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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Thai Prime Minister defends controversial 10,000-baht digital handout scheme
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin defended the government’s decision to proceed with the controversial 10,000-baht digital currency handout scheme on Monday, despite mounting criticism. Primarily, critics have been concerned about the scheme’s lack of transparency, particularly regarding its funding source. The 61 year old PM, who also holds the position of finance minister, dismissed these concerns. “I insist the policy…
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American teen’s Instagram challenge triggers record-breaking response and Thai adventure
The Instagram challenge launched by a 13 year old American boy has taken social media by storm and set a new record for ‘most likes’ on a comment on the platform. The challenge promised the boy would follow the advice from the most popular suggestion on his video post, detailing the information, Korn Chatikavanij, a former finance minister reported. The…
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Thai worker survives Gaza conflict, returns home after delayed salary payment
Thai worker Charnchai Chidkhoksung, who was based just 7 kilometres from the Gaza Strip, recently experienced the peril of war first-hand. The 31 year old was reunited with his family on Sunday night after enduring three months of conflict while working as a tomato collector in the embattled region. Charnchai and his colleagues were witnesses to the Hamas attacks, which…
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Thai woman’s tribute tattoo to late pet cat goes viral on TikTok
A single red line tattoo has garnered over 3.3 million views on TikTok, bringing tears to many as they discover its profound meaning. The viral clip was posted by TikTok user @tommsarinee, known as Tom, who shared the story behind her first-ever tattoo. Tom revealed that she had never contemplated getting a tattoo before. However, one day the idea struck…
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Surat Thani village headman killed in wild elephant attack
In a tragic turn of events in Surat Thani province, southern Thailand, a village headman lost his life in a wild elephant attack. The unfortunate incident occurred on Sunday as the leader attempted to steer a cow elephant and her calf back into the adjacent forest. The headman, known as Samnao Kraiket, was the leader of Moo 11 village, situated…
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Stock market fraud: SEC intensifies efforts to restore investor trust
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is set to fortify its efforts in battling stock market fraud and intensifying its monitoring of publicly traded firms, in a bid to re-establish investor trust. The Commission acknowledged the proliferation of fraud incidents has led to a considerable erosion of confidence among stock investors. Regular offences include insider trading and stock price manipulation.…
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Tai Orathai, Thai folk singer takes Korea by storm
Renowned Thai folk singer, Tai Orathai, has become a social media sensation in Korea, leading to a spike in curiosity about the identity of this airport fairy. The vocalist, also known as the Queen of Grass Flowers in the music industry, is currently preparing for her first concert tour in the United States this year, titled #TaiOrathaiUSATour2023. Tai’s enchanting beauty…
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Controversial union: Thai man’s marriage to older Chinese woman stirs debate
The controversial union of a 23 year old man who married a 45 year old woman sparked a flurry of criticism in Thailand. The age and appearance of the bride, who hails from Guangdong province, have been the subjects of controversy. The couple met at an event and despite the 22 year age gap, their relationship blossomed into a happy…
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Thai government’s policy paradox: Digital wallet scheme and minimum wage hike under fire
The Thai government of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has faced significant challenges since coming to power seven weeks ago, with various commitments made during their campaign now under scrutiny. A crucial task includes the repatriation of Thai citizens affected by the Middle East conflict and the ongoing Israel-Hamas unrest. The Thai government’s promise to hike the daily minimum wage to…
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Charter amendment: Thailand’s Move Forward Party seeks controversial rewrite
The Move Forward Party (MFP), Thailand’s principal opposition, is determined to push for a renewed charter amendment through a motion in Parliament on Wednesday. The motion, which is the first item on the debate agenda and is supported by the MFP and its spokesperson, Parit Wacharasindhu, has sparked concern among lawmakers due to the potential broad changes it could bring…
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Thai village chief killed in wild elephant attack at Surat Thani plantation
A wild elephant, part of a herd that had wandered into an oil palm plantation, fatally attacked a village chief in Tha Chana district, Surat Thani province, Thailand. The village chief, Samnao Kraiket, suffered severe injuries including a crushed rib cage, broken hip, and head injuries during an attempt to drive the elephants back into the forest. Despite the efforts…
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Thailand’s Social Security Office allocates 207 million baht for historic board election
The Social Security Office (SSO) in Thailand has allocated a budget of 207 million baht for the inaugural election of Social Security Board members. The event, slated for December 24, is a first in the history of the board, according to Boonsong Thapchaiyuth, the Security General. The Social Security Board, under the Social Security Act, serves as an intermediary between…
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100,000 baht reward for capture of notorious fugitive, says Department of Corrections
A reward of 100,000 baht has been offered by the Department of Corrections for the capture of 37 year old Chaowalit, a notorious fugitive prisoner who escaped while receiving treatment at Maharaj Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital. The escape occurred around 1am yesterday, and authorities have yet to apprehend him. The Department of Corrections reported Chaowalit was a high-profile inmate convicted…
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Thai agencies to strategise release of hostages amid Israel-Hamas war
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of Thailand announced a meeting with various agencies scheduled for today, aiming to discuss potential strategies for securing the release of Thai hostages caught in the crossfire of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The 61 year old prime minister acknowledged the delicate nature of the situation, given the ongoing negotiations for the release of the hostages and…
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Southern insurgents wreak havoc in Tak Bai, chaos erupts
A group of 21 southern insurgents was caught on CCTV causing havoc in Tak Bai. They are suspected to be part of a group led by Muhammad Fami, a key operational leader. The incidents occurred in Tak Bai district and the boundary area of Muno sub-district, Su-ngai Kolok district, on the night of October 21. The insurgents planted bombs, fired…
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High demand for SAF production expected by Bangchak in 2025
Bangchak Corporation, a leading energy conglomerate listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), anticipates a significant demand for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production once it enters the market next year. The prediction comes as awareness about the environmental impact of traditional jet fuel increases among companies. Chaiwat Kovavisarach, Bangchak’s Group Chief Executive, revealed they had received a very warm welcome…
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Luxurious dog life goes viral: Ordinary Thai dog’s 30 million baht condo (video)
A Thai dog of ordinary appearance, known by the name Dikky, is living in a luxurious condominium in central Bangkok, worth over 30 million baht. The luxurious dog life came to light after property consultant and TikTok user @tamonwank posted a clip reviewing the Sukhumvit Heart’s condominium. The sight of the Thai breed dog staring from an opulent apartment across…
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Thai therapists popularity in the Middle East bolsters remittances amid conflict
Overseas Thai workers are in the limelight as the conflict in Israel escalates in the region. Over 7,000 Thai individuals are awaiting evacuation, with instances of Thais being kidnapped by militants. Records from the Bank of Thailand reveal that the remittance from these overseas workers in the first three quarters of the current year was around 184 billion baht. Israel and…
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Impending drought poses significant threat to Thai export sector
The Thai economy braces for another challenge as impending drought threatens its critical export sector, following last month’s extensive flooding. Despite an improvement in exports in August, marking a recovery from an 11 month decline, the impending drought could significantly impact food manufacturing and shipments. The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) highlighted concerns over the potential repercussions of water shortages…
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Knight’s Ring tradition reinstated by Thai Police to honour commendable officers
The tradition of awarding the “Knight’s Ring” to commendable officers has been reinstated by the new chief of national police, Police General Torsak Sukvimol. The ceremony, which took place at the Royal Police Cadet Academy in Sam Phran district, Nakhon Pathom, on October 17, saw Police Captain Thanamorn Nunat of Pathumwan station being honoured with the first Knight’s Ring under…
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NIDA Poll reveals Thai public disapproval to extended bar hours plan
A recent poll by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) revealed significant public opposition to the Thai government’s initiative to extend operating hours in bars and nightclubs from 2am to 4am. The survey was conducted between October 17 and 19, engaging 1,310 participants above 20 years old from diverse backgrounds. The initiative, proposed by the Interior Ministry of Thailand,…
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Motorway project linking Nonthaburi and Ayutthaya set for 2029
The Department of Highways (DoH) in Thailand is gearing up to construct a new 34.1 kilometre motorway project, linking Bang Bua Thong in Nonthaburi and Bang Pa-in in Ayutthaya. The project, with a budget of almost 15 billion baht, is slated to be completed by 2029. DoH’s director-general Sarawut Songsivilai has stated that this motorway is one among 46 projects…
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Thai and Myanmar authorities collaborate to repatriate deceived Thai workers
A collaborative effort between Thai and Myanmar authorities is in progress to return 120 Thai nationals to their homeland, according to Kanchana Patarachok, the spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry. This group, consisting of 90 men and 30 women, was reportedly deceived into employment in Laukkaing, located in the northern sector of Myanmar’s Shan State, on the Chinese border, by an…
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Rayong anti-corruption office investigates school staff’s sightseeing trip during work visit
The Anti-Corruption Office (ACO) in Rayong province has intensively investigated a case involving a school principal and teachers from Ban Pluak Daeng School. The probe was initiated following social media posts featuring pictures of the school staff on a sightseeing boat trip at Ratchaprapha Dam during their work trip to Surat Thani and Phang Nga provinces. The incident came under…
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Navy officer survives brutal car crash in Pathum Thani, BMW left in ruins
A 25 year old navy officer, racing in his BMW, crashed into a bridge pillar, trapping him in the driver’s seat. His injuries included serious wounds to his buttocks. Rescue workers rushed to his aid and transported him to a hospital for treatment. The incident occurred today on the inbound Phaholyothin Road in the Prachathipat Subdistrict, Thanyaburi District, Pathum Thani…
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Melioidosis outbreak in Thailand claims ten lives, farmers urged caution
An alarming outbreak of melioidosis, also known as Whitmore’s disease, has emerged in Thailand, claiming the lives of approximately 10 farmers in Buriram, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Songkhla. Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) is warning farmers about the disease, triggered by the fungus Burkholderia pseudomallei, typically found in contaminated soil, water, rice paddies, and cropping farms. The spring outbreak has…
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Nightclub raided: underage entry, drug use and lack of license lead to five-year closure
A notorious nightclub in the Lam Luk Ka district was stormed and dismantled by the Ministry of Interior (MOI) for allowing underage visitors and drug use. The raid, conducted last night, alarmed over 300 patrons, with some discarding drugs such as ice, ketamine, and happy wormer on the floor. Out of the total patrons, 137 tested positive for drug use.…
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Disabled man tosses poo at Buriram repair shop over service dissatisfaction
A 66 year old disabled man has been caught on security camera footage tossing poo at a local repair shop due to dissatisfaction with the service he received. The incident took place in Buriram’s Sateuk district. The disabled man used an electric wheelchair to approach the shop late at night and proceeded to scatter faecal matter in front of it.…
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Thailand on high alert as heavy rains, thunderstorms loom: Bangkok braces for 60% chance of severe weather
A cold air mass is engulfing northern Thailand, leading to thunderstorms and heavy rain in some areas. Meanwhile, a monsoon trough is sweeping across the southern region, bringing heavy rainfall and raising concerns about flash flooding and forest runoff. It is advised that residents in affected areas remain vigilant. Bangkok is expected to experience a 60% chance of thunderstorms and…
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Mother and daughter die in Lampang minibus crash, police investigate cause
A shocking accident occurred when a minibus collided with an electricity pole, leaving a mother and daughter in a coma before succumbing to their injuries at the hospital. Two other individuals sustained minor injuries. The police are urgently investigating the real cause of the accident at 6.40pm yesterday. Officers from Mae Mo Police Station in Lampang province were notified of…
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