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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 Retiring in Thailand: Why and how health insurance is crucial for your golden years
Thailand offers an ideal setting for retirees with its tropical climate, warm hospitality, and affordable living. But enjoying your golden years to the fullest means planning for health coverage. Here’s a complete guide on why health insurance is essential for...
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Thai man arrested for rape and murder of 75 year old woman in Isaan
Police arrested a local man yesterday for the brutal rape and murder of a 75 year old Thai woman in the Isaan province of Sa Kaeo. The victim’s grandson, 27 year old Sittichai, discovered the dead body of his grandmother, 75 year old Boonnam Cherngkhao, in a sugar cane field near an abandoned car showroom in the Sa Kaeo province…
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Spaniard arrested for stealing handbag at Patong nightclub
A Spaniard found himself in hot water as he was arrested on the night of January 6, in Patong for allegedly pilfering a handbag from a Mongolian woman at the Illuzion nightclub, a popular hotspot on Bangla Road. The incident unfolded when Patong Police Station officers were alerted to a theft complaint from a Mongolian woman. The crime was reported…
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Fatal high-speed motorcycle crash in Bang Khen district
A fatal accident occurred in the Bang Khen district when a high-speed motorcyclist lost control and crashed into a steel barrier. The 28 year old motorcyclist, identified as Subhasin, an army officer, was found dead at the scene. The accident took place on Thepharak Road, heading towards the Big C intersection, in the early hours of the day. At the…
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Stabbing to death in Phra Khanong convenience store shocks local community
A fatal stabbing occurred in a convenience store in the Phra Khanong area, following a heated argument between two homeless men. The incident, which took place at around 1am yesterday, was swiftly responded to by local police, accompanied by forensic doctors from Chulalongkorn Hospital and volunteers from the Pu Teak Tueng Foundation. The 60 year old deceased, Somchai, was found…
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Mysterious mass fish deaths in Philippines spark natural disaster fears
Large schools of fish were found washed up on a beach in the Philippines, which excited some local inhabitants who saw it as a gift from God. However, others were concerned that the occurrence might be a signal of impending natural disaster. Diane Lawa Tagum, a Facebook user, posted a video of the incident early in the morning yesterday, January…
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Elderly Thai duo’s homemade kaffir lime shampoo gains online attention (video)
Social media users are intrigued by a pair of elderly women who are handcrafting and selling their kaffir lime shampoo. The duo’s distinctive labelling of their product has caught the attention of netizens, suggesting a counterfeit if the sticker is aligned properly. On January 7, TikTok user @kanthikanuch shared a clip of the two old ladies making the herbal shampoo…
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Thai national parks report record revenues and visitors in 2023
The Thai Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation disclosed on January 4, the rankings of the top 10 highest-earning and most-visited national parks from the pool of 133 parks for the previous year. Based on revenue from January to December 2023, the top 10 Thai national parks accumulated a whopping total income of 1,651,868,101 baht (US$47 million). Hat…
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Activists challenge Thaksin’s hospital treatment, demand transparency
A recent post by former Election Commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn on January 3 questioned the alleged preferential treatment for Thaksin Shinawatra, former Thai PM, a high-profile prisoner receiving medical care at the Police General Hospital. In response, the Thai Department of Corrections addressed the matter on January 6, clarifying their stance and procedures concerning long-term treatments exceeding 120 days for inmates…
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Dramatic rescue at Warner Bros park as scarf halts top roller coaster
A dramatic incident unfolded at the Warner Bros Movie World amusement park on Australia’s Gold Coast when a scarf got caught in the wheels of one of the world’s tallest roller coasters. The quick-thinking staff, noticing the scarf, promptly halted the ride, ensuring the safety of all the visitors. The DC Rivals HyperCoaster, standing at a formidable height of 61.6…
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Decade-long fugitive apprehended in Bangkok for sexual assault offence
The Crime Suppression Division apprehended a man who had been on the run after being sentenced to a decade in prison for a sexual assault offence. The 42 year old fugitive was caught at a market in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district today. Amnat was originally arrested for threatening and sexually assaulting a woman in the Phichit province back in 2005. The…
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Pedestrian bridge collapses onto dump truck on Northbound Highway 32
A pedestrian bridge in Ang Thong‘s Mueang district came crashing down onto a dump truck, causing a significant obstruction on the main northbound highway, Highway 32. The incident unfolded around 7am today when the dump truck, with its body unintentionally raised, collided with the footbridge. The Department of Highways reported that the truck was en route north on Highway 32,…
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Volunteer soldier arrested on Bangkok Skytrain with Commando brand shotgun
A 40 year old volunteer soldier was arrested at a BTS Skytrain station in Phra Khanong, Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok. The suspect was found carrying an 8.6-inch shotgun of the Commando brand. The police also seized one shotgun shell of the Royal Thai Army brand, 10 of 12 red shells, 9 of 12 white shells, and 50 9mm bullets, all packed…
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German President Steinmeier’s visit to Thailand to boost bilateral ties
Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the President of Germany, is set to embark on a three-day visit to Thailand, starting on January 24. The visit is at the invitation of Thai Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin. This announcement marks the first international state leader visit since PM Srettha’s government came into power and the first by a German President since Johannes Rau’s visit in…
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Alaska Airlines grounds fleet of Boeing 737-9 after in-flight incident (video)
Alaska Airlines grounded its entire fleet of Boeing 737-9 aircraft following a mid-air incident where part of one plane fell off in-flight, causing an emergency landing in Portland, Oregon. The incident, which occurred shortly after take-off, resulted in severe cabin pressure changes due to a hole but did not result in any serious injuries. The plane was at an altitude…
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Online scams surge in Thailand warns Central Investigation Bureau
A surge in online scams, driven by the significant increase in internet-based activities, is anticipated to continue throughout this year, warned Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) commissioner Jirabhop Bhuridej. The CIB’s analysis of cybercrime, as reported by the Royal Thai Police (RTP), indicated that over 400,000 cases were logged between March 1 and November 30 of last year. Misleading operations involving…
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Rare white Omura’s whale spotted off Phuket, Thailand (video)
An unexpected encounter with a white Omura’s whale off the coast of Koh He in Phuket marked a potentially unique event, as it could be the first sighting of this incredibly rare species in Thailand and perhaps globally. This news was shared by Associate Professor Thon Thamrongnawasawat, a marine biologist and lecturer at Kasetsart University. The marine biologist yesterday shared…
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Chilly air mass blankets northern Thailand with heavy rainfall warnings for the south
Today’s weather forecast in Thailand saw a chilly air mass sprawling across the upper part of the country, with temperatures dipping to a frigid 7 degrees Celsius at the peak of the mountain ranges. The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning for heavy rainfall in some areas of the southern region. A high-pressure system or cold air mass…
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Thai army chief refutes claims of cultural persecution in southern provinces
The Chief of the Fourth Army Region, Santi Sakuntanak, refuted accusations that the Thai army has been legally pursuing youths from the provinces of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat for merely donning traditional Malay attire at a fair celebrating Malay culture. The 54 year old clarified that those summoned to court were implicated in separatist activities and prominently exhibited the emblem…
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Chiang Rai drug traffickers clash with officials: Two fatalities reported
A violent confrontation erupted in Chiang Rai when a drug trafficking caravan refused to halt at the command of officials. The traffickers, armed and dangerous, fired shots at the officers. The clash ended with two traffickers dead, following the officials’ retaliatory gunfire. The incident occurred around 8.30pm yesterday. Manop Senakul, the Police Lieutenant Colonel and head of Chiang Rai Provincial…
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Thailand tightens cannabis regulation for medical use only
Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew enacted a proposed bill concerning the use of cannabis, underlining its restriction to medical applications only. After signing the bill, Cholnan clarified the bill on Saturday. “The newly proposed law will explicitly outline that cannabis can only be utilised for medical reasons. It will further promote the health benefits that cannabis can provide.” Addressing the…
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Body of two year old found in fridge in Nonthaburi province
The body of a two year old boy was found concealed and stuffed into a refrigerator in Nonthaburi province today, January 6. Police initially arrested a 25 year old woman who was the caretaker and friend of the child’s mother for questioning after seeing the child for the last time. Officers from Bang Bua Thong Police Station, Ruamkatanyu Foundation officials,…
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Pattaya: Pothole excavations cause frustration for locals
Since the start of roadworks at the Chaiyapruek intersection on January 4, bewildered Pattaya residents have been scratching their heads over the necessity and planning behind this disruptive project. City authorities claim the construction work is an attempt to rectify uneven road surfaces, but the public is not buying it and many are taking to social media to air their…
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10,000 flock to Chiang Rai for monk’s 60th anniversary
The grand celebration of the 60th birthday of the revered Buddhist monk, Phra Khuva Boonchum, which takes place today, January 6, also commemorates his four remarkable decades in monkhood. Worshippers gather for a religious celebration in Wat Phra That Doi Wiang Kaew, Chiang Rai province, marking the 60th birthday of the esteemed Buddhist monk, Phra Khuba Boonchum, also known as…
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Phuket: British and South African tourists clash in street brawl on Bangla Road
A brawl between a group of British and South African tourists on Bangla Road, Patong, Phuket, was reported to local police yesterday morning, January 5. Injuries were sustained by both parties and the Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation was mobilised to send the injured individuals for treatment at Patong Hospital. Photos of the scene of the incident have been released, however, the…
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West Thailand: Teenage Myanmar girl dies in pickup crash near factory
A road accident took place in the early hours of today, January 6, near the Tipco Pineapple Factory on Phetkasem road, in the Mueang district of Prachuap Khiri Khan province. A Burmese teenager lost her life when the pickup she was travelling in lost control and crashed into a tree. The Prachuap Khiri Khan City Police Station received a distress…
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Thailand’s bid to become ASEAN halal haven
Thailand‘s Industry Ministry, under the dynamic leadership of Minister Pimpattra Wichaikul, is set to revolutionise the nation into an ASEAN Halal hub. The minister is gearing up for a high-stakes meeting with Saudi Arabian officials, the powerhouse behind the world’s colossal halal markets. Scheduled to confer with the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), Pimpattra is on a mission…
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Government plans to transform military bases into drug rehab centres
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin revealed a strategic initiative to repurpose military facilities as sanctuaries for treating and stabilising drug addicts. The visionary plan, aimed at curbing the societal fallout from illicit drugs, comes after discussions with Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang and army chief General Charoenchai Hinthao. The Thai PM made an announcement on social media. “Drug problems have negative impacts…
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Srettha promises to save Thailand from fiscal chaos
In a parliamentary revelation yesterday, January 5, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin admitted that his government had inherited the controversial fiscal 2024 budget and was scrambling to make necessary improvements. Opposition MPs, particularly from the Democrat Party, unleashed a barrage of complaints, alleging unfair budget allocations that left southern provinces in the lurch. PM Srettha found himself in the hot seat…
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Thai mother-in-law fatally stabs abusive daughter-in-law in Pathum Thani
A mother-in-law fatally stabbed her daughter-in-law after allegedly enduring verbal abuse on a daily basis. The incident occurred at an unnamed apartment building in the Soi Nakhon Chai 1, Khlong Luang district, Pathum Thani province at 6pm yesterday, January 5. At the crime scene – a five-storey apartment building – authorities discovered the body of 30 year old woman named…
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Pattaya taxi operator finds and returns 64,800 Thai baht left on street
A taxi service operator in Pattaya found a bag containing a substantial amount of money at around 8.30pm yesterday, January 5. The operator, 58 year old Wilailak Pimnoy discovered a clear plastic bag filled with US$1,500 (approximately 54,000 Thai baht) and an additional 10,800 Thai baht. The found money, totalling 64,800 Thai baht, was on the street in front of…
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