News
Stay up-to-date with the latest news from across Thailand and beyond with The Thaiger. Our dedicated team brings you breaking news, in-depth analysis, and exclusive stories from this stunning part of the world, covering a diverse range of topics, including local politics, business, culture, and tourism. Keep yourself informed about the Kingdom’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and thriving expat communities, as well as updates on events, attractions, and transportation.
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Sponsored How much is Thai health insurance?
Health insurance in Thailand is essential for expats and locals, providing financial protection and access to quality care. Costs depend on age, health, and coverage level, with basic plans being cheaper but limited and comprehensive plans offering more benefits at...
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Thailand video news | Pakistani tourist scammed in US$900 Pattaya beach heist, Thailand’s new visa rules: game-changer or red tape?
In Thailand video news, Jay covered various news stories from across Thailand. From a Pakistani tourist scammed out of US$900 on Pattaya Beach to Thailand’s new visa regulations sparking debate, they’ll dive into key issues affecting locals and visitors alike. Also in the news, the tragic death of a man harassed by an illegal chicken farm in Nakhon Ratchasima, and…
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Phuket tourists engage in steamy street show on tuk tuk
In a jaw-dropping scene that left locals stunned, two foreign couples were caught engaging in intimate acts aboard a tuk tuk near Phuket’s Patong Beach during a traffic jam caused by heavy rain. Despite the crowd of onlookers, the couples carried on brazenly, seemingly unfazed by the attention. The scandalous incident took place yesterday morning, September 17, when a 40-second…
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7,300 unsafe Chinese bug repellent devices seized in Bangkok
Police confiscated approximately 7,300 Chinese-made plug-in bug-repellent devices from three separate warehouses in Bangkok, citing potential health hazards and fire risks. The devices were discovered yesterday, September 17, in warehouses located on Sukhumvit Soi 54 in Phra Khanong district, Thian Thale Soi 20 in Bang Khun Thian, and a commercial building at Sampeng 2 market on Kanlapaphruek Road in Bang…
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Pattaya’s park and spark: New parking plan kicks off on South Road
Pattaya City is preparing to introduce new parking areas, beginning with a pilot programme on Pattaya South Road. Deputy Mayor Wuttisak Rermkijakarn chaired a meeting yesterday with officials responsible for organising parking in the city. The meeting included city council members and traffic police from Pattaya and Bang Lamung police stations. Following the discussions, Wuttisak revealed that the city council…
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Thailand Cabinet keeps VAT at 7% for another year
The Thailand Cabinet has decided to maintain the current value-added tax (VAT) rate at 7% for another year. This decision was announced by Jirayu Huangsub, an advisor to the Prime Minister of Thailand, at 12.40pm yesterday, September 17. The announcement follows a Cabinet meeting where the economic situation was discussed, especially concerning the VAT rate set to expire at the…
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Woman arrested after decade-long human trafficking chase
Police apprehended a 62 year old woman involved in human trafficking linked to forced labour on fishing trawlers after she evaded capture for over a decade. Sompong Sroithong was taken into custody when officers intercepted her pickup truck in the Mueang district of Samut Prakan yesterday, September 17, according to Police Major General Sarut Kwaengsopha, commander of the police Anti-Trafficking…
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Tourists urinate on Pattaya Beach, sparking local outrage
Outrage erupted among Thai social media users after a video emerged showing male tourists urinating on Pattaya Beach. The video, shared by a Facebook user with the caption “Swimmers swim, and urinators urinate,” quickly went viral within a popular Pattaya Facebook group, which boasts over 200,000 members. The incident has sparked widespread anger, particularly among Pattaya locals, who questioned why…
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Thailand allocates 3.04 billion baht for flood relief
Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a request from the Ministry of Interior to allocate 3.04 billion baht (US$91 million) from the central budget to assist flood victims across the country. This decision, taken at the new Cabinet’s first weekly meeting, will provide financial relief to approximately 338,391 households affected by flooding since May, according to ministry spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul. The financial…
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Ang Thong official paid full salary for decade without working
A local government officer in Ang Thong has reportedly received a full salary and bonuses for 10 years without ever showing up for work, due to his side job as a night-time musician. The revelations were made by the popular Facebook page, Watchdog, which often exposes irregularities in government agencies. A local official in Ang Thong, holding the position of…
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National wage committee to finalise 400-baht minimum wage
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn announced that the national wage committee will reconvene on Friday to discuss the implementation of a 400-baht minimum wage for large employers nationwide starting October 1. The tripartite committee, which includes representatives from employees, employers, and the government, met on Monday. However, all five employer representatives were absent, leaving only the 10 members from the employee…
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Thai military faces renewed bribery allegations involving US firm
Allegations of transnational bribery involving the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) have resurfaced, prompting responses from top officials. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai acknowledged the persistent issue, stating that bribery has long plagued the military. “It’s been around for a long time.” Phumtham, addressing the recent claims of kickbacks allegedly paid by a US company to the…
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Jirayu Houngsub to become new Thailand govt spokesperson
Jirayu Houngsub, previously a spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence, is on course to become the new government spokesperson next week. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra appointed Jirayu as her public relations adviser yesterday while his credentials are further scrutinised. The screening process for political appointees intensified due to a surge in ethics-related complaints. The Pheu Thai Party and PM Paetongtarn are…
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Phuket Airport skips memorial for One-Two-Go crash victims again
The Airports of Thailand (AoT) once again dodged the chance to hold an official memorial service in Phuket for the 90 victims of the One-Two-Go Flight OG269 disaster. This marks the 17th consecutive year that local officials have avoided organising any remembrance ceremonies for one of Thailand’s deadliest air crashes. On the anniversary of the tragedy, Monchai Tanode, General Manager…
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Education director reassigned amid Sa Kaeo exam scandal
In a dramatic twist, Prayong Saraphum, the Director of Sa Kaeo’s Secondary Education Service Area Office, has been yanked from his post and reassigned to the Office of Basic Education Commission (OBEC) headquarters while an investigation heats up. The probe centres on Prayong’s alleged involvement in the shocking removal of a woman from the list of top candidates for a…
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Pakistani tourist duped in US$900 Pattaya Beach heist (video)
A Pakistani tourist’s dream holiday in Pattaya took a sour turn when two crafty pickpockets allegedly swiped US$900 (nearly 30,000 baht) right under his nose during a stroll on Jomtien Beach. Farrukh U, a 33 year old tailor from Pakistan, had only just arrived in Pattaya for the first time when his holiday turned into a nightmare. He rushed to…
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Nong Bua Lamphu residents win 30 million baht lottery
Two residents from Nong Bua Lamphu province have won first prize in the latest government lottery draw, collectively taking home 30 million baht. One couple celebrated their 18 million baht win, while another winner, who received 12 million baht, remained silent and did not give interviews. After the government lottery results were announced yesterday, September 16, reporters flocked to Nong…
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Thai man dies after enduring harassment from illegal chicken farm (video)
A Thai father’s accumulated stress led to his death following persistent threats and harassment from a nearby chicken farm, leaving a community devastated. The farm’s operations, which were found to be illegal and improperly managed, caused significant distress to locals due to the foul odours and noise. Yesterday, September 16, a TikTok user, @mamiew345, shared a post detailing the hardships…
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Green Day announces first Thailand concert in 14 years
Green Day fans are in for a treat as the legendary post-punk rock band announced a concert in Thailand after a 14-year hiatus. Scheduled for February 12, 2025, the event will take place at Impact Arena, Mueang Thong Thani, and is organised by Live Nation Tero. The announcement, made yesterday, September 16, has thrilled rock enthusiasts across the country. Green…
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Train smash tragedy: Two dead, child miraculously survives
Tragedy struck in Chumphon today when a pickup truck was obliterated by a speeding train at a railway crossing, killing the two adults inside but miraculously sparing a child found alive amidst the wreckage. The horrifying collision occurred around 10.30am, today, September 17, when Special Express train No.40, travelling from Surat Thani to Bangkok, smashed into the vehicle just 30…
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RTAF deploys helicopter to survey Mekong River floods
Floods in two northeastern provinces, Udon Thani and Nong Khai, prompted the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) to deploy an EC-725 helicopter to survey the situation and assist affected residents. The water level in the Mekong River has been steadily rising, necessitating close monitoring in provinces along its banks. RTAF Commander, Air Chief Marshal Phanpakdi Phatthanakun, yesterday, September 16, ordered…
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Borderline chaos: Malaysian tourists banned from entering Thailand
Border drama unfolded yesterday when 39 Malaysian tourists found themselves banned from entering Thailand, thanks to unresolved passport issues, outstanding tax debts, and past criminal records. Kedah Immigration Director Mohd Ridzzuan Mohd Zain spilled the details yesterday, September 16, revealing an array of reasons for the entry denials. “We had 10 cases of damaged passports, torn, waterlogged, missing pages, and…
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City in chaos: Typhoon Bebinca slams Shanghai
Typhoon Bebinca, the most powerful storm to strike Shanghai since 1949, has left the city paralysed, as flights were cancelled, and major attractions, including Disneyland, shut their doors. The storm, which made landfall on Monday, brought China’s financial hub to a grinding halt during the country’s three-day Mid-Autumn Festival holiday. Chaos began on Sunday evening when all flights out of…
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Two Bangkok districts to become pedestrian paradise
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is shaking things up with a plan to transform the eastern districts of Phra Khanong and Bang Na into a pedestrian’s dream. In a move that will have locals leaving their cars at home, the new zones will encourage walking, running, and biking as part of a healthier, greener lifestyle. Deputy Bangkok Governor Tavida Kamolvej…
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Thai couple could face firing squad for Indonesia drug bust
Two Thai nationals face execution for drug trafficking charges in Indonesia. Rachanon Jongseeha and his girlfriend Woranawan Wongsuwan were among six people arrested in Bali last week on drug charges by Indonesian police. Four could face execution under the country’s strict drug laws. The 33 year old Rachanon and his 31 year old girlfriend were arrested upon arrival at Bali’s…
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Satun province faces severe flooding amid heavy rainfall
Heavy rainfall caused severe flooding in four districts of Satun province, affecting eight subdistricts and 26 villages. The continuous downpour led officials to establish boats in flood-prone areas and mobilise resources for 24-hour monitoring and assistance. Heavy rain has been battering Satun province since yesterday, September 16, resulting in significant flooding in the districts of Khuan Don, Mueang Satun, Tha…
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Wired up: Jobless man arrested for stealing 208 metres of copper in Bangkok
Police arrested a man suspected of stealing copper wire totalling over 208 metres from the Ong Ang canal in Bangkok, valued at more than 180,000 baht. The suspect claimed he resorted to theft after losing his job. Police Major General Samart Promchat, Deputy Police Major General Narit Pratthanaporn, and Police Colonel Pawat Watsupattra from the Phra Ratchawang Police Station yesterday,…
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Jet fuel boom: Thailand’s aviation set for sky-high growth
Thailand’s aviation sector is ready to soar, fuelled by a surge in air travel and jet fuel demand, according to Bangkok Aviation Fuel Services Plc (BAFS). The refuelling giant, which serves Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, is seeing a bright future as the aviation industry bounces back from the pandemic slump. BAFS President ML Nathasit Diskul revealed the company’s expected…
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Tying the not: Wat Ratchabophit bans wedding snaps
In a striking move to maintain its sacred aura, the Wat Ratchabophit temple declared that wedding ceremonies and pre-wedding photoshoots are now strictly off-limits within its idyllic grounds. Social media had been buzzing with misleading chatter, but the temple has made it crystal clear: it’s a no-go for nuptial celebrations. On September 15, Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram made a sweeping statement,…
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Gold rush: Fed’s policy shift sparks record-breaking prices
Gold prices soared to an all-time high today as traders anticipate the Federal Reserve’s first shift towards easing monetary policy in over four years. The price of bullion jumped by up to 0.4%, hitting a peak of US$2,589.03 per ounce during Asian trading hours, today, September 17. This comes after a 3.2% increase last week, with eyes now on the…
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Chiang Rai man offers free filtered water amid flood crisis
A generous man in Chiang Rai is offering free, high-quality filtered water 24 hours a day to anyone in need due to the recent floods. Those without access to tap water can contact him directly, and a hose over 50 metres long ensures easy access to their vehicles. Widespread flooding in Chiang Rai caused significant damage yesterday, disrupting daily life…
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