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 Thailand vs. the West: What expats save on healthcare each year
Healthcare in Thailand is much cheaper than in Western countries, making it a great choice for expatriates looking for affordable medical care. Both public and private healthcare options offer high-quality services, with savings of up to 80% on procedures like...
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Heartbreaking incident in Chai Nat as bystanders laugh and watch woman drown
The tragic drowning of a 32 year old woman in Chai Nat province sparked outrage after a distressing video emerged of bystanders laughing and refusing to help. The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 31, around 8.30pm in a 3-metre deep irrigation canal near Huay Ta See village, Wang Kai Thoe subdistrict, Hankha district. The Chai Nat Ruamkatanyu Foundation volunteer divers…
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Thailand’s AOC launched to tackle rising online scams
The Anti-Online Scam Operation Centre (AOC), a comprehensive service centre for victims of scam gangs, has been launched by Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES), as stated by Minister Prasert Chantararuangthong. The AOC is designed to effectively reduce the number of online scams within a month, aiming to tackle the over 330,000 cybercrime cases reported from March 1…
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Pattaya’s wild wonderland: Zoofari roars into town with lifelike animatronics
Pattaya residents and visitors are braced for an enthralling journey into the wild with Zoofari, an event showcasing realistic animatronic wildlife. Pattaya’s Terminal 21 is hosting Zoofari, a unique event showcasing realistic animatronic wildlife. This immersive extravaganza, filled with vibrant, lifelike creatures, is sure to leave everyone, from the young to the young at heart, in awe. Zoofari is a…
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Trouser triggers: Pen gun mishap leaves schoolboys with penis pain
A pen gun which was kept in a trouser pocket accidentally went off, injuring one schoolboy in the penis and another in the leg. Medical workers at Phutta Sothon Hospital 2 in the central province of Chachengsao urged officers from Mueang Chachengsao Police Station to question two schoolboys who were admitted with gunshot wounds. The young boys insisted that the…
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Chiang Mai police officers reassigned following unlicensed nightspot raid
The acting commissioner of Provincial Police Region 5, Police Major General Krittapon Yeesakhon, reassigned five senior officers from the Chang Phueak Police Station in Chiang Mai to inactive roles, pending an investigation. This decision is a response to a raid on an unlicensed nightspot within their jurisdiction. The order affected Chang Phueak Police Chief, Pol. Col. Kittipong Phetmunee and four…
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Flood warning issued as heavy rains threaten southern Thailand
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning today about the weather conditions in Thailand. The northern part of the country is experiencing morning fog and increasing rainfall. Simultaneously, the southern region is facing substantial downpours, causing a sudden risk of flooding and rapid forest runoff. The high-pressure weather system or cold air mass that covers the northern part…
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Israel pledges support in Thai hostage rescue amid Gaza conflict
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently shared that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has extended his condolences to the Thai nationals who lost their lives during the Gaza conflict. Netanyahu also pledged his full support for the rescue mission for Thai hostages held by Hamas. Prime Minister Srettha revealed this information post his phone conversation with Netanyahu, where he requested…
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Thai exports set for boost from cars, electronics and agriculture
With a forecasted lethargic overall performance in 2023, Thai exports are set to be propelled by automobiles, auto parts, electronics, and agricultural products in the concluding quarter of this year, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). The FTI anticipates a rising global demand for these products, which should invigorate Thai exports that have been sluggish for several months.…
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Two men arrested for fatal family feud over 1,500 baht debt in Satun
A tragic event unfolded in the Thung Wa district of Satun province when two young men, Chatchanan and Teerayut, both 21 years old, turned on each other over a debt of 1,500 baht (US$41). The dispute led to the fatal shooting of their 22 year old relative, named Aphisit. The incident took place near a cowshed close to their residence…
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Debate over redefining methamphetamine possession limit in Thailand heats up
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin called for a comprehensive discussion surrounding the Public Health Ministry’s proposal to redefine anyone in possession of under 10 methamphetamine pills as an addict rather than a criminal. The meeting over the methamphetamine possession debate took place yesterday and involved high-ranking officials from the Royal Thai Police (RTP), the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB),…
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Drug addicted man causes blackout in Udon Thani attempting cable theft
A 35 year old drug addicted man has been apprehended by locals in Udon Thani after he attempted to steal power cables, causing a blackout in four houses. The man, who appeared incoherent and shaky, admitted he was motivated by his craving for alcohol and needed money to purchase it. Suradech’s reckless act was first noticed by a local, 35 year…
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Mystery of giant box on train sparks online speculation and warning over high repair costs
A baffling giant box spotted on a train sparked curiosity among hundreds of social media users, warning against touching it due to potential high repair costs. The discovery of an unusually shaped plastic box on a train, which was then shared online, led to speculation about the box’s contents. One social media user posted a photo of the box in…
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Unusual Halloween costume shocks crowd at Chiang Mai bar Halloween bash
Halloween celebrations at a popular local bar took a spooky turn when a customer, dressed in an unusual Halloween costume, as a ghost with a belly, stunned the crowd. The costume, complete with dark skin and blood effects, proved to be a show-stopper, attracting attention and widespread amusement from the online community. The Halloween festival, which unfolded yesterday, saw a…
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Chiang Mai nightclub scandal: Police officers relocated, 242 minors found using fake IDs
Five police officers from Chang Phueak Police Station have been relocated following a Halloween night incident involving minors under 20 years old using fake identification to enter a nightclub. The minors were found to have altered their birth dates on their national identification cards to gain entry. An investigation committee was set up today. The latest reports indicate that during…
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Thai lottery fraudster nabbed for 180 million baht scam
Law enforcement officers today, led by Colonel Santichai Srisawad, in conjunction with Major General Montree Teskan, arrested a 40 year old woman in connection with Thai lottery fraud. The suspected woman was a reputed figure in the Thai lottery scene. Arrested under a warrant issued by the Kantharalak Provincial Court on September 6, she was accused of impersonation and defamation…
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Cambodian woman arrested for Samsung Galaxy theft on BTS Skytrain in Bangkok
A 31 year old Cambodian woman was arrested for stealing a mobile phone from a South Korean passenger on the BTS Skytrain in Bangkok. The woman admitted to selling the stolen Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra for 1,500 baht. She was caught after security footage showed her following closely behind the victim and taking the phone from her bag. The incident…
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Disabled teenager demands mother to return 400,000 baht compensation
A 16 year old disabled girl spoke to her mother through Channel 3 asking her to return the 400,000 baht she received as compensation after a motorcycle accident. The woman told Channel 3 that she lost her right leg in a motorcycle accident and the court ordered the motorist involved in the accident to pay her 500,000 baht in compensation.…
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Malaysia: Contaminated school food sparks investigation
Parents in Malaysia were left in shock after discovering contaminated food, including worms, in their children’s school provided lunch, and an alarming black, boiled egg. The incident sparked an outcry for an investigation after numerous students suffered from upset stomachs after consuming the meals. The issue came to light after a concerned parent posted pictures of the unsatisfactory lunch, which…
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Sugar shock: Satun sweet treat vendors stick to their prices, seek government help
Sweet treat vendors in Satun are suffering from soaring sugar prices, causing a significant decrease in their income and profits. Despite the hardship, they persist in maintaining their original prices, fearing the impact on their customers. The vendors are pleading for urgent government intervention. The rise in sugar prices has had a significant impact on sweet treat sellers, particularly those…
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Government lottery draw offers 6 million baht first prize
The Government Lottery Office (GLO) livestreamed the lottery draw today allowing participants to check their tickets and potential winnings live. The draw included first prizes, last two digits, last three digits, and other categories, all reported swiftly on Sanook Lotto. The live lottery draw for the government lottery took place today, November 1, with participants eagerly awaiting the first prize…
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Thailand’s economy set to grow despite potential export decline
A prominent joint business group announced today that Thailand’s economy is set to grow by 2.5% to 3.0% this year, a prediction consistent with their previous forecast. This anticipated growth is attributed to government support measures and the tourism industry. However, the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry, and Banking (JSCCIB), which represents these sectors, warned of a potential decline…
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Chiang Mai Airport 24-hour service takes off with first flight to Osaka
Chiang Mai International Airport (CMIA) introduced its new 24-hour service with the inaugural flight from Chiang Mai to Osaka. This followed the government’s Quick-Win policy to boost the short-term economy. Nirat Phongsitthaworn, Governor of Chiang Mai Province, presided over the kick-off event at the International Passenger Terminal. Joining him were Jakrapol Tungsutthatham, Deputy Secretary-General to the prime minister, Kirti Kitmanawattana,…
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November brings vibrant Thai cultural events for locals and tourists alike
A vibrant tapestry of cultural events and celebrations has been planned to light up the Thailand event calendar this month. From the enchanting Loi Krathong festival, the fierce Boat Race Festival, the rhythmic Pattaya Music and International Fireworks Festival, to the challenging Laguna Phuket Triathlon- there’s something for everyone. The Loi Krathong Festival this year is one of the most stunning festivities in…
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Thai hostages secured release promise from Hamas post Gaza offensive
Thai captives held hostage in Israel by Hamas have been promised release upon Israel’s cessation of its Gaza Strip offensive. This assurance was provided to Thai negotiators by Hamas representatives, as relayed by Saiyid Sulaiman Husaini, a Thai Muslim leader and head of a Shia Muslims association in Thailand. The promise was made during a meeting held at the office…
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Brawl between taxi and Bolt riders erupts outside Pattaya Police Station
Police officers intervened in a physical altercation between a motorcycle taxi rider and a group of app-based drivers, reportedly Bolt, outside Mueang Pattaya Police Station last night, October 31. This year’s Halloween evening turned violent in Pattaya when a Bolt rider attempted to attack a motorcycle taxi driver with a broken glass bottle. The taxi rider also prepared for the…
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Phuket: 3 billion baht for pipeline to solve water issues and boost tourism
Phuket officials announced plans to yet again request a budget exceeding 3 billion baht for the construction of a water supply pipeline from Phang Nga to Phuket, aiming to resolve ongoing water issues and bolster tourism in the region. The budget request confirmation emerged during a meeting led by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat at Phuket Provincial Hall. The meeting highlighted…
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Zodiac fortunes: Astrologer predicts top five stars in November’s fortune show
Astrologer Chang Thotsaporn Sritula revealed the top five zodiac signs predicted to have promising fortunes in November. The list includes Dragon, Pisces, Cancer, Libra, and Leo. In his video titled Fortune of the Month with Elephant Ep.52 – Last Curve of the Year 2023, Thotsaporn highlights the zodiacs that are expected to prosper financially and in terms of luck as…
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PM’s land redistribution gift: Thai farmers in Udon Thani get a new year surprise
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday announced the redistribution of over 9,276 rai of army-owned land in Udon Thani to landless farmers, as a new year gift. This significant move is part of the Nong Wua So development model aimed at alleviating poverty and landlessness issues among farmers. The Thai prime minister lauded the army’s decision to repurpose their surplus land…
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National artist Chalermchai Kositpipat retires to enjoy motorcycle travels
Chalermchai Kositpipat, a national artist and creator of Wat Rong Khun, announced his retirement, adding he will spend his remaining days enjoying life on his motorcycle. Born on February 15, 1955, in Rong Khun, Chiang Rai, Chalermchai is best known for his Thai mural paintings in Wat Phuttha Prateep in London, England, and his art at Wat Rong Khun. Chalermchai…
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Overqualified barista buzz: Latte lament sparks social media stir
A young man recently stirred a buzz on social media after sharing his experience of being rejected for a barista job only because he was overqualified. The incident, which unfolded through a Facebook post, left netizens discussing and sharing similar experiences. The young man had initially applied for a barista position in a coffee shop that advertised for a permanent…
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