News
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 A healthy tomorrow starts today: Celebrate the great American Smokeout day
The Great American Smokeout, held this year on November 17, is a nationwide event that encourages smokers to take their first steps towards a smoke-free life. If you’re an expat in Thailand, this day could be a timely reminder to...
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British-Thai monk and Thai national artist win diplomacy award
Thailand’s Public Diplomacy Award named three remarkable figures as this year’s recipients, the Thailand Foundation revealed yesterday. A revered monk, an iconic composer, and a leading cultural institution will be honoured for their monumental contributions to promoting Thai culture and values across the globe. The prestigious honour has gone to Phra Phrompacharayanmuni (Ajahn Jayasaro), a British-Thai Buddhist monk, whose dedication…
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Krabi closes marine attractions until Sunday due to rough seas
Krabi’s Marine National Park has temporarily closed its marine tourist attractions for four days, from September 19 to 22, due to strong winds and rough seas. The National Park raised red flags across various tourist spots in the area. Had Nopparat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park in Krabi announced that red flags have been placed at all marine tourist…
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Thailand video news | Thai authorities shut down 21 illegal villas on Koh Samui, Thai authorities shut down 21 illegal villas on Koh Samui
In Thailand’s video news, Alex and Jay cover various stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia. Highlights include Thai authorities intensifying their crackdown on illegal properties, and shutting down 21 luxury villas on Koh Samui’s Khao Ma Ngaen mountain due to unauthorized construction. This is part of a larger operation targeting 46 properties built without proper permits, leading to the…
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Thailand unveils destination visa to attract remote workers
The Government of Thailand is intensifying efforts to promote its new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) to attract foreign nationals who wish to work while travelling in the country, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa. Maris announced that the ministry is playing a significant role in promoting the DTV, which is anticipated to generate revenue for Thailand. He emphasised that…
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Identity theft leaves ex-village headman without essential services
An ex-assistant village headman from Nakhon Ratchasima has found himself in a nightmarish situation after discovering that his identity was stolen by a prisoner. Despite years of seeking help, he remains unable to access essential services due to the mix-up. Komson Tiskratok, a 41 year old man, reported that his name, surname, and 13-digit ID number were used by a…
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Illegal care centre in Chiang Mai sends Thai father to hospital
A Thai woman took her father to a care centre in Chiang Mai, only to receive the news that he was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries. It was later revealed that the centre was operating illegally. A Facebook user named Mimm Jewpanya pleaded for help yesterday after her father was admitted to a care centre in Chiang Mai.…
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Biggus dickus: Rogue penis enlargement doc gets shafted by cops
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the National Health Security Office (NHSO) busted a rogue operator offering dubious penis enlargement procedures to men looking for a bigger package. Unfortunately, one victim, seeking a bit of extra length, has been left with painful infections rather than a bigger pecker. Heading the charge, Police Lieutenant General Jiraphop Phuridet and Police Major General…
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Thai household debt hits 13.6 trillion baht as bad loans rise
Thai household debt has surged to alarming levels, reaching 13.6 trillion baht, with non-performing loans (NPLs) climbing to 1.2 trillion baht. The National Credit Bureau reports a consistent rise in bad debts across housing, automotive, and credit card sectors. Data from the end of July indicates that household debt in Thailand reached a staggering 13.6 trillion baht. This figure is…
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Patong mayor urges caution after landslips and road damage
Patong Mayor Chalermsak Maneesri called on residents and drivers to remain vigilant following several landslips, potholes forming on rain-soaked roads, and a large tree falling onto power lines between Patong and Kamala. A notice was issued by Patong Municipality today, September 20. “Watch out! Follow the situation of flash floods, forest runoff, flooding, mudslides, and strong wind waves.” Residents affected…
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Elderly monk brutally killed in Sisaket temple quarters
A tragic incident unfolded when a 73 year old monk was brutally murdered in his quarters. Two small cats were found wandering around his lifeless body. The discovery was made by a fellow monk who became concerned when the elderly monk did not appear for his morning alms collection. On the morning of yesterday, September 19, police officer Taweesin Srisuriyachai…
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Phuket teleconference reviews disaster plan for southern provinces
Royal Volunteer Command Center Region 4 held a teleconference yesterday with representatives from 14 southern provinces to review the 2015 National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Plan. The meeting, chaired by Major General Anusorn Ourai, Deputy Commander of Army Area 4 and Deputy Director of the Royal Volunteer Command Center Region 4, aimed to improve coordination and ensure systematic disaster relief…
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Fire at Sisaket electric bike shop causes million-baht damage
A fire broke out at an electric motorcycle shop, quickly spreading to a nearby mobile phone store and a bank, resulting in millions of baht in damages. Police are investigating the cause of the blaze that occurred yesterday, September 19, at 5.30pm. The incident took place in a two-storey building in the town of Rasisalai, Sisaket province. The fire reportedly…
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Police arrest key suspect in brutal Kalasin double murder
Police apprehended a key suspect in the brutal murder of two cattle traders, a father and son, whose bodies were found in the back of a pickup truck in Kalasin province, Thailand. The investigation continues as police pursue other members of the alleged gang involved in the crime. Police are investigating the murder of 62 year old Rian, and 32…
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Pattaya: Woman openly uses illegal drugs on Soi Buakhao
A woman in Pattaya has been seen openly using illegal drugs on the bustling Soi Buakhao, raising concerns among locals and tourists. A Facebook user recently shared images of the woman, who appears to be homeless, sitting by the roadside with drug paraphernalia in one hand and a lighter in the other. The images show numerous Thai and foreign tourists…
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Tropical storm Sonca to bring heavy rain to northeast Thailand
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning about Tropical Storm Sonca, expected to hit the northeastern regions of the country today, bringing heavy rainfall due to its slow-moving nature. Deputy Director-General Thanasit Iam-ananchai of the TMD provided an update on the storm’s progress, which was located in Khammouane Province, Laos, approximately 130 kilometres from Nakhon Phanom Province at 10pm…
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Malaysia and Cambodia launch cross-border QR payment system
Malaysia and Cambodia have collaboratively launched a cross-border quick response (QR) payment linkage, enabling consumers and merchants to conduct instant retail payments via mobile applications. This initiative, announced by Bank Negara Malaysia and the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), aims to enhance the payment experience and expand market reach for over 5 million merchants in both countries, primarily small businesses.…
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Doctors on a mission: Time for a prescription for change
A group of furious doctors launched a passionate petition to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, demanding urgent action to tackle the dire state of Thailand’s public health system. Spearheaded by Clinical Professor Emeritus Dr Amnaj Kussalanan, a former president of the Medical Council of Thailand, the petition was formally handed over at the Ministry of Public Health, where Dr Watchai Charoonwattana,…
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Bangkok street vendors must be poor enough to operate: BMA
In a move that’s bound to shake up Bangkok’s bustling street food scene, new City Hall regulations will allow only “poor Thais” to operate as street vendors. The bold rules, signed by Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, have sparked controversy with their stringent requirements, including a ban on migrant workers. Once published in the Royal Gazette, the new rules will go…
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Governor’s plan to transform Bangkok’s crumbling footpaths
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has taken matters into his own hands, rolling up his sleeves to personally inspect the chaotic renovation of Lat Phrao Road’s battered footpaths. The governor visited the busy Lat Phrao intersection on Tuesday, September 17, where a 20-kilometre overhaul is underway, aimed at bringing the pavements up to scratch. Years of neglect, due to the Yellow…
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Thai AirAsia offers free flights to Paralympic medalists
Thai AirAsia announced free flights for Thai Paralympic athletes who won medals at the 2024 Paralympic Games. Medalists will receive free flights for up to 10 years, both domestically and internationally. Thai AirAsia is offering free flights to all Thai athletes who secure medals at the 2024 Paralympic Games, similar to the benefits previously provided to Thai Olympic athletes. Gold…
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All that glitters: Thai gold prices steady, not budging an ounce
Gold prices in Thailand are holding their ground today, with rates remaining flat compared to yesterday’s close. Jewellery gold is trading at 41,050 baht per baht-weight, according to an early morning update from the Gold Traders Association (GTA) at 9.04am. The price of gold bars stands firm at 40,450 baht for buying and 40,550 baht for selling, mirroring yesterday’s figures.…
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TAGTHAi and Google Cloud to transform tourism in Thailand
TAGTHAi, Thailand’s official travel app, has partnered with Google Cloud to create a ground-breaking solution that simplifies travel for tourists. Their AI-driven feature, Design My Trip, promises to revolutionise how visitors experience Thailand. Thiratida Kuvantharai, CEO of TAGTHAi, revealed the cutting-edge technologies used to offer curated travel experiences tailored to each individual. “This aligns perfectly with the Tourism Authority of…
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High stakes: British soccer star’s £600k cannabis own goal
Professional footballer Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has been charged in a sensational attempt to smuggle £600,000 worth of cannabis through Stansted Airport. The 33 year old striker, currently playing for Scottish Championship side Greenock Morton, was nabbed by National Crime Agency (NCA) officers at dawn yesterday, September 18, in Gourock, Inverclyde. The ex-Livingston, Aberdeen, and Arsenal academy star, who resides on Cardwell…
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AirAsia’s new campaign: Are you always on time? (video)
AirAsia is taking punctuality to new heights with its latest Thai campaign, “Thank You for Being on Time.” In a bold move, the airline is not just focusing on its timeliness but celebrating passengers who make punctuality a lifestyle. The campaign, created by the creative agency Chujai, features two heartwarming video spots directed by Thanachai Srivichai. The 15 and 48…
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Terrifying blaze levels home in Sattahip, no injuries
Chaos erupted in Ban Tao Than, Sattahip in the early hours of yesterday as a raging fire engulfed a two-storey wooden house, sending residents fleeing for their lives. The inferno broke out at 4.30am, yesterday, September 18, consuming the home in a matter of minutes and triggering a swift response from emergency services. Firefighters from the Sattahip Municipal Office and…
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Tak Bai tragedy: Thai officials to face music over deadly crackdown
The Government of Thailand is set to prosecute eight former security personnel for their alleged roles in the notorious Tak Bai crackdown nearly 20 years ago, where 78 protesters met a grim fate, suffocating or being crushed in overloaded army trucks, according to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG). Among those facing serious charges are six soldiers and two…
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UK signs pivotal trade and investment deal with Thailand
The United Kingdom government has finalised a significant trade and investment agreement with Thailand, marking the first such deal since the Labour government assumed office in July. Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan and UK Trade Minister Douglas Alexander signed the enhanced trade partnership agreement in Bangkok yesterday, September 18. The deal seeks to eliminate specific trade barriers, focusing on sectors such as…
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Thailand’s consumer cashflow set to rise above 2019 levels
Thailand’s consumer spending is set to smash past 2019 levels for the first time, fuelled by expected interest rate cuts from the Bank of Thailand and a booming tourism sector, leading analysts reveal. In spite of sky-high household debt, consumer confidence is riding high thanks to a surge in foreign tourist arrivals—a key lifeline for Thailand’s economy, according to BMI,…
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Thailand’s golden rice grain faces storm from strong baht and India
Thailand’s rice exports are teetering on the edge of crisis with looming threats from a strong baht and potential policy changes in India. The Thai Rice Exporters Association has cast a shadow over next year’s outlook, predicting exports might flop below the eight million tonnes mark. Chookiat Ophaswongse, the association’s honorary president, revealed the unsettling news despite unabated flooding wreaking…
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Udon Thani woman forced to sign new loan, assaulted by creditor
A woman reported her creditor for assaulting her in the middle of a market, despite claims of having repaid the loan in full. She was forced to sign an additional loan agreement for 40,000 baht after already repaying both the principal and interest. The woman, 46 year old Phanomphon from Nong Khon Kwang, Mueang district, Udon Thani province, filed a…
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