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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Betting on Songkhla: Legal casino spin to boost border tourism
Tourism operators in Songkhla urge the government to consider developing an entertainment complex with a legal casino to revitalise tourism in border areas and reduce dependence on Malaysian visitors. As the government reviews a project for an integrated entertainment complex, Songchai Mungprasithichai, President of the Songkhla Tourism Promotion Association, highlighted the potential of Ban Dan Nok and the area around…
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Thai PM to attend Bangkok Pride 2024 amid security concerns
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will attend the Bangkok Pride Festival 2024, becoming the first Thai premier to join the event. This decision comes despite security concerns highlighted by a recent warning from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). On May 10, both organisations issued a joint release warning that foreign terrorist organisations…
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Thailand targets 465 billion baht in central region tourism revenue
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is set to promote the central region with new flight connections to the south and northeast, aiming to generate 465 billion baht in tourism revenue this year. Following a mobile cabinet meeting in Phetchaburi province, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin directed TAT to boost tourism in Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, and Phetchaburi. The initiative will…
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Thailand taskforce seizes 130 million illegal pills in six months
Thailand’s northern border has seen the most significant progress in combating narcotics trafficking, with the Narcotic Drug and Chemical Substance Control Command Unit (Taskforce 35) seizing nearly 130 million illegal pills over the past six months. In this period, a specialised task force named Taskforce 35 conducted 74 operations targeting narcotic activities, 30 of which escalated to gunfights, according to…
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Backlash over Stark scandal suspect’s hospital transfer
The Department of Corrections (DoC) faced heavy criticism yesterday for transferring a key suspect in the Stark Corporation scandal to the Police General Hospital (PGH), as victims of the financial misconduct accuse officials of granting him special treatment. Dozens of investors affected by the Stark Corporation fraud case petitioned Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong, seeking transparency after discovering that Vonnarat Tangkaravakoon,…
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Court shakes up Senate race: Judge advises removal of EC regs
A judge at the Administrative Court has advised the removal of certain Election Commission (EC) regulations that govern how Senate election candidates introduce themselves, following complaints from petitioners. Activists and candidates filed a petition against the EC regulations, arguing that they overly restrict candidates’ use of social media and mass media to introduce themselves to the public. The court held…
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Phuket jet ski tragedy casts shadow over British man’s holiday
A British man’s paradise holiday in Phuket tragically turned to gloom for his family when he lost his life in a jet ski crash earlier this month. Jonathan Greene, from Stoke-on-Trent, met a tragic end during his holiday in the sun-soaked paradise of Phuket earlier this month. The 37 year old, of Church Avenue in Baddeley Green, was soaking up the…
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Thailand’s hydrogen hype: Fuelling a cleaner future
Thailand is gearing up to construct a hydrogen economy, motivated by both state and business initiatives to advance hydrogen fuel ventures and foster cleaner energy usage. The nation’s potential for a low carbon-driven economy is gaining traction following a joint announcement by PTT Global Chemical (PTTGC), the largest petrochemical producer in Thailand, and Bangkok Industrial Gas, the country’s leading industrial…
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Loan and behold: NPLs spike as economy recovery stumbles
The Bank of Thailand reported a rise in non-performing loans (NPLs) within the banking industry for the first quarter, attributing the increase to all types of loan products amidst an uneven economic recovery. NPLs in the banking sector reached 502 billion baht, equivalent to 2.74% of total outstanding loans in the first quarter, an increase from 2.66% in the previous quarter.…
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Cassava crunch: Thai exports take a dip with 16.4% drop in Q1
Thai exports of cassava and cassava products fell by 16.4% year-on-year in the first quarter, largely due to a reduction in cassava chip output. The Director-General of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office, Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, reported that the export value of cassava and cassava products reached 33.2 billion baht for the first three months of this year, marking a 16.4%…
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Bleak reefs: Coral bleaching hits Mooh Koh Surin & Phi Phi Island
The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DMCR) revealed seven coral bleaching sites have been identified in Moo Koh Surin National Park in Phang Nga, with up to 70% of coral fields around Krabi’s Phi Phi Island also affected. An investigation into the bleaching situation, conducted over two days, revealed that seven coral reef sites in Moo Koh Surin…
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NBTC rings changes: Task force to dial down online banking scams
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has established a working group to enforce a new policy aimed at preventing online scams targeting mobile banking users. This policy mandates that the name used to register a mobile phone SIM card must match the name of the bank account holder connected to the internet via that SIM card. This policy had…
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Koh Samui’s new cruise terminal project anchors big investors
Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri announced that Koh Samui’s ambitious new cruise terminal project has drawn substantial interest from investors both locally and internationally. The Ministry of Transport plans to review the outcomes of a feasibility study into the project’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) investment model before submitting it to the cabinet for approval. Manaporn provided an update on the project’s…
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PM Srettha scrambles to address economic woes
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has called an urgent meeting with his economic ministers next Monday in a bid to tackle Thailand’s sluggish economic growth. This move comes after a dismal first-quarter GDP report, which has sent shockwaves through the government and the public alike. In a Twitter post last night, the 62 year old Thai prime minister announced that…
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TAT’s grand plan to attract 39 million tourists to Thailand
The Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT) called for a major budget increase to boost tourism revenue to a staggering 3.5 trillion baht in 2024, attracting more tourists. The Thai government is aiming high, with an ambitious goal to lure no fewer than 39 million international tourists to its stunning shores throughout 2024. To achieve this, the TAT is pushing for…
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Singapore Airlines emergency landing claims one life, injures 30
One passenger was tragically killed and 30 others were injured as a Singapore Airlines flight made an emergency landing at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok due to the severe weather. Thai PBS reported that the air traffic control team at Suvarnabhumi Airport received an emergency signal, squawk code 7700, from the Boeing 777-300ER at 4 pm today, May 21. The…
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Doctor warns of surge in Covid infections, over 18,000 cases daily
As the number of Covid-19 patients admitted to hospitals with lung infections continues to climb, an expert in preventive medicine, and a doctor from Chulalongkorn University issued a stark warning, predicting that daily infections in Thailand could surpass 18,000 individuals. Associate Professor Doctor Thira Woratanarat, a faculty member at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine, expressed his concerns in a recent…
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NZ engineering giant Beca to drive Thailand’s green future
New Zealand’s leading advisory and engineering consultancy, Beca, is set to shape Thailand’s future, following Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s pivotal visit on April 17. CEO Amelia Linzey accompanied the business delegation, underscoring the powerful partnership between the two nations focused on green building and smart infrastructure. Prime Minister Luxon’s visit marked a major milestone in the Thailand-New Zealand relationship, particularly…
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Philippines aims to be Asia’s next logistics hub with US support
According to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the Philippines is positioning itself as Asia’s next manufacturing and logistics hub, leveraging its strengthening relationship with the United States. Under the leadership of Marcos, the Philippines has bolstered its defence and economic cooperation with Washington, which recently committed to accelerating investments in the nation’s transport infrastructure, clean energy, and semiconductor supply chains through the…
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Bangkok’s new food paradise: Mitsukoshi supermarket
Bangkok is set to experience a gastronomic transformation as One Bangkok, the city’s fully integrated smart and sustainable district, partners with Japan’s largest department store group, Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Co., Ltd. This strategic collaboration aims to redefine Bangkok’s food and grocery shopping experience. One Bangkok, a joint venture between TCC Assets (Thailand) and Frasers Property Holdings (Thailand) Company Limited, has…
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Thai man’s drunken rampage in Na Jomtien terrorises family
A 36 year old Thai man was apprehended by police on Sunday in Na Jomtien, Sattahip, after allegedly attacking his parents in a drunken rage. Police were summoned to the Eua Arthorn Na Jomtien housing community following reports of domestic violence. Upon arrival, officers found the suspect, identified as Nattawut, aggressively threatening his mother with a small cutting tool on the…
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Thailand seeks new stimulus after Q1 growth falls short
Following Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira’s announcement yesterday, Thailand needs additional stimulus measures to unlock its economic potential after experiencing lower-than-expected growth in the first quarter. The country’s economy expanded by only 1.5% year-on-year in the first quarter. This performance, while surpassing analysts’ forecasts, fell short of the 1.7% growth recorded in the previous quarter, said Pichai. “There was still growth…
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Chiang Mai Airport grants Grab exclusive ride-hailing rights
Chiang Mai Airport defended its decision to grant Grab exclusive rights to operate ride-hailing services at its passenger terminal. Only vehicles using the Grab app are permitted to pick up passengers at the airport, according to Chiang Mai Airport General Manager Ronnakorn Chalermsanyakorn. Ronnakorn explained that two categories of vehicles provide services at the airport. The first category includes non-regular…
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Thai man’s birthday surprise from Bangkok taxi driver goes viral
A Thai man shared a heartwarming video on TikTok showing a Bangkok taxi driver who surprised him with a birthday present by playing “Happy Birthday” during his ride. The Thai TikTok user shared the heartwarming video during a taxi ride on his account, @icetsuki, on May 19, with the caption, “Unexpected moment on taxi car.” The man explained in the…
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Civil war in Myanmar sees increase in drug trafficking into Thailand
In a worrying development, the trafficking of methamphetamine, commonly known as Yaba, from Myanmar into Thailand has witnessed a significant increase in recent weeks. According to Thai military sources, this surge is attributed to the pressing financial requirements of anti-junta ethnic forces in Myanmar. A coordinated effort by Thai military, police, and anti-narcotics officials yesterday resulted in the seizure of…
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Sky-high savings: Webjet and AirAsia unveil mega Asia sale
Webjet and AirAsia have joined forces again, promising Aussie travellers unbeatable fares to Asia’s hottest destinations. In a major boost for Aussie globetrotters, Webjet, Australia’s leading online travel agency, relaunched its partnership with AirAsia. This exciting collaboration promises easier access to affordable flights, thanks to AirAsia’s extensive network. The partnership aims to offer customers a broader range of choices and…
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Pattaya Mayor anticipates roadwork to be completed by year’s end
Mayor Poramet Ngampichet of Pattaya delivered an update on the ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects aimed at improving the city’s drainage systems. These initiatives, funded by the previous budget allocation, represent a concerted effort to enhance the city’s infrastructure and overall livability. Highlighting key accomplishments, Mayor Poramet announced the successful completion of drainage installation on Thepprasit Road. Work on Pattaya…
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Pattaya police introduce mobile app to boost tourist safety
Pattaya City Police Station has unveiled the PATTAYA SAFETY application to boost tourist safety. Superintendent Police Colonel Navin Theerawit announced this innovative app designed to enhance the safety of Thai and international tourists visiting the vibrant city of Pattaya. Developed under the provincial police’s guidance, the PATTAYA SAFETY app acts as a comprehensive platform for incident reporting, tip submission, and…
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Thai man and Frenchman duel in knife fight, both wounded
A knife fight erupted between a Thai man and a Frenchman in the middle of the road in the Karon sub-district of Phuket last night, May 20, resulting in injuries of both parties. Officers from Karon Police Station received a notification from a Thai man who discovered an injured individual, later identified as Jirasak Thonghor, outside his apartment building at…
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Chalong Bay luxury yacht goes up in flames
A 34.2-metre luxury yacht yesterday suffered extensive damage in a dramatic blaze, which left its towering mast levelled. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) sprang into action around 3pm, dispatching two boats, Tor 111 and Tor 272, to the scene. Upon arrival, they found the yacht, Obsession II, anchored and continuously burning. The yacht’s crew, who…
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