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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Travel vs international health insurance: Which coverage do you need overseas?
The Thaiger key takeaways Travel insurance is ideal for short-term trips, covering emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage, but not routine care. International health insurance suits expats and long-term residents, offering full medical coverage, including checkups, maternity, and chronic care. Choosing...
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Thailand addresses labour shortage and illegal workers
Thailand’s National Committee on Migrant Workers Management approved three strategic guidelines to address the country’s labour shortage and tackle the issue of illegal workers. A proposal for these new guidelines is expected to be forwarded to the cabinet for approval soon. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn announced after a committee meeting this Wednesday, commenting that the ongoing political conflict in Myanmar…
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Red Bull tycoon files lawsuit for 50 million baht over bribery claims
Red Bull energy drink magnate Chalerm Yoovidhya launched another defamation lawsuit, this time targeting a news outlet and four individuals, seeking 50 million baht in damages over bribery allegations. Chalerm disputes claims made by Police Colonel Wirut Sirisawatibutr, a former police officer turned columnist for Sueb Jark Khao. The allegations suggest the tycoon paid a 300-million-baht bribe to shield his…
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Thailand aims to amend laws to boost arms exports
The Thai Defence Ministry is moving to amend four key laws to facilitate arms exports, namely domestically produced weapons, aiming to bolster Thailand’s defence industry. During a recent meeting, Defence Ministry officials, including General Somsak Rungsita and Vice Defence Minister Jumnong Chaimongkol, discussed the necessary changes to national security legislation. High-ranking representatives from the Defence Industry Department, the Defence Technology…
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Thailand to lower meth possession threshold to one tablet
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health is pushing for regulatory changes that will classify anyone caught with more than one methamphetamine tablet as an offender, a shift from the current threshold of five tablets. This proposal aims to close a controversial loophole that has allowed individuals found with up to four tablets to be treated as addicts requiring rehabilitation instead of…
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The hidden cardiac risks of energy drinks
Energy drinks have become a staple in the diets of many individuals, particularly among younger demographics. Promoted as a quick solution for boosting energy and enhancing performance, these beverages have captured a significant market share globally. However, beneath the flashy marketing and promises of increased alertness, there lies a potential danger that has raised concerns among health professionals and researchers…
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Deadly debt dispute: Burmese man shot at Khon Kaen hospital
A gunman shot dead a Burmese man last night while the victim was receiving treatment and awaiting surgery at Khon Kaen Hospital in Isaan. The suspected motive behind the murder is believed to be related to debt. The fatal shooting occurred in a male ward on the fifth floor of a building at Khon Kaen Hospital around 11pm last night,…
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EC to clarify court ruling impact before Sunday Senate elections
The Election Commission (EC) is set to clarify the implications of a Constitutional Court ruling, which agreed to examine a petition challenging four contentious provisions in the Senate election law. This comes just before district-level voting is scheduled nationwide for Sunday. The court declined to issue an injunction, indicating no severe consequences were anticipated if the Senate election proceeded. The…
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Thai-Malay twin-city initiative to boost southern economic growth
The Thai government announced a collaboration with Malaysia to promote a twin-city concept in the Deep South, aiming to stimulate economic growth and bring peace to the region. Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai recently chaired a meeting to review the progress of this initiative, which seeks to transform the longstanding conflict zones into thriving trade hubs through…
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Royal birthday bash amidst political firestorm
Defence Minister Sutin Klungsaeng has directed the military to orchestrate grand celebrations for His Majesty the King’s 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary next month, even as tensions escalate over a controversial political amnesty bill. Preparations for the King’s 72nd birthday on July 28 are underway while Parliament debates whether to include Article 112 in the amnesty bill, which imposes up to…
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Bangkok governor probes overpriced gym equipment purchases
Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt acknowledged discovering unusual procurement patterns in gym equipment purchases for two sports centres managed by City Hall, with one treadmill costing as much as a car. Chadchart addressed public concerns yesterday regarding the procurement for the sports centres at Waree Phirom Park in Khlong Sam Wa district and Wachirabenchathat Park (Suan Rod Fai) in Chatuchak district.…
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Pathum Thani: Severed hands of teen girl found in plastic bag
In a gruesome discovery, police yesterday found what they believe to be the severed hands of an 18 year old girl, allegedly murdered by her boyfriend earlier this week. The chilling case began to unfold on Wednesday when Ranya Saensuriwong’s body was discovered beneath an elevated expressway in the Mueang district of Pathum Thani. Wrapped in a bedsheet and bound…
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Laughing gas crackdown leaves Khao San Road breathless
The Thai authorities intensified their crackdown on the illegal sale of nitrous oxide, better known as laughing gas balloons on Khao San Road, meanwhile also targeting foreign labourers hired by establishments to evade the law. At 9pm yesterday, senior officers led an operation to inspect entertainment venues and restaurants along Khao San Road. The main focus was an establishment at…
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How Thailand’s consumer behaviour is being affected by cryptocurrency
Many investors believe that cryptocurrencies have significant potential as investment assets. To cater to this interest, financial products related to traditional asset classes have been introduced in various countries. These products include futures contracts, exchange-traded funds (or more commonly referred to as ETFs), and micro futures contracts, which allow for smaller-scale investments. Furthermore, several major banks now offer their clients…
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Sole search: Ultramarathoner sets 1,000km run record in 12 days
Ultramarathoner Natalie Dau achieved a remarkable feat by completing a 1,000-kilometre solo run across Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore in just 12 days. Despite enduring scorching heat, melted shoes, and a hip injury, Dau persevered, crossing the finish line at The Westin Singapore yesterday to an adoring home crowd of over 100 supporters. The 52 year old runner’s journey began in…
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Extend-a-signal: NT tunes in for spectrum band extension
National Telecom (NT) is poised to seek an extension from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) to continue utilising three spectrum bands beyond their expiration in September 2025. The requested extension, spanning 90 days, aims to ensure a seamless transition for NT’s current customers to alternative bands. NT intends to maintain operations on the 850MHz, 2100MHz, and 2300MHz bands,…
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Thailand faces China, looking to make first World Cup appearance
In a pivotal match for Thailand’s national football team, the stakes are high as they face China tonight in a bid to keep their 2026 World Cup hopes alive. Committee member of the Football Association of Thailand, Piyapong Pue-on expressed confidence in the team’s ability to secure a vital victory. Currently positioned third in Group C with four points from…
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Australian man arrested in Pattaya for multiple offenses and mafia connections
Immigration Bureau officers arrested an Australian man in Pattaya for multiple offences in his home country and his connection to a foreign mafia gang in Phuket. Officers arrested the Australian, identified only as Grey, at his luxury home in Pattaya after discovering his connection to the mafia gang. However, officers did not provide full details about the group. The Immigration…
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Gambling warning: Thai PM scores with free euro 2024 coverage
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin plans to provide free live coverage of Euro 2024 but warns the Thai public against gambling. Personally cheering for the English squad, he aims that the live coverage would stimulate businesses in local restaurants and bars. PM Srettha today, June 6, held a press conference at the Government House, expressing his satisfaction with sponsorship support in…
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Peso power play: CIMB targets record 75 billion in loans for 2024
CIMB Bank Philippines, a subsidiary of Malaysia’s CIMB Group Holdings Bhd, announced an ambitious lending target of over 75 billion pesos (US$1.28 billion) to Filipino customers this year. This represents a 23% increase compared to 2023, according to the bank’s chief executive officer. Chief Executive Officer Vijay Manoharan disclosed the bank’s plans during a press conference, stating that CIMB Bank…
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Thai influencer robbed of 6 million baht watch in Frankfurt
A well-known Thai influencer was reportedly robbed of his luxury watch worth 6 million baht while walking near St. Paul’s Church in Frankfurt. The influencer, Paris Sittisarn, also known as Addzest Carcolor, has offered a reward of 1 million baht for any assistance in recovering the stolen item. Famous for his automotive content, he shared his plea for help on…
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Thai reggae band member loses 8 million baht to contractor scam
A prominent member of the popular Thai reggae band Magenta reported being defrauded by a contractor during the construction of his house, resulting in financial losses of nearly 8 million baht. A member of the band, 38 year old Kittipong Watthanarach, and his 30 year old wife, Artitiya Anthrabut, alleged that a well-known contractor in Khon Kaen scammed them. They…
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Kanchanaburi police race to rescue British teen’s lost luggage
Kanchanaburi Tourist Police swiftly responded to a report concerning a British teenager who yesterday left his shoulder bag on a taxi’s roof. The 19 year old man, identified as Southgate, had travelled from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi and forgotten his bag, containing his passport, a 50 baht banknote, and some foreign currency, on the taxi’s roof upon arrival at his guesthouse.…
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Woman arrested for using deaf people to deliver meth
Police arrested a woman for allegedly using deaf individuals to distribute methamphetamine in an attempt to avoid detection. The suspect, 53 year old Prayoon claimed she was forced into this illegal activity and feared losing friends if she spoke about it. Police Lieutenant General Thiti Saengsawang today ordered Police Major General Teeradej Thammasuthee, alongside his team to apprehend Prayoon. The…
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Cave tragedy: Thai man’s final journey into the depths of despair
A man reportedly committed suicide inside the sacred Khao Khun Panom cave in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat, allegedly motivated by a serious illness. A monk from Khao Khun Panom Temple, where the cave was situated, discovered the lifeless body of a man while entering the cave for his daily meditation. Subsequently, the monk contacted officers from the…
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Thailand proposes retirement savings lottery to combat poverty
Thailand faces a growing issue of an ageing population entering retirement without sufficient savings. This problem is exacerbated by the country’s rapid transition into an aged society, and cannot be resolved merely through increased budget allocations for elderly allowances. Deputy Finance Minister Paophum Rojanasakul announced that the Ministry of Finance is considering a new policy called the Retirement Savings Lottery.…
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Thai couple claim American tenant damaged rented house (video)
A Thai couple accused an American man of breaking his tenancy contract on their rented house in the northern province of Phitsanulok and trashing the house. The couple lodged a complaint with the police against the American for vandalising their residence but he has not yet been summoned for questioning or charged. Frustrated by the lack of progress, the couple…
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Italy’s Republic Day celebrated in Bangkok marks 156 years of ties
Italy’s Republic Day celebration saw a gathering of ministers, authorities, VIPs, ambassadors, celebrities, and other dignitaries at the Four Seasons in Bangkok yesterday, in an event showcasing the longstanding ties between Italy and Thailand. Highlighting the significance of the occasion, Paolo Dionisi, the Ambassador of Italy, reflected on the historic referendum of June 2, 1946, when Italians chose to form…
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Man with sword alarms residents in Ayutthaya historical park
Residents of Ayutthaya were alarmed by a man walking around a historical park with a sword, claiming he borrowed it from a friend and had no intention of harming anyone. The police were alerted to the situation today and responded promptly. Police officers from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Station received reports from concerned citizens about a Thai man seen carrying…
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Fatal house fire in Nakhon Si Thammarat claims homeowner’s life
A fatal house fire in Nakhon Si Thammarat has claimed the life of a 50 year old homeowner. The incident, believed to be caused by an electrical short circuit, saw the man escape the flames only to succumb to smoke inhalation. Police Inspector Sompong Khongkaew from Thung Yai Police Station reported the incident at 11pm yesterday, June 5. The fire…
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Activists call for safe workplaces amid sexual harassment survey
Activists are demanding equality, dignity, and safe office environments to combat sexual exploitation and harassment in the workplace, following a recent survey revealing that one-quarter of office workers have witnessed some form of sexual harassment at their jobs. The ThaiHealth Promotion Foundation leader, Pongthep Wongwatcharapaiboon, alongside its associates, has taken a firm stance against any actions that lead to sexual harassment…
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