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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5 surprising ways Internet of Behaviour impacts daily life and choices of Thais
It’s strange, almost unsettling, how an online ad seems to read your mind. It knows you’ve been eyeing those Onitsuka Tiger sneakers, popular among Bangkok’s fashionistas, even though you’ve barely mentioned it. That, right there, is the IoB at work—the Internet of Behaviours. Picture IoT (Internet of Things), but more invasive. While the IoT connects physical gadgets, like smart lights…
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Turning up the Thai-mometer: Thailand and Russia in heated talks for free trade pact
Thailand is turning up the heat on trade negotiations with Russia, as both nations look to seal a dynamic free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Recent high-stakes discussions at the Commerce Ministry between Thailand’s Commerce Minister, Pichai Naripthaphan, and Russian Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Sergey Levin, underscored a shared ambition to boost trade and investment. The spotlight…
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Thai man slaps famous lawyer allegedly over criticism of Islam
A Thai man slapped a famous lawyer during an interview at the Central Investigation Bureau’s Complaint Centre in Bangkok today, November 1, claiming he was offended by the lawyer’s criticism of Islam. Pictures and videos of the incident, in which renowned lawyer Dhammarat Sarapanya was slapped, circulated on Thai social media this afternoon. Dhammarat was seen giving an interview at…
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Land of opportunity: Thailand lays ground for 99-year ‘lease’ of a lifetime
In a bold move to bolster foreign investment, Thailand is set to revolutionise its land lease policies by extending terms to an impressive 99 years. This game-changing proposal was unveiled by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira at the glitzy CEO Econmas Awards 2024, marking a monumental shift for international investors eyeing long-term opportunities in the Land of…
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Monks under ‘charm’ fire for selling Moo Deng amulets
A wave of drama unfolded when Thai monks from a temple in the Bang Lamung district of Chon Buri introduced Moo Deng amulets, sparking concern among residents. Locals worry that these charms could make people excessively gullible. The pygmy hippo Moo Deng has become a sensation among Thais and foreigners alike. Moo Deng has drawn thousands of visitors to the…
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Energy scam shock: 20 duped by bogus clean energy company
In yet another alarming tale of betrayal, the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) of the Central Investigation Bureau swooped in with allegations against a company accused of swindling 20 unsuspecting investors. The victims were reportedly lured into pouring their hard-earned cash into what turned out to be a phantom clean energy venture. Spearheading the charge against this audacious act of…
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Thailand’s industrial sector hit by mass layoffs amid economic woes
Mass layoffs have swept through Thailand’s industrial sector, with approximately 2,600 factory workers losing their jobs over the past two days. Financial difficulties have compelled employers to downsize their operations, leading to significant disruptions in the workforce. An electric vehicle manufacturer in Chachoengsao announced that 600 workers will be laid off, effective December 1. This decision, communicated in a letter…
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15,000 Malaysian tourists flock to Thailand for Diwali, Halloween
Thailand’s southern border districts are experiencing a significant surge in visitors from Malaysia as tourists flock across the border to celebrate Halloween and Diwali. Yesterday, October 31, marked a notable influx, with over 15,000 Malaysian tourists crossing the Sadao immigration checkpoint in Songkhla‘s Sadao district. The day coincided with Malaysia’s public holiday for the Diwali festival, prompting many to take advantage…
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GDP on the up: Thailand’s economy gears up for 2.7% ‘Thai’ to growth
Thailand’s Finance Ministry is projecting GDP growth of 2.7% for the current year, with expectations to reach 3% in 2025. The Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) announced that while fiscal measures have been maximally employed to bolster the economy, further support from monetary policy is essential for achieving higher growth rates. During the ministry’s economic briefing, Pornchai Thiraveja, FPO Director-General, reaffirmed…
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Thailand shifts gears to keep diesel costs cruising under control
In a bold move to soothe the sting at the forecourts, the Oil Fuel Fund Office (OFFO) unveiled its plan to keep Thailand’s diesel prices under a breezy 33 baht per litre, even though the current subsidy scheme is revving to a halt. This decision steers from an unexpected upturn in OFFO’s finances, courtesy of plummeting global oil prices. Fiscal…
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Malaysian tourist falls from Phuket hotel balcony onto parked car
A Malaysian tourist‘s trip to Phuket took a dramatic turn when she fell from a hotel balcony in Patong, landing on a parked car below. The incident occurred early today, November 1, sending shockwaves across the bustling tourist area. The local police in Patong responded swiftly to an emergency call at 4.37am, arriving at the hotel situated on Rat-U Thit…
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Murder-suicide attempt: Burmese man dies after stabbing Thai girlfriend
A Burmese man stabbed his Thai girlfriend and committed suicide following her discovery that he had a legal wife in Myanmar and her request to end the relationship. The Thai woman survived the attack and remains in hospital. The Burmese man, 29 year old Htet, attempted to murder his Thai girlfriend, 24 year old Jiraporn, yesterday, October 31. However, only…
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Shocking tragedy: Electrician electrocuted in building mishap
An electrician tragically lost his life due to electrocution while working on the electrical installation of a newly constructed rental building. His death was discovered by a colleague who noticed he had not joined the team for lunch. Police received a report yesterday, October 31, at 3pm regarding the unfortunate incident at a rental room in Chong Kham, Mueang district,…
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Samut Prakan resident critically injured in Halloween shooting
A dramatic incident unfolded on Halloween night in Samut Prakan, where a man was left critically injured after being shot twice. The young man managed to flee on his motorbike for over 10 kilometres, seeking help from locals. Emergency responders from Samut Prakan Hospital rushed to provide first aid to 29 year old Komkrit after the shooting. He sustained gunshot…
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Udon Thani man arrested for child prostitution scheme
A 42 year old man was arrested for facilitating child prostitution after disguising himself as a food delivery rider in Udon Thani. The man, Yutthasart, allegedly charged clients 1,000 baht and deducted 200 to 300 baht from the children involved. Police Colonel Phatthanawong Chantapol, along with the investigative team from Udon Thani Provincial Police, announced the arrest, citing charges of…
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Thai teacher’s close call: Drug addict hides in her room
A Thai teacher narrowly escaped danger after discovering a drug addict hiding in her welfare accommodation near a school in the Thong Pha Phum district, in Kanchanaburi province. The teacher reported the incident to Thong Pha Phum Police Station on Wednesday, October 30, after finding the Thai man in her room. She shared CCTV footage with the police as evidence,…
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Jealousy turns deadly: Man shot at Mae Sot restaurant
A tragic incident unfolded at a restaurant in Mae Sot when a 34 year old man was shot dead by the establishment’s owner, a retired civil servant, in a fit of jealousy. The altercation, which escalated into a deadly confrontation, took place in the early hours of today, November 1. The incident occurred around 3am when the police, led by…
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South Korean man takes an ‘unfare’ ride in stolen Bangkok taxi
Police yesterday arrested a South Korean man for stealing a taxi parked near a petrol station in the Chatuchak neighbourhood of Bangkok. Officers from Bang Sue Police Station arrested the South Korean man, 52 year old Kim Hwangil, yesterday, October 31, shortly after he stole a blue Toyota Altis taxi with the registration plate ทฬ 9000 Bangkok, from 38 year…
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Spooky scenes: Police raid leaves partygoers haunted by drug bust
A Halloween night raid on two popular pubs in Chanthaburi left partygoers in disarray as police discovered nearly 100 people with drugs in their system and multiple underage patrons. The crackdown now seeks a five-year closure of the venues. The operation took place around 1:30am today, November 1, initiated by Anutin Charnvirakul, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.…
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Drug-addicted Thai man kills 4 month old daughter with pesticide
A drug-addicted Thai man in the central province of Lopburi confessed to adding pesticide to a milk bottle which resulted in the death of his four month old daughter. The 45 year old man, Suriya Thippaha, took his son-in-law, 39 year old Chatmongkhon Chaiyatha, to Lamsonthi Police Station in Lopburi province, accusing him of killing his four month old granddaughter…
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KO tragedy: British boxing hopeful’s final round in Pattaya hotel
A young British boxing hopeful was found lifeless at the swanky Vogue Hotel in Pattaya, Thailand. The grim discovery of Joshua Goldstone in the early hours of Wednesday, October 30, has left friends and fans reeling, as the boxer’s Australian mate is battling for his life amidst the scandalous surroundings of a potential drug overdose. The 21 year old fighter’s…
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British man injured in Nongprue prompts emergency response
A British man was found injured near Nong Yai Railway Road in Nongprue, Bang Lamung, prompting emergency responders to arrive at the scene. The incident unfolded when locals noticed the approximately 40 year old man, who was shirtless and only wearing socks, with noticeable scratch wounds on his body. He appeared agitated and was shouting but unable to communicate effectively…
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Police officer in drunk driving crash escapes legal action
A troubling police corruption case has emerged involving an officer allegedly driving while drunk, resulting in a collision with a parked car, yet faced no legal repercussions. The incident, which took place four months ago, raised concerns over potential bias and inadequate investigation. The incident occurred previously on June 20, when a red Mazda parked on the roadside within the…
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Cyber cops caught in 300 million baht web of greed
Nine Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) officers and three additional suspects allegedly attempted to extort 300 million baht from a Vanuatu-Chinese couple. Ten suspects were arrested while two others remain at large. The Vanuatu man named Sai and his Chinese wife reported to officers at Bang Sue Police Station that a group of men claiming to be police officers swindled…
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Karon police ‘taxi’ the bull by the horns: No more illegal rides
Karon police have hit back at online accusations claiming they’ve been lax in tackling illegal taxi operations. In a bold announcement, they revealed that a whopping 208 illegal taxis have been stopped and seized since the start of July. In a statement released earlier yesterday, October 31, Karon Police reassured the public that their officers have been conducting checkpoints at…
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Thailand’s BRICS dreams: Up in the air but not grounded yet
Thailand’s bid for membership in the influential BRICS international organisation remains up in the air, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). The Government of Thailand is currently weighing the economic implications of joining this powerful bloc, with a decision pending in the House. BRICS, which boasts heavyweights like Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, the UAE, Iran, Egypt,…
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Thailand’s cultural treasures shine bright: No.8 in global rankings
Thailand has secured a top spot in cultural heritage, ranking eighth out of 89 countries, according to a recent US News & World report. This prestigious ranking catapults Thailand into the elite league of culturally rich nations, celebrated for its vibrant traditions and historical significance. The American media powerhouse determined the rankings based on five crucial attributes: cultural accessibility, rich…
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Thai schoolboy stabs classmate over school bus seat dispute
A Thai schoolboy from a school in the northern province of Sukhothai today stabbed his classmate on a school bus, reportedly following an argument over seats. Officers from Sri Satchanalai Police Station were called to investigate the stabbing on a school bus parked along a road in the Sri Satchanalai district of Sukhothai at around 7.30am, today, October 31. The…
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Knicker-fetish thief targets black and pink panties in Pathum Thani
Police officers are on the hunt for a man with a ladies’ knicker fetish, specifically targeting black and pink ones. The kinky suspect, who has been travelling by pickup truck, has been stealing underwear from residents in the central province of Pathum Thani. One of the victims, 35 year old Sukanda Kaewkanya, filed a complaint at Sam Khok Police Station…
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‘Fries’ for change: Waste Not, Want Not turns grease into green efforts
Surat Thani Municipality launched a notable initiative titled Waste Not, Want Not, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by recycling used cooking oil. The project, in collaboration with the New Biodiesel Company, encourages residents to exchange used cooking oil for fresh Rin Tip brand oil. The agreement was signed yesterday, October 30, at Surat Thani Municipality’s conference room by Prachert…
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