Thailand News
Discover the most recent and relevant news from across Thailand on The Thaiger’s National News page. Covering a wide range of topics, including politics, business, crime, and lifestyle, our dedicated team brings you breaking news, in-depth analysis, and exclusive stories from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond.
Stay informed about the latest developments in Thai society, economy, and culture, as well as updates on travel, tourism, and expat life. With The Thaiger, you’ll never miss out on the essential news that matters to you.
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Sponsored Top 10 reasons for expats to get a comprehensive health insurance in Thailand
Moving to Thailand offers plenty of excitement and adventure, but the local healthcare system can be complex to navigate as an expat. From unique health risks to high costs at private hospitals, having a comprehensive health insurance plan is essential....
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Freelancers in the frame: Thailand mulls welfare for all, even in the sex trade
The government is contemplating extending welfare protections to freelance workers, including those in the sex industry, akin to those available to employees registered with the Social Security Fund (SSF), contingent on their payment of income taxes. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong revealed that discussions are underway with multiple agencies to establish a welfare system to safeguard freelance workers, including…
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Phuket flea market feud turns fiery: Shooting leaves two injured
The owner of the Koh Beng Ban Pon Flea Market in the Thalang district of Phuket engaged in a fierce argument with his former business partner, resulting in a shooting that left two people injured. Officers from Thalang Police Station investigated the shooting at Koh Beng Ban Pon Flea Market at approximately 7.30pm yesterday, September 23. The two injured individuals…
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Brace for a downpour: 42 provinces in for a wet and wild ride
Weather forecasts indicate heavy rain in 42 provinces tomorrow, with the northern region facing the most intense downpours, reaching up to 80%. Residents are advised to be cautious of flash floods and forest runoffs. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a 24-hour weather forecast, predicting heavy rainfall in the northern and upper northeastern regions. Some areas in the central upper,…
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Four injured in chaotic Phatthalung street shootout
A shootout between two rival youth gangs on a street in Phatthalung left four individuals injured, including a 17 year old boy in critical condition with a bullet lodged in his chest. According to police reports, the incident occurred around 2am yesterday, September 23 on the Khlong Muay-Kong Ra Road in Village 7, Khlong Sai Khao subdistrict, Kong Ra district.…
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Chula university cancels launch of book critical of Thai military
Chulalongkorn University cancelled plans to host a seminar and book launch for a publication by one of its scholars, Doctor Puangthong Pawakapan, which discusses the role of the Thai military. The event, originally scheduled for this upcoming Friday, September 28, has been moved to the Jim Thompson Museum instead of being held on campus as originally planned. Dr Puangthong, an…
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Thai man arrested for murder and robbery of 73 year old woman
Police arrested a Thai man who murdered and robbed a 73 year old woman last night in the central province of Ayutthaya. Angry locals attempted to lynch the suspect. Neighbours reported the death of the 73 year old woman, Jira Mangkornphan, to Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Police Station at 6.30am today, September 23. She was found dead in her home, bearing…
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Almost 1,000 Thai military officers reassigned in major reshuffle
The Government of Thailand announced the transfer of 808 military officers to new posts in this year’s annual military reshuffle, including the new chiefs of the Royal Thai Army and the Royal Thai Navy. These changes come as the current leaders are set to retire at the end of this month. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra submitted the list for royal…
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Confrontation of teenage gangs quickly escalates to armed chaos
A dispute erupted in Kamphaeng Phet after a man confronted a noisy group of teenage gangs outside a shop, leading to a chaotic scene. The teenagers later returned with a firearm, causing panic and scattering the crowd. Footage from CCTV cameras shows groups of teenagers causing a ruckus outside a restaurant near Kamphaeng Phet Bus Terminal in Nakhon Chum, Kamphaeng…
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Thailand seeks ITU extension for satellite orbital slot until 2025
Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is seeking a one-year extension from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to continue using the 50.5° East satellite orbital slot beyond its expiration on November 27. The request is part of a broader effort to finalise the awarding of rights for two unsold orbital slot packages, including the 142° East slot and a…
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Baht-battle: Courtroom drama unfolds in 30 million lottery dispute
The Kanchanaburi Provincial Court was the stage for high drama today as key witnesses and defendants in the sensational 30 million baht lottery dispute faced off. Jaroon Wimoon, famously known as Uncle Jaroon, has brought a lawsuit against teacher Preacha Kriangkrai and ten others, accusing them of perjury. The courtroom drama kicked off at 10am, today, September 23, with all…
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Pheu Thai Party bets on casino plan to cash in on tax revenue
The ruling Pheu Thai Party defended its proposed casino-entertainment complex project, asserting that it will legalise underground gambling activities and enable the government to collect tax revenue. A statement on Pheu Thai’s webpage released yesterday, September 22, indicated that legalising underground gambling and taxing the project could contribute more than 50% of GDP, thereby boosting the economy and funding education…
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Family demands justice after fatal accident by Thai policewoman remains unsolved
A Thai man is desperately seeking justice for his father, who tragically lost his life in a Bangkok car crash caused by a policewoman. With the case making no headway since August, the grieving son has turned to the media to pressure police into action. The deceased’s son, 37 year old Phuriwit Jongnirak, urged Channel 3 to highlight his family’s…
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Caught in a pickle: Pattaya thief bites off more than he can chew
A man in Pattaya found himself in deep trouble after breaking into a restaurant and stealing cash, only to discover it was owned by a narcotics officer. Bang Lamung police arrested 23 year old Kittichai Sukthanom at a residence in Soi Nong Hin, Nongprue sub-district, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province. Police seized a stolen Bluetooth speaker and a blue…
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Condor resumes direct flights from Frankfurt to Thailand
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) welcomed Condor flight DE2368 from Frankfurt, Germany, to Phuket International Airport yesterday, September 22, marking the resumption of direct flights by Condor after a pandemic-induced hiatus. This significant event is expected to contribute to the recovery of Thailand’s tourism sector, with TAT predicting over 979,000 German tourists to visit Thailand this year, generating an…
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Burmese man found tied up and seriously injured in Rayong
Police are searching for an attacker who brutally assaulted a Burmese man, tied him up, and abandoned him in the eastern province of Rayong. A local in the Pluak Daeng district of Rayong discovered the injured man yesterday, September 22, near Pa Sawai Market and called the Pluak Daeng Rescue Foundation to the scene. Rescuers reported that the man’s arms…
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ETDA unveils new rules to combat subpar e-commerce products
The Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) implemented new guidelines to tackle the issue of substandard products on digital platforms, particularly focusing on the influx of inferior imported items. The agency aims to bolster regulatory frameworks to boost consumer confidence. Titled Management of the Sale of Products Requiring Standards on Digital Platform Services, these guidelines took effect yesterday, September 22, under…
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New facial scan system leaves elderly Thai couple without welfare
An elderly couple in Buriram, who are heavily reliant on their state welfare cards, faced a significant hurdle with the new system requiring facial scans for verification. The couple, Lom Chaisuwan who is bedridden, and his 87 year old wife, anxiously await the outcome as their monthly welfare is a crucial part of their livelihood. Yesterday, September 22, Lom, residing…
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Rail-y bad landslide derails Lampang-Chiang Mai train services
Travel chaos struck the northern rail line today as the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) announced an indefinite shutdown of services between Lampang and Chiang Mai due to a devastating landslide and severe flooding. The dramatic incident unfolded last night, wreaking havoc on the track between Mae Tan Noi Railway Station in Lampang and Tha Chompoo in Lamphun. The rail…
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Monk with sword causes stir in Bangkok’s Lad Ya area (video)
A monk wielding a sword caused a commotion in the Lad Ya area, Bangkok, late last night. Residents alerted the police, leading to a tense situation before the individual was taken into custody for questioning. A startling incident unfolded yesterday, September 22, when a man dressed as a monk was seen walking in the middle of Lad Ya Road, brandishing…
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Thai man seriously injured by motorcycle on Bangkok zebra crossing
A Thai man suffered serious injuries after a motorcycle rider hit him on a zebra crossing in Bangkok. The rider also sustained a leg injury. CCTV footage of the accident, which occurred on September 19, was shared by several media outlets and Thai netizens. The victim, aged around 50, was seen waiting to cross the road from the footpath at a…
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Teacher with air gun causes chaos at Chumphon college
A dramatic incident unfolded today at a vocational college in Chumphon, where a teacher brandishing a gun threatened students and faculty members. Police were called to de-escalate the situation, which took over an hour before the teacher calmed down. The emergency call was received at 8.30am, today, September 23, reporting a disturbance at the college located on the Chumphon-Pathio Road…
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Indonesian woman arrested for illegally working as tour guide
Police arrested an Indonesian woman at Wat Pho in Bangkok yesterday for illegally working as a tour guide. Tourist Police Bureau officers received a complaint that an Indonesian woman illegally offered a travel package in Thailand to 133 Indonesian tourists between September 19 and 22. The woman did not possess a tour guide permit and her travel package was not…
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New law mandates urine, blood tests for driver alcohol checks
The Thai Government Gazette published a new ministerial regulation to include urine and blood tests for measuring alcohol levels in drivers when breathalyser tests are not possible. This regulation aims to enhance road safety and ensure accurate alcohol detection in drivers. The regulation, dated today, September 23, was issued under the authority of the Road Traffic Act of 1979, which…
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Missing Thai teen last seen with 2 suspicious men in Nonthaburi
Thai parents are desperately searching for their 14 year old daughter, who disappeared on September 18 after leaving school. CCTV footage captured the girl, identified as Noey, walking along a roadside in the central province of Nonthaburi with two suspicious-looking men. To aid in the search, the Facebook news page Social Hunter 2022 stepped in to help the distressed parents…
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Chiang Mai police bust online booking scam, arrest key suspect
Chiang Mai police swooped on a fraudulent online accommodation booking scam gang, arresting a key figure in Sa Kaeo. The operation aimed to boost tourist confidence during the high season by targeting tech-based crimes. The Chiang Mai Tourist Police, under the directive of Police Lieutenant General Saksira Phuak-am, focused on dismantling mule accounts used by criminals to scam tourists. Police…
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Mama noodles maker supports 400 baht minimum wage hike
Thai President Foods PLC, the producer of Mama instant noodles, expressed no opposition to the proposed minimum wage increase to 400 baht, according to Managing Director Phan Phaniangwet. He urged the Thai government to finalise the decision promptly, citing the recent volatility of the Thai baht. The baht’s rapid appreciation in recent weeks has had mixed effects on the company.…
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Thai woman caught after fleeing arrest to join call centre scam gang
Police arrested a Thai woman after she stole cash and valuables worth about 200,000 baht from her boyfriend in July and fled arrest to work as a call centre scammer in a neighbouring country. The 27 year old Thai man, named Ton, took to social media on July 24 to expose the criminal behaviour of his girlfriend, 21 year old…
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Thailand explores salary reforms amid rising civil service costs
The Comptroller-General’s Department, the Budget Bureau, and the Office of the Civil Service Commission (OCSC) are actively exploring reforms to salaries and benefits across all government sectors. Patricia Mongkhonvanit, Director-General of the Comptroller-General’s Department, highlighted the urgency of addressing the issue due to the substantial budget allocated for these expenses. She noted that the government’s fiscal health and long-term fiscal…
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Thailand seizes 5 billion baht in assets targeting fraud, corruption
Thailand’s Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) seized over 5 billion baht in assets this year, targeting fraud, online gambling, and corruption. AMLO Secretary-General Theppasu Bavornchotidara, along with Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) assistant Secretary-General, Bhumivisan Kasemsook, disclosed the outcomes of the year’s 11th AMLO Transaction Committee meeting. A total of 12,300 assets, valued at 4.5 billion baht, were confiscated in 48…
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Ride-share rage: Bolt driver surrenders after slapping passenger (video)
A Thai Bolt driver surrendered himself to the police after slapping a female passenger inside her home in Chon Buri province on Saturday due to a payment delay. The victim, 37 year old Jutathip Motanee, filed a complaint against the Bolt driver who physically assaulted her on Saturday, September 21, at Nongprue Police Station. Jutathip also provided police with two…
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