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Thailand news, politics, business, crime, lifestyle, and tourism—stay updated with breaking news and in-depth analysis from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond.
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Sponsored Thailand health insurance that covers chronic conditions: What expats need to know
The Thaiger key takeaways Managing chronic conditions in Thailand requires health insurance that covers specialist visits, medications, tests, and hospital stays. Cigna offers high-coverage plans with access to top hospitals, direct billing, and telemedicine support for convenient long-term care. Expats...
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Raids in Sam Phran uncover non-certified diesel engines
Police raided a warehouse in Sam Phran, Nakhon Pathom, and seized many non-standard industrial products yesterday, March 6. The operation was led by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) in collaboration with the Thai Industrial Standards Institute and local law enforcement. Yesterday, a coordinated force spearheaded by Yuthana Praedam, the acting director-general of the DSI, along with Theva Jularee, director…
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Illegal migrant labour and sex work challenge Thailand’s tourism
Migrant workers, who have illegally entered Thailand by taking advantage of visa-free privileges, continue to pose a challenge in the country’s tourism sector, particularly within the sex industry. This issue has led to calls from operators for the government to legalise sex work. A recent confrontation between Filipino transgender women and their Thai counterparts in Soi Sukhumvit 11, Bangkok, has…
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Conservation factions call for review into Land Bridge initiative
A call for a thorough investigation of the government’s Land Bridge initiative has been made by Chumphon and Ranong conservation factions, citing concerns about potential corruption and negative societal impacts. This large-scale project, which has already encountered significant opposition, could lead to locals losing their homes and livelihoods, according to the conservationists. Yesterday, representatives from the Rak Phato Network and…
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Thailand proposes four Songkhla town clusters for UNESCO list
A proposal for the inclusion of four historic town clusters located in the southern province of Songkhla in UNESCO’s tentative list of potential new world heritage sites has been forwarded by Thailand’s national committee on the World Heritage Convention. The recommendation was made yesterday, with the old town clusters representing communities and sites linked to Songkhla Lake. The committee meeting,…
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Koh Taen locals oppose inclusion in new national park plan
Koh Taen island locals, situated in the Koh Samui district, handed in a petition yesterday in opposition to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation’s (DNP) plan. The proposal is to include the island, along with its neighbouring area, in the soon-to-be-established Hat Khanom-Mu Koh Thale Tai National Park. This has sparked controversy among the locals, who point…
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Over 400 Thai firms suspected of foreign nominee operations
An inspection by the Business Development Department has revealed that over 400 firms across Thailand’s major tourist hotspots may be operating under foreign nominees. The firms under scrutiny are located in bustling provinces including Phuket, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Surat Thani, and Chon Buri. The businesses investigated span various sectors, such as tour guides, restaurants, car rentals, hotels, and real estate.…
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Thai PM to visit Europe, aiming to bolster trade and investment
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of Thailand is set to travel to Germany and France in an official capacity. The visit, scheduled for March 7 to March 14, aims to bolster trade and investment between Thailand and these European nations. Accelerating the completion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and advocating for visa exemptions for Thai passport holders are top priorities.…
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Thai trio arrested in Ban Bueng raid with drugs and firearms seized
A trio of Thai men, hailing from the Ban Bueng area in Chon Buri, were apprehended by local law enforcement during a police raid. Police from the Ban Bueng Police Station conducted the operation, which resulted in the seizure of drugs and firearms from the suspects’ abode. The raid was set into motion following an informant’s tip-off. The primary suspect,…
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Thai economy predicted to bounce back in Q2 despite sluggish start
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Bangkok (JSCCIB) indicated that the Thai economy, which is set to experience sluggish growth this year, is expected to pick up in the second quarter. This projection is attributed to the anticipated state budget spending and a reduction in tension within the Red Sea region. The National Economic and Social Development Council…
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The rise of Digital Nomadism: A guide for Thailand’s wanderers
These days, work is no longer defined by being locked within four office walls from 9 to 5. The world is going through a transformation and that includes the way we work. The nomadism trend is just an example of how the borders between the types of lifestyle disappear and people become able to combine different elements of travel, adventures,…
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Lazada celebrates Women’s Day with MERGE jeans
In a bid to celebrate International Women’s Day, Lazada is turning the spotlight on the women sellers dominating the e-commerce platform. From Thailand to beyond, these female entrepreneurs are inspiring a new generation to chase their business dreams. In the heart of Thailand’s vibrant marketplace, Lazada shines a light on MERGE, a denim brand that caters to the diverse needs…
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Restaurant encroachment threatens Hua Hin’s sandy shores
Yamu Beach in Phuket may have just played second fiddle to an encroachment crisis engulfing the pristine sands of Hua Hin. Evidence surfaced on the Prachuap News Facebook page, showcasing a long line of eateries and guesthouses that have sunk their claws deep into Hua Hin’s main beach. Witnesses describe a scene akin to invasion, with some structures extending a…
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Thai man found asleep in police van outside Nong Prue station
Nong Prue Police officers were taken aback last Friday, March 1 when they stumbled upon a Thai man sleeping inside a police van parked right in front of the local station. The bizarre incident left the officers bewildered and concerned for the man’s welfare. Initially appearing innocuous with the van’s engine off and windows tightly shut, the situation took a puzzling…
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Tourists banned from Kyoto’s Geisha District
In a bold move to protect Kyoto’s iconic geisha from relentless harassment by tourists, the local council in Gion has decided to ban sightseers from the district’s narrow backstreets. The decision comes after a surge in appalling incidents where traditional entertainers found themselves accosted and disrespected by unruly visitors. This move marks the latest effort to safeguard the revered geisha…
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Brave pup Cola who lost legs in horrific attack begins new life (video)
In a heartwarming tale of canine resilience, brave pup Cola defied the odds after a horrific machete attack left him two legs short. Abandoned in a Bangkok gutter at just nine months old, his spirit endured thanks to a pair of specially crafted prosthetics, granting him the freedom to frolic once more. Rescued by retirees John and Gill Dalley, founders of…
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Danger of LSD death stamps in Thailand
The Department of Medical Services (DMS) sounded the alarm on the perilous rise of death stamps– LSD-infused blotting paper wreaking havoc on mental health. Placed innocuously under the tongue, these vibrant tabs promise an initial euphoria before plunging users into a nightmarish realm of hallucinations, auditory disturbances, and warped perceptions. Deputy Director-General of DMS, Pairoj Surattanawanich, underscores the sinister effects of…
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New vegan fried egg dazzles on social media with plant-based twist
A vegan version of the classic fried egg has taken social media by storm, thanks to a post by the page Vegan Inspired by Mink. The creation, which at first glance seems like a regular fried egg, is a plant-based innovation, completely devoid of animal products. Social media users were immediately captivated by an image posted by Vegan Inspired by…
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Australian child sex offender’s attempt to flee to Papua New Guinea foiled
An Australian child sex offender tried to evade the law by embarking on a risky voyage to Papua New Guinea. The 53 year old Queensland man, registered as a sex offender in Australia, attempted a daring escape by sailing from Australia to Papua New Guinea. His audacious plan hit rough waters when he was intercepted by PNG customs officers upon…
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Over 10 million Thais suffered illnesses linked to toxic air in 2023
More than 10 million Thai citizens sought medical treatment for illnesses connected to toxic air in 2023, as disclosed by authorities. The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) disclosed this data amidst a toxic air pollution crisis in Thailand. The root of this crisis lies in widespread farm burning and forest fires, particularly rampant in the country’s northern regions, which…
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Thai police seize 10 million meth pills, arrest major dealer
A major drug bust led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Anutin Charnvirakul resulted in the seizure of 10 million methamphetamine pills and the arrest of a key suspect in Pathum Thani province. In a significant clampdown on drug trafficking, Thai police apprehended a major drug dealer and seized a colossal haul of 10 million methamphetamine pills.…
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National Office of Buddhism Facebook page hacked to post porn
The National Office of Buddhism (NOB) of Thailand filed a complaint with the police after its official Facebook page was hacked and flooded with porn pictures and videos. More than 80,000 Buddhist followers were shocked by the series of pornographic pictures and videos shared by the NOB. The first porn content was shared early this morning, March 6, and the…
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Phuket anti-corruption commission probes Cape Yamu Villas land legitimacy
A thorough investigation has been initiated by the Phuket branch of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC Phuket) into the legitimacy of land documents for the luxury Cape Yamu Villas. This probe was motivated by concerns about potential encroachment onto public land at Yamu Beach in Pa Klok and the possible involvement of corrupt officials. NACC Phuket’s Director, Suwat Saowaran, alongside…
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Thai artists revive childhood nostalgia at enchanting exhibition
In a whirlwind of nostalgia and creativity, three Thai artists, Chanathip Chuenbumroong, Napol Isaracheewa, and Toon Kaewkerd, delve into the cherished memories of childhood to craft mesmerising wood carvings showcased at the exhibition …With A Time Capsule. Chanathip, revered as a master woodcarver renowned for his iconic characters Fat Fox and Moon, has reimagined his craft with a captivating twist.…
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Bitcoin and gold hit record highs together for the first time
Global markets are experiencing a whirlwind of mixed signals as Bitcoin and gold both hit record highs. This marks the first concurrent peak for the two assets since the emergence of Bitcoin over ten years ago. However, each asset’s distinct driving factors could create confusion – gold has long been a safe store of value, while Bitcoin’s function beyond pure…
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OR’s SDG policy fuels Thailand’s sustainable economic growth
PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) has adopted a Small-Diversified-Green (SDG) policy, aiming to stimulate Thailand’s economic growth through sustainable practices. This move aligns with the country’s broader strategy of reducing carbon footprints by 2030. The SDG policy focuses on empowering small communities as key drivers of economic recovery, particularly in the tourism sector tipped to fuel the national GDP…
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Surging gold prices trigger counterfeit boom in Thailand
Police have issued a stark warning about a surge in counterfeit gold following a significant increase in its price. The warning comes after a prominent store suffered a loss of over 8 million baht (US$ 224,000) due to the undetectable blending of gold with other metals using sophisticated techniques. The Royal Thai Police’s Central Forensic Science Division, in a joint…
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Will Thaksin return to Chiang Mai home?
In an exclusive statement, Thaksin Shinawatra’s youngest daughter debunked rumours, stating that while her father expressed a desire to visit Chiang Mai, there are no concrete travel arrangements yet. Thaksin’s youngest daughter, Paetongtarn, made known that nothing had been planned. “As of now, no specific itinerary has been planned. He said he’d like to visit his ancestors’ graves. And his elder…
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Thai PM invites Aussie firms to invest in clean energy
During the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit, Srettha Thavisin, the Prime Minister of Thailand, extended an invitation to prominent Australian companies to invest in Thailand’s electric vehicle (EV) battery, clean energy, and transport logistics sectors. The summit, which marks five decades of Australia’s partnership with ASEAN, is being held in Melbourne, Australia. PM Srettha used this opportunity to meet with his…
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Khon Kaen plans for state-of-the-art light rail transit system
Khon Kaen province declared its intention to kickstart the construction of a cutting-edge Light Rail Transit (LRT) system. Planned to begin in 2025, this ambitious LRT project, the first of its kind outside Bangkok, promises to usher in a new era of modernised transit, with its inaugural route encircling the Bueng Kaen Nakhon Reservoir. The maiden phase of this visionary…
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Man killed, woman hurt in Chiang Mai domestic clash
A brutal domestic incident left one man dead and a woman severely injured in a Chiang Mai rental room. The confrontation unfolded when a man returned from work and discovered his girlfriend with another man, which led to a violent attack involving a stabbing that resulted in one fatality and one serious injury. Police Lieutenant Colonel Kewaleesiri Psukthanapaisarn, an investigator…
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