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 A healthy tomorrow starts today: Celebrate the great American Smokeout day
The Great American Smokeout, held this year on November 17, is a nationwide event that encourages smokers to take their first steps towards a smoke-free life. If you’re an expat in Thailand, this day could be a timely reminder to...
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Red Bull family sues for defamation after son’s hit and run incident
Chalerm Yoovidhya, the son of the Red Bull co-founder, has initiated legal proceedings against a TV presenter and former police lieutenant colonel for defamation, seeking compensation of 50 million baht. The accusations stem from statements implicating him in the alleged use of 300 million baht to sway favour towards his son, Vorayuth ‘Boss’ Yoovidhya, after a fatal hit-and-run incident. Represented…
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Thai banks urged to ‘transact green’ by BoT to aid local businesses
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) urges large commercial banks in Thailand to provide transition finance to aid local businesses in shifting from carbon-intensive operations to more sustainable practices. During the seminar EARTH JUMP 2024: The Edge of Action organised by Kasikornbank, Ronadol Numnonda, deputy governor of the central bank, revealed that last year, large local banks reported a total of…
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Two killed as fatigued truck driver crashes on Pattaya highway
A devastating accident involving an 18-wheeler truck with a fatigued driver occurred yesterday morning on a highway near Pattaya, resulting in two fatalities and multiple injuries. The crash happened at about 8.40am in the Nong Pla Lai sub-district, Banglamung district, Chon Buri province, on Highway 7 inbound to Pattaya. Sawang Boriboon rescue workers responded swiftly to the distress call. Upon…
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Thailand seeks BRICS membership for global influence
Thailand set its sights on joining the intergovernmental organisation BRICS, which is expanding beyond its original membership of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The Thai Cabinet approved a draft of the official letter indicating Thailand’s intention to join the group, according to government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke. Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates became official members of…
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Thailand faces mental health crisis with nearly 10 million affected
Nearly 10 million individuals in Thailand are grappling with mental health issues, with almost 11% of the population at risk of suicide, according to the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). Additionally, around 16% of the population experiences regular stress. Secretary-General of NESDC, Danucha Pichayanan highlighted the gravity of the situation as the agency released its first-quarter report on…
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Thai man rapes step-granddaughter and infects her with HIV
Officers from the Investigation Division of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (IDMB) arrested a Thai man for raping his step-granddaughter from the age of seven and transmitting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to her. The victim, who is now 16 years old, filed a complaint against the rapist, 59 year old Nookarn, at Bang Khen Police Station on April 28. IDMB officers raided…
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Thai Consulate Savannakhet: No more walk-in services
THAI CONSULATE SAVANNAKHET POLICY CHANGE The Royal Thai Consulate in Savannakhet, Laos, will go to online appointment booking only effective June 1st (actually on Tuesday June 4th which is the first day they’re open after the holiday). The consulate will no longer allow walk up service, you have to book an appointment to get in the gate. At this time the…
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Massive positive changes to Thailand’s visa system from June 1
5-year visas available for digital nomads, boxers and chefs students The cabinet has approved a number of new visa initiatives aimed at attracting more tourists. This includes visa-free and visa-on-arrival schemes, extended stays for students, and a decrease in mandatory health insurance for retirees. The Foreign Ministry suggested these actions due to the country’s significant reliance on tourism, according to…
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Tourism boom: Thailand clocks in 14.3 million visitors
Thailand welcomed 14.3 million international tourists in the first five months of this year, generating close to 683 billion baht (US$18.7 billion) in revenue. The Tourism and Sports Minister, Sermsak Pongpanich, shared these figures, highlighting the significant contribution of foreign visitors to the country’s economy from January 1 to May 26. The top five countries with the highest number of…
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Shocking house fire in Pathum Thani claims life of a bedridden man
A fire broke out in a single-storey house in Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, resulting in the tragic death of the bedridden homeowner. The incident left his wife in shock after being informed by a neighbour’s call. An investigator from Khlong Luang Police Station, Teerasak Saento received the report about the fire in Moo 9, Khlong Sam Subdistrict, around 6am yesterday,…
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Record sea temperatures leave Thai corals feeling the heat
Sea surface temperatures on Thailand’s eastern gulf coast hit record highs during a regional heatwave, causing significant coral bleaching and threatening the local marine ecosystem. This poses severe risks to tourism and the livelihoods of local communities. Marine biologists and locals are alarmed by the impact of rising sea temperatures on marine life. The vibrant and colourful corals, typically found…
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Hooked: Foreigner makes waves, takes a dip in fish spa (video)
A foreign man captured the attention of Thai netizens after a viral video on the TikTok application showed him dipping his head into a fish tank foot spa to cool off on a hot day in the northern province of Chiang Mai. A Thai man shared the video on his TikTok account, @dai.yin.see.tatto, yesterday, May 27, with the caption, “When…
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Chinese investors show strong interest in Thailand at RCEP-tion
Chinese investors eagerly engaged with Thailand’s business landscape at a recent matchmaking event held under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement. Marking its debut in Thailand, the event seeks to draw interest towards emerging S-curve industries and facilitate the transfer of technology from China. At the helm of the 1st RCEP Business Opportunities Matchmaking Conference (China-Thailand) was Commerce Minister…
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Police bust heroin smuggling gang after high-speed chase
The Thai authorities apprehended a transnational heroin smuggling gang after a high-speed chase ended with the suspect’s vehicle crashing into a roadside forest. Police discovered 380 bars of heroin weighing 139 kilogrammes with an estimated street value of 280 million baht. At 9.30am yesterday, senior police officials held a press conference at the Region 4 Provincial Police headquarters, announcing the…
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Pool tragedy sinks holiday: 74 year old Austrian drowns in Pattaya
A 74 year old Austrian man tragically drowned at a condominium pool in Pattaya. The incident took place at an unidentified complex in the Naklua area of Banglamung district, Chon Buri province. The Thai authorities received a report about the drowning around 9.30pm yesterday, May 27, prompting Banglamung police and rescue workers to rush to the scene. Upon arrival, officials…
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Agriculture minister denies knowledge of swinging amid scandal
A high-ranking Thai government official accused of having an affair with a married woman after joining a swingers’ club, was identified as a member of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. The minister claimed he has no knowledge of this and even asked reporters to explain the meaning of “swinging” to him. A Thai man, identified only as A, sought…
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Thailand Cabinet boosts 2024 fiscal budget by 122 billion baht
The Thai Cabinet approved a plan to increase the 2024 fiscal budget by 122 billion baht to support its delayed household stimulus scheme, Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul today announced. This adjustment will raise the new budget to 3.6 trillion baht, representing a 13% increase from the previous year, with the deficit swelling to 805 billion baht. The government’s decision…
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Fisherman swept away in Chiang Mai, search efforts intensify
Search efforts continue for a missing fisherman swept away by heavy waves while fishing in Chiang Mai. Relatives conducted a ceremony to appease local spirits as authorities were using heavy machinery to excavate potential burial sites, and divers searched the river. The 35 year old fisherman had gone fishing with 46 year old Piboon Sujai, and other friends at a weir…
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Pattaya man calls for support to repatriate overstaying Russians
A Thai apartment owner reached out to the Thai authorities to help an overstaying Russian man and his two daughters in Pattaya as they faced financial constraints preventing a return to their home country. The Russian originally fled with his girls to escape the ongoing conflict between his home country and Ukraine. The apartment owner alerted the Chon Buri Provincial…
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Oral sex is driving increases in HPV-related head and neck cancers in men
In recent years, a concerning trend has emerged in the realm of public health: a significant rise in head and neck cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) among men. This increase is linked to changes in sexual behaviours, notably the rise in oral sex, which has facilitated the spread of HPV. Despite the availability of vaccines, the incidence of these…
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Ezy Airlines ready for Hat Yai-Betong takeoff, expect turbulence
Ezy Airlines announced plans to take flight on the currently unserviced Hat Yai-Betong route by late next year, experiencing a slight delay from its original schedule. Chatchavee Sakornvisai, senior director of business development and international liaison, confirmed Ezy Airlines’ intention to establish Hat Yai Airport as its operational hub, with aspirations to start flights to Betong by the third quarter…
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Shocking crime: Man electrocutes father to death with fan wire
The Thai authorities apprehended a man suspected of electrocuting his father using a fan’s electrical wire, leading to the 88 year old’s death at their home. The suspect, who faces potential capital punishment, denies the charges amid financial motives and previous family conflicts. The incident occurred around 11pm yesterday. The authorities questioned close relatives, including the deceased’s wife, to uncover…
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Thai woman arrested for stealing from blind neighbour (video)
Police arrested a Thai woman caught on a security camera stealing money and a mobile phone from an elderly blind neighbour in the Isaan province of Nakhon Panom. Officers from the Laksila Police Station, yesterday, May 27, arrested the 36 year old woman, Jariya Puttawong, for allegedly stealing from the 80 year old blind victim, Thong, on May 3 and…
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Fungi folly: Couple arrested for selling hallucinogenic mushrooms
Police apprehended a couple involved in the illegal cultivation and sale of hallucinogenic mushrooms, claiming spiritual enlightenment and healing powers. Despite openly defying law enforcement to intervene, their bravado was shattered when they were ensnared by an undercover agent. The Metropolitan Police Bureau Chief, Thiti Saengsawang, yesterday, May 27, directed a team led by Napasin Poolsawat, along with Thiradet Thammasuteer and…
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Truck driver dozes off, killing two and injuring five in Chon Buri
A tragic crash occurred at 8.40 am yesterday on the inbound Pattaya side of Highway 7, near Bang Lamung, Chon Buri, when an 18-wheeler truck driver fell asleep at the wheel. The devastating accident led to the loss of two women’s lives and left five others injured, while also causing extensive property damage. Upon arrival at the scene, police and…
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Thai man’s cheeky defence: Bottom grab was just a bit of dusting
A Thai man defended himself after grabbing a woman’s bottom, claiming he was not sexually assaulting her but simply trying to brush dust off her skirt. The 17 year old female university student filed a complaint with the officers at Mueang Udon Thani Police Station, stating that a food delivery rider had sexually assaulted her at a coffee shop on…
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Hoppy news: Rare albino frog spawns lottery luck in Khon Kaen
Residents in Khon Kaen province have been captivated by the discovery of a rare albino frog, which they believe to be a harbinger of good fortune. This unusual amphibian was stumbled upon after a rainstorm, prompting villagers to flock to see it in anticipation of uncovering lucky lottery numbers. Social media and various pages across Khon Kaen province have been…
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Campaign to stub out e-cigarettes from schools gains momentum
The campaign to eliminate e-cigarettes from schools is rapidly gaining momentum, as recent studies indicate a more than fivefold increase in usage over the past seven years. Education Minister Police General Permpoon Chidchob reaffirmed the government’s dedication to eradicating e-cigarette use in schools during a forum held yesterday, May 27. The event, organised by the Action on Smoking and Health…
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Drugged-up driver’s wild ride ends with 120km police chase
A dramatic police chase unfolded when a 25 year old man, high on drugs, stole a pickup truck and a minibus, fleeing across provinces for 120 kilometres before being apprehended in Nakhon Ratchasima, also known as Korat, claiming he was escaping from people trying to kill him. The incident began last night, May 27, when police from Choknasan Police Station…
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Singapore PM thanks Thailand for help after emergency landing
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong expressed gratitude to Thailand for its swift assistance following an emergency landing of a Singapore Airlines flight at Suvarnabhumi Airport last week. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin shared on his X account, formerly Twitter, yesterday that Wong had called him the previous day to extend his thanks to the Thai government and all those involved…
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