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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Northeast Thailand: Local uncovers rare square yams, boosts income by 4,000 baht
A 74 year old local known as Uncle Aum from the Map Krat district of Nakhon Ratchasima province dug almost 3 metres deep to forage for a rare variety of wild yams, referred to as square yams by locals due to their distinct shape. Uncle Aum used his free time after the end of the rice harvest season to supplement…
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Fine dust pollution spikes across Thailand, Bangkok plans tree-planting pilot
Intensified fine dust pollution has led to heightened levels of fine particulate matter under 2.5 microns, known as PM2.5, in 30 provinces across Thailand, including Bangkok. This development was recorded yesterday through the satellite-based Check Foon application, developed by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA). Samut Songkhram experienced the highest dust level, peaking at 84.1 microgrammes per cubic…
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Thailand’s universal healthcare covers gender-affirming surgery, NHSO confirms
National Health Security Office (NHSO) Secretary-General, Jadet Thammathataree, clarified that Gender-Affirming Surgery (GAS), commonly referred to as sex reassignment surgery, is covered under Thailand’s universal healthcare scheme for patients diagnosed with gender dysphoria. This clarification comes as an exception to the rule that excludes cosmetic surgeries from the scheme, leading to confusion about whether GAS is considered a cosmetic procedure,…
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Thai tourism boom: 9,000 Chinese flock to Bangkok for game-changing conference
Thailand played host to a jaw-dropping 9,000 Chinese entrepreneurs, propelling the country into the limelight as the ultimate business and leisure destination. Amid the glitz and glamour of Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) held a conference on agricultural products and technology. Chinese agricultural and technology experts, as well as economic professionals, attended the…
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Phuket switches to ‘seven days of family happiness’ to boost road safety
Phuket is taking a fresh approach to road safety during the forthcoming festive season. The island is rebranding its annual Seven Days of Danger campaign as Seven Days of Family Happiness in a bid to reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities on its roads. The revised campaign was announced during a press conference yesterday, December 14, presided over by Sattha Thongkham,…
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Unemployed Thai man arrested for gold theft after his birthday party
Police arrested an unemployed Thai man for stealing a gold necklace from a shop in Bangkok after paying off debts and throwing himself a belated birthday party at a resort in the central province of Kanchanaburi. Officers at Phetchakasem Police Station received a theft complaint at the Mae Thong Kham gold shop on Phetchakasem Road in Bangkok’s Bang Kae district…
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Canadian man and Thai wife fatally stabbed in Khon Kaen over parking dispute
Tragedy struck in the early hours of this morning in the Muang district of Khon Kaen, a northeastern province of Thailand, when a Canadian man and his Thai wife were fatally stabbed by a neighbour. The couple, 54 year old Michael Nixon, and his 47 year old wife, Anurak, were found dead outside their two-storey house. A 36 year old…
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Motorcycle parking fee confusion at Mo Chit 2 terminal clarified by TCL
Transport Company Limited (TCL) clarified a recent complaint about a 1,500 baht fee for a four-day motorcycle parking at Mo Chit 2 terminal. The matter, raised on the Facebook page “Want to be famous, I’ll arrange it with a video clip,” featuring a caption claiming a charge of 1,500 baht for four-day motorcycle parking at Mo Chit 2, has been…
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Former deputy leader Prinn Panitchpakdi acquitted in indecency case
The Criminal Court yesterday pronounced Prinn Panitchpakdi, previously a deputy leader of the Democrat Party, not guilty in a case where he was indicted for an obscene act on a 17 year old girl back in 2018. The court’s decision was based on the statute of limitations expiration. The prosecution’s lawsuit stated that during the day on April 25, 2018,…
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Luxury BMW catches fire in Phuket: Engine malfunction suspected
A high-end BMW caught fire near a fuel station in Phuket, causing significant damage to the vehicle in the early hours of the morning today, December 15. The local authorities quickly responded to the incident, extinguishing the blaze to prevent further harm. The owner of the car revealed that smoke began to emit from the engine, prompting suspicions of mechanical malfunction.…
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Thai man arrested for illegally possessing 30 guns and ammunition
Officers from the Investigation Division Provincial Police Region 4 (INVP4) arrested a Thai man at his house in the Isaan province of Kalasin for illegally possessing 30 guns and over 2,300 rounds of ammunition. The Deputy Commander of the INVP4, Nattanon Prachum, reported that the Royal Thai Police (RTP) introduced an operation to crack down on people involved with illegal…
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North Thailand: Unique black turtle sparks intrigue and hope among villagers
A large black turtle, weighing over 6 kilogrammes, caused a stir among local villagers who were seeking good fortune. The turtle’s owner, 45 year old Natee Jaisaen discovered the unique creature today, December 15. The turtle’s distinct markings under its belly, resembling powerful talismans, have further ignited the local community’s intrigue. Natee, the owner of the house located at 82…
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Thailand’s tourism recovery under threat from safety concerns and sluggish Chinese economy
The future of Thailand tour packages hangs in the balance as safety concerns plague the minds of tourism operators in China. They forecast that tourism levels might only return to pre-pandemic figures by 2025. Tourism bookings take an immediate hit whenever safety incidents occur in Thailand, and Chinese social media plays a significant role in the rapid dissemination of such…
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Dangerous blue-ringed octopus found in seafood in Thailand
Seafood enthusiasts are urged to exercise caution as instances of the dangerous blue-ringed octopus found in food have been increasing, whether in barbecue restaurants, skewers prepared for grilling, or even sushi. But why is this particular species a cause for concern? Let’s delve into the interesting yet perilous world of the blue-ringed octopus, a creature that is 20 times more…
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Thai woman nabbed for stabbing her husband’s 17 year old mistress
Police arrested a Thai woman after she stabbed her husband’s 17 year old mistress at her home in the central province of Kanchanaburi on December 12. Amarin TV reported that the attack took place on December 12 at a house in the Tha Muang district of Kanchanaburi province. The attacker, 49 year old Auan, was arrested yesterday, December 14, and…
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Khao San Road unaffected by 4am closing time due to exclusion from approved zone
Tourism operators on Khao San Road expressed their indifference towards the forthcoming 4am closing time set to come into effect from today, stating it will have minimal impact due to the area’s exclusion from the approved zone for extended hours. Sanga Ruangwattanakul, who presides over the Khao San Road Business Association, pointed out that there is a prevailing confusion among…
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EGCO acquires 30% stake in Indonesia’s PT Chandra Daya Investasi
Electricity Generating (EGCO), the power generation subsidiary of the state-run Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, announced the acquisition of a 30% stake in PT Chandra Daya Investasi, an Indonesia-based company. The deal, valued at US$194 million, was orchestrated via EGCO’s fully-owned subsidiary, Phoenix Power BV, and is expected to be finalised by year-end. PT Chandra Daya Investasi (CDI) is a…
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Former transport minister Saksayam Chidchob to be judged by charter court
The Constitutional Court will unveil its verdict on January 17 on the contentious share concealment accusations against former Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob. Following a marathon six-hour hearing, Saksayam defended himself against all accusations. “I’ve laid bare the truth about my stake in Burijarearn Construction Limited Partnership. I’ve fully explained the matter.” The court spectacle featured an ensemble cast, including Varaporn Thetsen,…
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Thailand’s economic growth potentially in decline, SCB EIC warns
The Siam Commercial Bank’s research wing, SCB Economic Intelligence Center (EIC), expressed concern over the potential decline in Thailand’s long-term economic growth. It has attributed this to enduring structural problems, such as low investment, diminished total factor productivity, and the economic impact of the pandemic. Chief Economist at SCB EIC, Somprawin Manprasert, revealed that Thailand’s economic recovery has been more…
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PTTEP forecasts 9% rise in petroleum sales due to expanded gas production
PTT Exploration and Production Plc (PTTEP) anticipates a 9% surge in petroleum sales in the coming year, largely due to the expanded gas production from the Erawan field in the Gulf of Thailand. The company’s President and CEO, Montri Rawanchaikul, revealed that the average sales for this year are anticipated to be around 464,000 barrels each day. This increase in…
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Thai tourism booms as over a quarter vow to return: Visa insights
A Visa study has uncovered that Thailand is set to witness a tourism surge with a whopping 28% of travellers who explored the country this year, expressing their firm intention to make a return within the next 12 months. The 2023 Global Travel Intentions Study by Visa, the largest and longest-running consumer insights study of its kind, has provided a…
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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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Jodd Fairs Rama 9 market in Bangkok reopens after fire
Jodd Fairs Rama 9 market in Bangkok announced its official reopening yesterday after a fire broke out and destroyed 120 shops on December 13. The fire slightly injured a Thai woman and destroyed shops, mostly fashion and clothing, on Wednesday, December 13. Huay Kwang district chief Paitoon Ngammook told the public that the market would be closed for at least…
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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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Man killed in conflict between woman and her drug addict son (video)
A drug addict killed a Thai teacher at a grocery store in the Isaan province of Chaiyaphum after the victim intervened in a dispute between him and his mother. The victim, 53 year old Thaweesak Chanpanya, was a teacher at Baan Na Raya School in the Phakdee Chumphon district of Chaiyaphum. He also ran a local grocery shop with his wife…
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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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