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 Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run
Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...
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Thailand’s local businesses get a global boost: It’s time to trade up
Strengthening Thailand’s local businesses to compete on the global stage could be a game-changing strategy for revitalising the national economy, according to Bank of Thailand Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput. Sethaput is advocating for the implementation of “globally competitive localism,” a concept that leverages the strengths of local entrepreneurs, such as cultural assets, to create value-added products and services. This, he believes,…
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Grandmother finds lucky number at Kham Chanod Island
A grandmother, hoping to rely on her grandchildren’s luck, found herself searching for numbers on a giant fig tree at Kham Chanod Island. She discovered a double number, marking yet another successful visit. This mystical site never fails to bring her fortune. Kham Chanod Island, a renowned spiritual site located in Ban Non Mueang, Ban Muang subdistrict, Ban Dung district,…
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Man arrested for brandishing knife and cannabis on Bangkok bus
A 19 year old man was arrested by traffic police for brandishing a knife and causing a disturbance on a bus, heading towards an expressway. Upon searching his bag, police found cannabis, drug paraphernalia, and additional knives. Traffic police apprehended the suspect at approximately 1pm yesterday near the Phahonyothin 1 expressway exit in Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok. The operation was…
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Phatthalung police seize 20,000 meth pills in major drug bust
Police in Phatthalung have arrested a drug dealer at a petrol station, seizing 20,000 methamphetamine pills intended for local distribution and are now expanding their efforts to dismantle a larger network in Thung Song. Phatthalung police, led by Yotsaporn Rungsawat, commander of the 434th Border Patrol Police Company, alongside Amphon Nilbanphot and Chusak Chuthong, officers from the same unit, and administrative…
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Police intercepts street racers in Bang Khen
Police in Bang Khen intercepted a group of motorcyclists who had arranged a street race via Facebook, performing dangerous stunts on Ram Inthra Road. Early this morning, the police received a report about a group of teenagers gathering to race motorcycles on Ram Inthra Road. Around 2am, officers arrived at Soi Ram Inthra 14 and found the group engaging in…
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Heavy rain and strong winds to hit 38 Thai provinces today
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning about heavy rain and strong winds affecting 38 provinces today due to a weakening southwest monsoon and a low-pressure system over northern Vietnam. Residents are urged to take precautions as temperatures are expected to drop tomorrow. The weakening southwest monsoon is currently covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of…
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Waiter in Pattaya threatens taxi driver with gun during standoff
A dramatic incident unfolded when a waiter from a famous establishment in Pattaya brandished a gun and threatened a motorcycle taxi driver. Despite four hours of police negotiations, the situation escalated with the sound of gunfire as the man attempted to flee from his past misdeeds. Police reported that 39 year old Nirut was seen walking with a firearm at…
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Family injured after truck falls from under-construction flyover in Bangkok
A family of three sustained injuries when their pickup truck fell from a flyover under construction in Lat Krabang district, Bangkok, early today. The incident occurred around 2am on the 10-metre-high Lat Krabang-Onnut flyover, which is under construction on Lat Krabang Road near the Suk Saman intersection. Police and rescue teams arrived promptly, discovering the severely damaged Isuzu pickup truck…
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Police probe Mae Tuck’s gold shop for money laundering
Police are set to investigate the gold shop business of Kornkanok Suwannabut, known on social media as Mae Tuck, to determine if it is being used as a front for money laundering. Kornkanok and her husband Kanpol face accusations of selling jewellery with less gold content than advertised during livestream sessions on her social media platform. Kornkanok has reportedly stated…
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Peta accuses Thai zoo of exploiting baby pygmy hippo Moo Deng
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) has levelled accusations against Khao Kheow Open Zoo, alleging that the zoo is exploiting Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippo, claiming she should be in the wild and not paraded for profit. “TikTok turned Moo Deng into a celebrity, but the reality is far from cute,” read a post on Peta’s Facebook…
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Coffee vendor banned for 30 days after altercation with tourist (video)
A coffee shop owner at Talad Rom Hub train market in Mae Klong district has been ordered to close his shop for 30 days following a vulgar gesture towards a Spanish tourist. Captured on video, the vendor was seen pushing and yelling at the tourist, a clip that swiftly spread across social media, inciting a public outcry. The Maeklong railway…
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Thai officer’s suicide linked to wife’s 100 million baht fraud scheme
A woman involved in a controversial rotating savings scheme in Buri Ram is now suspected to be linked to the apparent suicide of her police officer husband, investigators report. Police found the officer, 42 year old Nattaphon, dead in his Ford Ranger with a bullet wound to the right side of his head and a 9-millimetre pistol nearby. The vehicle…
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Flooding from Doi Suthep damages temple in Chiang Mai
A torrent of muddy water from Doi Suthep wreaked havoc at Wat Phala, located at the base of the mountain in Chiang Mai, severely damaging the temple’s roof and walls. This sudden flood followed continuous heavy rains in the region. Reporters highlighted the aftermath of the relentless downpour that drenched Chiang Mai city and Doi Suthep yesterday, September 27. The…
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Bangkok residents invited to apply as lottery draw officials
The Government Lottery Office (GLO) has announced an opportunity for the public to become lottery draw officials, with applications open until late next month. Residents of Bangkok and its metropolitan areas may apply. The GLO shared a post via Facebook yesterday, September 27 inviting the public to join as officials for the lottery draw. The recruitment message specified the following…
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Flood kills 300 pigs at Lampang farm, causes 21 million baht loss
Over 300 pigs have died after being submerged for three days due to a sudden flood at a farm in the northern province of Lampang, causing significant damage estimated at 21 million baht. The owner of the farm expressed the devastating impact of this year’s flood. The incident occurred at Krissana Farm in Ban Watthana, Sobprab subdistrict, Sobprab district, Lampang…
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Asphalt removal on Nakhon Pathom road leaves 100 cars damaged
Asphalt removal on the Ngiu Rai-Salaya road in Nakhon Pathom province has left numerous vehicles damaged, causing significant inconvenience to drivers. The incident, which saw over 100 cars affected, has sparked calls for responsible authorities to address the issue. A driver named Mee, residing in Nakhon Chai Si, Nakhon Pathom, was travelling on the Ngiu Rai-Salaya road yesterday, September 27…
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Elderly man loses 10,000 baht from Thai govt handout
An elderly man who recently withdrew 10,000 baht in cash from the Thai government’s handout initiative found his wallet missing, prompting a heartfelt community response. A woman’s Facebook post detailed the incident and led to numerous offers of assistance from across the country. The government recently issued 10,000 baht to vulnerable groups, distributed based on the last digits of their…
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IKEA launches furniture buy-back for Thai flood relief effort
IKEA has partnered with the Mirror Foundation to buy back furniture and help restore homes in northern Thailand affected by flooding. This initiative aims to return these homes to their former beauty. IKEA announced this campaign on its Facebook page, stating, “In these difficult times, our collective help is crucial. IKEA is collaborating with the Mirror Foundation to support flood…
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Pattaya police detains illegal immigrant beggars
Police in Pattaya detained several illegal immigrant beggars yesterday, September 27, to preserve the city’s reputation as a world-class tourist destination. Beginning at 6pm, Chon Buri Immigration, Pattaya City officials, and the Chon Buri Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office launched a coordinated crackdown targeting illegal immigrants begging in high-traffic tourist areas. Officials inspected locations around Wat Chaimongkol on…
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Thai king’s son meets famous pygmy hippo Moo Deng
Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, the second-eldest son of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, visited Khao Kheow Open Zoo near Pattaya yesterday, September 27. His visit aimed to snap a selfie with the world-famous pygmy hippo, Moo Deng, and explore various sections of the zoo. Narongwit Chotchoy, Director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, stated that the atmosphere was very pleasant, with…
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Thai police arrest five in Korat for Facebook scam
Thai police have apprehended five individuals involved in a scam that involved creating fake Facebook pages to deceive people into transferring money for sacred objects. The arrests were made following a detailed investigation by the Metropolitan Police Bureau. Police Lieutenant General Thiti Saengsawang, Police Major General Nopasin Poolsawas, and other senior officers from the bureau directed their team to conduct…
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Phuket’s waste crisis worsens with tourist surge
Phuket grapples with a mounting waste crisis as tourism surges post-pandemic. The island’s waste disposal plant now receives 1,100 tonnes of garbage daily, a significant rise from 742 tonnes in 2022 and 961 tonnes last year, according to deputy governor Norasak Suksomboon. Norasak highlighted these challenges at the 25th Inter-Islands Tourism Policy Forum, where 150 global tourism leaders and policymakers…
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Chiang Mai launches cleanup after floods ease in commercial areas
Workers have launched a campaign to clean roads and remove debris in downtown Chiang Mai following the easing of floods in some commercial areas. Chiang Mai Municipality initiated the operation at 5pm yesterday, September 27 to revive economic activity in the bustling northern tourism hub. The effort is divided into five zones, including areas near the Naowarat Bridge and the…
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Sustainability expo 2024 opens in Bangkok, urgent action needed
Immediate action is necessary for sustainability, warns Sumet Tantivejkul, secretary-general of the Chaipattana Foundation. Speaking at the opening ceremony of Sustainability Expo 2024 (SX2024) yesterday in Bangkok, he highlighted the urgency of change as emphasised by the sufficiency economy theory of King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great King Rama IX. Sumet elaborated on the theory, noting that while it originally seemed…
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Kathu: Thai man shoots himself after affair argument
A 31 year old Thai man is fighting for his life in hospital after a shocking self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head during a heated argument with his wife over an affair at their Kathu condo last night, September 26. The late-night drama unfolded around 11pm, with police and rescue workers rushing to a condo on Phra Phuket Kaew Road…
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Thai tax riddle: Elite Visa holders off the hook?
Whispers on Facebook’s Elite/Privilege Group suggest that holders of the controversial five to 20 years visa could dodge the Thai Revenue Department’s (TRD) new tax ruling. Starting January 1 this year, assessable income sent from abroad by Thais or foreigners residing in Thailand for at least 180 days will be subject to personal income tax. A group member claimed, after…
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Pizza the action: Foreign man wreaks havoc at Phuket pizzeria
An unidentified foreign man went on a rampage in the Thalang district of Phuket in the early hours of this morning and physically assaulted the Thai owner of a pizza shop near Phuket International Airport. The Phuket Times reported on the incident today. The report included pictures of the injured Thai pizza shop owner, a damaged car and restaurant, as well…
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Anti-spanking bill scrapped: Thai MPs rethink on child discipline
The controversial anti-spanking bill has been withdrawn for further review after a backlash from MPs during the recent parliamentary session. The proposed amendment to the Civil and Commercial Code aimed to prohibit corporal punishment of children but faced fierce opposition on Wednesday, September 25, highlighting serious concerns regarding its vagueness and alignment with fundamental principles. Nipon Khonkhayan, an MP from…
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Reel deal: Thai man is squids in with government digital wallet
Among the many recipients of the government’s digital wallet handout is a 66 year old Thai man who transformed his share into a thriving small business selling grilled squid. State welfare cardholder Suwit Inrat, also known as Uncle Ood, received the handout money via his Krungthai Bank account around 2am today, September 27, prompting Suwit to spring into action. With…
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Thailand 7-Eleven stores now accept QR code payment
Shoppers, rejoice! Thailand’s 7-Eleven stores just made paying for your snacks and drinks easier with the introduction of PromptPay QR code payments. But while customers love the convenience, smaller grocery stores may be facing a fresh nightmare. 7-Eleven’s official Facebook page announced today the rollout of PromptPay, a move that left fans buzzing. “Tears are flowing #Consumers, what do you…
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