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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Sponsored Top 10 reasons for expats to get a comprehensive health insurance in Thailand
Moving to Thailand offers plenty of excitement and adventure, but the local healthcare system can be complex to navigate as an expat. From unique health risks to high costs at private hospitals, having a comprehensive health insurance plan is essential....
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Court shakes up Senate race: Judge advises removal of EC regs
A judge at the Administrative Court has advised the removal of certain Election Commission (EC) regulations that govern how Senate election candidates introduce themselves, following complaints from petitioners. Activists and candidates filed a petition against the EC regulations, arguing that they overly restrict candidates’ use of social media and mass media to introduce themselves to the public. The court held…
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Phuket jet ski tragedy casts shadow over British man’s holiday
A British man’s paradise holiday in Phuket tragically turned to gloom for his family when he lost his life in a jet ski crash earlier this month. Jonathan Greene, from Stoke-on-Trent, met a tragic end during his holiday in the sun-soaked paradise of Phuket earlier this month. The 37 year old, of Church Avenue in Baddeley Green, was soaking up the…
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Thailand’s hydrogen hype: Fuelling a cleaner future
Thailand is gearing up to construct a hydrogen economy, motivated by both state and business initiatives to advance hydrogen fuel ventures and foster cleaner energy usage. The nation’s potential for a low carbon-driven economy is gaining traction following a joint announcement by PTT Global Chemical (PTTGC), the largest petrochemical producer in Thailand, and Bangkok Industrial Gas, the country’s leading industrial…
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Thonburi Healthcare to invest 1.5 billion baht in cancer centres
Thonburi Healthcare Group Plc (THG) will invest 1-1.5 billion baht to establish three cancer centres in Thailand, aligning with the trend of specialised hospitals and expanding its operations in Myanmar and Vietnam. According to the Chief Executive, Dr. Tanatip Suppradit, the company aims to meet the increasing demand for hospital beds in Myanmar and enhance its wellness business in Vietnam.…
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Cassava crunch: Thai exports take a dip with 16.4% drop in Q1
Thai exports of cassava and cassava products fell by 16.4% year-on-year in the first quarter, largely due to a reduction in cassava chip output. The Director-General of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office, Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, reported that the export value of cassava and cassava products reached 33.2 billion baht for the first three months of this year, marking a 16.4%…
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Bleak reefs: Coral bleaching hits Mooh Koh Surin & Phi Phi Island
The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DMCR) revealed seven coral bleaching sites have been identified in Moo Koh Surin National Park in Phang Nga, with up to 70% of coral fields around Krabi’s Phi Phi Island also affected. An investigation into the bleaching situation, conducted over two days, revealed that seven coral reef sites in Moo Koh Surin…
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NBTC rings changes: Task force to dial down online banking scams
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has established a working group to enforce a new policy aimed at preventing online scams targeting mobile banking users. This policy mandates that the name used to register a mobile phone SIM card must match the name of the bank account holder connected to the internet via that SIM card. This policy had…
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Passengers recount chaos on ill-fated Singapore Airlines flight (video)
Passengers aboard the ill-fated Singapore Airlines flight recounted harrowing scenes during an emergency landing in Bangkok yesterday, after a 73 year old British man, Geoff Kitchen, succumbed to a suspected heart attack triggered by severe turbulence that wreaked havoc in the cabin. The turbulence, which struck as a meal service was underway, left more than 30 passengers injured and plunged…
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PM Srettha scrambles to address economic woes
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has called an urgent meeting with his economic ministers next Monday in a bid to tackle Thailand’s sluggish economic growth. This move comes after a dismal first-quarter GDP report, which has sent shockwaves through the government and the public alike. In a Twitter post last night, the 62 year old Thai prime minister announced that…
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TAT’s grand plan to attract 39 million tourists to Thailand
The Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT) called for a major budget increase to boost tourism revenue to a staggering 3.5 trillion baht in 2024, attracting more tourists. The Thai government is aiming high, with an ambitious goal to lure no fewer than 39 million international tourists to its stunning shores throughout 2024. To achieve this, the TAT is pushing for…
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Singapore Airlines emergency landing claims one life, injures 30
One passenger was tragically killed and 30 others were injured as a Singapore Airlines flight made an emergency landing at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok due to the severe weather. Thai PBS reported that the air traffic control team at Suvarnabhumi Airport received an emergency signal, squawk code 7700, from the Boeing 777-300ER at 4 pm today, May 21. The…
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Aftermath of Netiporn’s death: Activists demand judicial reform
In a dramatic showdown, Thalu Wang activists gathered outside Government House in Bangkok demanding judicial reforms following the tragic death of Netiporn Sanesangkhom. The activist’s untimely demise, attributed to medical negligence while in pretrial detention, has ignited a fervent call for change. Fewer than 20 activists converged at the Chamai Maru Chet bridge entrance, shortly after ministers concluded their weekly…
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NZ engineering giant Beca to drive Thailand’s green future
New Zealand’s leading advisory and engineering consultancy, Beca, is set to shape Thailand’s future, following Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s pivotal visit on April 17. CEO Amelia Linzey accompanied the business delegation, underscoring the powerful partnership between the two nations focused on green building and smart infrastructure. Prime Minister Luxon’s visit marked a major milestone in the Thailand-New Zealand relationship, particularly…
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Philippines aims to be Asia’s next logistics hub with US support
According to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the Philippines is positioning itself as Asia’s next manufacturing and logistics hub, leveraging its strengthening relationship with the United States. Under the leadership of Marcos, the Philippines has bolstered its defence and economic cooperation with Washington, which recently committed to accelerating investments in the nation’s transport infrastructure, clean energy, and semiconductor supply chains through the…
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Bangkok’s new food paradise: Mitsukoshi supermarket
Bangkok is set to experience a gastronomic transformation as One Bangkok, the city’s fully integrated smart and sustainable district, partners with Japan’s largest department store group, Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Co., Ltd. This strategic collaboration aims to redefine Bangkok’s food and grocery shopping experience. One Bangkok, a joint venture between TCC Assets (Thailand) and Frasers Property Holdings (Thailand) Company Limited, has…
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South Pattaya: Teen left bloodied in early morning brawl
A brutal brawl erupted on Second Road in South Pattaya in the early hours of last Sunday, leaving an 18 year old Thai boy severely injured. The shocking altercation, which took place around 5am, saw the teenager, Thanapat Singthom, suffer a deep cut on his neck, a gash above his left eyebrow, and numerous abrasions on his body. Blood-soaked and…
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Thailand seeks new stimulus after Q1 growth falls short
Following Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira’s announcement yesterday, Thailand needs additional stimulus measures to unlock its economic potential after experiencing lower-than-expected growth in the first quarter. The country’s economy expanded by only 1.5% year-on-year in the first quarter. This performance, while surpassing analysts’ forecasts, fell short of the 1.7% growth recorded in the previous quarter, said Pichai. “There was still growth…
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Chiang Mai Airport grants Grab exclusive ride-hailing rights
Chiang Mai Airport defended its decision to grant Grab exclusive rights to operate ride-hailing services at its passenger terminal. Only vehicles using the Grab app are permitted to pick up passengers at the airport, according to Chiang Mai Airport General Manager Ronnakorn Chalermsanyakorn. Ronnakorn explained that two categories of vehicles provide services at the airport. The first category includes non-regular…
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Thai man’s birthday surprise from Bangkok taxi driver goes viral
A Thai man shared a heartwarming video on TikTok showing a Bangkok taxi driver who surprised him with a birthday present by playing “Happy Birthday” during his ride. The Thai TikTok user shared the heartwarming video during a taxi ride on his account, @icetsuki, on May 19, with the caption, “Unexpected moment on taxi car.” The man explained in the…
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Corrupt BMA official busted: Bangkok bribery scandal exposed
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) launched a disciplinary committee to investigate a shocking corruption case involving a high-ranking Public Works Department official. Anti-corruption police and the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission made headlines yesterday with the arrest of Peempong, a key suspect in a major bribery scandal. Three other suspects were apprehended in coordinated raids. During the dramatic raid on Peempong’s…
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Sky-high savings: Webjet and AirAsia unveil mega Asia sale
Webjet and AirAsia have joined forces again, promising Aussie travellers unbeatable fares to Asia’s hottest destinations. In a major boost for Aussie globetrotters, Webjet, Australia’s leading online travel agency, relaunched its partnership with AirAsia. This exciting collaboration promises easier access to affordable flights, thanks to AirAsia’s extensive network. The partnership aims to offer customers a broader range of choices and…
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Pattaya Mayor anticipates roadwork to be completed by year’s end
Mayor Poramet Ngampichet of Pattaya delivered an update on the ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects aimed at improving the city’s drainage systems. These initiatives, funded by the previous budget allocation, represent a concerted effort to enhance the city’s infrastructure and overall livability. Highlighting key accomplishments, Mayor Poramet announced the successful completion of drainage installation on Thepprasit Road. Work on Pattaya…
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Pattaya police introduce mobile app to boost tourist safety
Pattaya City Police Station has unveiled the PATTAYA SAFETY application to boost tourist safety. Superintendent Police Colonel Navin Theerawit announced this innovative app designed to enhance the safety of Thai and international tourists visiting the vibrant city of Pattaya. Developed under the provincial police’s guidance, the PATTAYA SAFETY app acts as a comprehensive platform for incident reporting, tip submission, and…
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Pothole in Samut Prakan damages 10 vehicles, injures motorcyclist
A dozen vehicles were damaged and a motorcyclist was left injured in Samut Prakan when they encountered a pothole next to a temporary cover on Srinakarin Road in the Mueang district last night. At least 10 cars experienced tyre and wheel damage and a motorcyclist was injured after falling into the hole. Police received the report at around 10pm. The hole…
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Chalong Bay luxury yacht goes up in flames
A 34.2-metre luxury yacht yesterday suffered extensive damage in a dramatic blaze, which left its towering mast levelled. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) sprang into action around 3pm, dispatching two boats, Tor 111 and Tor 272, to the scene. Upon arrival, they found the yacht, Obsession II, anchored and continuously burning. The yacht’s crew, who…
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Thai govt boosts support for park rangers with wage increase
The Thai government has taken a significant step to strengthen the crucial efforts of national park rangers by introducing a series of measures to improve their welfare and support. Among these measures is a wage increase, serving as a clear acknowledgement of the invaluable contributions made by park rangers across the country. The Director-General of the Department of National Parks,…
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Blaze destroys British man’s condo in Pattaya
A terrifying blaze erupted in the early hours of May 17 at the Center Condotel on South Pattaya Road, causing extensive damage and forcing the frantic evacuation of residents. The fire, reported at 3.36am, initially broke out on the 12th floor, quickly spreading to the 13th floor as thick smoke engulfed the building, creating a chaotic and perilous scene. Kraithong…
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Thailand’s sports equipment market to hit 32 billion baht
The sports equipment market is set for significant growth in the coming years, thanks to a surge in consumer interest in health and wellness since the Covid-19 pandemic began. President of the Thailand Sporting Trade Association Kitti Charoenpornpanichkul reported that the domestic sports equipment market reached a value of approximately 30 billion baht (US$826 million) last year. This figure surpasses…
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Rocket near-miss with aircraft prompts safety concerns in Surin
Rocket fireworks narrowly missed an aircraft in Surin province on Sunday, prompting officials to urge pilots to navigate around them. The district chief denied the incident occurred in his area, highlighting a lack of clarity about the event’s location. Local reporters were alerted to illegal gambling activities at the Boon Bang Fai rocket festival behind a temple in Ban Jang…
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Old habits die hard: Man fresh out of prison nabbed for Yaba pills
Barely a week after his release from prison, a Bangkok man was apprehended for distributing Yaba pills obtained from a former inmate friend. He was caught selling pills at 8 baht each, totalling 6,000 pills, before being ensnared in a police sting operation. At 7.40pm yesterday, investigative units from Sing Buri Provincial Police, alongside local authorities, received intelligence about a…
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