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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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Royal streak: Thai man arrested for naked motorcycle ride and nude hotel stroll
Police arrested a Thai man after he rode his motorcycle naked and strolled majestically around a hotel in the buff in Chacheongsao province near Bangkok. Prompted by a notification, officers from Bang Pakong Police Station swiftly responded to the Blue Diamond Hotel in the Bang Pakong district of Chachoengsao province at 8am yesterday. The report indicated that a 31 year…
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Minor Hotels to reach 600 properties amid optimistic tourism outlook
Minor Hotels is set to expand its portfolio to 600 properties across 59 countries, with over 91,000 rooms this year, as the global tourism industry shows signs of recovery following the easing of Covid-19 infections. Dillip Rajakarier, Group Chief Executive of Minor International Plc and Chief Executive of Minor Hotels, believes that pent-up demand will drive the industry for years,…
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Fugitive in Phuket tourist murder returns to Norway
There’s been a new development on an international fugitive wanted on an Interpol Red Notice for the murder in Phuket. The fugitive, Roger Bullman, is wanted for the murder of British tourist Amiptal Bajaj at a Phuket resort in 2019. Bullman has returned to his home country of Norway, The Phuket News reported this morning. Bullman had been on the…
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Japan on alert as Typhoon Mawar threatens floods and landslides
Torrential rains loom over Japan as Typhoon Mawar approaches, threatening to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds across the main islands. Having already caused significant damage in Guam earlier this week, Mawar has since weakened from its super typhoon status to a tropical storm. Taiwan’s coast also experienced the effects of Typhoon Mawar, with seawater flooding the streets of Suao,…
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Thai digital industry sentiment hits three-year high amid economic recovery
A recent survey by the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (Depa) revealed that the Digital Industry Sentiment Index has risen above the 50-point threshold for the first time in a year, reaching a three-year high. The index reached 54.0 during the first quarter, up from 49.0 in the final quarter of 2022, indicating increased confidence among entrepreneurs as Thailand‘s economy recovers…
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Heavy rainfall warning: 33 provinces hit, 70% of South Thailand to be impacted
Heavy rainfall is expected in 33 provinces across Thailand, with the southern region facing a high risk of flash floods and landslides. The Thai Meteorological Department urges citizens to remain vigilant to sudden flooding from June 2 as 70% of the area is expected to experience torrential downpours. The department has issued a 24-hour weather forecast warning of thunderstorms and…
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Shocking surge: Chinese EV makers eyeing membership in FTI
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers are expressing interest in joining the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) to support the growth of Thailand’s emerging EV sector. The FTI is currently in discussions with Chinese automobile manufacturers and aims to reach a decision shortly, according to Surapong Paisitpatanapong, vice-chairman of the FTI and spokesman for the FTI’s Automotive Industry Club. He said……
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Chinatown crackdown: 48 partying Chinese nabbed in Bangkok massage parlour drug bust
Forty-eight Chinese nationals were arrested by Children and Women Protection Sub-Division and Narcotics Control Board officers during a drug-fuelled party at a massage parlour on New Phetchaburi Road in Bangkok early this morning. The Superintendent of the Children and Women Protection Sub-Division, Theerasak Chantarapipat, shared the arrest details with ThaiRath. Theerasak disclosed that a tip-off had been received by the…
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Florida teen wins US National Spelling Bee with ‘psammophile’
In an impressive display of linguistic prowess, 14-year-old Dev Shah from Largo, Florida, emerged as the champion of the 2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee in the United States. Demonstrating exceptional skill, Dev correctly spelled the word “psammophile” to secure his victory in the 95th edition of the prestigious competition, along with a prize of US$50,000. The runner-up, Charlotte Walsh, also…
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Burger Thailand’s ‘kids meal’ campaign serves up a whopper of a strategy to win over youngsters
Burger Thailand, the local operator of Burger King, is intensifying efforts to appeal to children as part of its global strategy. According to the company’s general manager, Tanawat Damnernthong, children significantly influence their parents’ choices when selecting a restaurant, with families with children typically spending more per meal than working professionals. For the first time in its 23 year history…
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Indian bride rejects groom at wedding after discovering his bald truth
A wedding in India was cancelled after the bride discovered the groom’s baldness during the ceremony, causing her to faint mid-event. Following her recovery, she demanded the wedding be called off, sparking disputes between both families. The incident occurred in India on February 23, 2023, as the groom and his family visited the bride’s home for the wedding ceremony. As…
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Airport Rail Link suffers 70 million baht monthly loss amid 25% commuter drop
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) reports that the Airport Rail Link (ARL) service has been losing 70 million baht per month, as it continues to carry fewer passengers than before the pandemic in 2019. To address long-standing operational issues, the SRT chose to involve a private company, Asia Era One, in managing rail operations during the pandemic. An agreement…
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WhatsApp’s role in UK Covid-19 response under scrutiny in official inquiry
WhatsApp has been revealed to play a central role in communications between UK ministers during the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to the release of over 100,000 messages by former health secretary Matt Hancock and his memoir co-author Isabel Oakeshott. These messages, which were handed over to The Daily Telegraph, have raised questions about the transparency of government communications and the availability…
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Government blocks COVID inquiry access to PM’s WhatsApp messages and notebooks
The UK government faces accusations of attempting a “cover-up” as it seeks to prevent the COVID inquiry from accessing Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s unredacted WhatsApp messages and notebooks. Bereaved families and opposition parties have expressed their disapproval after the Cabinet Office announced its intention to bring a judicial review of Baroness Hallett’s order to release the documents. This move comes…
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Jealous Thai bus driver fatally shoots girlfriend in restaurant before attempting suicide
A heated argument at a Laab restaurant in Chon Buri Province ended with deadly consequences, as a Thai bus driver fatally shot his 36 year old girlfriend, an employee at the establishment, before attempting to take his own life. However, the 42 year old attacker survived, receiving serious injuries and is currently in a coma. At around noon yesterday, Ratchapol…
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Grab taxi driver threatens to harm former Thai singerÂ
A former Thai singer took to social media to reveal that a Grab taxi driver, claiming to be a soldier, threatened to physically harm her. The singer, Jamila “Mila’ Panpinij, Â demanded that Grab takes responsibility for the incident and pay for treatment costs associated with her post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which was triggered by the incident. On Wednesday, May 31,…
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Luxury watch thefts surpass drugs as criminals’ top choice in UK
The theft of high-end watches has become a criminal enterprise more profitable than drug dealing, according to former dealer Paul Thorpe, who was forced to retire after being violently robbed three times. Thorpe claims that a week’s worth of stealing luxury watches in London could generate more money than some people earn in a lifetime. He believes that in many…
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US mass shootings spark fear, change lives and boost bulletproof backpack sales
The increasing frequency of gun violence and mass shootings in the United States is impacting the lives of millions of Americans, causing anxiety and prompting changes in daily routines. With National Gun Violence Awareness Day approaching, around 60% of US adults have discussed gun safety with their children or other family members, according to a survey by the Kaiser Family…
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French influencers face jail for flouting new ad regulations
France has recently adopted legislation that could lead to jail time for influencers who violate new promotion regulations. The laws aim to protect consumers from deceptive or counterfeit online commercial practices and impose restrictions on the promotion of lottery and betting games, as well as prohibiting the advertisement of products such as tobacco. This marks the first time the role…
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Ukraine accused of shelling Belgorod as Russia claims thwarted invasion
Belgorod, a Russian region, has once more experienced attacks from across the Ukrainian border, with at least eight individuals injured due to shelling. Russia’s defence ministry asserts that it has prevented other attempts by Ukraine to “invade” the region. Kyiv has not responded to these claims but has denied involvement in previous cross-border attacks. This latest incident occurs over a…
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Thousands jeer far-right minister at Jerusalem Gay Pride amid security fears
The Jerusalem Gay Pride march saw thousands of participants, despite security concerns due to online threats and counter-protests. This was the first march since the election of a hardline religious-nationalist government, which includes senior ministers with openly homophobic views. The event highlighted the deepening divisions within Israeli society, where secular Jews have long supported LGBTQ rights, but political and demographic…
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Biden trips at Air Force graduation, reigniting age concerns
US President Joe Biden stumbled and fell during a graduation ceremony at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado, where he was presenting diplomas to the graduates. At 80 years old, Biden is the oldest serving president in the nation’s history. He was assisted by Air Force officials in getting back up and continued walking to his seat without any…
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Church of England abuse support scheme risks re-traumatising victims, report reveals
A report by the Church’s Independent Safeguarding Board (ISB) has found that the Interim Support Scheme (ISS), established for Church of England abuse survivors, may be causing further trauma for some victims. The ISS was created in 2020 to provide financial assistance to those in need while awaiting a full compensation scheme. However, some survivors expressed difficulties in engaging with…
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Phillip Schofield denies grooming amid affair scandal with younger colleague
Phillip Schofield, the former This Morning presenter, has denied being a “groomer” after admitting to having an affair with a younger male colleague. Schofield left ITV last week following the confirmation of the relationship and his dishonesty about it. In an interview with The Sun, he expressed deep regret for his actions and the impact on the other individual’s life.…
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Schofield denies grooming in affair scandal, feels ‘broken and ashamed’
Phillip Schofield has expressed his remorse and shame following a scandal involving a relationship with a younger male colleague, while denying allegations of grooming. The 61-year-old resigned from ITV last week and was dropped by talent agency YMU after admitting to an “unwise but not illegal” affair with the younger colleague. In an interview with The Sun, Schofield emphasised that…
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British Airways fined £877k for delayed US flight refunds amid pandemic
United States regulators have imposed a fine of US$1.1 million (£877,000) on British Airways, following accusations that the airline failed to provide prompt refunds for passengers on flights to and from the US during the COVID-19 pandemic. The US Transportation Department issued the penalty, which British Airways contests. According to the department, the airline violated federal regulations by not processing…
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Teenage girl drowns in Merseyside reservoir despite emergency rescue efforts
A tragic incident occurred at Carr Mill Dam in St Helens, Merseyside, when a 15-year-old girl lost her life while swimming with her friends. Merseyside Police received reports of the teenager in distress at around 12.30pm, prompting the emergency services to rush to the scene. Chief Inspector Paul Holden reported that officers entered the water in an attempt to locate…
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Nova Scotia battles largest wildfire in history, thousands evacuated
Nova Scotia firefighters are currently facing the largest wildfire in the history of the Atlantic province. The fire, located on the southern tip of the province, has burned over 17,000 hectares with flames reaching nearly 100m in height. In addition, another fire near Halifax, the largest city, has led to the evacuation of thousands of residents. As of Thursday morning,…
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US debt ceiling deal faces Senate race against time to avoid default
A deal to raise the US government’s US$31.4tn debt ceiling is urgently being pushed through the Senate to prevent the world’s largest economy from defaulting on its debt. The House of Representatives has already approved the deal with a 314-117 vote. However, it must pass the Senate and be signed by President Joe Biden before the deadline on June 5th.…
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Tate denies rape and exploitation allegations in combative BBC interview
In a recent interview with the BBC, influencer Andrew Tate has refuted allegations of promoting misogyny and defended his character. Tate is currently under investigation by Romanian prosecutors for accusations including rape, human trafficking, and exploitation of women. In his first television interview since being released into house arrest in Romania in April, he dismissed these allegations and claimed to…
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