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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9 houses damaged in recent Phuket landslide, no injuries reported
Another landslide hit the Ratsada sub-district of Phuket in the early hours of this morning leaving nine houses in the area damaged. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The landslide in the Kata sub-district of Phuket last week killed 13 people, most of whom were migrant workers, and affected more than 200 households in the area. Residents are not yet out…
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Rescue efforts intensify for rail tunnel trapped Thai workers
Rescue teams are working tirelessly to save three workers trapped inside the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail tunnel in Nakhon Ratchasima. Ekkarat Sriarayanphong, Chief of the Governor’s Office of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), provided an update on the situation yesterday, August 27, detailing the efforts being made to reach the workers. Teams are carefully digging through the collapsed section of…
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Weeded out: Stranded fisherman rescued by helicopter after two days
A fisherman stranded on his boat amidst aquatic weeds for two days and nights was eventually rescued by a helicopter. The incident occurred in the Huai Luang Reservoir, Nong Bua Ban subdistrict, Udon Thani province. Heavy storms trapped Tan Sihararat, a 53 year old resident of Nam Phon Nuea, Nong Wua So district, in a dense mass of water hyacinths…
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Thai air force opts for Swedish Gripen jets over US F-16s
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) announced its decision to acquire Gripen fighter jets from Sweden, opting for these over US-made F-16s. A committee within the RTAF reached this conclusion after examining additional details submitted by both contenders. The review, which occurred yesterday, August 27, focused heavily on offsets such as technology transfer and training, key factors in the Thai…
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New regulation allows convicts to serve time outside Thai prisons
Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong staunchly defended a new regulation permitting convicts to be detained outside of prison, addressing concerns that it might unfairly benefit former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. The Department of Corrections introduced this regulation to mitigate prison overcrowding, as the current system can only accommodate 150,000 to 160,000 inmates. The current prison population in Thailand stands at approximately…
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Whisky business: Methanol madness in khlong sam wa, Bangkok
A rise in methanol poisoning cases linked to illegal herbal whisky in Khlong Sam Wa has led to increased concern. Four deaths have been reported, with two more individuals falling seriously ill, bringing the total number of affected patients to 35. The Department of Disease Control and the Department of Medical Services, under the Ministry of Public Health, reported today…
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Digital wallet scheme may be delayed to next fiscal year
The 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme faces potential postponement until the next fiscal year starting October 1 if not implemented by next month, according to the Budget Bureau. Bureau Director Chalermphol Pensoot stated that the details of the cash handout policy would need to be revisited once the new Cabinet is formed. The initiative, promising 10,000 baht to up to 50…
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Heavy rain and flash flood warning for 51 Thailand provinces
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning for 51 provinces in Thailand, advising residents to prepare for heavy to very heavy rainfall, flash floods, and forest runoffs. The announcement comes as a strong monsoon is expected to impact the region starting today. Thailand is expected to experience increased rainfall, with some areas facing heavy to very heavy downpours.…
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Thailand’s female CEOs soar but the gender equality gap remains
Thailand’s female business leaders are smashing glass ceilings at an impressive rate, but the country’s gender equality struggle is far from over. With 32% of senior leadership positions in Thai businesses held by women, compared to a global average of 27%, Thailand boasts one of the highest ratios of women CEOs in the world. Nearly 90% of businesses in Thailand…
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Peek performance: Students nab half-naked pervert in petrol station
A group of Thai students last night managed to catch a half-naked pervert who fled after peeking at a woman in a bathroom at a petrol station in the Isaan province of Chaiyaphum. Officers from Mueang Chaiyaphum Police Station yesterday, August 26, were called to a road outside Chaiyaphum Wanaram Temple, where the group of students caught the alleged suspect,…
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Job jolt: Thailand’s unemployment hits two-year high at 1.07%
Thailand’s unemployment rate surged to a two-year high, with 1.07% of the workforce out of a job, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) revealed. The rise marks the highest level of unemployment since the Covid-19 pandemic waned, showing a worrying trend in the nation’s job market. Danucha Pichayanan, NESDC Secretary-General, reported that the rate had climbed slightly from…
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Most Thai listed companies report Q2 this year profits
Thailand’s stock exchange disclosed that 819 out of 856 listed companies have submitted their second-quarter financial results for this year, with 631 reporting net profits. This represents a significant 77.05% of the companies that submitted financial statements. The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) has seen continuous growth in the second quarter of this year. Sales for listed companies in the…
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Thailand boosts HDD production with 23.5 billion baht investment
Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) approved a significant investment project by Western Digital Storage Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd., to expand its hard disk drive (HDD) and related equipment production. The project, valued at 23.516 billion baht, will take place in Bang Pa-in Industrial Estate, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province and 304 Industrial Park, Prachin Buri province. The Secretary-General of the…
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Nomad’s land: TAT’s Destination Thailand Visa leaves embassies in fog
Despite the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) pushing the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) as a boon for digital nomads, the Pattaya Mail has discovered a troubling lack of clarity among Thai embassies. This long-stay visa, designed for remote workers and freelancers wishing to reside in Thailand, is meant to be straightforward, but many embassies are failing to provide adequate guidance…
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Thai man hospitalised after eating ‘crazy eggplant’ to quit drinking
A Thai man in the Isaan province of Mahasarakham lost consciousness after his wife forced him to consume poisonous jimsonweed believing it would help him quit drinking. Mahasarakham Hospital issued a warning to the public after the 61 year old Thai man, Thongdaeng, was admitted to the hospital after consuming the poisonous fruit. It is known among Thais as Makhuea…
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Pattaya City officials invited to China’s Hunan for strengthened ties
Pattaya City officials received a visit from the Vice Governor of Hunan province in China, accompanied by a delegation. They extended an invitation for Pattaya officials to visit Hunan province, aiming to enhance friendship and mutual understanding between Thai and Chinese communities. The initiative seeks to promote shared prosperity through cooperation in economics, trade, tourism, science and technology, culture, education,…
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Bangkok man arrested for raping 11 year old girl while drunk
In a disturbing incident, a 23 year old Bangkok man has been arrested for allegedly raping an 11 year old girl. The suspect lured the girl under the pretence of taking her to see her brother, who was fishing nearby, before sexually assaulting her. He later claimed that he was drunk during the incident. Yesterday, August 26, at 11am, Police…
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Music is the food of love for TAT festival in Hat Yai this weekend
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is rolling out the red carpet for a spectacular celebration of art, music, and culture in southern Thailand with the HATYAI OUTLOUD festival. Scheduled from August 30 to September 1, this vibrant event will light up the Robinson Department Store parking lot and the Sino-European Building Sai 1 on Niphat Uthit 1 Road in…
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Thailand’s household debt growth slows amid stricter loan criteria
Household debt growth in Thailand decelerated in the first quarter of this year, partly due to stricter loan criteria imposed by financial institutions, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) announced. The NESDC Secretary-General, Danucha Pichayanan, reported that household debt reached 16.3 trillion baht in the first quarter of 2024, marking a 2.5% increase, which is a slowdown from…
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Saudia adds dreamliner flights to Phuket
Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, is set to make your travel dreams come true with its latest addition to the flight network. The airline confirmed that from December 2 it will launch flights to the exotic island of Phuket, making it the second Thai city in its roster after Bangkok. This move is part of Saudia’s strategic…
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Thai monk resigns after secret filming reveals misconduct (video)
A monk in Suphan Buri has been reportedly filmed engaging in behaviour contrary to Buddhist religious principles, leading to his resignation from the monastic order and departure from the province. The revelation came from a Facebook page called Humans of Suphan Buri (เล่าเรื่องเมืองสุพรรณ) which shared a video clip provided by a concerned citizen. The video allegedly shows the monk, who…
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More heavy rain forecast for 53 provinces in Thailand
Heavy rain is expected to continue across Thailand, with 53 provinces particularly affected, including the upper northern, upper northeastern, and western southern regions. Residents in these areas should be cautious of flash floods and sudden water surges. Today, the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a 24-hour weather forecast indicating increased rainfall and heavy downpours in certain areas. The upper northern…
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Fin-ancial forecast: Pisces to swim through love but sink in expenses
Astrologer Tosaporn warns Pisces about significant financial burdens but highlights positive romantic developments. Tosaporn recently took to social media, alerting followers that while Pisces may experience fulfilling love lives, they should brace for unavoidable expenses. The renowned astrologer noted that this period offers Pisces the chance to enhance their romantic relationships, providing time to deepen connections and nurture bonds. However,…
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Thailand’s new anti-smoking rule burns Thai vendors’ profits
Thailand is stepping up its fight against smoking with a hard-hitting new regulation that could hit vendors where it hurts—right in the wallet. Starting last Wednesday, August 21, retail sellers of cigarettes and tobacco are now required to display posters warning of the severe dangers of smoking, or they could be slapped with a fine of up to 5,000 baht.…
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Chinese man caught red-handed running illegal tours in Thailand
Thai police nabbed a Chinese national running an unauthorised tour business, exposing a shadowy operation exploiting Thailand’s tourism industry. The National Tourist Police, under the leadership of Police Colonel Piyapong Raksa, Deputy Superintendent of the Tourist Police Division, swooped in on Hao, a 41 year old Chinese national, at the bustling Four Regions Floating Market on Sukhumvit Road on Sunday, August…
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Man seeks justice after wife dies from hospital’s inadequate care
In a heartfelt Facebook post, a Thai man expressed his grief after the sudden death of his wife, who succumbed to severe pneumonia. Anuwa Jarong detailed the ordeal at a hospital where his wife was kept waiting for nearly an hour before receiving inadequate care. Anuwa’s wife, Amina, died on Friday after battling a severe lung infection. She was 35…
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Thailand’s BRICS ambition: Gateway to economic power?
As Thailand contemplates joining the BRICS economic bloc, the nation’s public and private sectors are buzzing with anticipation over the potential opportunities and benefits. The growing excitement was evident at the International Media Club of Thailand (IMCT)’s inaugural seminar in Bangkok last Thursday, August 22, where two panels dissected the pros and cons of the Brazil, Russia, India, China, and…
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Father dies from methanol-laced alcohol, daughter seeks justice
A tragic incident involving methanol-laced herbal alcohol resulted in the death of a father in the Khlong Sam Wa area of Bangkok, with his daughter now seeking justice. Three people have already died, and the number of affected individuals has risen to 31. The daughter of the deceased has taken to social media to demand accountability. She posted a heartfelt…
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Gold shop worker steals 24 million baht after 10 years salary freeze
A Thai gold shop worker confessed to stealing 24 million baht worth of gold from a shop in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, because his salary did not increase during his 10 years of employment. The owner of the gold shop took legal action against his 40 year old employee, Phaisarn, after he was caught stealing gold accessories weighing nearly 10…
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Chiang Mai’s explosive night: Firework blast leaves home in ruins
A firework explosion devastated a home in Chiang Mai, prompting an urgent investigation by multiple agencies. The incident occurred yesterday at 2.30pm in Pa Phai, San Sai district, Chiang Mai province. Police swiftly responded to the scene, including local security officials, rescue teams, and the Pa Phai subdistrict municipality. Prasit Wiriya, the village head of Moo 8 in Pa Phai,…
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