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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Many expats feel worried that their pre-existing health problems will stop them from getting insurance in a new country. This fear is common, especially when medical care can be expensive. But the good news is, some insurance, like the plans...
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FTI urges new regulatory body to curb cheap Chinese imports
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) urged the Industry Ministry to establish a novel regulatory body to supervise product standards. The move is intended to curb the influx of inexpensive Chinese imports, which the FTI claims are flooding the Thai market. The FTI did not clarify whether the proposed regulatory body would be governed by the state or the business…
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Thailand land tax act assessment: Fiscal policy office’s evaluation
The Thailand 2019 Land and Building Tax Act (LBTA) is receiving a thorough evaluation for its effectiveness and potential issues in enforcement, according to the Fiscal Policy Office director-general, Pornchai Thiraveja. The investigation is a collaboration between the Finance and Interior ministries and is aimed at understanding the effectiveness of the new land tax collection system, identifying any issues and…
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Thai lottery guru reveals luckiest zodiac signs and numbers to win big
Lottery enthusiasts are eagerly eyeing the predictive powers of Lottery Plus show, Lottery Trend, which has revealed the four zodiac signs with the highest chances of winning the first prize. The show also shared lottery numbers suggested by Grandfather Sri Sutho, a famed lottery guru. The show’s host, known as Doctor Boy, clarified the zodiac signs most likely to enjoy…
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Fishy mix-up: Thai woman finds ‘salmon surprise’ in her salad, sparks online sensation
A woman was shocked to discover a four-legged creature, initially mistaken for fermented fish, in her ordered salmon salad. The incident shared on a Facebook group focused on consumers has since sparked widespread online concern. The woman purchased a salmon salad with a separate serving of fermented fish sauce. On pouring out the sauce, she found a creature that, at…
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Thai worker abducted in Hamas raid on Israeli avocado farm
A Hmong woman from Chiang Rai made a desperate plea to the authorities, seeking assistance in the search for her husband who was taken captive during a Hamas raid in Israel. The 28 year old woman, Suntree Saelee, lost all communication with her 26 year old husband, Kong Saelao, amidst the chaos and violence which kicked off on October 7.…
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Thailand’s ‘fuelish’ plan: Expanding subsidy scheme to drive down costs for motorcycle taxi drivers
The Government of Thailand is envisaging the introduction of a further stage in the fuel cost subsidy scheme for motorcycle taxi drivers. This move is part of a broader strategy to reduce operational expenses in public transportation. Prasert Sinsukprasert, the permanent secretary for energy, stated yesterday that a proposal for the new instalment of the energy cost subsidy initiative has…
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Thai economy caught in global crossfire as Israel-Hamas tensions fuel price hike fears
The Thai economy, already tested by geopolitical conflicts over the past few years, is facing potential consequences from the hostilities between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East, as governments and corporations all over the world look for excuses and justifications to hike prices to obscene heights. It’s a well-worn tactic last seen in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine…
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Ubon Ratchathani residents face health risks as stagnant floodwaters turn toxic
The residents of Ubon Ratchathani continue to struggle with rising water levels as the Ubonrat and Lampao dams contribute to the increasing floodwaters in northeast Thailand. They are grappling with stagnant water that has begun to spoil, leading to requests for medication to treat water-borne diseases and fever, intensifying the impact of Ubon Ratchathani flooding. Banjong Wongvien, a resident of…
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Clean getaway foiled: Man ‘purifies’ methamphetamine pills smuggling attempt into Thailand
Customs officials in Nong Khai apprehended a man who was smuggling nearly 60,000 methamphetamine pills into Thailand, cleverly hidden inside an air purifier. The suspect claimed to be unaware of the illicit contents, stating he was merely hired to transport the goods from Laos to Udon Thani province in Thailand. The arrest took place at the first Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge…
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Thai democracy forum echoes concerns over capitalism in politics
The struggle for democracy in Thailand remains a long and arduous one, as highlighted by a recent public forum. Held in memory of the brave students and pro-democracy protesters who perished during the military dictatorship five decades ago, the forum emphasised how little progress has been achieved since the historic October 14, 1973 uprising. The commemorative event, organised by the…
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Planetary shift brings lottery luck to four zodiac signs
The celestial alignment will influence four zodiac signs, offering a high potential for lottery success in today’s draw. Renowned fortune teller Boy Clear has unveiled these four fortunate zodiac signs in a LotteryPlus livestream. Pisces, Gemini, Cancer, and Taurus are anticipated to reap the benefits of this planetary transition and increase their wealth through enhanced lottery prospects. Pisces, securing the…
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Traveloka reports surge in Thailand travel bookings amid slow aviation recovery
Travel bookings to Thailand have seen a significant surge, according to online travel agent Traveloka. The company’s president, Caesar Indra, highlighted that despite the slow recovery of the aviation sector, Thais have predominantly utilised their platform for air ticket bookings, veering towards less frequented destinations. This trend has been mirrored across numerous Asian markets. Indra reported a fivefold increase in…
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Thailand’s digital economy ministry sparks ‘byte’-sized revolution for national growth
Thailand’s Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry, led by Prasert Chantararuangthong, is turning to digital technology in a bid to propel the nation’s development. As outlined in an interview with the Bangkok Post, Prasert revealed the DES Ministry has a policy to position digital technology as the fifth driver of the country’s growth. “I underlined ‘the Growth Engine of Thailand’…
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Late-night accident results in tragic death of elderly couple in Ratchaburi
A tragic accident claimed the lives of an elderly couple when a pickup truck collided with their sidecar motorcycle in Ratchaburi. The incident occurred today, around 2am, on Petchkasem Road, Ang Thong subdistrict in Ratchaburi province. The couple, who were returning home from a local market where they had been selling vegetables, collided with a black Isuzu pickup truck. The…
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Israeli-Hamas conflict sparks fears of disruptions in global oil prices
Price fluctuations in global crude oil have surged by 4% following the Israeli-Hamas conflict. This escalation in oil prices has sparked fears, especially among oil companies, as Montri Rawanchaikul, the Chief Executive of PTT Exploration and Production Plc (PTTEP), voiced worries that the conflict may lead to disruptions in petroleum production in the Middle East. Auttapol Rerkpiboon, CEO of PTT…
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Terrorism threat: Thai embassies in France and Morocco warn citizens
The potential threat of terrorism linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict has prompted Thai embassies in France and Morocco to issue stark warnings to Thai citizens residing or travelling in these regions. They have been instructed to steer clear of densely populated public areas and unnecessary excursions to tourist zones, which are perceived as susceptible to such attacks. The Royal Thai…
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Thai flooding: Chao Phraya overflows, floods 200 homes in Ayutthaya
Bang Ban district in Ayutthaya suffered an overflow from the Chao Phraya River, resulting in the Thai flooding of approximately 200 residences, plantations, and rice fields yesterday. The district chief of tambon Bang Luang, Montri Samathi, contradicted previous claims by the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) that the river’s water level would not cause flooding in Bang Ban this year. Montri…
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Cement truck ignores warning and crashes into canal after wooden bridge collapse
A cement truck plunged into a canal after its driver ignored warnings and drove onto a wooden bridge, causing it to collapse. The 55 year old driver, from Amnat Charoen, revealed that he thought the bridge was supported by concrete pillars, and thus decided to cross it. The incident occurred at 12.30pm today. The 10-wheel truck, registered in Samut Prakan,…
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Giant turtle brings luck to actor Champ Yasothon with promise of lottery win
Today, extraordinary events were reported by Nattawiroj Suwannaraj, known as Champ Yasothon, a 55 year old actor from Bang Fai Film, a well-known comedy production house. A female golden turtle was reported to have entered his house, seen as a sign of significant-good fortune. This series of events links back to a previous incident when a golden turtle was spotted at…
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Thai citizens repatriation from Israel accelerates after death toll rises to 28
The death toll of Thai citizens from the incidents in Israel has risen to 28, prompting an acceleration in the repatriation of Thai citizens. The process is set to speed up, and more people will be able to be repatriated. At 11am today, at the SC Park Hotel on Praditmanutham Road, Labour Minister Piphath Ratchakitprakarn explained, after welcoming a group…
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Convenience store’s refusal to accept taped banknotes sparks online controversy
A recent online controversy erupted over a convenience store’s refusal to accept old banknotes, aggravating customers and sparking heated debate among netizens who pointed out that such notes remain legally valid unless damaged. The main reason for the refusal was due to the banknotes being heavily taped. Today, a social media post was shared by a member of the พวกเราคือผู้บริโภค…
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Mythical Naga statue in Chon Buri temple draws crowds after lucky shadow sighting (video)
An intriguing video clip sparked a flood of visitors seeking good fortune from a statue of the mythical serpent Naga, affectionately known as Por Pu Naga, at the Woraprot Sangkawat temple in Bang Nang, Panthong, Chon Buri. The clip, shared on Facebook by a user named Rong, showed what appeared to be the shadowy outline of Naga within a simulated…
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The EU and ASEAN marked the start of Green Diplomacy Weeks 2023 through a fun run, walk, and cycling event in Jakarta
Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to ASEAN, H.E. Sujiro Seam, the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community H.E. Ekkaphab Phanthavong and the Ambassador/Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Philippines to ASEAN, H.E. Hjayceelyn Mancenido Quintana, officially launched the start of the EU-ASEAN Green Diplomacy Weeks 2023 today in Jakarta, Indonesia. Over 300 people, representing officials from ASEAN,…
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Thai government denies charging 2,500 baht for airport transport for workers
The government’s deputy spokesperson clarified that the Ministry of Labour has no policy to charge 2,500 baht for airport transport for workers to Suvarnabhumi Airport. Karom Polphonklang insisted that the travel expenses for working in Israel depended on the exchange rate at that time. The statement was made today, in response to a post claiming that those going to work…
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Public concern over 10,000 baht digital wallet policy, NIDA poll reveals
The National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), has revealed public concern that the government’s policy of distributing 10,000 baht in digital wallets may not be beneficial for the country. The survey suggests that the policy should be adjusted to match current circumstances. Between October 9 to October 11, the survey was conducted among individuals aged 18 and above, spread across…
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Thai workers recount perilous experiences amid Gaza conflict
Recently returned Thai workers from conflict-hit Israel conveyed their harrowing experiences, raising questions about the government’s decision to send workers to the conflict-ridden zones, notably areas near the Gaza Strip. The first batch of 41 Thai workers landed in Thailand last Thursday on Israel Airlines flight LY 083, with 15 sponsored by the Thai government and the remaining 26 funding…
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Thai activist Niwat Roykaew wins Asia Foundation’s frontline leader award
Niwat Roykaew, also known as Kru Thi, has been acknowledged as the first Thai recipient of the Leader on the Frontlines Award by the Asia Foundation, a San Francisco-based international development organisation. Niwat, the 64 year old chairperson of the Chiang Khong Conservation Group and the director of Mekong School’s Institute of Local Knowledge has been recognised for his community…
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Thai workers question Israel’s safety following fatal Hamas attack
The recent attack by Hamas in Israel, which caused the deaths of 24 Thai labourers, is leading to doubts about the suitability of Israel as a destination for workers seeking higher wages abroad. For over two decades, Israel has been a popular choice for Thai workers, particularly those in the agricultural sector. Currently, around 30,000 Thai workers are based in…
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Thai PM defends Corrections Department over ex-PM Shinawatra’s controversial hospital stay
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin stood up for the Corrections Department amidst backlash over the alleged special treatment of Thaksin Shinawatra, the imprisoned ex-prime minister. PM Srettha confirmed that all inmates are treated equally, addressing a controversial photograph that surfaced on social media. The picture, which sparked the debate, featured a person resembling Thaksin on a gurney, donning a patient gown…
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Thai government denies plans to slash digital wallet initiative budget, aimed at boosting economy
The Thai government has refuted rumours of cutting funds for the digital wallet initiative from 560 billion baht (US$ 15,426,997,600) to 400 billion baht (US$ 11,019,284,000), stating that the project is not just for the underprivileged but aimed at stimulating the economy more broadly. The government is keen on weeding out the wealthy from benefiting from the scheme, which is…
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