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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Thai PM explores potential projects with Italian investors in Milan
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin embarked on a visit to Milan, Italy, where discussions with prominent investors from financial institution Intesa Sanpaolo highlighted potential avenues for collaboration on key infrastructure projects in Thailand. During his meetings, the 62 year old Thai prime minister disclosed plans regarding the Land Bridge project and the possibility of hosting a Formula One race in Thailand.…
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Thai woman seeks help as daughter’s drug threat endangers baby
A Thai woman is seeking help from the authorities after her junkie daughter made a death threat against her and forced her baby to take drugs. The 59 year old woman, Sanom, turned to social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet for help after her drug-addicted 42 year old daughter, Mod, spiralled out of control. She and locals in the area…
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Govt to boost 2024 budget by 122 billion baht for handout scheme
According to the Budget Bureau Chief, the Thai government plans to increase the 2024 fiscal budget by 122 billion baht to support its primary handout initiative. This announcement follows the recent approval of a delayed 3.48 trillion baht budget. The government is continuing to push forward with fiscal stimulus plans, aiming to distribute 500 billion baht by the fourth quarter…
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Woman discusses love and deceit in 40-year age gap
A 59 year old woman opened up about her tumultuous relationship with her former lover on a talk show. The couple had a notable 40 year age gap, which drew public attention. The woman, P’Phon, accused her former beau, Nong Wave, of deceiving her over a product review job, where the actual payment was 200,000 baht, but he told her…
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Sister act: Thai woman suspected of poisoning her husband
A Thai woman called upon the Thai authorities to conduct a further investigation into the death of her older brother after suspecting his wife of poisoning him in the Isaan province of Mahasarakham. The owner of a Thai massage training centre, 44 year old Pichit “Ton” Kleepjinda, died on April 16 outside the family home in the Mahasarakham province. The…
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Stormy times: Thailand braces for thunderstorms, Bangkok to soak
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued another weather forecast, warning of thunderstorms in 53 provinces, with Bangkok expected to experience heavy rainfall in 70% of its area. The TMD today, May 20, predicts a southwest wind covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand is gaining strength, while the area continues to experience hot weather during the…
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Principal removed after child trafficking allegations in Khon Kaen
The Director of the Khon Kaen Primary Educational Service Area Office 5 issued an order for a school principal to be removed from their position, following allegations of involvement in a child trafficking ring. The principal is accused of engaging in sexual activities with a 12 year old girl. Authorities from the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division, along with the Paweena…
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Double home victory for Thai badminton players in the Toyota Open
The National Stadium in Bangkok witnessed an electrifying display of badminton prowess as Thai players clinched two titles in the prestigious Toyota Thailand Open yesterday. Supanida Katethong, ranked 16th globally, stunned spectators by defeating China’s 7th-ranked Han Yue in a thrilling final to secure the women’s singles title. In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Supanida emerged victorious over…
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Corrupt former DSI chief faces 44 million baht asset seizure
Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) concluded investigations into two cases involving the corrupt former Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), resulting in significant asset seizures totalling over 44 million baht (US$10 million). In the initial case, the court ordered the forfeiture of the former DSI’s Director-General Tharit Pengdit’s assets worth 341.80 million baht to the state. A subsequent…
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Japanese student in agony after falling asleep in bath for 5 hours
A Japanese student shared a startling experience of falling asleep for five and a half hours while taking a bath, waking up to find his fingers in a disturbing state and severe pain. The 20 year old student, who posted about the incident on the former Twitter platform, now X, (@nattsunyan), described returning to his parent’s home and dozing off…
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Thai man with mental health issues leaps from Bangkok BTS station
A Thai man with mental health issues jumped to his death off the Royal Thai Air Force Museum BTS Station in Bangkok on Saturday. Saimai Police Station officers investigated the death of the 25 year old Thai man, Nithi Thipthep, on Pahonyothin Road in the Bang Khen district of Bangkok. Nithi was wearing a dark blue T-shirt, black shorts, and…
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Vietnam prioritises economic growth despite global challenges
Vietnam will focus on bolstering economic growth despite ongoing challenges from weak global demand, announced Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai. Addressing the National Assembly during its summer session, Khai noted that while gross domestic product (GDP) growth has improved, significant hurdles remain. Industrial activity is recovering, albeit at a slow pace. Vietnam, now a manufacturing hub benefiting from shifting…
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Bomb attack injures six security officers in Narathiwat patrol
A bomb attack injured six members of a local security unit in Cho Airong District, Narathiwat Province, while they were on patrol to protect teachers. The assailants fled after a brief exchange of gunfire with the authorities. Reports indicate that the incident occurred when the security team, riding motorcycles, was patrolling to ensure the safety of teachers, only 400 metres…
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Drunk & disorderly: Chinese vandal wreaks havoc in Bangkok hotel
Police arrested a drunk Chinese vandal after he smashed up electronic devices and furniture at a hotel in the Sathorn district of Bangkok. Tungmahamek Police Station officers were alerted by a hotel manager on the Southern Sathorn Road yesterday, May 19, that the 30 year old Chinese man, whose identity remains undisclosed, went on a rampage. Upon arrival, officers found…
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Thailand bans alcohol sales nationwide for Visakha Bucha Day
Immigration and various government offices will be closed at midnight tomorrow as Thailand observes Visakha Bucha Day, a significant Buddhist holiday. As Thailand’s holy occasion, the sale of alcohol is banned nationwide for the entire day. This restriction begins at midnight tomorrow and continues until midnight on Wednesday, May 22, affecting all shops, bars, and restaurants. The only exception is…
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Labubu yantra tattoos capture spiritual community’s interest
The ongoing trend for Popmart’s Labubu art toys has now expanded beyond fashion enthusiasts to also captivate the spiritual community. The Labu Bu Phoksap Yantra, a new tattoo design, originated from AjarnAmsri Ohromyan’s Facebook post, where he shared images of the Yantra inspired by the popular Labubu character. AjarnAmsri explained that the yantra’s creation stemmed from his daughter’s love for…
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Thailand’s future depends on nurturing innovative talent
Thailand’s future hinges on becoming a dynamic centre of innovative talent and progress. The pivotal element in realising this vision lies in securing the right talent—those who bring ideas to life and spearhead transformative change. Throughout a lengthy career, it has been evident that exceptional talents do not merely meet expectations, they redefine them. Good performers play their roles well,…
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Health risks associated with getting a tattoo
Tattoos have transitioned from ancient cultural rites to mainstream expressions of individuality. Their popularity spans continents and demographics, yet this surge in acceptance has not been without its concerns. As more individuals opt to decorate their bodies with intricate designs and meaningful symbols, an essential question arises: Are tattoos safe? Recent studies and medical reports suggest that while tattoos can…
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Thai industries launch initiatives to boost SMEs post-pandemic
New initiatives by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) aim to bolster local entrepreneurs, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) still grappling with the effects of the pandemic. The FTI is focusing on critical sectors such as agribusiness and the auto parts industry to foster resilience and growth. Efforts are being made to help SMEs become more competitive through the…
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Thai woman blames police drug search in vagina for miscarriage
A Thai woman sued the narcotics suppression unit of Samut Prakarn Provincial Police, accusing officers of causing her miscarriage by searching for drugs in her vagina. The 30 year old woman, Orranee Ruangphueng, accompanied by her lawyer, filed a complaint against the Samut Prakarn Provincial Police’s narcotics suppression unit at Bang Bor Police Station on May 18. Orranee claimed she…
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Iranian president, foreign minister killed in tragic helicopter crash
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister were tragically killed in a helicopter crash amidst mountainous terrain and icy weather, as reported by state media. The wreckage was located in East Azerbaijan province after search teams mobilized. State TV initially provided no immediate cause for yesterday’s crash in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province. Among the casualties was 60 year old…
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MNEs taxed to curb profit sharing, 12 billion baht revenue expected
The Revenue Department anticipates the implementation of draft legislation aimed at taxing multinational enterprises (MNEs) to curb profit shifting to low-tax jurisdictions by 2025. This move is expected to enhance tax revenue by 12 billion baht annually. Director-General Kulaya Tantitemit revealed that the draft legislation incorporates the Top-up Tax Act, which aligns with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s…
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Thailand govt to auction decade-old stash after safety check
Thailand’s government will move forward with plans to auction off rice from Yingluck Shinawatra’s pledging scheme, stored in two Surin warehouses for a decade, following a laboratory test confirming its safety for consumption. Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, currently in Italy, announced that a private laboratory’s tests on samples from the Surin warehouses revealed no aflatoxins or…
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Man murders drinking friend with concrete block after argument
A tragic murder unfolded in Surin province when 67 year old man allegedly killed his 58 year old drinking companion by hitting him with a concrete block and then dragging his body with a motorcycle before dumping it in a canal. The incident occurred at approximately 6.05pm yesterday. Police reported that the suspect Thip and the victim Wantong were drinking…
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Study validates that plant-based diets reduces risk of heart issues and cancer
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and cancer are the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, making the search for effective preventive measures a high priority. A growing body of research suggests that plant-based diets, which exclude or minimise animal products, may offer significant health benefits, particularly in reducing the risks associated with these diseases. This article delves into a comprehensive umbrella…
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Pattaya’s electric scooter debate sparks charged safety talks
Electric scooters have become a hot topic in Pattaya, sparking discussions among various agencies and officials about their legality and safety. The legal status of these scooters is not straightforward in Thailand, with regulations varying by region. In cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, the rules can differ significantly. The primary concern lies in the absence of firm national rules…
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Iranian president’s helicopter drama: Hard landing sparks alarm
Iranian state media reported a tragic incident involving a helicopter transporting President Ebrahim Raisi, detailing a hard landing on Sunday. The aircraft, reportedly carrying Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian as well, encountered challenging weather conditions, hampering rescue efforts, as conveyed by the Interior Minister. The status of those aboard the helicopter remains uncertain, with no contact established as of now.…
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BREAKING NEWS: 1,882 new COVID-19 hospitalisations and 16 deaths in the last week
Thailand is experiencing a significant but underreported surge in COVID-19 cases, with both public and private hospitals feeling the strain as outpatient and inpatient admissions rise. This trend mirrors situations in other countries like Singapore, the UK, the US, Australia, Canada, and France, driven by new variants from the KP lineage (e.g., KP.1, KP.2, KP.3). Governments worldwide, including Thailand, are…
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Pakistani and Thai wife arrested for murder of Indian in Songkhla
Police arrested a Pakistani man and his Thai wife for the murder of an Indian man in the southern province of Songkhla. The motive is suspected to be a business conflict. The dead body of a foreign man was found on the roadside in Songkhla on May 15 with two stab wounds and a gunshot wound. Police later identified the…
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Thailand faces cannabis reclassification deadline
The Government of Thailand faces a rapidly approaching reclassification deadline set by cannabis advocacy groups. Cannabis Future Network, a prominent pro-cannabis group, stated last week that whether the Public Health Ministry intends to fully or partially reclassify cannabis, the decision must be backed by scientific evidence. The group has given the government 15 days to substantiate its stance. Reclassifying cannabis…
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