Thailand News
Thailand news, politics, business, crime, and lifestyle—get breaking updates from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond. Stay informed on Thai society, economy, tourism, and expat life with The Thaiger.
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Man tricked into scam call centre, ordains as monk in remorse
A young man deceived into working for a call centre scam in a neighbouring country has expressed remorse and plans to ordain as a monk to dedicate merit to the scam victims. He endured eight months of abuse before seeking help to return to Thailand. Chairman of the Northern Star Foundation, Phim Mai Sakdipatpokin, reported that a 29 year old…
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Engineering director found dead at home in West Thailand
A director of the engineering department was found dead in his home in Ratchaburi. The dead man, identified as 53 year old Somkiat, was discovered by relatives after his wife, Boonrod, could not reach him on the phone and asked family members to check on him. Police were alerted yesterday, July 2, about the death at a residence in Ban…
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Teacher’s mysterious fall from Bangkok condo raises questions
A recently appointed teacher fell to his death from a condo under mysterious circumstances, just before he was due to report for duty, raising suspicions among his family. The incident occurred on June 30, and police are now investigating. On June 30, a newly appointed teacher, Nat, fell to his death from a high-rise condo in Huai Khwang, Bangkok, under…
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Thailand rescue: Moroccan call centre scam victims freed
Immigration Bureau officers in Thailand helped six Moroccans return to Morocco. They were released by a call centre scam gang in Myanmar after their families paid 300,000 baht in ransom. The release of the six Moroccan victims follows the previous release of two other Moroccan nationals. The first two victims paid 200,000 baht in ransom to the scam gang. The two…
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Thailand launches project to tackle 1 million school dropouts
The government is set to launch a project to address the increasingly prevalent issue of school dropouts in Thailand. The initiative aims to locate and assist over a million students who have prematurely ended their formal education. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke announced the Thailand Zero Dropout policy, which aims to ensure all children return to school. This initiative comprises four…
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Thai bond market bonds stronger, hits 17 trillion baht milestone
The Thai bond market reported a total outstanding value of 17 trillion baht (US$460 billion) in the first half of 2024, reflecting a 2.7% increase from the end of the previous year, as stated by the Thai Bond Market Association (ThaiBMA). Within this total, long-term corporate bonds accounted for 494 billion baht (US$13.4 billion), with the majority being investment-grade bonds…
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Lorry crash in Chachoengsao blocks bridge lane
A 22-wheel lorry crashed into a bridge railing in Chachoengsao province after the driver fell asleep, causing debris to scatter and blocking one lane. A motorcyclist following behind collided with the debris and was injured. Teep Mailuekdee, an investigator from Ban Pho Police Station, received a report at 3am today, July 3, about a lorry crashing into the bridge railing…
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US economy thrives in 2024, China faces challenges
The US economy has been robust throughout 2024, buoyed by strong consumer spending, fiscal stimulus, and a thriving labour market. In contrast, Europe and Asia, particularly China, have faced economic challenges, with China’s real estate market issues impacting its overall economic performance. However, there are optimistic signs for the remainder of 2024 and into 2025. China’s leadership is beginning to…
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Thai man sexually assaulted in car after accepting free ride
A Thai man accused another man of sexually assaulting him after offering a free ride. The driver then touched his passenger inappropriately and masturbated in the car. The 23 year old man, identified only as To, filed the sexual assault complaint at Mueang Loei Police Station in the Isaan province of Loei at about 3.30pm on July 1. To identified…
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Thai exports expected to grow 1-2% despite geopolitical tensions
The Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) anticipates a modest increase in export value by 1 to 2% in the latter half of this year, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in Europe and the Middle East. Chairman Chaichan Chareonsuk confirmed that the TNSC is maintaining its export growth forecast at 1 to 2% for the year. However, the council remains cautious due…
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Pickup driver caught at Phuket police checkpoint (video)
A pickup truck driver revved his engine, causing thick black smoke to billow out, as he passed a police checkpoint in Phuket. Two officers on motorcycles immediately pursued and captured him, earning praise from netizens who commended their swift action. A video clip, one minute and four seconds long, was posted by the Choeng Thale Police Station in Phuket, accompanied…
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Thailand considers alcohol ban lift to boost restaurant spirits
The Government of Thailand is considering lifting the afternoon ban on alcohol sales to assist struggling restaurant operators amid an economic downturn. Representatives from the Restaurant Business Club submitted a letter to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, urging for measures to help restaurants survive the challenging economic climate. Restaurant operators highlighted rising operating costs and increasing prices of ingredients as major…
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Oil tanker explosion sparks inferno at Pathum Thani shipyard
An explosion on an oil tanker at a privately owned shipyard in Pathum Thani sent shockwaves through the Sam Khok district, near Bot Temple. The blast, which occurred around 3.30pm yesterday, July 2, left six individuals injured and ignited a towering blaze. Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing moment when the tranquil afternoon was shattered by a loud explosion, swiftly followed by…
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Phuket Bolt driver defends actions after entering passenger’s room
A Thai Bolt driver in Phuket turned himself into officers at Patong Police Station yesterday to defend himself. He insisted that the female passenger allowed him to enter her room and that he had no ill intentions towards her. The 25 year old Thai woman, Nan, filed a complaint at Patong Police Station after the Bolt driver, later identified as…
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Banglamung chief bets on crackdown: No dice for gambling dens
Banglamung District Chief Wikit Manarojkit led a meeting with village headmen and officials at the Bang Lamung District Office community hall. The focus was on reinforcing policies and guidelines to prevent gambling dens in the Banglamung area. Chon Buri Province Governor Thawatchai Srithong stressed the importance of cracking down on illegal gambling activities. Local leaders, including kamnans and village headmen,…
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British man arrested in Phuket Airport amid embezzlement claims
A 37 year old British man was apprehended at Phuket Airport upon his arrival in Thailand, due to a long-standing arrest warrant. The Brit, whose identity remains undisclosed, has been on the Thai police’s radar since 2017, and his actions are now facing intense scrutiny. Thai immigration officers arrested the suspect at 1.10pm yesterday, July 2, after his passport check…
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Woman discovers fiancé fathered her younger brother with mother
A 24 year old woman discovered her fiancé was having an affair with her mother and that her younger brother was her fiancé’s child. The surprising revelations were shared in a Reddit post where she vented about the shocking situation. The woman and her fiancé have known each other since childhood, with him being one year older. They started dating…
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Bill proposed to curb child obesity from AI-driven junk food ads
A new bill designed to curb child obesity by safeguarding children from modern AI-driven marketing tactics that encourage unhealthy eating habits is set to be presented to legislators. The Deputy Director-General of the Department of Health, Pongpol Vorapani, spoke during the final public hearing of the bill, noting that the high rate of obesity among Thai children, which has more…
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Bombshell verdict: Srettha and MFP face the music in September
The Constitutional Court is set to deliver a landmark decision by September that could potentially see Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin dismissed and the opposition Move Forward party (MFP) dissolved, according to the court’s president. In a press briefing, Court President Nakharin Mektrairat confirmed that rulings on both high-stakes cases would be made by September. Last month, the court scheduled the…
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Transport minister updates on Nakhon Ratchasima rail projects
Transport Deputy Minister Surapong Piyachote announced significant updates on July 1 regarding the rail transport and logistics systems in Nakhon Ratchasima. These developments are crucial for the overall improvement of the country’s logistics infrastructure. Nakhon Ratchasima serves as a gateway to the northeastern region, making it a focal point for various key projects, especially the urgent double-track railway project from…
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Thailand urged to harness and adopt solar energy to cut costs
Thailand’s abundance of sunlight offers an opportunity for a solar energy revolution, but high costs and regulatory barriers are holding back widespread adoption. Vice President of the Solar Energy Association of Thailand, Piyasak Pichetanawin, urged the government to support the use of solar energy, particularly in the industrial sector. Piyasak emphasises the importance of green energy, which can significantly reduce…
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New Pathum Thani CEO suspended over corruption allegations
The newly elected CEO of Pathum Thani Provincial Administration finds himself unable to assume office due to an ongoing corruption investigation. This dramatic development has left the province in a state of political uncertainty. Secretary-General of the Council of State Pakorn Nilprapunt announced that Charn Puangphet had been suspended from duties in 2012. The suspension stemmed from allegations dating back…
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Thai Cabinet to scrap duty-free stores on arrival after 3 billion baht loss
The Thai Cabinet plans to scrap duty-free stores on arrival at eight airports in Thailand after losing an estimated 3 billion baht in customs revenue. This cancellation is also aimed at making Thailand a hub of tourism and shopping. The Prime Minister’s Office deputy spokesperson, Ratchada Thanadirek, reported in a press conference after today’s Cabinet meeting. The Cabinet agreed to…
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Heavy drought leaves Lamphun houseboats stranded
Heavy drought has struck the famous freshwater Kaeng Kor Lake in Lamphun, causing a significant drop in water levels and leaving houseboats stranded on land. Tourism services have been temporarily halted until conditions improve. Operators of houseboat services at Kaeng Kor Lake, located in Mae Ping National Park, Li District, Lamphun province, announced the suspension of their boating and restaurant…
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Ratchaburi residents demand urgent fix for narrow overpass bridge
Residents of Pak Tho in Ratchaburi are grappling with congestion due to a newly constructed overpass bridge that is too narrow for safe and efficient use. The bridge, located between Village 1 and Village 5, was intended as an alternative route after the closure of a main motorcycle passageway by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). This route was crucial…
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Holy heist: Temple’s donation box worth 8,000 baht stolen
A temple theft at a prominent Ratchaburi chapel bore witness to thieves taking off with a donation box worth 8,000 baht at the revered Black and White Shrine. The temple’s caretaker today, July 2, pleaded for the thefts, which have occurred four times now, to stop. Photharam Police Radio Centre yesterday was informed of a theft at Wat Phra Si…
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Phuket flight turbulence: Rainstorm forces diversions amid deluge
Fourteen flights bound for Phuket were forced to divert to alternative airports as a deluge of rain battered the popular resort island, causing widespread flooding. Phuket Airport Director Monchai Tanod confirmed that although the airport itself remained dry, visibility plummeted to dangerously low levels between 7am and 9am, today, July 2. “Pilots simply couldn’t see the runway.” Flights had to…
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Disruptive neighbour in Chiang Mai terrorises local community
A disruptive neighbour in Chiang Mai‘s Chom Thong district has become a source of frustration for the local community due to negative signage, loud noises, and other disturbances. Despite attempts to resolve the issues, the homeowner persists with these troubling antics. Residents of Ban Luang subdistrict, Chom Thong district, Chiang Mai, are troubled by a house that has become infamous…
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2 killed and 3 injured in crane collapse at Bangkok construction site
A crane collapsed at a construction site in Soi On Nut 86 in the Prawet district of Bangkok at around 2.20pm today, July 2, killing two and injuring three others. Praram Radio Centre 199 reported the fatal incident at the construction site in Soi On Nut 86 at 2.20pm today on its official X (Twitter) account. Officers from the Prawet…
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Gang arrested for stealing crane equipment worth 1.75 million baht
Police in Phetchaburi apprehended a gang responsible for stealing crane equipment worth over 1.7 million baht. The arrests followed an intensive investigation after the theft was reported in May. Officers from Ban Lat Police Station in Phetchaburi province, led by Phetchaburi District 3 Parliament Member and Police Commission member, Apichart Kaewkoson, alongside other high-ranking officials held a press conference to…
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