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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Beagles save the bacon: Illegal pork sausages sniffed out, preventing ASF outbreak at Bangkok airport
Department of Livestock Development (DLD) officers swooped to prevent an outbreak of Asian Swine Fever (ASF) thanks to the agency’s trusty beagles sniffing out a traveller’s illegal pork sausages at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. DLD Deputy Director and spokesperson Sophat Chavarnkul provided a report on the operation conducted by the DLD-Quarantine and Inspection K9 Unit at the airport yesterday, July…
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Thai finance chief cautions reform balance to prevent tax shock on economy
Krisada Chinavicharana, the permanent secretary at the Finance Ministry, sounded the alarm bell for the incoming government, stating that the proposed tax reforms aiming to bump up the revenue should not produce a shockwave effect on the economy. Currently, tax revenue stands at just 14% of the GDP, falling short of the expected 15% or 16%, Krisada said. He stated……
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Magazine ranks Thailand 9th best retirement spot on Earth
Thailand secured its position as the world’s ninth-best retirement spot on International Living Magazine’s 2023 Annual Global Retirement Index. The index ranks countries based on their suitability for retirees, taking into account various factors including cost of living, cost of healthcare, cultural activities, and more. In the 2023 index, Thailand shares the spotlight with other popular retirement destinations such as Portugal,…
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Rainfall reigns: Tropical storm Talim puts Thailand on umbrella alert
The Thai Meteorological Department recommends the nation gets its umbrellas out as heavy rainfall bears down on Thailand, providing a tangible reminder of the dramatic effects of tropical storm Talim. The Meteorological Department issued a weather alert for several provinces in the country as the storm continues to show its relentless power. An urgent weather bulletin cautions citizens, particularly those…
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Thai railway eviction saga: Low-income residents face displacement for high-speed project
The ongoing tale of the imminent relocation of the Bun Romsai community, along with over 100 other residents residing alongside a railway track in Phaya Thai district, Thailand, continues to unfold. Having called this area home for over two decades, community leader Chao Kerdaree candidly shares insights into the upcoming eviction, which has been instigated by the State Railway of…
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Affordable and enriched living in Thailand attracts foreign investors
Thailand is making waves on the world stage with what International Living defines as its attractive blend of enriched living at pocket-friendly costs. The gem in the Thai living appeal seems to be the lucrative real estate sector where, as International Living puts it: “Foreigners are able to buy condos very easily and there are bargains everywhere.” Along with attractive…
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Andaman provinces appeal to continue Phang-nga Airport study amid fears of overcrowding
The Joint Public and Private Sector Consultative Committee (JPPSCC) spanning the Andaman provinces appealed to Airports of Thailand (AoT) to ensure the continuation of its feasibility study on the proposed Phang-nga Airport. Previously, a discussion between the JPPSCC across the provinces of Krabi, Trang, Phang-nga, Phuket, Ranong, Satun, and Phuket Airport took place concerning the same issue. As a result…
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Rubber plantation horror: Hunt underway for murderer of Thai and Burmese victims
Police are currently conducting a search for the murderer responsible for the deaths of a Thai man and three Burmese men in a rubber plantation in the Sawee district of Chum Phon province in the southern part of Thailand. A 42 year old man, Surachai Somnuek, discovered the dead body of his father, 60 year old Prayong Somnuek, on the…
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Thai woman swept away in South Korean floods
A Thai woman working illegally in South Korea has tragically become one of the victims of the devastating flash floods, which have claimed the lives of at least 37 people and left nine others missing. As 9,000 residents grapple with the aftermath of this natural disaster in the East Asian nation, the extent of the destruction is becoming apparent. According…
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Singaporean man’s Bangkok airport mix-up leads to arresting headlines
The Singaporean man arrested at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok for allegedly stealing the belongings of a German man insists it was all a mix-up. Teo Yu Xuan Kenny was trying to board a plane home when Immigration Bureau officers swooped to apprehend the Singaporean for the alleged theft of 100,000 baht in cash, a laptop, and a passport…
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Young Kuwaiti man risks leg amputation after Pattaya motorbike accident (video)
In a recent tragedy, a 19 year old Kuwaiti man is facing the risk of having his leg amputated after a motorbike accident in Pattaya early yesterday morning. The incident occurred when the motorbike he was riding as a pillion grazed against a concrete street barrier on South Pattaya Road. Sawang Boriboon rescuers received arrived on the scene near Bali…
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Bank of Ayudhya predicts pivotal role of politics in Thailand’s economy
In light of the current political climate, a division of the renowned Bank of Ayudhya suggests that the upcoming political decisions could significantly steer Thailand’s economy this year. This report highlights the pivotal role of swift administrative formation in stabilising the economy and buoying investor confidence. However, the prospect of an emerging minority government raises considerable concerns over its potential…
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Thai women cautioned over marriage scams with Chinese nationals
Police cautioned Thai women considering marriage to Chinese nationals against possible legal infringements in both Thailand and China. According to a report on Monday, the alert followed revelations by the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) that a case involving a Thai woman from Udon Thani, subjected to marriage scams, and three years of abuse in China, did not constitute human…
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Thailand battles marine pollution with 507 tonnes of waste collected in 2020
Marine pollution issues have impinged on Thailand‘s coastal regions, with increasingly alarming statistics emerging, according to updates from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Throughout last year, there were reports of 22 oil spill events within the Gulf of Thailand, and an astonishing 507 tonnes of various waste gathered from surrounding seas, as noted by deputy government spokeswoman, Traisulee…
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Trat’s tourism sector hopes to rebound despite ongoing struggles
Trat, one of Thailand’s premier beach destinations, is optimistic about a boost in tourism during the latter part of this year despite a struggling hotel sector that is yet to bounce back from Covid-19 disruptions. Phatcharin Sawettarat, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) Trat Office, disclosed that the province accommodated approximately one million visitors last year, just half…
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Sattahip naval base officer investigated over alleged ammunition theft
Investigations by the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) are ongoing, following suspicions that an officer at Sattahip naval base might be guilty of stealing a significant number of cartridges. The base, located in Chon Buri in Thailand, is at the heart of a major theft case, according to naval spokesman Admiral Pokkrong Monthatphalin. This was a response to allegations on the…
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MFP challenges military’s role in selection of Thai PM
The Thai political landscape is witnessing a potential upheaval with the Move Forward Party (MFP) taking legislative strides. The party fervently presented a proposal to Parliament yesterday challenging the military-appointed senators‘ right to participate in the selection of the prime minister. This bid comes as a reaction to the MFP leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, falling short of amassing sufficient support for…
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Trade war triggers fear of new EV chip shortage from China export limit
Leading authorities in the industry fear another chip shortage could soon hit electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers. This comes as China limits the export of two significant metals, a move driven by the ongoing trade dispute between Washington and Beijing, as reported by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). As of August 1, China will impose trade restrictions on select products…
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Thai businesses call for swift government formation
A speedy establishment of a new administration is of paramount importance, according to the business community amid ongoing political uncertainty. Chookiat Ophaswongse, an honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association voiced concerns over the nebulous political situation, indicating the future of Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat as the next prime minister is uncertain, making the country vulnerable to…
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Thai Senator to sue cyberbullies after Prime minister bid fallout
In the face of escalating online threats against him and his kin, Senator Somchai Sawaengkan announced he is preparing litigation against the cyber-bullies responsible. The threats transpired after the failed bid of Pita Limjaroenrat, head of the Move Forward Party (MFP), for the position of prime minister. Somchai yesterday revealed that he, alongside other senators, is in the process of…
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Thailand detects new coronavirus subvariant EG.5.1
According to reports from the Department of Medical Sciences, a new and rapidly spreading Coronavirus XBB subvariant, named EG.5.1, has been identified in Thailand. Although fast-spreading, it has been observed to cause predominantly mild symptoms. Remarkable insights came to light yesterday when the Head of the Department, Dr Supakit Sirilak revealed that five individuals had been diagnosed with this subvariant…
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German man faces death penalty for premeditated murder
Royal Thai Police (RTP) have officially charged a man with premeditated murder in connection to the gruesome killing of Hans Peter Walter Mack, a 62 year old German real estate tycoon residing in Chon Buri, significantly intensifying the legal implications for the prime suspect. Deputy National Police Chief, Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, listed 52 year old German national Olaf Thorsten…
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Stepping forward: MFP aims to rewrite Senate’s role in selecting Thai Prime Minister
The Move Forward Party (MFP) today proposed a revision to Section 272 of the Constitution in order to reduce the power of the Thai Senate and the role of its senators in selecting the Prime Minister of Thailand. Under Section 272 of the Constitution, senators appointed by the last military-led government have the privilege to sway the PM vote. Section…
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Second Indian tourist in a month tragically drowns in Pattaya pool
In a heartbreaking turn of events, an Indian tourist tragically met an untimely demise when he drowned at a hotel pool in Pattaya. The incident happened on Tuesday, July 11, less than a month after another Indian tourist also drowned in a Pattaya hotel pool. Local media reports indicate that the authorities have refrained from disclosing the victim’s identity to…
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Spirited deception: Thai woman falls prey to liquor scam featuring MFP leader’s image
A Thai woman fell victim to a liquor scam after the swindler successfully deceived her by promoting a fake shop with a picture of Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limcharoenrat, and the party’s Progressive Liquor Act campaign. The victim, 33 year old Juthaporn, yesterday filed a complaint against the scammer at Mueang Rayong Police Station. Juthaporn stated that she…
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Suphanburi fraudster’s 20 million baht investment scam victims fight for justice
More than 20 victims accumulated a loss exceeding 20 million baht (US$578,035) due to fraudulent investment practices by a renowned online share investor from U Thong District, Suphanburi province. The victims, who initially met at the law enforcement centre today, are asking for justice and compensation. They claim the fraudster continues to live a luxurious lifestyle after serving a one-year prison…
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Interpol sought over Stark Corp scandal as losses mount to 38 billion baht
Interpol is currently sought by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to issue a red notice for the pursuit of the former chairman of a company known as Stark Corp, on charges of financial misconduct. The DSI issued this plea after the chairman did not adhere to the call to report to the DSI for acknowledging charges related to Stark’s…
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Words as ammunition: Bhumjaithai Party MP demands ‘shooting’ law for people insulting Thai monarchy
Controversial Bhumjaithai Party Deputy Leader Chada Thaiseth yesterday demanded a new law be introduced to shoot people who insult the Thai monarchy. The 62 year old MP believes Thai people should be allowed to turn vigilante and shoot people who criticise the monarchy without consequence. Chada made the shocking announcement in Parliament after Pita Limjaornerat, the leader of the Move…
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Delivery driver charged after crashing into Phuket Heroines Monument
In a recent incident, police charged a 21 year old delivery pickup truck driver who crashed into the steel protection barrier installed around the illustrious Heroines Monument in Phuket. The accident occurred early today, and officers have now levelled charges on the driver for the perilous operation of the vehicle, leading to significant governmental property damage. Local police, led by…
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Unearthed secrets: Alleged infant skeleton sends chills through Chon Buri community
The discovery of an alleged infant skeleton in the wooded outskirts of Banglamung, near Huay Yai, sent chills through the bones of residents in Chon Buri. The unsettling find was reported to the local police on Wednesday, July 12 and soon, the area was flooded with officers and curious residents watching the scene unfold from the sidelines. Nestled by the…
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