Thailand News
Discover the most recent and relevant news from across Thailand on The Thaiger’s National News page. Covering a wide range of topics, including politics, business, crime, and lifestyle, our dedicated team brings you breaking news, in-depth analysis, and exclusive stories from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond.
Stay informed about the latest developments in Thai society, economy, and culture, as well as updates on travel, tourism, and expat life. With The Thaiger, you’ll never miss out on the essential news that matters to you.
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Infinito helps hotels in Thailand with revenue management
Maximising revenue and profit–isn’t that the ultimate goal for every business in the hospitality industry? If you run a hotel, you might have heard that revenue management is an effective way to boost your top-line revenue. It involves using data...
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Activists challenge Thaksin’s hospital treatment, demand transparency
A recent post by former Election Commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn on January 3 questioned the alleged preferential treatment for Thaksin Shinawatra, former Thai PM, a high-profile prisoner receiving medical care at the Police General Hospital. In response, the Thai Department of Corrections addressed the matter on January 6, clarifying their stance and procedures concerning long-term treatments exceeding 120 days for inmates…
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Body of Thai toddler found in fridge: Choked on sticky rice, reveals autopsy
The lifeless body of a two year old boy, Theerapong Duangngam, also known as Nong Nai, was discovered inside a refrigerator in the bedroom of his adoptive parents, Hannarong, also known as Bank Praiphnom, and Marisa, also known as Koi, yesterday. Theerapong ‘s autopsy report was released today. The report, disclosed to the media by Police Lieutenant Phruet Jamroonsart, head…
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Decade-long fugitive apprehended in Bangkok for sexual assault offence
The Crime Suppression Division apprehended a man who had been on the run after being sentenced to a decade in prison for a sexual assault offence. The 42 year old fugitive was caught at a market in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district today. Amnat was originally arrested for threatening and sexually assaulting a woman in the Phichit province back in 2005. The…
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Pedestrian bridge collapses onto dump truck on Northbound Highway 32
A pedestrian bridge in Ang Thong‘s Mueang district came crashing down onto a dump truck, causing a significant obstruction on the main northbound highway, Highway 32. The incident unfolded around 7am today when the dump truck, with its body unintentionally raised, collided with the footbridge. The Department of Highways reported that the truck was en route north on Highway 32,…
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German President Steinmeier’s visit to Thailand to boost bilateral ties
Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the President of Germany, is set to embark on a three-day visit to Thailand, starting on January 24. The visit is at the invitation of Thai Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin. This announcement marks the first international state leader visit since PM Srettha’s government came into power and the first by a German President since Johannes Rau’s visit in…
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Online scams surge in Thailand warns Central Investigation Bureau
A surge in online scams, driven by the significant increase in internet-based activities, is anticipated to continue throughout this year, warned Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) commissioner Jirabhop Bhuridej. The CIB’s analysis of cybercrime, as reported by the Royal Thai Police (RTP), indicated that over 400,000 cases were logged between March 1 and November 30 of last year. Misleading operations involving…
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Rare white Omura’s whale spotted off Phuket, Thailand (video)
An unexpected encounter with a white Omura’s whale off the coast of Koh He in Phuket marked a potentially unique event, as it could be the first sighting of this incredibly rare species in Thailand and perhaps globally. This news was shared by Associate Professor Thon Thamrongnawasawat, a marine biologist and lecturer at Kasetsart University. The marine biologist yesterday shared…
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Illegal teen hotspot Heaven Rangsit raided, hundreds of underage patrons found
Authorities have raided the notorious teen hotspot, Heaven Rangsit, for operating without a permit and allowing almost 500 underage individuals to patronise the establishment. The bust occurred at around 12.30am today. Officials, including Ronnarong Tipsiri, Inspector General of the Department of Local Administration and Wilun Sitthiwong, Director of the Investigation and Legal Affairs of the Department of Local Administration, led…
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Thai army chief refutes claims of cultural persecution in southern provinces
The Chief of the Fourth Army Region, Santi Sakuntanak, refuted accusations that the Thai army has been legally pursuing youths from the provinces of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat for merely donning traditional Malay attire at a fair celebrating Malay culture. The 54 year old clarified that those summoned to court were implicated in separatist activities and prominently exhibited the emblem…
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Chiang Rai drug traffickers clash with officials: Two fatalities reported
A violent confrontation erupted in Chiang Rai when a drug trafficking caravan refused to halt at the command of officials. The traffickers, armed and dangerous, fired shots at the officers. The clash ended with two traffickers dead, following the officials’ retaliatory gunfire. The incident occurred around 8.30pm yesterday. Manop Senakul, the Police Lieutenant Colonel and head of Chiang Rai Provincial…
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Thailand tightens cannabis regulation for medical use only
Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew enacted a proposed bill concerning the use of cannabis, underlining its restriction to medical applications only. After signing the bill, Cholnan clarified the bill on Saturday. “The newly proposed law will explicitly outline that cannabis can only be utilised for medical reasons. It will further promote the health benefits that cannabis can provide.” Addressing the…
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Hong Kong actor’s extravagant French-inspired penthouse in Bangkok
In the heart of Bangkok, an anonymous Hong Kong actor has unveiled his secret sanctuary — a lavish 5,000-square foot penthouse offering a jaw-dropping 270-degree panoramic view of the city. This celeb hideaway, designed by the renowned Soil Studios, combines sleek modernity with the warm allure of a French holiday home, creating an opulent retreat fit for a star. The…
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Pattaya: Pothole excavations cause frustration for locals
Since the start of roadworks at the Chaiyapruek intersection on January 4, bewildered Pattaya residents have been scratching their heads over the necessity and planning behind this disruptive project. City authorities claim the construction work is an attempt to rectify uneven road surfaces, but the public is not buying it and many are taking to social media to air their…
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10,000 flock to Chiang Rai for monk’s 60th anniversary
The grand celebration of the 60th birthday of the revered Buddhist monk, Phra Khuva Boonchum, which takes place today, January 6, also commemorates his four remarkable decades in monkhood. Worshippers gather for a religious celebration in Wat Phra That Doi Wiang Kaew, Chiang Rai province, marking the 60th birthday of the esteemed Buddhist monk, Phra Khuba Boonchum, also known as…
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Phuket: British and South African tourists clash in street brawl on Bangla Road
A brawl between a group of British and South African tourists on Bangla Road, Patong, Phuket, was reported to local police yesterday morning, January 5. Injuries were sustained by both parties and the Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation was mobilised to send the injured individuals for treatment at Patong Hospital. Photos of the scene of the incident have been released, however, the…
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Transgender arrested for theft of gold necklace worth 300,000 baht
A 29 year old transgender woman made her escape via South Pattaya Road after snatching a 300,000 baht gold necklace from a Chinese tourist on Christmas Day last year. Yu Chao, a 36 year old Chinese tourist, was left stunned. In the early hours of December 25, near Wat Chai, he encountered a transgender woman offering companionship. Little did he…
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Thailand’s bid to become ASEAN halal haven
Thailand‘s Industry Ministry, under the dynamic leadership of Minister Pimpattra Wichaikul, is set to revolutionise the nation into an ASEAN Halal hub. The minister is gearing up for a high-stakes meeting with Saudi Arabian officials, the powerhouse behind the world’s colossal halal markets. Scheduled to confer with the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), Pimpattra is on a mission…
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Government plans to transform military bases into drug rehab centres
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin revealed a strategic initiative to repurpose military facilities as sanctuaries for treating and stabilising drug addicts. The visionary plan, aimed at curbing the societal fallout from illicit drugs, comes after discussions with Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang and army chief General Charoenchai Hinthao. The Thai PM made an announcement on social media. “Drug problems have negative impacts…
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Srettha promises to save Thailand from fiscal chaos
In a parliamentary revelation yesterday, January 5, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin admitted that his government had inherited the controversial fiscal 2024 budget and was scrambling to make necessary improvements. Opposition MPs, particularly from the Democrat Party, unleashed a barrage of complaints, alleging unfair budget allocations that left southern provinces in the lurch. PM Srettha found himself in the hot seat…
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Chon Buri: Essilor Thailand opens job applications with daily wage of 361 baht
Essilor Optical Laboratory (Thailand) Co., Ltd, located in the Amata Nakorn Industrial Estate, Chon Buri, announced openings for new employees. The announcement, posted on the Factory News page, describes the job as comfortable, with a good income, excellent benefits, excellent bonuses, and continuous overtime opportunities. The direct application process offers a wage of 361 baht per day, a shift allowance…
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Pattaya taxi operator finds and returns 64,800 Thai baht left on street
A taxi service operator in Pattaya found a bag containing a substantial amount of money at around 8.30pm yesterday, January 5. The operator, 58 year old Wilailak Pimnoy discovered a clear plastic bag filled with US$1,500 (approximately 54,000 Thai baht) and an additional 10,800 Thai baht. The found money, totalling 64,800 Thai baht, was on the street in front of…
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Nakhon Pathom: Special Forces seize 69 tonnes of illegal pork
The Special Forces unit of Phraya Nakhon Ratchasima seized 69 tonnes of illegal pork yesterday, January 5, and more than half of the transportation permits were found to be counterfeit. Thanadol Suwannarath, the deputy commander of the unit, disclosed that the raid took place in a cold storage facility in Nakhon Pathom province following a tip-off. The Ministry of Agriculture…
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New Bangkok bus terminal set for Bang Sue area
The Transport Ministry is working on a project to construct a new Bangkok Bus Terminal in the Bang Sue vicinity, close to the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal. This decision came to light during a House debate over the 2024 fiscal budget, where Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit addressed concerns raised by Suphanat Minchaiynunt, the Move Forward Party MP for the Chatuchak,…
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Thai student suffers brutal punishment for playing game in computer lab
A 12 year old Thai student in Lam Plai Mat, Buriram Province, was reportedly beaten by a 40 year old mathematics teacher for playing a game called Takraw in the computer room. The boy, identified as A (name changed), returned home crying with a swollen forehead and multiple injuries on his neck and back. His grandfather, 70 year old Sompan,…
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Thai university deputy dean found innocent in man’s death in Khon Kaen
Police confirmed that Khon Kaen University’s deputy dean was not involved in the death of a Thai man at a hotel in the province. The deceased, named Fluke, reportedly died from an excessive overdose of crystal meth. The Thai man’s death at a hotel in the Khon Kaen province became a topic of discussion on social media after the news Facebook…
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Today’s weather: Northern Thailand cools down
Weather conditions across the northern region of Thailand today experienced a dip in temperatures by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius. The peaks of the mountains were particularly cold, with temperatures dropping to 4 degrees. The lowest temperature in Bangkok was 22 degrees. This weather change is due to a high-pressure system and another wave of cold air mass from China…
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Hong Kong Kowloon City to host Songkran festivities and more to boost tourism
Hong Kong’s District Councils are on a mission to rejuvenate the city’s allure, unveiling a host of creative proposals to entice locals and tourists alike. Kowloon City District Council is taking the lead with an electrifying idea – the Kowloon City Thai Vibes with food and water-splashing carnival. Aimed at celebrating the Thai New Year, Songkran, the festivities promise an…
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NESDC: China’s economic slowdown could have significant effect on Thailand
Thailand is on high alert as the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) closely monitors the ripple effects of China’s economic deceleration. Despite initial projections, China’s sluggish growth last year has cast shadows over Thailand’s economic prospects for the coming year. NESDC’s chief, Danucha Pichayanan, predicts Thailand’s economic expansion in 2024 to hover between 2.7% and 3.7%, with a…
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Samut Prakan state of emergency after pesticide fire incident
A leak from a 200-litre drum of pesticides in a pickup truck sparked a state of emergency in Samrong Nuea, Samut Prakan. The incident occurred as the clock struck 7pm yesterday, drawing in firefighter teams and corresponding authorities to the scene. In response to the incident, Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin intervened at 10.20pm, instructing the Governor of Samut Prakan…
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Thailand’s Central Retail eyes potential investment in Selfridges
Central Retail Corp., a leading retailer in Thailand, indicated potential interest in investing in Selfridges, the renowned department store, given the right circumstances. The company outlined their investment criteria in a recent statement to the Thai stock exchange, stating that any new venture must align with its strategic business plan, be reasonably priced, and have optimal timing. The company made…
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