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 Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run
Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...
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King’s son returns to Thailand: Grabs first Thai ID and passport
His Majesty the King‘s second eldest son, Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, has made a monumental return to Thailand, marking his presence by securing his first-ever Thai ID card and a brand-new passport. The royal revelation was brought to light by political maven Chompoonute Nakornthap, aka Cherie, in a Facebook post that set social media abuzz. The tantalising post yesterday, December 15, featured…
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Pheu Thai MP in hot water for illicit online campaigning
The Election Commission (EC) has unleashed legal fury upon Pattana Sapso, the Pheu Thai Party MP for Sakhon Nakhon. The EC’s crackdown comes in the wake of a damning investigation revealing Pattana’s alleged breach of election laws by engaging in prohibited online canvassing just hours before the crucial May 14 general election. The EC’s official statement, released on December 8,…
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Former MFP leader Pita faces court drama over media scandal
The former leader of the Move Forward party (MFP), Pita Limjaroenrat, is gearing up for a courtroom showdown to defend himself against allegations involving a media scandal. Former MFP leader Pita has declared his readiness to face the Constitutional Court next Wednesday, December 20. The political maverick is set to battle allegations that he held shares in the now-defunct iTV…
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Princess Bajrakitiyabha remains unconscious after 1 year of treatment
Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati remains unconscious after being hospitalised at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital for one year after collapsing while training her dogs for the Royal Thai Army’s 2022 Thai Working Dog Championship at the Military Dog Battalion in Nakhon Ratchasima province. The Bureau of the Royal Household (BRH) released an official statement today, December 15, to…
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Thai PM seeks Japanese investment in country’s EV industry
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to persuade top Japanese car manufacturers to invest in Thailand’s burgeoning electronic vehicle (EV) industry, boarded a plane to Japan yesterday. The visit, marking his first to Japan since his tenure as prime minister began, coincides with the 50 Years of the Asean-Japan Friendship and Cooperation Commemorative Summit. Accompanying the 61 year old…
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Uzbek consul general discusses trade and tourism potential with Phuket governor
Fakhriddin Sultanov, the Consul General of the Republic of Uzbekistan, made a courtesy visit to the Governor of Phuket, Sophon Suwannarat, yesterday, December 14. The visit marked a momentous occasion for Sultanov as it was his 36th trip to the popular Thai island. The delegation was warmly greeted, and the meeting was aimed at discussing potential cooperation between Phuket and…
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Ex-Labour Ministry secretary faces horror as 40 million baht property title deeds vanish
A former Labour Ministry secretary revealed a shocking case where his mortgage title deeds for a home and land worth 40 million baht have disappeared. The property, a 418 square metre lot in an upscale village in Nonthaburi province, was mortgaged to a reputable bank in 2003. Paisan (surname withheld) explained that he had been regularly servicing the debt, reducing…
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Thai football coach and his assistant arrested for raping boys
The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) arrested a Thai football coach and his assistant for raping young boys. Their crimes were allegedly proven by several child pornographic pictures and videos in their possession. Two Thai women contacted the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women after learning of the sexual assaults against their 10 year old sons from a teacher at…
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Fine dust pollution spikes across Thailand, Bangkok plans tree-planting pilot
Intensified fine dust pollution has led to heightened levels of fine particulate matter under 2.5 microns, known as PM2.5, in 30 provinces across Thailand, including Bangkok. This development was recorded yesterday through the satellite-based Check Foon application, developed by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA). Samut Songkhram experienced the highest dust level, peaking at 84.1 microgrammes per cubic…
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Thailand’s universal healthcare covers gender-affirming surgery, NHSO confirms
National Health Security Office (NHSO) Secretary-General, Jadet Thammathataree, clarified that Gender-Affirming Surgery (GAS), commonly referred to as sex reassignment surgery, is covered under Thailand’s universal healthcare scheme for patients diagnosed with gender dysphoria. This clarification comes as an exception to the rule that excludes cosmetic surgeries from the scheme, leading to confusion about whether GAS is considered a cosmetic procedure,…
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Thai tourism boom: 9,000 Chinese flock to Bangkok for game-changing conference
Thailand played host to a jaw-dropping 9,000 Chinese entrepreneurs, propelling the country into the limelight as the ultimate business and leisure destination. Amid the glitz and glamour of Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) held a conference on agricultural products and technology. Chinese agricultural and technology experts, as well as economic professionals, attended the…
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Thailand’s soft power strategy to generate 4 trillion baht across 11 industries
Thailand’s soft power is poised for global promotion in 11 industries, with a potential generation of 4 trillion baht, as revealed by Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. The statement was made at a seminar aimed at empowering business operators through the application of soft power, attended by Paetongtarn Shinawatra of the ruling Pheu Thai Party and chair of the national committee…
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Unemployed Thai man arrested for gold theft after his birthday party
Police arrested an unemployed Thai man for stealing a gold necklace from a shop in Bangkok after paying off debts and throwing himself a belated birthday party at a resort in the central province of Kanchanaburi. Officers at Phetchakasem Police Station received a theft complaint at the Mae Thong Kham gold shop on Phetchakasem Road in Bangkok’s Bang Kae district…
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Canadian man and Thai wife fatally stabbed in Khon Kaen over parking dispute
Tragedy struck in the early hours of this morning in the Muang district of Khon Kaen, a northeastern province of Thailand, when a Canadian man and his Thai wife were fatally stabbed by a neighbour. The couple, 54 year old Michael Nixon, and his 47 year old wife, Anurak, were found dead outside their two-storey house. A 36 year old…
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Motorcycle parking fee confusion at Mo Chit 2 terminal clarified by TCL
Transport Company Limited (TCL) clarified a recent complaint about a 1,500 baht fee for a four-day motorcycle parking at Mo Chit 2 terminal. The matter, raised on the Facebook page “Want to be famous, I’ll arrange it with a video clip,” featuring a caption claiming a charge of 1,500 baht for four-day motorcycle parking at Mo Chit 2, has been…
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Zika virus panic in Hua Hin: 10 confirmed cases, officials call for emergency meeting
Officials convened yesterday, December 14, to tackle the escalating concerns surrounding the Zika virus outbreak in Hua Hin. With a staggering 10 confirmed cases in Prachuap Khiri Khan, the situation has hit a critical point, prompting a high-stakes meeting chaired by Dr Watcharapong Luangprairot, Deputy Provincial Public Health Doctor of Prachuap Khiri Khan, at the Hua Hin Municipal Office’s Chomsin…
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Luxury BMW catches fire in Phuket: Engine malfunction suspected
A high-end BMW caught fire near a fuel station in Phuket, causing significant damage to the vehicle in the early hours of the morning today, December 15. The local authorities quickly responded to the incident, extinguishing the blaze to prevent further harm. The owner of the car revealed that smoke began to emit from the engine, prompting suspicions of mechanical malfunction.…
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Thai man arrested for illegally possessing 30 guns and ammunition
Officers from the Investigation Division Provincial Police Region 4 (INVP4) arrested a Thai man at his house in the Isaan province of Kalasin for illegally possessing 30 guns and over 2,300 rounds of ammunition. The Deputy Commander of the INVP4, Nattanon Prachum, reported that the Royal Thai Police (RTP) introduced an operation to crack down on people involved with illegal…
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North Thailand: Unique black turtle sparks intrigue and hope among villagers
A large black turtle, weighing over 6 kilogrammes, caused a stir among local villagers who were seeking good fortune. The turtle’s owner, 45 year old Natee Jaisaen discovered the unique creature today, December 15. The turtle’s distinct markings under its belly, resembling powerful talismans, have further ignited the local community’s intrigue. Natee, the owner of the house located at 82…
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Hong Kong police offer 4 million baht rewards for overseas dissidents
Hong Kong police raised eyebrows by doubling the stakes, offering staggering rewards of HK$1 million (4 million baht) for information on five more local dissidents currently residing overseas. This controversial move amplifies the ongoing news of the authorities resorting to bounties in their pursuit of pro-democracy activists. At a press briefing yesterday, December 14, Chief Superintendent Li Kwai-wah of the…
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Dangerous blue-ringed octopus found in seafood in Thailand
Seafood enthusiasts are urged to exercise caution as instances of the dangerous blue-ringed octopus found in food have been increasing, whether in barbecue restaurants, skewers prepared for grilling, or even sushi. But why is this particular species a cause for concern? Let’s delve into the interesting yet perilous world of the blue-ringed octopus, a creature that is 20 times more…
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Thai woman nabbed for stabbing her husband’s 17 year old mistress
Police arrested a Thai woman after she stabbed her husband’s 17 year old mistress at her home in the central province of Kanchanaburi on December 12. Amarin TV reported that the attack took place on December 12 at a house in the Tha Muang district of Kanchanaburi province. The attacker, 49 year old Auan, was arrested yesterday, December 14, and…
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Khao San Road unaffected by 4am closing time due to exclusion from approved zone
Tourism operators on Khao San Road expressed their indifference towards the forthcoming 4am closing time set to come into effect from today, stating it will have minimal impact due to the area’s exclusion from the approved zone for extended hours. Sanga Ruangwattanakul, who presides over the Khao San Road Business Association, pointed out that there is a prevailing confusion among…
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IndiGo unleashes Phuket frenzy: Boosts flights, beats malfunction woes
In a bold move to amplify global ties, IndiGo, India‘s high-flying airline, unleashed a flight bonanza, with additional routes from Mumbai to Phuket and the revival of operations from Bengaluru to the Thai hotspot. But that’s not all—this strategic move comes amidst a soaring demand for year-end getaways. IndiGo is set to soar to new heights with extra flights connecting Mumbai…
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Former transport minister Saksayam Chidchob to be judged by charter court
The Constitutional Court will unveil its verdict on January 17 on the contentious share concealment accusations against former Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob. Following a marathon six-hour hearing, Saksayam defended himself against all accusations. “I’ve laid bare the truth about my stake in Burijarearn Construction Limited Partnership. I’ve fully explained the matter.” The court spectacle featured an ensemble cast, including Varaporn Thetsen,…
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Thailand’s economic growth potentially in decline, SCB EIC warns
The Siam Commercial Bank’s research wing, SCB Economic Intelligence Center (EIC), expressed concern over the potential decline in Thailand’s long-term economic growth. It has attributed this to enduring structural problems, such as low investment, diminished total factor productivity, and the economic impact of the pandemic. Chief Economist at SCB EIC, Somprawin Manprasert, revealed that Thailand’s economic recovery has been more…
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PTTEP forecasts 9% rise in petroleum sales due to expanded gas production
PTT Exploration and Production Plc (PTTEP) anticipates a 9% surge in petroleum sales in the coming year, largely due to the expanded gas production from the Erawan field in the Gulf of Thailand. The company’s President and CEO, Montri Rawanchaikul, revealed that the average sales for this year are anticipated to be around 464,000 barrels each day. This increase in…
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16 year old Thai girl accuses Chinese man met on dating app of rape
A 16 year old Thai girl filed a complaint against a Chinese man for allegedly raping her at a condominium in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok. He and his friends also attempted to gang-rape her on the day. The victim named Mo lodged a complaint at Rattanatibet Police Station on December 13. She explained that she met the Chinese man on…
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Bangkok’s Red Cross Fair at Lumpini: Where the fun never ‘cross’-es the deadline
The renowned Red Cross Fair, held at Lumpini Park, Bangkok, is still going strong after it kicked off on December 8. Don’t miss out on the fun and frolics before the fair ends on December 18. A golden location within the event sees vendors bidding for the best spots. With a theme of Joyful Happiness at the Place of Giving,…
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Thai hospital compensates family with 30,000 baht after medication mix-up
A hospital has compensated a family with 30,000 baht after a one year old infant was mistakenly given the wrong medication. The child, who had fallen and hit his head in the bathroom, was taken to a hospital in Samut Prakan province to have a brain scan. During the journey to another hospital for a second scan, a nurse gave…
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