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 What is the 5 year visa for the digital nomad in Thailand?
The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is a great option for digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers who want to stay in Thailand for a long time. This multiple-entry visa is valid for five years, allowing stays of up to 180...
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Cement truck ignores warning and crashes into canal after wooden bridge collapse
A cement truck plunged into a canal after its driver ignored warnings and drove onto a wooden bridge, causing it to collapse. The 55 year old driver, from Amnat Charoen, revealed that he thought the bridge was supported by concrete pillars, and thus decided to cross it. The incident occurred at 12.30pm today. The 10-wheel truck, registered in Samut Prakan,…
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Giant turtle brings luck to actor Champ Yasothon with promise of lottery win
Today, extraordinary events were reported by Nattawiroj Suwannaraj, known as Champ Yasothon, a 55 year old actor from Bang Fai Film, a well-known comedy production house. A female golden turtle was reported to have entered his house, seen as a sign of significant-good fortune. This series of events links back to a previous incident when a golden turtle was spotted at…
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Thai citizens repatriation from Israel accelerates after death toll rises to 28
The death toll of Thai citizens from the incidents in Israel has risen to 28, prompting an acceleration in the repatriation of Thai citizens. The process is set to speed up, and more people will be able to be repatriated. At 11am today, at the SC Park Hotel on Praditmanutham Road, Labour Minister Piphath Ratchakitprakarn explained, after welcoming a group…
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Flash flood destroys bridge in Phayao, disrupting districts and leaving locals missing
Last night’s severe rainfall in Phayao province resulted in a flash flood that destroyed a bridge, disrupting connectivity between the districts of Chiang Muan and Dok Khamtai. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, swept away two vehicles and left several individuals missing. Authorities are currently mobilising efforts to locate the missing persons from the Nong…
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Mythical Naga statue in Chon Buri temple draws crowds after lucky shadow sighting (video)
An intriguing video clip sparked a flood of visitors seeking good fortune from a statue of the mythical serpent Naga, affectionately known as Por Pu Naga, at the Woraprot Sangkawat temple in Bang Nang, Panthong, Chon Buri. The clip, shared on Facebook by a user named Rong, showed what appeared to be the shadowy outline of Naga within a simulated…
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The EU and ASEAN marked the start of Green Diplomacy Weeks 2023 through a fun run, walk, and cycling event in Jakarta
Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to ASEAN, H.E. Sujiro Seam, the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community H.E. Ekkaphab Phanthavong and the Ambassador/Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Philippines to ASEAN, H.E. Hjayceelyn Mancenido Quintana, officially launched the start of the EU-ASEAN Green Diplomacy Weeks 2023 today in Jakarta, Indonesia. Over 300 people, representing officials from ASEAN,…
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Thai government denies charging 2,500 baht for airport transport for workers
The government’s deputy spokesperson clarified that the Ministry of Labour has no policy to charge 2,500 baht for airport transport for workers to Suvarnabhumi Airport. Karom Polphonklang insisted that the travel expenses for working in Israel depended on the exchange rate at that time. The statement was made today, in response to a post claiming that those going to work…
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Third group of Thai workers return from Israel, escaping Gaza conflict
A group of Thai workers, comprising 88 males and two females, arrived back home from Israel this morning, marking the third group to return. This repatriation was orchestrated by the Thai government. The workers’ journey home began in Israel yesterday, where they boarded Fly Dubai Flight FZ1550 at 11am local time and travelled to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Their journey…
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Thai workers recount perilous experiences amid Gaza conflict
Recently returned Thai workers from conflict-hit Israel conveyed their harrowing experiences, raising questions about the government’s decision to send workers to the conflict-ridden zones, notably areas near the Gaza Strip. The first batch of 41 Thai workers landed in Thailand last Thursday on Israel Airlines flight LY 083, with 15 sponsored by the Thai government and the remaining 26 funding…
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Thai activist Niwat Roykaew wins Asia Foundation’s frontline leader award
Niwat Roykaew, also known as Kru Thi, has been acknowledged as the first Thai recipient of the Leader on the Frontlines Award by the Asia Foundation, a San Francisco-based international development organisation. Niwat, the 64 year old chairperson of the Chiang Khong Conservation Group and the director of Mekong School’s Institute of Local Knowledge has been recognised for his community…
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Thai workers question Israel’s safety following fatal Hamas attack
The recent attack by Hamas in Israel, which caused the deaths of 24 Thai labourers, is leading to doubts about the suitability of Israel as a destination for workers seeking higher wages abroad. For over two decades, Israel has been a popular choice for Thai workers, particularly those in the agricultural sector. Currently, around 30,000 Thai workers are based in…
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Thai restaurant’s job ad goes viral for unique qualifications and high salary
A Thai restaurant, Xin Rong, has announced several job vacancies, offering a salary range of 70,000 to 90,000 baht. The positions available include clean-up crew, customer service staff, and kitchen staff. The announcement became a viral sensation on social media due to the high starting salary. However, the job listings also come with a peculiar list of qualifications. The restaurant…
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Thai government denies plans to slash digital wallet initiative budget, aimed at boosting economy
The Thai government has refuted rumours of cutting funds for the digital wallet initiative from 560 billion baht (US$ 15,426,997,600) to 400 billion baht (US$ 11,019,284,000), stating that the project is not just for the underprivileged but aimed at stimulating the economy more broadly. The government is keen on weeding out the wealthy from benefiting from the scheme, which is…
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Chiang Mai lottery fervour spikes as fortune tellers offer lucky numbers amid Vegetarian Festival
The lottery buzz is in full swing in Chiang Mai as fortune tellers provide lucky numbers and warn of double digits. Among the popular figures are ones associated with the Vegetarian Festival and the Chinese calendar. Today, the lottery stalls in Chiang Mai are buzzing with people searching for their lucky numbers. Despite the continuous rainfall, hopeful buyers flocked to…
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Fugitive wanted for attempted murder captured after 20 years on the run
A fugitive suspected of attempted murder and evading capture for nearly two decades was ultimately arrested by police In Nakhon Si Thammarat. The fugitive in question had been employed as a firefighter at the Khu Khwang Fire Station. The arrest for attempted murder on October 12 was conducted by a unit from the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), acting on an…
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Two wild elephants electrocuted by durian orchard owner’s fence in Thailand
Two wild elephants, roughly aged between 20 and 25 and 30 and 35 years, met a tragic end due to electrocution in Surat Thani province. The elephants fell victim to an electric fence positioned by a local durian orchard farmer in Tai Rom Yen National Park located within Kanchanadit, a district in southern Thailand. The incident occurred on October 12,…
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Bangkok father’s repeated sexual assault on daughter leads to pregnancy: Ongoing police investigation
A 14 year old girl was repeatedly sexually assaulted by her biological father until she fell pregnant, as revealed by the local police in Bangkok. The girl had been living with her grandparents in Buriram province following her parents’ separation in 2011. She moved to the capital in April to attend school. Her 34 year old mother currently resides in…
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Unusual banana tree fruits from trunk, sparks lottery fever in Nakhon Ratchasima
A banana tree in Nakhon Ratchasima province has caught the attention of locals due to its unusual fruiting pattern. The tree, located in a garden in Bua Yai district, has been found to bear fruit from the middle of its trunk rather than the usual top. The tree’s 62 year old owner, Oranwan, led reporters to the curious sight in…
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Significant rise in Thai gold prices: ornaments now at 33,500 baht per baht weight
The Gold Traders Association (GTA) announced this morning a significant increase in gold prices compared to the previous day. The increase was reported to be 550 baht (US$15), with the price of gold ornaments set at 33,500 baht per baht weight. This is a marked jump from yesterday’s closing price of 32,305.96 baht per baht weight. The report released today…
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Thai worker pays 50,000 baht for flight home amid conflict zone chaos
A Thai worker who paid for his own flight back home to Thailand revealed the dire situation in a conflict-ridden zone. He disclosed that several of his friends who lost their lives could not be repatriated due to ongoing identity verification. He decided to take matters into his own hands, spending over 50,000 baht (US$1,377) on his journey home. According…
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Two killed in fiery road accident involving multiple motorcycles and pickup truck
A horrific road accident claimed two lives and injured others in the early hours of today on Asia Highway No. 32 in Ayutthaya province. The accident involved multiple motorcycles and a pickup truck, leading to a fiery aftermath. At around 12.30am, the police in Bang Pa-in district of Ayutthaya received a report of a serious road accident involving several motorcycles…
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Bang Na mall escalator accident injures child, prompts safety protocol questions
A four year old girl suffered injuries after her foot got stuck in the escalator at a shopping mall in Bang Na. Despite the swift response of the mall’s personnel, the rescue operation was delayed due to confusion about which part of the escalator to dismantle. The incident occurred yesterday evening and resulted in medical costs exceeding 7,000 baht for…
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Wealthy Thai heiress discovers she’s biologically unrelated to parents after DNA test
A privileged young woman, born to a wealthy family, has discovered she is not biologically related to her parents. Despite growing up in a loving household, she was often told by friends and neighbours that she bore no resemblance to her parents. This eventually led her to undertake a DNA test, which confirmed that she was not their biological child.…
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Phuket car accident: Retired officer’s wife crashes into vegetarian festival stalls
A severe car accident in Phuket’s Talat Nuea district left one person dead and eight others injured. The incident involved a Mercedes Benz, driven by the wife of a retired senior police officer, who claimed she experienced dizziness and a blackout and mistook the accelerator for the brake, leading to the fatal crash. The Phuket car accident occurred on Ranong…
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Siam Paragon shooting claims third victim, music fan loses fight for life
The tragic shooting at the Siam Paragon shopping mall, where a 14 year old boy opened fire on the public, claimed its third victim. Penpivan, a 14 year old girl and a devoted fan of famous singers Nont Thanont and GOT7, succumbed to her injuries after a ten-day battle. During the shocking event, she sustained critical gunshot wounds to her…
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Flash Express denies allegations of staff exodus and warehouse crisis
Flash Express, a prominent delivery firm, has refuted allegations of widespread employee resignations and troubling working conditions. The company confirms it’s addressing issues of package backlogs in some branches, but denies an overall warehouse crisis. Flash Express clarifies that any staff resignations are isolated incidents and not a nationwide phenomenon. Today, Flash Express issued a formal statement in response to…
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MFP MP clarifies sexual harassment accusation, second MP faces same claim
After a Move Forward Party (MFP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Prachin Buri province was accused of sexual harassment, another MP faced the same allegation. Details of his identity have not yet been released. The Facebook page What MFP Lying About Today (วันนี้ก้าวไกลโกหกอะไร) recently accused Prachin Buri MP, Wuttipong “Jae” Thonglao, of sexually harassing a member of the MFP’s volunteer…
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Thai Military Commission’s six-point plan to scrutinize budget and troop size
Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, a member of the Future Forward Party and chairman of the Military Commission, revealed a six-pronged policy framework for the Military Commission of the House of Representatives, aimed at scrutinising the military budget and streamlining troop size. According to a Facebook post by Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, the Military Commission of the House of Representatives convened a meeting yesterday, at…
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Hospital reunion: Patient cheered up by former nursing school classmates
A patient in a hospital, typically a place associated with discomfort, was found cheerfully surrounded by a group of radiant nurses, causing quite a hospital reunion stir. The patient, a young man, and these nurses share a unique bond – they were all classmates in nursing school, where the majority were female students. The young man was not just one…
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Suphanburi shooting: Mechanic critically injured in shock attack
A motorcycle mechanic was shot in a surprising attack in Suphanburi, leaving him critically injured. The brutal Suphanburi shooting incident occurred near a grocery store and a grilled chicken shop in the Sam Chuk district. The police are urgently on the search for the gunman, reviewing CCTV footage to trace the escape route and apprehend the perpetrator. Upon reaching the scene,…
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