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 Is tap water in Thailand safe to consume?
Wondering if you can drink the tap water in Thailand? From brushing your teeth to filling up a bottle, it’s helpful to understand a few basics. Tap water safety in Thailand varies by location, and while some people use it...
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Heroic doctor leads rescue after Singapore Airlines emergency
Thailand has been lauded for its rapid and efficient response to an emergency when a Singapore Airlines flight encountered severe turbulence over Myanmar on May 21. Heading the emergency operation after Flight SQ321 diverted to Suvarnabhumi Airport was Dr Wichanya Burirak, a dedicated physician and aviation enthusiast. Chiang Mai University, where Wichanya graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, expressed pride…
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Woman’s skeleton found under temple crematorium in Bangkok
The discovery of a woman’s skeletal remains under a crematorium at a well-known temple in Bang Rak has shocked the community. The police have launched an investigation into the case, which dates back to an incident approximately 40 years ago. Police Lieutenant Krirkwut Ariyametha, Deputy Inspector (Investigation) at Bang Rak Police Station, received a report today, May 29, about the…
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Buriram contractor gives away 7 buffaloes to prevent slaughter
A contractor announced the giveaway of seven buffaloes, including breeding pairs and their offspring, to animal lovers for free, with the stipulation that they not be sold to slaughterhouses. The decision stems from a lack of time and space to care for the animals. A 48 year old resident of Yai Yaem Watthana in Chalermprakiat, Buriram, made the heartfelt decision…
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World Otter Day highlights conservation efforts in Thailand
Today marks World Otter Day, an initiative aimed to raise awareness about the protection of otters, classified as endangered wildlife. The International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF) designated the last Wednesday of May each year to highlight the threats facing otters, such as habitat destruction, illegal fur trade, pollution, and poaching. Otters, members of the weasel family, are the largest animals in…
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Noodle KO: Former Muay Thai boxer busted for drug trafficking
The Thai authorities apprehended a former Muay Thai boxer involved in drug trafficking at a noodle shop in Din Daeng, Bangkok. The suspect, identified as 21 year old Supakrit was found with a substantial amount of crystal methamphetamine and ketamine. A police spokesperson revealed that the suspect was apprehended at a noodle shop in Din Daeng based on a tip-off…
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Staffer pays the price for dine-and-dash at Phuket cafe
A staffer at the Cafe Dim Sum Phuket took to social media to warn fellow service workers about a crafty scam that left her out of pocket. The alarming incident occurred on May 23 at the bustling eatery near the iconic Clocktower Circle in Phuket Town. Nong Lin, an employee at the popular restaurant, recounted her experience with a group…
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Ghostly sale tale: Mall workers stunned as murder victim’s phone is sold
A chilling incident at a well-known shopping mall left many stunned after a hooded man sold a murdered victim’s mobile phone. The mysterious hooded man was allegedly the dead man’s ghost. Shop employees were shocked to see a man in a blue shirt, later identified as the deceased, following the suspect the entire time. The gruesome murder case took place…
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Ex minister refunds Japanese tourist overcharged by tuk tuk driver
A former transport minister personally compensated a Japanese victim overcharged by a greedy tuk tuk driver in Bangkok with 2,000 baht in cash, declaring it was his duty as a Thai citizen. The Japanese man took to X, formerly known as Twitter, on May 13, to report that he was overcharged by a tuk tuk driver, later identified as 29…
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Taking high doses of a certain vitamin B supplement can cause blindness
The surprising side effect of a common supplement Many people take vitamin B3, also known as niacin or Niacinamide, to lower their cholesterol and manage hyperlipidemia. Some even take intra-muscular or intravenous versions of it for so-called claimed beauty benefits such as lighter and fairer, youthful appearance and even reduced pore visibility. It is often considered a safe, over-the-counter supplement…
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Fatal turn: Head-on collision claims life of wrong-way rider
A collision between a pickup truck and a motorcycle in Chanthaburi Province resulted in a tragic death last night, where the motorcycle driver, going against traffic, was hit head-on. The incident occurred at the old checkpoint intersection on Thetsaban Road in Khlung District. Police from Khlung Police Station and rescue volunteers arrived at the scene to find a severely damaged…
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Hiss-terical find: Massive python captured in Chai Nat province
Villagers in Chai Nat province captured a massive python weighing over 50 kilogrammes after it was found hiding in a grass clump, having just fed. They believe it to be a sacred snake due to its enormous size. Volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, Chai Nat branch, worked together to capture a giant python yesterday, May 28, at Wat Don Pho…
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Making cents: Thai PM showers BoT governor with praise
During the Council of Economic Ministers’ meeting yesterday, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin showered praise on Central Bank Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput for his constructive opinions on economic measures. This commendation comes hot on the heels of criticism from the PM’s adviser, Pichai Naripathaphan, who had lambasted the central bank for its inaction in supporting the government’s efforts to spur economic growth.…
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Fireworks factory explosion victims wait compensation a year on
A devastating fireworks factory explosion in San Thung Mai village of Chiang Mai, left residents grappling with extensive damage and financial burdens nearly one year later. Compensation from the factory has yet to be received, forcing many to bear repair costs themselves, with some incurring expenses close to 200,000 baht. The explosion occurred around noon on July 24 last year,…
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AirAsia soars to new heights: Asia’s best low-cost carrier for 2024
AirAsia Group and its affiliates AirAsia X and Thai AirAsia X have been crowned Asia’s Top Low-Cost Carrier for 2024 by AirlineRatings.com at their prestigious Airline Excellence Awards. This accolade marks a significant milestone in AirAsia’s storied journey. Launched in 2001 by visionary founders Datuk Kamarudin Meranun and Tony Fernandes with just two aircraft, the airline has soared to unimaginable…
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Police raid snooker club near Buriram school, arrest 9 at drug party
Police raided a snooker club-cum-pub near Buriram Provincial School, uncovering a drug-fueled party in a VIP room. Nine individuals, including three women and six men, were arrested, and various drugs and firearms were confiscated. Police Major General Rutthaphon Naowarat, commander of Buriram Provincial Police, yesterday, May 28, led a team comprising the provincial police investigation unit, the Mueang police investigation…
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Thaksin postpones lese majeste hearing, citing Covid infection
Former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra postponed his court hearing on allegedly violating Section 112 of the Criminal Law, also known as the lese majeste law, scheduled for today, citing a Covid-19 infection. The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) rescheduled the hearing for June 18. The 74 year old former politician was accused of violating Section 112 during an interview with…
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Thai Airways airbus to retrofit A320s with reclining seats
In a groundbreaking move for aviation luxury in the Asia-Pacific region, Airbus has inked a deal with Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) to retrofit its fleet of 20 A320ceo aircraft with premium reclining business class seats. This marks Airbus’ first-ever cabin retrofit for a single-aisle fleet in this part of the world. This initiative is part of THAI’s broader…
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Emergency crash in Lamphun leaves pregnant woman shaken
An emergency vehicle rushing a pregnant woman to the hospital ran a red light and collided with a pickup truck at an intersection before hitting another car, fortunately causing no severe injuries to the woman or her unborn child. CCTV footage captured the moment the emergency rescue vehicle, belonging to Thachiengthong Municipality, sped through a red light at the Jak…
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Students attacked by knife-wielding teens in Samut Prakan
A group of first-year vocational college students riding motorcycles home encountered a terrifying attack by six teenagers wielding knives, leaving two injured. The incident took place at 5pm yesterday, May 28, on Suksawat Road in Phra Samut Chedi, Samut Prakan. Police Lieutenant Sunthorn Pimphan from Phra Samut Chedi Police Station received a report about a group of students being attacked…
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Thailand tourism thrives despite slow GDP growth
Thailand’s tourism sector demonstrates resilience, maintaining momentum despite a GDP growth of only 1.5% in the first quarter, which trails behind its regional counterparts. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) attributes this robustness to a quicker rebound in tourism compared to other industries and is planning to sustain this through the ongoing promotion of festivals. Reports have shown that large…
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Thai abbot flees after wild animal carcasses found in his room
An abbot fled a well-known Phan Suek Nukun Temple in the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima when officers from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) raided the temple and found wild animal carcasses hidden in his accommodation. DNP officers received a tip-off from a monk at the temple that the abbot, later identified as Kittichai Worradhammo,…
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139 kg of heroin seized in Bueng Kan, valued at 280 million baht
Success in the No Place for Drugs operation in Bueng Kan was announced by Police Lieutenant General Sarayut Sa-nguanphokai, the Commander-in-Chief, alongside relevant agencies. The initiative led to the seizure of 139 kilogrammes of heroin valued at 280 million baht. Bueng Kan investigative police, in collaboration with other officers, initiated an investigation into a drug smuggling network based on information…
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Jealous rider stabs girlfriend, locks her in rented room
A rider consumed by jealousy violently attacked his girlfriend with a knife, leaving her severely injured and locked inside a rented room in Pathum Thani. Her cries for help alerted neighbours, who then called her son to rescue her and rush her to the hospital just in time. At 8.30pm yesterday, the Deputy investigator of Pak Klong Rangsit Police Station…
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Phuket dreams of a Vietnamese tourist boom
Tourism operators in Phuket, the jewel of Thailand’s southern resort islands, are optimistic about a significant influx of Vietnamese tourists following a high-impact promotional campaign in Vietnam’s two largest cities. Thanet Tantipiriyakit, President of the Phuket Tourist Association stated that the island aims to welcome at least 120,000 visitors from Vietnam this year, marking a 50% increase from last year’s…
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Red Bull family sues for defamation after son’s hit and run incident
Chalerm Yoovidhya, the son of the Red Bull co-founder, has initiated legal proceedings against a TV presenter and former police lieutenant colonel for defamation, seeking compensation of 50 million baht. The accusations stem from statements implicating him in the alleged use of 300 million baht to sway favour towards his son, Vorayuth ‘Boss’ Yoovidhya, after a fatal hit-and-run incident. Represented…
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Thai banks urged to ‘transact green’ by BoT to aid local businesses
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) urges large commercial banks in Thailand to provide transition finance to aid local businesses in shifting from carbon-intensive operations to more sustainable practices. During the seminar EARTH JUMP 2024: The Edge of Action organised by Kasikornbank, Ronadol Numnonda, deputy governor of the central bank, revealed that last year, large local banks reported a total of…
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Thailand seeks BRICS membership for global influence
Thailand set its sights on joining the intergovernmental organisation BRICS, which is expanding beyond its original membership of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The Thai Cabinet approved a draft of the official letter indicating Thailand’s intention to join the group, according to government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke. Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates became official members of…
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Thailand tackles fraud with mobile bank account name verification
Mobile bank account holders can continue using their services uninterrupted as authorities work to ensure the names of account holders match those of phone subscribers, according to the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES). This initiative aims to tackle the misuse of bank accounts by fraudsters. The crackdown, launched at the beginning of the week, has caused some concern…
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Thai man rapes step-granddaughter and infects her with HIV
Officers from the Investigation Division of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (IDMB) arrested a Thai man for raping his step-granddaughter from the age of seven and transmitting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to her. The victim, who is now 16 years old, filed a complaint against the rapist, 59 year old Nookarn, at Bang Khen Police Station on April 28. IDMB officers raided…
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Thai Consulate Savannakhet: No more walk-in services
THAI CONSULATE SAVANNAKHET POLICY CHANGE The Royal Thai Consulate in Savannakhet, Laos, will go to online appointment booking only effective June 1st (actually on Tuesday June 4th which is the first day they’re open after the holiday). The consulate will no longer allow walk up service, you have to book an appointment to get in the gate. At this time the…
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