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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Monkeypox outbreak: Thailand witnesses spike in cases within the LGBTQ+ community
A significant rise in monkeypox cases within Thailand was reported by health officials this week, issuing a stern warning for men within the gay community, who seemed to be at an increased risk, to exercise necessary precautions amidst the ongoing monkeypox outbreak. Dr Tares Krassanairawiwong, heading the Department of Disease Control, disclosed in today’s press conference that, following the occurrence…
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Dating app crimes: Bangkok police warn against predator with extensive criminal record
A public alert regarding an increase in dating app crimes has been issued by the Metropolitan Police Bureau. Vigilance has been urged due to a man capitalising on a dating application to lure in, rape, and subsequently rob women. The individual has a criminal record spanning 15 years. The man, known under the pseudonym “Tum Chonburi,” but legally named Wattana…
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Phuket infrastructure projects face potential delays after expo bid loss
Delays are predicted for the initiation of several significant infrastructure projects in Phuket, including the much-anticipated Patong Tunnel. Local authorities concede that these plans may not manifest as swiftly as planned following the province’s failure to secure hosting rights for the Specialised Expo 2027/28. Governor Narong Woonciew voiced this concern, despite Phuket demonstrating strong prospects during the bidding process. Governor…
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Taking the insurgency by storm: Southern Thailand’s military withdrawal sets off in full swing
The forthcoming military withdrawal in the southern region of Thailand, which has seen 19 years of insurgent unrest, is currently in its initial phase, according to Fourth Region Army commander, Lt. Gen. Santi Sakuntanak. The four-year plan aims to gradually decrease military presence and remove the state of emergency that has been prevalent in the area. Since 2004, Yala, Narathiwat,…
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Plant-based immunotherapy: Thai scientists derive anti cancer antibodies from tobacco
In a groundbreaking plant-based immunotherapy development in the field of oncology, a start-up pharmaceutical firm in Thailand, Baiya Phytopharm, proclaimed the successful creation of anti-cancer antibodies derived from tobacco plants. The company announced these results in the wake of effectively conducting experiential trials on lab animals. Operating under the umbrella of Chulalongkorn University, Baiya Phytopharm is recognised for its accomplishments…
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SRT relocation: Thai railway plans 200km move amid billion baht overhaul
The Thai State Railway (SRT) is shifting gears, planning to relocate its locomotive maintenance and production facilities closer to Bangkok, within a distance of 200 kilometres. The SRT relocation move is sparked by the forthcoming transformation of their current premises in Makkasan into a bustling, mixed-use space which will host a public park, an SRT historical exhibit, and a city…
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Blind ex-Thai embassy employee alleges neglect, seeks compensation
Countering accusations made by a former member of staff at the Thai embassy in Paris, the Foreign Affairs Ministry has refuted claims of embassy neglect following the irreversible loss of her eyesight. Previously employed as part of the embassy service team from 2009 until 2012, Rattanaporn Saeng-on, aged 45, was found by authorities trying to deliberately endanger herself in moving…
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Water crisis grapples Koh Samui as rising tourist demands amplify freshwater shortage
Koh Samui, a popular tourist resort island in Surat Thani province, is grappling with a significant water crisis as declining rainfall and amplified water demands take their toll. Many of the water reserves on the island, such as the district’s Phru Na Mueang and Phru Krajud reservoirs, along with the renowned Hin Lard waterfall, have seen their water levels drop…
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Thailand’s Interior Ministry rolls out digital ID app in drive towards Thailand 4.0
In an effort to digitise various government-provided services and increase their accessibility, Thailand’s Interior Ministry officially rolled out a novel mobile application as part of its digital ID programme on Friday. The launch event was graced by none other than caretaker Prime Minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, who wholeheartedly endorsed the newly unveiled ‘ThaID’ mobile application. Prayut outlined the primary motive behind…
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Banpu eyes free power trade system amidst rising Thai electricity costs
In the face of rising electricity bills, a new opportunity is emerging for a free power trade system in Thailand, as spotted by Banpu Power Plc, the power generation arm of energy conglomerate Banpu Plc. Expecting a worldwide shift in electricity markets, the company, under Kirana Limpaphayom, its CEO, is poised to take advantage of this imminent change. The combined…
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Thai philanthropist honoured with Vatican’s highest accolade
A remarkably significant occasion unfolded as Somsak Leeswadtrakul, a Thai philanthropist and entrepreneur, was acknowledged by the Vatican in Rome for his unwavering commitment towards promoting peace and unity both nationally and globally. In recognition of his selfless support to socially disadvantaged communities, Leeswadtrakul was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order, the paramount accolade of the Order of St…
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Thailand’s tourism confidence slides amidst global economy concerns
The second quarter of this year saw the Tourism Confidence Index remaining subdued, sliding from the previous quarter. The contributor to this drop was a blend of Thailand‘s low season and decreased earnings from tourism. The president of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), Chamnan Srisawat, announced that the second quarter’s score was two points lower than the prior quarter…
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Phuket’s Wichit Municipality launches free mobile rabies vaccinations for animals
Phuket‘s Wichit Municipality unveiled a series of mobile centres tailored to offer free rabies vaccinations for cats and dogs. This manoeuvre is an effort led by the Division of Public Health and Environment of Wichit Municipality. Cats and dogs can get free vaccinations from 8.30am until 12pm, starting on July 10 and concluding on July 14, The Phuket News reported.…
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Move Forward Party MP admits to violent incident
A notable incident involving an MP from the Move Forward Party (MFP) in Bangkok raised eyebrows. The MP, Sirin Sanguansin, confirmed he was responsible for an act of violence against a woman when he was travelling between Pattaya and Sri Racha. On Thursday, Sirin wrote in a Facebook post… “I am very sorry for the incident. First, I was late…
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Phuket airport escalators declared safe after alarming accident at Don Mueang
Phuket International Airport recently completed safety checks on all escalators, following a disturbing accident at Don Mueang Airport. The General Manager of the Phuket branch of the Airports of Thailand (AoT Phuket), Monchai Tanode, confirmed that the airport’s 31 escalators and 27 elevators had been thoroughly inspected by certified technicians, and found to be safe for public use. In an…
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Thailand hit by 5.0 magnitude Myanmar quake, tremors felt in north
Last night saw an earthquake of 5.0 magnitude in Myanmar, causing areas in Thailand to experience the tremors. The districts affected, as revealed by the Meteorological Department, were in Chiang Rai and some of its neighbouring areas. The information about the event was brought to light by the Earthquake Observation Division of the department. They made public today that the…
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Phuket yacht sweeps ashore amid severe weather, safety warnings reiterated
In an unforeseen turn of events earlier this morning, a sailing yacht near Ao Yon in the northern part of Chalong Bay, Phuket, was reported to have been forced onto the shore due to wave action. The yacht is understood to have been detached from its mooring and was seen adrift prior to being swept ashore. This unexpected incident occurred…
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Faulty suitcase wheel may have triggered Don Mueang Airport accident
A malfunctioning suitcase wheel is potentially behind an unfortunate incident that took place at Don Mueang International Airport’s moving walkways, causing a woman to lose part of her left leg, according to the Engineering Institute of Thailand (EIT). An advisor to the EIT’s mechanical engineering committee, Boonpong Kijwatanachai, recently provided an update about the ongoing investigation into the travellator system…
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Thai ex-judge sentenced over 20 million baht bribery allegations
A recent court ruling unfurled in the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases witnessed a former appellate court judge handed a five-year prison sentence. The sentencing comes as a consequence of corruption allegations involving a whopping 20 million baht bribe request dating back to 2018. The judge had famously sought a bribe from an arrested Taiwanese individual, significantly…
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Unlocking the secrets of gold trading: Strategies and tips for success
Gold has captivated the world for centuries, and its enduring value makes it an attractive commodity to invest in. Trading gold comes with complexities, however – so understanding key strategies is essential if you want your investments to thrive. We will provide you with 3 effective strategies for gold trading as well as helpful tips that everyone should note when…
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Thief’s superstitious streak foiled: Police nab suspect behind spree of supermarket heists in Isaan
Police arrested a superstitious Thai thief who targeted eight different supermarkets and convenience stores in the Isaan province of Udon Ratchatani. The man believes he was arrested because did not worship before carrying out his latest crime. Mueang Ubon Ratchathabni Police Station officers eventually arrested the thief, 36 year old Phantara Nithipaphakum, yesterday, June 29. This arrest came after Lotus’s supermarket…
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Wanted murder suspect captured after fatal shoot-out in Ang Thong
A long-standing warrant offender was apprehended today after a shoot-out which led to a fatality in Ang Thong province, central Thailand. The suspect, a 36 year old man, murdered a 45 year old man. The suspect eventually wound up in hospital after injuring himself during the incident. Officers from Pho Thong Police Station, Wiset Chai Chan Police Station, and Mueang…
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Tourist police bust illegal Chinese tour guide in Phuket
Phuket Tourist Police busted a Chinese man for allegedly working as a tour guide without the necessary permits and licenses. According to the Tourist Police, 43 year old Wang Kua Cheng was arrested this week in front of the Mongkol Nimit Temple on Dibuk Road in Phuket Old Town, The Phuket Express reported. Officers brought Wang to Phuket City Police…
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What makes Thailand a unique experience for travellers in 2023?
Between the sandy beaches and the exotic culture, Thailand makes up for an excellent tourist destination in 2023. The locals are nice and hospital. The food is spicy and delicious while the cost of living makes Thailand an incredibly affordable country. Whether you’re planning to visit Thailand for a couple of days or an entire year, there’s a lot you…
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Surgical setback: Airport amputation victim’s reattachment hopes dashed for safety reasons
The son of a woman who suffered the loss of her leg at Don Mueang International Airport revealed that the planned reattachment surgery was cancelled due to concerns about his mother’s safety. The incident occurred when the woman collapsed on an escalator at the airport Wednesday morning. Prompt action was taken to rescue her, and she was swiftly transported to…
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Thai municipal organisation defends 1.7 million baht educational yacht trip amid backlash
In the face of criticism regarding the alleged overspending on a yacht for an educational trip to Phuket, the Sakon Nakhon Municipal Organization (SNMO) has come forward to defend its actions. The organization maintains that transparency and the project’s value are at the forefront of its efforts. The controversy spiralled from a Facebook page, ‘ปฏิบัติการหมาเฝ้าบ้าน,’ which highlighted the cost –…
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Passenger’s botched domestic flight sparks questions about airline accountability
A heated online discussion was sparked when a disgruntled passenger shared his exasperating domestic flight experience. His intended short journey from Don Mueang International Airport to Trang, taking off at 7.35am yesterday and originally slated to land in Trang by 9am, turned out to be a distressing mid-air marathon caused by an unexpected chain of issues springing up. As the…
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Medical student’s tragic plunge: Bangkok condo becomes site of heartbreaking leap
A Thai medical student reportedly committed suicide by leaping from the 21st floor of his condominium, located within the premises of the Lerdsin Hospital in the Silom neighbourhood of Bangkok The deceased was identified as 24 year old Jirasak Prakartpeasat, who was a sixth-year student at the Rungsit University, and a medical student trainee at Lerdsin Hospital at the time…
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Korat Zoo’s new 25 million baht spotted hyena enclosure wows visitors
The Korat Zoo in Nakhon Ratchasima unveiled its latest attraction – a new enclosure for a group of spotted hyenas, drawing the attention of visitors to an up-close encounter via the Sky Walk bridge. Thanachan Kensing, the director of Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo, today formally introduced the newcomers: Six spotted hyenas, aged 13 to 15 years old. The cohort, imported from…
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Internet users unite to help Thai daughter see her late father’s smile again
In an act of crowd-sourced kindness, Internet users have rallied together to help a grieving Thai daughter fulfil a heartfelt wish. Online individuals stepped up to aid an Internet user, who goes by the Facebook name Nuni Lovelove, in digitally modifying an image of her late father, whom she lost 19 years ago, bestowing him with a beaming smile. Nuni…
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