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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Starting a new life abroad is exciting—new culture, new lifestyle, and new chances to grow. But living far from home also means taking steps to protect your health in unfamiliar surroundings. Without the right coverage, even small health issues can...
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Lace runs out: Crystal textile industries unravels, leaving 97 jobless
Crystal Textile Industries Ltd., a lace manufacturer established 34 years ago, closed its factory due to a lack of orders, leaving 97 employees jobless. Located in Soi Wat Kusang, Suksawat Road, Samut Prakan, the company faced insurmountable financial difficulties. Crystal Textile Industries Ltd., which specialised in lace embroidery and exports, was a joint venture between Thai and Indian entrepreneurs. The…
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Thailand to boost computer chip investments for EV industry growth
Thailand is poised to ramp up its investments in computer chips, aligning with the state’s strategy to establish a national semiconductor board, in a bid to bolster the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) industry. According to the Secretary-General of the Board of Investment (BOI), Narit Therdsteerasukdi, as domestic EV manufacturing gains traction due to increased foreign investment, the development of related…
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Phuket ramps up flood prevention as rainy season nears
Phuket City Municipality is ramping up flood prevention efforts as the rainy season approaches, deploying a comprehensive strategy to protect residents and maintain city infrastructure from imminent rain damage. Preparations include mobilising manpower to combat incoming floods, deploying machinery, and distributing sandbags across vulnerable areas to minimise damages, according to Phuket Town Mayor Saroj Angkhanapilas. The municipality aims to ensure both…
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Train travel from Bangkok to Beijing inching closer
Train travel between Bangkok and Beijing is moving closer to reality as Thailand gears up to expand its rail network. This new venture promises to transform travel and trade in the region, connecting major cities in Thailand, Laos, and China. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) announced a trial service between Bangkok and Vientiane, the capital of Laos, on July…
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Interior Minister promotes sustainable income project in Lamphun
The Deputy Interior Minister visited Lamphun to inaugurate the Sustainable Community Income Development Project and encourage provincial development officers. The event took place today, June 13, at the Ministry of Interior Market Organisation’s Lamphun branch (Central Tunnel Market). Minister Kriang Kalptinan emphasised the significance of the project, stating its primary objective is to develop, promote, and support marketing channels. This…
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White Mitsubishi Pajero with 19 illegal immigrants crashes in Lamphun
A white Mitsubishi Pajero, carrying 19 illegal immigrants, collided with a motorcycle and fled the scene last night in Lamphun. The incident occurred around 8.40pm, yesterday, June 12, injuring a mother and her child at the three-way clock tower intersection in Ban Pa Puai, Ban Hong District. Officers from Ban Hong Police Station and rescue workers from Phutthaisawan Rescue Unit pursued…
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Shock to the system: Chinese EV makers’ global charge struggle
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers face a challenge in maintaining their global image as price competition abroad raises concerns about the quality and reliability of their cars, according to consultancy Bain & Co. Bain & Co advises Chinese EV manufacturers, who already have a cost advantage over international competitors, to shift their focus to premium and expensive models rather than…
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The health dangers of ultra-processed plant-based meat substitutes
Eating plant-based foods is often hailed as a healthier choice, but new research suggests that not all plant-based foods are created equal. While fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are beneficial, ultra-processed plant-based foods (UPFs) such as vegan meat substitutes, vegan burgers, vegan nuggets or sausages etc. might actually increase your risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The study: What researchers discovered…
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Employee shot dead in Pattani ambush
A shocking incident occurred in Pattani, where an unidentified assailant ambushed and shot dead an employee of the Kolotanyong Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO) while he was riding his motorcycle to work. The police are urgently investigating the motive behind the attack. Officers yesterday received a report from Nong Chik Police Station’s radio centre about the fatal shooting of an employee…
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TikTok warning: Bolt rider assaults Thai woman over fare dispute
A Thai woman took to TikTok to warn other users about her experience with the Bolt ride-hailing application, where the rider in Bangkok physically assaulted her after she refused to pay his inflated fare. The victim shared security camera footage of the physical assault on her TikTok account, @picnicka, yesterday, June 12. According to the victim, the violent app-based rider…
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Thai court reviews PM and Move Forward Party dissolution
The Thai Constitutional Court convened to address significant political issues, including the alleged subversion by the Move Forward Party (MFP) and a petition questioning Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s qualifications following the appointment of Pichit Chuenban as Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office. The court reviewed a petition from the Election Commission (EC), filed by the political party registrar, that…
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TikTok teams up with Thailand’s biz dept to boost SME impact
TikTok Shop has taken a significant step by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Thailand’s Department of Business Development to boost the contribution of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to 40% of the GDP by 2027, up from the current 35%. TikTok Live data from Thailand shows that in 2023, there were 700,000 Thai creators live streaming on the…
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Bangkok steps up crackdown on illegal begging
Police in Bangkok have intensified efforts to curb illegal begging, with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) spearheading routine inspections in collaboration with various sectors. The initiative, announced by Varawut Silpa-archa, involves inspecting for illegal beggars five times a month, aiming to address the persistent issue effectively. During these inspections, Thai beggars are transferred to the Centre…
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Tired thief caught red-handed: Motorcycle stolen in Songkhla
A thief was apprehended in Songkhla after stealing a sidecar motorcycle, claiming he was too exhausted from walking and saw the vehicle with the key left in the ignition. Police issued a warning to owners about leaving keys in vehicles to prevent such incidents. Today, captured CCTV footage reveals the theft of a Honda sidecar motorcycle in Songkhla on the…
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Thailand reviews property tax law after five years
The Finance Ministry is currently reviewing the Land and Building Tax Act, which has been in effect for five years, marking a crucial phase in reforming Thailand’s property tax regime. Public hearings have been conducted to gather opinions from the public and stakeholders. Finance Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit says the amended version of the land and building tax law will…
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Siberian Husky in urgent need of blood donation after snake bite
A Siberian Husky faces a dire situation after being bitten by a snake and requiring an urgent blood donation at Kasetsart Animal Hospital in Bang Khen. The dog’s condition necessitated an immediate amputation of its right hind leg to prevent the spread of infection. The heartfelt plea for help was posted on the Facebook page ปู่ลà¸à¸¢à¸”์, urging dog owners to…
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Controversial 500 baht fee on conscripts scrapped after backlash
A recent directive has cancelled a controversial 500 baht fee for septic tank maintenance levied on conscripts after widespread confusion and criticism. The decision follows revelations that conscripts who earn over 10,000 baht monthly, were left with only a few thousand baht after various deductions. The Facebook page E-Sor Crushing News 3 posted details yesterday of the expenses for new conscripts…
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Fishy business: Neighbour caught stealing prawns in Thailand
A local fishpond owner faced significant distress after a series of thefts targeting her prawn traps over two consecutive days. When the thief returned on the third day, she was ready with a plan to catch him. Shockingly, the culprit turned out to be her neighbour, who claimed desperation led him to steal. Police Lieutenant Colonel Wiroj Tethong and a…
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MRT wins legal battle to extend Orange Line
The Supreme Administrative Court has upheld a previous ruling by the Central Administrative Court, greenlighting the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRT) to ink a deal with Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company (BEM) for the Orange Line extension from Bang Khun Non to Min Buri. The legal tussle began when Bangkok Mass Transit System Company (BTSC) took the MRT to…
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Soldiers praised for returning lost wallet with 30,000 baht to vendor
A senior military official commended two soldiers for returning a lost wallet containing valuables to a market vendor. The heartwarming incident unfolded yesterday at the Nong Phai Lom, Nakhon Ratchasima market, where Sergeant Parinya Chongsangaunklang and Private Tewarat Singthong were on duty. The owner of the wallet, 61 year old Phuangkeo Srinawakul, shared her immense relief and gratitude upon the…
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PM Srettha plans to transform Lamphun into a museum hub
To revitalise Thailand’s tourism sector, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is championing the transformation of Lamphun into a City of Museums and accelerating efforts to secure UNESCO World Heritage status for Nan. During a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, PM Srettha highlighted these ambitious proposals following his recent visits to several provinces. He was particularly impressed by the innovative vision of Lamphun’s…
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Elderly woman forgives robbers after 200,000 baht theft in Buriram
An elderly woman, who fell victim to a theft by two seemingly Good Samaritans who stole cash and gold worth nearly 200,000 baht, has remarkably forgiven the suspects. After accepting their offer of a ride, she was robbed of all her belongings, threatened at gunpoint, and left stranded by a pond. The Thai police apprehended one of the suspects, 39…
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What you need to know about the rising cases of medical treatment mishaps
Recent studies show a worrying trend: cases of harm from medical treatment mishaps have significantly increased globally over the past 30 years. According to a study published in BMJ Quality & Safety, incidents of patient harm rose from 11 million in 1990 to 18 million in 2019. This 59% increase surpasses the 45% growth in the global population during the…
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Thai man dies after altercation with nephew in Lampang
A man suffering from a mental illness was fatally injured after a confrontation with his nephew in Lampang province. The nephew later turned himself in to the police. Officers from the Koh Kha Police Station in Lampang province were alerted to a fatal assault at a residence in Tha Pha Subdistrict, Koh Kha District at 2pm yesterday, June 12. The…
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Lay’s chips in: PepsiCo to grow revenue by 15% for Thai farmers
Pepsi-Cola (Thai) Trading Co (PepsiCo), the producer and distributor of Lay’s potato chips, has intensified efforts to boost agricultural productivity among its 5,800 contract farmers, aiming to increase revenue by 15% for 35% of these farmers by 2030. General Manager of Indochina Foods and Chief Commercial Officer for Asia-Pacific, Sudipto Mozumdar highlighted the challenges posed by climate change and rising…
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Man in pickup truck in Tak claims children staring at him after crash (video)
A man parked his pickup truck in the middle of a dark road in Tak Province, after having a breakdown. He refused to get out of the vehicle, covered his eyes covered and claimed children were staring at him, while handprints covered the back window. A TikTok user with the account athena.hyk posted a video of the incident while driving…
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Thailand power companies to spark 112,400 megawatts in 13 years
Thailand’s electricity supply is projected to reach 112,400 megawatts in the next 13 years, with power companies anticipated to play a larger role in power generation, according to the new power development plan (PDP). The country’s power supply was 53,868MW last year, with nearly 80% sourced from fossil fuels and the rest from renewable energy. According to an anonymous source…
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Scottish ex-football player admits to child sexual assault in Thailand
A former footballer confessed to serious sexual assault and the possession of an astonishing number of indecent images of children. The ex-midfielder, who once played for Scottish clubs St Johnstone and Dunfermline Athletic in the 1980s and 90s, will now face the full force of the law. The Scotsman, 61 year old Ian Heddle, originally from Dunfermline, was initially arrested…
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Thai monk’s high crimes: Temple trouble over explicit posts & drugs
Police arrested a Thai monk at a temple in the Isaan province of Sa Kaeo for sharing explicit content on social media platforms and using drugs. The monk admitted to having sex with many men during his monkhood and infecting them with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Twitter account Red Skull shared explicit pictures of the Thai monk, later identified…
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Former prison warden found guilty of corruption in Thailand
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has determined that the former warden of Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Prison is guilty of corruption related to the establishment of a housewives’ group to sell food and drinks within the prison, without the necessary permissions. NACC’s Provincial Director, Chutarat Luangpermsakul, disclosed that the commission decided the misconduct in public office, specifically accusing Sutin Chidchob…
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