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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Big pay day: Thailand minimum wage to hike to 400 baht in 2025
Thai workers could be ringing in the new year with a pay boost, as the Labour Ministry announces plans to raise the minimum wage to 400 baht per day in 2025. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn confirmed the increase, calling it “a new year present” for the nation’s workforce. Initially slated for October, the raise faced delays as the national wage…
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ERC mulls 31% electricity tariff hike despite lower fuel costs
Businesses and households are facing a significant decision regarding the future of their electricity costs as the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) considers changes to the power tariff. Despite a projected decrease in fuel costs, the ERC is evaluating whether to maintain the current rate or implement an increase of 26 to 31% early next year. The existing tariff, set at…
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Cat chaos: Jomtien official abused in late-night clash
In a bizarre midnight showdown by Jomtien Beach, a city official found himself at the centre of a street-side skirmish over none other than a cat’s chair. Jomtien municipal officer Kritsana Rattanakhuen filed a formal complaint with Pattaya City Police on Thursday, November 7, after an encounter that escalated from polite request to heated confrontation. The drama unfolded around midnight…
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THAI union fights to keep government out of airline’s rehab plan
Thai Airways International (THAI) staff are up in arms, rallying against what they see as an attempt by the government to seize control of the airline under the guise of a rehabilitation plan amendment. The airline’s labour union staged a peaceful but determined protest outside THAI headquarters yesterday, November 8, holding up placards and calling on creditors to reject the…
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French tourist severely injured after suicide attempt in Phuket hotel
A 34 year old French tourist was discovered in critical condition following a suspected suicide attempt in a hotel room located in Phuket Town yesterday, November 8. The incident unfolded at a hotel on Phuket Road, where the man was found with severe self-inflicted injuries. Phuket City Police were summoned to the scene around 5.40pm after the hotel owner expressed…
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Cyber police arrest Thai woman for illegal lending in Songkhla
Cyber police executed a raid on a residence in Songkhla to apprehend a woman involved in illegal money lending with a staggering interest rate of 15%. The operation uncovered weapons, land deeds, and multiple vehicles used as collateral. The investigation revealed a turnover exceeding 1 million baht. A team led by Jirawat Phayungtham, acting commander of the Cyber Crime Investigation…
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Scottish pervert hiding in Thailand for 40 years extradited and jailed
In a landmark case for Scottish police, a pedophile who fled to Thailand has finally been jailed, decades after committing a series of horrifying sexual crimes against children. The deviant Scotsman, 74 year old John Martin, was extradited from Bangkok to Scotland in December last year, facing justice at last for historical abuse offences uncovered by a painstaking investigation led…
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Shop fire causes injuries in Samut Prakan, spreads to apartment
A fire erupted at a car accessory shop and quickly spread to an adjacent apartment building, prompting an evacuation and resulting in injuries. The incident occurred yesterday at 9.30pm in Samut Prakan, with the blaze originating from the shop’s ground floor and extending to the 5th floor of the neighbouring apartment via vinyl signs. Firefighters and rescue teams from various…
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Mae Sai battles floods again as Chiang Rai plans flood prevention
Mae Sai district residents are grappling with the aftermath of severe flooding, only weeks after recovering from the previous inundation during the rainy season. Torrential rains on Thursday night, November 7, led to the Sai Lom Joy market, positioned along the Sai River, being submerged under floodwater. Despite the adverse weather conditions, Mueang Daeng Road and Lung Khon Wood Market…
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Samut Songkhram: Man arrested for assaulting girl via online game
A harrowing case in Samut Songkhram has led to the arrest of a 28 year old man suspected of sexually assaulting an 11 year old girl. Police detailed that the man was apprehended on Thursday, November 7, after a warrant was issued in connection with a rape charge. Surapol Suanguen reportedly confessed to the crime, revealing he connected with the…
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Airport initiative boosts culture and economy in northern Thailand
Phitsanulok and Nan airports have introduced an innovative Live Airport concept aimed at highlighting the cultural identities of these provinces while generating sustainable economic benefits for local communities. The initiative was inaugurated on November 1 and seeks to position airports as not only transit points but also as cultural gateways into the region. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri, accompanied by…
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NHSO investigates clinics over universal healthcare referral issues
The National Health Security Office (NHSO) has announced an investigation into clinics that fail to properly refer universal healthcare patients to hospitals, potentially resulting in legal action and penalties. This decision comes in response to complaints from healthcare subscribers in Bangkok, who have reported significant challenges in obtaining necessary referral documents for hospital treatment. These complaints highlight a worrying trend…
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Pattaya mayor wins big for Thai-Chinese diplomacy
In a glittering ceremony that brought together stars and statesmen, Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet proudly took home the prestigious Political News award at the Thailand Headlines Person of the Year Awards 2024. Celebrating leaders who champion Thai-Chinese relations, this high-profile event highlighted Thailand’s diplomatic soft power and the approach of a landmark year – the 50th anniversary of Thai-Chinese ties…
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Immigration raid uncovers 100 illegal workers at Pattaya hotel site
More than 100 illegal foreign workers have been uncovered by immigration police during a significant operation at a luxury hotel construction site on Pattaya Second Road, Chon Buri province. This joint initiative was spearheaded by immigration officials and a labour expert from the Chon Buri Provincial Employment Office. Yesterday, November 7, over 50 officers converged on the construction site, where…
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Pattaya parents outraged after teacher attacks 12 year old boy
Pattaya City is in uproar as furious parents of a 12 year old boy from Pattaya City School 2 claim their son was assaulted by his physical education (PE) teacher in a brutal attack that has sparked outrage and calls for immediate action. According to the boy’s parents, the teacher allegedly kicked their son, choked him, and threatened to “smack…
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Thai PM unveils 3Cs strategy to boost Greater Mekong Subregion
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra unveiled a strategic initiative known as the 3Cs, connectivity, competitiveness, and community, to fortify the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). This announcement was made during the eighth GMS Summit, which took place yesterday, November 7, in Kunming, China, the capital of Yunnan province. The summit, themed Toward a Better Community Through Innovation-driven Development, presented a vision that…
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Thailand crowned 2025 Destination of the Year by Travel + Leisure
New York City-based travel magazine Travel + Leisure has recognised Thailand as the 2025 Destination of the Year. The editor-in-chief shared her love for Thailand and highlighted the charm that drew her to this enchanting country. This marks the tenth consecutive year that Travel + Leisure announced its Destination of the Year, recognising a country that travellers simply must visit…
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Halal Food Festival in Pattaya showcases culinary delights
A feast for the senses awaits at the upcoming Halal Food Festival in Pattaya. Set to take place over the weekend, starting tomorrow, November 9 until Sunday, November 10 at the Nurul Yakin Mosque in Ban Nern Plub Wan, this event promises a delightful culinary journey. Organised by the Tourism Promotion Club of the Nern Plub Wan Club, the festival…
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Thaksin accused of undermining Thai monarchy, court decision imminent
Former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has not yet provided testimony in a legal case where both he and the ruling Pheu Thai Party face serious allegations. The accusations suggest attempts to undermine Thailand’s constitutional monarchy. This development comes as the deadline for public prosecutors to submit their findings to the Constitutional Court is fast approaching. Thus far, only lawyer Teerayut…
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Discover the fruits found in Thailand that help combat cancer
Many fruits possess properties that can potentially combat cancer cells, offering not just health benefits but also affordability and availability, especially in Thailand. With a rich variety of fruits capable of fighting cancer, it’s essential to explore how they can be effectively incorporated into daily diets. Cancer, one of the most dangerous diseases, is closely linked to diet. Studies have…
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Pattaya police imposter caught on camera collecting ‘donations’
Residents in Central Pattaya’s Nong Or community were left stunned and suspicious after spotting a woman dressed as a police officer, going door-to-door and claiming to collect donations on behalf of the Pattaya Police Station. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, November 5, has raised serious concerns about a new wave of scams hitting local neighbourhoods. Described as middle-aged, with…
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Thailand nears referendum compromise with one and a half layer proposal
A potential compromise is emerging between Thailand’s House of Representatives and the Senate regarding the criteria for a referendum to amend the constitution. Discussions gained momentum yesterday following a meeting of the joint House-Senate committee tasked with reviewing the charter referendum bill. The House advocated for a simple majority of participating voters to approve the government’s constitutional rewrite plan. Conversely,…
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EF Ultimate Break partners with Thailand for eco-friendly holidays
EF Ultimate Break, the experiential travel leader for the 18 to 35 crowd, is taking travel to a whole new level of responsibility with its latest initiative, launched in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Aimed at delivering sustainable, ethically crafted adventures, this new line-up of Thailand tours promises eco-conscious itineraries that will make every traveller feel like…
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Thai man forces teen to rob temple for money to bail out wife
A Thai man in the central province of Suphan Buri threatened a 15 year old boy with a knife, forcing him to rob a temple to secure money to bail his wife out of jail. Officers from Mueang Suphan Buri Police Station arrested the Thai suspect, identified only as Beer, near the provincial court today, November 8. Police seized a…
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Thai Rice farmer’s tragic death highlights health risks in agriculture
A 57 year old man tragically passed away while harvesting rice in a field alone, suspected to have died from a pre-existing condition following complaints of chest pain. His body was discovered yesterday, November 7, in a paddy field in Baan Don Po Daeng, Khok Sa-at subdistrict, Mueang district, Udon Thani province. The incident was reported to Suk-In Rachankaew, a…
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Motorcyclist suffers ankle injury in East Pattaya railroad accident
In a dramatic road collision in East Pattaya, a motorcyclist was left seriously injured after a high-speed impact on a car, leading to a horrific ankle wound and multiple abrasions. The Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre rushed to the scene near Sukhumvit Soi 83 on the railroad-side road yesterday, November 7, following reports of the crash. When rescue teams arrived,…
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Thai FDA clears 6.9-tonne Shine Muscat grapes for safety
The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released the results of a recent inspection of a new batch of imported Shine Muscat grapes weighing 6.9 tonnes. These grapes, valued at 3,053,616.47 baht (US$89,780), have been thoroughly tested for agricultural chemical residues and have met all safety standards, allowing them to be distributed in the country. Lertchai, the Deputy Secretary-General of…
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Phuket set to ‘take off’ with new seaplane plans
In a bid to transform Phuket’s tourism offerings, the CEO of Siam Seaplane Co Ltd, Worakan Siripidech, attended a high-stakes meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall on Wednesday, November 6 to explore the potential of launching seaplane services on the island. Bringing in a mix of excitement and scepticism, officials discussed the concept of creating temporary water-based zones for take-offs and…
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Thailand to register unregistered hotels in response to EU carbon rules
The Tourism and Sports Ministry is set to register unregistered hotels within a year, responding to the forthcoming EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which introduces strict environmental regulations. CBAM, starting in 2026, will impose carbon pricing on imports, impacting Thailand’s tourism sector if service providers fail to meet standards. Efforts are underway to host a global-scale trade show, such…
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Bangkok Bank backs bold India expansion for Thai businesses
Thai businesses have their sights set on India’s booming market, and Bangkok Bank is rolling out the red carpet to support this promising venture. With an eye on India’s rapid economic growth and vast population, the bank’s president, Chartsiri Sophonpanich, calls it “a golden opportunity” for Thai entrepreneurs eager to expand. India’s economy is powering ahead at an annual growth…
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