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 Planning to extend your Thai visa? Why health insurance is more important than ever
If you plan to stay longer in Thailand, having health insurance is now more important than ever. Thai immigration often asks for proof of medical coverage when you apply to extend your visa. This applies to many types of visas,...
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PM Srettha inspects ’30-Baht Plus’ healthcare policy
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin spearheaded the inspection of the Phra Ajarn Mun Bhuridatto Hospital’s construction progress and closely monitored the implementation of the 30-baht Plus healthcare policy in Sakon Nakhon Province. The Phra Ajarn Mun Bhuridatto Hospital stands as a beacon of hope, catering to a vast population, including residents from neighbouring provinces. The relentless pursuit of excellence has driven…
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Thailand Video News | Myanmar conscription sparks Thai refugee influx concerns, Bangkok Produce leads campaign to fight PM2.5 dust
In today’s news roundup from Thailand, several significant events are highlighted, shedding light on various aspects of the country’s socio-political landscape. Bangkok Produce leads campaign on crop burning to fight PM2.5 dust Firstly, efforts to combat PM2.5 dust pollution in Bangkok and other cities are gaining momentum. Bangkok Produce, a leading agri-food conglomerate, has taken the lead in a campaign…
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Minister orders CAAT to cut Bangkok-Phuket flight prices for Songkran
Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit ordered the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) to negotiate with airlines to explore ways to lower airfares following complaints from passengers about the high cost of flights from Bangkok to Phuket. He expressed confidence that reduced prices could be in effect in time for the Songkran travel period. Today, at 9.30am, Suriya Juangroongruangkit addressed the…
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PM Srettha pledges to woo back Russian tourists with revived flights
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is gearing up to welcome a surge of Russian tourists to Thailand, unveiling plans to tackle the flight shortage bottleneck yesterday. Acknowledging reports of a burgeoning number of Russian tourists eyeing Thailand for their holidays, PM Srettha highlighted the critical lack of flights to accommodate the demand. “Inadequate flights are hindering the influx of Russian…
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Did Singapore pay millions to keep Taylor Swift to themselves?
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin alleges that Singapore may have struck a multimillion-dollar pact to secure Taylor Swift’s exclusivity in Southeast Asia, leaving fans fuming and conspiracy theories swirling. PM Srettha made waves with his claims at a business forum in Bangkok, stating that concert promoter AEG had disclosed Singapore’s purported offer of hefty subsidies, ranging from US$2 million (approximately…
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Thailand’s thriving Muslim tourism boom with mosque tour
In a bid to elevate Thailand to the zenith of the Global Muslim Tourism Index (GMTI), the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) teamed up with key figures like Imam Mathanarat Vacharapisut from the Haroon Mosque and the Islamic Committee of Bangkok to revolutionise cultural tourism for Muslim travellers. Imam Mathanarat Vacharapisut recently joined forces with Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of TAT, in…
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Thaksin denies lese majeste law violation, secures 500,000 baht bail
After being released on parole for only a day, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra turned himself into authorities again, yesterday, February 19, in connection with a lese majeste case. He successfully secured bail of 500,000 baht. The 74 year old former PM was released on parole after a six-month detention at Police General Hospital. On February 18, he returned…
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Update: NASA and South Korea join forces to crack down on air pollution
South Korea’s National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER) and NASA have embarked on a mission to unravel the secrets of winter air pollution across Asia, including Thailand. Announced by the South Korean Ministry of Environment, this joint research initiative kicked off in South Korea and will span through Malaysia and Thailand, culminating on March 25. This year’s study, conducted from…
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Prime Minister Srettha hands over 10,000 rai of land to farmers
In a significant move to uplift the farming community, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, on a visit to the northeastern region of Udon Thani, officially handed over lease contracts to farmers for over 10,000 rai of land owned by the 3rd Field Artillery Regiment. This marked a significant day in the Nong Wua So development scheme, designed to safeguard the interests…
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Pollution turns Nonthaburi canal water pink
Reports revealed strange pink canal water in Nonthaburi on Valentine’s Day last week as scientists scrambled to uncover the truth behind the sudden rosy hue. Experts from the Department of Science Service (DSS) embarked on an investigation uncovering startling findings that could change the way we see pollution. The case, discovered in Khlong Bang Phraek near the Big C department store…
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Chinese woman escapes attempted rape and murder in Pattaya
A Chinese woman is seeking justice after she managed to escape from a Thai man who tried to rape and kill her near a roadside forest beside Siam Country Club in Pattaya. Police are currently searching for the suspect. The Chinese victim, 29 year old Meilin, and her younger brother, 19 year old Chen, called officers from the Nong Prue…
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Thailand gears up for 4 expressway projects worth 120 billion baht
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) is set to launch four expressway projects amounting to approximately 120 billion baht (US$3.3 billion). The projects, once approved and operational, are anticipated to stimulate economic growth and create job opportunities across the nation. Surachet Laophulsuk, the head of EXAT, revealed that the four proposals are ready for submission to the Cabinet for approval.…
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South Korea reaffirms commitment to Thailand amidst immigration controversy
South Korean ambassador to Thailand, Park Yong Min, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to enhancing bilateral relations amidst the recent controversy involving the alleged mistreatment of Thai travellers by South Korean immigration officials. Speaking to the Bangkok Post at the South Korean embassy in Bangkok, Park expressed his ambition to further economic cooperation between the two nations during his tenure. Thailand…
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Thai prosecutors threatened over online gambling scandal probe
Two leading prosecutors have allegedly been threatened by police officers implicated in a major online gambling scandal in Thailand, prompting the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) to seek their protection. The Royal Thai Police, however, have yet to offer a response to the OAG’s plea. The OAG has specifically requested the national police chief, Police General Torsak Sukvimol, to…
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Rare oarfish carcasses found in Thailand to be exhibited post study
Two oarfish carcasses recently discovered in Thailand are currently under examination by the National Science Museum (NSM) Foundation. Once the investigation is finished, the remains will be showcased at an exhibition. Supamas Isarabhakdi, the Minister of Education, Science, Research and Innovation, said yesterday that the first oarfish carcass was discovered near Patong Beach, Phuket on February 15. Local fishermen located…
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Disciplinary action looming for ex-Kaeng Krachan park chief over misconduct
The former head of Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi, Chaiwat Limlikit-aksorn, is facing potential disciplinary action following a misconduct investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). The organisation has requested that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment consider the action against Chaiwat due to his involvement in a construction project within the park. The NACC’s inquiry identified Chaiwat…
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ALRO refutes claims of issuing illicit land titles
The Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO) of Nakhon Ratchasima refuted claims of issuing Sor Por Kor land titles within the boundaries of Khao Yai National Park. The office is investigating allegations of its officials’ involvement in the illicit act. In the recent past, about 2,933 rai of land positioned in tambon Moosi of Pak Chong district, within the perimeters of…
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RTN officer critically injured in Chon Buri road accident
A Royal Thai Navy (RTN) officer was severely injured after his pickup truck crashed into a utility pole and flipped onto its roof on a road in Chon Buri province, trapping him inside the vehicle. The incident occurred at around 9.20pm yesterday on Highway 3126 in the Sattahip district, near the RTN’s fuel depot. Emergency services had to use hydraulic…
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Bangkok Produce leads campaign on crop burning to fight PM2.5 dust
Taking the lead in the fight against the PM2.5 dust challenge, Bangkok Produce Merchandising Public Company Limited, a subsidiary of the leading agri-food conglomerate Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods), has joined forces with government authorities, business partners, and farmers. They are spearheading a holistic campaign designed to curtail crop burning in the lead-up to the imminent planting…
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Sudden Udon Thani storm wreaks havoc, children injured
A sudden storm ravaged the Udon Thani region, inflicting damage on nearly 20 homes within less than 15 minutes. The calamity left two children injured after tiles from a collapsing roof struck them as they played inside a house. Village leaders are scrambling to assess the damage and facilitate aid. Yesterday, February 18, as evening approached, a fierce storm swept…
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Thai police chief ordered to protect prosecutors in online gambling case
The national chief of police has been instructed by the attorney-general to prevent eight implicated officers in an online gambling case from intimidating two senior prosecutors, disclosed Prayut Phetcharakhun, spokesperson of the Office of the Attorney-General. In the previous week, Attorney-General Amnat Chetcharoenrak penned a letter to police Chief Police General Torsak Sukvimol, requesting him to halt threats from the…
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Love triangle turmoil: Thai woman attempts suicide over romantic attention from 2 men
A Thai woman tried to commit suicide by running into a crowded road in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok because she could not choose between two men who fell in love with her. The three eventually agreed to be in a relationship together. Officers at Rattahathibet Police Station were alerted to a car accident on the Rattanathibet Road at 11.30pm on February…
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Miss Universe president denies fraud, vows legal action in Thailand
Shockwaves reverberated through the beauty pageant world as Paula Shugart, the long-standing President of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO), announced her departure from the role she held for over 23 years. This surprising turn of events unfolded during the Miss Universe 2023 pageant held in El Salvador. Following her resignation, Shugart took to her personal Instagram account to state Thai,…
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Homeless veteran found dead under Bangkok expressway
A homeless veteran was found dead under the Sri Rat Expressway in Nonthaburi, with a fractured skull, sparking a police investigation to capture the assailant. In a sombre discovery beneath the Sri Rat Expressway in Nonthaburi province, authorities found the lifeless body of a homeless veteran with severe injuries to his head. The incident, which occurred under the shadow of…
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Thailand’s fiery plight: 400+ hotspots spark concern
Thailand is currently grappling with more than 400 hotspots, with the highest concentration in the provinces of Chiang Mai, Lampang, and Mae Hong Son, each reporting over 40 incidents. In comparison, neighbouring countries are also facing significant challenges, with Myanmar recording 3,065 hotspots, Cambodia 1,341, Laos 704, and Vietnam 414 as of February 18. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development…
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Teenage Thai girl accuses tattoo artist of sexual assault
A 16 year old Thai girl filed a complaint against a male tattoo artist in Chon Buri province, accusing him of drugging and sexually assaulting her during a tattoo session. The girl reported the sexual assault to Saensuk Police Station in Chon Buri province and also urged the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive to share the story with the public. The…
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Late onset of Thai summer predicted with extreme heat
The onset of summer in Thailand is set to be late this month, as projected by the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD). The upcoming months of March and April are forecasted to experience extreme heat, with temperatures potentially soaring as high as 43-45°C in certain provinces. According to the department, the latter part of the week will witness a surge…
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Community mourns as drunk driver kills two 12 year olds in Thailand
A recent tragedy gripped the local community of Satuek following a fatal traffic incident involving two 12 year old students, needlessly killed by a drunk driver. The accident occurred at 3pm yesterday, when a 67 year old man, identified only by his first name, Banchong, struck the children with his black Mitsubishi pickup truck, leading to their immediate death at…
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Chinese man’s gambling site bust leaves billions in losses
The Immigration Bureau of Thailand arrested a Chinese man for running an illegal gambling website that caused more than 2.5 billion baht in losses to people in China. The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Kingdom of Thailand requested cooperation from the Immigration Bureau to apprehend a 32 year old Chinese suspect named Huang who escaped an…
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Thailand battles rising PM2.5 levels, Bangkok breathes easier
Northeastern Thailand is currently grappling with hazardous levels of PM2.5, surpassing the standard values and affecting public health, while Bangkok enjoys relatively clear skies. Northeastern Thailand is currently enveloped in a haze of fine particulate matter, with PM2.5 levels exceeding the safety standards in 40 provinces. This has placed the health of millions at risk, particularly affecting the respiratory system.…
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