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 Thailand vs. the West: What expats save on healthcare each year
Healthcare in Thailand is much cheaper than in Western countries, making it a great choice for expatriates looking for affordable medical care. Both public and private healthcare options offer high-quality services, with savings of up to 80% on procedures like...
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Toshiba Corporation gets booted from Tokyo Exchange but Toshiba Thailand stays
After a staggering 74-year run, Toshiba Corporation on the Tokyo Stock Exchange faces delisting and a subsequent takeover. However, Toshiba Thailand Ltd emerges unscathed, asserting its independence and vowing to power on. “Unfazed by the storm in Japan, Toshiba Thailand is business as usual.” Having severed ties with its Japanese parent years ago, the company stands resilient in the face of…
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Elderly women found dead, children missing after boat capsizes in Narathiwat flood
The bodies of an 89 year old woman and a 63 year old woman have been recovered in Narathiwat province, following a capsized boat incident during a flood evacuation. Two more people, both children aged three and eight, are still missing. The incident occurred today as heavy rainfall continues to impact the region. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation…
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Thai man arrested for tricking more than 20 young boys into sex for porn
Police arrested a 28 year old Thai man for tricking more than 20 young boys aged between 12 to 15 years old into having sex for porn and selling child porn online. A Thai mother, identified only as A, filed a complaint with Wang Sapung Police Station in the northeastern province of Loei on December 29 that her 12 year…
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Thai Vietjet’s festive fares drop to 24 baht
Thai Vietjet has unwrapped a festive treat for travel enthusiasts – the Season’s Greetings promotion. This airline extravaganza is gifting travellers with special fares starting from just THB 24 (excluding taxes and fees) for a sleigh-full of domestic and international routes. But this offer is only available for booking from December 21 to 25. Pack your bags for a holiday…
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Pattaya: Free rabies vaccinations in January
Pattaya‘s Department of Public Health and Environment proposed free vaccinations to battle rabies in 2024. The crusade covers a wide stretch of neighbourhoods, from the trendy Naklua (Moo 1 to 7) to the vibrant Nong Prue (Moo 5, 6, 9 to 13) and the serene Huay Yai (Moo 4). This groundbreaking initiative is not just about jabs; it throws in…
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Waves ban on Pattaya boats after tourist catamaran capsizes
The Marine Department, Pattaya Office, imposed a ban on small boats venturing into the Pattaya sea. With a red flag fluttering halfway up the mast yesterday, December 25, the Department issued a stern warning to fishing boats, jet skis, speedboats, and towing boats, urging them to stay ashore amid the turbulent waters. Large fishing vessels escaped a categorical ban but…
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Thai woman searches for lost winning lottery tickets to claim 24 million baht
A Thai woman is looking for her four lost lottery tickets that won the 24 million baht jackpot in October two months ago. She asked the Government Lottery Office (GLO) to investigate because she wrote her name and phone number on the back of the tickets. The 59 year old woman, Monta Ekwittayopart, sought help from a non-profit organisation Reclaim…
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Frangipani tree blooms after five years sparking luck beliefs in Phimai district
In the first blossoming in five years, a Frangipani tree has caused excitement in the community of Nakhon Ratchasima’s Phimai district. The residents fervently believe that a blooming Frangipani brings luck and prosperity, especially around the New Year. This particular tree is planted in front of the house numbered 127/1, owned by Sawang Suwongsombat, 62 years old. The locals have…
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Thailand’s NSTDA building AI ecosystem for ethical standardisation
The artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem is under construction by Thailand‘s National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA). The move is part of an effort to establish ethical and standardisation measures to prevent AI misuse, as confirmed by the agency’s director, Chukit Limpijamnong. The NSTDA has been working on setting up the ecosystem, recognising AI’s role in bolstering economic and social…
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Tragic demise of Nakhon Ratchasima man blamed on heavy drinking
A sudden cardiac arrest tragically claimed the life of a 50 year old man, Komin, suspected to be caused by heavy alcohol consumption and existing health conditions. The incident occurred behind his residence in the Chong Kho community, in the large province of Nakhon Ratchasima. Initial reports suggested that the deceased had been dead for at least an hour before…
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Thai woman shares experience in helping airline catch thief on plane
A Thai woman issued a warning to air travellers, recounting her experience in helping an airline to catch a thief who stole money from a fellow passenger during a flight from Bangkok to Hong Kong. A Facebook user, Kanya Chumsana, shared her experience of witnessing a theft and aiding in the arrest to a Facebook group called Travelling in Europe…
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Americans’ top 3 festive escapes: Italy, Japan, and Thailand take the lead
Italy reigns supreme as the ultimate festive haven, clocking in nearly 93,000 average searches from September to December this year. An ever-popular year-round destination, Italy transforms into a winter wonder with charming markets, exceptional skiing facilities, and high-altitude luxury in the Italian Alps – a must-visit for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Taking an unexpected second place is Japan, with 33,275.49 average…
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Update: Progressive social security triumphs in historic election
In a groundbreaking victory, the Progressive Social Security group clinched triumph in the nation’s inaugural Social Security Board (SSB) election on December 24, as the final vote count approached completion. The election, a pivotal moment in shaping the future of social security, saw the selection of 14 new board members by members of the Social Security Fund (SSF). Half of…
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Huawei Thailand secures prime minister’s cybersecurity excellence award
For the second year running, Huawei Thailand has secured the esteemed Prime Minister Awards: Thailand Cybersecurity Excellence Award 2023, underscoring the firm’s unwavering commitment to bolstering Thailand’s cybersecurity standards. The award was presented to Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co Ltd, headed by CEO David Li, by the Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Prasert Jantararuangtong, yesterday. These accolades are conferred upon…
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MFP Pita to face court on January 31
The Constitutional Court has slated January 31 to give its ruling in the case against former Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat and the party itself. The stakes are high, with accusations flying that they aimed to dismantle Thailand’s constitutional democracy, placing the revered King as the head of state, through a controversial election campaign seeking to amend the…
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PM’s festive fashion fiasco: Srettha Thavisin’s Christmas socks surprise
In a yuletide twist at Government House, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin turned heads yesterday, December 25, sporting eye-catching red and green Christmas socks that left reporters questioning their powers of observation. The festive saga unfolded when the prime minister breezed into the reporters’ room, bearing gifts of decadent Italian panettone, each weighing a generous 10 kilogrammes. The sweet and buttery…
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Family of 4 rescued after 13 hours in flood in southern Thailand
A family of four members took to social media to plead for help after spending 13 hours in a flood at their home in the southern province of Narathiwas, and they were safely rescued by authorities. A Facebook user, Angles Keef, shared a picture of her family members submerged in chest-high floodwaters yesterday, December 25. She sought assistance in the caption…
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Thai industries battle tide of cheap imports: Government gears up for tough measures
In a bid to rescue Thailand‘s floundering manufacturing sector, the Thai government is gearing up for a fierce showdown against a deluge of low-priced imports that threaten to drown local industries. The Commerce Ministry’s crackdown, aimed primarily at products flooding in from China, promises to safeguard Thai manufacturers from the relentless assault on their market share. Thailand’s industrial output has…
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Thailand tightens border control to curb illegal wildlife smuggling
A concerted effort to tighten borders and stifle illegal wildlife trafficking is underway in Thailand, led by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. The department is collaborating with multiple state agencies responsible for border control to clamp down on wildlife smuggling gangs. This action is part of the country’s observance of National Wildlife Protection Day. Narongrit Sookprakan,…
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Thai MICE boom faces hurdles next year
Thailand‘s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) industry, once on the brink, surged back to 80% of its 2019 glory this year, however, a looming slowdown in 2024 raises eyebrows. Thailand’s MICE industry is poised for a remarkable recovery, reaching 80% of its pre-pandemic revenue in 2019. President of Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA), Sumate Sudasna, highlights Thailand’s allure as…
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Pink line monorail’s free trial period may extend after conductor rail failure
The Pink Line monorail system‘s operator will be approached by the Transport Ministry to extend the free trial period after a section of the line was forced to shut down on Sunday due to a failure of the track’s conductor rail. The closure, as of Monday, has impacted seven stations from Nonthaburi Civic Centre (PK01) to Pak Kret Bypass (PK07).…
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Japan revs up Thai automotive industry: Major automakers inject 150 billion baht boost
In a move set to ignite Thailand‘s automotive industry, four major Japanese car giants are gearing up to pump a staggering 150 billion baht into manufacturing electric vehicles (EVs) in the country. This collaboration underscores Thailand’s ascent as a powerhouse in the automotive world and spotlights the government’s triumphant push towards an electrifying future. Four heavyweight Japanese automotive juggernauts are…
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340 tonnes of seized narcotics to be burnt, says government
In an unprecedented move to combat the soaring drug crisis, 340 tonnes of seized narcotics are set to go up in flames at the Bang Pu Industrial Estate in Samut Prakan over a two-week operation commencing today, December 26. Led by Justice Minister Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong and Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew, the ceremonious drug incineration aims to create…
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Pregnant vendor in Surat Thani killed in tragic road accident: leaves two children orphaned
A tragic road accident claimed the life of a pregnant vendor in Surat Thani, leaving her two children orphaned. The driver, a young woman, lost control of her pickup truck, crashing into the roadside vendor and causing significant property damage. Witnesses claim that following the accident, the driver showed no remorse and didn’t check on the injured, instead, she fled…
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Thai woman arrested for fraudulent Facebook charity scam in Rayong
A 23 year old woman from Khon Kaen, Juthamas Poolmee, was apprehended by the Anti-Trafficking Police squad for fraudulently using Facebook to deceive charitable individuals into donating money. The arrest, which occurred today at a dormitory in Chiang Nern, Mueang District, Rayong, followed a warrant issued by the Trat Provincial Court on November 20. Juthamas was charged with deceiving the…
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Brutal assault at Chon Buri nightclub leaves young men seriously injured
Tan, a 21 year old victim of a brutal assault at a well-known nightclub in Chon Buri was dragged out from the bathroom and beaten, leaving him and a friend seriously injured. The incident, which happened in the early hours yesterday, was sparked by a misunderstanding that the young men were using drugs in the club’s bathroom. Tan revealed that…
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Bangkok driver warns of aggressive young windscreen washer
A Thai driver issued a warning to other motorists after a young windscreen washer showed violent behaviour and threatened him for refusing his windscreen washing service at Asoke Intersection in Bangkok. Anyone driving cars in Bangkok may be familiar with young boys or girls selling garlands or offering car window wiping services on roads. They seized opportunities of the heavy…
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Life sentence for Pattalung man in attempted murder case
37 year old Chawalit Thongduang, also known as Paeng Nahonod, has been sentenced to life imprisonment by a Pattalung provincial court for the attempted murder of an officer back in 2019. The court verdict was announced today, following Paeng’s escape from the hospital at 10am. The case, number 175/2565, had a total of five defendants, with the Pattalung provincial prosecutor…
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Bangkok collector’s home raided: 35 firearms seized
A significant collection of firearms was discovered in the residence of a local Bangkok collector. The police seized over 35 guns and a large number of bullets. Despite the discovery, the homeowner, a fan of Japanese collectables and firearms, had no intention to sell or misuse the weapons. Today (December 25) Deputy Chief of Police, Naris Prathanaporn, along with Phawat…
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South Thailand hit by extensive flooding due to heavy rain
South Thailand has been hit by extensive flooding over the last two days due to relentless heavy rain, impacting Narathiwat and Yala provinces. The flood has affected 67 sub-districts across 16 districts, disrupting the lives of thousands of inhabitants. The inundation in Narathiwat has flooded nine districts on Monday morning, including Waeng, Sukhirin, Chanae, Rangae, Sungai Padi, Si Sakhon, Cho…
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