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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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Where is the best place in Thailand for digital nomads?
Thailand is a popular place for digital nomads because it is affordable, culturally rich, and convenient for remote work. With friendly locals, great weather, and delicious food, it offers a high quality of life. Cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and...
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Xiao-I, Chinese AI chatbot pioneer, targets global expansion
Yuan Hui’s company Xiao-I has come a long way since it launched its first chatbot two decades ago. Today, the Shanghai-based firm is valued at over US$400 million, listed on the Nasdaq, and aims to expand its presence in the global market. Yuan, the chairman and chief executive of Xiao-I, was inspired to develop a chatbot back in 2003 during…
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Chiang Rai tackles severe PM 2.5 with China-Thai collaboration on air pollution
In response to the severe PM 2.5 air pollution and forest fire smog issues affecting Chiang Rai, Thai and Chinese experts have collaborated to provide sustainable solutions. They are working to tackle this complex problem, which has been difficult to predict due to fluctuating weather conditions. Representatives from Chiang Rai’s Natural Resources and Environment Office collaborated with Gansheng Shi, an…
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Thai export growth target maintained despite 7-month shipment decline
Despite a decline in Thai exports for seven consecutive months, the Commerce Ministry maintains its export growth target of 1-2% for the year. Keerati Rushchano, the Permanent Commerce Secretary, predicts that the export outlook will remain negative due to the high inventory held by trading partners, causing delays in orders. However, he expects exports to improve in the second half of…
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Chinese fighter’s aggressive move risks collision with US aircraft
An American surveillance aircraft encountered an “unnecessarily aggressive manoeuvre” by a Chinese fighter pilot over the South China Sea last week, according to the US military. This incident, which the Pentagon claims is indicative of China’s pattern of behaviour, comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing over issues such as Taiwan and an alleged Chinese spy balloon shot down…
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North Korea satellite launch fails, debris recovered from sea
A failed satellite launch by North Korea on May 31 resulted in the booster and payload crashing into the sea, according to the state’s news agency KCNA. The incident led to emergency alerts and temporary evacuation warnings in parts of South Korea and Japan. South Korea’s military has since recovered parts of the launch vehicle from the sea. The “Chollima-1”…
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Thai minimum wage: Coalition parties and industry council engage in discussions
Eight Thai political parties agreed to support a Thai minimum wage increase to 450 baht (US$13) per day and continued discussions with the Federation of Thai Industries about moving the bill forward. Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP), emphasized the excellent cooperation within the coalition government. The MFP leader informed INN News that the atmosphere during the…
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El Nino set to return in 2023, raising haze risk for Singapore
Haze is expected to once again rear its ugly head in Southeast Asia. The Meteorological Service Singapore has forecasted that El Nino conditions are expected to develop in the second half of 2023, following three years of La Nina conditions. This comes seven years after the last strong El Nino event. The Met Service also predicts that a positive Indian…
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Thai parties push for Progressive Liquor Bill to boost local alcohol production
The Progressive Liquor Bill, which aims to create fairer rules for small and community-based alcohol producers in Thailand, resurfaced in public discussions after being mentioned in a memorandum of understanding signed by eight parties looking to form a coalition government. The bill, proposed by the Move Forward Party (MFP), narrowly lost approval in the House of Representatives last year by…
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Thai man saves python from cooking pot, offers it to monks
A Thai man saved a 3-metre long python from being cooked and decided to offer it to monks at the Kode Thim Tharam temple in the eastern Rayong province. However, the monks declined the offer due to inappropriate conditions for the snake at the temple. Today at 7am, Prasert Linsamphan brought a python named ‘Nong Jiji’ to the Kode Thim…
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Virtual twin tech tackles traffic congestion and pollution in smart cities
Virtual twin technology is emerging as a transformative tool for future mobility and smart cities, helping to address issues such as traffic congestion and air pollution, according to Dassault Systèmes, a France-based 3D design software company. This technology is an extension of digital twins, which are digital replicas of physical objects, systems, or processes that integrate advanced technologies and data…
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Police race action plan faces racism claims from ethnic minority staff
The Police Race Action Plan, an initiative aimed at addressing racism within policing in England and Wales, is facing accusations of racism from some of its ethnic minority staff members. Launched in response to the murder of African-American George Floyd in 2020, the plan seeks to improve police relations with black communities. However, former staff members have told BBC Newsnight…
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Cyber police bust luxury home, arrest Chinese crypto gang for global investment scam
Cyber police yesterday raided a lavish home in the Bang Na district of Bangkok and arrested a Chinese couple involved in an international cryptocurrency scam. The operation, ‘Trust No One,’ seized valuable assets worth millions and investigated other linked locations across the city. Cyber police officers recently launched the ‘Trust No One’ operation, targeting an international cryptocurrency scam operated by…
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Highway Police Commissioner transferred over easy pass sticker scandal
The Commissioner of the Highway Police was transferred to work for the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) following the easy pass sticker scandal. Highway Police were accused of accepting bribes and granting special passes for overloaded trucks. The allegations were made by Move Forward Party (MFP) member Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn. He took to Facebook to share evidence suggesting that certain police officers…
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MFP leader concerned over Thai media censorship
Concerns about media freedom in Thailand have been raised by Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat after a local pay-TV provider blocked a BBC profile about him. During a news conference, Pita addressed the issue, stating that press freedom must be rectified and made tangible in the country. Pita highlighted that at least three foreign news media outlets had experienced…
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Unusual tree brings luck seekers, sparks lottery frenzy in Thai village
An unusual Sisal tree bearing an uncanny resemblance to a mythical Naga snake has drawn crowds of people to the residence of an 89 year old woman in Non Malai village in Thailand’s northeast Buriram province. Villagers believe the tree brings fortune. They flocked to pay respects and seek lucky lottery numbers from the peculiar tree in front of the…
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China’s durian imports surge as Vietnam challenges Thai dominance
Beijing’s decision to allow fresh durian imports from Vietnam has led to a surge in demand for the fruit in China, with importers like Bob Wang, founder of TWT Supply China, securing deals with Vietnamese durian farms. Despite the pandemic-related import restrictions, China saw a fourfold increase in durian imports in 2022 compared to 2017, reaching a total value of…
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Thailand sees tourist tax refund surge since reopening in June
Following Thailand‘s full reopening in June last year, the number of tourist tax refunds has surged, as reported by Revenue Department director-general Lavaron Sangsnit. The increase in foreign visitors is evident in the substantial rise in value-added tax (VAT) refund totals. In 2022, over 423,000 tourists received VAT refunds, totalling 1.2 billion baht. Between January and May 2022, there were…
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Pattaya to host 9th Annual International Day of Yoga at H20 Pool Nirvana
Yoga enthusiasts have a fantastic opportunity to participate in a special event in Pattaya. The 9th Annual International Day of Yoga is scheduled to be held at the H2O Pool Nirvana on June 18 from 8am to 9am. This gathering promises to be a delightful experience for all attendees, with free t-shirts and morning refreshments provided. Yoga mats will be…
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Thailand urged to prioritise accessible tourism for disabled and elderly
Tourism operators in Thailand are calling for the development of a long-term action plan to make the country more accessible for elderly and disabled travellers. Jittasak Putjorn, an assistant professor at Silpakorn University researching the development of Thailand as a “Tourism For All” destination, said that the government and private operators should work together to close the gap in development…
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Thai police and Interpol unite to combat human trafficking in Southeast Asia
The Royal Thai Police (RTP) is set to collaborate with Interpol in establishing a coordinating centre to combat human trafficking gangs operating in Southeast Asia. A meeting between Thai police officials and the FBI took place at the Interpol Global Complex for Innovation in Singapore to discuss human trafficking prevention strategies. The centre aims to tackle online crimes involving the…
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Miracle cosmetics offering: Woman wins lottery after praying to legendary goddess
A significant number of tourists have been visiting Bosot Prawat Pho temple and the shrine of the goddess Monthatip in Thailand’s central Samut Songkhram province, to seek luck and prosperity in their lives and businesses. Among them, Wassana Baisamut, a 49 year old restaurant owner, attributes her fortunate lottery win and booming business to offerings made to Monthatip, drawing further…
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Animal fat jet fuel demand risks palm oil surge, worsening emissions
The use of animal fat as a greener alternative to traditional jet fuel is raising concerns about its impact on the environment. Animal fats, considered waste, are used to create aviation fuel with a lower carbon footprint. Demand for such fuel is expected to triple by 2030, driven by airlines. However, experts warn that scarcity in animal fat could lead…
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Nvidia valuation drops despite rally as earnings estimates outpace share price
Nvidia Corp’s impressive stock rally in recent days has seen the chip developer’s valuation decrease, as measured by the forward price/earnings (P/E) ratio. Over the last three sessions, the company’s stock has risen more than 31%, with a 3% gain reaching $401.11. Despite this, Nvidia’s P/E multiple has fallen due to Wall Street’s earnings expectations for the company rising even…
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Heavy rain warning across Thailand, strong winds raise flood risk
Heavy rain and flash floods are forecast across Thailand today with a 70% chance of Bangkok being affected. Compelling precautions, the Thai Meteorological Department has warned residents in at-risk areas. The Meteorological Department reports that for the next 24 hours, beginning from 6pm yesterday until 6pm today, heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected across the northern, central, and eastern regions…
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Pittsburgh synagogue shooter’s malice and hatred described in court
A devastating attack on a Pittsburgh synagogue in 2018, which claimed the lives of 11 worshippers, has been described as an act of “malice and hatred” during the ongoing trial of the accused gunman, Robert Bowers. The 50-year-old is facing over 60 federal charges, including hate crimes resulting in death and obstruction of free exercise of religion resulting in death.…
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Phuket sees Covid-19 surge, lax prevention and booster shot issues
Thailand’s island province of Phuket has experienced a concerning surge in Covid-19 infections over the past month, according to the Provincial Public Health Office. Deputy Chief Dr Muanprae Boonlorm highlighted that Vachira Phuket Hospital has seen a rise in Covid-19 patients since the Songkran holiday in mid-April. The number of hospitalisations due to pneumonia and Covid-19 related fatalities have also…
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Tragic property dispute ends in fatal shooting: Former owner surrenders to police
The former owner of the repossessed house in Pathum Thani province near Bangkok surrendered to the police last night after he shot and killed its new owner. The new owner bought the property from the bank. The accused murderer alleged that the bank unjustly seized his house and resold it. At 3pm yesterday, the former owner of the house, 65…
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Elizabeth Holmes starts 11-year prison term for Theranos fraud
Elizabeth Holmes, the founder of the now-defunct Theranos, reported to a federal prison in Texas to serve her 11-year sentence. The 39 year old was convicted of four counts of fraud related to her failed blood testing start-up early last year. Her request to remain free on bail while challenging the original conviction was denied in mid-May. The Federal Bureau…
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Urine Luck! Controversial video of drinking pee for the good of your health goes viral (video)
An old video featuring Sondhi Limthongkul delivering health advice on drinking your urine has resurfaced online. In the video, he promotes urine therapy as a method for maintaining one’s health and treating illnesses. Debates have ensued questioning the efficacy and safety of the practice. In the video, Sondhi Limthongkul, a prominent Thai personality, discussed maintaining one’s health with the controversial…
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Bullied Thai student fatally stabs 1 and injures 2 others at renowned school
A secondary school student fatally stabbed a fellow student after an argument at a reputable school in Sri Rattana district in Thailand‘s northeast Sisaket province. Two other 14 year olds sustained serious injuries, Khaosod reported this morning. The incident led the Sisaket Provincial Governor, Samruay Kasemsuk, to urgently visit and aid the deceased student’s family, providing financial assistance and moral…
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