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 Why retirees in Thailand are choosing long-term health insurance over quick fixes
Retirees in Thailand are increasingly seeing the importance of health insurance in protecting their well-being during retirement. With insurance requirements for retirement visas and rising healthcare costs, many are moving away from short-term plans and choosing long-term coverage. Long-term health...
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Cambodian officials bust cross-border call scam, rescue 19 Thai nationals
A call scam gang operating from Oddar Meanchey in Cambodia was infiltrated by Cambodian officials on Saturday, resulting in the rescue of 19 Thai nationals. The operation was sparked by a distress call received by Thai officials from one of the victims on Thursday, as revealed by Major General Nat Sri-in, the commander of the Suranaree Task Force. This large-scale…
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Woman gives birth on ferry from Koh Chang to Trat
A sudden birth took place at sea when a Cambodian woman delivered her fifth child aboard a ferry with her husband by her side. The dramatic event unfolded early this morning during the ferry’s journey from Koh Chang island to Laem Ngop district in Trat province. The association Sawang Boonchueylue Thammasathan Trat was alerted to the incident at approximately 7.30am…
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Thai military officer’s road rage prompts armed forces investigation
A road rage incident involving armed military personnel has prompted an investigation by the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTAF) Headquarters. The episode, captured on video, featured a uniformed military man, armed with a pistol, confronting a pickup truck driver at a toll plaza over his driving behaviour. The incident came to light when the truck driver filmed the confrontation on…
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Thailand’s cannabis sector faces threat from recreational use ban
The future of recreational cannabis use in Thailand is under siege, with the government set to roll out a ban by year-end while still permitting its medical use. Thodsapol Hongtong, a 31 year old influencer with his own cannabis shop and online platform, Channel Weed Thailand, enjoys the camaraderie and economic benefits of the booming cannabis sector, estimated to be…
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Bangkok taxi driver returns bag containing US$3,310 and passports
A 51 years old taxi driver from Bangkok found himself in the spotlight after returning a passenger’s forgotten handbag, which contained a considerable sum of US$ 3,310 and two Myanmar passports. The incident took place on March 7, and it was reported to the public by FM91 Trafficpro yesterday. Songchai Chaiiam has a long-standing reputation for honesty, cultivated over his…
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Undercover amulet group busted for illegal firearm sales in Samut Prakan
Police have successfully dismantled a covert operation where a group of young individuals used a Buddhist amulet trading group as a front to sell illegal firearms. The proceeds were used to purchase kratom juice and cannabis for consumption. A substantial cache of weapons and ammunition was seized during a raid on an apartment in Samut Prakan province yesterday. Leading the…
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Fatal crash in Udon Thani as driver fatigue leads to tragedy
A tragic road accident occurred yesterday at 7.50am when a pickup truck veered off course and collided with a streetlight before plunging into the central ditch of Mittraphap Road in Udon Thani, Thailand. The driver, a 56 year old man from Udon Thani, was pronounced dead at the scene, while his wife, in her 50s, sustained injuries. Witthaya Panlao, Chief…
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Bangkok governor defends handling of Klong Ong Ang amid criticism
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stood firm on Saturday against criticism aimed at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and its handling of Klong Ong Ang in the Samphanthawong district. The BMA found itself on the receiving end of accusations of abandonment, with critics arguing that the area had been left to deteriorate. Chadchart staunchly refuted these claims, reinforcing that the district…
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Thailand gears up for severe summer storms with hail risk
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning about the impending summer storms, marked by thunderstorms, strong winds, and possible hail in some areas, followed by a drop in temperatures. Residents are advised to brace for the turbulent weather slated to strike from March 19 to March 20. As Thailand braces for a spell of severe weather, the TMD alerted…
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Thai government tackles rise in nationals overstaying Japan visas
The Thai government pledged to tackle the increasing number of Thai nationals overstaying their 15-day visas in Japan, following a sharp rise in such incidents over recent years. This commitment was confirmed by Jakkapong Sangmanee, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, who recently held discussions with a senior official from the Japanese embassy. The public expressed concerns over the potential…
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The state of casino gambling in Thailand: laws and reality
Millions of people are drawn to the excitement of gambling and bright lights in casinos in today’s world. The issue of casino gambling in Thailand is characterised by a difficult combination of legislation and cultural practices. In a country famous for tourism, why aren’t the gamblers being cater to, like Singapore, Macau or even Vegas? What lies beyond the law…
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McDonald’s mayhem: Global online services grind to a halt
McDonald’s, the global fast food titan, has been left reeling after a major technical glitch sent shockwaves across its chain, leaving customers hungry and frustrated. The culprit? A third-party provider’s blunder, not cyber-criminals as feared. The chaos unfolded during a routine configuration change, causing a system-wide outage that crippled operations in the fast food giant’s key markets like the UK,…
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Fashion brands linked to brutal slaughter of reptiles in Thailand (video)
Undercover investigators have leaked a video and shocking images that uncover the horrifying truth behind Thailand’s reptile farms, which supply major fashion brands like Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, and Louis Vuitton. The footage reveals a grim reality of snakes being mercilessly slaughtered by farm workers wielding hammers, questioning the ethics of fashion brands. In a disturbing sequence, workers are seen…
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Krungsri Research predicts growth for Thai construction
Krungsri Research unveiled the dynamic trajectory of Thailand’s construction sector for the next two years. According to the report, the construction industry is poised for a meteoric rise, with an anticipated annual growth rate of 3% to 4%. This surge aligns seamlessly with the overall investment value in construction, heralding a golden era of development on the horizon. The state…
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Lopburi temple’s lucky charms spark lottery ticket frenzy
A temple in Lopburi province recently became a hub of excitement and hope for lottery enthusiasts. People from all corners flocked to the Thung Pong Charoen Tham temple, seeking blessings and lucky numbers from the revered Luang Phor Samret, widely regarded as a bringer of fortune. The temple, located in the Wang Pling subdistrict of Koksamrong district, has a reputation…
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Five dead in pickup crash near Sing Buri
A collision in Sing Buri Province resulted in five fatalities, including a child, when a pickup truck crashed into a sedan, sending the vehicle plunging into a nearby waterway. The incident occurred near the 86-kilometre marker on the road heading towards Nakhon Sawan Province today. Emergency services, upon receiving the distress call, coordinated with local rescue teams to investigate the…
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Thailand consumer council pushes for AI regulation
The Thailand Consumer Council (TCC) is pushing for the modernisation of the Consumer Protection Act 1979, in order to accommodate the emerging trends in technology, particularly the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). This call for change comes in tandem with the TCC’s latest campaign, Responsible and Fair AI for Consumers, which was launched on World Consumer Rights Day. The campaign…
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Pattaya’s monument to King Bhumibol sets sail for history
To honour the cherished memory of Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej, also known as King Rama IX, Pattaya City announced plans to erect a monumental tribute at the former site of the royal sailing club on Pattaya Beach. Presided over by Deputy Mayor Kritsana Boonsawat, the city’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage took centre stage at a recent meeting. The…
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Thai Business Department warns against online scammers
The Department of Business Development (DBD) in Thailand issued a warning to businesses, uncovering a new ploy by online scammers that could leave unsuspecting victims in legal jeopardy. DBD Director-General Oramon Sapthaveetham sounded the alarm today, urging businesses to stay vigilant or face the consequences. According to Oramon, the DBD has been inundated with complaints from businesses targeted by fraudulent phone…
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Thai teacher arrested after blackmailing student with her explicit videos
A Thai mother sought help from the Investigation Division of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (IDMB) after her 18 year old daughter attempted to commit suicide, saying her teacher was blackmailing her by posting her explicit videos on several online platforms. The mother told the IDMB that her 18 year old daughter had undergone a change. She appeared distressed and expressed…
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Thai entrepreneurs make record-breaking sales at Japan food expo
Fifty Thai entrepreneurs showcased their culinary prowess at the Foodex Japan 2024 exhibition held in Tokyo from March 5 to 8. The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) revealed that the response from Japanese buyers was so overwhelming that sales soared to nearly 2.5 billion baht. Chanthapat Panjamanond, Thailand’s commercial attaché in Tokyo revealed that orders for Thai food products…
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Car crash fire claims driver’s life near Pattaya
A car careened into a street barrier on the Bangkok-Map Ta Phut Motorway near Pattaya before erupting into fire, leaving the driver trapped and ultimately perishing in the blaze. The incident took place around 5.40am yesterday close to kilometre marker 120+700 in the Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province. Swift responses from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Pattaya…
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Thai Drinks targets Gen Z in Asia for est Cola expansion
Keen on broadening its reach in Asia, Thai Drinks, the company managing est Cola, is targeting the Gen Z market for expansion. Forecasting a growth of 25% in the Thai carbonated soft drink market due to warmer weather and intensive marketing campaigns, Suporn Denpaisarn, the non-alcoholic beverages division head at Thai Drinks, reveals their growth plans. According to Nielsen IQ…
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Microsoft CEO halts Southeast Asia trip including Bangkok
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella delayed his visit to Thailand and neighbouring Southeast Asian nations, as announced yesterday. The eagerly awaited Microsoft Build: AI Day event slated for March 21 in Bangkok now hangs in limbo indefinitely, Microsoft revealed on Friday. “We are doing our utmost in preparing to reschedule the event and will inform you of the details as soon as…
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Nanny-napped: Israeli woman detained in Thailand for unauthorised nursery
An Israeli woman was detained in Surat Thani on accusations of running an unauthorised nursery facility for foreign children on Koh Pha Ngan. Four other international individuals were also apprehended for unlawful employment and associated transgressions. Noppadol Khaomali, the Koh Pha Ngan district leader, guided local authorities, police, immigration officials, and representatives from pertinent agencies to a house inspection in the…
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Malaysian e-hailing driver receives surprise panties gift from Thai woman
A Malaysian e-hailing driver found himself in for a wild surprise after a recent passenger encounter which ended with him receiving a pair of panties from a Thai woman. Shared on the Facebook group, Drivers and Passengers Chinese Language Platform, the unnamed driver recounted his encounter with a group of lively Thai women. Amidst their banter, the driver found himself…
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Bangkok’s children gasp for air amidst pollution nightmare
Children in Bangkok suffer daily from heavy air pollution, battling constant coughs and other possible respiratory illnesses. Pupils at Suan Lumphini School confront the harsh reality of their environment each morning as they assemble under coloured flags denoting the day’s air quality: a distressing routine with red signalling the worst and blue the best. Thailand grapples annually with dire air…
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Borrowed money turns to ashes: Thai man loses 100,000 baht in van fire (video)
A Thai man’s fortunes went up in smoke when he borrowed 100,000 baht from a bank to settle an informal debt, only to lose the entire sum in a van fire accident in the central province of Prachin Buri. Firefighters from Prahantakam District Office in Prachin Buri rushed to extinguish the fire that broke out in the van owned by 34…
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Jetstar flight fiasco: Passengers grounded as 24 hour delays soar
Jetstar Airways faced criticism from passengers when a flight from Bangkok to Singapore was delayed by more than 24 hours. The low-budget airline came under fire after 161 passengers found themselves stranded at Suvarnabhumi International Airport on Wednesday, March 13. Passengers were scheduled to board Jetstar Asia flight 3K516 for a 1.35pm departure, Singapore time, with an arrival at Changi…
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US asks TikTok to cut ties with China or face ban
In a landmark decision, the US House of Representatives voted to pass a bill that could force TikTok’s owner, ByteDance, to cut all ties with its Chinese parent company or face a ban in the United States. With United States President Joe Biden signalling his readiness to sign off on the legislation pending Senate approval, fears over Beijing’s sway on…
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