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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Starting a new life abroad is exciting—new culture, new lifestyle, and new chances to grow. But living far from home also means taking steps to protect your health in unfamiliar surroundings. Without the right coverage, even small health issues can...
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Russian tourist’s iPhone odyssey: Close call on Phuket taxi
A Russian tourist had a close call when he inadvertently left his iPhone in a taxi on his way to Phuket International Airport last Friday. The tourist, whose identity remains undisclosed, was able to retrieve his phone in a nick of time before his flight back to Russia took off, all thanks to the combined efforts of the Phuket Tourist…
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Domestic violence surge in Thailand sparks renewed action
A surge in domestic violence cases in Thailand prompted a reminder from authorities that victims are not alone and assistance is readily available. Social Development and Human Security Minister, Varawut Silpa-archa, emphasized a year-round approach to ending violence, not just during November which is internationally recognized as the month for ending violence against women, children, and families. “If violence is…
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Phuket blood shortage plea: Paradise in peril seeks tourists’ rescue
The tropical island paradise of Phuket, usually a favourite destination for tourists and expats alike, now urgently calls for their help. As the high tourism season kicks off, the island is faced with a critical blood shortage, particularly for the RH-Negative type, prompting an island-wide blood donation drive throughout this month. The plea for blood donations was made public by…
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Green glow or green go? Viral lights stir aurora confusion above Thailand’s national park
Images of a bright green light above Kaeng Krachan National Park in the southern province of Phetchaburi went viral on Thai social media. Netizens said it was the first-ever aurora display in Thailand while one scientist dampened spirits somewhat saying it was just the green fishing light. Facebook page Khao Panoentung Scenic Point at Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi…
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Timber thieves’ tumble: Thai police bust illegal logging gang in 33 million baht raid
In a daring crackdown on timber thieves’ crime, Thai police stormed a deforestation gang’s hideout in central Thailand, arresting one woman while four suspects managed to escape. The operation followed the discovery of illegal wood logs valued at approximately 33 million baht hidden in a warehouse in Phetchabun by officials from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation.…
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How Phuket’s once tourism-reliant Greater Bangtao is tranforming into an international ‘Gold-Coast’ community
Phuket’s once-quiet beachside west coast community of Bangtao is experiencing an unparalleled surge in real estate development. According to new research from C9 Hotelworks, there are currently 7,842 condominium units (click to see upcoming project map). Added to the supply influx are just over 2,400 upscale and luxury homes, which equate to a pipeline of more than 10,000 residential units…
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Navigating Thailand’s weather conditions: From mild winter to sweltering heat
Associate Professor Dr Seree Suparathit, the Director of the Center for Climate Change and Disasters at Rangsit University and Vice President at the National Disaster Warning Council Foundation, recently shared insights on the upcoming weather conditions in Thailand. Dr Seree’s Facebook post highlighted that while the end of the year in Thailand is not expected to be cold, the following…
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Guestless wedding shocks rural Chinese village
In a small rural village in Guizhou Province, Southwestern China, a grand wedding took place with over 100 Chinese tables meticulously set up to celebrate the union of a groom and his bride. However, the most startling aspect of this extravagant event was the complete absence of guests. At the guestless wedding, not a single villager from the community attended…
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Road crash mystery: Woman’s fatal fall on Burapha Withi Expressway
In the early hours of today, a baffling road crash incident unfolded on the Burapha Withi Expressway, which left authorities puzzled. Police Lieutenant Warayut Jenwichumaet, Deputy Inspector of the Bang Pakong Police Station in Chachoengsao Province, led an investigation alongside the Chachoengsao Rescue Unit and the Burapha Withi Expressway Rescue Team. Their mission was to unravel the mystery surrounding a…
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Internal Security Agency stresses crucial role in addressing Deep South conflicts
The Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) reaffirmed its critical function in resolving conflicts within the Deep South and upholding national security during a recent press conference led by Major General Winthai Suvaree, ISOC’s spokesperson. The discussion also addressed the Move Forward Party’s (MFP) proposal to dissolve ISOC and tackled prevalent misconceptions surrounding its responsibilities. Maj. Gen. Winthai underscored the significant…
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South Korean Immigration issues prompt diplomatic concerns for Thai tourists
The South Korean Foreign Affairs Ministry has expressed regret over reports of its immigration officials denying entry to Thai tourists, causing diplomatic tensions between the nations, as conveyed by the Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry. The annual meeting between the Thai permanent secretary of foreign affairs, Saran Charoensuwan, and the South Korean First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chang Ho-jin, was…
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Prime Minister announces initiatives to attract foreign investment in EEC
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin unveiled a strategic plan during a mobile meeting aboard special train No 995 aimed at intensifying efforts to allure foreign investment into the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). Departing from Bangkok Station in Hua Lumphong and heading to Laem Chabang Station in Chon Buri’s Sri Racha district, the prime minister took the opportunity to assess and survey…
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Public Health Ministry launches Mini Thanyarak drug rehabilitation centres nationwide
The Public Health Ministry unveiled the establishment of 42 Mini Thanyarak drug rehabilitation centres across 27 provinces as part of an initiative aimed at having such facilities operational nationwide by the year-end. Announced by Dr Cholnan Srikaew, the Minister of Public Health, this effort falls under the One Province, One Mini Thanyarak campaign, a crucial component of the Ministry’s Quick…
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Two more Thai workers in Israel confirmed dead, one taken hostage
In a distressing turn of events, two more Thai nationals working in Israel have been confirmed dead, and another has been taken hostage, as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This escalates the already devastating situation in the region, with the death toll among Thai workers climbing to 34 and the number of Thai hostages held by Hamas rising…
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Thai Ministry proposes Clean Air Act to combat rising pollution crisis
The Ministry of Natural Resource and Environment (MNRE) is set to introduce a groundbreaking Clean Air Act to address the escalating air pollution concerns that have gripped the nation. Police General Phatcharavat Wongsuwan, the Environment Minister, revealed that a draft of the bill is currently open for public feedback on the ministry’s website until November 13. Following this, on November…
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Thai police crack down on multi-million baht online gambling den
In a significant move on November 2, the Thai Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) officers conducted a press conference unveiling the results of a raid on the high-stakes gambling establishment known as UFAV8. The operation resulted in the seizure of assets valued at more than 150 million baht (US$ 4,222,555). The alleged mastermind behind the infamous online gambling hub, identified…
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El Nino-induced drought disrupts Indonesia’s rice production, hikes prices
Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest economy, is grappling with a severe disruption to its rice production due to the extreme El Nino phenomenon. This drought-induced shortage has led to a surge in rice prices, impacting small businesses and consumers. Yanto, an East Jakarta food stall owner who caters to the lower-income bracket, has seen a significant profit decline since August, unable…
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Chon Buri: Russian man causes multiple motorcycle collision, refuses alcohol test and tries to escape
Today at 2am Pattaya police received report of a multiple motorcycle collision which involved a Russian man in Bang Lamung, Chon Buri. The Pattaya City rescue team was dispatched to the incident scene on Pattaya Third Road. Three motorcycles crashed on an intersection road with four individuals suffering from minor injuries. A 32 year old mobile app taxi rider and…
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Sia Paeng: Another Nakhon Si Thammarat prison warden given arrest warrant
An additional prison warden has been issued an arrest warrant regarding Chaowalit Thongduang’s case. Chaowalit, also known as Sia Paeng, escaped from Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital around two weeks ago on October 22. The arrest warrant for Weerachai Nuduang from Nakhon Si Thammarat Central Prison was issued yesterday by the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases. Weerachai was charged…
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Thailand economy: Fiscal position to suffer due to government policies like digital wallet scheme
Thailand’s fiscal position is predicted to face a downturn in the medium term, according to analysts, as the government advances populist policies such as the digital wallet scheme. BMI, a division of Fitch Solutions, forecasts that the nation’s budget deficit will escalate from 2.9% in the current fiscal year to 3.6% in the following fiscal year. This is due to…
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Fog, light rain forecast in northern Thailand, south braces for heavy rainfall
The Thailand Meteorological Department (TMD) today forecasts foggy conditions and light rain in some parts of northern Thailand, while heavy rainfall continues in some southern areas. The 24-hour forecast suggests that high atmospheric pressure or a cool air mass is gradually weakening and covering the upper northern parts, north eastern region, and the South China Sea. This, combined with the easterly…
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Soft power strategy: Thailand targets 11 sectors with a focus on Muay Thai
Thailand’s National Soft Power Strategy Committee, established in September following the Cabinet formation, has recently identified 11 key sectors for soft power implementation. The Committee intends to action the Thailand Creative Content Agency (THACCA) Act, which will facilitate a unified agency to dictate policies across these sectors. The sectors in question span a broad range of creative industries: fashion, books,…
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Hamas: Negotiations to release Thai hostages get assistance from Qatar, Egypt and Iran
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, has revealed that Qatar, Egypt, and Iran have committed to assisting in negotiations with Hamas for the safe return of Thai hostages. This announcement was made in a press briefing following Parnpree’s diplomatic visit to Qatar and Egypt, undertaken from October 30 to November 2, to discuss potential avenues…
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Four Thailand provinces extend nightlife venue hours to boost economy
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, and Phuket, four prime Thai provinces, are all set to extend the operational hours of their nightlife venues including bars and pubs until 4am. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the decision, which is set to come into effect from December 15, as part of an initiative to boost domestic tourism and the economy. PM Srettha…
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MFP to challenge government amidst internal controversies
The Move Forward Party (MFP), the main opposition party in Thailand, is preparing to challenge the government in a general debate. Critics suggest this is a tactic to divert public attention from the party’s controversies. For the first time, the MFP is exercising its constitutional power to initiate a debate against the government, scheduled for early next year. Although the…
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Bangkok MFP MP defends against sexual harassment claims, refuses to resign
Bangkok’s Move Forward Party (MFP) MP, Chaiyamphawan Manpianjit, more popularly known as Puaut, who was recently admonished by the party for alleged sexual harassment claims, voiced his respect for the party’s decision yesterday. At the same time, he defended his innocence and declined to step down despite growing calls for his resignation. This controversy follows the expulsion of fellow party…
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Chon Buri: Huge haul of undisclosed animal carcasses seized by Livestock Department
The quiet humdrum of Pattaya was broken yesterday by a significant operation led by the Chon Buri Department of Livestock. The team, under the guidance of Police Colonel Chakkraphong Panmongkol, unearthed a staggering 5,100 kilogrammes of undisclosed animal carcasses in the Pong locale of Chon Buri‘s Banglamung district. Acting on a tip-off that hinted at unauthorised activities in the region,…
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Pattaya’s Jomtien Beach to host inaugural Lullah festival
The sandy shores of Pattaya‘s Jomtien Beach are poised to host the inaugural Lullah Fest 2023 Street Food & Party On The Beach. This vibrant event, set to take place from November 17 to 19, is already stirring up excitement. The festival will feature an array of tantalising street food, engaging entertainment, and a lively beauty pageant. Earlier this month,…
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Chon Buri: Security guard dies in motorbike crash in Banglamung district
Earlier yesterday morning, a tragic incident unfolded in the Banglamung district when a security guard lost his life in a motorbike accident. The unfortunate victim, 43 year old Somchai Saengrung, employed at Laem Chabang Port, crashed his motorbike into a tree on Sukhumvit Road near the entrance of Soi Banglamung 29 in the Banglamung sub-district, Chon Buri. The Sawang Boriboon…
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Rare Malayan tiger spotted in Thailand’s Bang Lang National Park
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) recently reported the sighting of a Malayan tiger in Yala‘s Bang Lang National Park. The news surfaced on the DNP‘s official Facebook page, revealing that the Malayan tiger is among several sub-species found in the southern border regions of Thailand and Malaysia. Bang Lang National Park and Hala-Bala Wildlife Sanctuary…
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