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 Could bitcoin serve as a hedge against US Tariffs?
If you hold a certain amount of bitcoin or whether you’re planning to buy some soon, you must be wondering what impact the US tariffs have on the coveted crypto’s price. A market analysis by Inky Cho, Financial Markets Strategist...
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Thailand to launch cyber-command unit for digital defence
Thailand is poised to bolster its cyber warfare capabilities with the establishment of a dedicated cyber-command unit by October. This initiative, revealed by Jirayu Huangsap, spokesman for Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang, aims to strengthen the country’s defence against emerging digital threats. General Songwit Noonphakdi, commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF), has been tasked with creating the unit following…
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Bangkok’s gingerbread house gains historical status
Windsor House in the Kudeejeen community and the First Presbyterian Church in the Samre area of Bangkok have been registered as historical sites by the Fine Arts Department. Windsor House, located in the Thon Buri district, stands out for its gingerbread style, intricate woodwork, and weathered appearance. This two-storey wooden house, built during the reign of King Mongkut, was originally…
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North Thailand: Man pleads with estranged wife who left with monk
A Uthai Thani man is pleading for his estranged wife to return after she allegedly left with a monk. The Thai man, 61 year old Sanan, made a tearful appeal through the media, urging his 53 year old wife, Nanthawan to come back to their home in Nong Chang district. Sanan expressed his willingness to forgive her relationship with the…
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High-speed rail link between three airports to start this year
The high-speed rail project connecting Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports is set to kick off later this year following a revised agreement between the state and project developers. Anan Phonimdang, Deputy Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), confirmed that the SRT’s board has acknowledged the agreement. The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee and the Cabinet will…
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Staycation and Sleep Tourism: The new travel trend
Two new tourism trends, staycation and Sleep Tourism, are taking the travel world by storm, according to an online travel platform. Staycation involves short trips to nearby provinces, with an emphasis on enjoying the hotel’s amenities like swimming pools, cycling, and spa treatments. Sleep Tourism, on the other hand, is all about travelling to unwind and recharge, prioritising sleep and…
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Get treated anywhere in Thailand with a single ID card
The Public Health Officer of Banglamung District announced the implementation of Thailand’s innovative healthcare initiative, Single Thai ID Card, Treatment Everywhere. This game-changing policy promises universal healthcare access and has already been rolled out across 45 provinces, though Chon Buri province remains an exception for now. As the Ministry of Public Health accelerates its mission for nationwide coverage, the spotlight…
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Thousands rally to greet Thaksin in Korat homecoming
The red shirts are rolling out the red carpet for Thaksin Shinawatra, as the paroled former prime minister prepares for his first visit to the northeastern province in almost two decades today. Kowit Khorhenklang, a fervent supporter of Thaksin, anticipates a crowd of 3,000 to join him at Wat Sangkha Chinaram in Sida district this afternoon. Thaksin will attend the…
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Chinese fugitive running luxury scams in Thailand arrested
Thai immigration authorities nabbed a Chinese fugitive running an illicit tour operation in Bangkok. Following a tip-off about an Asian man suspected of working and residing illegally in Thailand, officers launched an in-depth investigation. Duan, a 42 year old Chinese fugitive residing in a posh condominium in the Ramkhamhaeng district was apprehended. Duan was already on the radar in China…
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Pattaya mayor warns residents of impersonation scam
Mayor Poramet Ngampichet issued a stern warning to Pattaya residents after uncovering a shocking scam: his social media accounts on Facebook, TikTok, and LINE have been maliciously impersonated. The fraudulent accounts, brazenly using his name and photos, have deceived the public into believing they were engaging with the real mayor. Pattaya City isn’t taking this lightly. Legal action is already…
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Eight-figure payouts loom for Singapore Airlines injured passengers
Passengers with severe injuries from the terrifying Singapore Airlines flight turbulence could be in line for eight-figure compensation, says top lawyer. Following the extreme turbulence encountered by Singapore Airlines Flight SQ321 this week, passengers with spinal and brain injuries might seek massive payouts, with one legal expert suggesting claims could reach easily into seven and sometimes eight-figure sums. Peter Neenan,…
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Road rage: Motorcyclist swipes fist at minibus driver in Pattaya
In a shocking incident of road rage, a Thai motorcyclist assaulted a minibus driver in Pattaya following a minor collision on Thepprasit Road on Thursday, May 23. The altercation occurred at the entrance to the Colosseum Theatre on Thapprasit Road, in the Nongprue subdistrict of Banglamung district, Chon Buri province. Rescue workers and Pattaya police arrived at the scene to…
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Thai police seize assets worth over 2 billion baht in massive raid
In a crackdown on a notorious transnational drug network, the Narcotics Suppression Bureau has seized assets worth over 2 billion baht. The network, involved in smuggling drugs from neighbouring countries into Thailand, has been dealt a significant blow. Assistant National Police Chief, Police Lieutenant General Samran Nuanma, revealed at a press conference on Friday that the bureau had intensified its…
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Commerce Ministry investigates oil palm price drop
The Commerce Ministry directed the Internal Trade Department to investigate the recent drop in oil palm prices by visiting provinces known for palm plantations. This initiative follows complaints from growers about reduced purchase prices. Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai instructed Wattanasak Sur-iam, director-general of the Internal Trade Department, to assess the situation in Phang-Nga, Krabi, and Surat Thani provinces. The goal…
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NACC criticised for redacted Prawit watch case report
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) handed over a report on the controversial watch case involving former deputy premier Prawit Wongsuwon to activist Veera Somkwamkid yesterday, following an order by the Administrative Court. Despite this, many sections of the report remain heavily redacted, as Veera, head of the Anti-Corruption People’s Network. The court had mandated the NACC to deliver the case…
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Paetongtarn reluctant to become PM amid Srettha’s legal issues
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, expressed her reluctance to step into the role of prime minister if Srettha Thavisin is removed from office due to a case involving the appointment of a minister with a prison record. Despite her hesitation, Paetongtarn remains optimistic about the Constitutional Court ruling in the Bangkok-born Srettha’s favour. “There should be…
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Finance Ministry to discuss new economic stimulus measures
The Ministry of Finance is currently considering new economic stimulus measures to boost the economy in the second half of 2024. Previously, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira held discussions about the economic situation, particularly focusing on economic figures. Despite the government’s extensive stimulus efforts, the economy grew by 1.5% in the first quarter of 2024, which, although…
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Diesel shock: Fuel Fund revs prices to 32.44 baht per litre
The Fuel Fund today announced an increase in the diesel price by 50 satangs per litre, raising it to 32.44 baht per litre, effective tomorrow. Despite reduced expenses, the fund still faces liquidity issues, according to the Director of the Fuel Fund Office, Wisak Wattanaphap. The Fuel Fund Management Committee convened and recognised the need to enhance the liquidity of…
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Release of sensitive CCTV footage of Netiporn delayed
The Department of Corrections has clarified its position regarding a lawyer’s request for CCTV footage taken while medical personnel were treating Netiporn Sanesangkhom, also known as Bung Taluwang, who later died during her hunder strike. The department stated that they could not yet provide the footage from the correctional hospital as it must be reviewed to ensure legal accuracy and…
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Thai father abuses 8 year old son over religion choice (video)
Non-profit organisation Saimai Survive rescued an eight year old boy from his father, who allegedly physically abused him to force him to convert from Buddhism to Islam. The boy was reportedly punished with beatings when he would not worship Allah. The boy’s mother and grandmother sought help from Saimai Survive, sharing videos of the boy being abused. The videos show…
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Chiang Rai: Fire devastates central Mae Chan market
A massive fire engulfed the bustling central market in Mae Chan, Chiang Rai, causing extensive damage and leaving vendors devastated. The blaze spread to adjacent buildings and destroyed numerous stalls, taking over two hours to put under control. A ferocious fire broke out yesterday at Nuanchan Market, commonly known as Kad Lang Mae Chan, located along the Chan River in…
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Muay Thai madness: Paris 2024 to host epic martial arts showcase
Muay Thai will feature as a thrilling side event at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, from July 26 to August 11. This landmark occasion will see over 1,000 Muay Thai boxers from 24 countries across five continents, according to Dr Sakchye Tapsuwan, President of the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA). “This is a monumental step towards the dream…
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Ministry tightens billboard inspections for public safety
The Ministry of Interior intensified the inspection of large billboards over concerns about their structural safety. Damaged billboards must be promptly repaired, and non-compliance will result in immediate removal and legal action. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul emphasised that public safety is the top priority, highlighting the importance of rigorous enforcement to prevent any potential hazards caused…
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Luxury Porsche worth over 10 million baht catches fire in Bangkok
A luxury Porsche worth over 10 million baht caught fire in front of a showroom in Bangkok’s Srinakarin area, causing severe damage to the vehicle. Fortunately, the fire did not spread to nearby cars or the building. The incident occurred yesterday, with the 1197 Traffic Hotline page sharing the dramatic event that unfolded in front of the luxury car showroom.…
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Phallic failure: Cult ritual using Thai masks to cover penises flops
A Thai man yesterday revealed that he participated in a bizarre ceremony where a young cult leader performed a ritual on his penis. The ritual was promised to enhance charm, luck, and wealth but the man confessed that he has not yet experienced any positive effects. The man, who underwent the ritual three months ago, shared his story on the…
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Centenarian couple in Trang share secrets to longevity
Two elders, known as Grandfather Dam and Grandmother Kam, both over a century old and residents of Trang Province, Thailand, have shared their secrets to longevity and good health. Despite their advanced age, both remain remarkably active and healthy. Grandfather Dam Chaisongkram was born in 1922 and is now 101 years old. His wife, Grandmother Kam Chaisongkram, born in 1924,…
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Lopburi authorities struggle to capture monkeys amid heavy rain
Lopburi authorities have launched a major operation to capture over 30 monkeys from buildings amidst heavy rain, but the intelligent primates have proven difficult to trap. Authorities from the Department of National Parks (DNP) and Lopburi Municipality set up large monkey traps, each measuring 1.8 metres wide, 1.8 metres tall, and 15 metres long, in various parts of Lopburi city,…
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Pattaya drug dealer arrested after car chase and shootout
An intense car chase and shootout occurred in Pattaya yesterday afternoon, leading to the arrest of a suspected drug dealer. The incident escalated when the suspect allegedly pointed a firearm at police officers, resulting in him being shot in the leg. Pattaya police, spearheaded by Police Chief, Police Colonel Nawin Thirawit, responded swiftly to reports of gunfire and injuries at…
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Singapore Airlines overhauls turbulence protocols after fatal flight
Singapore Airlines has swiftly tightened its cabin service rules after a harrowing incident on a flight from London left one passenger dead and many others injured earlier this week. The airline announced today that it is adopting a more cautious approach to managing turbulence following the sudden altitude drop of Flight SQ321 on Tuesday, which necessitated an emergency landing in…
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Fake monks cause a holy ruckus at private firm in Pathum Thani
A report from a private company in Nong Suea, Pathum Thani, prompted an investigation into a group of men dressed as monks who had been gathering at the company’s private location. The Pathum Thani Office of Buddhism received the complaint and coordinated with relevant agencies to conduct a field inspection at the 20-rai location. During the inspection, more than 27…
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High-speed motorcycle crash kills 2 Frenchmen in Phuket
Two Frenchmen tragically lost their lives in a motorcycle accident in the early hours of this morning on Anusawari-Ban Pa Khlok Road in the Thalang district of Phuket. Officers from the Thalang Police Station and rescuers from the Kusol Dham Phuket Foundation responded to the scene after receiving a notification from a local motorist at 4.40am today, May 24. The…
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