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 Chef Fabio Genghini takes over Portofino at Le Meridien Phuket for an Exclusive 2-week residency
Food lovers, prepare your taste buds for a gourmet Italian feast! From July 2 to 13, acclaimed Chef Fabio Genghini will take over Le Meridien Phuket’s beloved Italian restaurant, Portofino as a guest chef. It’s a chance for you to...
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Yellen urges China to reconsider state-driven economy due to investment deterrence
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen urged China to deviate from its state-driven economic policy, citing the deterrence it creates for investors. Speaking at the US-China Business Council’s 50-anniversary dinner in Washington, Yellen highlighted the stifling effect of an overbearing role for state-owned enterprises. US businesses have repeatedly voiced their concerns about the perceived unfair Chinese business environment, including limited intellectual…
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PTTEP forecasts 9% rise in petroleum sales due to expanded gas production
PTT Exploration and Production Plc (PTTEP) anticipates a 9% surge in petroleum sales in the coming year, largely due to the expanded gas production from the Erawan field in the Gulf of Thailand. The company’s President and CEO, Montri Rawanchaikul, revealed that the average sales for this year are anticipated to be around 464,000 barrels each day. This increase in…
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16 year old Thai girl accuses Chinese man met on dating app of rape
A 16 year old Thai girl filed a complaint against a Chinese man for allegedly raping her at a condominium in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok. He and his friends also attempted to gang-rape her on the day. The victim named Mo lodged a complaint at Rattanatibet Police Station on December 13. She explained that she met the Chinese man on…
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Electric dreams charge ahead: Aiming for a ‘shocking’ 359,000 EVs in the next year
Aiming for a substantial boost in their electric vehicle (EV) production, Thai authorities have set a target of 359,000 units for the coming year. This ambitious plan is supported by a 39.5 billion baht investment, as confirmed by industry insiders. The Office of Industrial Economics (OIE) is optimistic that the state’s EV policy, coupled with incentives for investment, will lead…
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Bangkok’s Red Cross Fair at Lumpini: Where the fun never ‘cross’-es the deadline
The renowned Red Cross Fair, held at Lumpini Park, Bangkok, is still going strong after it kicked off on December 8. Don’t miss out on the fun and frolics before the fair ends on December 18. A golden location within the event sees vendors bidding for the best spots. With a theme of Joyful Happiness at the Place of Giving,…
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Thai hospital compensates family with 30,000 baht after medication mix-up
A hospital has compensated a family with 30,000 baht after a one year old infant was mistakenly given the wrong medication. The child, who had fallen and hit his head in the bathroom, was taken to a hospital in Samut Prakan province to have a brain scan. During the journey to another hospital for a second scan, a nurse gave…
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Motorcyclist dies in accident under Rangsit Railway Station bridge
A road accident in Pak Khlong Rangsit, Pathum Thani, ended in the death of a motorcyclist late yesterday evening, December 14. The 37 year old motorcyclist, Adisorn (surname withheld), lost control of his vehicle and collided with a vegetable truck, causing his death. The accident took place under the stairs of the Lokal road’s railway station, going towards Rangsit. Adisorn’s motorbike,…
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Social Security Board candidates call for higher pension rates
A majority of the candidates in the race for the new Social Security Board have underscored the need to increase pension rates for retirees within the social security system. They also drew attention to the crucial requirement of enhancing transparency and efficiency in managing the Social Security Fund (SSF). The election, slated for December 24, will see over 800,000 registered…
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7 police surrender over money extortion while police spy charged with rape
Seven Prathum Thani Provincial Police officers and an alleged police spy turned themselves in at Pratunam Chulalongkorn Police Station in Bangkok on charges of extorting money and raping a female drug suspect. A Thai woman and her boyfriend sought justice after accusing seven police officers in the central province of Prathum Thani of extorting 300,000 baht from them when they…
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Olympic medallist Somluck faces attempted rape charges in Khon Kaen
Olympic medallist Somluck Kamsing surrendered to the local police in Khon Kaen on four charges, including attempted rape, in a case involving a 17 year old girl. Deputy Chief Investigator of Muang District Police, Police Lieutenant Colonel Suparerk Suwanraj, confirmed that Somluck, accompanied by his elder brother and a close associate, presented himself at the station at 12.30am yesterday. The…
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Xi Jinping and Joe Biden at China-US summit: The twist that could change relations forever
Ambassador Xie Feng dubbed the historic meeting between US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping last month in San Francisco a groundbreaking milestone in the decades-old relationship. The face-to-face encounter between the Chinese and US presidents marked a significant step forward after a year of diplomatic silence. During their talks, both leaders hammered out agreements on critical issues…
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Vape trails go up in smoke: Police puff out a e-cigarette distribution network in Bangkok busts
A significant e-cigarette distribution network has been dismantled by the police, following a series of raids in Bangkok. The leader of the network, 32 year old Jenkij Hom-aroon, was apprehended during the operation that occurred yesterday. The Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) spearheaded the operation, acting on information related to the Iqos Thailand FanClub. This Facebook group was identified as…
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Man killed in conflict between woman and her drug addict son (video)
A drug addict killed a Thai teacher at a grocery store in the Isaan province of Chaiyaphum after the victim intervened in a dispute between him and his mother. The victim, 53 year old Thaweesak Chanpanya, was a teacher at Baan Na Raya School in the Phakdee Chumphon district of Chaiyaphum. He also ran a local grocery shop with his wife…
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Thai senator faces lawsuit for alleged money laundering
Senator Upakit Pachariyangkun is facing charges after public prosecutors filed a lawsuit against him today, December 14. The Thai politician has been accused of money laundering and aiding a transnational criminal organisation. This legal action follows the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) decision to indict Upakit on charges of money laundering, involvement in a transnational criminal organisation, and alleged support…
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Hot pot buffet shifts to cashless payments from January 2024
The renowned Hot Pot Buffet restaurant chain announced a shift in its payment methods, heralding the onset of a cashless society. As of January 1 next year, customers in Thailand can no longer pay with cash but must opt for credit card payments or QR code scanning. As society becomes increasingly cashless, many businesses have adapted their payment systems. They…
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Hong Kong civil servants face fury if they dare criticise government
Hong Kong‘s civil servants are set to face disciplinary action if they openly criticise government policies. The proposed changes to the code of conduct have ignited a firestorm of controversy, with restrictions on comments both in their official capacity and as ordinary residents. Under the unveiled amendments, civil servants must now uphold political neutrality as one of 12 core values,…
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Brooklyn Nine-Nine cast mourns the loss of beloved co-star Andre Braugher at 61 (video)
The vibrant world of Brooklyn Nine-Nine has been dimmed as the beloved Andre Braugher, aka Captain Raymond Holt, has passed away at the age of 61. The cast paid homage to their co-star’s legacy, sharing cherished memories and celebrating the man behind the iconic character. The news of Andre Braugher’s passing shocked the entertainment world, leaving the cast of Brooklyn…
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Thai soldier with gambling addiction nabbed for stealing gold to pay dowry
Police arrested a Thai soldier for stealing two gold necklaces worth 340,000 baht from a shop in Prahum Thani province near Bangkok. The soldier claimed he lost all his money gambling online and needed a dowry to marry his girlfriend. Officers from Suan Prik Thai Police Station were notified about the gold theft yesterday afternoon, December 13. The theft took…
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Ex-Democrat Party deputy cleared of abduction charges in Thailand
The court dismissed the case against Prinn Panitchpakdi, a former deputy leader of the Democrat Party, stating that the case is time-barred as it was not reported within three months. The court found no wrongdoing in the case of abducting a minor as the defendant had voluntarily driven the minor home without deviating from the route. The incident occurred at…
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French farmers turn the tables: Campaign leaves road signs topsy-turvy
French farmers are making headlines with a unique protest that has left the countryside in disarray. Road signs are now upside-down, thanks to a campaign aimed at drawing attention to the turmoil farmers claim is threatening their very way of life. In rural France, motorists are doing double-takes as they encounter a surreal landscape – town and village entrance signs…
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Why Chinese tourists snub Thailand: New favourites revealed
After 26 years of catering to Chinese tourists, a tour guide finds himself amid a revolution as travellers from Taiwan, India, and beyond take centre stage. Thailand, hopeful for a Chinese tourism resurgence post-pandemic, faces an unexpected plot twist as a surge of Taiwanese visitors, in particular, reshapes the narrative. Saichon Chounchou now handles a 20-person group of Taiwanese tourists.…
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Thai PM unleashes bold tourism overhaul: Second-tier provinces take centre stage
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin shook the foundations of Thailand‘s tourism strategy, revealing a radical shift during a high-stakes meeting at Government House. The Thai premier, flanked by Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol and Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Chief Thapanee Kiatphaibool, unveiled his masterplan to propel the nation into a perpetual high-season destination, leaving traditional hotspots like Chiang Mai…
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Thai couple arrested for embezzling 24 million baht from employer
Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) officers arrested a Thai couple for embezzling 24 million baht from their employer while working at a petrol station in the central province of Chantaburi between 2020 to 2023. ATPD reported that a 47 year old Thai man, Wichian, and his 46 year old wife, Jatuporn, were former accountants at the petrol station in Chantaburi…
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Mysterious items unearthed in Surat Thani home spark fears of malevolent intent
A homeowner in Surat Thani province unearthed some mysterious items beneath the floor of her house, sparking concerns of malevolent intent. She shared her unsettling discovery on Facebook, stating her life had been plagued with misfortune since moving into the house. The 28 year old woman resides in a single-storey concrete house in Thung Rang district, Surat Thani, built by…
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Predicted winning numbers for the upcoming Thai government lottery draw
A significant draw for the government lottery is set for Saturday, December 16, with a wide range of interesting numbers to consider. The Mae Jam Nian Lottery, a prominent lottery ticket outlet, revealed its top-selling numbers and highlighted numbers on its Facebook page. The favoured numbers for the December 16 draw include 71, 72, 45, 67, 79, 95, 07, 57,…
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Thai fortune teller’s readings spark controversy on social media
A recent incident has rattled social media, where a popular Thai fortune teller, known for her expensive rates and precise predictions, has been accused of using information from clients’ mobile phones for their readings. The case came to light when a TikTok user, cakekanokon, posted a video warning others about this practice. Today, three clients, Pam, Cake and Hem, revealed…
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Michelin Guide Thailand 2024: An ode to culinary excellence with new shining stars
At the Michelin Guide Ceremony Thailand, Michelin has officially unveiled The Michelin Guide Thailand 2024 edition, revealing its much-awaited full restaurant selection, and celebrating the accomplishments of Thailand’s vibrant and dynamic culinary community. The newly released Guide features 447 establishments. 2 restaurants newly received two Michelin Stars In the 2024 Michelin Guide Thailand edition, two Michelin Stars listings add 2…
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Irishman’s life hangs by a thread after mosquito bite in Thailand
A truck driver from Cork, Ireland, is fighting for his life in a Bangkok hospital after an unexpected twist of fate following a rare mosquito bite in Thailand. The Burke family now faces daily bills of 2,700 euros (103,213 baht) for his intensive care, leaving them in a desperate plea for help. Originally planning to return home on November 19,…
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5 Thai police accused of illegally detaining and extorting Thai man
A Thai man accused five officers from Pabon Police Station in the southern province of Phattalung of unlawfully detaining him, charging him with illegal gun possession, and extorting 50,000 baht from him. Channel 7 received a complaint from a 50 year old man named Tu who claimed to be a victim of corrupt police officers yesterday, December 13. Tu recounted…
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Phuket nightlife extends with 4am closing and increased safety measures
Phuket’s nightlife venues in Patong will soon be buzzing till 4am, thanks to new government regulations. To ensure the safety of party-goers, Kathu district’s Chief, Theeraphong Chuaychu, announced the creation of a war room to keep tabs on these late-night establishments. This extension of closing hours is set to come into force on December 16 and will impact selected areas…
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