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 gets into gear as US-China tensions boost its economy
As the United States and China continue their economic tug-of-war, Thailand has ultimately emerged as an unexpected beneficiary on the global stage. The Southeast Asian nation is poised to become a formidable player in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, a development that could reshape the automotive landscape in the region and beyond. This revelation came to light during the 4th…
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Jet-ski joyrider in deep water after Patong Beach hit-and-run injures Israeli
Police are in hot pursuit of a reckless jet-ski rider responsible for a shocking hit-and-run incident at Patong Beach that left an Israeli tourist battered and bruised. The drama unfolded around 6.21pm yesterday, October 6, when the unidentified foreigner, piloting a white-and-blue jet-ski, smashed into swimmer Nimrod Filip Solomon before vanishing into the sunset. Reports say the jet-ski collided with…
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Flood rescue attempt claims elderly woman’s life in Chiang Mai
A rescue operation in Chiang Mai’s Nong Phueng sub-district ended in tragedy when a 71 year old woman, identified only as Nupin lost her life after a rescue boat capsized. The incident occurred as rescue teams attempted to evacuate three residents from a flooded house. During the evacuation, the rescue boat overturned in deep, turbulent waters, plunging all three passengers…
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Surin man arrested for wife’s fatal assault, not his first rodeo
A shocking incident unfolded in Surin where a man assaulted his wife to the point that she lost consciousness, and ultimately died. Police swiftly apprehended the suspect, a 26 year old man known as King after he attempted to flee. The gruesome event took place at a motorcycle repair shop in the Kabchoeng district. Police received a report from locals about…
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Thai family prays for son’s release from Hamas captivity in Gaza
The Sriaoun family gathered in their local church in Kut Yang, Udon Thani yesterday, October 6, their voices filled with emotion as they prayed for the safe return of their oldest son, 32 year old Watchara, believed to still be held captive by the Palestinian resistance group Hamas. Watchara Sriaoun is among six Thais believed to be held in Gaza…
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Finance Ministry to open new welfare card registrations in March
The Ministry of Finance plans to open new registrations for the State Welfare Card early next year, around March. This follows the last registration period from September 5 to October 31 back in 2022, aiming to review the eligibility of participants every two years. Currently, the number of registered users has decreased from the previous 14.9 million to approximately 13.5…
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Thai man distributes explicit videos of ex-girlfriend after contracting STD
Police arrested a Thai man in the Suan Luang district of Bangkok for distributing explicit videos of his ex-girlfriend in revenge for contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Officers from Prasat Police Station in the Isaan province of Surin received a complaint from the victim in May 2022, stating that her ex-boyfriend released nude videos of her online. The suspect,…
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Thailand cash handout to boost Q4 GDP growth despite challenges
The Thai government’s initial cash handout is anticipated to boost the national economy in the upcoming months, according to industrial leaders and brokerages. They recommend that the second phase of the handout target individuals with higher purchasing power to prolong economic stimulation. In the first phase, the government distributed 10,000 baht in cash to each of the 14.5 million welfare…
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Finance ministry urges higher inflation target for policy rate flexibility
The Finance Ministry suggested adjusting the inflation target for next year to a range of 1.5 to 3.5%, up from the current 1 to 3%, to grant the Bank of Thailand (BoT) more flexibility in lowering the policy rate. A ministry source, who wished to remain anonymous, indicated that this change would enable the central bank to reduce the policy…
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Thai woman nabbed for ‘official’ antics and fraud-fooling spree
The Investigation Division of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (CIB) arrested a Thai woman in the Lat Krabang district of Bangkok for impersonating a government official and committing 14 counts of fraud. The arrest of the suspect, 47 year old Suwadee, followed a senator’s mention of her during a parliamentary meeting on August 20. Suwadee frequently dressed in all-white attire, resembling…
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Revved up: Phuket police crackdown on illegal street racing
Phuket City police swooped on illegal street racers in the early hours of this morning, targeting the notorious Saphan Hin area and seizing five motorcycles in a swift crackdown. The high-octane drama unfolded at 12.45am, today, October 7, after eagle-eyed officers spotted online chatter about the underground racing scene on local social media channels. Their prompt action led to the…
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Thailand’s renewable energy plan boosts battery storage systems
Electric vehicles (EVs) are widely known for their battery power but batteries are also crucial for buildings, factories, and power plants using renewable energy. They provide lighting, support daily operations, and serve as backup electricity sources. Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are essential for buildings and renewable power generation facilities to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply. Renewable sources like solar and…
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Thailand stands firm: Government won’t walk down protest alley
The Thai government dismissed threats of street protests against its policies, asserting it will not yield to pressure from any faction. Somkid Chueakong, the PM’s Deputy Secretary-General for political affairs, stated there is no need to prepare for any anti-government demonstrations. Instead, he urged critics to submit petitions outlining their demands. “This government understands people’s needs. We won’t restrict people’s…
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Thai visa shake-up: Southeast Asia consulates switch to e-visa only
Getting a Thai visa in Southeast Asia is about to become a high-tech affair. Starting next week, several Thai consulates across the region will be switching entirely to online e-visa applications, leaving traditional walk-ins a thing of the past. In a surprise move, consulates in Vietnam (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kota Bharu), and Cambodia…
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Thai police officer pockets 30,000 baht from a mediation case
Police General Kittirat Panpetch, acting commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, ordered an investigation into a precinct officer accused of embezzling funds from a mediation case. A 34 year old woman reported to the Sai Mai Must Survive Facebook page that the officer from Samrong Tai Police Station pocketed 30,000 baht. The funds were part of a debt settlement where…
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Danish man stabs himself with medical knife in Bangkok hospital
A Danish man today wreaked havoc in a central Bangkok hospital, leaving police scrambling to contain the chaos. The bizarre incident unfolded at 4.45am, today, October 7, at Chulalongkorn Hospital in Pathumwan, Bangkok, when a 40 year old foreigner erupted into a frenzy in the emergency room. The man, clearly agitated, seized a medical knife and dashed towards Gate A2,…
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Large sinkhole forces closure of Bangkok bridge road
A large sinkhole has appeared at the Kesakamol Bridge in Bangkok, measuring 10 metres wide, 5 metres long, and 3 metres deep, prompting an urgent closure of the road. Yesterday, October 6 at around 9.30pm, the road at the Kesakamol Bridge intersection on Nakhon Chaisi Road in Dusit district, Bangkok, collapsed. The incident forced officials to immediately close the area…
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Charred body found in Krabi palm plantation after gunshots heard
Krabi is reeling from a chilling discovery after a man’s charred body was found in a burnt-out vehicle amid an abandoned palm plantation. This grisly find came hot on the heels of locals in the area reporting gunshots echoing through the night in the Ao Luek district. Early yesterday, October 6, police were called to the Southern Seaboard Road, where…
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Thailand video news | Flash floods devastate Thai elephant sanctuary, Indonesian women trapped in ‘pleasure marriages’ with tourists for money
In Thailand video news today, Alex covers the news stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia countries. The stories include, In today’s video news from Thailand, Alex brings you the latest stories making headlines across Thailand and Southeast Asia. The news includes the tragic flash floods at a Thai elephant sanctuary that left two elephants dead and many more evacuated,…
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Thailand tightens import rules to block substandard goods
The Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) has been directed by the Industry Ministry to collaborate with the Customs Department to enhance the screening of imported goods. The move aims to curb the influx of substandard products into Thailand through tightening import rules. Industry Minister Akanat Promphan announced measures to block low-quality imports, stressing the importance of protecting Thai industries. The…
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Downpours make waves in Chao Phraya River Basin, locals braced
Residents across Thailand are bracing for potential chaos as heavy downpours drench the upper Chao Phraya River Basin. With torrents hitting the Yom and Nan Rivers, water levels are rising fast, threatening to inundate areas downstream. The Royal Irrigation Department’s Smart Water Operation Centre (SWOC) today, October 7, revealed it’s all hands on deck, striving to control the escalating situation.…
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Thai Airways’ growth strategy takes off
Thai Airways International (THAI) is set to transform some of its business units into subsidiaries as part of its growth strategy. Chai Eamsiri, THAI President, announced the plan, emphasising the potential for various business units to operate independently. Chai highlighted the initial focus on the aircraft maintenance and catering divisions, which boast an estimated average profit margin of nearly 20%…
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High stakes, high escapes: Pattaya police hit the jackpot in drug bust
Pattaya police raided a gambling den yesterday, uncovering a significant stash of drugs after the suspects made a swift getaway. At around 12.15pm, yesterday, October 6, officers targeted a small gambling operation tucked away in a parking lot on Soi 3 near Jomtien Beach, following numerous complaints from residents. As the police approached the scene in a pickup truck, they…
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Rice to the occasion: Thai prices drop as India returns to the market
Thai white rice prices have started to fall after India decided to resume non-basmati white rice exports. Despite this development, this year’s rice export volume remains unaffected, according to Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association. Chookiat stated that on September 28, the Indian government lifted a ban on non-basmati white rice exports that had been in…
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Paetongtarn defends iPad use at Qatar summit amid criticism
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra addressed criticisms after a photograph of her reading from an iPad at her first international summit in Qatar circulated on social media. The image, taken last week, raised questions about the 38 year old’s leadership abilities. Responding on Instagram, Paetongtarn addressed a netizen who posted the photos and described them as embarrassing for Thailand. The netizen…
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Pattaya woman locks herself in bathroom as cops rush to flush her out
A woman high on drugs in Pattaya sparked chaos when she locked herself in a hotel bathroom, leading to a dramatic police intervention. Pattaya police yesterday, October 6 received reports about a Thai woman who had barricaded herself inside after her rental period had ended, refusing to vacate the premises. When officers arrived, they spent over 30 minutes trying to…
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Heavy rainfall expected tomorrow in 27 provinces, warnings issued
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) forecasted heavy rainfall leading into tomorrow, October 8, affecting 27 provinces, particularly in the southern region, with warnings of potential flooding and flash floods. The northeastern region will experience cool mornings. The TMD issued a weather forecast for the next 24 hours, highlighting an area of moderate high pressure or cool air mass from…
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Elephant rescue: Monk brings trunkloads of aid to Chiang Mai flood victims
A Thai monk from Chedi Luang Temple in the northern province of Chiang Mai led two elephants to provide food and necessities to flood victims living along Ton Yang Road in Saraphi district. According to a report by ThaiRath this morning, October 7, the floodwater level in Saraphi district, Chiang Mai province, remains high, with some areas still inaccessible. As…
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Pattaya heartbreak: Six year old drowns in pond while playing
A heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded near Pattaya yesterday when a six-year-old boy drowned in a water retention pond while playing with friends. At precisely 3.06pm, yesterday, October 6, Huay Yai police received a harrowing call about a child drowning at the large pond, sparking a swift response from local officials and a volunteer rescue team, who raced to the scene accompanied…
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Phuket deluge: It’s a washout for traffic and tides
Catastrophic downpours have wreaked havoc across Phuket today, submerging parts of the island and traffic in complete disarray. Areas like Cherng Talay, Kamala, Thalang, and Kathu were battered by relentless rain starting just before midday, leading to dramatic flooding and a partial landslide that had locals reeling. In a particularly hard-hit spot, Soi Hua Khuan Nuea near the iconic Phuket…
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