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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Big Joke faces money-laundering charge linked to online gambling
Deputy National Police Chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn faces a money-laundering charge linked to alleged online gambling, leading to a police summons. Today, March 17, Thung Song Hong Police Station officers delivered the notice from Metropolitan Police Division 2 to Big Joke’s residence on Soi Vibhavadi 60 Road, located in Bangkok’s Laksi district. Big Joke must acknowledge the charge at…
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Cambodian officials bust cross-border call scam, rescue 19 Thai nationals
A call scam gang operating from Oddar Meanchey in Cambodia was infiltrated by Cambodian officials on Saturday, resulting in the rescue of 19 Thai nationals. The operation was sparked by a distress call received by Thai officials from one of the victims on Thursday, as revealed by Major General Nat Sri-in, the commander of the Suranaree Task Force. This large-scale…
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Woman gives birth on ferry from Koh Chang to Trat
A sudden birth took place at sea when a Cambodian woman delivered her fifth child aboard a ferry with her husband by her side. The dramatic event unfolded early this morning during the ferry’s journey from Koh Chang island to Laem Ngop district in Trat province. The association Sawang Boonchueylue Thammasathan Trat was alerted to the incident at approximately 7.30am…
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Thai military officer’s road rage prompts armed forces investigation
A road rage incident involving armed military personnel has prompted an investigation by the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTAF) Headquarters. The episode, captured on video, featured a uniformed military man, armed with a pistol, confronting a pickup truck driver at a toll plaza over his driving behaviour. The incident came to light when the truck driver filmed the confrontation on…
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Family calls for accountability after tragic crash takes mother’s life
A tragic road accident claimed the life of a beloved mother when a truck collided with her vehicle on March 11. The bereaved family, heartbroken and seeking solace, calls for the trucking company owner, who is also a secretary to a government minister, to demonstrate responsibility by paying respects to the deceased. On the day following the accident, March 12,…
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Bangkok taxi driver returns bag containing US$3,310 and passports
A 51 years old taxi driver from Bangkok found himself in the spotlight after returning a passenger’s forgotten handbag, which contained a considerable sum of US$ 3,310 and two Myanmar passports. The incident took place on March 7, and it was reported to the public by FM91 Trafficpro yesterday. Songchai Chaiiam has a long-standing reputation for honesty, cultivated over his…
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Undercover amulet group busted for illegal firearm sales in Samut Prakan
Police have successfully dismantled a covert operation where a group of young individuals used a Buddhist amulet trading group as a front to sell illegal firearms. The proceeds were used to purchase kratom juice and cannabis for consumption. A substantial cache of weapons and ammunition was seized during a raid on an apartment in Samut Prakan province yesterday. Leading the…
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Fatal crash in Udon Thani as driver fatigue leads to tragedy
A tragic road accident occurred yesterday at 7.50am when a pickup truck veered off course and collided with a streetlight before plunging into the central ditch of Mittraphap Road in Udon Thani, Thailand. The driver, a 56 year old man from Udon Thani, was pronounced dead at the scene, while his wife, in her 50s, sustained injuries. Witthaya Panlao, Chief…
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Air force serviceman opens fire in Samut Prakan, injures one
A 26 year old man was injured when a Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) soldier opened fire in a residential area in Samut Prakan province yesterday, following disputes over noise from a group of teenagers. The gunman, identified as an RTAF serviceman, later surrendered to the police. The incident, which took place in the Bang Phli housing estate, has shaken…
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Thailand gears up for severe summer storms with hail risk
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning about the impending summer storms, marked by thunderstorms, strong winds, and possible hail in some areas, followed by a drop in temperatures. Residents are advised to brace for the turbulent weather slated to strike from March 19 to March 20. As Thailand braces for a spell of severe weather, the TMD alerted…
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Thai government tackles rise in nationals overstaying Japan visas
The Thai government pledged to tackle the increasing number of Thai nationals overstaying their 15-day visas in Japan, following a sharp rise in such incidents over recent years. This commitment was confirmed by Jakkapong Sangmanee, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, who recently held discussions with a senior official from the Japanese embassy. The public expressed concerns over the potential…
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The state of casino gambling in Thailand: laws and reality
Millions of people are drawn to the excitement of gambling and bright lights in casinos in today’s world. The issue of casino gambling in Thailand is characterised by a difficult combination of legislation and cultural practices. In a country famous for tourism, why aren’t the gamblers being cater to, like Singapore, Macau or even Vegas? What lies beyond the law…
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Indonesia: Taiwanese found dead after boat accident
A Taiwanese citizen has been discovered lifeless following a boat accident near Jakarta, Indonesia. In the waters off Indonesia’s capital Jakarta, tragedy struck when a passenger boat, carrying 35 individuals, capsized near the Kepulauan Seribu area. Amidst the chaos, all but one were swiftly rescued, leaving authorities scrambling to locate the missing Taiwanese passport holder. The Taiwanese man was identified…
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Fashion brands linked to brutal slaughter of reptiles in Thailand (video)
Undercover investigators have leaked a video and shocking images that uncover the horrifying truth behind Thailand’s reptile farms, which supply major fashion brands like Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, and Louis Vuitton. The footage reveals a grim reality of snakes being mercilessly slaughtered by farm workers wielding hammers, questioning the ethics of fashion brands. In a disturbing sequence, workers are seen…
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Krungsri Research predicts growth for Thai construction
Krungsri Research unveiled the dynamic trajectory of Thailand’s construction sector for the next two years. According to the report, the construction industry is poised for a meteoric rise, with an anticipated annual growth rate of 3% to 4%. This surge aligns seamlessly with the overall investment value in construction, heralding a golden era of development on the horizon. The state…
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Lopburi temple’s lucky charms spark lottery ticket frenzy
A temple in Lopburi province recently became a hub of excitement and hope for lottery enthusiasts. People from all corners flocked to the Thung Pong Charoen Tham temple, seeking blessings and lucky numbers from the revered Luang Phor Samret, widely regarded as a bringer of fortune. The temple, located in the Wang Pling subdistrict of Koksamrong district, has a reputation…
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Srettha pledges to address Thai civil servant debt issue
Addressing the debt crisis affecting nearly three million Thai civil servants, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin pledged to address the issue accordingly. The government’s focus is on reducing interest rates to alleviate the financial burden. PM Srettha spoke of the positive progress made in the last two months following a meeting with 11 state agency chiefs who are working towards solving…
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Thailand consumer council pushes for AI regulation
The Thailand Consumer Council (TCC) is pushing for the modernisation of the Consumer Protection Act 1979, in order to accommodate the emerging trends in technology, particularly the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). This call for change comes in tandem with the TCC’s latest campaign, Responsible and Fair AI for Consumers, which was launched on World Consumer Rights Day. The campaign…
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Pattaya’s monument to King Bhumibol sets sail for history
To honour the cherished memory of Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej, also known as King Rama IX, Pattaya City announced plans to erect a monumental tribute at the former site of the royal sailing club on Pattaya Beach. Presided over by Deputy Mayor Kritsana Boonsawat, the city’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage took centre stage at a recent meeting. The…
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Thai Business Department warns against online scammers
The Department of Business Development (DBD) in Thailand issued a warning to businesses, uncovering a new ploy by online scammers that could leave unsuspecting victims in legal jeopardy. DBD Director-General Oramon Sapthaveetham sounded the alarm today, urging businesses to stay vigilant or face the consequences. According to Oramon, the DBD has been inundated with complaints from businesses targeted by fraudulent phone…
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PM Srettha joins dinner with Thaksin and Somchai in Chiang Mai
In an extraordinary meeting, Srettha Thavisin, Thaksin Shinawatra and Somchai Wongsawat gathered for dinner last night in Chiang Mai. The trio, led by current PM Srettha, are set to gather as Thaksin, on parole, returns to his hometown for various engagements, including paying homage to his late parents. Thailand’s 23rd prime minister, Thaksin, despite a corruption conviction, barely tasted prison…
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Thai entrepreneurs make record-breaking sales at Japan food expo
Fifty Thai entrepreneurs showcased their culinary prowess at the Foodex Japan 2024 exhibition held in Tokyo from March 5 to 8. The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) revealed that the response from Japanese buyers was so overwhelming that sales soared to nearly 2.5 billion baht. Chanthapat Panjamanond, Thailand’s commercial attaché in Tokyo revealed that orders for Thai food products…
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Car crash fire claims driver’s life near Pattaya
A car careened into a street barrier on the Bangkok-Map Ta Phut Motorway near Pattaya before erupting into fire, leaving the driver trapped and ultimately perishing in the blaze. The incident took place around 5.40am yesterday close to kilometre marker 120+700 in the Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province. Swift responses from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Pattaya…
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Thai Drinks targets Gen Z in Asia for est Cola expansion
Keen on broadening its reach in Asia, Thai Drinks, the company managing est Cola, is targeting the Gen Z market for expansion. Forecasting a growth of 25% in the Thai carbonated soft drink market due to warmer weather and intensive marketing campaigns, Suporn Denpaisarn, the non-alcoholic beverages division head at Thai Drinks, reveals their growth plans. According to Nielsen IQ…
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Concerns over readiness of Thailand’s secondary cities for tourism
The private sector has expressed concerns over the readiness of Thailand’s secondary cities for a major tourism boost, despite Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s declaration that 2024 will be “the greatest year for Thai tourism in history.” These concerns were voiced during a recent tourism workshop at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, where the 62 year old Thai PM outlined…
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Nanny-napped: Israeli woman detained in Thailand for unauthorised nursery
An Israeli woman was detained in Surat Thani on accusations of running an unauthorised nursery facility for foreign children on Koh Pha Ngan. Four other international individuals were also apprehended for unlawful employment and associated transgressions. Noppadol Khaomali, the Koh Pha Ngan district leader, guided local authorities, police, immigration officials, and representatives from pertinent agencies to a house inspection in the…
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Malaysian e-hailing driver receives surprise panties gift from Thai woman
A Malaysian e-hailing driver found himself in for a wild surprise after a recent passenger encounter which ended with him receiving a pair of panties from a Thai woman. Shared on the Facebook group, Drivers and Passengers Chinese Language Platform, the unnamed driver recounted his encounter with a group of lively Thai women. Amidst their banter, the driver found himself…
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Bangkok’s children gasp for air amidst pollution nightmare
Children in Bangkok suffer daily from heavy air pollution, battling constant coughs and other possible respiratory illnesses. Pupils at Suan Lumphini School confront the harsh reality of their environment each morning as they assemble under coloured flags denoting the day’s air quality: a distressing routine with red signalling the worst and blue the best. Thailand grapples annually with dire air…
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Lufthansa execs partner with Thai child welfare centre
A high-profile delegation from the Lufthansa Group embarked on a special mission to the Child Protection and Welfare Centre in Huay Yai, near Pattaya, on Tuesday, March 12. Led by Frank Naeve, Senior Vice President of Global Markets & Stations, the assembly of over 200 top-tier executives from various countries across the Asia Pacific region, including Singapore, Vietnam, Australia, Taiwan, and…
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Jetstar flight fiasco: Passengers grounded as 24 hour delays soar
Jetstar Airways faced criticism from passengers when a flight from Bangkok to Singapore was delayed by more than 24 hours. The low-budget airline came under fire after 161 passengers found themselves stranded at Suvarnabhumi International Airport on Wednesday, March 13. Passengers were scheduled to board Jetstar Asia flight 3K516 for a 1.35pm departure, Singapore time, with an arrival at Changi…
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