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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.
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What do you need before moving from the US to Thailand?
The Thaiger key takeaways The most common medical emergencies for expats in Thailand include motorcycle accidents, tropical diseases, and food or water-borne illnesses. Air pollution and heat-related conditions like heatstroke also pose serious seasonal health risks, especially in northern and...
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George Soros hands $25bn empire control to son Alexander
Philanthropist and billionaire George Soros has decided to entrust his 37-year-old son, Alexander, with the control of his philanthropic and financial empire, worth US$25bn. A spokesperson for Soros, a significant supporter of liberal and democratic initiatives, confirmed the plan following its initial report by the Wall Street Journal. Previously, Soros, who is now 92, did not want any of his…
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Ofsted reforms insufficient, says sister of teacher who died post-downgrade
The sister of a headteacher who took her own life after her school received a downgrade from Ofsted has stated that the recently announced inspection system reforms are insufficient. Ruth Perry, former headteacher of Caversham Primary School in Reading, passed away in January. The school was rated “good” in every category except leadership and management, where it was deemed “inadequate.”…
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Anwar orders transfer of minor infrastructure projects from JKR to district offices
In a recent announcement, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that minor infrastructure projects, such as repairs of dilapidated schools currently overseen by the Public Works Department (JKR), will be transferred to other departments or district offices. This decision aims to reduce the workload of JKR, which is responsible for implementing development projects and maintaining infrastructure for various ministries, departments, statutory…
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Dengue fever outbreak hits 3-year high, nearly 20,000 affected, 15 deaths
A recent warning from Thailand’s government deputy spokesperson, Trisuree Trisaranakul, has alerted the public to the rapidly growing dengue fever outbreak. With nearly 20,000 reported cases and 15 deaths in the past five months, the epidemic reached its highest level in three years. Citizens are urged to take precautions to protect themselves and their children during the rainy season from…
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Health Ministry to table bill targeting smoking products for public health
The Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023 is set to be tabled today in the Dewan Rakyat by Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa. The bill, which includes amendments and suggestions to cover both conventional and new smoking products, aims to address the growing issue of smoking, particularly among young people. Dr Zaliha stated that the bill still…
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Malaysia needs action plan to retain talent amid planter shortage
Malaysia is urged to develop an action plan to retain existing talents and attract a new generation of planters, as the industry faces a potential shortage of skilled professionals. Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof highlighted the issue at the 10th International Planters Conference 2023, noting that some planters have retired or are seeking opportunities in other countries. Fadillah, who also…
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PAS open to all members contesting in six state elections
PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan has stated that all party members, including Muafakat Nasional President Annuar Musa, are eligible to become candidates in the six states facing elections this year. The party is yet to finalise its list of candidates, but Takiyuddin expects a decision to be made next week. “Any PAS member has the right to be a candidate and…
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Anwar Ibrahim emphasises musyawarah culture for civil servant input
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasised the importance of ‘musyawarah’ or deliberation in Malaysia, stating that it is essential to provide civil servants with the opportunity to express their opinions when determining the nation’s course. Speaking at the Prime Minister’s Department monthly assembly, Anwar highlighted the crucial role civil servants play in making deliberations more meaningful and effective. Anwar, who also…
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Bangkok governor urges universities to join citywide cleanup efforts
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt recently participated in a Big Bangkok cleanup event at Swuniplex retail plaza on Asokemontri Road, organised by Srinakharinwirot University. The event saw the involvement of university lecturers and students, Watthana district office executive officials, and representatives from various networks and agencies. During his address, Chadchart praised the university for being a role model in environmental maintenance…
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Chinese gang caught selling overpriced amulets to tourists in famous Thai temple
Two Chinese men willingly surrendered as they were about to be arrested for their involvement in scamming tourists at a well-known temple in Chon Buri, Thailand. The gang had been selling sacred objects at inflated prices. Thai police established a connection between the two men and another group that was apprehended at Khaocheechan Temple in the Bang Sare area of…
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Suvarnabhumi Airport’s SAT-1 terminal set for soft takeoff in September
Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok is set to soft launch its Satellite Airport Terminal 1 (SAT-1) in September, with a full opening planned for early next year. Airports of Thailand (AoT) president, Kerati Kijmanawat, stated that the new 216,000-square-metre facility, with a capacity for 28 aircraft parking bays, aims to address existing issues at the airport. With the ability to accommodate…
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Plant of prosperity: Wealthy Wilson draws crowds in northern Thailand, leafing people in awe
Residents in Phayao, northern Thailand, flocked to witness a bizarre plant known as the “Wealthy Wilson” believed to bring luck and fortune to whoever owns it. The plant’s leaves have taken on an unusual shape, resembling the mythical creature called the Naga. This extraordinary sight has led to a surge of believers seeking lottery numbers from this mystical tree The Wealthy…
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Ukraine recaptures villages, Russia shoots down fighter jet amid flooding
In a significant development, Ukrainian forces have managed to recapture three villages from Russian control in the southeast region, marking the first liberated settlements since the launch of their latest counteroffensive. Meanwhile, Russia’s defence ministry announced that it had downed a Ukrainian Su-25 fighter jet in the Kherson region and repelled three Ukrainian attacks in Zaporizhia. The aftermath of last…
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MPs set to condemn Boris Johnson in partygate inquiry conclusion
The parliamentary panel investigating allegations that Boris Johnson lied to Parliament regarding the “partygate” scandal is concluding its inquiry and is expected to deliver a harsh judgement. The former Prime Minister expressed outrage after receiving advance notice of the privileges committee’s conclusions, leading MPs to anticipate strong criticism of his behaviour. Before Johnson’s unexpected resignation as an MP, the committee…
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Malaysia aims to attract Microsoft, Google for data hub ambitions
As part of its strategy to become a data hub, Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, is seeking to attract tech giants Microsoft and Google to establish operations in the country. Amid escalating tensions between the United States and China, Malaysia aims to position itself as a neutral supply chain base. Tengku Zafrul stated that…
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Malaysian PM and Health Minister uphold medical student scholarships
Malaysian Medics International (MMI) has expressed its gratitude and support towards Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Health Minister Zaliha Mustafa for their decision to continue public scholarships for medical students in Malaysia. This announcement comes after the Public Service Department (PSD) considered ending scholarships for students in medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy. MMI praised the government’s choice to prioritise the education…
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Eggs-traordinary crisis: Thailand’s soaring egg prices crack traders and consumers alike
The soaring cost of eggs in Thailand has left traders and consumers concerned, with some attributing the price hike to a shortage of supplies at farms and increased export demand. Wanchai Rungmitcharatsaeng, a 65 year old egg shop owner in Khon Kaen’s Mueang district, has been in the business for over 20 years and claims that egg prices have reached…
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Thrifty mother’s extreme frugal cooking raises concerns among netizens
A TikToker from Vietnam gained attention with her frugal cooking methods on social media after it was brought to netizens’ attention she spends between 7 and 22 baht per family meal. Netizens criticised the Vietnamese mother’s approach, concerned about the potential health impacts on her children. A Vietnamese TikToker, who currently has around 250,000 followers, garnered attention after posting budget…
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Ice factory owner fatally shot in failed dispute resolution meet
Today morning, a deadly shootout occurred in a Chon Buri neighbourhood near the Wat Nong Tamlueng temple, leaving one person dead and causing significant property damage. The altercation stemmed from an unresolved dispute between two local families. Police were alerted to the incident at 3:30am and promptly arrived on the scene to find a 40 year old ice factory owner…
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Mysterious bee nest sparks lottery buzz across Thailand
Lottery enthusiasts throughout Thailand are seeking lucky numbers for the upcoming June 16 lotto draw, following various news sources and tales of mystical encounters. Here is a roundup of the latest buzz around notable numbers and lottery stories enveloping the Land of Smiles. Legendary beehive numbers Tourists visiting the sacred site of a beehive nest under a particular Buddha statue…
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China and Thailand plan joint military cooperation to maintain regional stability
China expressed its readiness to enhance military cooperation with Thailand in a bid to maintain stability in the region. The two nations have planned a series of joint military exercises for the upcoming year. During a meeting in Beijing, China’s Defence Minister Li Shangfu assured Narongpan Jitkaewtae, the Royal Thai Army’s commander-in-chief, of China’s commitment to work closely with Thailand.…
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Impact of higher interest rates on Thai businesses and homebuyers
Concerns are rising among industry leaders that higher interest rates could negatively impact businesses, particularly small ones, and weaken the purchasing power of homebuyers. The Bank of Thailand’s Monetary Policy Committee recently voted to raise the policy rate to 2.00% from 1.75%, prompting state and private banks to follow suit. The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) warns that higher interest…
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Thailand urged to boost beauty and wellness market for long-term growth
Thailand’s new coalition government is being encouraged to adopt a consistent policy to support the nation’s beauty and wellness market over an extended period. Ketmanee Lertkitcha, the chairwoman of the health, wellness and beauty industry cluster of the Federation of Thai Industries, highlighted the need for a national strategy to promote this sector, which, along with tourism, plays a crucial…
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New 135km canal to link Pasak River and Gulf, easing floods and droughts
The Royal Irrigation Department announced plans to construct a new canal that will connect the Pasak River to the Gulf of Thailand. The primary aim of this project is to alleviate flooding in the Central Plains basin during the rainy season and address water shortages during the dry season. Spanning 135 kilometres, the canal will originate in Tambon Roeng Rang, located…
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Heavy rainfall to hit 37 provinces: Stay alert for flash floods
Heavy rainfall is expected in 37 provinces across Thailand this week, with a 60% chance of precipitation, according to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD). The country and parts of Bangkok are on alert for potential flash floods, prompting residents to exercise caution as accumulated rainfall increases the risk. These weather conditions are a result of low-pressure troughs affecting the northern…
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Newborn abandoned under train station, police search for mother
A newborn baby boy was discovered abandoned, crying near the lift entrance of a BTS Skytrain station in Bangkok. Local authorities and volunteer rescue teams rushed to the scene and took the child to a nearby hospital. Police are now reviewing CCTV footage to locate and prosecute the individual responsible for leaving the infant. At around 3am today, the alarm…
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Armed Forces personnel resort to food banks amid cost of living crisis
Military personnel and their families in the United Kingdom have increasingly turned to food banks due to the rising cost of living and high inflation rates, according to Sky News. One such food bank, initially set up by an aviator to support the local community, is now being used by Royal Air Force (RAF) personnel at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.…
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Malaysia to introduce bill controlling smoking products, targeting youth
The Malaysian Health Ministry is set to present the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023 for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat. The bill, which has received cabinet support, is expected to be tabled by Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa. The legislation encompasses 23 proposed amendments and five new suggestions, making it more comprehensive by covering…
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Johor-Singapore economic region proposal gains momentum amid unique relationship
The potential establishment of a Johor-Singapore economic region is generating excitement among residents and business owners in Malaysia’s southern state of Johor. The idea, which aims to strengthen the state’s economic potential, has been discussed by the state government, the federal government, and the Singaporean government, but has not yet been raised as an official proposal. Johor and Singapore have…
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Health Ministry warned over medical officer oversupply projections in rural Sarawak
The Malaysian Health Ministry’s (MoH) projection of an oversupply of medical officers from 2026 to 2030 has raised concerns for healthcare services in the country, particularly in rural areas of Sarawak. Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Dr Annuar Rapaee, has called for a review of the projection, taking into account the demand for healthcare services and Malaysia’s…
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