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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9 most common health issues covered by insurance for expats in Thailand
Thailand is a popular destination for expats due to its affordable lifestyle and excellent healthcare system. However, settling in a new country often brings health concerns. To ensure you’re covered for the most common medical needs, understanding what expat health...
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Thai public debt remains under 70% of GDP despite borrowing
Thailand’s public debt remains within manageable levels, according to the Public Debt Management Office (PDMO), despite recent borrowing for fiscal 2024. Jindarat Viriyataveekul, a public debt advisor for the PDMO, confirmed that the debt level has not surpassed the critical threshold of 70% of GDP. “The level is still within this limit, even though the government borrowed an additional 145…
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Lawyer challenges activist to ‘pee’ wager in Thai millionaire swindle
A Thai female millionaire based in France filed a complaint through an activist against a famous lawyer for allegedly swindling 71 million baht from her. In response, the lawyer demands the mischief-making Thai activist to drink his own pee when he proves himself innocent. Former Thai political activist Sondhi Limthongkul took to social media to accuse renowned Thai lawyer Sittha…
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Phuket magic spells its way into Asia’s ‘Top 10’ destinations
Phuket’s tropical charm has once again worked its magic, landing it among Asia’s Top 10 island destinations, as revealed by the esteemed Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. UK tabloid Daily Express also got into the act, gushing over Phuket’s recognition by Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. “A stunning island in Asia has been crowned one of the best…
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Thai cake shop in controversy for gecko surprise
A Facebook user recently shared a dramatic post, showing a chocolate cake with a gecko inside. The post, which quickly went viral, included a caption expressing disgust and confusion about how the gecko ended up in the cake. The user mentioned feeling nauseous after eating half the cake and only discovering the gecko when using a spoon to inspect the…
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Phuket beachgoers warned of Portuguese man o’ war sting operation (video)
Phuket holidaymakers at Mai Khao Beach have been warned a trip to the sandy shores could have a sting in its tail. Beachgoers in Phuket have been given a red alert about the arrival of the notorious Portuguese man o’ war – aka bluebottles. The Phuket Lifeguard Service confirmed a sighting of these perilous sea creatures yesterday, October 27, prompting a…
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Casino royale: Thailand rolls the dice on mega gaming complex
In a bold move worthy of James Bond himself, the Finance Ministry of Thailand is pulling out all the stops to push forward a high-stakes casino-entertainment complex project, with Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat at the helm. This ambitious venture is straight out of the Pheu Thai Party-led government’s policy playbook. But while the ministry’s immediate focus remains on flood…
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Thai motorcycle rider claims self-defence after stabbing taxi driver (video)
A Thai motorcycle rider stabbed a taxi driver on a road in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, after the taxi driver cut him off and hit him with an iron rod. The motorcycle rider, 30 year old Nattaporn, is seeking justice for himself, claiming that the stabbing was an act of self-defence. He insisted that the taxi driver, later identified as…
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Thailand video news | Phuket’s tourism tax won’t affect foreign residents or workers, Thai baht may weaken if Trump wins US election
In today’s coverage, Alex brings top stories from Thailand and Southeast Asia to Thailand video news. Key updates include Phuket’s tourism tax exemptions for foreign residents, potential impacts on the Thai baht in the upcoming U.S. election, and rising PM2.5 pollution levels in Bangkok. Additionally, Thailand’s retirement age increased to 65, a driver’s heroic action stopping a gunman in Phatthalung,…
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Trami’s tempest: Storm brews up a windy welcome for Thailand
The Meteorology Department of Thailand (TMD) dished out the latest lowdown on Tropical Storm Trami, as it aims to swoop on Thailand’s northeastern and eastern regions with blustery winds and rain. Currently swirling near Vietnam’s central coast, Trami is edging back towards the South China Sea, losing steam thanks to a cold air mass blocking its advance into Thailand. Expect…
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Thai kickboxer accuses French Muay Thai fighter of cheating
A Thai kickboxer accused a French Muay Thai boxer and sports programme host of cheating him. The accused French national denied the allegations. Thai boxer, Nattawut “Jo” Somkhum, known in the industry as Jo Nattawut, announced his resignation from UPR Vision Entertainment after signing a contract for just three months. He stated that he noticed suspicious actions in the collaboration…
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China and Thailand tango towards BRICS with a promising economic step
In a diplomatic dance that promises to boost both economies, China’s Ambassador to Thailand pledged unwavering support for Thailand’s bid to join the exclusive BRICS club. This elite group features economic powerhouses Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Speaking at a high-profile event dubbed China’s Economy from a New Perspective, organised by the Thai Journalists Association and the Chinese…
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Shine Muscat scandal: Grapes of wrath as dodgy imports leave a sour taste
In a juicy scandal that’s peeling away layers of safety concerns, the Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) is demanding the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) take a bite out of dodgy importers flooding the market with tainted Shine Muscat grapes. Lab tests have unearthed a sour truth: nearly all of the samples are riddled with banned substances. Last week, 23 out…
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EXAT digs deep but hits financial roadblock on N1 Expressway
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) seems set to abandon its plans for an underground route in the controversial N1 Expressway development, citing financial concerns. EXAT Governor Surachet Laophulsuk revealed that the board has decided to delay the project after a study raised serious doubts about its financial viability. Despite a promising equity internal rate of return (EIRR) projected at…
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Tropical Trami Storm alert: Pattaya sets sail on safety measures
Pattaya City Tourist Police and the Marine Department of Thailand are stepping up safety measures in response to the looming threat of Tropical Storm Trami. Although the storm is currently positioned about 400 kilometres southeast of Hainan, China, its effects are already making waves along Thailand’s eastern coastline, including the Gulf of Thailand. In Pattaya Bay, the waves have surged…
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Honda Wave goodbye: Café worker’s motorbike snatched in Pattaya
A motorbike theft has rocked Central Pattaya, with a 28 year old café worker left distraught after his red and black Honda Wave was snatched. The incident occurred yesterday, October 27, at around 1.48pm in the Soi Yume area, and CCTV footage captured the moment the thief made off with Surapong Trakulphon’s bike. In the shocking video, a man in…
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10 shocking ways you’re destroying your lungs every day
Today is Lung Health Day, the perfect reminder to pay attention to your respiratory system, an often-overlooked but essential part of your overall well-being. While we’re all aware that smoking is bad for our lungs, there are many less obvious daily habits that could be harming them, too. Especially if you’re living in a country like Thailand, certain environmental factors…
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Explosion at Thai zinc factory kills 2 Burmese workers, injures 28
A devastating explosion at a zinc production facility in Kabin Buri district, Prachinburi, has left two Burmese workers dead and 28 others injured. The shocking incident unfolded yesterday, October 27, with Thai national media reporting that around 70 employees were on-site at the time, out of a total workforce of 232. Local officials from the Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation…
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Motorbike crash in Pattaya leaves rider critically injured
A motorbike crash in Naklua, Pattaya, has left a rider in serious condition after a terrifying incident early yesterday morning. Emergency responders raced to the scene near Soi Sukhumvit 3 at 3.36am, yesterday, October 27, where they found chaos unfolding. The scene was grim, with the motorbike heavily wrecked and the rider, an unidentified man believed to be around 35…
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Bangkok Art Biennale returns with 200 contemporary art pieces in 11 venues
The biennial art festival, Bangkok Art Biennale (BAB), returns with 200 pieces of contemporary art at 11 landmarks around the city from October 24 to February 25, 2025. The international contemporary art festival BAB 2024 marks its fourth iteration this year. The Bangkok Art Biennale Foundation organises the festival in collaboration with the Thai Beverage Company, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration…
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Fake grenade: Landlord’s explosive find sends Pattaya into panic
Panic erupted in Pattaya yesterday when a landlord stumbled upon a fake grenade that sent shivers through the rental community. The alarm bells rang at 2.36pm, yesterday, October 27, as Pattaya City Police rushed to the scene on Soi Naklua 27 after receiving a frantic call. Upon arrival, a team of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) officers, police, and reporters discovered…
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Diamond ring recovered after 30-hour search in Nakhon Phanom landfill (video)
A diamond ring lost in a rubbish pit in Nakhon Phanom sparked significant social media interest after its owner spent 30 hours searching for it. The incident was documented on TikTok, capturing the extensive efforts to recover the ring. The story began when the owner removed the diamond ring while washing hands, only to have it accidentally fall into the…
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Police pursue school director’s daughter for 15 million baht fraud
Police are set to issue a summons for the daughter of a school director involved in a fraudulent savings scheme that has swindled over 15 million baht. The family maintains they were unaware of her actions, and her whereabouts remain unknown. A significant case emerged in Ban Kruat district, Buriram province, where local traders presented evidence, including chat messages and…
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Two students drown in Chon Buri reservoir whirlpool tragedy
Two students drowned in a reservoir after being sucked into a whirlpool while swimming to beat the heat during their school holidays. Friends called for help, but it was too late. Their bodies were found by divers an hour later. Police Lieutenant Colonel Pornchai Lueaphon, an investigator from Phlu Ta Luang Police Station in Chon Buri province, received the distress…
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Ammonia gas leak at Udon Thani ice factory traps six workers
Ammonia gas leakage at an ice factory in Udon Thani caused chaos as six workers were trapped inside. Emergency responders acted swiftly to rescue them, while locals described their terrifying escape from the toxic fumes. At 6pm yesterday, the 1669 Emergency Centre in Udon Thani received reports from residents about a strong ammonia smell emanating from an ice factory in…
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Tourists save injured Mae Khaeng turtle Kamkaew with quick action
A group of tourists played a crucial role in rescuing a critically injured turtle named Kamkaew at Mae Khaeng Luang Waterfall. The turtle was found immobile on the sand, suffering from visible injuries. Swift action by the tourists and park officials ensured Kamkaew received timely medical attention. Yesterday, Wiang Kosai National Park’s Facebook page shared images and details about the…
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Tropical Storm Chami prompts warning for heavy rains in 44 provinces
Weather conditions today prompted the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) to issue the 11th warning for Tropical Storm Chami. Heavy rains are expected to hit 44 provinces, including Bangkok, from today through October 29, cautioning residents about potential flash floods and forest runoff. TMD, under the acting director Sukanya Yawichan, has issued the 11th announcement regarding Tropical Storm Chami. The tropical…
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People’s Party challenges congestion fees, urges investment in public transport
The People’s Party (PP) is challenging the government’s proposal to introduce traffic congestion fees, advocating instead for the development of a comprehensive public transport network to alleviate urban crowding. Surachet Praweewongwut, a list-MP for PP, argued that while congestion charges might help ease traffic, the current feeder system is insufficient to persuade people to switch from private cars to public…
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Mekong River dams threaten Thailand’s environment and economy, warns NHRC
Transboundary hydropower dam projects along the Mekong River could jeopardise Thailand’s environment, economy, and community welfare, according to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on October 3, the NHRC highlighted its concerns about four hydropower dam projects: Ban Koum Dam, Sanakham Dam, Phou Ngoy Dam, and Pak Chom Dam, all situated…
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Thai nationals unscathed in Israeli attack on Tehran, says ministry
Thai nationals remain unaffected by the recent Israeli attack in Tehran, as confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today. Nikorndej Balankura, the ministry’s spokesman, reported that the Thai Embassy in Tehran has been in constant communication with the ministry. According to the Thai Association in Iran, no Thai nationals were impacted by the attack. Balankura noted that Iran’s air…
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Call for Thai government to aid 110 trafficked victims in Myanmar
A call for government intervention has risen, urging the officials to assist 110 victims of human trafficking who were deceived and transported through Thailand to engage in illegal work in Myanmar. The Network for Victim Assistance in Human Trafficking addressed an open letter to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, highlighting the plight of the victims. These individuals, hailing from nine countries,…
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