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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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Thai football coach and his assistant arrested for raping boys
The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) arrested a Thai football coach and his assistant for raping young boys. Their crimes were allegedly proven by several child pornographic pictures and videos in their possession. Two Thai women contacted the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women after learning of the sexual assaults against their 10 year old sons from a teacher at…
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Northeast Thailand: Local uncovers rare square yams, boosts income by 4,000 baht
A 74 year old local known as Uncle Aum from the Map Krat district of Nakhon Ratchasima province dug almost 3 metres deep to forage for a rare variety of wild yams, referred to as square yams by locals due to their distinct shape. Uncle Aum used his free time after the end of the rice harvest season to supplement…
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Fine dust pollution spikes across Thailand, Bangkok plans tree-planting pilot
Intensified fine dust pollution has led to heightened levels of fine particulate matter under 2.5 microns, known as PM2.5, in 30 provinces across Thailand, including Bangkok. This development was recorded yesterday through the satellite-based Check Foon application, developed by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA). Samut Songkhram experienced the highest dust level, peaking at 84.1 microgrammes per cubic…
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Thailand’s universal healthcare covers gender-affirming surgery, NHSO confirms
National Health Security Office (NHSO) Secretary-General, Jadet Thammathataree, clarified that Gender-Affirming Surgery (GAS), commonly referred to as sex reassignment surgery, is covered under Thailand’s universal healthcare scheme for patients diagnosed with gender dysphoria. This clarification comes as an exception to the rule that excludes cosmetic surgeries from the scheme, leading to confusion about whether GAS is considered a cosmetic procedure,…
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Thailand’s soft power strategy to generate 4 trillion baht across 11 industries
Thailand’s soft power is poised for global promotion in 11 industries, with a potential generation of 4 trillion baht, as revealed by Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. The statement was made at a seminar aimed at empowering business operators through the application of soft power, attended by Paetongtarn Shinawatra of the ruling Pheu Thai Party and chair of the national committee…
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Phuket switches to ‘seven days of family happiness’ to boost road safety
Phuket is taking a fresh approach to road safety during the forthcoming festive season. The island is rebranding its annual Seven Days of Danger campaign as Seven Days of Family Happiness in a bid to reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities on its roads. The revised campaign was announced during a press conference yesterday, December 14, presided over by Sattha Thongkham,…
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Unemployed Thai man arrested for gold theft after his birthday party
Police arrested an unemployed Thai man for stealing a gold necklace from a shop in Bangkok after paying off debts and throwing himself a belated birthday party at a resort in the central province of Kanchanaburi. Officers at Phetchakasem Police Station received a theft complaint at the Mae Thong Kham gold shop on Phetchakasem Road in Bangkok’s Bang Kae district…
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Canadian man and Thai wife fatally stabbed in Khon Kaen over parking dispute
Tragedy struck in the early hours of this morning in the Muang district of Khon Kaen, a northeastern province of Thailand, when a Canadian man and his Thai wife were fatally stabbed by a neighbour. The couple, 54 year old Michael Nixon, and his 47 year old wife, Anurak, were found dead outside their two-storey house. A 36 year old…
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Zika virus panic in Hua Hin: 10 confirmed cases, officials call for emergency meeting
Officials convened yesterday, December 14, to tackle the escalating concerns surrounding the Zika virus outbreak in Hua Hin. With a staggering 10 confirmed cases in Prachuap Khiri Khan, the situation has hit a critical point, prompting a high-stakes meeting chaired by Dr Watcharapong Luangprairot, Deputy Provincial Public Health Doctor of Prachuap Khiri Khan, at the Hua Hin Municipal Office’s Chomsin…
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Former deputy leader Prinn Panitchpakdi acquitted in indecency case
The Criminal Court yesterday pronounced Prinn Panitchpakdi, previously a deputy leader of the Democrat Party, not guilty in a case where he was indicted for an obscene act on a 17 year old girl back in 2018. The court’s decision was based on the statute of limitations expiration. The prosecution’s lawsuit stated that during the day on April 25, 2018,…
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Luxury BMW catches fire in Phuket: Engine malfunction suspected
A high-end BMW caught fire near a fuel station in Phuket, causing significant damage to the vehicle in the early hours of the morning today, December 15. The local authorities quickly responded to the incident, extinguishing the blaze to prevent further harm. The owner of the car revealed that smoke began to emit from the engine, prompting suspicions of mechanical malfunction.…
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Thai man arrested for illegally possessing 30 guns and ammunition
Officers from the Investigation Division Provincial Police Region 4 (INVP4) arrested a Thai man at his house in the Isaan province of Kalasin for illegally possessing 30 guns and over 2,300 rounds of ammunition. The Deputy Commander of the INVP4, Nattanon Prachum, reported that the Royal Thai Police (RTP) introduced an operation to crack down on people involved with illegal…
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North Thailand: Unique black turtle sparks intrigue and hope among villagers
A large black turtle, weighing over 6 kilogrammes, caused a stir among local villagers who were seeking good fortune. The turtle’s owner, 45 year old Natee Jaisaen discovered the unique creature today, December 15. The turtle’s distinct markings under its belly, resembling powerful talismans, have further ignited the local community’s intrigue. Natee, the owner of the house located at 82…
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Hong Kong police offer 4 million baht rewards for overseas dissidents
Hong Kong police raised eyebrows by doubling the stakes, offering staggering rewards of HK$1 million (4 million baht) for information on five more local dissidents currently residing overseas. This controversial move amplifies the ongoing news of the authorities resorting to bounties in their pursuit of pro-democracy activists. At a press briefing yesterday, December 14, Chief Superintendent Li Kwai-wah of the…
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Foreign e-commerce giants to dominate Thailand’s market in 2024
An e-commerce chief predicts that foreign operators will continue to control Thailand’s e-commerce landscape, with live commerce and affiliate marketing becoming increasingly prevalent in the next year. Overcoming the nation’s digital trade deficit continues to be a challenge as international companies lead in sales, delivery, and advertising. The value of Thailand’s e-commerce market is slated to surge to an impressive…
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Thailand’s tourism recovery under threat from safety concerns and sluggish Chinese economy
The future of Thailand tour packages hangs in the balance as safety concerns plague the minds of tourism operators in China. They forecast that tourism levels might only return to pre-pandemic figures by 2025. Tourism bookings take an immediate hit whenever safety incidents occur in Thailand, and Chinese social media plays a significant role in the rapid dissemination of such…
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Thai woman nabbed for stabbing her husband’s 17 year old mistress
Police arrested a Thai woman after she stabbed her husband’s 17 year old mistress at her home in the central province of Kanchanaburi on December 12. Amarin TV reported that the attack took place on December 12 at a house in the Tha Muang district of Kanchanaburi province. The attacker, 49 year old Auan, was arrested yesterday, December 14, and…
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Khao San Road unaffected by 4am closing time due to exclusion from approved zone
Tourism operators on Khao San Road expressed their indifference towards the forthcoming 4am closing time set to come into effect from today, stating it will have minimal impact due to the area’s exclusion from the approved zone for extended hours. Sanga Ruangwattanakul, who presides over the Khao San Road Business Association, pointed out that there is a prevailing confusion among…
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IndiGo unleashes Phuket frenzy: Boosts flights, beats malfunction woes
In a bold move to amplify global ties, IndiGo, India‘s high-flying airline, unleashed a flight bonanza, with additional routes from Mumbai to Phuket and the revival of operations from Bengaluru to the Thai hotspot. But that’s not all—this strategic move comes amidst a soaring demand for year-end getaways. IndiGo is set to soar to new heights with extra flights connecting Mumbai…
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EGCO acquires 30% stake in Indonesia’s PT Chandra Daya Investasi
Electricity Generating (EGCO), the power generation subsidiary of the state-run Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, announced the acquisition of a 30% stake in PT Chandra Daya Investasi, an Indonesia-based company. The deal, valued at US$194 million, was orchestrated via EGCO’s fully-owned subsidiary, Phoenix Power BV, and is expected to be finalised by year-end. PT Chandra Daya Investasi (CDI) is a…
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Thailand’s economic growth potentially in decline, SCB EIC warns
The Siam Commercial Bank’s research wing, SCB Economic Intelligence Center (EIC), expressed concern over the potential decline in Thailand’s long-term economic growth. It has attributed this to enduring structural problems, such as low investment, diminished total factor productivity, and the economic impact of the pandemic. Chief Economist at SCB EIC, Somprawin Manprasert, revealed that Thailand’s economic recovery has been more…
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Yellen urges China to reconsider state-driven economy due to investment deterrence
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen urged China to deviate from its state-driven economic policy, citing the deterrence it creates for investors. Speaking at the US-China Business Council’s 50-anniversary dinner in Washington, Yellen highlighted the stifling effect of an overbearing role for state-owned enterprises. US businesses have repeatedly voiced their concerns about the perceived unfair Chinese business environment, including limited intellectual…
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PTTEP forecasts 9% rise in petroleum sales due to expanded gas production
PTT Exploration and Production Plc (PTTEP) anticipates a 9% surge in petroleum sales in the coming year, largely due to the expanded gas production from the Erawan field in the Gulf of Thailand. The company’s President and CEO, Montri Rawanchaikul, revealed that the average sales for this year are anticipated to be around 464,000 barrels each day. This increase in…
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16 year old Thai girl accuses Chinese man met on dating app of rape
A 16 year old Thai girl filed a complaint against a Chinese man for allegedly raping her at a condominium in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok. He and his friends also attempted to gang-rape her on the day. The victim named Mo lodged a complaint at Rattanatibet Police Station on December 13. She explained that she met the Chinese man on…
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Thai tourism booms as over a quarter vow to return: Visa insights
A Visa study has uncovered that Thailand is set to witness a tourism surge with a whopping 28% of travellers who explored the country this year, expressing their firm intention to make a return within the next 12 months. The 2023 Global Travel Intentions Study by Visa, the largest and longest-running consumer insights study of its kind, has provided a…
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Bangkok’s Red Cross Fair at Lumpini: Where the fun never ‘cross’-es the deadline
The renowned Red Cross Fair, held at Lumpini Park, Bangkok, is still going strong after it kicked off on December 8. Don’t miss out on the fun and frolics before the fair ends on December 18. A golden location within the event sees vendors bidding for the best spots. With a theme of Joyful Happiness at the Place of Giving,…
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Thai hospital compensates family with 30,000 baht after medication mix-up
A hospital has compensated a family with 30,000 baht after a one year old infant was mistakenly given the wrong medication. The child, who had fallen and hit his head in the bathroom, was taken to a hospital in Samut Prakan province to have a brain scan. During the journey to another hospital for a second scan, a nurse gave…
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Motorcyclist dies in accident under Rangsit Railway Station bridge
A road accident in Pak Khlong Rangsit, Pathum Thani, ended in the death of a motorcyclist late yesterday evening, December 14. The 37 year old motorcyclist, Adisorn (surname withheld), lost control of his vehicle and collided with a vegetable truck, causing his death. The accident took place under the stairs of the Lokal road’s railway station, going towards Rangsit. Adisorn’s motorbike,…
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Jodd Fairs Rama 9 market in Bangkok reopens after fire
Jodd Fairs Rama 9 market in Bangkok announced its official reopening yesterday after a fire broke out and destroyed 120 shops on December 13. The fire slightly injured a Thai woman and destroyed shops, mostly fashion and clothing, on Wednesday, December 13. Huay Kwang district chief Paitoon Ngammook told the public that the market would be closed for at least…
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7 police surrender over money extortion while police spy charged with rape
Seven Prathum Thani Provincial Police officers and an alleged police spy turned themselves in at Pratunam Chulalongkorn Police Station in Bangkok on charges of extorting money and raping a female drug suspect. A Thai woman and her boyfriend sought justice after accusing seven police officers in the central province of Prathum Thani of extorting 300,000 baht from them when they…
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