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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Thailand enforces stricter regulations on illegal factories
Thailand’s Industry Ministry is intensifying efforts to enforce stricter regulations on substandard products that falsely claim to meet Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) standards. Industry Minister Akanat Promphan announced the initiative following a Cabinet meeting, emphasising the need for collaboration with modern trade stores to conduct random product inspections. “To enforce measures to control substandard products, we are seeking cooperation…
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Thailand’s public debt remains sustainable at 64% of GDP
The recent Cabinet meeting focused on the nation’s public debt status, revealing it remains well within sustainable limits. Public debt as of August reached 11.7 trillion baht, accounting for 64% of the country’s GDP, comfortably below the 70% benchmark for fiscal sustainability. Government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub detailed during the meeting that the Finance Ministry adhered strictly to the public debt…
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Chon Buri Coffee on the Beach 2024 to perk up Pattaya tourism
Pattaya is bustling with anticipation for the upcoming Chon Buri Coffee on the Beach 2024 event. Scheduled to take place from November 22 to 24 at Pattaya Beach, this event promises a unique blend of coffee culture and scenic beachfront experiences. Pattaya’s leadership, spearheaded by Mayor Poramet Ngampichet, took centre stage on Monday, November 4, to formally announce this event.…
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Thailand coalition agrees on constitutional drafting assembly
The coalition parties in Thailand have reached a consensus on the need to establish a constitutional drafting assembly (CDA) to oversee the proposed amendments to the constitution. The Bhumjaithai Party emphasised that any changes put forth by the CDA must genuinely serve the interests of the people. Chaichanok Chidchob, Secretary-General of the Bhumjaithai Party, highlighted that discussions on charter amendments…
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Home invasion averted: Thai woman dodges ‘Yaba-dabbler’s’ entry attempt
A Thai woman narrowly escaped danger after a drug-addicted man attempted to enter her home in the Isaan province of Maha Sarakham. Police found 19 methamphetamine pills, also known as Yaba, in his possession. The female victim shared videos of the incident on the news Facebook page, เจ๊มอย v+ (Jmoi v+). The videos showed officers from the Phayakkhaphum Phisai Police…
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Buddha statue found floating in Thai river sparks local curiosity
A surprising discovery captured the attention of residents in Chai Nat province as a 15-kilogramme Buddha statue was found floating in the Noi River. Locals have now enshrined it at the Sala Ruam Jai, a new pavilion in the village of Ban Tha Bang, Phong Ngam subdistrict, Sankhaburi district. The statue, with a 12-inch lap and a black appearance reminiscent…
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Major drug bust in Mukdahan uncovers 1.6 million meth pills
Police in Mukdahan province were alerted to a suspicious vehicle parked on a public road, leading to a major drug bust. The car, found at around 2pm yesterday, November 5, in Ban Don Sawan, Nam Thiang subdistrict, Khamcha-i district, contained a staggering 1.6 million methamphetamine (meth) pills hidden within fertiliser sacks. Police from the Khamcha-i Police Station were notified by…
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Thai piano teacher accuses renowned lawyer of attempted rape
A Thai piano teacher accused renowned lawyer Sittha Biabangkerd of attempted rape, sharing CCTV footage of the alleged incident with news outlets. Sittha’s name will be familiar to many as he was recently accused by Thai millionaire Jatuporn “Madam Oi” Ubonlert of swindling her out of 71 million baht. She claimed that Sittha deceived her into investing in an online…
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Sisaket house lights up after candle left burning overnight
A house fire broke out in Sisaket province after a man fell asleep with a candle lit due to a power cut, leading to a scramble for safety and the loss of his belongings. Apichat Kasorn, an investigator at Sisaket Provincial Police Station, received a report of a fire at house number 14, Village 5, Ban Yang Kut, Mak Kheab…
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Bangkok to transform Phahurat into vibrant Little India
Bangkok Metropolitan Council is set to transform the Phahurat area into a vibrant Little India, fostering comprehensive collaboration among the government, private sector, and community to attract tourists and boost investments, thereby increasing the nation’s revenue. John Surajit Pongsingwitaya, President of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council, announced the capital’s commitment to support the development of Phahurat into a Little India, a…
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PM Paetongtarn pledges no interference in Thaksin detention probe
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra addressed concerns regarding her involvement in an investigation into allegations that her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, received preferential treatment during his detention at the Police General Hospital. She reassured the public and officials that she would not interfere with the ongoing probe. The 38 year old Thai premier confirmed the government’s commitment to adhering…
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Laotian mother appeals for hearing aids for blue-eyed twins with rare condition
A Laotian mother in the Isaan province of Nakhon Phanom is seeking public support for hearing aids for her twin daughters, who are hearing and speech impaired and have blue eyes due to Waardenburg syndrome. The two girls with bright blue eyes went viral on social media after a Facebook user, Wachi Wachi, shared their pictures on Monday, November 4.…
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Enlist now, reap rewards: PM hails modern Ministry of Defence
The Ministry of Defence is shaking up Thailand’s military recruitment strategy, swapping the conscription model for a voluntary one packed with incentives and young Thais are taking note. In a recent visit to Infantry Division 6 in Roi Et province, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai lauded the successful transformation, highlighting that voluntary enlistment has surged significantly.…
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LNG prices stable in 2025, easing Thailand’s power tariff adjustments
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices are projected to remain stable in early 2025, alleviating some of the pressure on Thai officials as they prepare to calculate a new power tariff for electricity bills from January to April next year. According to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), this stability in LNG pricing will influence the upcoming adjustment of the…
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Chiang Mai tourists embrace 10 degrees cold snap
Chiang Mai is experiencing a significant drop in temperature, with the renowned Doi Inthanon registering a chilly 10 degrees Celsius (°C). Tourists are flocking to the area to enjoy the cold weather, despite warnings from the Northern Meteorological Centre about possible thunderstorms and weather changes that could impact health. The weather in Chiang Mai remains cold and overcast with intermittent…
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British and Dutch men arrested in Bangkok for drug trafficking
Officers from the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) arrested a British man and a Dutch man at a condominium in Bangkok yesterday for drug trafficking. They were found in possession of 210 grammes of ecstasy and over 37 grammes of cannabis. The ONCB officers held a press conference today, November 6, to provide details on the arrests of…
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Thai woman found murdered in Nakhon Sawan home
A Thai woman was brutally murdered in her own home, located beneath her elevated wooden house in Phai Sali district, Nakhon Sawan province. Before her tragic death, she managed to call her sister and identify her alleged murderer. The woman’s puppies, unaware of their owner’s demise, gathered around her lifeless body. Police reported receiving a distress call about the murder…
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Thailand to launch 130 billion baht sustainability-linked bonds for 2025
The Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) is gearing up to introduce a sustainability-linked bond (SLB) valued at 130 billion baht for the fiscal year 2025. This move aligns with the country’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting the use of electric vehicles (EVs). An initial release of bonds worth 20 to 30 billion baht (US$588 to 882 million) is…
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Phuket project aims to save dugongs with new food plots
The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) in Phuket has initiated an experimental project to combat the decline of seagrass and provide supplementary food for dugongs. The project, currently underway on Rawai Beach, seeks to prevent the extinction of these marine mammals. Experimentation began at the Upper Andaman Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre, where they have established natural…
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Drug-fuelled gun incident in Suan Luang ends with arrest
A dramatic incident unfolded in the Suan Luang area when a man under the influence of drugs fired a gun in a residential area. Special operation forces, fully armed, surrounded the area and managed to apprehend the suspect. The man now faces serious charges. Police were alerted to the situation around 5am today, November 6, following instructions from Witthawat Chinkham,…
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Thai monk denies sex with woman, claims she helped him count bottles
A 70 year old Thai monk denied an allegation of sexual activity with a woman at a temple in the Isaan province of Buriram, claiming the woman helped him count water bottles. A 53 year old man, named Preecha, told Channel 3 that he suspected the 70 year old monk, Boonsong, of having sexual relations with multiple women. He said…
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Molotov attack in Udon Thani leaves teen critically injured
A violent altercation in Udon Thani left a young man seriously injured after being attacked with Molotov cocktails. The incident unfolded when a group of youths targeted 18 year old Taa at a notorious intersection known for frequent disturbances. Footage from a nearby CCTV camera captured the harrowing scene, showing Taa and his 18 year old friend Art being pursued…
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BDMS Wellness Clinic boosts health tourism with Longevity Card
BDMS Wellness Clinic launched a new health initiative amid the rising global interest in wellness, particularly as societies worldwide face ageing populations and an increase in chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, obesity, and stress. This trend has significantly boosted the popularity of the wellness industry. Global wellness market data indicates an expected annual growth of approximately 8.6%, potentially…
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Fatal attraction: Taiwanese man dies after sex with Thai transwoman
A Taiwanese man reportedly died after engaging in sexual activity with a Thai female sex worker who was later found to be a transwoman. Facebook page World Forum shared the tragic story of the 36 year old Taiwanese man, yesterday, November 5. “Top story in Taiwan. A 36 year old man from New Taipei City paid for sex with a Thai…
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Thailand introduces new inspection system for fuel measurement
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce has initiated a new registration system for private entities to become certified inspection units, aiming to enhance the reliability of fuel measurement at service stations. The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) announced the criteria for this registration process. Starting July 26, they have been promoting this initiative and welcoming applications since August. This move is part…
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Chiang Mai gold necklace thief caught in traffic hold-up
A brazen thief who snatched a gold necklace from a popular shopping centre in Chiang Mai was apprehended at an intersection after attempting to evade capture. The suspect, who had tried to blend in by changing clothes, was eventually caught in traffic. Yesterday, November 5, a gold necklace weighing 1 baht was stolen from the Mangkhorn Thong Yaowarat jewellery store…
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Seven arrested in Bangkok market immigration crackdown
Thai immigration officers apprehended seven foreign nationals, including individuals from China, Laos, and Myanmar, for illegally selling clothes at stalls in the Bobae Market in Bangkok. This operation was part of a broader crackdown on illegal activities. The operation was conducted by immigration officers who went undercover as customers in Bobae Market. Acting on a directive from the police chief,…
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Israeli man ‘wheelies’ into trouble with viral Phuket beach stunt
A viral video of an Israeli man carelessly riding a motorcycle on Kamala Beach in the Kathu district of Phuket led to him receiving a 5,000-baht fine yesterday, November 5. The video of the Israeli motorcyclist was shared by a witness in a chat group on both LINE and Facebook. The witness captioned it, “Kamala Beach Racing!” The footage showed…
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Bangkok saleswoman arrested for air conditioner fraud scheme
A Thai saleswoman has been apprehended by Bangkok’s investigative police for allegedly falsifying information to defraud clients by selling air conditioners. The arrest took place in the Ramkhamhaeng area of Bangkok after a thorough investigation led by the city’s police force. The saleswoman, 34 year old Panida, was taken into custody following a coordinated effort by the police, acting on…
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Big Joke’s wife sues woman and her husband over alleged false theft complaint
The wife of former police chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, filed a lawsuit against a woman and her police officer husband for allegedly lodging a false theft complaint accusing her of stealing gold and cash valued at 5.7 million baht. Sirinatda Hakparn, the wife of Big Joke, visited Phra Kanong Police Station on October 24 to deny accusations of theft…
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