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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Ombudsman: No jurisdiction over digital wallet scheme complaints
Keirov Kritteeranon, the secretary-general of the Office of the Ombudsman, revealed that they lack the power to escalate complaints about the contentious digital wallet scheme to the Constitutional Court or any other legal forum. At the heart of the furore are the government’s ambitious plans to distribute 10,000-baht payments to a staggering 50 million adult citizens through digital wallets, alongside…
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Thai diner food fight: Apology served amid delivery rider accusations
A Thai restaurant apologised after accusing food delivery riders of eating customers’ food before delivering it. Netizens believed the issue was made up to promote the restaurant. The restaurant, Monster by Tong, took to Facebook yesterday, May 14, alleging that a driver had consumed a portion of a customer’s grilled meat and rice, providing a picture as evidence. “Rider sneaks…
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Suspected drug agent flees sting operation, leaving kids in Sadao
A 30 year old suspected drug agent narrowly escaped a sting operation by security forces, leaving behind her two young daughters amid chaos. The incident unfolded today, May 15, when a combined military and administrative task force initiated a series of raids targeting drug trafficking in the Sadao district of Songkhla Province. The suspect, known as Kanjana or Khom, managed…
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Bangkok’s tourist boom fuelled by cross-dressing craze
In the heart of Bangkok’s cultural tapestry, temples and palaces stand as timeless monuments, attracting a staggering influx of tourists, now bolstered by an unexpected trend: The rise of cross-dressing among travellers. This unconventional craze, captured in a recent viral video, showcases groups of male tourists donning traditional Thai female attire as they explore the city’s iconic landmarks. Thapanee Kiatphaibool,…
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Food for thought: Microwave routine serves up stomach cancer scare
A man’s daily habit of warming his food in a microwave has led to a grim diagnosis of early-stage stomach cancer, leaving his doctors shaking their heads in dismay. The case highlights the potentially dangerous misuse of microwaves and plastic containers by many individuals unaware of the health risks involved. In a stark reminder of the health hazards associated with…
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Inside the thriving world of Venus clam harvesting
The shores of Naklua and Krating Lai Beach in the Banglamung district are buzzing with activity as locals and workers unite for a timeless tradition – Venus clam harvesting. Amidst the ebb of the tide, a remarkable sight unfolds daily on the sandy shores, drawing a crowd of 60 to 100 individuals, spanning all ages and genders. Armed with baskets…
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Resident finds lifeless body of foreign man in southern Thailand
A resident today stumbled upon the lifeless body of an unidentified foreign man on a roadside in the Takua Thung district in the southern province of Phang Nga. Sub-District Chief Yutthanakorn Juanjenkit filed a complaint with officers at Khok Kloi Police Station after a local in the area discovered the dead body. The body was found on the side of…
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Khon Kaen intensifies raids to tackle rising drug issues
In a sweeping crackdown to combat the escalating drug epidemic, authorities in Khon Kaen, the city grappling with the country’s second highest rate of drug abuse, have initiated a series of targeted raids. Recent operations by the police have put the entire northeast community under scrutiny. The Provincial Police Chief of Khon Kaen, along with military, police, and administrative officers,…
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Phayao jackfruit tree bears amulet-shaped fruit, spurs lottery fever
A peculiar jackfruit tree in Phayao province has become a source of excitement and superstition among locals after bearing fruit that resembles traditional Thai amulets. The tree, situated in front of the buildings of Ban Thung Pa Kha School in the Sri Thoi sub-district of Mae Chai district, is over 10 years old and stands approximately 3 metres tall. Its…
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Tragic birthday: Three year old girl killed by falling tree (video)
A severe thunderstorm in the central province of Uthai Thani resulted in a tragic incident where a falling tree claimed the life of a three year old girl on her birthday. Rescuers and medical workers rushed to a house in the Thap Than district of Uthai Thani after being alerted to a fallen tree. A 62 year old Thai woman,…
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Stormy outlook: TMD warns of thunderstorms in 41 provinces
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a weather alert forecasting thunderstorms across 41 provinces, urging preparedness as a surge of moisture from the Gulf of Thailand and the South China Sea affects the region. As the country braces for potentially disruptive weather, the northern part experiences intense heat, with some areas seeing particularly severe conditions. Residents throughout Thailand, especially in…
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Thailand’s transgender rights echoed by Pheu Thai Party
Efforts to champion transgender rights in Thailand have gained momentum, with Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the Pheu Thai Party, endorsing a push for legal recognition of transgender individuals. This initiative aligns with Thailand’s aspiration to host World Pride by 2030, showcasing the nation’s commitment to equality and inclusivity. At a recent event held at the Siam Discovery shopping centre, Paetongtarn…
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Thai activist autopsy underway, lawyer seeks clear cause of death
The autopsy of political activist Nethiporn, also known as Bung Talu Wang, is currently underway, with the results expected later today. Lawyer Krisadang Nutcharas, a key figure from the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights Centre, attended the procedure at the Forensic Medicine Department of Thammasat University Hospital. The presence of Nethiporn’s sister, who has chosen to remain anonymous, was noted,…
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Beetle hunting dispute turns fatal in Kamphaeng Phet
A dispute over a hunting ground for capturing beetles in Kamphaeng Phet province turned deadly when a 46 year old man, enraged by a prior assault, fatally stabbed a 42 year old villager. The incident occurred yesterday in the Na Bo Kham area and escalated from a heated argument to a violent confrontation. The mother of the assailant attempted to…
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Canadian company eyes Pattaya for new international school
To bolster Pattaya’s educational landscape, Mayor Poramase Ngampiches hosted a high-profile meeting with representatives from AKD International Inc. of Canada at Pattaya City Hall on Monday evening. The focus of the discussion was the potential establishment of an international Chinese school in the city. AKD International Inc., founded in Toronto in 1994, operates 28 schools and two universities in China,…
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Woman’s luck soars after Thai temple ritual nets lottery win
A woman‘s luck continued to soar after she won a substantial lottery prize immediately following a traditional Thai ritual to boost fortune. The 32 year old Thai lottery winner returned to the temple to give thanks and participated in the ritual again, hoping for a repeat of her recent windfall. The temple at Wat Song Sawei, also known as Wat…
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Cathay-Siam Piwat partnership: Shopping rewards to travel perks
Overseas Cathay members are in for a treat as Cathay and Siam Piwat unveil an exciting enhancement to their partnership. The new scheme allows members to convert ONESIAM Coins to Asia Miles, offering unprecedented rewards both on the ground and in the air. Imagine strolling through the bustling malls of Bangkok and effortlessly converting your shopping rewards into travel perks.…
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Bangkok man gets mental health help after faeces-hurling habit
A Thai man is finally receiving treatment for mental illness after throwing his faeces at neighbours’ houses in the Ratchada area of Bangkok for over two years. A Thai woman named Pha sought help from social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet after reporting the incidents to the man’s parents, Phahonyothin Police Station, and various government organisations, but was ignored. Pha recounted…
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Bangkok slashes waste with composting, saving 141 million baht
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) successfully implemented a waste composting initiative as part of the Mai Teh Ruam campaign, leading to significant savings in refuse disposal costs. The campaign, translating to Say No to Unseparated Garbage, encourages the separation of perishable waste to create compost, and saw participation from numerous markets and restaurants across the city. BMA spokesperson Ekwathanyu Amrapal announced…
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Thai Vietjet’s unbelievable offer on zero-fare flights
Thai Vietjet is making waves with an irresistible promotion, offering zero-fare tickets on all domestic and international flights from Thailand. These zero fares (excluding taxes and fees) are available for booking until Friday, May 17. The travel period spans from June 1 to February 28, 2025. This deal covers Thai Vietjet’s extensive domestic network from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to popular destinations…
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SMEs loans complications eased by Finance Ministry’s new AMC
The Thai Finance Ministry has scheduled the establishment of a new asset management company (AMC) for next month. This move aims to provide relief to beleaguered retail borrowers, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), by assisting them in clearing non-performing loan (NPL) statuses and embarking on a fresh financial journey. The collaborative effort between Government Savings Bank (GSB) and Bangkok…
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Elderly tourist’s nightmare ride: Abandoned and robbed in Pattaya
In a shocking incident that has raised serious concerns about tourist safety in Pattaya, the Tourist Police swiftly responded to a distress call on Monday. Concerned locals reported an elderly foreigner in distress at the J Intersection on Sukhumvit Road in the Sattahip district. The man, identified as 81 year old Israeli national Albert Mahlev, was found sitting by the…
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Gunkul Engineering pulls the plug on cannabis investment
Gunkul Engineering, a Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET)-listed renewable energy firm, is halting its investment in the cannabis industry, awaiting clearer government regulations. The company, which ventured into cannabis and hemp through its subsidiary GK Hemp Group, has already spent nearly 500 million baht (US$14 million) on developing its cannabis project but is now pausing further expenditure. The firm’s decision…
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Tuk tuk driver faces 90 day suspension for overcharging tourists
In a recent development, the tuk tuk driver who overcharged a group of Japanese tourists has been summoned for further questioning on the incident following a swift response from transportation authorities. The driver demanded a fare of 1,500 baht per person for a short journey from Asoke to Thanon Thaniya, totalling a hefty 6,000 baht for the four passengers. In…
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Pier pressure: Pattaya’s iconic sign vandalised, community shocked
In a shocking act of vandalism, Pattaya City’s cherished landmark, the PATTAYA CITY sign at Bali Hai Pier, has been defaced, leaving the community reeling. The iconic sign, once a proud emblem of Pattaya’s vibrant identity, now stands marred by thoughtless spray paint, a glaring symbol of disrespect. This landmark, adored by locals and tourists alike, represents more than just…
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Central Retail reports 6% revenue boost to 67.3 billion baht
Central Retail Corporation‘s first quarter earnings report revealed a robust performance, with a 6% revenue increase to 67.3 billion baht (US$1.84 billion). Significantly, the company’s net profit jumped by 14% to 2.52 billion baht (US$ 70 million) compared to the same period last year. Under the leadership of Yol Phokasub, the company has seen a notable shift towards omni-channel retailing,…
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Thai tyrant’s son blames shadowy figure for student massacre
Colonel Narong Kittikachorn, once notorious as one of Thailand’s three tyrants of the 1970s, passed away yesterday morning at the age of 90 in Bangkok’s Phramongkutklao Hospital. Hospital officials confirmed he had been receiving treatment in the intensive care unit. Born on October 21, 1933, Narong was the son of the infamous Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn and the son-in-law of…
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Superrich faces stalled growth as tourists prefer travel cards
Renowned local money changer Superrich Currency Exchange (1995) Co, known by its SuperRich Orange brand, has faced a challenging start to the year with its transaction growth stalling at zero during the initial four months, despite an increase in foreign travellers. The stagnation in Superrich’s growth is largely due to the rising popularity of travel card services, which are increasingly…
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Justice minister vows action after hunger strike activist’s death
Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong announced plans yesterday to visit political activist Tantawan Tuatulanon, who has been on a hunger strike since late January. This decision follows the tragic death of fellow activist Netiporn Sanesangkhom who succumbed to cardiac arrest at Thammasat University Hospital yesterday. Minister Tawee expressed his condolences over Netiporn’s death, emphasising the government’s commitment to transparency. “A thorough…
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Thai noodle giant unfazed by minimum wage increase to 400 baht
The imminent nationwide increase in the minimum wage to 400 baht holds little concern for major noodle producer Thai President Foods PCL, the maker of the popular instant noodle brand Mama, which believes the company’s ability to adapt will mitigate any significant impact, highlighting instead the potential challenges this wage hike could pose to smaller enterprises and small and medium-sized…
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