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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Ex minister refunds Japanese tourist overcharged by tuk tuk driver
A former transport minister personally compensated a Japanese victim overcharged by a greedy tuk tuk driver in Bangkok with 2,000 baht in cash, declaring it was his duty as a Thai citizen. The Japanese man took to X, formerly known as Twitter, on May 13, to report that he was overcharged by a tuk tuk driver, later identified as 29…
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Weed demand justice: Cannabis advocates’ reclassification rally in Bangkok
Cannabis entrepreneurs, farmers, and activists gathered in Bangkok to protest the government’s plan to reclassify marijuana as a narcotic, only two years after its decriminalisation. The rally, held yesterday in front of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific headquarters, saw nearly 2,000 signatures collected to support a legal petition aimed at halting the government’s…
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Taking high doses of a certain vitamin B supplement can cause blindness
The surprising side effect of a common supplement Many people take vitamin B3, also known as niacin or Niacinamide, to lower their cholesterol and manage hyperlipidemia. Some even take intra-muscular or intravenous versions of it for so-called claimed beauty benefits such as lighter and fairer, youthful appearance and even reduced pore visibility. It is often considered a safe, over-the-counter supplement…
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Fatal turn: Head-on collision claims life of wrong-way rider
A collision between a pickup truck and a motorcycle in Chanthaburi Province resulted in a tragic death last night, where the motorcycle driver, going against traffic, was hit head-on. The incident occurred at the old checkpoint intersection on Thetsaban Road in Khlung District. Police from Khlung Police Station and rescue volunteers arrived at the scene to find a severely damaged…
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Making cents: Thai PM showers BoT governor with praise
During the Council of Economic Ministers’ meeting yesterday, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin showered praise on Central Bank Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput for his constructive opinions on economic measures. This commendation comes hot on the heels of criticism from the PM’s adviser, Pichai Naripathaphan, who had lambasted the central bank for its inaction in supporting the government’s efforts to spur economic growth.…
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Thailand braces for heavy rain in 49 provinces today
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warned that 49 provinces in Thailand should brace for rain, with heavy downpours expected in the northern and eastern regions. Meanwhile, Bangkok and its vicinity will experience rain from afternoon to evening. The TMD’s 24-hour weather forecast indicates that a southwesterly monsoon is covering the Andaman Sea and Thailand, while a low-pressure area is present…
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Fireworks factory explosion victims wait compensation a year on
A devastating fireworks factory explosion in San Thung Mai village of Chiang Mai, left residents grappling with extensive damage and financial burdens nearly one year later. Compensation from the factory has yet to be received, forcing many to bear repair costs themselves, with some incurring expenses close to 200,000 baht. The explosion occurred around noon on July 24 last year,…
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AirAsia soars to new heights: Asia’s best low-cost carrier for 2024
AirAsia Group and its affiliates AirAsia X and Thai AirAsia X have been crowned Asia’s Top Low-Cost Carrier for 2024 by AirlineRatings.com at their prestigious Airline Excellence Awards. This accolade marks a significant milestone in AirAsia’s storied journey. Launched in 2001 by visionary founders Datuk Kamarudin Meranun and Tony Fernandes with just two aircraft, the airline has soared to unimaginable…
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Thaksin postpones lese majeste hearing, citing Covid infection
Former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra postponed his court hearing on allegedly violating Section 112 of the Criminal Law, also known as the lese majeste law, scheduled for today, citing a Covid-19 infection. The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) rescheduled the hearing for June 18. The 74 year old former politician was accused of violating Section 112 during an interview with…
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Woman in Udon Thani takes her life due to grandson’s drug abuse
A tragic incident occurred yesterday when a woman took her own life in response to ongoing stress and abuse from her drug-addicted grandson. Police officers and rescue workers were called to a home in Chiang Phin 2 village, Udon Thani, where they found the lifeless body of 64 year old Prayoon Onnoi. Prayoon’s 68 year old husband, Somkid Phosarn, explained…
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Thai Airways airbus to retrofit A320s with reclining seats
In a groundbreaking move for aviation luxury in the Asia-Pacific region, Airbus has inked a deal with Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) to retrofit its fleet of 20 A320ceo aircraft with premium reclining business class seats. This marks Airbus’ first-ever cabin retrofit for a single-aisle fleet in this part of the world. This initiative is part of THAI’s broader…
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Emergency crash in Lamphun leaves pregnant woman shaken
An emergency vehicle rushing a pregnant woman to the hospital ran a red light and collided with a pickup truck at an intersection before hitting another car, fortunately causing no severe injuries to the woman or her unborn child. CCTV footage captured the moment the emergency rescue vehicle, belonging to Thachiengthong Municipality, sped through a red light at the Jak…
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Thailand tourism thrives despite slow GDP growth
Thailand’s tourism sector demonstrates resilience, maintaining momentum despite a GDP growth of only 1.5% in the first quarter, which trails behind its regional counterparts. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) attributes this robustness to a quicker rebound in tourism compared to other industries and is planning to sustain this through the ongoing promotion of festivals. Reports have shown that large…
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Thailand Video News | Massive positive changes to visa system coming June 1, CCTV footage tells full story of Pattaya altercation after rumors fly
In this Thailand video news, Alex delves into the latest news from Thailand highlights significant developments and events across the country. Massive positive changes to the visa system are set to take effect on June 1, promising easier access for travelers. In Pattaya, CCTV footage reveals the full story behind a recent altercation, dispelling circulating rumors. A British man’s single…
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Thai abbot flees after wild animal carcasses found in his room
An abbot fled a well-known Phan Suek Nukun Temple in the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima when officers from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) raided the temple and found wild animal carcasses hidden in his accommodation. DNP officers received a tip-off from a monk at the temple that the abbot, later identified as Kittichai Worradhammo,…
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139 kg of heroin seized in Bueng Kan, valued at 280 million baht
Success in the No Place for Drugs operation in Bueng Kan was announced by Police Lieutenant General Sarayut Sa-nguanphokai, the Commander-in-Chief, alongside relevant agencies. The initiative led to the seizure of 139 kilogrammes of heroin valued at 280 million baht. Bueng Kan investigative police, in collaboration with other officers, initiated an investigation into a drug smuggling network based on information…
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Phuket dreams of a Vietnamese tourist boom
Tourism operators in Phuket, the jewel of Thailand’s southern resort islands, are optimistic about a significant influx of Vietnamese tourists following a high-impact promotional campaign in Vietnam’s two largest cities. Thanet Tantipiriyakit, President of the Phuket Tourist Association stated that the island aims to welcome at least 120,000 visitors from Vietnam this year, marking a 50% increase from last year’s…
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Bangkok Pride parade to celebrate love on June 1
Bangkok Pride announced an open invitation for the public to join the Bangkok Pride Parade festival, set to take place along Rama I Road in Pathumwan. Scheduled for June 1, the event will feature the LGBTQ+ community marching on what has been dubbed the rainbow road of equality. The pride parade will follow the Celebration of Love theme and will…
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Wissanu to advise Cabinet on legal matters, no political role
Seasoned legal expert and former Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam is poised to become an adviser to the Secretariat of the Cabinet, assisting with the government’s legal affairs. Wissanu confirmed yesterday that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin would appoint him to the position. He mentioned that the secretariat had previously approached him for the role following his departure as deputy prime minister…
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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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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 tackles fraud with mobile bank account name verification
Mobile bank account holders can continue using their services uninterrupted as authorities work to ensure the names of account holders match those of phone subscribers, according to the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES). This initiative aims to tackle the misuse of bank accounts by fraudsters. The crackdown, launched at the beginning of the week, has caused some concern…
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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 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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Interest-ing development: Ministry slashes housing loan rates
The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security announced a significant reduction in housing loan interest rates by 0.5% for one year, aiming to support citizens during challenging economic times. Minister of Social Development and Human Security, Varawut Silpa-archa revealed this decision at a press conference at Government House at 10am today, May 28. The Community Organisations Development Institute (CODI)…
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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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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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