Thailand News
Discover the most recent and relevant news from across Thailand on The Thaiger’s National News page. Covering a wide range of topics, including politics, business, crime, and lifestyle, our dedicated team brings you breaking news, in-depth analysis, and exclusive stories from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond.
Stay informed about the latest developments in Thai society, economy, and culture, as well as updates on travel, tourism, and expat life. With The Thaiger, you’ll never miss out on the essential news that matters to you.
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Sponsored Top 10 reasons for expats to get a comprehensive health insurance in Thailand
Moving to Thailand offers plenty of excitement and adventure, but the local healthcare system can be complex to navigate as an expat. From unique health risks to high costs at private hospitals, having a comprehensive health insurance plan is essential....
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Thai PM ‘splits’ salary option sparks debate among civil servants
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday responded to criticisms surrounding the recent Cabinet resolution, which offers civil servants the option of receiving their monthly salary in two instalments instead of the usual single payment. The resolution, primarily aimed at stimulating the economy, was unveiled during the first Cabinet meeting of his administration on Wednesday and is tentatively set to start in January.…
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Thai education ministry ‘tablets’ a bright future: Bringing equality to classrooms
The Thai Education Ministry is set to revive a decade-old initiative, which was originally launched by a previous Pheu Thai government, to distribute a tablet computer to each student and teacher across the country. This initiative aims to promote equal educational opportunities. The announcement was made yesterday by Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob and his deputy Surasak Phancharoenworakul, both members of…
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Mysterious sedan’s early morning hit-and-run in Pattaya leaves three injured, one critically
A horrific hit-and-run accident unfolded in the early hours of this morning on Sukhumvit Road in Pattaya involving a collision between a mysterious sedan and a motorcycle sidecar, which injured three passengers, one critically, before fleeing the scene. This hit-and-run happened around 1.30am on Sukhumvit-Pattaya 85 Road, heading towards Sattahip in the Nongprue sub-district of Banglamung district, Chon Buri. The aftermath…
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Thai government improves universal healthcare scheme with digital, patient-centric measures
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin mandated the country’s health minister, Cholnan Srikaew, to assemble a committee aimed at improving services provided under the universal healthcare scheme. According to government spokesman, Chai Wacharonke, the prime minister’s objective is to simplify access to healthcare services for the public. An example of the impending changes to the universal healthcare scheme includes eliminating the necessity…
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Rosewood racket busted: Task force and national park collaborate to thwart illegal loggers in northern Thailand
The Phaya Sue Task Force, in collaboration with Huai Nam Dang National Park, apprehended a network involved in the illegal logging of rosewood in the Srai Ngam forest area, Pai district, Mae Hong Son province. The operation, which resulted in the seizure of a significant amount of evidence, was conducted on September 12. Attapol Charoenchansa, who is acting on behalf…
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Vanishing act: Teenager’s mysterious disappearance drives desperate family to fortune teller
A teenager has been missing from her home for five days, leading her distraught mother and grandfather to seek help from a fortune teller. The 16 year old disappeared from her home in the Huana Khum district in Udon Thani province, on the morning of Friday, September 8, and has yet to return. Nong Kaem’s mother, Saengchan Uansangkram, along with her…
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Southern gem: Thailand’s newest international airport set for maiden flight
Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport, situated in southern Thailand, is poised to start a trial run of its state-of-the-art international passenger terminal, valued at 1.4 billion baht, on September 19. This development marks an eagerly anticipated step towards its recognition as Thailand’s latest international airport. Originally designed primarily for domestic flights, the airport has responded to the escalating demand for international…
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Lottery caper: 4,500 tickets vanish, GLO cracks down on missing numbers
Around 4,500 lottery tickets for this week’s lottery draw have been seized by the Government Lottery Office (GLO), following a report of missing tickets by an agent. If any of these tickets win, the recipients may not be able to claim their prize and will have to provide evidence before today. The GLO made this announcement on its official page.…
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Activists demand ex-PM Thaksin’s return to prison amid health condition scepticism
A coalition of political activists and reform campaigners, led by Pichit Chaimongkol, yesterday demanded the reinstatement of public faith in the rule of law. They have urged Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to ensure the re-incarceration of former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra. The 74 year old former PM, who recently returned from a 15-year self-imposed exile on August 22, had a…
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Restroom rumble: Toilet squabble turns fatal for elderly security guards in central Thailand
In a shocking, tragic twist, a dispute over a less-than-pristine toilet spiralled into a fatal altercation between two elderly security guards in Nakorn Pathom, central Thailand. The 75 year old victim found himself grievously wounded in the abdomen and leg, the unfortunate outcome of a heated argument. The assailant, a 60 year old security guard, initially evaded capture, but later…
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Southern Thai community shaken by drug-infused gay sex scandal involving abbot
A startling revelation has ruffled the robes of both locals and monks alike in the tranquil southern province of Phattalung after a sinning abbot had been dealing in more than just sermons, he was caught offering drugs to men in the community in exchange for gay sex, leaving the community in disbelief. A woman who lives near the temple told…
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Tragic mushroom foray: Fatal elephant attack in Thai forest reserve
A fatal elephant attack took place in a national forest reserve located in the Khon Buri district of the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima. Unfortunately, a resident was fatally attacked while gathering mushrooms in the forest. The fatal elephant attack was reported by the Khon Buri police chief investigator, Pasit Jitprasert, and it occurred in the forest east of Ban…
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Thailand tourism shifts focus to Kazakhstan amid slow Chinese tourism recovery
Chinese tourists aren’t expected to immediately surge to 700,000 arrivals per month, despite a prospective Thailand tourism visa–free scheme, due to safety concerns and lower flight frequencies, currently at half of their pre-pandemic 2019 levels. Phuket’s tourism operators are instead setting their sights on Kazakhstan, to be granted visa-free entries from September 25 to February 29, 2024. Travel agents see…
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Former Thai senator and MP candidate denies involvement in child prostitution
A 15 year old girl who was rescued from prostitution accused a former high-ranking politician of buying sexual services from the teenager. The politician in question is identified as a former senator and Pheu Thai Party candidate. Baan Mor Police Station officers arrested a Burmese woman on Tuesday, September 12 for forcing her 15 year old daughter into prostitution in…
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Thailand’s tourism reboot: aiming high with a 2.4 trillion baht comeback
The Thai government unveiled an ambitious strategy aimed at revitalising its tourism industry, to generate revenue of 2.4 trillion baht this year. This figure equates to approximately 80% of the income recorded in the sector’s peak year of 2019. A spokesperson for the government, Chai Wacharonke, revealed the plans yesterday. The government has further goals for the domestic tourism sector,…
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Minister’s pork order: 4,300 tonnes of smuggled pork ‘trashed’ in Sa Kaeo landfill
The Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Thamanat Prompow commanded that the disposal of approximately 4,300 tonnes of unlawfully smuggled pork be carried out in a Sa Kaeo landfill. The pork was earlier seized at Laem Chabang port during a Department of the Special Investigation (DSI) probe in July. The confiscated shipment, valued at over 500 million baht, comprised 161 containers.…
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Flames of justice: Police uncover dead body’s identity and suspect drug gang-linked murder
After finding the scorched body of a dead man, Chai Badan Police Station officers successfully determined his identity, the suspect, and the motive behind the murder, which is connected to a dispute within a drug trafficking gang. A local made the shocking discovery of a dead body while he was riding his motorcycle past the spot. The dead man was…
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Energizing savings: Government’s cost-cutting shock eases financial pressure
The Employers’ Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry (EconThai) expressed approval for the Thai government’s latest move to slash both electricity and diesel costs. This initiative is aimed at alleviating the financial pressure on households and businesses. The reduction in power tariff was confirmed yesterday, following Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin‘s policy statement announcement in parliament, reports Bangkok Post. The new…
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Firearm amnesty: Illegal Thai gun owners given 30 days to ‘trigger’ compliance
In an attempt to crackdown on illegal firearm possession, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin drafted a 30-day amnesty for gun owners without permits. They now have a month to turn in these firearms at any police station before stricter enforcement measures are applied. This initiative was implemented yesterday, September 13, following a raid where a team of 100 officials targeted 21…
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Thai digital delights: DEPA and partners unlock future of gaming, animation, characters
The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), in collaboration with esteemed partners including the Thai Digital Content Association (DCAT), Thai Animation and Computer Graphics Association (TACGA), Thai Game Software Industry Association (TGA), Bangkok ACM SIGGRAPH, and Atwise Consulting Company, has unveiled a comprehensive survey and evaluation report on the state of the Thai digital content industry encompassing games, animation, and characters…
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Rain reigns: Homes flooded in surprise deluge in Phayao, northeast Thailand
A torrential rain shower caused mayhem as it dampened the spirits of over 100 households in Phayao province in northeast Thailand. Locals hastily scurried to relocate their possessions to more sheltered spots. The relentless rain, which persisted both day and night, resulted in a cascade of water from the woods, spilling into the Mae Tam River. The resulting flood inundated…
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Lampang girl, 9, sexually assaulted by teacher: Harrowing incident sparks outrage
A nine year old girl in Lampang province was reportedly sexually assaulted in a school restroom by a 28 year old male teacher from another institution. The sexual assault was brought to the attention of the police yesterday by the victim’s mother, a 28 year old Lampang resident. The mother became suspicious after noticing her daughter had started menstruating, an…
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Rain reigns: Severe weather warning blankets 43 Thai provinces with flood fear
The Thai Meteorological Department issued a severe weather warning for 43 provinces in Thailand, with heavy continuous rain, affecting 80% of the area in the north and northeast regions, including Bangkok. This sudden rainfall could potentially cause flash flooding and forest runoffs. The storm is caused by a strong monsoon trough passing through Myanmar, the upper part of northern Thailand,…
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Time to shine: MFP leader Pita makes it to Time100 Next list
Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat has been included in the TIME100 Next list unveiled by the American news magazine, Time. Time magazine recently released its annual TIME100 Next list, which aims to recognise individuals who have excelled in their respective fields and have had a significant impact on and served as an inspiration to others in their communities.…
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Phaya bung magic strikes again as lottery hopefuls in Thailand conjure winning numbers
For over three hours, lottery enthusiasts performed good luck rituals at the legendary Phaya Bung hole, leading to the emergence of three full numerical digits. This followed a successful prediction from the previous round, sparking a frenzy among hopeful lottery players for the draw on Saturday, September 15. Reports highlighted a bustling scene at Bunok Village, Yanri Subdistrict, Kabin Buri…
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Thai netizens’ hearts warmed by heroic duo’s life-saving heart delivery, rain or shine
Thai netizens showered praise upon a dedicated traffic police officer and doctor for their successful efforts in delivering a life-saving heart organ from a hospital in Samut Sakhon province to Bangkok, despite heavy rain and severe traffic jams. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated, as a heart can remain viable outside the human body for no more than…
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Chiang Mai Airport plans massive expansion to accommodate 16.5 million travellers
Chiang Mai Airport is set to table its expansion proposal to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin during his scheduled visit this weekend. The airport’s director, Wijit Kaewsaitiam, revealed that the Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA) is set to spearhead the construction of the terminal’s first phase. The extension plan is aimed at significantly increasing the airport’s capacity, allowing it to accommodate…
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Bangkok Gems fair dazzles with record-breaking success
The 68th Bangkok Gems and Jewellery Fair, which recently concluded, surpassed all anticipated outcomes. The Fair took place at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) from September 6 to 10 and welcomed almost 40,000 attendees hailing from 117 countries, a notable 44% surge compared to the previous event, according to Phusit Ratanakul Sereroengrit, the director-general of the Department of…
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American man faces dilemma as Thai girlfriend’s parents demand 1 million baht dowry
An American man asked netizens for advice on what to do after his Thai girlfriend’s family demanded a million baht dowry, known as sinsod in Thailand. He said he loved her very much but was not a foolish farang. The American shared his story on the social media platform Reddit yesterday, September 12. The man began by explaining that he…
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Search intensifies for mentally disabled teen lost in Thung Salaeng Luang forest
The fate of a 17 year old boy with a mental disability, who has been lost in the Thung Salaeng Luang forest for four days, remains unknown. The search operation is being intensified, with the discovery of a common route previously used by lost individuals. Aerial search teams from the 11th Division of the National Park Department are waiting for…
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