical substances and arresting a Chinese engineer found working alone. This factory raid followed earlier action on September 3, when officials raided three recycling factories in the area. The three factories were ordered to close in accordance with…
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Severe flooding in Samut Prakan as seawater rises unexpectedly
Rising seawater has inundated several areas in Samut Prakan, causing severe flooding on numerous roads, with some areas submerged nearly a metre deep and extending over 3 kilometres. Residents were caught off guard, scrambling to move their belongings to safety as the tides rose unexpectedly fast. Floodwaters swept across Samut Prakan, particularly affecting the Phra Samut Chedi district. Roads such…
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Phuket steps up: Old town charm and cultural delights awaits
Get ready to step back in time and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Phuket as the island gears up for the Travel Old Town, Telling Phuket tourism festival. From November 27 to December 1, Queen Sirikit Park on bustling Thalang Road will transform into a cultural hotspot, with the iconic dragon statue standing guard over festivities. Organised by…
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3 foreigners arrested for attempting to smuggle cannabis to Europe
The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) and Thai Customs officials arrested three drug smuggling foreigners, two Malaysians and one Singaporean, at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok for attempting to smuggle cannabis to Italy and the UK. Officials received a tip-off that certain foreigners intended to use Thailand as a route to traffic cannabis into Italy and the UK,…
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Hat Yai backpack scare leads to four-hour road closure
A suspicious bag left outside the house of Hat Yai’s mayor prompted a four-hour road closure as police and bomb squads moved to neutralise the potential threat. This incident follows a series of violent events in the southern border provinces, including a recent car bomb attack in Pattani. Security agencies issued warnings to bolster protective measures at government offices and…
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Jumbo joyride: Tourists swarm Khao Yai for elephant encounters
Khao Yai National Park turned into a hotspot of excitement yesterday as throngs of tourists descended to savour the cooler climes and marvel at the elephants and their natural splendours over the weekend. The bustling gates at Nern Hom and Khao Yai Shrine, nestled in the enchanting provinces of Prachinburi and Nakhon Ratchasima, welcomed eager visitors in droves. The real…
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Fishing for trouble: Pathum Thani fishermen dispute turns deadly
A confrontation over fishing rights escalated into violence, resulting in a man being shot and seriously injured. The incident occurred yesterday, November 3, around 7.20pm in Khlong Luang district, Pathum Thani province. Upon receiving the report, police officers, including Singha Singhachalee, a deputy investigator at Khlong Luang Police Station, and other senior officers arrived at the scene to investigate. The…
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Commerce ministry urges halt on soyabean oil price hikes
The Commerce Ministry issued a call to edible oil processors, urging them not to increase retail prices, citing no rise in production costs. This follows reports indicating that soyabean oil producers are considering raising the price of bottled soyabean oil. Goranij Nonejuie, Internal Trade Department Deputy Director-General, announced that the department has formally requested the Soyabean and Rice Bran Oil…
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Brave mum alerts cops on knife-wielding thug attack in Pattaya
In a chilling night of chaos, a brave mum blew the whistle on a terrifying assault on her son and his friends by knife-wielding thugs in the usually quiet Soi Banglamung 33, Nongprue, North Pattaya. The drama unfolded on the night of November 1, when the teens found themselves suddenly targeted by a gang of unruly yobs hurling firecrackers and…
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Trunk trouble: Rampaging elephants stampede through Thai village
A herd of rampaging elephants caused devastation in the village of Ang Suea Dam, Thata Thakiap subdistrict, Chachoengsao province, much to the dismay of locals. Around 30 wild elephants destroyed nearly 1,000 rubber trees that villagers had nurtured for nearly a decade. The community, led by village head Sombun Saeko, expressed their frustration and appealed to the government for assistance…
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Tragedy strikes after man’s fatal fall from Pattaya hotel
A tragic scene unfolded at a hotel on Sukhumvit Road, Na Jomtien when a shocking accident saw a man fatally fall to his death. At precisely 9.50pm on November 2, Police Colonel Watthanachai Saengrit, the head honcho of Na Jomtien Police Station, received the alarming news. Wasting no time, he dashed to the scene, joined by medics from Wat Yan…
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Russian driver allegedly flees responsibility after Phuket accident
A Thai man demanded that a Russian pickup driver take responsibility for a car accident on Rawai Road in Phuket on October 29 after the foreign man twice failed to appear at a police station. The Phuket Times reported on October 29 that the Russian man, whose name remains undisclosed, allegedly ignored a red light on Rawai Road and drove…
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Subway: Thailand customers’ ink-stained sandwich surprise
Subway, the beloved American sandwich franchise, has found itself at the centre of controversy after customers reported issues with the quality of food, particularly concerning the ink-stained wrapping paper sticking to both their sandwiches and their hands. The social media outcry has raised questions about why a franchise that has been officially terminated is still allowed to operate under the…
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MPs probe Thaksin’s alleged special treatment during detention
A House committee announced plans to convene tomorrow, November 5, to investigate allegations of preferential treatment afforded to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during his incarceration at the Police General Hospital. The inquiry is a part of a broader discussion on reforming the justice system, with Thaksin’s case drawing significant attention. Leading the charge is the committee on state security,…
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Thailand Video News | Cold Front Chills North & More
Thailand’s New 99-Year Land Lease Policy Opens Doors for Foreign Investors Thailand has introduced a new policy that extends land lease terms for foreign investors to 99 years. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira presented the plan at the 2024 CEO Econmas Awards. The policy raises lease terms from the former 30-year limit, offering foreign investors enhanced security.…
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Bangkok aims to turn Chatuchak Market into soft power paradise
Thailand is setting its sights on transforming the iconic Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok into a hub for soft power, with an ambitious two-year plan spearheaded by the National Committee on Soft Power Development. This initiative aims to capitalise on the market’s popularity and diverse offerings to bolster Thailand’s global cultural influence. Surapong Suebwonglee, chair of the National Committee on…
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Bus-ting with green energy: Phuket’s smart bus takes fresh direction
All aboard the eco-friendly Phuket Smart Bus express. Phuket’s transport scene is getting a high-voltage makeover with the launch of the spanking new Phuket Smart Bus service, and it’s already steering the island’s travel scene in a new direction. Connecting Phuket Town and Patong with ease and style, this service is run by Phuket City Development Co Ltd (PKCD) and…
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Thailand Consumer Council to challenge Bangkok city plan flaws
The Thailand Consumer Council (TCC) plans to challenge the Bangkok city plan by submitting a petition to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), citing significant failings in the public hearing processes that they argue infringe on citizens’ rights. This action, set for tomorrow, November 5, reflects growing concerns over the lack of public engagement and awareness regarding the city’s planning…
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Thai man assaults transwoman in Buriram for pulling ‘funny face’
A Thai man physically assaulted a Thai transwoman during a traditional boat racing festival in the Isaan province of Buriram, following his girlfriend’s order after they argued on social media. The news Facebook page เจ๊มà¸à¸¢ v+ (Jmoi V+) shared the story of the 19 year old transgender victim yesterday, November 3, after the victim approached the page to seek justice. The…
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Thailand seeks more jobs for workers in Singapore shipyards
The Labour Ministry is actively pursuing opportunities to send more of Thailand’s workers to Singapore, particularly targeting the shipyard sector. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, alongside the ministry’s Permanent Secretary Boonsong Thapchaiyuth, visited Singapore over the weekend. They engaged with officials from the Labour Office in Singapore, local businessmen, and Ureerat Chareontoh, the ambassador of Thailand to Singapore, to discuss expanding…
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Thai ESG fund rockets to top spot with impressive returns
One Equity Thailand ESG Fund (ONE-THAIESG) is stealing the spotlight in the Thai ESG fund scene, boasting a whopping 8.53% return this year, as proudly announced by One Asset Management (ONEAM). What’s behind this stellar performance? A one-two punch of a policy rate cut by the US Federal Reserve and Thailand’s very own economic comeback. TESG funds are the latest…
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