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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Sponsored Thailand vs. the West: What expats save on healthcare each year
Healthcare in Thailand is much cheaper than in Western countries, making it a great choice for expatriates looking for affordable medical care. Both public and private healthcare options offer high-quality services, with savings of up to 80% on procedures like...
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Thailand plans 71.6 kilometres expressway connecting Samut Sakhon and Samut Prakan
Thailand’s Expressway Authority (EXAT) is planning a new expressway spanning 71.6 kilometres to connect Samut Sakhon and Samut Prakan, aiming to significantly improve the transport infrastructure between these two provinces. The proposed project, named the Samut Sakhon-Samut Prakan Riviera, was disclosed by a source familiar with the matter. The project, with an estimated budget of 109.25 billion baht (US$3.2 billion),…
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Former Thai soldier found dead in canal after eerie premonition
A flashing light provided an eerie premonition for a wife worried about her husband, a former special forces soldier who went fishing overnight. His body was eventually found floating in a canal near his motorcycle. At 11am yesterday, October 24, Deputy Inspector Danai Dech Kannarick received a report from 64 year old Bua Ban, who had discovered her husband’s Honda…
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Thailand to build own trains, expand rail network to 7,500 km
Thailand is set to advance its railway technology with a government directive for the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and the National Research and Development Institute of Rail Technology (NRDIT) to produce their locomotives and trains. This initiative aims to expand the country’s rail network from its current 4,044 kilometres to 7,500 kilometres in the future. Director of the NRDIT,…
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Drunk duo crash pickup into electric pole in Pattaya
A pickup truck crashed into an electric pole creating a deafening bang and resulting in significant damage to the vehicle and injuries to the passengers. The driver and a female passenger appeared to be intoxicated. At 3.06am today, October 25, the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Pattaya Rescue Radio Centre received a report of a pickup truck losing control and crashing into…
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Decapitated body of missing teen found in Mukdahan pond
The decapitated body of a 15 year old teenager was found floating in a neighbour’s pond, sparking concerns among relatives about the cause of death. The body, discovered yesterday in Mukdahan, was identified as that of a boy who had recently argued with his mother before disappearing from home. Yesterday, October 24, police and rescue teams received a report of…
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Jealous Thai husband kills wife over alleged fraud and affair
A jealous Thai man stabbed his wife to death in their apartment in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, yesterday, October 24, claiming she defrauded him and spent all of his money on her lover. The 65 year old Thai man, Karim Susaree, called officers from Rattanathibet Police Station to report the death of his 54 year old wife, Raenu Nikoratha, and…
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Police set up centre for victims of 7 million baht iCon Group scam
Police in Suphan Buri has established a complaint centre to assist victims of The iCon Group investment scam, which has led to 30 complaints and a total financial loss exceeding 7 million baht. Police are now expediting the investigation by gathering documents and evidence to submit to the Consumer Protection Police Division. Suphan Buri Provincial Police, under the direction of…
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Thailand outlines new measures to support Thai farmers
Commerce Minister Pichai Naripatapan, announced that the House of Representatives’ Agriculture and Cooperatives Committee met with the Ministry of Commerce to discuss policies and measures to assist Thai farmers both domestically and internationally. The focus was on key agricultural products such as rice, cassava, animal feed corn, and fruits, as well as the compilation of agricultural product data. The meeting…
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Bail granted to Big Joke’s wife amidst theft and affair accusation
Phra Khanong Police Station officers granted bail to the wife of former police chief, Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, after four hours of questioning regarding a theft accusation yesterday, October 24. The wife of a police officer, 50 year old Thanattha, filed a complaint against Big Joke’s wife, Sirinatda Hakparn, accusing her of stealing valuables worth approximately 5.7 million baht from…
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Thailand’s vehicle production hits the brakes in a sharp downturn
The automotive industry in Thailand has experienced a significant downturn in vehicle production, with September 2024 seeing a total of 122,277 units produced, marking a 25.48% decrease from the same period last year. This decline reflects a 15.78% reduction in vehicles manufactured for export, totalling 87,666 units, and a 42.31% drop in vehicles produced for domestic sales, amounting to 34,611…
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Rain check: Bangkok drizzles, South Thailand braces for downpour
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a weather warning, highlighting light rain in Bangkok and its vicinity, the central region, and the east, while the south braces for heavy rainfall affecting 60% of the area. The TMD forecasts the next 24 hours, noting that the high-pressure area or cold air mass covering the upper northern and northeastern regions has weakened.…
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Chinese tourist dies in tragic shooting at Thai range
A tragic incident occurred at a shooting range in Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, where a 43 year old Chinese man committed suicide by shooting himself, shocking everyone present. Police are now investigating the circumstances surrounding his death. Yesterday evening, October 24 at around 5pm, Veerawat Boonpaeng, an investigating officer at Khlong Ha Police Station in Pathum Thani, received a report…
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Finance Ministry unveils 2025 State Welfare Card for low-income boost
The Ministry of Finance has just rolled out brand-new registrations for the 2025 State Welfare Card, aiming to wrap up all the eligibility checks by March 31, next year. That’s right, a fresh round of financial lifelines is coming with 1,545 baht heading straight into the pockets of those who qualify. The buzz kick-started today, October 24, when it was…
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DSI criticised for seizing fake luxury watches from iCon Group CEO
Netizens and watch experts criticised the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) for being deceived by the iCon Group CEO into seizing fake luxury watches from a rented room near the company office in the Bang Khen district of Bangkok. Following the arrest of iCon Group CEO Waratphol “Paul” Waratworakul and 17 other leading members, the DSI investigated each suspect’s assets…
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Budget-friendly noodle shop serves a 20-baht treat in Chon Buri
A budget-friendly noodle shop in Chon Buri, Jay Da Ta Tui, is back and serving up quite a treat. Famous for its wallet-friendly chicken noodles priced at just 20 baht a bowl, this local gem is helping city slickers beat the rising cost of living one delicious bowl at a time. Spearheaded by Thida Keskaew, affectionately known as “Jay Da,” and…
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Golden glow fades: Thailand’s gold prices take a baht-tle dive
After a dazzling run, gold prices have taken a nosedive in Thailand, with gold ornaments now pegged at 44,100 baht per baht weight. The Gold Traders Association (GTA) reports a 300 baht drop from yesterday, October 23, putting an end to the recent upward streak. As of 9.06am today, gold bullion is fetching 43,500 baht to buy and 43,600 baht…
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Forging chaos: Blacksmith turns village night into tail of terror
A tranquil Thai village turned into a night of horror as a local blacksmith, identified as Adirek, unleashed mayhem in Cha-uat, Nakhon Si Thammarat, by poisoning three loyal dogs and savagely attacking a father and son duo. Police were alerted to the bloody clash late last night, rushing to a home in Moo 2, Tha Samet, only to find pools…
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Drunk motorcyclist crashes into Pattaya repair shop
An allegedly drunk motorcyclist lost control and crashed his motorcycle into a repair shop in Pattaya, resulting in serious injuries. This incident took place early today, October 24, on Pattaya Central Road near Soi 8/1. Pattaya police received reports of the accident at 1.30am. Following this, they coordinated with the Sawang Boriboon Rescue Foundation and a medical team from Bangkok…
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Yaba-dabba do! Cops seize 100 kilos of crystal meth at Thai border
Police uncovered a substantial smuggling operation near the Thai-Malaysian border, seizing 100 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine hidden in a tour van’s roof compartment in Songkhla province. Law enforcement arrested the van’s driver and two additional suspects involved in the operation. Officers from the Southern Border Provinces Investigation Division sub-division 2 and the Office of the Narcotics Control Board’s Region 9…
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Big Joke’s on her: Police wife caught in affair and burglary storm
The wife of former Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, has surrendered to Phra Kanong Police Station following allegations of an affair and the theft of 5.7 million baht. These allegations, concerning an extramarital affair and the theft of valuables worth approximately 5.7 million baht, surfaced after a complaint was filed with the police on…
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Stamp out the fraud: Uzbek man licked at Phuket Airport
Immigration officers at Phuket International Airport apprehended a 35 year old Uzbek man on allegations of using forged stamps. The arrest occurred at the international arrivals hall around 9pm yesterday, October 23. A team from the Phuket Immigration Bureau, acting on the orders of Police Major General Chengron Rimphidi, Commander of Immigration Bureau 2, carried out the operation, according to an…
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Man arrested for murder and robbery of former village head’s wife
Police in Phetchaburi Province arrested a 41 year old Thai man in connection with the murder and robbery of a former village head’s wife. The family suspected foul play, prompting them to exhume her body for a forensic examination. The tragic incident occurred earlier this month when the former village head’s wife, Pranee, was found dead in her home. Initially,…
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Thai families seek justice against rainbow cult for investment scam
Two Thai families are attempting to take legal action against the leader of a “rainbow cult” in the Isaan province of Sisaket for allegedly promoting explicit behaviour and operating an investment scam. Members of two families visited Prang Ku Police Station yesterday, October 23, to file a complaint against the cult leader, accusing him of tricking their mothers into an…
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Thailand’s 300-baht travel tax takes off with air passengers first
Collection of the 300-baht travel tax could initially target air passengers, with the system needing at least six months to become operational, as stated by the Tourism and Sports Ministry. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong announced that the ministry is currently revising the details of the programme and plans to submit it for Cabinet approval in January. Despite the…
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Stuck in neutral: Loan rejections stall Thailand’s used car market
Thailand’s used car market is set to experience continued sluggish sales due to frequent loan rejections faced by prospective buyers, according to the Association of Used Cars. Earlier forecasts by the association anticipated an improvement in used car sales in the latter half of 2024, driven by expectations that financial service providers would relax their lending criteria. Nonetheless, financial institutions…
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Lands scam: Woman shocked by 6 million baht ‘official’ con job
A woman was left in shock after losing over 6 million baht to a scam involving people impersonating officials from the Department of Lands. Despite her initial scepticism, the fraudsters managed to deceive her into installing a fake application, leading to the theft. Police recently apprehended 25 year old Waranuch under a warrant issued by the Pathum Thani Provincial Court…
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Thai man denies rape attempt in Chon Buri, claims erectile dysfunction
A Thai man in Chon Buri admitted to physically assaulting a victim over a 100,000 baht debt but denied attempting to rape the victim’s wife, who is eight months pregnant, claiming he suffers from erectile dysfunction. The Thai victims sought help from news agencies following the brutal attack and alleged attempted rape by a 46 year old vintage shirt vendor…
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Thailand casino draft law ready to hit the jackpot in Cabinet review
The draft law on entertainment complexes and casinos in Thailand is anticipated to reach the Cabinet for consideration later this year, as announced by Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat. Upon receiving Cabinet approval, the administration plans to forward the draft law to Parliament for further deliberation. The House of Representatives is scheduled to reconvene for a regular session from mid-December…
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Gold-digging: Ex-cop’s wife accused of affair, burglary in Bangkok
A Thai woman accused the wife of a former police chief of having an adulterous affair with her husband and stealing approximately 5.7 million baht worth of cash and gold accessories from her condominium in Bangkok. The 50 year old woman, Thanattha, filed a complaint at Phra Khanong Police Station on October 20, alleging that the wife of the former…
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Thai deep tech startups generate over 965 million baht
The Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Ministry’s Programme Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC) has successfully fostered over 90 Thai deep tech startups, generating an economic value exceeding 965 million baht. PMUC Director Thongchai Suwansichon highlighted the unit’s role in leveraging university research to commercialise products that benefit the national economy. “The PMUC sees the potential of research work in…
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