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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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Moving to Thailand? Here are the health documents you should prepare before you go
The Thaiger key takeaways Valid passport, visa documents, health certificate, and vaccination records are essential for immigration and medical care in Thailand. Health insurance that meets visa requirements, like Cigna, provides protection, direct billing, and access to a wide hospital...
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Littoral combat ship project cost surges to RM11.2bn due to delays, changes
The littoral combat ship (LCS) construction project in Malaysia has seen a significant increase in costs, reaching RM11.2 billion, due to extended construction periods and specification changes. Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari revealed that an additional 83 months would be needed to complete the project, based on the Sixth Supplementary Contract (SA6) signed recently. The original agreement stipulated that the…
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Malaysia may pause OPR hikes as inflation remains steady
Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has indicated that it may maintain its overnight policy rate (OPR) as long as inflation remains under control, according to a Bloomberg report. BNM Assistant Governor Fraziali Ismail stated that the central bank has room for a “conditional pause” on OPR hikes, given that inflation is not “misbehaving.” “Many central banks have taken the step, us…
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Over 336k Malaysian girls miss HPV vaccine amid global supply disruption
A total of 336,592 female Form 1 students from the 2020 to 2022 cohort in Malaysia have not received any human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine shots, according to Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa. The Ministry of Health (MoH) is dedicated to ensuring that all female students from the 2021, 2022, and 2023 cohorts receive the HPV vaccine before they complete their…
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Truck crashes into roadside shop in Chon Buri, 3 injured, 1 dead
A truck veered off the road and crashed into a roadside shop in Chon Buri province early this morning, leaving three people injured and one dead. The incident took place on the 331 highway near the Ta Le Thong Market when the truck driver lost control of the vehicle after a car cut in front of him. Upon arriving at…
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Penang plans June 28 dissolution for state legislative assembly
The Penang government in Malaysia has announced its intention to dissolve the state legislative assembly on June 28, paving the way for upcoming state elections. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow disclosed this plan during a news conference in George Town, stating that he will soon request a meeting with Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak to propose the dissolution…
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Malaysia and Indonesia resolve maritime disputes, boost bilateral ties
The relationship between Malaysia and Indonesia has reached a level of which both nations can be proud, according to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. He attributed this achievement to the close and familial ties between himself and Indonesian President Joko Widodo, as well as the rapport among government officials. These strong connections have led to the resolution of several long-standing…
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DAP’s seat negotiations ongoing for Selangor state elections
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke announced today that seat negotiations for the upcoming Selangor state elections are still in progress. Loke clarified that he is not participating in the discussions and described the ongoing negotiations as “normal.” Loke directed reporters to inquire with Gobind Singh Deo, DAP deputy chairman and Selangor DAP chairman, for further information on the matter. The announcement…
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Couple charged again for child negligence, face RM50,000 fine or jail
A couple in Johor Baru, Malaysia, faced charges in the Sessions Court today after being given a discharge not amounting to an acquittal for negligence that likely caused physical injury to the woman’s four-year-old son. The 23-year-old woman, who is three months pregnant, and her husband pleaded not guilty to the new charge. The alleged offence took place at their…
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Highway horror: Civil engineer’s fatal crash claims delivery rider’s life in Bangkok
A Department of Highways civil engineer crashed his car into a delivery rider instantly killing him in the early hours of this morning on the Lat Phrao-Wang Hin Road in Bangkok. The driver’s alcohol test results are yet to be reported. Chok Chai Police Station officers and medical and rescue teams rushed to the road at 12.30am today to investigate the…
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SEC offers guidance for investors amid Stark’s potential bond default
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued guidelines for investors as Stark Corporation faces the possibility of defaulting on bond payments worth nearly 9.2 billion baht. The SEC has emphasised that investing in debt securities carries high risks and that investors could lose both principal and interest. The guidelines aim to clarify the roles and functions of bond representatives…
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Chiang Mai human trafficking gang busted, 3 underage victims rescued
Thailand’s plague of human trafficking has once again reared its ugly head. Thai authorities have arrested members of a human trafficking gang operating in Chiang Mai. The arrests followed tip-offs from organisations fighting human trafficking, such as Destiny Rescue and the Immanuel Foundation. Officials discovered that My Tirak Bar and My Tirak Pub were offering sexual services, involving minors, to…
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All children in Thailand should have education, regardless of nationality, says official
Tri-nut Thiengthong, Thailand’s Minister of Education, has emphasised the right of all children living in Thailand to receive an education regardless of their nationality. This was in response to the recent influx of 124 undocumented children at Thai Rat Witthaya 6 (Ratchamongkol) School in Ang Thong province. The Ministry of Education is working closely with local organisations to ensure the necessary…
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Thailand’s Excise Department probes official’s involvement in oil smuggling case
An investigation is underway by Thailand’s Excise Department into allegations that a high-level official attempted to persuade police to release a truck carrying 15,000 litres of smuggled oil. The department’s Deputy Director-General Kriangkrai Pattanaporn revealed that a probe committee was formed to look into the arrest of the 47 year old driver, identified only as Sombat, in Prachuap Khiri Khan…
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North Korea children’s union donates rockets to army amid rising patriotism efforts
North Korea’s political youth group, the Korean Children’s Union (KCU), demonstrated its patriotism by donating rocket launchers to the army during its 77th anniversary celebrations. High-ranking officials from the North Korean Communist Party attended the event, which comes amid increased efforts by the nation to develop nuclear and conventional weapons. North Korea has recently intensified its propaganda and public signalling…
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Jokic and Murray make NBA history with dual 30-point triple-doubles
In a groundbreaking NBA Finals performance, Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray both achieved 30-point triple-doubles, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 109-94 victory over the Miami Heat and securing a 2-1 lead in the series. This marked the first time in NBA history that two teammates accomplished this feat in the same game, whether in the regular season, playoffs, or…
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Politicians, NGO leaders risk racial unity with divisive rhetoric, warns Umno deputy
Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan has raised concerns over the increasing trend of politicians and non-governmental organisation (NGO) leaders making statements that put racial unity at risk and create public unease. He highlighted that these individuals are willing to undermine fundamental rights, freedoms, and the integrity of public institutions, as well as inappropriately involve the royal institution in political matters.…
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Comedian condemned for mocking MH370 tragedy and Malaysia
Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir has condemned the actions of a comedian known as “Jocelyn Chia” for making insensitive jokes about Malaysia and the MH370 tragedy. The minister expressed regret and emphasised that the comedian’s actions displayed a lack of sensitivity and empathy towards Malaysians and the victims’ families. Zambry stated that the video featuring the comedian’s performance contradicts the…
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Malaysia PM to clarify Haj selection criteria, HPV vaccine status
The classification criteria for the B40, M40, and T20 groups in selecting Haj pilgrims for the 1444H season, as well as the number of individuals to receive offers this year, are expected to be discussed during today’s Dewan Rakyat session. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will address these concerns during the Minister’s Question Time, responding to questions from Abdul Latiff Abdul…
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Budget 2023 eases financial burden for Malaysian fresh grads
Helena Roshnee Eswaran, a 24-year-old junior executive, is among the many Malaysian fresh graduates who have benefited from the repayment discount incentive for National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) borrowers under the federal government’s Budget 2023. The initiative aims to ease the financial burden of borrowers amidst the challenging economic climate. The PTPTN offer covers four categories, including a 20%…
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Ex-minister Khairy slams MP’s opposition to anti-smoking policy
Former Malaysian minister Khairy Jamaluddin has criticised Sungai Buloh MP R. Ramanan for opposing the government’s generational end game (GEG) policy, aimed at reducing smoking among future Malaysians. Khairy, who championed the Tobacco Products and Smoking Control Bill 2022 and the GEG policy during his tenure as health minister, shared his disapproval of Ramanan’s stance on his Instagram story. Ramanan…
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Malaysia not expanding visa-on-arrival beyond China and India
The Malaysian government has confirmed that there are no plans to extend the visa-on-arrival programme for travellers from countries other than China and India. Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stated that the current visa-on-arrival policy is limited to Chinese and Indian visitors entering Malaysia. Saifuddin Nasution Ismail explained that the government does not plan to grant visa exemptions for tourist…
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SPM 2022 sees 10,109 candidates achieve top grades, best results since 2013
A total of 10,109 students achieved excellent grades in the 2022 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations, with the National Average Grade (GPN) score improving to 4.74 from 4.86 in the previous year, according to Education director-general Pkharuddin Ghazali. He revealed that 373,974 candidates sat for the SPM 2022, and 75,322 students obtained average results with at least a grade C…
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Police kill two machete-wielding burglary suspects in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
In the early hours of the morning, two men believed to be foreigners were fatally shot by the police in Taman Supreme, Cheras, near Kuala Lumpur. The police were forced to open fire in self-defence when the suspects attempted to attack them with machetes. The two men, both in their 30s, died at the scene, while their two accomplices managed…
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Malaysia and Indonesia boost trade, investment and halal sector cooperation
Malaysia and Indonesia have strengthened their trade, investment, and halal sector collaboration by signing agreements during Indonesian President Joko Widodo’s visit to Malaysia. Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz and Indonesian Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan represented their respective countries in sealing the border trade agreement and memorandum of understanding on investment promotion cooperation. The Department of…
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Malaysia to float egg and chicken prices, ending subsidies from July
Kuala Lumpur’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, has announced that the prices of eggs and chicken will be floated starting July 1. This follows the termination of government subsidies for these items on June 30. The domestic trade and cost of living ministry will oversee the pricing of eggs and chicken. Mohamad Sabu, also known…
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Fraudulent employment: Fake farm jobs in Australia leave Thai victims scammed
A fraudulent employment agent lured nearly 30 Thais with enticing job opportunities on Australian cattle farms, duping them out of tens of millions of baht. The victims came forward yesterday, filing a complaint with Thai police against the alleged con artist claiming high social status. The complaint against Watsan (whose last name is withheld) was lodged yesterday by 61 year…
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Proton sales surge 40% with new export market and strong demand
Proton Holdings Bhd, Malaysia’s national carmaker, reported a 40.9% increase in vehicle sales in May 2023 compared to the previous month, selling 13,268 vehicles (domestic and export). This also represents a 35.5% increase over May last year. The surge in sales is attributed to a rebound in the total industry volume (TIV) after a slow start in April. The company’s…
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Minister condemns comedian’s insensitive MH370 tragedy joke at US show
Kuala Lumpur witnessed strong condemnation from Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil regarding the inappropriate actions of Singaporean comedian Jocelyn Chia. She made offensive remarks about Malaysia and the tragic MH370 incident during a recent comedy show in New York. Fadzil stated that local comedians Adflin Shauki and Harith Iskander have also criticised and condemned Chia’s actions. In her performance,…
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Malaysia maintains cooking oil subsidies, plans targeted mechanism
The Malaysian government has confirmed that it will not increase the price of subsidised cooking oil, despite the ongoing economic challenges faced by the country. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Salahuddin Ayub stated that the government will instead introduce a targeted subsidy mechanism once the Central Database Hub (PADU) system is fully operational. The decision comes as many…
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Indonesian President Jokowi delights crowd during Malaysia market visit
Indonesian President Joko Widodo, widely known as Jokowi, received an enthusiastic welcome from locals and Indonesians as he visited the Chow Kit market in Kuala Lumpur, accompanied by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The crowd had gathered at the popular wet market from as early as 11am, while security personnel placed barricades along the streets. Jokowi arrived at the market at…
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