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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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Thailand health insurance that covers chronic conditions: What expats need to know
The Thaiger key takeaways Managing chronic conditions in Thailand requires health insurance that covers specialist visits, medications, tests, and hospital stays. Cigna offers high-coverage plans with access to top hospitals, direct billing, and telemedicine support for convenient long-term care. Expats...
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Doi Inthanon National Park pioneers integrated conservation area management approach
Doi Inthanon National Park is piloting a holistic area conservation approach, with a focus on integrated administration and avoiding unnecessary burdens on personnel. This pioneering project aims to effectively manage the park’s 16 sub-agencies and a budget of 50 million baht, whilst protecting the natural environment and resources. Doi Inthanon National Park, the country’s highest peak, is launching a comprehensive…
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Money laundering mastermind nabbed: Chinese man busted in Pattaya for multibillion-baht scam operation
Thai authorities apprehended a Chinese man in Pattaya on charges of money laundering over 2.5 billion baht for the scam call centre gang based in Cambodia. The crackdown, led by the Thai Immigration Bureau (TIMB), was carried out in response to instances of criminal behaviour causing harm to citizens and tarnishing the country’s image. Details of the operation were released…
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Drunk as a monk: Intoxicated Thai monks defrocked after selling temple items
In northeast Thailand’s Nong Bua Lamphu province, two intoxicated monks were defrocked after testing positive for high levels of alcohol consumption. The monks were also accused of selling temple-owned items without permission. Concerned locals alerted the Mueang Nong Bua Lamphu Police about the monks’ behaviour on a recent Tuesday. The police, accompanied by around 20 frustrated residents, visited the temple…
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Officials monitor religious offering prices amid Visakha Bucha preparations
Udom Srisomsong, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, revealed that due to the upcoming significant Buddhist holiday, Visakha Bucha Day, people are keen to purchase merit-making sets and Thai Dharma sets to offer to monks. As a result, the department has sent officers to inspect the prices of these products at markets in Bangkok, such as Huay Kwang…
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Woman attacks Thai shop owner with beer bottle over alleged grudge
A 52 year old woman attacked a 64 year old female shop owner in Thailand‘s central Samut Sakhon province with a beer bottle, leaving the latter injured on her face and head. The attacker later apologised to the victim’s family, revealing longstanding resentment as the reason behind the incident. In the recent incident, a woman was seen on video attacking…
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Opportunity knocks: 7,813 assistant teacher positions up for grabs, beware of scam traps
The Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) is set to conduct recruitment examinations for 7,813 assistant teacher positions in 63 subject areas, warning candidates to study hard and not to fall for scam groups. The application period runs from today, May 31, and June 6, with 204 regional zones and one Special Education Administration Office participating in the process.…
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Sappe Plc invests 1 billion baht in warehouse automation amidst wage hike
Sappe Plc, a leading beverage manufacturer, unveiled plans to construct an automated warehouse, establish a new production line, and implement a cost reduction scheme in response to the government’s commitment to increase the daily minimum wage. Piyajit Ruckariyapong, the company’s CEO, disclosed that the project is expected to cost around 1 billion baht between 2023 and 2024. Out of the…
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Residents in Thailand rally against US interference, demand an end to meddling (video)
Chiang Mai residents expressed their concerns about the United States meddling in Thailand’s internal affairs and gathered outside the US consulate urging them to stop interfering. The Move Forward Party (MFP), led by the future Prime Minister Pita Limjaroenrat, garnered the highest number of votes from citizens across Thailand. As a result, the party is now making preparations to form…
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Cash and carry: Vietnamese bride’s counting prowess wows online
A Vietnamese bride‘s ingenious approach to dealing with the overwhelming number of cash-filled envelopes from her wedding grabbed the spotlight online. Using a money counting machine, the savvy bride easily managed the task, garnering attention on social media. Counting money after a wedding ceremony is considered a charming activity for many couples, as they smile at the names of relatives…
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Flood-prone rail underpass raises safety concerns in Thailand, locals demand action
Residents in Thailand‘s northeast Nakhon Ratchasima have encountered recurring flooding in an underpass railway tunnel, severely affecting their daily commutes. Despite the water levels receding, the tunnel remains dangerous to traverse due to accumulated sediment and slippery roads. According to reports, the under-construction Ban Bu underpass railway tunnel – part of a railway project connecting Chira Road and Khon Kaen…
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Bank of Thailand raises key interest rate amid inflation risks
The Bank of Thailand announced a 25 basis point increase in its key interest rate, bringing it to 2%. This marks the sixth consecutive meeting where the central bank has raised the rate, with a total increase of 150 basis points since August last year. The decision was unanimous among the Monetary Policy Committee members and in line with the expectations…
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Central Pattana invests 1 billion baht in the Greatest Grand Sale 2023 campaign
Central Pattana Plc (CPN)Â joined forces with companies under the Central Group umbrella and leading business partners to invest over 1 billion baht in a mid-year sales campaign titled The Greatest Grand Sale 2023. The campaign will take place across shopping centres, department stores, and Central’s online platform, offering discounts of up to 80% at 9,500 stores, including over 16,500 brands,…
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Thailand marks World No Tobacco Day, focuses on youth vaping dangers
As the world observes World No Tobacco Day today, the World Health Organization (WHO) aims to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking and vaping, including the health risks associated with smoking and the harmful effects of secondhand smoke on non-smokers. In Thailand, the Non-Smoking Campaign Foundation and the Tobacco Consumption Control Network are paying particular attention to the issue…
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Swing group hosts Pattaya skywalk for gender equality, boost tourism
In a symbolic gesture, the Swing group organised an event in Pattaya to showcase support for diversity and promote gender equality. The gathering aimed not only to foster a sense of inclusivity but also to boost tourism in the region. Over the next month, several pride events are scheduled to take place, further celebrating this spirit of unity and acceptance.…
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Pregnant woman and unborn child die after receiving 4 injections at Rayong hospital
A distraught husband and his mother have appealed for justice after his seven-month pregnant wife and unborn child died following treatment at a hospital in Rayong province. The patient was given four injections administered over 48 hours before experiencing symptoms of pulmonary edema, leading to the tragic loss of both lives. The 42 year old husband recounted how his 37…
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Husband catches wife cheating as street light reveals adulterous embrace
A 29 year old man in Ein Sue district of China’s Hubei province discovered his wife’s infidelity through a chance encounter by their home window. The couple had been married for seven years before their relationship crumbled, following the husband’s job loss due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The man, known as Phoo (a pseudonym), was introduced to his wife, Tong (a…
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Key witness in Jho Low investigation dies at 56, secrets buried
Kee Kok Thiam, a man questioned by Malaysian authorities regarding the location of fugitive financier Low Taek Jho, known as Jho Low, has died at the age of 56. Lawyers for Kee Kok Thiam and his family announced in a statement that he passed away on Monday due to a sudden massive stroke in a hospital. They urged people not…
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Blackpink fans scammed: Thai woman arrested for selling fake concert tickets
Police arrested an unscrupulous Thai woman for selling fake concert tickets to see the popular K-Pop girl group Blackpink. The victims suffered financial losses exceeding 700,000 baht. During the Blackpink World Tour Bangkok Encore last weekend, police discovered that many attendees arrived at the event holding identical e-tickets, all of which had been purchased under the name of 26 year…
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Groom’s wedding meltdown goes viral: Defending pregnant bride sparks chaos
A groom’s meltdown at his wedding, where he splashed wine and kicked glasses, caused quite a stir on social media. A wedding guest tried to explain that the groom kicked off because he was defending his pregnant bride and her humble family from his father’s disrespectful remarks. The Vietnamese website, docbao.vn, shared a video showing the groom losing control of…
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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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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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Phuket MP warns teachers of jail time for hitting students
Phuket‘s Move Forward MP-elect for Constituency 1, Somchart Techathavorncharoen, has issued a warning to teachers that hitting students is a criminal offence, punishable by a fine of up to 40,000 baht or up to two years in prison, or both. Somchart made the announcement on his official Facebook page, reminding the public that the Ministry of Education had abolished corporal…
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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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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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Love Confession Day turns into betrayal: Husband catches cheating wife in the act
A marriage was shaken to its core on “Love Confession Day” in China after a husband caught his wife dating another man while out with his daughter in the Jiangsu province. The cheating wife then defended her lover when confronted. ‘A,’ a married woman, chose to celebrate Love Confession Day, which is similar to Valentine’s Day, by secretly dating another man…
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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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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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