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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Lizard love leads to lottery luck in northern Thailand
Residents of Nakhon Ratchasima province believe that witnessing lucky lizards mating inside a house brings good luck, particularly with the lottery. This belief was sparked by a 52 year old woman named Suwong Srinith, who discovered two lizards mating in her house located at 142/1 Moo 1, in Mueang, Phimai, Nakhon Ratchasima. The event was captured on video, which quickly…
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Monkeying around: Fake Thai spiritual medium swindles 50 million baht from believers in Chinese Monkey King con
A Thai woman claiming to be the spiritual medium of the traditional Chinese Monkey King, also known as Sun Wukong, swindled 50 million baht from victims. Ten victims, who had donated about 50 million baht to the spiritual medium eight years ago, sought assistance from renowned Thai lawyer Ronnarong Kaewphet. They had given the money with the understanding that it…
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Tropical storm drenches northeast Thailand but pumps come to the rescue
A tropical storm has swept across northeast Thailand, causing the Mun River to rise, and flooding local communities. In response, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department hastened to set up water pumps to draw rainwater back into the river, lessening the impact of the floods. Two districts have been affected, forcing residents from 15 communities, totalling 200 households, and 684…
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Thai lottery hopeful dances with destiny, invokes Pu Wessuwan for luck at Nong Meg shop
A Thai woman conducted a ritual at the Nong Meg shop to pay homage to the revered deity Pu Wessuwan in Nong Meg, Nong Han, Udon Thani. Her intention was to seek blessings and good fortune for the upcoming lottery draw. After completing the ritual, the devout Thai woman named Pan, known for her unwavering faith in Pu Wessuwan, led…
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Thailand’s education minister takes ‘no-conflict’ stance to school corruption
In a bold move against corruption, Police General Permpoon Chidchob, Thailand’s Education Minister, issued directives to all education officials, mandating the avoidance of potential conflicts of interest. This action aims to eradicate graft, corruption, and fraud which can stem from such conflicts. Concerning this, Pol. Gen. Permpoon stated that all agencies must strive for total transparency and accountability. He believes,…
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Man fatally struck by SUV while changing tyre on central Thailand road
A Thai SUV driver fatally struck a Thai man changing a car tyre in the left lane of the Asian Highway in the central province of Ayutthaya. The victim’s colleague, and pickup driver, 37 year old Thawatchai, called officers from Bang Pahan Police Station to the scene at 5pm yesterday, September 26. He told the officers that his colleague, 36…
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Witch hunt against ‘Big Joke’ persists: Police probe rental properties linked to top cop
The witch hunt to try and destroy the prestigious career of Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn continues after police summoned the owner of five houses rented by the Royal Thai Police (RTP) Deputy Commissioner. Big Joke stated that the owner of the houses is a relative of his and that the relative is a businessman, not an online gambling operator. According…
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Phuket’s golden opportunity: Chinese tourists set to make waves this weekend
The renowned resort island of Phuket is preparing for an influx of Chinese tourists as China gears up for Golden Week starting this weekend and the continuation of the visa-free scheme for Chinese nationals. The surge in tourists is expected to start towards the end of the week. The anticipation also extends to the forthcoming Chinese New Year, which will…
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Tourist surge at Si Thep sparks concerns over sacred site damage
An unexpected surge in tourists at Si Thep Historical Park, recently declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on September 19, sparked concerns among locals in Phetchabun. The locals are worried about the increasing number of visitors scaling Khao Klang Nok, a historical site within the park. The site, considered sacred and located approximately 2 kilometres from the old city…
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Thai govt’s shocking move: Sparks fly as power tariff gets a jolt down
The Thai government, under the leadership of Srettha Thavisin, has swiftly approved a plan to lower the power tariff, with the goal of reducing electricity bills for the public. The tariff rate has been revised from 4.45 baht to 3.99 baht per kilowatt-hour, applicable from September to December this year. However, for a long-term solution to high electricity costs, a…
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Rain reigns in Thailand: TMD’s 10th warning as heavy rainfall soaks the nation
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued its 10th heavy rainfall warning, highlighting many areas across the country at risk. The announcement comes in response to a strong low-pressure area covering the northeastern region and a monsoon trough passing over northern Thailand. These conditions are expected to cause heavy rain in the north, northeast, and central, including Bangkok and nearby provinces,…
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Srettha Thavisin to bolster ASEAN ties, attract Saudi investment
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is preparing to bolster Thailand and Cambodia’s relationship with his upcoming visit tomorrow, as announced by Panpree Bahiddha-Nukara, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister. This visit marks PM Srettha’s first trip to an ASEAN country since his initiation as prime minister, with Cambodia being one of Thailand’s nearest neighbours to strengthen ASEAN ties. Panpree…
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THAI’S high-flying ambition: Soaring to new heights in tourist traffic
Thai Airways International (THAI) unveiled an ambitious plan to expand its international flight offerings in the forthcoming high season. The airline’s primary focus is to draw in a higher number of tourists. A notable feature of this expansion is the airline’s decision to recommence flights to Istanbul, Turkey, which is a significant aviation hub for Asia, Europe, and Africa. This…
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Thai govt greenlights 500 billion baht boost for state-owned enterprises in 2024 budget bonanza
The Thai government yesterday approved a massive investment budget of 500 billion baht dedicated to 46 state-owned enterprises for the fiscal year 2024, commencing this October. The substantial budget aims to stimulate the national economy and bolster fiscal growth. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke detailed the budget allocation, stating that the funding includes 209 billion baht earmarked for ongoing and routine…
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Thai exports spring back to life: A global manufacturing and clean energy surge
After 11 months in decline, Thai exports have made a surprising return to growth, largely due to a resurgence in global manufacturing, consumer spending and a thriving service sector among trading partners. This upturn has been further fuelled by the promotion of clean energy policies, increased demand for technological products and the relative depreciation of the baht, according to the…
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UOB report uncovers economic concerns and investment trends in ASEAN nations
The United Overseas Bank (UOB) released a significant report revealing the current economic sentiments of citizens and businesses across five ASEAN nations – Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand. Two days ago, Yuthchai Tayaratchakul, the Executive Vice President of UOB, provided a statement regarding the ASEAN Consumer Sentiment Study (ACSS). The UOB report aimed to shed light on the top…
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Hefty heartbreak: Thai chubby chaser’s twisted dating tactics in motorcycle theft
Police arrested a chubby-chasing Thai man who confessed he used a dating app to lure fat-bottomed girls into going out with him so he could steal their motorcycles. The thief confessed that chubby girls were his main target as he believed they were low on self-esteem and easier to impress in person. Police Cyber Taskforce Division 5 (PCT5) conducted a…
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Social media stress sparks ‘rash’ decisions: Medical mystery solved for overworked Thai man
A young man shared a distressing experience on social media about overworking, which led to an unusual rash all over his body within just three days. Despite multiple medical tests, all the results came back normal. The doctor’s advice was simple yet crucial: Get some quality sleep for two days. This incident serves as a warning about the potential harm…
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Climbing restrictions loom for tourists at sacred Khao Klang Nok
Phetchabun’s Si Thep Historical Park may soon restrict tourists from climbing Khao Klang Nok, a ruin considered sacred by locals. The move comes in response to the increasing number of visitors following the park’s declaration as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on September 19. Locals expressed concerns about the influx of tourists, many of whom have been climbing Khao…
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Phallic Phantasm: Thai man erects 3 penis statues for good luck in central Thailand
A retired senior police sergeant major, in the central province of Kampaeng Phet, raised a few titters after he completed an unusual erection on his land, three penis statues. He believes the phallic erections will bring him good luck in selling his land, which is worth 60 million baht. Three penis statues stand prominently on the land of the 86…
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Royal rumble: Four years behind bars for outspoken lawyer and Thai activist
A prominent Thai activist and lawyer, known for his brazen calls for reforms in Thailand’s monarchy, received a four-year prison sentence today over charges of royal insults, a verdict confirmed by both the judge and his legal counsel. Arnon Nampa emerged as a notable figure during the pro-democracy demonstrations in 2020, where the Thai activist publicly advocated for a discourse…
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4 fake police officers kidnap woman for 300,000 baht ransom
A Thai woman filed a complaint alleging that four men posing as police officers kidnapped her for a 300,000 baht ransom. One of the suspects involved was the ex-boyfriend of the victim’s daughter. He was arrested by police while the other three suspects remain at large. The 48 year old victim, Patcharee, told officers at Mueang Prachuap Kiri Khan Police Station…
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UNESCO’s recognition triggers visitor surge at Si Thep Historical Park in northern Thailand
Si Thep Historical Park in Phetchabun experienced an unexpected surge in visitor numbers over the weekend, following its announcement as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on September 19. The ensuing tourism influx prompted local agencies to call on the government for increased accommodation and facilities for the increasing number of tourists. Sittichai Poodee, the director of Si Thep Historical…
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Rain reigns in Khon Kaen: Pumps pump out the flood
Heavy rains in Khon Kaen triggered a swift response from emergency services, with seven water pumps set up in flood-prone areas to efficiently drain the excess water. The local authorities are confident in their ability to manage the high water volumes in Bueng Kaen Nakhon and Bueng Thung Sang. Essential manpower and equipment are on standby to aid those affected around…
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FDA confirms Japanese seafood imports safe from Fukushima radioactivity
Seafood imported from Japan is free of harmful radioactivity levels, as confirmed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This comes in response to global worries about the potential contamination of marine life following the discharge of wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant that was devastated by a tsunami. Lertchai Lertvut, the FDA’s deputy secretary-general, detailed yesterday that rigorous…
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Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra to be eligible for parole next year
Former Prime Minister of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra will be eligible for parole in February next year, 2024. The ex-PM will not have to wear the Electronic Monitoring (EM) bracelet and will be able to express his views on Thai politics. The Committee on Human Rights, Freedom and Consumer Protection of the Thai Senate invited the Department of Corrections and Police…
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Thailand’s DoPA cracks down on ‘influential figures’ in nationwide crime hunt
The Department of Provincial Administration (DoPA) in Thailand is vigorously working to identify individuals linked to criminal activities across the nation, revealed Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaiset. These individuals, referred to as “influential figures,” are purportedly involved in 16 distinct criminal offences. These include predatory lending, bid collusion, bribery from public transport vehicles, smuggling of untaxed goods, both online and…
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Tragic early morning crash claims life of young man on rain-soaked Thailand highway
A 26 year old man lost his life in a tragic crash when a pickup truck he was driving plunged into a ditch after hitting an electricity pole on the Asia Highway, Route 32, in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province today at 3am. The tragedy, which unfolded in the early hours of the morning, also resulted in injuries to two other…
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Thai woman found dead in Chon Buri sea, Russian boyfriend disappears
A restaurant worker found the dead body of a Thai woman floating in the sea near Koh Larn, an island in Chon Buri province, while her Russian boyfriend was missing. A worker at the Haad Thian restaurant on Koh Larn reported the discovery to Mueang Pattaya Police Station and the Sawang Borriboon Dhammasatan rescue team. He explained that the Thai…
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Weather forecast: Storm to bring heavy rain across Thailand
Today’s weather shows a fading yet still potent storm set to pass through northern Thailand with heavy rains anticipated between September 26 and 29. The Department of Meteorology announced the weakening of the pressure system at 1am today. The storm, formerly known as “Depression,” has diminished into a strong low-pressure system near the city of Danang in Vietnam. This system…
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