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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Lopburi homeowners swing into action against monkey invasion
Homeowners in Lopburi province are calling for assistance from authorities as they battle an ongoing monkey invasion. The primates are wreaking havoc, causing significant damage to the properties and possessions of Lopburi residents and homeowners who are living in fear. A user on TikTok has highlighted the severity of the issue by posting a distressing clip of monkeys vandalising a…
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Unmasking the money: The underworld of ‘dummy accounts’ in illicit finance
A bank account referred to as a dummy account is typically held by a person who is not the actual owner. These accounts are commonly used in illicit financial activities such as fraudulent transfers, gambling, drug trafficking, or money laundering. Dummy accounts can be obtained in two main ways: 1. Paying someone else to open an account. 2. Deceiving or…
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Ele-fantastic fortune: Thai cactus with trunk-like growth attracts good luck-seeking locals
Residents of Phayao province are flocking to a golden chicken ball cactus, believed to be a good luck charm due to its unusual growth resembling a baby elephant’s trunk. The cactus belongs to 46 year old Phatharaporn, who has experienced an influx of customers and a significant increase in income since the peculiar growth appeared. The golden chicken ball cactus,…
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Bangkok braces for wet woes: Governor rallies to tackle flood fury
Heavy rainfall last night in Lat Krabang and Bang Khen prompted Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt to establish six rallying points to tackle flood-prone areas around the clock. He urged citizens to plan their travel and return home early. This action was inspired by the rainfall recorded in the Bang Na and Phra Khanong areas yesterday, September 27 which lasted for…
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Year-end bonus frenzy: Thai companies make it rain with envy-inducing rewards
Over ten renowned Thai companies are set to distribute generous year-end bonuses for 2023, leading to a wave of envy. The highest bonus reported is 7.3 months’ salary plus an additional 37,000 baht. Some of the companies declaring such bonuses include IHI Turbo Thailand, Jtekt (Thailand), Siam Toyota, Siam ATT I-Shin, Trimotive, SIAM DENSO KYOSAN, IJT Thailand, TTK, TBKK, and…
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American TikToker condemns Bangkok taxi driver for trying to rip him off
An American TikToker condemned a Thai taxi driver in Bangkok for trying to rip him off by refusing to use a meter and charging him 300 baht for a trip to Khao San Road. The American, Jason Rupp, shared a video on TikTok on September 5. The video showed Rupp confronting a taxi driver in Bangkok who refused to use…
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Tragedy on the rocks: Missing Russian tourist found dead after speedboat collision
The body of a Russian tourist who had gone missing following a collision with a speedboat was discovered today on the Haad Tian rocks near Pattaya’s Koh Larn. The tragic incident occurred on Monday, September 25, when a speedboat strayed into a restricted area, resulting in a collision that claimed the life of the Russian tourist and injured his Thai…
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Lost and found, but not forgiven: Thai woman’s kind gesture met with mobile phone mayhem (video)
In a viral video viewed over 3.2 million times, a Thai woman’s attempt to return a lost mobile phone resulted in a torrent of verbal abuse from the caller on the other end of the line. The incident, posted by a TikTok user identified as 492959kj, sparked a wave of online commentary, with many netizens criticising the caller’s behaviour and…
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Egg-stonishing discovery: Thai woman finds unusual ‘rock’ in boiled egg in eastern Thailand
A 55 year old Thai woman encountered an unusual incident while eating her boiled egg in Rayong, eastern Thailand. Patcharin Jaisuk bit into a hard substance which, upon extraction, turned out to be a peculiar stone nestled within the egg yolk. Believing it to be an auspicious sign, Patcharin, who has been selling boiled rice for more than 30 years,…
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Fallen hero remembered: Late narcotics officer posthumously promoted in royal tribute
The late narcotics officer, Veerawat Kamdee, was posthumously honoured in a royal funeral ceremony. Veerwat, who lost his life in a shootout with a drug trafficking gang on September 19, was posthumously promoted to the rank of Police Lieutenant Colonel. The ceremony took place at Mengrai Maharaj Temple in Chiang Rai and was presided over by Police Lieutenant General Prachuap…
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Wedding photo dispute sparks social media backlash as disappointed Thai bride seeks sponsors for reshoot
A social media feud erupted over wedding photos between a recently married Thai couple and their photographer due to dissatisfaction with the quality of the 4,000 baht pictures in central Thailand. The bride openly voiced her disappointment, even seeking sponsors to fund a redo of the wedding shoot. However, the photographer later clarified the situation, resulting in public backlash and…
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Thai workers stage ‘regulation rebellion’ against Burmese manager in protest near Bangkok
More than 1,000 Thai workers at a company in Samut Prakarn province near Bangkok protested against a Burmese manager for reportedly implementing unjust regulations, insulting his workers, and attempting to replace Thai staff with Burmese nationals. The superintendent of Bang Sao Thong Police Station, and the Samut Prakarn Provincial Labour Protection and Welfare Department, rushed to the factory yesterday, September…
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Monkeying around: Fake Thai spiritual medium swindles 50 million baht from believers in Chinese Monkey King con
A Thai woman claiming to be the spiritual medium of the traditional Chinese Monkey King, also known as Sun Wukong, swindled 50 million baht from victims. Ten victims, who had donated about 50 million baht to the spiritual medium eight years ago, sought assistance from renowned Thai lawyer Ronnarong Kaewphet. They had given the money with the understanding that it…
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Tropical storm drenches northeast Thailand but pumps come to the rescue
A tropical storm has swept across northeast Thailand, causing the Mun River to rise, and flooding local communities. In response, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department hastened to set up water pumps to draw rainwater back into the river, lessening the impact of the floods. Two districts have been affected, forcing residents from 15 communities, totalling 200 households, and 684…
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Thai lottery hopeful dances with destiny, invokes Pu Wessuwan for luck at Nong Meg shop
A Thai woman conducted a ritual at the Nong Meg shop to pay homage to the revered deity Pu Wessuwan in Nong Meg, Nong Han, Udon Thani. Her intention was to seek blessings and good fortune for the upcoming lottery draw. After completing the ritual, the devout Thai woman named Pan, known for her unwavering faith in Pu Wessuwan, led…
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Devastating house fire wipes out life savings and home of 67 year old Akha tribe woman in northern Thailand
A 67 year old stateless elderly woman from the Akha tribe had her life savings and property destroyed in a devastating house fire. The incident took place at her residence numbered 185, located in the village of Pa Ka Sukjai, Mae Salong Nok Sub-district, Mae Fa Luang District, Chiang Rai Province. The fire was reportedly due to an electrical short…
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Man fatally struck by SUV while changing tyre on central Thailand road
A Thai SUV driver fatally struck a Thai man changing a car tyre in the left lane of the Asian Highway in the central province of Ayutthaya. The victim’s colleague, and pickup driver, 37 year old Thawatchai, called officers from Bang Pahan Police Station to the scene at 5pm yesterday, September 26. He told the officers that his colleague, 36…
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Witch hunt against ‘Big Joke’ persists: Police probe rental properties linked to top cop
The witch hunt to try and destroy the prestigious career of Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn continues after police summoned the owner of five houses rented by the Royal Thai Police (RTP) Deputy Commissioner. Big Joke stated that the owner of the houses is a relative of his and that the relative is a businessman, not an online gambling operator. According…
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Phuket’s golden opportunity: Chinese tourists set to make waves this weekend
The renowned resort island of Phuket is preparing for an influx of Chinese tourists as China gears up for Golden Week starting this weekend and the continuation of the visa-free scheme for Chinese nationals. The surge in tourists is expected to start towards the end of the week. The anticipation also extends to the forthcoming Chinese New Year, which will…
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Police impersonation fraud: Imposter defrauds relatives, demands 7,000 baht each under false pretences
A 52 year old man yesterday was apprehended by Highway Police for impersonating a deputy warden and conning the relatives of police officers implicated in a case. The suspect involved in the police impersonation fraud had been sought under a Nakhon Pathom Provincial Court warrant dated September 25. The man, named Kittimatee, was taken into custody in front of a…
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Thai govt’s shocking move: Sparks fly as power tariff gets a jolt down
The Thai government, under the leadership of Srettha Thavisin, has swiftly approved a plan to lower the power tariff, with the goal of reducing electricity bills for the public. The tariff rate has been revised from 4.45 baht to 3.99 baht per kilowatt-hour, applicable from September to December this year. However, for a long-term solution to high electricity costs, a…
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Rain reigns in Thailand: TMD’s 10th warning as heavy rainfall soaks the nation
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued its 10th heavy rainfall warning, highlighting many areas across the country at risk. The announcement comes in response to a strong low-pressure area covering the northeastern region and a monsoon trough passing over northern Thailand. These conditions are expected to cause heavy rain in the north, northeast, and central, including Bangkok and nearby provinces,…
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Srettha Thavisin to bolster ASEAN ties, attract Saudi investment
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is preparing to bolster Thailand and Cambodia’s relationship with his upcoming visit tomorrow, as announced by Panpree Bahiddha-Nukara, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister. This visit marks PM Srettha’s first trip to an ASEAN country since his initiation as prime minister, with Cambodia being one of Thailand’s nearest neighbours to strengthen ASEAN ties. Panpree…
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Muang Thai Life partners with Line BK for low-income targeted insurance
Muang Thai Life Assurance (MTL) is partnering with Line BK, a provider of social banking services, to introduce an insurance brokerage service that primarily caters to those with lower incomes and freelancers. Sara Lamsam, the CEO and president of MTL, stated that partnering with Line BK will provide the public with easier access to health and life insurance policies that…
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Thai govt greenlights 500 billion baht boost for state-owned enterprises in 2024 budget bonanza
The Thai government yesterday approved a massive investment budget of 500 billion baht dedicated to 46 state-owned enterprises for the fiscal year 2024, commencing this October. The substantial budget aims to stimulate the national economy and bolster fiscal growth. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke detailed the budget allocation, stating that the funding includes 209 billion baht earmarked for ongoing and routine…
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Thai exports spring back to life: A global manufacturing and clean energy surge
After 11 months in decline, Thai exports have made a surprising return to growth, largely due to a resurgence in global manufacturing, consumer spending and a thriving service sector among trading partners. This upturn has been further fuelled by the promotion of clean energy policies, increased demand for technological products and the relative depreciation of the baht, according to the…
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UOB report uncovers economic concerns and investment trends in ASEAN nations
The United Overseas Bank (UOB) released a significant report revealing the current economic sentiments of citizens and businesses across five ASEAN nations – Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand. Two days ago, Yuthchai Tayaratchakul, the Executive Vice President of UOB, provided a statement regarding the ASEAN Consumer Sentiment Study (ACSS). The UOB report aimed to shed light on the top…
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Deadly duel: Teenager accidentally stabs friend to death while playing with knife
A 17 year old man accidentally stabbed his friend to death while they were playing with their brand-new knives in a public park in the northeastern province of Nong Bua Lamphu. Nong Bua Lamphu Hospital reported the teenager’s death to Mueang Nong Bua Lamphu Police Station at 7.30pm on Sunday, September 24. The hospital reported that the teen, named Ton,…
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Social media stress sparks ‘rash’ decisions: Medical mystery solved for overworked Thai man
A young man shared a distressing experience on social media about overworking, which led to an unusual rash all over his body within just three days. Despite multiple medical tests, all the results came back normal. The doctor’s advice was simple yet crucial: Get some quality sleep for two days. This incident serves as a warning about the potential harm…
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Climbing restrictions loom for tourists at sacred Khao Klang Nok
Phetchabun’s Si Thep Historical Park may soon restrict tourists from climbing Khao Klang Nok, a ruin considered sacred by locals. The move comes in response to the increasing number of visitors following the park’s declaration as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on September 19. Locals expressed concerns about the influx of tourists, many of whom have been climbing Khao…
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