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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Lottery fever: Chai Nat buzzes with potential winning numbers
Today’s lottery draw is generating significant buzz in Chai Nat Province, with enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the next round of potential winning numbers. The Government Lottery Office (GLO) will conduct the draw at the Learning and Tourism Development Centre at Chao Phraya Dam in Sapphaya District, heightening the anticipation among lottery hopefuls. The excitement surrounding the lottery is palpable, with various…
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Thai eCommerce rivalry set to surge
Thailand has recently plunged into the eCommerce market, spurring job creation and economic fortification. The country has a predicted eCommerce growth rate of between 5 and 7% between 2025 and 2027. What does the Thai eCommerce surge mean for US businesses? The eCommerce world is changing, and US businesses must adopt the latest tools and technologies to stay ahead of…
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Bangkok Airways soars to new heights with cloud technology
In a move to stay ahead of the competition, Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited has embraced RISE with SAP, a comprehensive business transformation package featuring cloud solutions, infrastructure, and services. This shift aims to boost the airline’s operational efficiency, adaptability, and competitive edge with state-of-the-art technologies. Bangkok Airways, a premier boutique airline in Asia, serves over 12 domestic and seven…
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Pride Month kicks off with Rainbow Runway in Bangkok (video)
Pride Month celebrations kicked off with grandeur on the 80-metre Rainbow Runway at the centralwOrld Rhythm of Pride 2024 event held at CentralWorld in Bangkok. The event underscored diversity and equality for the LGBTQ+ community, marking a significant celebration in the heart of Bangkok. The highlight of the event was Metinee Kingpayome, a prominent figure in the LGBTQIAN+ community, who…
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Woman arrested for theft from tourists in Bangkok for the 12th time
Authorities at Phra Ratchawang Police Station have apprehended a Thai woman for stealing from foreign tourists in Bangkok. This marks the 12th time she has been caught, with her latest release from jail occurring only a few months ago. Officers led by Phawat Watsupat, commander of the Phra Ratchawang Police Station, and Paisan Detkalaya, deputy commander of investigation, along with…
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Two shot dead while gathering intelligence in Songkhla
Two people were shot dead while gathering information in Thepa, Songkhla yesterday. Ponnchai Kwanpanya, the head of Huai Pling Police Station in Songkhla, received a report of a shooting incident yesterday at 5.30pm. The attack occurred on a road in Ban Huai Pling, Moo 2, Tham Wang Subdistrict, Thepa District, Songkhla Province. Authorities, including military forces from Songkhla Special Task…
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Ex-MP Vatana to return to Samut Prakan after 15 years on the run
Former Samut Prakan MP and Deputy Interior Minister Vatana Asavahame has announced his intention to return to Samut Prakan in two months to visit locals after evading corruption charges for 15 years. A housewarming ceremony took place yesterday at the new residence of Soontorn Pansangtong, the former deputy minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives and the former deputy chief of Samut…
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Russian ruse: Massive Thai visa scam exposed
Thai police dismantled a sprawling network that illegally enabled foreigners, predominantly Russians, to secure long-term stays in Thailand through deceptive company setups. This elaborate scheme, orchestrated by a 45 year old Russian woman and her Thai accomplice, has rocked the idyllic province of Phuket. Police revealed that the Russian mastermind arrived in Thailand in 2012 and, alongside a Thai woman,…
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Thailand cracks down on illegal e-cigarettes to protect children
Authorities in Thailand are set to take decisive action against the illegal use of e-cigarettes, emphasising the need to protect children from the health risks associated with vaping. Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul declared that the country has ignored the issue for too long, during an event commemorating World No Tobacco Day yesterday. “The authorities must begin solving the problem right…
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Heavy rainfall warning issued for 46 provinces including Bangkok
The Meteorological Department has issued a severe weather warning, forecasting heavy rainfall in 46 provinces, including Bangkok, with 70% of the area expected to be affected. Residents are advised to take precautions against potential flash floods and forest runoff. Moderate southwesterly monsoon winds are covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, coupled with a low-pressure area over…
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Temples banned from requiring HIV tests for ordination
The Sangha Supreme Council has endorsed a proposal from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to prevent temples from mandating HIV tests for men seeking ordination, arguing that HIV is not a chronic infectious disease. Wasan Paileeklee, a member of the NHRC, announced yesterday that the commission had looked into a complaint about a temple in Bangkok’s Suan Luang district,…
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Thailand doubles visa-free stay for 93 nations to boost tourism
Thailand has extended the visa-free exemption period for visitors from 30 to 60 days .This is great news for tourists and business travelers alike, as it will allow them to stay in Thailand for longer periods of time. The visa exemption applies to nationals of 93 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan. Visitors from…
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British granny’s pension nightmare in Thailand
An 87 year old British woman regrets her move to Thailand to be closer to family, as she struggles to survive on a frozen UK state pension of just £300 (approximately 14,000 baht) a month. Christine Gloria Fox, who lives near Pattaya on Thailand’s east coast, laments her decision to relocate to what she describes as an expensive area where…
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Kazakhstan’s first direct flight lands in Surat Thani
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Scat Airlines today celebrated the inaugural direct flight from Almaty, Kazakhstan to Surat Thani. The flight carrying 212 passengers, landed at Surat Thani International Airport this morning at 7.30am. The Thai Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Chatchawan Sakornsinsuwan, accompanied the flight, along with Kazakhstani travel operators and media, receiving a warm welcome from local officials.…
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Drunk driver causes fatal motorcycle crash in Samut Songkhram
A tragic accident occurred today as a 20 year old man lost his life when his motorcycle collided with a pickup truck driven by a drunk driver in Amphawa, Samut Songkhram. The collision took place on Somdet Phra Suriyenthr Bridge Road, involving a Honda Wave motorcycle and an Isuzu D-Max pickup truck. Authorities responded promptly to the accident site, where…
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Cambodian man shot in violent clash with Thai youths in Chon Buri
A confrontation between Cambodian and Thai youths escalated into violence, resulting in a 20 year old Cambodian man being shot and injured. The incident occurred yesterday, May 30 in Banglamung District, Chon Buri Province, prompting a police investigation. The violence erupted around 10.30pm yesterday. Officers from Nong Prue Police Station, led by Jaroon Duangwiangkham, received a report from Banglamung Hospital…
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Motorbike mayhem: Pattaya’s underpass crackdown sparks debate
In a recent traffic enforcement blitz, the Pattaya City Peacekeeping Division, alongside the Pattaya City Police Traffic Division, brought the contentious issue of motorbikes using the underpass into the limelight. The crackdown, resulting in numerous prosecutions, has ignited a fiery debate among residents. Many locals have thrown their weight behind the operation. “Good deeds should be appreciated. This should be done…
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Udder chaos: Frenzied cow injures man in Chon Buri
A frenzied cow in Sattahip, Chon Buri province, injured its caretaker by ramming him against a wall, causing severe injuries and triggering a chaotic rescue attempt. Locals and rescue workers struggled to retrieve the injured man as the agitated cow continued to charge at them, forcing them to flee. The Sattahip Sawang Rojanathammasathan Rescue Foundation’s radio centre received a report…
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Fisherman discovers body in tragic canal drowning accident
A fishing trip along an irrigation canal quickly took a tragic turn when a local fisherman discovered the floating corpse of a man who had been missing since the previous night after taking a quick dip in the canal, citing excessive heat. The incident occurred yesterday when Police Lieutenant Nutthaphat Chan-narong from the Amphawa Police Station received a report of…
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Newborn girl found abandoned in black bag in Pathum Thani
A newborn baby girl was found abandoned in a black bag next to a garbage bin in Pathum Thani. Locals promptly alerted emergency services, who rushed the infant to the hospital. Police are now reviewing CCTV footage to identify the person responsible. Chumphon Songngam, an investigator at Khlong Luang Police Station in Pathum Thani, received a report yesterday that a…
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Mae Hong Son villagers reap profits from collecting mushrooms
Mae Hong Son villagers are seizing the annual opportunity to gather mushrooms known as the barometer earthstar, earning up to 2,000 baht per day. These mushrooms, known for their white flesh and sweet, crunchy taste, have become a significant economic driver in the region. Throughout the early rainy season, Mae Hong Son’s forests yield an abundance of barometer earthstar mushrooms,…
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Would you eat 10 year old rice? Activist demands court intervention
Prominent solo activist Srisuwan Janya approached the Central Administrative Court, seeking an urgent suspension of the Commerce Ministry’s plan to auction off approximately 15,000 tonnes of rice from the scandal-tainted rice pledging scheme of the Yingluck Shinawatra government. In his court petition, Srisuwan highlighted the concerns of numerous rice experts who oppose the auction. They argue that rice stored for…
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BREAKING: Keto diets can cause premature ageing of the organs
The ketogenic diet, commonly known as the keto diet, has gained immense popularity due to its efficacy in rapid weight loss. Originally developed as a treatment for epilepsy, the diet involves a high intake of fats and a significant reduction in carbohydrates. While many people achieve their desired weight loss outcomes through this diet, recent research suggests that the long-term…
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Thailand’s unique flower symbol for World No Tobacco Day
Every year on May 31, World No Tobacco Day is marked with ashtrays and fresh flowers symbolising the fight against tobacco. But in Thailand, a unique flower takes centre stage – the leelawadee, also known as plumeria or frangipani. Leelawadee, a delicate flowering tree often seen adorning gardens, carries profound symbolism in Thai culture. Historically known as lan thom, the…
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Factory owner donates 10 million baht to Chachoengsao hospital
A factory owner has garnered significant online attention by donating 10 million baht to a temple, meticulously folding the money into floral arrangements. This generous contribution aims to support the construction of a hospital and acquire medical equipment for Wat Saman Rattanaram Hospital in Chachoengsao Province. The donation, amounting to 10 million baht, was made by Wanthanee Saeseng, the owner…
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Thai man stabbed by girlfriend’s ex, attacker flees with woman
A Thai man is seeking justice after being stabbed by his girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend at a condominium in Bangkok. The attacker escaped arrest and fled to the central province of Chainart with the victim’s girlfriend. The victim, 21 year old Thanawat Phontaecha, urged non-profit organisation Saimai Survive to follow up on the complaint of the physical assault for him. Thanawat claimed…
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Thai land bridge project faces concerns over land disputes
Private companies, eager to invest in the Thai government’s ambitious land bridge project in the south of the country, voiced concerns over potential legal hurdles that could impede the construction of the mega project. The project aims to establish a crucial link between the Pacific and Indian oceans in the southern region of Thailand. Chumphon and Ranong are to act…
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Lottery enthusiasts turn to Chinese lunar calendars for June 1 draw
Lottery enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the upcoming draw tomorrow, June 1, with the spotlight on numbers from Chinese lunar calendars. The excitement revolves around four versions of the Chinese calendar that are believed to hold lucky numbers for this draw. As the lottery draw date nears, fans and seasoned players alike are on the lookout for the next set of…
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Golden pumpkin vine in Phayao draws villagers seeking luck
A unique golden-hued pumpkin vine has captured the attention of villagers in Phayao, prompting them to seek luck and fortune. The vine, located in the vegetable garden of Amphorn Chaithong’s home, has drawn a crowd eager to witness and worship the unusual plant. The golden pumpkin vine, planted near the fence of Amphorn Chaithong’s residence in Cham Pa Wai, Mueang…
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Taxing times: Tourism Minister stands firm with 300 baht tourist tax
In a recent press conference, Thailand’s new Tourism and Sports Minister, Sermsak Pongpanich, hinted at the impending introduction of a tourist tax, known as the Kha Yeap Pan Din, translating to a landing fee. Although no specific timeline was provided for its implementation, the newly-appointed minister emphasised the unlikelihood of abandoning the proposed tax. Sermsak, formerly the Culture Minister, assumed…
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