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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Digital nomading in Chiang Mai? What US$1,000 a month really gets you
Chiang Mai has become a popular destination for digital nomads due to its low living costs, rich culture, and active remote work community. The city offers affordable housing, tasty food, reliable internet, and many co-working spaces, making it a great...
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Bangkok’s Red Cross Fair at Lumpini: Where the fun never ‘cross’-es the deadline
The renowned Red Cross Fair, held at Lumpini Park, Bangkok, is still going strong after it kicked off on December 8. Don’t miss out on the fun and frolics before the fair ends on December 18. A golden location within the event sees vendors bidding for the best spots. With a theme of Joyful Happiness at the Place of Giving,…
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Thai hospital compensates family with 30,000 baht after medication mix-up
A hospital has compensated a family with 30,000 baht after a one year old infant was mistakenly given the wrong medication. The child, who had fallen and hit his head in the bathroom, was taken to a hospital in Samut Prakan province to have a brain scan. During the journey to another hospital for a second scan, a nurse gave…
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Motorcyclist dies in accident under Rangsit Railway Station bridge
A road accident in Pak Khlong Rangsit, Pathum Thani, ended in the death of a motorcyclist late yesterday evening, December 14. The 37 year old motorcyclist, Adisorn (surname withheld), lost control of his vehicle and collided with a vegetable truck, causing his death. The accident took place under the stairs of the Lokal road’s railway station, going towards Rangsit. Adisorn’s motorbike,…
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Social Security Board candidates call for higher pension rates
A majority of the candidates in the race for the new Social Security Board have underscored the need to increase pension rates for retirees within the social security system. They also drew attention to the crucial requirement of enhancing transparency and efficiency in managing the Social Security Fund (SSF). The election, slated for December 24, will see over 800,000 registered…
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7 police surrender over money extortion while police spy charged with rape
Seven Prathum Thani Provincial Police officers and an alleged police spy turned themselves in at Pratunam Chulalongkorn Police Station in Bangkok on charges of extorting money and raping a female drug suspect. A Thai woman and her boyfriend sought justice after accusing seven police officers in the central province of Prathum Thani of extorting 300,000 baht from them when they…
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Olympic medallist Somluck faces attempted rape charges in Khon Kaen
Olympic medallist Somluck Kamsing surrendered to the local police in Khon Kaen on four charges, including attempted rape, in a case involving a 17 year old girl. Deputy Chief Investigator of Muang District Police, Police Lieutenant Colonel Suparerk Suwanraj, confirmed that Somluck, accompanied by his elder brother and a close associate, presented himself at the station at 12.30am yesterday. The…
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Vape trails go up in smoke: Police puff out a e-cigarette distribution network in Bangkok busts
A significant e-cigarette distribution network has been dismantled by the police, following a series of raids in Bangkok. The leader of the network, 32 year old Jenkij Hom-aroon, was apprehended during the operation that occurred yesterday. The Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) spearheaded the operation, acting on information related to the Iqos Thailand FanClub. This Facebook group was identified as…
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Revolutionary roadmap revealed: Thailand’s expressway blitz to slash emissions
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) unwrapped an audacious 10-year blueprint set to roll out 200 kilometres of spanking new expressways, aimed at slashing a whopping 30% of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The ambitious plan is the key to unlocking Thailand’s carbon neutrality by 2050, as revealed by EXAT Governor Surachet Laophulsuk at the electrifying Sustainability Forum 2024 hosted…
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Thai senator faces lawsuit for alleged money laundering
Senator Upakit Pachariyangkun is facing charges after public prosecutors filed a lawsuit against him today, December 14. The Thai politician has been accused of money laundering and aiding a transnational criminal organisation. This legal action follows the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) decision to indict Upakit on charges of money laundering, involvement in a transnational criminal organisation, and alleged support…
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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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Why Chinese tourists snub Thailand: New favourites revealed
After 26 years of catering to Chinese tourists, a tour guide finds himself amid a revolution as travellers from Taiwan, India, and beyond take centre stage. Thailand, hopeful for a Chinese tourism resurgence post-pandemic, faces an unexpected plot twist as a surge of Taiwanese visitors, in particular, reshapes the narrative. Saichon Chounchou now handles a 20-person group of Taiwanese tourists.…
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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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Predicted winning numbers for the upcoming Thai government lottery draw
A significant draw for the government lottery is set for Saturday, December 16, with a wide range of interesting numbers to consider. The Mae Jam Nian Lottery, a prominent lottery ticket outlet, revealed its top-selling numbers and highlighted numbers on its Facebook page. The favoured numbers for the December 16 draw include 71, 72, 45, 67, 79, 95, 07, 57,…
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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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5 Thai police accused of illegally detaining and extorting Thai man
A Thai man accused five officers from Pabon Police Station in the southern province of Phattalung of unlawfully detaining him, charging him with illegal gun possession, and extorting 50,000 baht from him. Channel 7 received a complaint from a 50 year old man named Tu who claimed to be a victim of corrupt police officers yesterday, December 13. Tu recounted…
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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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Roadside ricochet: Thai truck driver shot by mistake when driving in Isaan province (video)
A sedan driver surrendered to the police after he shot a truck driver by mistake on the 304 Nakhon Ratchasima-Kabin Buri Road in the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima on December 12. Pak Thong Chai Police Station officers and rescuers dashed to the incident scene to meet with the 60 year old gunman named Sittichai Wataukana and the 25 year…
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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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Detained Thai soldier re-arrested after escaping from hospital
A Thai soldier, held in custody, successfully severed his ankle restraints and escaped from a hospital in the central province of Lop Buri before being recaptured later in the day. A military officer raised the alarm with police in Lob Buri province after the detained soldier, identified only as C, escaped while being treated at the hospital. The detained soldier…
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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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