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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Facebook group blooms sharing poison plant pointers
A Facebook group dedicated to identifying poisonous plants and trees has become an online sensation, amassing more than 250,000 members. The group’s popularity surged when a young man posted a picture of a leaf with the caption, “What is this plant? Touched it and it’s very itchy.” The image captured a beautiful green leaf with sharp hairs on both sides,…
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Buddhism Office probes monks over ‘Mind Connection’ cult claims
A controversial spiritual practice in Thailand, dubbed the “Mind Connection” technique, has prompted an investigation by the National Office of Buddhism (NOB). The director of the NOB, Intaporn Jantaeiam, recently announced a legal pathway to take action and initiated a probe into two monks whose images appeared at an event related to this practice. The case came into the spotlight…
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Songkran festival boosts Thailand’s tourism with 140 billion baht
This year’s Songkran festival, spanning over three weeks, spurred a remarkable 140 billion baht influx into Thailand’s tourism sector, surpassing the anticipated 132 billion baht. Foreign tourist arrivals soared to a hefty 1.9 million amidst the celebrations, divulged the Tourism and Sports Ministry. The festival, running from April 1 to April 21, witnessed multiple sectors cashing in on the festive…
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Koh Pha Ngan: French tourist nabbed for drug dealing
Surat Thani police officers, alongside the Pa Cha Da Special Operation Unit, apprehended a 41 year old French national at a hotel bar on Koh Pha Ngan yesterday. Authorities unveiled a stash of narcotics and incriminating evidence. Among the damning items seized were 19.7 grammes of cocaine, 23 ecstasy pills, a digital scale, and 6,000 baht in cash, along with…
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Volunteer firefighter attacked by Asian black bear in Lampang
An Asian black bear attacked a volunteer firefighter while putting out a forest fire at Chae Son National Park in the northern province of Lampang on April 21. The victim is currently in a stable condition. The volunteer firefighter, 56 year old Sarm Mungtrong, sustained injuries to his head and arm after being attacked by the Asian black bear during…
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Foetus found behind durian stall sparks police hunt in Chanthaburi
The gruesome discovery of a five month old male foetus buried in a makeshift grave behind an unnamed durian stall in the Tha Mai district of Chanthaburi province has sent shockwaves through the local community. The incident was reported to police at 7.30am today, April 24, by a villager who stumbled upon the scene while gathering vegetables. Upon arrival, Deputy…
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PM Srettha reveals ‘Phuket Model’ to boost tourism and safety
Srettha Thavisin unveiled the Phuket Model which aims to revolutionise tourism management and social security in the tourist hotspot. Addressing a gathering of consular mission heads and law enforcement officials from 12 countries, PM Srettha highlighted the urgent need to prevent Phuket from descending into a haven for safety tourism. “Phuket was the first province I visited after taking office…
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Buriram teen brutally attacked, family seeks justice
A Buriram teen was brutally attacked by a group of teenagers, including one army conscript, during the Songkran festival on April 14. After nearly collapsing from injuries and receiving threats online, the family of the victim is seeking justice, while the case remains unresolved as of today. The joy of Thailand’s traditional Songkran celebrations turned into a nightmare for a…
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Thai airports soar in Skytrax rankings: Suvarnabhumi leaps to 58th
The global airport ranking agency, Skytrax, recently unveiled its 2024 report on the World’s Best Airports. A notable mention in this year’s list is Thailand’s very own Suvarnabhumi International Airport, which has impressively climbed up ten places from the previous year to secure the 58th spot. The rise in the ranking can be attributed to a number of various improvements…
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Thai woman spills beans on corrupt cop’s love-linked traffic fines
A Thai woman took to social media to expose a corrupt police officer from Mueang Khon Kaen Police Station in the Isaan province of Khon Kaen after the officer instructed locals to transfer traffic fines to a girlfriend’s bank account. The woman recounted the corrupt behaviour of the police officer, known only as Police Senior Sergeant Major S., through the…
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Thai SEC crackdowns on unlicenced crypto operators
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Thailand (Thai SEC) has declared war on unauthorised digital asset services, aiming to safeguard investors from financial pitfalls. Pornanong Busaratrakul, Secretary-General of the Thai SEC stated that at the meeting on April 19, it was resolved to order the SEC to submit information on unauthorised digital asset service providers to the Ministry of Digital…
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Man shot dead on cassava farm in Udon Thani, police seek motive
A 60 year old man was brutally shot dead while operating his tractor in the heart of a cassava plantation in the Udon Thani Province of Thailand. The incident occurred today, April 24, in the Non Sa-at district, sending shockwaves throughout the local community. The Thai authorities are investigating potential motives, including personal disputes or romantic entanglements, as they hunt…
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Phuket model: Thai govt’s innovative approach to tourist safety
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and the acting Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Police, Police General Kittirat Panphet, convened with local consuls to discuss the Phuket Model – an innovative approach to law enforcement. The meeting took place yesterday at the Banyan Tree Hotel in Phuket. The Phuket Model, a comprehensive strategy aimed at safeguarding the interests of tourists, was unveiled…
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PEA advises on cost-effective air conditioners amid Thai heat
In this sweltering heat, many turn to air conditioners for relief, yet the cost of electricity remains a concern. The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) of Thailand has provided guidance on how to use air conditioning efficiently without incurring high electricity bills. The PEA recommends selecting the right size of air conditioner, as measured in British Thermal Units (BTU), for the…
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Shared toilets for teachers and students stir controversy
The Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) sparked controversy with its recent decision to implement shared toilet facilities for teachers and students at all of its schools. The news was met with widespread criticism on a social media platform overseen by the Education Ministry. According to OBEC Secretary-General Thanu Wongchinda, shared toilets at schools for teachers and students will…
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Thailand’s central bank defends policy rates amidst govt pressure
Amidst persistent governmental pressure to decrease borrowing costs and stimulate slow-paced growth, Thailand’s central bank (BoT) defended its current policy interest rate settings today, stating they are resilient and capable of tackling future economic risks. The bank warned that although rate reductions could alleviate debt in the short term, they could also invite long-term hazards. By maintaining a steady rate…
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Thai Teen girl sexually assaulted by chief’s son, family seeks justice
A 17 year old girl was reportedly lured and sexually assaulted by the son of a village chief, leading to a family’s outcry for justice in a case that has stirred up the local community. Despite attempts at hushing the matter with monetary compensation, the family remains resolute in their pursuit of legal action. In the small community of Huai…
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Lopburi locals demand action as macaque mischief escalates
Locals of Prang Khaek in Mueng District of Lopburi held a press conference on Monday and installed protest signs regarding the lack of action from Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and the Thai Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation in tackling the sizeable macaque problem in their area, which left locals vulnerable to attack. The protest leader was…
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British tourist’s beach blunder lands him in trouble
A British tourist found himself in a sticky situation after driving onto the sidewalk and getting trapped in the sand on Kamala Beach on Monday. The mishap led to police intervention and hefty fines for the Brit’s reckless escapade. Officers from the Kamala Police Station, Phuket Province, launched an investigation into the baffling trend of tourists driving onto the sidewalk…
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Phuket Airport runway disruption due to faulty aircraft
Phuket International Airport experienced significant disruptions to inbound and outbound flights yesterday due to a faulty aircraft that remained immobile on the runway. The aircraft‘s hydraulic steering system malfunctioned, preventing it from being moved off the runway without the aid of a pushback tractor. Phuket Air Control Tower promptly communicated the issue to the ground crew at 10.32am. The incident…
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Bangladesh prime minister visits Thailand
Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to make waves in Thailand as she embarks on a high-profile six-day mission, kicking off with her arrival today at the invitation of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Government House confirmed Hasina’s stay until next Monday, April 29, promising a flurry of diplomatic activity. A series of significant signings, including official agreements and memoranda…
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Burmese man commits murder-suicide killing wife and son
A Burmese man carried out a murder-suicide in a rented house in the Sankampaeng district of Chiang Mai province. He stabbed his wife to death and hanged their nine year old son from a bedroom door before hanging himself. The family of three was found dead inside the one-storey house in the Sankampaeng district of Chiang Mai province yesterday, April…
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Thailand’s State Railway unveils tour adventures on Kiha 183 train
To attract tourists, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has rolled out an array of thrilling train tours aboard the Kiha 183 locomotive. Culture vultures are being invited to embark on a journey through the heart of Thailand’s cultural and natural wonders with 14 exhilarating trips spanning nine distinct routes. From Phetchaburi’s tranquil shores to Lopburi’s lush forests, each escapade…
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Thai tourism operators brace for impending annual low season
Thailand is set to face its annual tourism low season, warned Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, the leading figure of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA). The transition into the low season comes after the country’s Songkran Holidays, a peak period for tourism. This shift leaves tourism operators grappling with the challenge of keeping their businesses afloat during the lull in tourist…
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Finance Ministry suggests using oil fuel fund for diesel subsidy
The Ministry of Finance has suggested utilising the Oil Fuel Fund to maintain the subsidy on retail diesel costs, asserting that the fund has adequate resources to back the government’s diesel subsidy scheme. This advice comes from Deputy Finance Minister Krisada Chinavicharana, who iterated that the ministry is observing worldwide oil costs and the government’s revenue intake from May to…
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Thai Cabinet approves UNESCO Heritage Status for Songkhla
Thailand has set its sights on securing UNESCO World Heritage status for four ancient towns nestled within the southern province of Songkhla. The Cabinet’s resounding approval on April 9, marks a pivotal step towards immortalising the rich cultural tapestry of this southern gem. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has been tasked with crafting a proposal that was scheduled…
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PM highlights enhanced ASEAN connectivity for regional growth
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin affirmed yesterday the critical role of enhanced ASEAN connectivity in unlocking the region’s full potential and boosting its collective competitiveness. The 62 year old Thai PM revealed this perspective during a virtual gathering for the ASEAN Future Forum 2024, which focused on the theme Towards Fast and Sustainable Growth of a People-Centred ASEAN Community. “Our emphasis…
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Say cheese: Loei photographer’s funeral breaks with traditions
Locals in Loei province recently witnessed a funeral unlike any other. Charnathip Inthrawichai, a 58 year old photographer and a well-known figure in the province, had passed away from cancer. His final rites, held April 20 to 22 at Wat Sri Suthawas (Wat Loei Long) in the municipal area of Loei, broke away from traditional sombre proceedings, reflecting his vibrant…
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Thai agencies launch e-system to streamline corporate data
The Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission (OPDC), and the Business Development Department have collaborated to implement an electronic system streamlining corporate data. This highly anticipated paperless system is projected to save residents and entrepreneurs up to 7 billion baht annually. Sanan Angubolkul, the chamber’s chairman, stated that the project eliminates the need for…
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Thailand addresses refugee crisis amid Thai-Myanmar conflict
Responding to the escalating conflict along the Thai-Myanmar border, Thailand’s government committee convened its inaugural meeting yesterday to address the refugee crisis and bolster security measures. The committee, led by Deputy Prime Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, strategised ahead of an inspection tour of Tak’s Mae Sot district, which lies opposite the Myanmar town of Myawaddy. The latter recently witnessed a surge…
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