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 5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
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Lucky lottery winner in Thailand banks 36 million baht
Thailand‘s Government Lottery Office (GLO) revealed that one lucky winner scooped a life-changing 36 million baht (over US$1 million) in the digital lottery draw today (May 2) after purchasing six winning digital tickets. Today, the number 834019 was drawn in Thailand’s twice-monthly government lottery draw. Anyone who bought a ticket with this number wins the lottery’s first prize of 6…
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Rise in Covid-19 inpatients and deaths expected to increase during Thailand’s rainy season
The number of Covid-19 inpatients in Thailand increased to 1,811 in the last week of April, up from 1,088 in the previous week. Meanwhile, related deaths doubled from 5 to 10 over the same period, as reported by the Department of Disease Control (DDC). These figures saw a rise two weeks after the Songkran festival in mid-April and are anticipated…
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70 year old village chief fights off daring motorcycle heist to save valuable gold necklace
A 70 year old former village chief from Sriracha successfully defended his valuable gold necklace against a thief attempting to steal it whilst both were on moving motorbikes. Kasem Thanyapol was on his way to purchase construction materials when a man riding a Honda Wave without license plates approached, grabbed his 10-baht weight gold chain and tried pulling it off.…
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Thailand’s export forecast for 2023 suggests 1% growth due to China’s economic recovery
Thailand’s exports are predicted to experience a 1% increase in 2023, with a more significant improvement anticipated later in the year due to the recovery of China’s economy, according to the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC). In a news conference, council chairman Chaichan Chareonsuk stated that although exports faced a downturn in the first quarter, a resurgence is predicted for…
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Battles in Sudan risks catastrophic humanitarian crisis
Intense fighting continues between rival factions in Sudan, escalating concerns of a humanitarian disaster, as hundreds of thousands of refugees are forced to flee. Clashes between the regular army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his rival, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, have been ongoing since April 15. Casualties continue to mount, causing the mass exodus of…
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Godfather of artificial intelligence quits Google, warns of technology’s dangers
A prominent computer scientist, frequently referred to as “the godfather of artificial intelligence,” has resigned from Google to voice his concerns about the potential dangers of the technology, according to yesterday’s US media reports. Geoffrey Hinton, known for creating a foundational technology for AI systems, expressed to The New York Times that advancements in the field could pose “profound risks…
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Thai cyanide serial killer found support from police officer, says Big Joke
The Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, confirmed that a police officer supported the Thai cyanide serial killer, Sararat “Am” Rangsiwuthaporn, in her dastardly deeds. Big Joke did not reveal the identity of the officer but said an arrest warrant would be issued within two days. The serial killer’s ex-husband, a deputy superintendent of…
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DLT recommends 6 ride-hailing apps to order a motorbike taxi in Thailand
One of the fastest and most convenient ways to get around Thailand is by motorbike taxi, and Grab isn’t the only option. The Department of Land Transport (DLT) recommends ordering a motorbike taxi (“Win”) safely and legally using six mobile applications. The DLT has certified six applications providing motorbike taxi services so far, reports BangkokBizNews… Hello Phuket Service Bonku Asia…
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Pro-independence forces triumph in French Polynesia elections
Pro-independence parties have claimed victory in the recent elections on France’s Pacific territory of French Polynesia. According to results released, the Tavini Huiraatira party, led by the region’s former head, Oscar Temaru, won 44.3% of the votes in the second round, securing an absolute majority in the regional assembly. The party is now expected to nominate 53 year old Moetai…
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No justice for victim: Suspect in kidnapping, rape, and murder walked free on technicality
Doi Saket Police Station revealed they could not arrest a serial sex offender who later went on to kidnap, rape, and murder a woman because it was a public holiday and the court was closed. The case involving the murder of a 36 year old car showroom saleswoman known as “Aom” has gathered significant attention. Aom, who worked at a dealership…
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JPMorgan Chase swoops in to buy US crisis bank First Republic
US financial authorities seized California’s struggling First Republic Bank on Monday and sold it to JPMorgan Chase, hoping to bring stability to a banking crisis that has rattled the financial system. First Republic, following the disclosure of a loss of over US$100 billion in deposits in the first quarter, became the second-largest bank by assets to collapse in US history.…
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Maryland man finds his lucky number and wins the lottery three times with it
A Maryland man strikes lottery luck with the same numbers multiple times, claiming his third major prize in just under a year. The 52 year old man managed to win three separate lotteries using the same numbers in each game. The Maryland Lottery confirmed that the man recently collected his third prize of US$50,000, having won the same amount twice…
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Top 5 nationalities investing in Thailand in Q1
Foreigners invested 33 billion baht into Thailand in the first quarter of the year, a government spokesperson revealed today. Investors from Japan invested the most, followed by investors from Singapore and the USA, respectively. A spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office and Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister Anucha Burapachaisri revealed that the government approved investment from 174 foreign investors…
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Internet idol Alice Wong criticised for starring in her first adult video
Alice Wong, half-Hong Kong, half-Malaysian Internet idol, has gained significant popularity for her sexy image and numerous followers. She is well-known for consistently sharing her sultry updates through various social media platforms. In a recent development that caused her fans’ hearts to race, Wong announced that she had released her first adult video, after deciding to take the plunge into…
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Mount Everest’s appeal and challenges in a changing world
Mount Everest is preparing for a record number of climbers this season, with approximately 1,000 people expected to attempt the summit of the world’s highest peak. However, climbing the impressive 8,849-metre mountain is not only expensive but also dangerous, and the risks may be growing due to overcrowding and climate change. Ever since Mount Everest was identified as the world’s…
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Thai cannabis vendors call out illegal importation practices
Thailand is known for its glittering beaches, bustling street food scene, expert Muay Thai fights, and full moon parties. But now it’s known for something that no one could have expected just a few short years ago – becoming the world’s home of the happy herb, marijuana. It’s been less than a year since Thailand decriminalised the growing of marijuana…
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Young boy saves coins to buy gold ring for his mother
Despite his young age, a big-hearted primary school boy saves coins to buy a gold ring for his mother, diligently collecting enough to fill a small safe. A TikTok user with the account name zumo4422 recently posted an inspiring video of a young boy carrying coins he had saved to buy a gold ring for his mother. The collected coins…
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Family ties turn deadly: Drug addict arrested for murdering sister-in-law in Chon Buri
Police in Chon Buri arrested a drug addict after he murdered his sister-in-law. The suspect claimed that he was angry because the victim accused him of spreading Covid-19 which led to the death of a neighbour. Officers from Baan Bueng Police Station were alerted to the shooting at a grocery shop on Nong Prue Kao-Baan Hua Kun Jae Road on Saturday,…
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Upcoming public holidays and impact on immigration office hours
Thailand is gearing up for three upcoming public holidays that will temporarily shut down government offices, including immigration departments. The first of these holidays, Coronation Day, falls on Thursday, May 4, and will be followed by a “bridge” continuation day on Friday, May 5. The Thai government announced these additional holidays last year as a means to boost domestic tourism…
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Drunk cop abandons car blocking traffic in northeast Thailand
Yesterday, a drunk police officer parked his car in the middle of the road in Udon Thani province in northeast Thailand when he needed to pee. Upon his return, his wheel had been clamped. He attempted to drive the clamped vehicle before fleeing. Officers at Mueang Udon Thani Police Station were informed that someone with a police officer’s uniform was…
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Close Call: Dozy Thai driver survives after car plunges into ditch in Rayong
A Thai driver travelling from Chon Buri‘s Bowin sub-district to Rayong province suffered non-fatal injuries after his vehicle plunged into a ditch in the Banglamung district. The driver later admitted to having dozed off at the wheel. A black Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck veered off Highway No. 331 near the Forest Department, heading inbound to Sattahip district, before crashing into…
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Kenyan pastors face court over alleged forest massacre
In what is being referred to as the “Shakahola forest massacre“, two pastors are set to appear before Kenyan courts, suspected of being behind the deaths of at least 109 people discovered buried in mass graves. The shocking revelation has shocked deeply religious, Christian-majority Kenya. The two men, currently in detention, are scheduled to appear in courts in different towns…
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TDRI warns political parties of excessive campaign spending and economic risk
The Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) has issued a warning to major political parties that their primary election campaign projects might be unnecessary as an economic stimulus, given that the country is not currently experiencing a recession. Yesterday, TDRI published a report intended to study and analyse the budget management of political parties, offering recommendations for adapting their future strategies.…
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Thai woman killed in Chon Buri motorbike accident involving British driver
In Chon Buri, a Thai woman tragically lost her life after the motorbike she was riding on was allegedly rear-ended by a British driver. The collision led to her being projected onto the road and ultimately hit by another vehicle. Pornwalai Boonpok, a 37 year old golf caddy, was riding as a passenger on her friend Arunwan Wannawong’s motorbike when…
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Apply now: TAT offers 500,000 baht to travel Thailand for 4 months
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is recruiting one lucky explorer to travel around Thailand for four months and document their adventures. The chosen “Tourist of Thailand” will receive 504,000 baht in spending money for their trip, travel vouchers, and other prizes. The TAT’s job advertisement reads… “Do you want to travel all over Thailand for free? It’s not hard!…
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Buddhist monk’s car crash meltdown in Bangkok
Police rushed to suppress a potentially volatile incident after a Buddhist monk smashed a car and later hid in the main hall of the Lao Temple in the Bang Khun Thian district of Bangkok. A local told police that he believed the monk was out of control due to stress after learning too much online Buddhist doctrine. The monk was…
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Kenyan pastors accused of causing over 100 deaths in Shakahola forest massacre
Two pastors are set to appear before Kenyan courts in separate towns tomorrow, suspected of instigating the shocking events that led to the deaths of at least 109 individuals found buried in what has come to be known as the “Shakahola forest massacre.” The deeply religious and predominantly Christian nation of Kenya, with over 4,000 registered churches, has been shaken…
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MFP to avoid joining inter-bloc coalition government after upcoming election
The Move Forward Party (MFP) has announced that they will not be participating in any “inter-bloc” coalition government after the forthcoming election, according to Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, the party’s campaign assistant. During a campaign rally yesterday in Samut Sakhon, Piyabutr stated that the MFP would avoid joining a government formed through “inter-bloc breeding”. This seems to be a reference to a…
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Mexican rescue dogs train for international disaster missions
In the central Mexican state of Puebla, a rescue dog and its handler were seen abseiling down a ravine as part of an emergency response drill designed to prepare them for international crises, like the devastating earthquake that hit Turkey in February. Another member of the canine unit, a black Labrador retriever named July, successfully located a paramedic and an…
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Senegalese opposition leader claims police attempted assassination using toxic gas
Senegalese opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, 48 years old, claimed yesterday that foreign laboratories have confirmed that a gas police sprayed at him in March was “toxic and deadly,” accusing them of attempting to assassinate him. In mid-March, Sonko stated that he felt unwell due to tear gas, which he claimed was deployed by the police during his forced transfer to…
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