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 Travel insurance vs digital nomad insurance: What’s the difference?
Travel insurance and digital nomad insurance protect travellers but cater to different needs. Travel insurance is for short trips, like vacations or business trips. It covers things like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost bags. It works best for people...
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Thailand’s future depends on nurturing innovative talent
Thailand’s future hinges on becoming a dynamic centre of innovative talent and progress. The pivotal element in realising this vision lies in securing the right talent—those who bring ideas to life and spearhead transformative change. Throughout a lengthy career, it has been evident that exceptional talents do not merely meet expectations, they redefine them. Good performers play their roles well,…
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Health risks associated with getting a tattoo
Tattoos have transitioned from ancient cultural rites to mainstream expressions of individuality. Their popularity spans continents and demographics, yet this surge in acceptance has not been without its concerns. As more individuals opt to decorate their bodies with intricate designs and meaningful symbols, an essential question arises: Are tattoos safe? Recent studies and medical reports suggest that while tattoos can…
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Thai industries launch initiatives to boost SMEs post-pandemic
New initiatives by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) aim to bolster local entrepreneurs, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) still grappling with the effects of the pandemic. The FTI is focusing on critical sectors such as agribusiness and the auto parts industry to foster resilience and growth. Efforts are being made to help SMEs become more competitive through the…
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Thai woman blames police drug search in vagina for miscarriage
A Thai woman sued the narcotics suppression unit of Samut Prakarn Provincial Police, accusing officers of causing her miscarriage by searching for drugs in her vagina. The 30 year old woman, Orranee Ruangphueng, accompanied by her lawyer, filed a complaint against the Samut Prakarn Provincial Police’s narcotics suppression unit at Bang Bor Police Station on May 18. Orranee claimed she…
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Iranian president, foreign minister killed in tragic helicopter crash
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister were tragically killed in a helicopter crash amidst mountainous terrain and icy weather, as reported by state media. The wreckage was located in East Azerbaijan province after search teams mobilized. State TV initially provided no immediate cause for yesterday’s crash in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province. Among the casualties was 60 year old…
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MNEs taxed to curb profit sharing, 12 billion baht revenue expected
The Revenue Department anticipates the implementation of draft legislation aimed at taxing multinational enterprises (MNEs) to curb profit shifting to low-tax jurisdictions by 2025. This move is expected to enhance tax revenue by 12 billion baht annually. Director-General Kulaya Tantitemit revealed that the draft legislation incorporates the Top-up Tax Act, which aligns with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s…
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Thailand govt to auction decade-old stash after safety check
Thailand’s government will move forward with plans to auction off rice from Yingluck Shinawatra’s pledging scheme, stored in two Surin warehouses for a decade, following a laboratory test confirming its safety for consumption. Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, currently in Italy, announced that a private laboratory’s tests on samples from the Surin warehouses revealed no aflatoxins or…
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Man murders drinking friend with concrete block after argument
A tragic murder unfolded in Surin province when 67 year old man allegedly killed his 58 year old drinking companion by hitting him with a concrete block and then dragging his body with a motorcycle before dumping it in a canal. The incident occurred at approximately 6.05pm yesterday. Police reported that the suspect Thip and the victim Wantong were drinking…
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Study validates that plant-based diets reduces risk of heart issues and cancer
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and cancer are the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, making the search for effective preventive measures a high priority. A growing body of research suggests that plant-based diets, which exclude or minimise animal products, may offer significant health benefits, particularly in reducing the risks associated with these diseases. This article delves into a comprehensive umbrella…
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Pattaya’s electric scooter debate sparks charged safety talks
Electric scooters have become a hot topic in Pattaya, sparking discussions among various agencies and officials about their legality and safety. The legal status of these scooters is not straightforward in Thailand, with regulations varying by region. In cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, the rules can differ significantly. The primary concern lies in the absence of firm national rules…
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Iranian president’s helicopter drama: Hard landing sparks alarm
Iranian state media reported a tragic incident involving a helicopter transporting President Ebrahim Raisi, detailing a hard landing on Sunday. The aircraft, reportedly carrying Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian as well, encountered challenging weather conditions, hampering rescue efforts, as conveyed by the Interior Minister. The status of those aboard the helicopter remains uncertain, with no contact established as of now.…
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BREAKING NEWS: 1,882 new COVID-19 hospitalisations and 16 deaths in the last week
Thailand is experiencing a significant but underreported surge in COVID-19 cases, with both public and private hospitals feeling the strain as outpatient and inpatient admissions rise. This trend mirrors situations in other countries like Singapore, the UK, the US, Australia, Canada, and France, driven by new variants from the KP lineage (e.g., KP.1, KP.2, KP.3). Governments worldwide, including Thailand, are…
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Pakistani and Thai wife arrested for murder of Indian in Songkhla
Police arrested a Pakistani man and his Thai wife for the murder of an Indian man in the southern province of Songkhla. The motive is suspected to be a business conflict. The dead body of a foreign man was found on the roadside in Songkhla on May 15 with two stab wounds and a gunshot wound. Police later identified the…
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Thailand faces cannabis reclassification deadline
The Government of Thailand faces a rapidly approaching reclassification deadline set by cannabis advocacy groups. Cannabis Future Network, a prominent pro-cannabis group, stated last week that whether the Public Health Ministry intends to fully or partially reclassify cannabis, the decision must be backed by scientific evidence. The group has given the government 15 days to substantiate its stance. Reclassifying cannabis…
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Bangkok official arrested for 9 million baht bribe in road plan scam
A senior Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) official has been arrested for allegedly accepting a 9 million baht bribe to alter road construction plans to avoid a golf course, seizing luxury cars and Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the process. At 6am today, Brigadier General Prasong Chelimpun, head of the Anti-Corruption Division, led a team of officers in the Anti-Corruption Commission Division 2,…
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Over 31,000 apply for Thai Senate as 5-year term ends
Over 31,000 people have sought applications to become senators in the Thai Senate as the five-year term of 250 senators, installed by the defunct National Council for Peace and Order, concluded yesterday. The Election Commission (EC) anticipates approximately 100,000 applications for the 200 available senate positions. Thai nationals born in Thailand, who are at least 40 years old and possess…
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Policewoman arrested for role in kidnapping of Indonesian man
Police arrested a policewoman on May 19 for her alleged involvement in the kidnapping and ransom of an Indonesian man in the southern province of Phatthalung on May 11. The 29 year old Indonesian victim, Syawana, was rescued from a house in Phatthalung province on May 15 by officers from the Mueang Phatthalung Police Station after he was kidnapped and…
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Brief bandit: thief strips down to underwear, swipes stash of briefs
An underwear thief, dressed only in his undies, drove to a house and stole a collection of underwear, later claiming it was the result of a dare. The incident took place on the morning of May 18 in Ban Pa Tueng Ngam, Pa O Don Chai sub-district, Mueng district, Chiang Rai. The homeowner, 44 year old Somphop shared CCTV footage…
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Ten-year-old rice auction resumes after safety tests
Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, announced the continuation of the 10-year-old rice auction after private lab tests showed no contamination. The Public Warehouse Organisation (PWO) has been instructed to expedite the process meticulously. Phumtham yesterday shared that private tests conducted by a leading company found no carcinogens or residue from fumigation in the rice. This follows…
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15-metre Tao Wirupaksa statue consecrated at Wat Nong Tabak
A grand ceremony was held at Wat Nong Tabak in Rayong Province to consecrate the only 15-metre-tall statue of Tao Wirupaksa in the area. The event took place yesterday at 5pm, drawing monks from various temples in Rayong and a large number of devotees. The ceremonial ground was adorned with beautifully arranged fruit trays, garlands, and offerings. Devotees lit incense…
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Thailand bans alcohol sales for Visakha Bucha Day on May 22
Visakha Bucha Day, also known as Vesak, will be observed on May 22, marking a public holiday in Thailand. On this significant Buddhist day, the sale of all types of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in convenience stores and entertainment venues, as per Thai law. Vesak Day is a cornerstone of Buddhist religious observance in Thailand, commemorating three pivotal events in…
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Police arrest man for selling psilocybin mushrooms in Bangkok
Police apprehended a 27 year old man in the Bang Chan Subdistrict, Khlong Sam Wa District, Bangkok, on charges of illegal possession and attempted distribution of psilocybin mushrooms, a Category 5 narcotic. Police seized 11 items as evidence. The arrest followed a tip-off from an informant who reported that Chitsanupong was cultivating and selling psilocybin mushrooms online and delivering them…
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Thais support reclassifying marijuana as illegal, NIDA poll
A recent survey by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) poll reveals that a majority of Thais endorse plans to reclassify marijuana as an illegal drug, although opinions on its benefits remain divided. The NIDA conducted the poll from May 14 to May 15, engaging 1,310 individuals aged 15 and over across various educational backgrounds and occupations. Participants were…
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Phuket cracks down on illegal jet-ski operations in Yamu Bay
Phuket police cracked down on illegal jet-ski operations in Yamu Bay and the neighbouring areas of Ao Por, Koh Rang, Koh Rang Noi, and Naka Island, all situated off the east coast of the island. Natchapong Pranit, Director of the Marine Department Region 5 office (Phuket Marine Office), revealed that the operation was initiated following numerous complaints from locals. They…
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Woman’s year-long ordeal with recycled SIM card number
A woman experienced a year-long ordeal with strange phone calls after purchasing a SIM card from a shopping mall, leading her to ultimately cancel the number. The calls were traced back to a number written on a school desk. A story shared by the Facebook fan page ผู้บริโภค recounts the troubles faced by a woman who received numerous nuisance calls…
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Thailand to ratify enforced disappearance convention by June 13
Thailand is set to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED) by June 13, as announced by the Foreign Affairs Ministry. The ratification marks a significant step in the country’s commitment to human rights. Thailand deposited an Instrument of Ratification for the ICPPED on May 14. The convention will come into effect thirty days…
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Thailand aims for 7.5 billion baht from foreign filmmakers this year
Thailand is making a concerted effort to boost its economy by attracting international filmmakers to its scenic and diverse locations. The Tourism and Sports Ministry has teamed up with the Culture Ministry to promote these film locations, aiming to generate 7.5 billion baht (US$206.5 million) in earnings from foreign film companies this year. The collaborative effort was highlighted at the…
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PM backs Phu Kradueng cable car project to boost tourism
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed his support for the long-awaited cable car project at Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei. During his official visit to Italy, he met with Leitner, an Italian-based ropeway company, to discuss plans for building electric cable cars. Leitner, which had already contracted with the Thai government for the cable car and ropeway sales, received praise…
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Thai PM introduces indigo fabric to top Italian fashion houses
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has introduced Thai indigenous indigo-dyed fabric to leading Italian fashion ateliers as part of the government’s initiative to boost fashion commerce and trade exchanges with Italy. Currently on an official visit to Italy until May 21, the 62 year old prime minister met with fashion heavyweights Zegna and Loro Piana, and engaged in discussions with the…
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Tiger cub sighting triggers arrest of animal farm owner
A tiger cub spotted roaming a community in Bang Pakong district has led to the arrest of an animal farm owner in Chachoengsao for allegedly possessing an endangered animal. Atthapol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation, directed the DNP’s Yiew Dong task force and 1362 special task force to investigate the incident further. The…
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