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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Pattaya City takes legal action against businesses for Koh Lan forest encroachment
Legal action is being pursued by Pattaya City against businesses accused of encroaching on forest land on Koh Lan, confirms Deputy Mayor, Manote Nongyai. The city received information regarding the alleged encroachment near Sangwan Beach from a local non-profit organisation. After conducting a survey, city officials confirmed that the encroachment had taken place with approximately 10 rai of forest land…
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Thailand’s SET considers extending trading hours to boost volume
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) is mulling over an extension of trading hours hoping to rekindle its diminished trading volume and value this year. Despite six years of study, no decision had been previously made on the matter. However, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently directed SET to thoroughly analyse the pros and cons of such a move. A preliminary…
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Python takes a ride in parked pickup truck in Chon Buri, causing local stir
In an unusual incident, a large python was discovered nestled within a parked pickup truck in Chon Buri, causing a stir among locals. The snake had taken up residence in the vehicle while its owner took a brief pause for a roadside toilet break. The snake was eventually captured and released back into the wild by the rescue unit of…
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Four die in Surat Thani as pickup truck crashes into ditch during heavy rainfall
A pickup truck crashed into a roadside ditch in Surat Thani province during a heavy downpour, resulting in four fatalities. The accident occurred on Route 401 linking Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat. The investigation was led by Thawatchai Jaihao, the head of the local police force, and Jatupol Duangchuay, also an officer. The officers were alerted to the crash…
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Crocodile surprise: Malaysian family discovers predator in home sewer pipe
A Malaysian family were rocked by a crocodile shock at their residence after hearing unusual noises emanating from their sewer pipe. They decided to urgently inform the authorities, only to discover a large crocodile had made its way into their drainage system. The incident, a close call with a potential predator, could have ended disastrously. The peculiar event unfolded in…
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Narcotics suspect drowns in canal escape bid during Pathum Thani police raid
A narcotics suspect in Pathum Thani drowned after attempting to escape law enforcement by jumping into a canal. The police had been extending the results of their drug sting operation when the individual reacted by discarding his drugs and attempting to flee by jumping into the water. The incident took place in the Rangsit Prayoonsak Canal, in front of the Siwalee…
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Pattaya elephant Nam Chok retires to Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand sanctuary
In a momentous event, Nam Chok, an elderly elephant who has given rides to tourists in Pattaya for decades, has been granted retirement. In her sixties, she was released by her owner into the care of the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT), a sanctuary that offers a refuge for elephants. Nam Chok, who is partially sighted, is suspected to have…
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Taylor Swift’s bodyguard forgoes 18 million baht salary to fight for Israel against Hamas
A well-known bodyguard of global music sensation Taylor Swift reportedly abandoned his US$500,000 annual salary, equivalent to approximately 18 million baht, to return to his native Israel. He volunteered to fight against the Hamas group, stating that he could not stand idle while his homeland was being destroyed by Hamas forces. According to local media reports, the security officer gained…
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Thailand invites Russian President Putin for official visit amidst global isolation
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin extended an invitation for an official visit to Russian President Vladimir Putin during the next year, during his recent visit to Beijing. This invitation emerges amidst Putin’s global isolation due to Russia’s conflict with Ukraine which kicked off in February last year. Furthermore, the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant against Putin over accusations…
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Investigation underway as Russian man falls to death from Phuket condo
The death of a 25 year old Russian man who plummeted from an eight-story condo building in Phuket, near Prince of Songkla University, is currently being investigated by local authorities. The unfortunate event transpired in the early hours of today. Local enforcement was alerted at around 5.10am and promptly arrived at the scene, led by the Deputy Inspector of Kathu…
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Thieving specter or cunning crook? Lopburi thefts stir mythical creature suspicions
A recent spate of thefts in the Lopburi province ignited fear amongst residents, who are attributing the incidents to the mythical creature Phi Kra Sue. However, local authorities have pacified public concerns, stating the culprit is merely a masked thief and not a supernatural mythical creature. The situation came to light when Yotsawin Bamrungwet, Lopburi’s provincial governor, and the province’s…
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Fruitful feast: Six friends juice things up with 111-bottle drinking marathon
Six friends in China’s Sichuan province shocked a popular buffet restaurant by consuming a staggering 111 bottles of fruit juice. The young men, known for their love of value-for-money meals, decided to forgo the typical meat dishes commonly associated with buffet dining, instead, they opted to maximise their investment by ordering mass amounts of sour plum juice. The incident took…
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Seafood surprise: Family’s meal unearths Chiang Mai’s potential pearl gem
A family’s casual seafood meal led to an unexpected find of a pearl over 1 centimetre in size, set to be verified in Chiang Mai. The incident occurred today at 5/4 Buasali, Mae Lao, Chiang Rai, the residence of Sethapong Sivavong. Sethapong revealed that his wife and daughter had purchased clam from a reputed local market in downtown Chiang Rai…
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Bid-rigging network raided by DSI in connection with highway construction project
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) launched a raid on a network suspected of bid-rigging, connected to a company named Khamnun Nok. The action follows a tip-off about the residence of a woman known as “Ai Nong.” The raid took place today, in relation to highway construction project number 375 in Don Tum and Lam Luk Ka. The DSI is…
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Starry night showtime: Catch the Orionids meteor shower this weekend
The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) invited the public to witness the Orionids meteor shower, a spectacle of dust from Halley’s Comet, from Saturday night, October 21, to early Sunday morning, October 22. The meteor shower, expected to reach its peak at around 10.30pm, is likely to display about 20 meteors per hour and can be observed across…
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Swift police action follows tragic suicide of student scammed by iPhone fraud gang in southern Thailand
The tragic suicide of a female grade 12 student from a school in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province has prompted a swift response from law enforcement agencies. The student chose to end her life in her bedroom on Sunday night, October 15. Police guess that she was under extreme stress after falling prey to a fraud gang that enticed her to…
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Motorcyclist killed in hit-and-run by lorry driver in central Thailand
A tragic road incident has claimed the life of a 43 year old motorcyclist in Bang Phli, Samut Prakan. An 18-wheel lorry collided with the victim’s motorcycle, resulting in fatal head injuries. The 39 year old driver, Wasan, refuted allegations of fleeing, claiming ignorance of the incident that killed the victim Phinyo. At approximately 9.20am today, Deputy Inspector Anan Thongleua of…
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Phuket’s tuk tuk turmoil: Driver busted with ‘Yaba’ stash and axe arsenal
A tuk tuk driver from Patong was apprehended by police and charged with possession of 43 methamphetamine pills, known locally as Yaba, and several weapons, including an axe. The 30 year old driver, was arrested on Monday night, October 16, at a checkpoint in front of Patong Hospital. The incident was reported by the Patong Police late the following day.…
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Phantom frenzy: Lopburi locals hunt for notorious ghost causing sleepless nights (video)
Residents of Lopburi are on a hunt for a notorious ghost, causing sleepless nights due to its eerie presence in central Thailand. A 70 year old pig farmer, Wichien, today revealed he encountered this ghost twice. The hunt has sparked excitement and fear among residents who have taken to TikTok to document their thrilling ghost hunts. Wichien’s first encounter with…
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PM Srettha urges swift evacuation decision as death toll of Thai workers in Israel hits 30
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin urgently called upon Thai citizens residing in Israel to make a swift decision regarding their evacuation amidst escalating global concerns. The Thai death toll in Israel has distressingly reached 30. Addressing the public from Beijing on Wednesday, the prime minister expressed his concern. “For those who are still undecided, it’s crucial to decide promptly as…
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MAS to review Credit Suisse amid Singapore money laundering scandal
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) announced its intention to conduct an on-site review of Credit Suisse Group AG. The decision comes in the wake of a far-reaching financial scandal, in which at least one customer of the bank has been charged with money laundering. The review aims to assess the bank’s handling and monitoring of wealthy clients. The local…
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PM2.5 dust particles return due to season change in Bangkok
Bangkok is currently grappling with the return of PM2.5 dust particles, predominantly due to the transition from the rainy season to the colder months. Rising atmospheric pressure and stagnant air contribute to the accumulation of these particles. The Pollution Control Department (PCD) of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment reported today, that the PM2.5 situation in Bangkok and surrounding…
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Elderly man accused of child sex abuse commits suicide in northern Thailand
A 72 year old man accused of child sex abuse committed suicide, escaping the legal consequences of his actions. The mother of the 11 year old girl victim revealed that she too had been molested by the same man when she was a child. The child sex abuse incident came to light when an 11 year old girl sent a…
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Stringing along trouble: Cambodian guitarist strikes wrong chord in Bangkok church heists
A Cambodian guitarist was arrested today after being accused of stealing musical instruments from Christian churches across Bangkok. The church theft arrest took place at an unnamed rental room in Suk Sawat Road, Phra Samut Chedi district, Samut Prakan. The suspect, Hek Sophol, was sought after an arrest warrant was issued by the Criminal Court of Southern Bangkok on October…
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Sunny-side up: Thai exports set to crack 3.6% growth in 2023
Positive prospects are forecasted for Thai exports next year, with an anticipated growth rate of 3.6%. This rebound follows a projected 2% drop this year, according to a recent report by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC). UTCC’s president, Thanavath Phonvichai, attributes this optimistic projection to several factors including lower interest rates and easing inflation globally, which…
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Gulf Energy eyes 50% revenue surge with power plant operations boost
Gulf Energy Development, a Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET)-listed firm, is looking forward to a 50% revenue surge, breaking past the 100 billion baht (US$3.03 billion) mark this year. This significant increase is due to the addition of electricity generation capacity and the full operation of its power plants. In the previous year, the company’s earnings stood at 95 billion…
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Thai worker survives shooting in Israel, returns home thanks to fellow expat
A Thai worker who survived a shooting incident in Israel has returned home to Khon Kaen province thanks to the heroic efforts of a Thai woman from Nong Bua Lamphu. The Thai worker’s mother, Boonhom Butmo, expressed her deepest gratitude to 40 year old Jam for ensuring the safe return of her son, Ono. When reporters visited Ono’s parents at…
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Thai government committee plans referendum on constitutional amendments
Two sub-panels have been established by the government committee studying the proposed constitutional amendments in Thailand. Their mandate is to measure public sentiment on the proposed changes and devise a blueprint for a potential referendum. Phumtham Wechayachai, chair of the committee, has stated that while there is no set deadline for these sub-panels, it is anticipated that their tasks will…
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NIA Reform: Thailand supports startups and SMEs market entry
The National Innovation Agency (NIA) reformed its financial assistance measures, shifting focus towards aiding startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in getting their products to market, rather than simply supporting the development of prototypes. This year, the state agency has allocated 300 million baht to support these businesses, to generate a 3 billion baht economic and social impact, which…
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Thai stock exchange rises 1.5% but investors remain cautious
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) experienced a 1.5% rise on October 11, attracting foreign investors who bought almost 3 billion baht (US$82,648,050) in stocks. Despite this, seasoned investor 50 year old Watchara Kaewsawang, exhibited caution about re-entering the market, citing the recent increase as a short-lived technical rebound following a series of downturns. Watchara acknowledged that his trading activity…
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