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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Thailand’s investment applications surge to five-year high in 2023
Thailand’s investment promotion applications in 2023 skyrocketed to a five-year high of 848 billion baht, marking a 43% increase from the adjusted figure of the previous year. The surge was powered by significant foreign investments in the five priority sectors identified in the Board of Investment’s (BoI) fresh Investment Promotion Strategy. Contributing to this colossal growth in Thailand’s foreign direct…
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Road tragedy: Boy’s stumble turns fatal in Isaan province (video)
A seven year old boy tripped while crossing the road near his school in the Isaan province of Ubon Ratchathani resulting in a pickup driver accidentally running over and killing him. The tragic accident happened near Pathum Wittayakorn School in Ubon Ratchathani province at 4pm on February 5. At the time, the school was busy with vehicles and parents picking…
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Green sanctuaries: Exploring Suan Suk Jai Park in Bangkok
Suan Suk Jai Park is part of over 100 community green spaces established under the 15-minute Pocket Park campaign helmed by Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt. The 15-Minute Pocket Park initiative, introduced in 2022, is among Chadchart’s strategies to address environmental issues by increasing green public spaces throughout the city. A 49 year old local, Kantika Kongglom, frequents Suan Suk Jai,…
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Thailand’s defence ministry to take action over fraudulent Sor Dor 43 sales
The Defence Ministry of Thailand disclosed yesterday that it will take legal action against any military members, both former and present, who are found guilty of selling fraudulent Sor Dor 43 certificates. The announcement was made by Minister Sutin Klungsang, in response to allegations by Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, a party-list MP of the Move Forward Party (MFP) and chairman of the…
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Reckless Thai driver’s wrong-way sedan smash-up leaves one dead (video)
A reckless Thai driver killed a man and injured others when he drove his sedan against the traffic flow in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, colliding with a pickup truck. Pak Kret Police Station officers and Poh Teck Tung Rescue Foundation rushed to the accident scene on the Khlong Prapa Overpass in the Pakkret district of Nonthaburi province at about 5.20am…
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Flight fright: Air Canada-Thailand flight detours to Hong Kong as passenger falls ill
An Air Canada flight destined for Bangkok was forced to make an emergency diversion to Hong Kong after a passenger fell ill onboard. The Air Canada Boeing 787, which operates flights between Vancouver and Bangkok, declared an emergency on February 4, prompting its redirection to Hong Kong. Flight AC65, a routine scheduled service, is typically operated between Vancouver and Bangkok…
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Beach blues: Na Jomtien residents wave off unauthorised businesses
Residents of Na Jomtien in Sattahip raised concerns over continuous disturbances and unauthorised commercial activities on the beach. These issues have previously been highlighted and rectified, thanks to the combined efforts of local officials and law enforcement. However, according to the community, the resolutions have been temporary rather than a permanent fix. The focal point of these complaints is the…
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Corruption potential in the 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme
Despite potential warnings from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), the government has confirmed plans to proceed with the 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat agreed to let the digital wallet policy committee begin work next week. The focus of the forthcoming meeting will be on the potential for corruption during the handout…
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Royal rumble: Thaksin Shinawatra faces charges under section 112
A significant legal case involving Thaksin Shinawatra, concerning Section 112 of the Criminal Code for alleged offences against the monarchy, came into the public eye on February 6. Prayut Phetkhun, spokesperson for the Office of the Attorney General, shared the details of the case, which originated from an event that took place in Seoul, South Korea, on May 21, 2015.…
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Thai-m to go: Ex-PM Thaksin eyes special parole as prison sentence hits halfway mark
Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, is eligible for special parole as he approaches the halfway point of his prison sentence on February 18, according to an insider from the Department of Corrections (DoC). The source confirmed that Thaksin is included in a list of inmates who qualify for parole and special parole. Special parole may be granted…
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Bristol backpacker in bar brawl bloodbath: Brit stabbed in neck in Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand
A horrifying incident unfolded at Bamboo Bar on Koh Pha Ngan, where a British backpacker from Bristol was attacked, leaving him gushing blood after being stabbed in the neck in a Thai bar brawl. Hugo Mooney found himself sprawled on the floor of Bamboo Bar on the infamous Full Moon Party island of Koh Pha Ngan, his life hanging by…
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Agoda reveals hotspots: Bangkok heats up rankings
Agoda unveiled the hottest must-visit destinations with the Big Mango, Bangkok sizzling in second place. Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam emerged as the unrivalled favourites, igniting a tourism frenzy in the first month alone. Moreover, Malaysia and South Korea are hot on their heels, rounding up the top five inbound markets. According to Agoda’s January 2024 booking rankings, Asian travel destinations have…
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Discover an enchanting evening with rising R&B stars in Bangkok
Get ready for a night of soul-stirring melodies as five rising R&B stars from California grace Bangkok with their enchanting tunes during The Modern Nostalgia Tour: Live In Bangkok at the BCC Hall of Central Ladprao, Phahon Yothin Road, on February 20 at 8pm. Presented by the Very Company, this special live performance promises to be a musical extravaganza, perfectly…
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Thailand’s iconic Maya Bay: From Hollywood glamour to environmental struggle
Maya Bay, nestled in Thailand’s Phang-Nga province, clinched third place in the world’s beaches, according to the Lonely Planet travel guide. Dubbed “a slip of a beach hidden by limestone cliffs,” Maya Bay skyrocketed to international fame when acclaimed director Danny Boyle handpicked it as the backdrop for his blockbuster hit The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Despite its cinematic allure,…
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Newly crowned Miss Japan dethroned over affair scandal
The glitz and glamour of Miss Japan turned into a whirlwind of controversy as the newly crowned beauty queen relinquished her throne amidst scandalous revelations. The recently crowned beauty queen, 26 year old naturalised Japanese citizen Karolina Shiino, clinched the prestigious Miss Japan title just a fortnight ago. Now she has abdicated her crown following a scandal linking her to…
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Update: Hong Kong disappointed over Lionel Messi’s no-show
Lionel Messi’s failure to grace the pitch in Hong Kong left droves of fans disheartened, but the football icon has hinted at a potential return, this time on the Tokyo turf. The star’s absence during the highly anticipated match at Hong Kong Stadium not only disappointed supporters but also sparked a PR crisis for his Major League Soccer side and…
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Malaysian businessman arrested, confesses to brutal murder
A Malaysian businessman was apprehended at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok, after confessing to the brutal murder of an employee. The arrest took place yesterday evening around 10pm. The suspect, a 31 year old man of Chinese descent, was detained upon arrival from Malaysia. Thai authorities had been alerted by their Malaysian counterparts regarding the suspect’s involvement in the…
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Thai father shoots dead daughter’s boyfriend
A Thai father shot dead his daughter’s boyfriend whom he disapproved of in the southern province of Krabi yesterday, February 6. Police believe the father objected to their love because the man had a history of drug use. Nua Klong Police Station officers in Krabi province were alerted to the fatal shooting at a house in the Khok Yang sub-district…
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World Songkran Festival to last from April 1 to 21
In an exciting announcement, government spokesman Chai Wacharonke yesterday revealed that plans were underway to organise World Songkran Festival activities nationwide. This decision comes hot on the heels of UNESCO’s recent recognition of the Songkran festival as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. “The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has formally acknowledged the significance of the Songkran…
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Luxury Porsche worth 5 million baht goes up in flames after crashing in Phitsanulok
A Porsche Panamera, estimated to be worth no less than 5 million baht, was found engulfed in flames after veering off the road and crashing into an electric pole at 1.40am this morning, in the Phlai Chumphon area of Phitsanulok. Police and rescue teams rushed to the accident scene only to find the driver missing. Upon arrival at the scene…
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Hazardous air pollution hits Bangkok and Thai provinces
Bangkok and 11 other provinces in Thailand are currently grappling with hazardous air quality levels, exacerbated by PM2.5 particulate matter exceeding standard thresholds. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, alongside the National Research Council of Thailand, the Pollution Control Department, Kasetsart University, and Chiang Mai University, are monitoring…
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Excavation work safety on Pattaya Third Road sparks concern
Residents and commuters traversing Pattaya Third Road are in a state of unease, particularly at Soi Chalermprakiat 25, where ongoing road excavation has plunged the area into darkness, raising alarming safety concerns. The absence of essential safety precautions such as warning signs and adequate lighting has turned the construction site into a breeding ground for accidents, endangering both drivers and…
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Fatal wrong-way crash on Nonthaburi bridge claims life
A fatal crash occurred early today when a car, driven on the wrong side of the road, crashed into multiple vehicles on a bridge in Nonthaburi, resulting in one death and several injuries. The incident, which took place around 5.30am on February 6, prompted police to investigate the driver for potential substance impairment. At the scene on the bridge crossing…
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From hardship to billionaire: Rise of martial arts star Chatri Sityodtong
Chatri Sityodtong, a Thai-Japanese entrepreneur, became a global household name as the founder of ONE Championship, Asia’s largest sports media property in history. His journey to success, however, is filled with trials and triumphs that many are unaware of. At over 50 years old, Chatri’s past is a testament to his resilience, having overcome the economic crisis in Thailand during…
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New year’s feast or fin-ite: WildAid uncovers Thai waters’ shark crisis
As Lunar New Year approaches, WildAid‘s latest findings expose a crisis in Thai waters, where shark fins on celebratory dining tables spell extinction for these majestic creatures, threatening the balance of the ocean’s ecosystem. WildAid sounded the alarm based on a comprehensive DNA analysis of shark fin products sold in Thailand. A staggering 62% of fins sampled come from species…
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Thailand’s blue flag stores to become drop-off points for postal goods
The Internal Trade Department is joining forces with Thailand Post in an initiative that will see the country’s Blue Flag (Thong Fah) affordable stores used as drop-off points for goods from farmers, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the general public. The Department Director-General, Wattanasak Sur-iam, confirmed that discussions with Thailand Post had taken place and that they were in…
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Janitor still at large after sexually assaulting 6 year old schoolboy
The janitor of a school in the Isaan province of Nong Khai is currently on the run after multiple incidents of sexual assault against a 6 year old schoolboy, resulting in the victim developing a urinary tract infection. Shockingly, the school’s director and several teachers have taken the side of the janitor and pressured the victim to leave the school.…
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PM Srettha pays unannounced visit to Suvarnabhumi Airport amidst biometric glitch
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin paid a surprise visit to Suvarnabhumi International Airport yesterday morning, amongst reports of a recent biometric system glitch that threw the airport into chaos during rush hours. The glitch, a repeat offender, wreaked havoc on automatic passport control channels, leaving departing jet-setters stranded and frustrated. Eyewitnesses claim the prime minister’s unannounced appearance was a direct response…
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Thai family demands answers after prisoner suicide
The family of a Thai prisoner who tragically committed suicide on February 4 condemned the lack of action by officers at Manchakhiri Police Station in the Isaan province of Khon Kaen and demanded an explanation from the police regarding their handling of the situation. The family of Mong, a 42 year old Thai man, sought police assistance on February 3…
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King Charles III begins cancer treatment, postpones engagements
In a significant health update, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles III of the United Kingdom has been diagnosed with a form of cancer. This statement comes after a recent hospital visit initially intended for benign prostate enlargement treatment, during which another concerning issue was discovered. The 75 year old king has begun a regular treatment schedule and has been…
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