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 9 most common health issues covered by insurance for expats in Thailand
Thailand is a popular destination for expats due to its affordable lifestyle and excellent healthcare system. However, settling in a new country often brings health concerns. To ensure you’re covered for the most common medical needs, understanding what expat health...
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Thailand and Malaysia join forces to boost economy
Thailand and Malaysia have forged an alliance to supercharge development in the southern Thai region and the northern Malaysian peninsula. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reveals this game-changing commitment after a late-night summit with Thai counterpart Srettha Thavisin in Phuket. Anwar took to Facebook to reveal the details. “A special joint committee at the highest level between the two countries will…
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Thai government unveils minimum wage hike for 2024
The Thai Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, unveiled a hike in the nation’s minimum wage after a cabinet meeting on December 26. The daily wage is set to rise between 2 and 16 baht (US$0.058-0.47), an increase that could impact many of Thailand’s workers. The adjustment, which signifies a 2.37% rise in wages within 2024, is part of a broader effort…
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Wanted Russian man arrested at airport for shooting in Phuket
Immigration police arrested a wanted Russian man at Phuket International Airport on December 25 for hiring a Kazakh man to shoot another Russian man in Phuket in June this year. A Russian victim, 44 year old Dmitry Aleynikov, was shot outside a coffee shop called Cafe Waya in the Thalang district of Phuket on June 7. Fortunately, the bullet did not…
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Phuket: Burmese brawl involving knife-wielding teens
In Patong, Phuket, two Burmese nationals found themselves on the wrong side of the law after a late-night melee turned the popular tourist hotspot into a battleground. The Phuket Express reported that the drama erupted on Pracha Nukroh Road, just before 1am yesterday, December 27, as a gang of motorbike-riding teenagers engaged in a high-stakes chase, punctuated by what was…
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Neos Air takes off on Milan-Brno-Phuket route: Thai welcome extravaganza marks grand inauguration
Neos Air‘s maiden flight on the Milan-Brno-Phuket route was greeted with a vibrant Thai traditional welcome dance and personalised greetings, organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The spectacular event aimed to immerse passengers in the richness of local culture, enhancing their travel experience. Italy’s Neos Air, with Flight NO216, officially launched its operations on this exciting route, landing…
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Bangkok’s Green Line extension routes to charge 15 baht flat fare
Passengers travelling on the Green Line’s second extension routes in Bangkok will be charged a flat rate of 15 baht (US$0.44) per trip, starting from January 2, as per the announcement by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). The flat fare is applicable to the 12.8 kilometres Bearing-Kheha route in Samut Prakan and the 18.4 kilometres Mo Chit-Saphan Mai-Khu Khot section. The…
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Thai tourism minister welcomes Chinese influencers to boost 2024 travel
On December 26 Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, the Thai Minister of Tourism and Sports, extended a warm welcome to a large contingent of Chinese media representatives and influencers. Their visit was part of the Amazing Festive & Exclusive Trip in Thailand, a grand event scheduled from December 21 to 28. The event saw the participation of more than 93 Chinese influencers, all…
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Thai woman arrested for selling her masturbation videos online
Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau officers arrested a Thai woman today, December 27, at her home in the northeastern province of Chaiyaphum for selling her masturbation videos online. Officers came across a Twitter account, Saifon, which shared many explicit pictures and videos of herself and invited followers to apply for membership to see more content. The account had more than 400,000…
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Bangkok public bus driver blames tuk tuk driver for crash that killed 1 and injured 3
A Thai public bus driver blamed a tuk tuk driver for an accident on Phetchaburi Road in Bangkok that killed one Thai man and injured three others last night, December 26. The electric public bus number 69 from the Smart Bus company crashed into a motorcycle on Phetchaburi Road at around 8pm yesterday. After hitting the motorcycle, the bus turned…
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Indian national arrested in Thai province for illegal high-interest loan operation
As part of a crackdown on illegal loan activities, police authorities from the Debt-related Crime Prevention Centre and the Eighth Provincial Police Region (DCPC & PPR8) apprehended Yadav Durgesh, an Indian national aged 29, for operating an unlicensed money lending business. The arrest took place on December 27 at a rental property in Ban Na San, Surat Thani, where Yadav…
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Thai man saves 300,000 baht in six months by stocking 50-baht notes
A 33 year old man named Thana Benjasak has made an inspiring impact on social media with his unique savings method. Thana, a breeder of Siamese fighting fish residing in Klong Chuk Chae, Chachoengsao, has managed to amass nearly 300,000 baht (US$8,727) in just six months by saving 50-baht notes. Thana’s saving journey began when he saw a TikTok video…
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Airfares to plummet next year
Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has announced a breath of fresh air for travellers— airfares are set to drop next year. With an influx of licenced airlines and a squadron of new aircraft on the horizon, the skies are about to become a lot more affordable. According to the latest revelation from the CAAT today, December 27, a stellar…
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Surrogacy scandal: Chinese men ditch Thai women for not bearing sons
An illegal surrogacy case among others has come to light, involving Chinese men marrying Thai women only to abandon them when the unborn child’s gender doesn’t match their expectations. The scandal, currently under intense investigation by Deputy National Police Chief Police General Surachate Hakparn, has gripped the nation with tales of shattered dreams and broken promises. The probe was triggered…
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Unusual neighbour’s request sparks online debate ahead of New Year
A drama unfolded online when a young man shared a video of his neighbour’s house across the street, displaying a large vinyl sign that read, “Please cooperate, do not play loud car audio, do not light fireworks or any toys that generate sparks.” The video has sparked a debate, with the man asking for advice on how to handle such…
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Mental health crisis: NHSO petitions Thai health minister for urgent treatment reforms
Thailand‘s National Health Security Office (NHSO) has taken a bold step by submitting a compelling petition to Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew. Faced with an alarming surge in patients struggling to access timely treatment and medication, the NHSO is demanding a radical policy change to save lives. The petition implores Thai Health Minister Cholnan to address the dire shortage of…
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Cambodian woman scalded by co-worker in Thailand in horrific attack
A Cambodian domestic worker in Thailand is battling severe facial injuries after an argument turned violent, with her Myanmar co-worker scalding her face with boiling water. Seeking justice, she reached out to the Cambodian Embassy in Bangkok, sparking a diplomatic intervention in this distressing cross-border incident. Katta Orn, spokesman for the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training revealed that on…
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Christmas exodus: Hong Kongers flock abroad, but tourists stay home
‘Tis the season for Hong Kongers to fly out, with a staggering 1.32 million jetting off for the Christmas holidays over the past three days. However, the city’s tourist hotspots are left feeling a bit like a Christmas pudding without the sauce, as inbound visitors lag behind. The numbers tell a tale of two cities: Hong Kong residents embraced the…
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23 year old arrested in Phuket for causing ex-girlfriend’s blindness
A 23 year old man was arrested by police for causing blindness to his former girlfriend after she shared her seven-year torment online. The woman, who was forced to wear a prosthetic eye after losing one in the assault, had posted a video on TikTok detailing her ordeal. In her post, she shared that her former boyfriend had physically abused…
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Zika virus spreads rapidly in Bangkok: Expert issues urgent warning
Professor Dr Yong Poovorawan, the leading expert from the Centre of Excellence in Clinical Virology at Chulalongkorn University, has sounded the alarm on the escalating Zika virus crisis in Bangkok. In a Facebook post today, December 27, Dr Yong disclosed that the virus, primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, is running rampant through the city, with symptoms mirroring those of dengue…
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Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun from ‘Parasite’ passes away
Acclaimed South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, renowned for his role in the Oscar-winning film Parasite, has been discovered lifeless in a car at a prominent Seoul park. The 48 year old actor was found unconscious today, December 27, and while it remains unclear whether he took his own life, reports suggest he left a note before departing his home. Lee…
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Thailand marks 19th anniversary of devastating tsunami with somber memorial
Yesterday marked the 19th anniversary of the devastating tsunami that struck Thailand. To commemorate this somber occasion, Sarawut Srisakukam, the head of the Mai Khao Tambon Administrative Organisation, led an official memorial service at the Wall of Remembrance, located at the Mai Khao Cemetery. This ceremony was attended by high-ranking local officials and members of the local community, all brought…
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Thailand’s export surge signals global economic boom
Thailand‘s exports have skyrocketed for the fourth month in a row, unleashing economic fireworks just in time for the festive season. Thailand’s exports are on a jaw-dropping winning streak, marking a fourth consecutive monthly surge in November. Ministry of Commerce Permanent Secretary Keerati Rushchano explains this economic rollercoaster. “Exports of goods showed a remarkable expansion across the board, with agricultural…
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BMW crash into Nonthaburi market shops causes devastation and cat fatality
A BMW car, driven by Achira, 28 years old, crashed into a row of shops at the Duang Kaew market on Tiwanon road in Nonthaburi‘s Pak Kret district, causing damage to about ten shops and resulting in the death of one cat. The incident occurred at 1 am on December 27. At the scene of the incident, which took place…
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Thai astrology 2024: Year of the Horse to see wealth increase
The astrological predictions of 2024 indicate a promising year for those born in the Year of the Goat. Notably, financial fortune is expected to favour those born in the Year of the Horse, who will witness an increase in income and improved liquidity, with a high probability of being able to pay off debts. Meanwhile, the Year of the Rat…
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Flood disaster in Narathiwat province affects 158,000 people
The latest reports from the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department in Narathiwat province reveal a flood disaster triggered by downpours, affecting 13 districts and over 158,000 people. Seven lives have been lost, primarily in the Rueso and Ra-ngae districts. The calamity which started on December 22, affected 497 villages in 77 subdistricts across 13 districts. The devastation has impacted 41,442…
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2 Thai luxury car importers arrested for tax evasion worth 59 million baht
Two Thai luxury car importers surrendered to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) yesterday, December 26, for tax evasion after avoiding paying 59 million baht in taxes on four Lamborghini cars. DSI seized four Lamborghini Gallardos last year after finding that these cars were imported into the country without paying tax. The four cars were imported between July and October…
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Yingluck Shinawatra’s shocking courtroom triumph: Acquitted and warrant revoked
Former Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has emerged victorious in the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division, shattering legal expectations and leaving political pundits in disbelief. Not only has she been acquitted of malfeasance, but a once-looming arrest warrant has also been revoked. The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions delivered a bombshell verdict yesterday, December 26, clearing former…
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Thai lottery predictions stir excitement ahead of 30 December 2023 draw
The latest lottery numbers for December 30 are causing quite a stir among lottery enthusiasts as they anticipate the upcoming draw. Various sources have contributed their predictions, including popular TikTok user, nid8857 from Pathum Ratcha Technic Solar Cell, who shared three different sets of numbers: 897627,097627,288,2048,942,042. In another interesting turn, a local named Sawang revealed she had seen the number…
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Thai workers fleeing conflict zones for lucrative jobs in South Korea: 7,000 positions up for grabs
The Korean-Thai Chamber of Commerce (KTCC) is set to revolutionise the South Korean job market, offering a glimmer of hope for thousands of Thai workers escaping the turmoil in Israel. The KTCC, having sealed the deal with the Thai government, is now gearing up to negotiate with South Korean local government officials, aiming to open the doors to Thai workers…
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Former prison officer arrested for stealing 3 million baht from inmates
Officers from the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) arrested a former prison officer for stealing about 3 million baht from more than 1,000 inmates after evading arrest for 10 years. The crime took place at the Central Prison in the central province of Nakhon Sawan in 2013. The suspect, 45 year old woman named Matira, was found stealing the money…
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