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 What is the 5 year visa for the digital nomad in Thailand?
The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is a great option for digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers who want to stay in Thailand for a long time. This multiple-entry visa is valid for five years, allowing stays of up to 180...
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Pothole pandemonium: Pattaya dark shortcut sparks chaos
Frustrated residents of South Pattaya have had enough of the endless construction chaos on the infamous shortcut road on Thep Prasit Soi 7. After years of delays and mounting complaints, city council members Nikom Saengkaew and Prasatporn Deeden finally stepped in on November 16 to address the issue. The unfinished road, meant to link Thep Prasit Soi 7 to Soi…
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Spot the difference: Thai sausage takes a grilling on social media
A seemingly innocuous photo of a beloved northern Thai sausage, sai ua, has set social media on fire after a curious consumer posted a picture laden with mysterious white spots. The image, shared on the Facebook group We Are Consumers, saw the worried buyer questioning the safety of the sausage, causing a flurry of responses and culinary curiosity. With a…
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Tourism boom: Thailand attracts over 30 million visitors
Thailand is basking in a tourism revival as over 30.5 million foreign visitors flooded the country between January and mid-November, generating a staggering 1.43 trillion baht for local businesses. The Tourism and Sports Ministry shared the record-breaking figures yesterday, November 19, marking a major boost for the nation’s post-pandemic recovery. China topped the leaderboard with 5.97 million tourists, followed by…
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Pumped up: Petrol prices to rise, leaving Thailand drivers fuming
Hold onto your wallets, folks! Come tomorrow, November 21, at 5am, petrol and gasohol prices are set to climb by 30 satang per litre, courtesy of PTT Station’s latest price tweak. In contrast, diesel aficionados can breathe a slight sigh of relief as their prices remain untouched. Once the clock strikes, expect to shell out 44.24 baht per litre for…
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GTA reports gold prices glisten amidst market chaos
In a refreshing change from recent volatility, the Gold Traders Association (GTA) sparkled with an announcement that gold prices are holding firm today, maintaining the surge seen earlier. For the shrewd investor or even the casual enthusiast watching their assets, this is golden news. Gold ornaments are on offer for 43,600 baht per baht weight, mirroring yesterday’s closing figures, much…
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THAI to fly wide-body jets on domestic routes this December
In a move that’s sure to delight frequent flyers, Thai Airways (THAI) revealed plans to swap its trusty A320s for luxurious wide-bodied aircraft on select domestic routes this December, just in time for the peak holiday season. The airline is ramping up capacity to accommodate the soaring demand during the Christmas-to-new year rush, from December 20 to 31. While official…
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Page turner: Thailand’s book market writes 2025 comeback story
Thailand’s book market is on the cusp of a thrilling new chapter, as publishing prospects for 2025 glisten under the warm glow of an economic upswing. The Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (PUBAT) is buzzing with optimism, as executive committee member Theerapat Charoensuk reveals that the nation’s literary scene is poised for robust growth, propelled by the country’s economic…
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Phuket goes green: Old town steps up for carbon-free tourism
Phuket Old Town took centre stage on Monday, November 18, as the Department of Tourism unveiled its bold initiative to promote low-carbon tourism routes, marking a milestone in sustainable travel for the 2024 fiscal year. Local leaders and media gathered for the showcase event in the historic heart of Phuket, which spotlighted eco-friendly travel practices and the charm of the…
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Bet your bottom baht: Phuket cops cash in on secret gambling bust
Thalang Police swooped on an underground gambling ring in Srisoonthorn, Phuket, arresting 11 people during a targeted raid led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Suchart Luecha. The operation took place at a worker’s residence in Village 4, Srisoonthorn, yesterday, November 19, resulting in a high-profile haul and hefty charges for those involved. Among the arrested were nine women and two men,…
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Royal Thai Army officer charged for embezzling funds in Chon Buri
The Royal Thai Army (RTA) announced disciplinary action against a military officer at the 14th Military Circle in Chon Buri, following allegations of embezzling bail money from defendants. The officer is facing both criminal charges and potential severe disciplinary measures. Discussions with the victims are scheduled for tomorrow to explore possible assistance. An internal investigation confirmed the misconduct, leading to…
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Phuket Festival returns to kickstart tourism season this December
Patong City Municipality officially announced the return of the annual Phuket Festival, set to take place from December 8 to 10, marking the kick off of the island’s bustling tourism season. The 38th Phuket Tourism Festival, themed Phuket Memories of a Lifetime, was revealed during a press event held on Patong Beach yesterday, November 19. The event was led by…
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Pickup crash in Chiang Kham causes district-wide power outage
A dramatic incident unfolded when a speeding pickup truck careened off a curve and crashed into an electricity pole, plunging an entire district into darkness. The power outage affected Chiang Kham district, where local electricity authority officials promptly worked to restore power. Yesterday, November 19, a rescue team from the Siam Phayao Foundation’s main office in Chiang Kham responded to…
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Thailand ranks in top three for Southeast Asia IPOs
Thailand has emerged as one of the top three initial public offering (IPO) markets in Southeast Asia, securing 26% of the total fundraising in the region. This achievement reflects a robust pipeline of IPOs, particularly in the consumer, healthcare, and real estate sectors, according to global consultancy Deloitte. As of yesterday, November 19, Thailand conducted 29 IPOs in the year,…
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Sky’s the limit: RTAF aims to reach new heights with space plans
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is looking to take Thailand’s defences to new heights. Plans are underway for a bold rebranding as the Royal Thai Air Force and Space alongside the creation of a new unit aimed at safeguarding Thailand’s air and space interests. This strategic move, announced by RTAF spokesperson Air Marshal Prapas Sornjaidee yesterday, November 19, highlights Thailand’s…
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Milk-ing the system: Fake powdered milk ring busted in Thailand
Police in Nakhon Pathom have detained a Chinese national alongside two Thai individuals for allegedly distributing counterfeit powdered milk. The arrests were made following a concerted police operation that uncovered a significant quantity of fake Ensure Gold powdered milk. During the raids, which took place yesterday in Nakhon Chaisi district, officers from the Consumer Protection Police Division, led by Withaya…
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Pattaya revamps park to oust venomous visitors near residence
Residents near Jeh Madi Mansion, close to Soi Sukhumvit 28 and Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, raised the alarm over unwelcome slithery neighbours – venomous creatures lurking a little too close to home. In response, Deputy Mayor Manot Nongyai, flanked by local council members and city officials, launched an emergency renovation project yesterday, November 19, clearing out the public area to improve…
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Thai lottery draw dates changed to accomodate new year holidays
The Thai Government Lottery Office (GLO) announced a change in the schedule for two upcoming lottery draws. The draw initially set for December 30, will now take place on January 2, 2025, due to the new year festivities. This adjustment allows for a more suitable timing, providing 17 days for the sale of lottery tickets for this particular draw. The…
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Chiang Mai swept up: Chinese investors leave locals concerned
Residents in Chiang Mai have raised concerns about the future after Chinese investors continue to sweep up real estate in the largest city of northern Thailand. Locals are speaking out against what they see as an increasing domination by Chinese investors swooping in to purchase property en masse, fundamentally altering neighbourhoods and threatening the city’s cultural identity and economic autonomy.…
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Thai task force intercepts illegal immigrants with meth pills near border
Troops from the Ratchamanu Special Task Force apprehended a group of illegal immigrants attempting to cross the border into Thailand. During a search, police discovered 14 methamphetamine pills on one individual, leading to immediate legal action. The operation was conducted at 4am today, November 20 and is part of an ongoing effort directed by General Phana Khlaewplodthuk, the Commander-in-Chief of…
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Sisaket holds vibrant cultural celebration for 242nd anniversary
Over 5,000 people from four ethnic groups—Suay, Lao, Yer, and Khmer—gathered to celebrate the 242nd anniversary of Sisaket province. The event, held yesterday, November 19, at the Kopura area within the King Rama IX Park in Mueang Sisaket district, was a homage to the province’s rich history and the ancestors who laid its foundations. The celebration, led by Anupong Suksamnit,…
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Grenade attack at Songkhla construction site injures three
A construction workers’ camp was attacked with an M79 grenade launcher, leading to a fire and injuring three people. The assault occurred in a private company’s restricted area in Thepha district, Songkhla, early this morning. Police are actively investigating the incident. The unexpected attack took place at approximately 6am, targeting the workers’ accommodation within a large Guan Yin statue construction…
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Justice minister says ‘no special treatment’ for Yingluck
Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s potential return to Thailand sparked a national debate after her brother, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, hinted at a possible homecoming around next year’s Songkran festival. Speaking in an interview with Nikkei Asia, Thaksin stated his sister could be coming home. “I don’t think there’s any issue preventing her from coming home. I believe she…
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Cash-ing in on digital: Thailand handout boosts seniors with 10,000 baht
The Government of Thailand announced the second phase of its digital cash handout, offering 10,000 baht (US$290) to over 4 million citizens aged 60 and above. This initiative, approved by the economic stimulus policy committee, aims to support vulnerable elderly individuals by leveraging a budget of 40 billion baht (US$1.16 billion). The decision follows a meeting chaired by Paetongtarn Shinawatra,…
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GLO hosts Chiang Mai lottery draw to boost transparency
The Government Lottery Office (GLO) of Thailand is set to conduct a lottery draw in Chiang Mai province on December 1. This initiative aims to enhance transparency in the lottery process and methods, offering the public an opportunity to witness the proceedings firsthand. The lottery draw, set for December 1, will take place at the Chiang Mai International Exhibition and…
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Thai man admits to kicking stranger’s head in Kalasin (video)
A man who kicked a stranger in the head at a dance event in the northeastern province of Kalasin has turned himself into the police, claiming alcohol-induced actions and expressing remorse upon sobering up. The police are continuing their investigation following the viral video of the incident. A Facebook user posted a video capturing the unexpected moment when a man,…
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Gun attack at Phatthalung furniture store leaves youths terrified
An alarming incident unfolded at a furniture store in Phatthalung, where eight youths were left terrified following an attack by an assailant wielding two guns. The attack, which occurred in the early hours of today, November 20, left bullet casings scattered and glass shattered. Police were alerted to the incident when vehicles were heard circling the area just after 3.30am.…
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Cheers: Thai hotels to offer 24-hour alcohol service over new year
Hotel guests will soon enjoy the convenience of ordering alcoholic beverages to their rooms at any time over the new year period. This change, sanctioned by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, was announced following their recent meeting. Somsak Thepsutin, the Public Health Minister, led the approval for this adjustment, which allows hotel patrons unrestricted access to alcohol from in-house bars…
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Thailand video news | Phuket clash over gender misunderstanding, Cambodia targets foreign-led human trafficking
In today’s Thailand news video, Alex and Jay bring you the latest news from Thailand and Southeast Asia. From a gender misunderstanding sparking a hotel clash in Phuket to a British tourist’s drunken brawl in Pattaya, these stories highlight the region’s diverse happenings. In Nakhon Phanom, police uncover drugs hidden in Buddha statues, while a Khon Kaen officer faces bribery…
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Phuket succuessfully tests new mobile emergency alert system
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), and the Phuket Provincial Office, successfully trialled the Cell Broadcast mobile emergency warning system. The trial, conducted yesterday, November 19, at the Chao Fah Meeting Room in Phuket Provincial Hall, was led by Vice Governor Adul Chuthong and witnessed by key figures, including Nattapol Natthasomboon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital…
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Crane operator found dead at Ayutthaya construction site
A tragic incident unfolded yesterday when a 41 year old crane operator was discovered dead atop a crane, standing over 20 metres tall, at a construction site in Ayutthaya province. His colleagues noticed his absence during lunch, prompting the search. Police Lieutenant Saknarit Rattanaphan from Bang Sai Police Station received the report about the death on the crane located in…
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