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 Thinking of retiring in Thailand long-term? Here’s your health checklist before the move
Thinking of retiring in Thailand long-term? Thailand is a popular choice for retirees because of its beautiful landscapes, warm climate, and affordable living. Cities like Chiang Mai and coastal areas offer a relaxed lifestyle with friendly communities. The country also...
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Thailand unveils destination visa to attract remote workers
The Government of Thailand is intensifying efforts to promote its new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) to attract foreign nationals who wish to work while travelling in the country, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa. Maris announced that the ministry is playing a significant role in promoting the DTV, which is anticipated to generate revenue for Thailand. He emphasised that…
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Southern Industrial Council opposes 400 baht minimum wage rise
The Southern Industrial Council opposes the proposed 400 baht minimum wage increase, advocating for region-specific adjustments instead. Businesses face high costs for electricity and oil, alongside competition from Chinese investments. Adisorn Tanaengchuan, President of the Southern Industrial Council and executive member of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), expressed concerns regarding the Labour Wage Committee’s meeting today to consider the…
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Identity theft leaves ex-village headman without essential services
An ex-assistant village headman from Nakhon Ratchasima has found himself in a nightmarish situation after discovering that his identity was stolen by a prisoner. Despite years of seeking help, he remains unable to access essential services due to the mix-up. Komson Tiskratok, a 41 year old man, reported that his name, surname, and 13-digit ID number were used by a…
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Illegal care centre in Chiang Mai sends Thai father to hospital
A Thai woman took her father to a care centre in Chiang Mai, only to receive the news that he was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries. It was later revealed that the centre was operating illegally. A Facebook user named Mimm Jewpanya pleaded for help yesterday after her father was admitted to a care centre in Chiang Mai.…
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Thai household debt hits 13.6 trillion baht as bad loans rise
Thai household debt has surged to alarming levels, reaching 13.6 trillion baht, with non-performing loans (NPLs) climbing to 1.2 trillion baht. The National Credit Bureau reports a consistent rise in bad debts across housing, automotive, and credit card sectors. Data from the end of July indicates that household debt in Thailand reached a staggering 13.6 trillion baht. This figure is…
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Temple turmoil: Abbot arrested over sexual assault of minor
Police detained the abbot of a temple in Kui Buri district for questioning over allegations of sexually assaulting a minor. Villagers believe the abbot, known for accurate lottery predictions, is being falsely accused. The abbot denies the charges, while police reveal seven individuals have surrendered in connection with the case. Yesterday, September 19, at the office of the Kui Buri…
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Patong mayor urges caution after landslips and road damage
Patong Mayor Chalermsak Maneesri called on residents and drivers to remain vigilant following several landslips, potholes forming on rain-soaked roads, and a large tree falling onto power lines between Patong and Kamala. A notice was issued by Patong Municipality today, September 20. “Watch out! Follow the situation of flash floods, forest runoff, flooding, mudslides, and strong wind waves.” Residents affected…
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Elderly monk brutally killed in Sisaket temple quarters
A tragic incident unfolded when a 73 year old monk was brutally murdered in his quarters. Two small cats were found wandering around his lifeless body. The discovery was made by a fellow monk who became concerned when the elderly monk did not appear for his morning alms collection. On the morning of yesterday, September 19, police officer Taweesin Srisuriyachai…
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Fire at Sisaket electric bike shop causes million-baht damage
A fire broke out at an electric motorcycle shop, quickly spreading to a nearby mobile phone store and a bank, resulting in millions of baht in damages. Police are investigating the cause of the blaze that occurred yesterday, September 19, at 5.30pm. The incident took place in a two-storey building in the town of Rasisalai, Sisaket province. The fire reportedly…
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Thai man arrested for robbing food vendor in Bang Lamung
Pattaya police apprehended a 51 year old Thai man accused of robbing a street food vendor while pretending to place an order. The suspect was arrested just hours after the incident. Police officers from Bang Lamung Police Station arrested the suspect, Sakon, at 9pm on Wednesday, September 18, at his residence in the Eua Athon Naklua housing estate in Bang…
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Police arrest key suspect in brutal Kalasin double murder
Police apprehended a key suspect in the brutal murder of two cattle traders, a father and son, whose bodies were found in the back of a pickup truck in Kalasin province, Thailand. The investigation continues as police pursue other members of the alleged gang involved in the crime. Police are investigating the murder of 62 year old Rian, and 32…
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Pattaya: Woman openly uses illegal drugs on Soi Buakhao
A woman in Pattaya has been seen openly using illegal drugs on the bustling Soi Buakhao, raising concerns among locals and tourists. A Facebook user recently shared images of the woman, who appears to be homeless, sitting by the roadside with drug paraphernalia in one hand and a lighter in the other. The images show numerous Thai and foreign tourists…
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Malaysia and Cambodia launch cross-border QR payment system
Malaysia and Cambodia have collaboratively launched a cross-border quick response (QR) payment linkage, enabling consumers and merchants to conduct instant retail payments via mobile applications. This initiative, announced by Bank Negara Malaysia and the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), aims to enhance the payment experience and expand market reach for over 5 million merchants in both countries, primarily small businesses.…
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Virtual bank brawl: Thailand’s money movers make their pitch
Competition for virtual bank licences in Thailand is reaching fever pitch, with five heavyweight business groups stepping forward just before the application deadline. The Bank of Thailand and the Ministry of Finance are set to issue an undisclosed number of licences, with the winners announced in the first half of next year. Successful applicants will have a year to kick-start…
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Doctors on a mission: Time for a prescription for change
A group of furious doctors launched a passionate petition to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, demanding urgent action to tackle the dire state of Thailand’s public health system. Spearheaded by Clinical Professor Emeritus Dr Amnaj Kussalanan, a former president of the Medical Council of Thailand, the petition was formally handed over at the Ministry of Public Health, where Dr Watchai Charoonwattana,…
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Bangkok street vendors must be poor enough to operate: BMA
In a move that’s bound to shake up Bangkok’s bustling street food scene, new City Hall regulations will allow only “poor Thais” to operate as street vendors. The bold rules, signed by Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, have sparked controversy with their stringent requirements, including a ban on migrant workers. Once published in the Royal Gazette, the new rules will go…
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Thai AirAsia offers free flights to Paralympic medalists
Thai AirAsia announced free flights for Thai Paralympic athletes who won medals at the 2024 Paralympic Games. Medalists will receive free flights for up to 10 years, both domestically and internationally. Thai AirAsia is offering free flights to all Thai athletes who secure medals at the 2024 Paralympic Games, similar to the benefits previously provided to Thai Olympic athletes. Gold…
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China: Japanese boy fatally stabbed near school
In a shocking incident that has left communities reeling, a 10 year old Japanese boy was fatally stabbed near his school in southern China, dying just a day later. The boy, a student at the prestigious Shenzhen Japanese School, succumbed to his injuries today, September 19, according to Japanese officials. The boy’s attacker, a 44 year old man identified as…
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All that glitters: Thai gold prices steady, not budging an ounce
Gold prices in Thailand are holding their ground today, with rates remaining flat compared to yesterday’s close. Jewellery gold is trading at 41,050 baht per baht-weight, according to an early morning update from the Gold Traders Association (GTA) at 9.04am. The price of gold bars stands firm at 40,450 baht for buying and 40,550 baht for selling, mirroring yesterday’s figures.…
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TAGTHAi and Google Cloud to transform tourism in Thailand
TAGTHAi, Thailand’s official travel app, has partnered with Google Cloud to create a ground-breaking solution that simplifies travel for tourists. Their AI-driven feature, Design My Trip, promises to revolutionise how visitors experience Thailand. Thiratida Kuvantharai, CEO of TAGTHAi, revealed the cutting-edge technologies used to offer curated travel experiences tailored to each individual. “This aligns perfectly with the Tourism Authority of…
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AirAsia’s new campaign: Are you always on time? (video)
AirAsia is taking punctuality to new heights with its latest Thai campaign, “Thank You for Being on Time.” In a bold move, the airline is not just focusing on its timeliness but celebrating passengers who make punctuality a lifestyle. The campaign, created by the creative agency Chujai, features two heartwarming video spots directed by Thanachai Srivichai. The 15 and 48…
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Brakes off: Bangkok’s car free day lets tourists cruise sans traffic
Bangkok is revving up for Car Free Day this weekend on Banthat Thong Road, offering a vehicle-free zone for tourists to cruise around and soak up various activities. The event, dubbed Bangkok Car Free 2024: Connecting for Life, aligns with the annual World Car Free Day on September 22, according to Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) spokesperson Aekvarunyoo Amrapala. In a…
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Terrifying blaze levels home in Sattahip, no injuries
Chaos erupted in Ban Tao Than, Sattahip in the early hours of yesterday as a raging fire engulfed a two-storey wooden house, sending residents fleeing for their lives. The inferno broke out at 4.30am, yesterday, September 18, consuming the home in a matter of minutes and triggering a swift response from emergency services. Firefighters from the Sattahip Municipal Office and…
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Tak Bai tragedy: Thai officials to face music over deadly crackdown
The Government of Thailand is set to prosecute eight former security personnel for their alleged roles in the notorious Tak Bai crackdown nearly 20 years ago, where 78 protesters met a grim fate, suffocating or being crushed in overloaded army trucks, according to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG). Among those facing serious charges are six soldiers and two…
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Thailand’s consumer cashflow set to rise above 2019 levels
Thailand’s consumer spending is set to smash past 2019 levels for the first time, fuelled by expected interest rate cuts from the Bank of Thailand and a booming tourism sector, leading analysts reveal. In spite of sky-high household debt, consumer confidence is riding high thanks to a surge in foreign tourist arrivals—a key lifeline for Thailand’s economy, according to BMI,…
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Sea surge devastates Trang village, leaving residents homeless
A powerful sea surge devastated the coastal village of Ban Mot Tanoi in Ko Libong, Kantang district, Trang province, rendering residents homeless and their properties in ruins. Waves reaching heights of 3 to 4 metres, combined with strong winds, caused extensive damage to 15 homes, with eight destroyed and seven partially damaged. Residents are now left to pick up the…
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Thailand’s golden rice grain faces storm from strong baht and India
Thailand’s rice exports are teetering on the edge of crisis with looming threats from a strong baht and potential policy changes in India. The Thai Rice Exporters Association has cast a shadow over next year’s outlook, predicting exports might flop below the eight million tonnes mark. Chookiat Ophaswongse, the association’s honorary president, revealed the unsettling news despite unabated flooding wreaking…
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Udon Thani woman forced to sign new loan, assaulted by creditor
A woman reported her creditor for assaulting her in the middle of a market, despite claims of having repaid the loan in full. She was forced to sign an additional loan agreement for 40,000 baht after already repaying both the principal and interest. The woman, 46 year old Phanomphon from Nong Khon Kwang, Mueang district, Udon Thani province, filed a…
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Pathum Thani to host food festival to boost tourism
Pathum Thani will host the Amazing Pathum Thani Food Festival, highlighting the region’s culinary creativity to boost tourism and stimulate the local economy. The event will take place from September 25 to 29, featuring unique food and cultural activities. The press conference for the festival was held yesterday, September 18, at Tinidee Hotel Bangkok Golf Club in Pathum Thani. Pathum…
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Thailand to borrow 2.59 trillion baht for 2025 budget
The Government of Thailand announced a borrowing plan of 2.59 trillion baht for the 2025 fiscal year, assuring that this will not hinder the private sector’s fundraising efforts, a Ministry of Finance official stated yesterday. Jindarat Viriyataveekul, public debt adviser at the ministry, said the debt plan, which begins on October 1, should not cause concern in the markets. She…
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