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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Sponsored 5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
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Shooting and Molotov cocktails attack rocks Phuket Town
Phuket City police are currently investigating a violent incident on the outskirts of Phuket Town which resulted in a young man being shot in the foot, with accompanying reports of Molotov cocktails being hurled. The authorities were alerted to the event by the staff at Vachira Phuket Hospital, who reported a patient admitted with a bullet wound in his left…
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Court clears Thai lawyer’s remark against Thaksin
Thai lawyer and politician Chuan Leekpai’s controversial statement branding ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra as a “harbinger of doom” for the Deep South has been deemed fair game by the South Bangkok Criminal Court. The legal battle, which teetered on the edge of defamation, reached its climax today with a verdict that left both sides reeling. The lawsuit, initiated just three days…
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Can Thailand achieve high-income status by 2037? (video)
As Thailand steers towards high-income status by 2037, a formidable obstacle looms large: rampant flooding wreaking havoc on its economy. In an exclusive interview with Thai PBS World, the World Bank unveils a groundbreaking strategy to expedite flood management, potentially transforming Thailand’s economic landscape. Read on to discover the game-changing insights and bold plans set to redefine Thailand’s future. Amid…
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Thaksin Shinawatra’s secretive meet-up sparks political uproar
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s sudden appearance at the Pheu Thai Party’s headquarters has sparked intense speculation about his true intentions. To dispel mounting rumours, Phumtham Wechayachai, former Pheu Thai Secretary-General, clarified that Thaksin’s scheduled rendezvous on Tuesday was merely a gesture of convenience. “It’s not about control. It’s about respect.” Phumtham asserted that the visit was solely to facilitate…
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Beachside business caught red-handed with Pattaya city floats
Pattaya officials swooped in on a beachside entrepreneur’s operation, seizing floats that were allegedly repurposed from government property for commercial gain. Residents raised eyebrows at the brazen use of what appeared to be city-owned pontoons for private enterprise on Krating Lai Beach in north Pattaya. The Deputy Mayor of Pattaya City, Manot Nongyai, spearheaded a team of city officials yesterday…
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Tiktok tiff: Thai singer takes legal note after Filipino plagarises song
A Thai singer filed a lawsuit against a Filipino TikToker for plagiarising one of his songs. The Filipino, Shad, allegedly put a translated version of the song up for sale without giving credit or obtaining a license. Drama emerged on Thai social media after the Filipino TikToker offered a translated version of a song by Chetkit “Phon” Thunmark called พี่ชà¸à¸šà¸«à¸™à¸¹à¸—ี่สุดเลย (I…
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Thailand’s car industry hits the brakes: Production plunges 20%
With a significant decrease in production, Thailand’s car output experienced a 19.28% year-on-year slump in February, with the total units produced amounting to only 133,690, as reported by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). The numbers, attributed predominantly to the reduced production of pickup trucks and increased imports of electric vehicles (EVs), starkly contrast the 12.46% dip recorded in January.…
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Visa-free travel sparks surge in Thai-Chinese tourism expectations
A recent measure granting visa-free travel between Thailand and China has sparked a surge in tourism expectations. As per the reports collected by five Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) overseas offices located in Beijing, Shanghai, Kunming, Chengdu, and Guangzhou, it’s predicted that tourism between the two nations could dramatically rise by the end of 2024. The visa-exemption agreement, which has…
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Kenyan man claiming to be Jesus flees from crucifixion test
A Kenyan man fled after villagers demanded a test of his claim to be Jesus Christ by suggesting he be crucified. Eliud Simiyu’s proclamation led to a viral social media frenzy, with the international media outlet Fatu Network reporting on the controversy that has now ensnared the small Kenyan town. Simiyu found himself at the centre of a potentially life-threatening…
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Surin man travels 2,589 kilometres to witness snow in China
A young man from Surin Province completed a daring journey from Thailand to China, spanning a staggering 2,589 kilometres. Riding a Honda Wave motorcycle through rugged terrain, the man embarked on this adventure to fulfil his dream of riding through snow, a quest that took seven days to complete, starting on March 17. The man who goes by the name…
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Chauffeur poses as youth welfare officer to rape 13 year old girl
A chauffeur of the Service Centre for Disabled People in the Isaan province of Udon Thani posed as a youth welfare officer to lure a 13 year old girl into a rape. He even sexually assaulted the girl in front of her two year old sibling. The victim’s mother, 31 year old Cat, urged Thai news agencies to help seek…
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Thai telecom tycoon ties the knot
Somchai Lertsutiwong, the CEO of Thai telecommunication giant Advanced Info Service (AIS), finally tied the knot. The media mogul yesterday stunned many with his hush-hush marriage announcement. Somchai exchanged vows with 31 year old Kuntita Chartsomboonchai, also known as Pear, a standout brand representative from the AIS Smart Gen 2018 project. This covert ceremony, held on March 23, was a…
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Mae Hong Son village assistant assaults wildlife officer
Authorities in Mae Hong Son launched a severe disciplinary investigation against a village assistant for leading a group of 20 locals in a brazen attempt to free two suspects from wildlife officers. The incident, coupled with the seizure of firearms, methamphetamine, and animal remains, sparked a potential dismissal from the position of the village assistant involved. A bold confrontation erupted…
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Rapid test kit set to combat kidney disease epidemic
Chulalongkorn Hospital unveils the nation’s first rapid kidney disease test kit, a potential game-changer in battling a growing health crisis. A research team, spearheaded by Dr Nattachai Srisawat, unveils the ALB11 kit, designed to swiftly detect microalbuminuria, a crucial marker for kidney disease, in the comfort of one’s home. “An initial screening for the disease is pivotal for swift medical…
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Policewoman’s battle with depression & suicide after police training
A policewoman took to social media to reveal the brutality of police training that left her with depression and thoughts of suicide. The Royal Thai Police (RTP) are investigating the matter. The policewoman, Chontaros Sukdayotin, posted pictures of herself in hospital on Facebook and revealed to her followers that she now battles depression and has recently experienced coughing up blood.…
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Lights out! Thalang Town braces for blackout blitz
The populous Thalang Town region in Phuket is set to experience a significant power outage on the upcoming Saturday. The announcement was made by the Thalang branch of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA Thalang), citing necessary repairs and maintenance to the high-voltage system in the area as the reason for the disruption. From 9am to 5pm, electricity will be suspended, affecting a…
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Srettha fires back: Defends overseas trips amid criticism
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin staunchly defended his international excursions and trips to neighbouring nations, asserting their vital role in ramping up foreign investment in Thailand and fostering stronger regional ties. Addressing critics head-on, the 62 year old PM justified his frequent forays into provinces to tackle local issues, such as combating the PM2.5 airborne pollution blighting Chiang Mai. Responding to…
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Surge in beggars in Malaysia’s Kelantan state during Ramadan
The streets of Malaysia’s Kelantan state, which shares its borders with Thailand, have witnessed a surge in the number of beggars this year, according to a report by the Kelantan Social Welfare Department. This surge, notably observed during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, includes Thai nationals among other foreign beggars. Kelantan state official, Said Sudip, noted an unprecedented increase…
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Thailand Video News | Bangkok Tuk Tuk / Tailor Scam exposed by British YouTuber, Sever weather alert issued for 27 provinces
In this video, Alex and Jay underscore a diverse array of incidents and decisions shaping the nation’s discourse. From controversies surrounding provocative behavior at cultural landmarks to troubling encounters with taxi drivers, and even high-level deliberations on transforming military infrastructure, Thailand’s societal fabric is in flux. Amidst concerns over weather alerts and international scrutiny of judicial proceedings, the country navigates…
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Nan Province: Next UNESCO Cultural World Heritage site?
Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanich announced the Cabinet’s approval of the Culture Ministry’s proposal to nominate Nan as a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. This exciting development comprises two key subprojects geared towards enhancing public awareness, revealed the minister yesterday, March 25. Nan Province’s inclusion in the nomination list stems from its vibrant cultural heritage, boasting meticulously preserved pre-historic archaeological findings,…
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Thai women dodge death as drunk driver turns beauty clinic into crash zone (video)
Two Thai women narrowly escaped death after a drunk driver crashed a sedan into a beauty clinic in the central province of Lob Buri. A news Facebook page shared a video capturing the shocking incident on Sunday, March 24. The footage shows a red sedan crashing through the glass door of a beauty clinic, striking a reception desk where a…
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Motorcycle crash claims teen’s life in Samut Prakan
A tragic accident occurred this morning when a 17 year old male motorcyclist was killed and his girlfriend critically injured after their motorcycle crashed into a stationary pickup truck in Samut Prakan. The incident took place around 2.30am this morning near the entrance to the Samut Prakan Hospital on Suk Sawat Road, in the Pak Klong Bang Pla Kot subdistrict of…
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Thailand braces for thunderstorms amid soaring temperatures
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued another severe weather warning for 43 provinces, forecasting thunderstorms across 30% of the area, including the Bangkok Metropolitan Region. The alert comes as temperatures soar to nearly 40 degrees Celsius due to a low-pressure area caused by intense heat covering the upper part of Thailand. Residents in the upper part of Thailand are…
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Thai govt’s digital wallet handout scheme faces legal queries
The Thai government plans to launch its main digital wallet handout scheme in the year’s final quarter. This plan’s timeline will be more concrete post-April 10 when the digital wallet policy committee convenes, says Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat. A sum of 500 billion baht has been set aside for the scheme, tentatively slated for a May launch. However, expectations…
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3 Mongolian men arrested for pickpocketing tourists in Thailand
Thai police arrested three Mongolian men on March 23 for pickpocketing foreign tourists at popular attractions in Pattaya, Chon Buri, and Bangkok. Officers from the Tourist and Immigration Police in Chon Buri and Pattaya detained five Mongolian men at a hotel in the On Nut neighbourhood of Bangkok on March 23. Among them, three were suspects wanted for multiple pickpocketing…
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Attack in Moscow: PM Srettha assures safety of Thai citizens
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin takes a stand to reassure Thais amidst the chaos of a shooting spree in Moscow. PM Srettha, speaking from Wing 6 of Don Mueang Airport, delivered a message of condolence and concern following the shocking massacre at a concert hall in Russia. The Bangkok-born PM issued the following statement on X, formerly Twitter. “I am deeply…
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Pattaya: Ditched cables spark public uproar
A wave of public outcry has surged on the official Facebook page of Mayor Direct Line, as citizens express alarm over the abandoned cables strewn across various locations in Pattaya. The outcry follows the commencement of demolition and restructuring of communication lines along South Pattaya Road by the Public Utility Division of the Pattaya Municipal Electrical Engineering Office, the Provincial…
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Nigerian man arrested for smuggling 1.4 kg of cocaine
The Thai Customs Department arrested a Nigerian man at Suvarnabhumi International Airport on Saturday for smuggling 1.4 kilogrammes of cocaine into Thailand. The Nigerian swallowed 69 capsules of the drug. Thai Customs yesterday, March 25, reported a significant development. Working alongside the Airport Interdiction Task Force (AITF) at Suvarnabhumi Airport, they identified a Nigerian man whose name appeared on both…
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Thai citizens set to receive government handout by year-end
To dispense a financial lifeline, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat unveiled plans to ensure that eligible Thais receive a 10,000 baht handout before the year’s end. The initiative, slated to be facilitated through digital wallets, hinges on a decisive timeframe to be determined by the digital wallet committee. Speaking confidently yesterday, March 25, the minister expressed optimism that the committee,…
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TCC proposes temporary power tariff reduction for Thai households
The Consumers Council (TCC) has proposed a temporary reduction in power tariffs to alleviate the financial strain on Thai households during the summer’s peak demand. This request follows the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) suggested alterations to the current power rate, which critics argue would not result in cheaper electricity bills. Critics contend that the ERC’s adjustments primarily aim to lessen…
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