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 What is the 5 year visa for the digital nomad in Thailand?
The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is a great option for digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers who want to stay in Thailand for a long time. This multiple-entry visa is valid for five years, allowing stays of up to 180...
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Crystal clear bust: South Korean drug kingpin nabbed in Thailand
A dramatic international manhunt has ended with the arrest of a South Korean man accused of trafficking crystal methamphetamine from Thailand to South Korea. Thai narcotics police, working closely with their South Korean counterparts, swooped in on 44 year old Seo Jung Num in Chon Buri province. Police Lieutenant General Panurat Lakboon, Secretary-General of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board…
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DSI fast-tracks fraud case against celebrity retailer Kornkanok
Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong authorised the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to expedite the high-profile fraud case against celebrity online retailer Kornkanok “Mae Tuck” Suwannabut. The case has been designated a special case to ensure a swift resolution. Kornkanok and her husband, Kanpon Rueang-aram, were arrested on September 30 in Bangkok, facing multiple charges. They are accused of public fraud,…
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Thai beauty queen tricked into paying 800,000 baht for victory
A Thai beauty queen demanded justice after a beauty pageant manager deceived her into paying 800,000 baht to secure a crown. The 27 year old beauty queen, Panicha, also known as Lemon, sought help from non-profit organisation Saimai Survive after she was allegedly duped by the manager of a renowned beauty pageant in the central province of Suphan Buri. Lemon…
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Thailand climbs the global ranks: 28th best country in the world
Thailand secured its spot as one of the world’s best places to live, work, and explore, leaping up one place to 28th in the US News & World Report’s 2024 Best Countries in the World ranking. This comes as the country continues to shine globally for its rich heritage, booming industries, and irresistible tourism appeal. The list, compiled in collaboration…
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Thailand’s LGBTQI+ discrimination costs the economy big time
Thailand’s economy is losing billions, and discrimination is the culprit. A new report by Open for Business reveals that LGBTQI+ exclusion is costing the nation a staggering 51.8 to 121.8 billion baht annually. This shocking figure comes from a mix of lost wages, healthcare costs, and missed economic opportunities, all linked to ongoing discrimination against the LGBTQI+ community. The report,…
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Armed men arrested after storming Udon Thani childcare centre
Two young men armed with a knife and a baseball bat were apprehended after storming into a childcare centre, admitting to using drugs and engaging in a dispute over drug debts. They claimed they did not realise they had entered a childcare centre during their chase. Yesterday, October 3, around midday, a group of teenagers armed with a baseball bat…
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Thai woman suffers broken legs in hit-and-run on zebra crossing
A Thai woman is seeking justice after a hit-and-run on a zebra crossing in the central province of Pathum Thani on October 1 left her with two broken legs. The victim, 50 year old Rattana, took to social media to search for the pickup driver who crashed into her at around 5am on October 1. Rattana shared CCTV footage of…
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LINE MAN Wongnai expands food delivery across Thailand
LINE MAN Wongnai is significantly expanding in Thailand’s food delivery market, with over 10 million users monthly and more than 100,000 riders servicing all 77 provinces. Yod Chinsupakul, CEO of LINE MAN Wongnai, highlighted the continuous growth of the food delivery market in Thailand. The platform now caters to over 10 million users each month and has a rider network…
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Thailand races to attract 10 million more tourists before year-end
Thailand is pulling out all the stops to reclaim its crown as a world-class tourism destination. In a high-profile meeting yesterday, October 3, at the Dusit Thani Bangkok, the Tourism and Sports Ministry, along with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), unveiled their ambitious plans to attract more tourists to the Land of Smiles. With representatives from TAT’s 74 domestic…
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Fake Thai monk’s gamble goes bust in Bangkok mall
Police arrested a fake Thai monk at a bank within a shopping mall in the Chatuchak district of Bangkok yesterday, October 3, for scamming money from Buddhists to clear his gambling debts. Ironically named “Duangdee,” which translates to “good fortune” in Thai, this bogus monk’s luck ran out as he was apprehended outside Krungthai Bank in Central Lat Phrao shopping…
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Paetongtarn’s diplomatic debut: Thailand’s PM faces global stage
Thailand’s youngest prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, kicked off her international leadership journey with a high-stakes appearance at the 3rd Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Leaders’ Summit in Doha, Qatar. This trip, running between October 2 to 4, marks her first official overseas engagement since taking office just a month ago. The ACD holds special significance for PM Paetongtarn, as it was…
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Arrest warrants issued in Kamnan Nok meth gang shooting case
The court issued arrest warrants for the leader of the Kamnan Nok gang and his associate, who are accused of firing 30 shots into a Toyota Camry over a dispute involving 600,000 methamphetamine pills. Police are expanding their investigation to apprehend all involved parties. Yesterday, October 3, the investigation, supervised by Praphat Mangkhang, Deputy Commander of Samut Prakan Provincial Police,…
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Corruption scandal hits the brakes: Thailand’s bus industry whistleblows dirty dealings
A shocking revelation has swept through the coach bus industry of Thailand as several anonymous companies have blown the whistle on rampant corruption within the Land Transport Department‘s vehicle inspection process. A sneaky bribe of 3,000 to 4,000 baht is all it takes to fast-track an inspection, making life suspiciously easy for some. This disgraceful practice was put under the…
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Phang Nga governor pushes for Phuket rail link
Plans for a game-changing rail link to Phuket are gathering steam—but officials are staying tight-lipped. Phang Nga Governor Supoj Rotreuang Na Nongkhai has just held a high-level meeting to review the ambitious project connecting Tha Noon in Takua Thung district to Phuket International Airport. The proposed 18-kilometre railway, expected to feature four stations—Khok Kloi, Tha Noon, Mai Khao, and Phuket…
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Insurance firms to compensate school bus blaze victims
Insurance companies, in collaboration with the Office of the Insurance Commission (OIC), are set to provide compensation to the families of the deceased and injured following the school bus blaze tragedy. Each person affected is entitled to an initial compensation of 660,000 baht (US$19,940). The devastating incident, which occurred on October 1, claimed the lives of 23 students and teachers…
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Chadchart paves way for smoother days ahead on Sukhumvit Road
Bangkok’s streets are in for a major overhaul, and not a moment too soon. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, along with Deputy Governor Wisanu Subsompon, inspected Sukhumvit Soi 23 in Watthana district on Wednesday, October 2, highlighting some glaring urban headaches. Top of the list? The road surface. It’s been damaged by water pipe installations and shoddy temporary repairs made during leak…
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Two mechanics fatally electrocuted at Suphan Buri repair shop
Tragedy struck a repair shop in Dan Chang district, Suphan Buri yesterday when two mechanics were fatally electrocuted due to a faulty battery charging cabinet. The incident took place yesterday, October 3, at a car repair shop located in Village 21, Nong Makha Mong subdistrict. Upon receiving the report, Nirun Thongpan, Deputy Police Inspector of Dan Chang Police Station, coordinated…
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Thailand unveils 145 billion baht cash handout to boost economy
Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul unveiled a whopping 145 billion baht ((US$4.4 billion) cash handout scheme that promises to rev up the economy before the year’s end. This mega injection is set to turbocharge the nation’s GDP by a tidy 0.3 percentage points. And it’s not just a flash in the pan, the economic boost is expected to keep rolling…
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Bangkok races ahead: Minister shifts gears for F1 street spectacle
Bangkok might soon be revving its engines as Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, vows to secure a Formula 1 (F1) street race in the capital. Sorawong is working hard to finalise the deal by the end of this year, after holding talks with Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the governing body of F1. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is…
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Thai businesses gear up for AI-mazing future with tech adoption plans
A recent survey reveals that approximately 17% of Thai organisations are currently utilising artificial intelligence (AI), with 73% planning to adopt the technology in the future. This data comes from the Readiness for the Application of AI Technology for Digital Services in 2024 survey, conducted by the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) and the National Science Technology Development Agency (NSTDA).…
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Firecracker folly: Phuket driver’s explosive secret sparks car blaze
A Thai driver yesterday admitted to storing an assortment of firecrackers in his car, which led to a blaze that engulfed his vehicle and another nearby in Phuket. A witness lodged a complaint with Mueang Phuket Police Station around 8.30pm, Yesterday, October 3, reporting the fire that erupted on two vehicles in Soi Shopping, right in the heart of Phuket…
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Gold prices in Thailand going for baht-er as market shines bright
Thailand’s gold market is set to sparkle as prices climb to a dazzling 44,000 baht per baht weight, a leap from the previous 41,350 baht. The surge is driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East, a dipping baht, and the US Federal Reserve’s impending interest rate cuts, says the Gold Traders Association (GTA). On October 2, the gold bar…
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Thailand video news | Bus company under fire for concealing illegal gas cylinders after deadly accident, Singaporean ex-minister sentenced for corruption and abuse of power
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jay cover a range of stories from Thailand and neighbouring Southeast Asian countries. Headlines include a bus company under scrutiny for concealing illegal gas modifications following a deadly fire in Pathum Thani, and an investigation into a Phuket tour boat blaze that injured its captain. Other key stories feature a dramatic sword and…
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Factory worker killed in Chon Buri shooting, suspect at large
A factory supervisor shot and killed a co-worker outside their workplace, firing eight shots from a 9mm gun. The incident occurred around 6pm yesterday, October 3. Police and rescue workers were called to the scene in Don Hua Lo, Chon Buri province. Police officers, led by Kitthivet Ngasuwan, arrived to find 38 year old Natthawut lying in a pool of blood.…
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Thief gets carted away: Salt-and-battery in Bangkok bust
Police in Bangkok’s Nong Chok district arrested a Thai man along with his trusty red tricycle cart. The suspect had been masquerading as a salt seller while secretly breaking into unattended homes in the area to steal valuables. Police officials received a report today, October 4, from the local community that homes were being robbed during the day when residents…
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Tide turns: Chinese man in hot water over risky Ping River plunge
A Chinese man faces a fine of up to 5,000 baht for swimming in the Ping River in Chiang Mai province during a strong current and flooding. A video of the man floating and relaxing in the Ping River during heavy flooding in Chiang Mai was first shared last month. The video drew widespread criticism, with many expressing concern that…
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Thailand welfare card benefits updated for October
Thailand’s Comptroller General’s Department has updated the welfare card benefits for October. Eligible individuals will receive various allowances and benefits starting this month, including purchasing allowances, transport subsidies, and additional disability payments. The welfare card benefits for October began on Tuesday, October 1. Teeraporn Phasuk, Deputy Director-General of the Comptroller General’s Department and spokesperson for the department, stated that those…
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Charging ahead: BYD owners left powerless by marketing spin
In a surprising twist, BYD car owners stormed into the government offices yesterday, filing an official complaint against the Chinese auto giant. They claim the company’s aggressive marketing tactics amount to nothing less than unfair selling practices, leaving them out in the cold, literally. Led by officials from consumer protection, the disgruntled owners told tales of woe regarding access to…
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Rolling the dice: Pattaya homes raided in Chinese gambling bust
Police raided three luxury houses in Pattaya and arrested 20 Chinese nationals for operating a gambling website and illegal loan service. Officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station discovered a group of Chinese nationals running illegal businesses based in Thailand. They were found to be offering loans illegally to clients in China. The gang rented three luxury houses to carry out…
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Chon Buri man arrested for threatening mother, assaulting family
A man in Chon Buri was arrested after he allegedly threatened to kill his mother, assault his son, and attempted to rape his daughter. Officials found methamphetamine in his possession. Police and administrative officers arrested 46 year old Sornchai (surname withheld) at his home in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri. The arrest followed a plea for help from a 64…
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