News
Thailand news, politics, business, crime, lifestyle, and tourism—stay updated with breaking news and in-depth analysis from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond. The Thaiger delivers the latest national news that matters.
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Sponsored 5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
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Begging for change: Bangkok business plea as Middle Eastern beggars disrupt Soi 4 harmony
Business operators urged the Thai police to arrest nearly 30 foreign beggars from Middle Eastern countries who have been begging and causing a public nuisance in Soi 4 near Nana Plaza in Bangkok for the past two months. Bangkok is home to not only rich Chinese beggars but also scroungers and vagrants from the Middle East region. Business owners near…
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Thai finance company’s handwritten debt recovery note sparks online debate
A finance company‘s unconventional method of debt recovery has sparked an online debate. A handwritten demand letter for a car instalment of 27,850 baht was left in a woman’s mailbox, causing her to question the legality and normalcy of this approach. The woman took to the consumer group on Facebook, sharing her experience and seeking clarification. She expressed her bewilderment…
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Bogus baht bills bankrupt shopkeeper in costly counterfeit conundrum in northern Thailand
A significant financial loss was experienced by a 61 year old shopkeeper from Udon Thani, due to counterfeit banknotes. Buaphan Somsud filed a complaint with the local police station today after discovering someone had used 50 baht counterfeit notes in her shop’s top-up machine. Buaphan, who owns a grocery store in the Ban Lao community, reported the incident to the…
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China’s mysterious pneumonia outbreak sparks global fears – is history repeating itself?
In a chilling echo of the early days of Covid-19, a mysterious pneumonia cluster has emerged in China, leaving hospitals overwhelmed and parents fearing a repeat of the deadly pandemic. As concerns rise, experts plead for transparency, drawing unsettling parallels with past outbreaks. In Beijing and Liaoning, hospitals are grappling with an onslaught of sick children exhibiting unusual symptoms, including lung…
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Speed-dating swindle: Thai man loses pickup to woman after 2 weeks of dating
A Thai man lost an 800,000 baht pickup truck to a woman he met after only two weeks of dating. The woman is suspected of being a member of a car theft gang that stole vehicles in neighbouring countries. The victim, a 47 year old man named Bancha, reported the theft to Mueang Chaiyaphum Police Station today, November 23. Bancha said…
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Phuket motorbike mayhem: Tourist Police send clear message on green book ownership
Phuket‘s Tourist Police issued a stern reminder to foreigners purchasing motorbikes, emphasising the importance of having the green registration book in their name. This advice follows a recent dispute between a Russian tourist and a local motorbike rental shop that refused to return his vehicle key. The disagreement came to light on November 18, when the Phuket Tourist Police were informed…
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Thai Srivijaya Party leader gets one-month prison sentence and 20000 baht fine for intimidation
The Phra Nakhon North District Court sentenced Mongkolkit Suksintharanon, also known as Tae, the leader of the Thai Srivijaya Party, to a month in prison and a fine of 20,000 baht for intimidation. The intimidation charges relate to threats made against Decha Kittiwittayanan, with sentencing to be deferred for a year and a probationary period of one year, during which…
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Thai economy in crisis: Government seeks foreign investment and tackles debt
The economy in Thailand is in crisis and needs some significant stimulation, according to the nation’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who also acts as the Thai Finance Minister. The nation’s reliance on tourism has been heavily impacted by lower-than-expected foreign arrivals, resulting in a need to prioritise foreign investment and tackle household debt. The 61 year old prime minister made…
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Thai prime minister faces backlash over alleged police favouritism
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is facing a backlash over alleged favouritism in police selection assignments. During a meeting with Pheu Thai MPs on Tuesday, November 21, the PM mentioned that some Pheu Thai MPs had requested police colonel positions for their preferred officers. While addressing the debt issue in the meeting, PM Srettha proposed a solution involving district chiefs…
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Matrimony mayhem: Groom kicks bride after learning she’s pregnant at chaotic Chinese wedding
A wedding in the JiuJiang province of China spiralled into astonishing chaos when the groom kicked his pregnant bride, causing her to fall to the stage floor. The incident occurred after the groom discovered his newlywed bride was pregnant, despite their short one-month acquaintance before the wedding. The local media reported that the groom received a text message in the…
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Tofu turmoil: Viral furry recipe from China divides opinions on safety and health
A unique recipe for furry tofu, a trending dish from China, sparked a global debate over its safety and health benefits. The recipe, which involves fermentation, was shared by a user on the social media platform Twitter and quickly went viral. The video showcases a woman instructing viewers on how to prepare furry tofu. The ingredients required include tofu, tempeh…
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Bangkok’s trash talk: Police crackdown reveals illegal rubbish dumps, locals left in a stinky situation
The Thai Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) has cracked down on 11 points across Bangkok, unearthing five illegal rubbish dumps causing a stench and distress to locals. One rubbish dump caretaker revealed that they charge 60 to 100 baht per vehicle. The operation today was led by Police Lieutenant General Watcharawin Pusit, MPB commissioner, who ordered Police Lieutenant Colonel Arun Watchirasrisukanya,…
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Tragedy strikes famous dragon troupe pickup truck: Explosive tyre leaves 3 dead and 15 injured
The pickup truck of a renowned dragon troupe who were on their way to a Khon Kaen performance suffered a tyre blowout, resulting in a devastating accident. The calamity occurred 70 kilometres before the troupe’s destination, turning Mittraphap Road into a scene of chaos. Police Colonel Peerachat, Superintendent’s Branch, Phon Police Station, and his team rushed to the area, responding…
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14 year old girl raped by two men in hotel in northern Thailand
A Thai man and his 14 year old daughter sought help from a Move Forward Party (MFP) member of Parliament after police failed to arrest and charge two men who allegedly raped the girl at a hotel in July in the Isaan province of Ubon Ratchathani. The 40 year old father, Phanu, told MFP MP Wisarut Sawatworn that the sexual assault…
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Former TAT governor urges government to boost Chinese visitor numbers
The former Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor urged the government to reconsider its tourism strategy to improve the dwindling Chinese market. Predictions for this year suggest that arrivals from China will only total 26.8% of the 2019 level. Former TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn suggested that the government should negotiate with China to secure more flight routes and slots for Thai…
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GCNT chairman urges Thailand to boost human resources for Society 5.0
The chairman of Global Compact Network Thailand (GCNT) called on the government to increase its investment in human resources development in preparation for Society 5.0. This new era will be marked by the prominent role of innovative technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in driving the global economy. Suphachai Chearavanont made these remarks while addressing the GCNT Forum 2023 on the…
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Nok Air hit by widespread flight delays amid technical issues
A recent surge in delayed flights by Nok Air sparked widespread discussion about the airline‘s on-time performance (OTP). Passengers’ experiences of these delays were brought to light this week when renowned television reporter Thapanee Eadsrichai shared on Facebook that many passengers on a Nok Air flight from Don Mueang Airport to Chiang Mai had to be relocated to other flights…
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Footwear frenzy: More than 300 shoes stolen from tourist resorts in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Accommodation and hotel resort owners in the northern province of Chiang Mai appealed to the police to take action after more than 300 pairs of guests’ shoes were stolen in the past two months. A Thai man who owns a hostel on Soi Saha Si Phum Place on Manee Nopparat Road in Chiang Mai shared CCTV footage on social media…
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Cyber police arrest two for purchasing guns online in Thai sting
Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) officers arrested two customers who bought guns online from a factory in Phichit province. The arrest followed an undercover operation where police pretended to buy through a popular YouTube channel after allegations of threats to a family were made today. Colonel Worawat Watnakorbuncha, Commander of the Special Operations Division (SOD), ordered Police Lieutenant Colonel Nipon Boonkeut,…
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Heroic Thai teacher thwarts armed intruder: Calls for improved school safety measures in Thailand
A heroic teacher, who defended students and faculty from an armed intruder, has drawn praise from the government. Thawatchai Duangtham, a teaching assistant at Ban Nam Phu Hin Lat School in Chaiyaphum in northeast Thailand, bravely fought off an armed intruder, sustaining injuries to his hand and arm in the process. Deputy government spokesperson, Kaenika Unjit, commended his courage and…
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Thailand’s bold leap: Marriage equality legislation set to light up Parliament
Thailand‘s Cabinet greenlighted a historic draft legislation on marriage equality, sparking hopes for a significant stride towards inclusivity. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the pivotal decision on November 21, marking a potential turning point for the nation’s LGBTQ+ community. In a nation renowned for its vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, the legislation aims to bridge the gap between societal shifts and traditional…
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Disturbed Thai police officer’s shocking family drama: Father shot, mother and wife taken hostage
A tragic incident unfolded in Nakhon Chai Si, Nakhon Pathom, when a disturbed police corporal shot his 71 year old father while he slept, before taking his mother and wife hostage. As the situation escalated, local law enforcement officials and negotiation teams rushed to the scene to intervene. At 4am today, police received a distress call about a 31 year…
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BLACKPINK receives MBE honour from British monarchy in historic first for K-pop
The British monarchy has recognised the influential K-pop group BLACKPINK, awarding members Lisa, Jennie, Jisoo, and Rosé with the prestigious Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) honour. The ceremony, hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Buckingham Palace, was in honour of South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in and First Lady Kim Jung-sook, marking…
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Teenage love rivalry ends in brutal murder in southern Thailand
The brutal murder of a 16 year old boy has been traced back to a love rivalry over a 14 year old girl. The victim was reportedly beaten by a gang of youths around his age in a shocking incident that took place in the Thung Song district of Nakhon Si Thammarat. On November 19, Police Lieutenant Colonel Jittinan Suwanchatree…
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74 year old Thai man kills his brother-in-law over 35 year long dispute
A 74 year old Thai man shot and killed his 74 year old brother-in-law in a community in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok after a long dispute over a house payment 35 years ago. Officers at Rattanatibeth Police Station were notified of the 74 year old man’s death at 3.30pm yesterday, November 22. The victim, Uthai Wanlarat, was found lifeless in front…
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Rising Zika virus cases alarm health officials in Phuket
Phuket’s Provincial Health Office (PPHO) sounded the alarm over rising cases of Zika virus, particularly in Rawai, Phuket. The warning was triggered by a long-standing expatriate, expressing alarm over the increasing number of infections in the Saiyuan area. In response to these concerns, the Rawai Municipality took swift action, testing all occupants of one house. The expatriates detailed their efforts.…
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Thai ambassador advises workers to delay return to Israel amidst conflict
The ambassador of Thailand to Israel, Pannabha Chandraramya, advised Thai workers who have recently returned from Israel to refrain from going back due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. She updated on the situation during a meeting involving 97 of the nation’s high-ranking overseas representatives at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Pannabha suggested that those who had returned…
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Thai Interior Ministry to launch nationwide crackdown on influential figures
The nationwide crackdown on influential figures, orchestrated by Thailand’s Interior Ministry, is set to kick off on December 1, confirmed Deputy Interior Minister, Chada Thaiseth. The operation, a collaborative effort between numerous authorities, including provincial administrative organisations, subdistrict administrative organisations, law enforcement and armed forces, is aimed at scrutinising and disbanding networks of these influential figures. A comprehensive list of…
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Thailand and Sri Lanka set to finalise free trade agreement by year’s end
Thailand and Sri Lanka are on track to finalise a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) by the close of this year. The chief of trade negotiations has indicated that the signing of the agreement is expected by early February next year. Chotima Iemsawasdikul, the director-general of the Trade Negotiations Department, disclosed that Thai and Sri Lankan officials are set to…
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Thailand’s visa exemption policy for Chinese unaffected despite low flight demand
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday announced that the government’s visa exemption policy for Chinese citizens remains unaffected amidst the cancellation of flight slots by several Chinese airlines due to low passenger demand. These airlines had previously secured slots for flights to Thailand, inclusive of ground handling services for their aircraft, only to relinquish their landing and take-off rights due to…
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