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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Hot pot buffet shifts to cashless payments from January 2024
The renowned Hot Pot Buffet restaurant chain announced a shift in its payment methods, heralding the onset of a cashless society. As of January 1 next year, customers in Thailand can no longer pay with cash but must opt for credit card payments or QR code scanning. As society becomes increasingly cashless, many businesses have adapted their payment systems. They…
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Thai soldier with gambling addiction nabbed for stealing gold to pay dowry
Police arrested a Thai soldier for stealing two gold necklaces worth 340,000 baht from a shop in Prahum Thani province near Bangkok. The soldier claimed he lost all his money gambling online and needed a dowry to marry his girlfriend. Officers from Suan Prik Thai Police Station were notified about the gold theft yesterday afternoon, December 13. The theft took…
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Ex-Democrat Party deputy cleared of abduction charges in Thailand
The court dismissed the case against Prinn Panitchpakdi, a former deputy leader of the Democrat Party, stating that the case is time-barred as it was not reported within three months. The court found no wrongdoing in the case of abducting a minor as the defendant had voluntarily driven the minor home without deviating from the route. The incident occurred at…
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Green dreams soar as TAT’s ESG extravaganza takes flight with Air Canada’s Bangkok bonanza
In a display of environmental commitment, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) rolled out the green carpet for 48 jet-setting delegates at the Air Canada Asia Pacific Sales Summit. The Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel and Towers, nestled on the majestic Bangkok riverside, hosted this groundbreaking ESG activity in Thailand, marking the triumphant return of Air Canada’s Bangkok-Vancouver service on December…
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Thai PM unleashes bold tourism overhaul: Second-tier provinces take centre stage
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin shook the foundations of Thailand‘s tourism strategy, revealing a radical shift during a high-stakes meeting at Government House. The Thai premier, flanked by Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol and Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Chief Thapanee Kiatphaibool, unveiled his masterplan to propel the nation into a perpetual high-season destination, leaving traditional hotspots like Chiang Mai…
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Thai couple arrested for embezzling 24 million baht from employer
Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) officers arrested a Thai couple for embezzling 24 million baht from their employer while working at a petrol station in the central province of Chantaburi between 2020 to 2023. ATPD reported that a 47 year old Thai man, Wichian, and his 46 year old wife, Jatuporn, were former accountants at the petrol station in Chantaburi…
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Mysterious items unearthed in Surat Thani home spark fears of malevolent intent
A homeowner in Surat Thani province unearthed some mysterious items beneath the floor of her house, sparking concerns of malevolent intent. She shared her unsettling discovery on Facebook, stating her life had been plagued with misfortune since moving into the house. The 28 year old woman resides in a single-storey concrete house in Thung Rang district, Surat Thani, built by…
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Major e-cigarette gang leader captured by Thai police in 100 million baht operation
The Thai police captured a major e-cigarette gang leader known as Tee Leng, who was selling illegal e-cigarettes and vape juice to smaller traders. The operation had an impressive turnover of 100 million baht. As a result of the arrest, the police seized over 70,000 e-cigarette-related items, valued at more than 10 million baht. The arrest took place today, following…
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Thai fortune teller’s readings spark controversy on social media
A recent incident has rattled social media, where a popular Thai fortune teller, known for her expensive rates and precise predictions, has been accused of using information from clients’ mobile phones for their readings. The case came to light when a TikTok user, cakekanokon, posted a video warning others about this practice. Today, three clients, Pam, Cake and Hem, revealed…
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Michelin Guide Thailand 2024: An ode to culinary excellence with new shining stars
At the Michelin Guide Ceremony Thailand, Michelin has officially unveiled The Michelin Guide Thailand 2024 edition, revealing its much-awaited full restaurant selection, and celebrating the accomplishments of Thailand’s vibrant and dynamic culinary community. The newly released Guide features 447 establishments. 2 restaurants newly received two Michelin Stars In the 2024 Michelin Guide Thailand edition, two Michelin Stars listings add 2…
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Irishman’s life hangs by a thread after mosquito bite in Thailand
A truck driver from Cork, Ireland, is fighting for his life in a Bangkok hospital after an unexpected twist of fate following a rare mosquito bite in Thailand. The Burke family now faces daily bills of 2,700 euros (103,213 baht) for his intensive care, leaving them in a desperate plea for help. Originally planning to return home on November 19,…
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Thai groom-to-be fakes dowry theft after no money for wedding
A Thai groom-to-be reported the theft of his dowry worth nearly 700,000 baht to police in the Isaan province of Khon Kaen. He later confessed that he faked the story because he lost his job and had no money for the wedding. The 29 year old Thai man, Nattapon Tormee, lodged a complaint at Mueang Khon Kaen Police Station at…
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Geminids meteor shower to light up the sky
The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) has extended an invitation to Thai citizens to witness the Geminids meteor shower, commonly known as the Gemini Twins meteor shower, which will peak tonight December 14, continuing into the early hours of tomorrow. The spectacle can be observed from around 8pm onwards, with an expected peak frequency after midnight of approximately…
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Unpredictable weather in Chiang Rai: Dense fog, thunderstorms and temperature swings
In a sudden shift of weather, Chiang Rai has experienced three seasons in a single day. Dense fog blanketed the city in the morning, limiting visibility to less than a kilometre, followed by thunderstorms in some areas. Afternoon temperatures peaked at 32 degrees Celsius before plunging to 19 degrees in the evening. The unpredictable weather has prompted public health warnings.…
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Culinary triumph: Thailand’s gastronomic scene sizzles with 2024 Michelin Guide debut
In a culinary coup, Thailand‘s gastronomic landscape has been transformed with the unveiling of the 2024 Michelin Guide. This year, the nation welcomes two groundbreaking two-star restaurants, Baan Tepa and GAA, alongside an impressive six new one-star establishments. But the real star power lies in the hands of two remarkable female chefs, Chef Chudaree Debhakam, aka Tam, of Baan Tepa…
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Thai-Saudi economic extravaganza: Mega Fair 2023 takes Riyadh by storm
The Thailand Mega Fair 2023 descended upon the Arena Riyadh, heralding a four-day fiesta of premium Thai products and services that has the Saudi Arabian capital buzzing with excitement until Saturday, December 16. Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, doubling as deputy prime minister, kicked off the festivities with an inauguration that not only marked the start of the grand event but…
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Revolutionary Thai project turns waste into gold: The PARQ’s green secrets unveiled
In a move towards environmental sustainability, The PARQ, Thailand‘s pioneering mixed-use development, has unveiled its secret weapon: a cutting-edge waste management system that’s turning food waste into nutrient-rich plant vitamins. As the first project in Thailand to achieve the prestigious LEED Gold® version 4 certification and the WELL certified™ core gold standard, The PARQ is not just a real estate…
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Fatal late-night shooting in Nakhon Pathom leaves restaurant server dead
A fatal shooting incident occurred at 1.30am today in Nakhon Pathom when a villain in a pickup truck chased down and shot a young restaurant server. The attacker’s bullets claimed the life of the young man in front of his friend, leaving four others injured. The incident took place on a rural road in the district of Thanon Kad, in…
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Nightly temples extravaganza: Bangkok’s spiritual spectacle lights up the sky
In a dazzling celebration of tradition and spirituality, Bangkokians are set to bask in the mesmerising glow of the city’s temples after dark. The much-anticipated Illuminated 10 Temples and National Museum event promises a spiritual journey like no other, offering locals and tourists alike a chance to bid adieu to the old year and embrace the dawn of the new…
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Thai youth unite to battle climate change and violence against children
Young minds from all corners of Thailand recently converged in Bangkok to unveil General Comment No. 26 (GC26), a global manifesto championing children’s rights and environmental protection. The event, Child Safe & Friendly Environment – Ending Violence Against Children: Environmental Safety, orchestrated by the Thai Child Rights Network in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, UNICEF…
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Thai Airways tests sustainable aviation fuel on Phuket-Bangkok flight
Thai Airways International and PTT Oil and Retail Business PLC piloted a flight employing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from Phuket to Bangkok yesterday, December 13. The initiative, which signals a significant stride towards an environmentally friendly aviation industry, was revealed during a media briefing at Phuket International Airport. Disathat Panyarachun, the head of PTT Oil and Retail Business PLC, explained…
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Thailand weather update: Cold north, stormy south and rain in 19 provinces
Today’s weather in Thailand sees a mix of cold in the north, stormy conditions in the south, and a forecast of rainfall across 19 provinces, including the capital city, Bangkok, and its surrounding regions. According to the Thai Meteorological Department‘s 24-hour forecast, high atmospheric pressure or mass cold air covers the northeastern regions and the South China Sea. This, combined…
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NEPC plans to cap power tariff for Thai households at current rate
The National Energy Policy Council (NEPC), in its recent meeting, moved to limit the power tariff for households consuming not more than 300 units a month at the existing rate of 3.99 baht per unit, an insider familiar with the meeting discussions revealed. In the NEPC meeting, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, two main points were reviewed, both related…
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Jodd Fairs blaze: 1 injured as 120 shops go up in smoke, vendors hit with 1.3m baht setback (videos)
A fire broke out at Jodd Fairs Rama 9 market in Bangkok yesterday resulting in a minor injury to a Thai woman. A total of 120 shops were obliterated, leading to financial losses of approximately 1.3 million baht for the vendors. The fire was reported to police at about 4.21pm yesterday, December 13. Firefighters and rescue workers from Huay Kwang…
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Luxury car crashes into sisters post-concert, dismembers bodies in horrific Prachin Buri accident
An upscale Mercedes-Benz crashed through a wall after leaving a high-profile concert, colliding with two sisters, resulting in their bodies being dismembered. The gruesome scene, littered with body parts, left friends of the deceased in a state of shock and profound sorrow. The incident took place at approximately 3.20am today and was reported to Deputy Inspector Chaiyong Ampansan, the investigating…
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Thai rice purity at risk due to popularity of foreign strains
Thai rice finds itself in a perilous position as the purity of its strains is at risk due to the rising popularity of foreign rice strains smuggled from neighbouring countries, warns the nation’s agriculture minister, Thammanat Prompow. Speaking at the annual Thai rice conference organised by the Thai Rice Foundation Under Royal Patronage, Thammanat expressed his worries about the future…
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Pattaya journalist shooting suspect surrenders and confesses
The prime suspect in the Pattaya journalist shooting case has turned himself in. He confessed to the charges of attempted murder and violation of the Firearms Act, following a warrant issued by Pattaya Provincial Court. The incident involved the shooting of a local journalist, 28 year old Nathaphat Boonchaalee, who sustained severe injuries. He surrendered himself to Nawin Theerawit, Pattaya…
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Young transport worker dies in tragic roadside accident in Lampang
A tragic accident has taken a young private transport company worker’s life as he collided with an electricity pole on a roadside, his body flung into the dark forest, unseen by passersby. The incident occurred at 8.45pm yesterday. Natthanan Kamsan, Deputy Investigator at Khelang Nakhon Police Station, Lampang Province, was alerted about a motorcyclist’s fatal collision with an electricity pole…
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2.4 million lights transform Bangkok cityscape into magical wonderland
In a luminous extravaganza set to rival the stars, over 2.4 million enchanting lights are casting their glow upon Bangkok‘s cherished Ratchadamnoen Avenue and Rattanakosin Island. This breathtaking spectacle, unveiled by Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, promises to be a visual feast for locals and tourists alike. The dazzling campaign, inaugurated yesterday, December 12, at the Ministry’s headquarters on Atsadang Road,…
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Taiwanese singer Jay Chou wows 70,000 fans in epic Carnival Concert in Bangkok (video)
At Rajamangala National Stadium, Bangkok, Mandopop sensation Jay Chou last week transformed the venue into a musical carnival. Breaking records as the first Mandopop artist to grace the iconic stadium, the Taiwanese singer’s Carnival World Tour left fans breathless in an extraordinary audio-visual journey on December 8 and 9. Returning to Thailand after two decades, the 44 year old kicked…
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