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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Starting a new life abroad is exciting—new culture, new lifestyle, and new chances to grow. But living far from home also means taking steps to protect your health in unfamiliar surroundings. Without the right coverage, even small health issues can...
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Bangkok’s Orange Line expansion advances with overpass removals
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) is accelerating discussions with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to dismantle overpasses in anticipation of the Orange Line’s expansion. This strategic move is set to facilitate the construction of the western segment of the Bang Khun Non-Min Buri rail system, aiming for completion by 2030. Vithaya Punmongkol, acting governor for the MRTA,…
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Nine injured in van and truck collision in Phuket
A dramatic head-on collision rocked Ao Po Pier Road in Pa Khlok, Phuket as a van and a small truck collided with a bang, leaving nine people nursing injuries. The crash unfolded around 5.30pm, yesterday, October 29, near Moo 9, prompting an immediate and swift reaction from local police and emergency crews. On the scene, rescue teams found two Thai…
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German man dies in Koh Phayam resort, candy found during CPR
A German man died at a resort on Koh Phayam, an island in the southern province of Ranong. A piece of candy may have been spat out of his mouth during CPR but officers concluded that the cause of death was a pre-existing medical condition. Officers from Pak Nam Ranong Police Station were alerted to the death of the German national, 57…
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Thai visa woes: From easy as pie to digital fly, book before you buy
Once upon a time, jetting off for a Thai visa was as easy as pie. A quick border dash to a nearby country, pop into a consulate in Laos, Malaysia, or Vietnam, and voilà ! You’d be done and dusted, ready for an evening drink by the Mekong River. Ah, the good old days! But hold onto your hats, because the…
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Pattaya shooting: Gunman opens fire on revellers
A terrifying shooting incident early this morning has left both locals and tourists reeling in Pattaya City. The drama unfolded at 4.06am, today, October 30, on Petchtrakul Road, right outside the Moo Krata Baek Kap Din Sam restaurant in the Nongprue subdistrict. Panic set in as police received urgent calls about the shocking event, prompting the deputy chief of Pattaya…
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Why Thai retirees are outliving their Western counterparts
Retiring in Thailand has become increasingly popular among Westerners looking for a more affordable and relaxed lifestyle. Surprisingly, retirees in Thailand often enjoy longer, healthier lives compared to their Western counterparts. This longevity isn’t just luck, it’s a mix of lifestyle, cultural attitudes, and healthcare access that makes the difference. Let’s dive into the key factors that help Thai retirees…
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Thai export extravaganza: Gold rush as figures set at US$290bn
In a dazzling economic twist, Thai exports are on track to shatter the 2% growth target, soaring to an unprecedented US$290 billion this year. Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) chief, credits the surge to booming demand for all things agricultural, food-related, and electronic, thanks to the economic bounce-back in powerhouses like the United States and European…
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Thai woman survives abduction, assault by influential ex-boyfriend
A Thai woman is seeking protection after surviving an abduction and brutal assault by her ex-boyfriend, who is reportedly a high-ranking government official in the central province of Pathum Thani. The assistant nurse, identified as 27 year old A, reached out to the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive and Channel 7, fearing that she would not receive protection or justice from…
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Student killed in tragic car crash at Khlong Ha intersection
A third-year engineering student from Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi was tragically killed in a car accident when his sedan crashed into the back of a waiting van at a red light, injuring two others. At 11pm yesterday, October 28, Siripong Apiwan, the Deputy Inspector (Investigation) of Thanyaburi Police Station, received a report of a collision involving injuries and fatalities.…
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Golden opportunity: Prices to sparkle amid global turmoil, US policy
Gold prices are primed for a glittering rise this week, says the Gold Research Centre (GRC). Driven by a trio of global factors, the Middle East turmoil, cues from the Bank of Japan’s (BoJ) policy moves, and faltering US economic signals—this precious metal is sparking keen market interest. While most experts brace for stable or dipping gold rates, the GRC…
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Mystery surrounds woman’s body found in Hua Na forest
A shocking discovery was made when a young man, stopping by the roadside, found the body of a woman in a forest, 12 days after she had mysteriously disappeared. Her parents are questioning the circumstances of her death and have called for a thorough investigation. Police received a report from the 191 Radio Centre about a deceased woman found in…
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Granite factory dispute in Bangkok leaves two dead, one injured
A tragic altercation among workers at a granite factory in Bangkok resulted in two fatalities and one severe injury. Police apprehended the suspect shortly after the incident, which occurred today, October 29, in the Taling Chan district. Police were notified of the incident at 12.10am, involving a deadly knife attack among workers at a granite factory on Borommaratchachonnani Road. Upon…
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Ducati deception: Thai man’s home seized after lawyer advice
A Thai man accused a famous lawyer of deceiving him by hiding his Ducati motorcycle to avoid its repossession by a finance company for her gain. This alleged deception ultimately resulted in the finance company seizing his home. The 43 year old Thai man, Wisit Pinbankuay, visited the Central Investigation Bureau Complaint Centre yesterday, October 28, to file a complaint against…
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Thailand to raise inflation target range for 2025 by 0.5%
The Finance Ministry and the Bank of Thailand are preparing to set the inflation target range for 2025, with the ministry proposing a 0.5% increase over the current range. A source from the Finance Ministry, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira met with central bank chief Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput yesterday, October 28.…
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Bitcoin breaks the bank: Crypto leap sends shockwaves through markets
In a dazzling leap forward, Bitcoin smashed through the US$71,000 barrier, sending shockwaves through the financial world. This crypto milestone, unmatched since June, comes on the heels of hefty inflows into exchange-traded funds and rampant election speculation. As the clock ticked past 10.45am in Singapore, the digital asset darling rocketed over 2%, peaking at an impressive US$71,310. Not to be…
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Drug gang’s truck crashes with 1.6m meth pills, suspects flee
A drug trafficking gang’s pickup truck, loaded with over 1.6 million methamphetamine pills, crashed after a tyre burst. The suspects fled into a nearby forest, prompting a police manhunt. At approximately 2.45am today, October 29, Chaiyachai Nathanakarn, the superintendent of Phatthana Nikhom Police Station, led a team to investigate a report from Chaiwat Kuntolthong, a local volunteer and assistant village…
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Fire torches Phichit warehouse, 10 million baht damage
A fire ravaged four connected buildings housing a second-hand Japanese goods warehouse in the heart of Phichit, causing 10 million baht in damages. The fire broke out around 12.30am today, October 29, with local police and emergency services scrambling to control the blaze. Police Lieutenant Natthaphon Netyim, deputy inspector of Mueang Phichit Police Station, received a report about the fire…
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Bangkok Bank’s virtual gamble: A licence to thrill in digital banking
In a bold move set to shake up the banking scene, Bangkok Bank (BBL) is betting big on bagging a coveted virtual bank licence, boasting the might of its powerhouse partners as a strategic edge. The bank is convinced that its dream team will help it emerge victorious in the bustling virtual banking battleground. Kobsak Pootrakool, BBL’s senior executive vice-president,…
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Motorcycle shooting in Samut Songkhram injures young man
A tense incident unfolded in Samut Songkhram when a young man on a motorcycle shot at a rival’s house, causing injuries but narrowly missing vital areas. Police have apprehended the suspect, who remains uncooperative. Around 9.30pm yesterday, October 28, Phonsuda, a police lieutenant at Mueang Samut Songkhram Police Station, received a report of a shooting with injuries behind Koo Thammasatit…
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Parliament to debate charter amendments in December session
Parliament will deliberate on charter amendment bills during its next session in December, as confirmed by House Speaker Wan Muhammad Noor Matha. The decision followed an agreement between the government, opposition, and Senate whips to address the proposed revisions to the 2017 constitution in the upcoming Parliamentary session due to time constraints in the current one, which concludes tomorrow, October…
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AirAsia takes off with five new international routes
AirAsia is ramping up its operations towards the end of the year with the launch of five new international routes. These include two routes from Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport to Hyderabad, India, and Phu Quoc, Vietnam, and three routes from Phuket to Kolkata and Chennai in India, and Siem Reap, Cambodia. Supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Don…
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Sisaket shooting leaves man dead, sparks drug crackdown
A tragic shooting incident in Sisaket has left a 24 year old man dead, with police investigating two potential motives. The victim, Kittisak, was found with 25 methamphetamine pills in his pocket, prompting a crackdown on local drug activities. The unfortunate event occurred at 11pm on October 26. Kittisak, from Nam Kliang district, Sisaket province, was critically wounded in a…
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Mystery unbedded: Thai police dig into Canadian man’s death
Thai police are digging deep into the puzzling death of a 46 year old Canadian man discovered by a group of his friends after five days of silence. The alarm was raised in a quiet corner of Moo 8, Srisoontorn, alerting Thalang police officers to the scene at around 12.35pm, yesterday, October 28. The man’s body was found peacefully in…
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Disabled Thai woman robbed, physical assaulted and dumped in Pattaya
A disabled Thai woman sought help from officers at Mueang Pattaya Police Station yesterday after her dishonest girlfriend, in collusion with her boyfriend, allegedly robbed, physically assaulted, and abandoned her in Pattaya. The 33 year old victim, Chutiphat “Air” Noo-krod, arrived at the police station last night, October 28, to file a complaint against her girlfriend, Nam. However, officers faced…
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Sisters survive 10-metre fall after motorcycle crash in Phuket
Two sisters narrowly escaped death when their motorcycle, with faulty brakes, lost control and crashed into a roadside barrier, causing them to fall into a 10-metre-deep ravine. The incident occurred on a steep road in Patong, Phuket. At approximately 5.40pm yesterday, October 28, Police Lieutenant Pongpipat Kumchumpoo of the Patong Police Station received a report of a motorcycle accident on…
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Chiang Rai enters second phase of post-flood restoration
Chiang Rai entered the second phase of its restoration process after recent floods, focusing on enhancing infrastructure, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. The Office of Prime Minister’s spokesperson, Jirayu Houngsab, reported that Phumtham, along with several Interior Ministry officials, participated in a ceremony yesterday, October 28, to hand over flood-recovered areas in Mae Sai district.…
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Thai police intercept 2 million meth pills in sedan bust
Thai police in Wang Noi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, arrested a major drug trafficker, seizing a significant quantity of methamphetamine pills hidden in a sedan. The arrest happened after a keen-eyed officer noticed the vehicle appeared heavily loaded, leading to a search that uncovered five sacks of drugs. Yesterday, October 28, at the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Provincial Police Headquarters,…
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2 Thai teens surrender after brutal attack on homeless man in Isaan (video)
Two of the three Thai teenagers involved in the brutal attack on a homeless man in the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima surrendered to the police yesterday. They claimed that another friend ordered them to commit the crime. Locals in the Pak Chong district of Nakhon Ratchasima, along with rescuers from the Sawang Dhammastan Foundation, rushed the homeless man, 60 year…
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Bangkok cops reel in cunning Phuket light rail project con artist
The Metropolitan Police Investigation Bureau cops in Bangkok reeled in a cunning fraudster who duped victims into a sham Phuket light rail project investment scheme. The lady in question, only identified as 44 year old Ms Wongduean, was apprehended on Nawamin 70 Road in the bustling Bueng Kum district on Sunday, October 27. Ms Wongduean is accused of swindling over…
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Pakistani vendors in Pattaya attack tourist for refusing their products
Pakistani vendors at Pattaya Night Bazaar brutally attacked a fellow countryman last night, leaving him unconscious after he refused to buy their herbal products. A Thai witness, Mit, and his friend shared a video of the unconscious Pakistani victim, Muhammad Abdullah, yesterday, October 28, on social media to seek justice for him. The video showed Abdullah lying on the ground…
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