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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Siam Paragon shooting prompts new mental health unit
A new mental health consultation unit, established to assist individuals emotionally distressed by the recent fatal shooting in Siam Paragon, started operations yesterday. The tragic incident, involving a teenage boy who killed two women, left many feeling traumatised and in need of psychological support. Amporn Benjaponpitak, the leading authority of the Department of Mental Health, revealed that she, along with…
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Bottom’s up: 50 year old Thai woman takes legal action against cheeky neighbour in morning merit mishap
A 50 year old Thai woman filed a police complaint against her 66 year old neighbour for flashing her bottom while she was doing her morning merit. The accused neighbour defended herself by saying that the complainant was bothering residents in the community by banging a bucket. The 50 year old complainant, Watinee, filed a complaint against her 66 year…
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Ayutthaya builds dykes to protect homes amid rising Chao Phraya River levels
The fast-rising waters of the Chao Phraya River have led to the construction of dykes along its banks in the province of Ayutthaya. There is a growing concern that the swelling river may overflow, potentially flooding homes and historical landmarks. The Chao Phraya River’s rising levels are attributed to an increased water volume from upstream provinces. However, on Wednesday, it…
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Thai defence minister proposes public distribution of military-owned land
Sutin Klungsang, the Defence Minister, put forth a proposition to distribute some military-owned land to the local populace, as part of the governmental strategy to modernise the armed forces. This was revealed by the Defence Ministry’s spokesperson, Thanitpong Sirisawetsak, post a Defence Council meeting. The 62 year old Sutin presented policies to the ministry’s department heads and the leaders of…
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Fuelled for trouble: Police pickup Thai thief’s cross-province chase ends in arrest
A young man sparked a cross-province chase after stealing a police pickup truck from a station in Phichit and fleeing to a petrol station where he fuelled up and left without paying. The incident, which took place today, ended in Sing Buri, where the police finally apprehended the suspect. The director of Bueng Na Rang Police Station in Phichit revealed…
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Monkey business cleaned up: Tourists cheer innovative solution at Samila Beach, Songkhla
Tourists visiting Samila Beach in Songkhla are delighted by an innovative solution to the issue of macaque monkeys scavenging through rubbish bins, causing odour and litter. Complaints had been previously made about the monkeys rummaging through the bins, spilling litter and creating a foul smell, disturbing the natural environment of the beach and causing fear among the visitors. The Songkhla…
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Thailand’s firearm frenzy: Tops ASEAN in guns, 13th in global tragedy
Thailand has the most firearms in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and lies 13th in the world for the most firearm deaths according to Switzerland’s Small Arms Survey (SAS). Following yesterday’s shooting at the Siam Paragon mall in Bangkok, questions have been raised about the ease with which Thais can access and own guns. Locals say that Thai…
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Critical look at emergency alert systems: Thai agencies lag behind global counterparts
The Cell Broadcast or the modern Emergency Alert System has become a crucial tool for many countries around the world in times of crises that affect public safety. This mobile phone-based warning system, compatible with 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G, is used by various governments globally to issue wide-ranging emergency alerts or disaster situations. Cell Broadcast is a method of sending…
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Siam Paragon Mall shooting survivor recounts chilling encounter
Survivors of the tragic Siam Paragon Mall shooting incident where two women were killed and five others were injured shared their harrowing experiences. One survivor, Natthaphat (surname withheld), recounted the terrifying moments she witnessed people dying in front of her, including being unable to assist a Chinese woman. She confessed to having a sleepless night following the traumatic events of…
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Siam Paragon shooting sparks Thai probe: Teenage boy’s deadly spree stirs security measures
Following the fatal shooting incident at the Siam Paragon Mall yesterday, Thai authorities stepped up their investigation and security measures. The event saw a 14 year old boy open fire, causing the death of a tourist and injuring others. The shopping centre resumed normal operations today, despite the previous day’s tragedy. However, some stores, particularly leading clothes brands, that suffered…
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Thai Cabinet approves panel to draft charter amendment referendum
The Thai Cabinet greenlighted the formation of a 35-member panel yesterday, tasked with drafting a prospective charter amendment referendum, as disclosed by Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Serving as the chair of the committee, Phumtham revealed that the panel will comprise representatives from both the government and opposition parties, as well as legal experts, scholars, social activists,…
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Video game violence: Bangkok teen’s mall shooting sparks #Don’tBlameTheGame trend
A trending hashtag, #Don’tBlameTheGame, emerged online following a violent incident involving a 14 year old boy in a Bangkok shopping mall. The teenage killer, who allegedly had a history of playing the Battle Royale-style game, sparked a debate about the link between video games and violence. However, many online users assert that blaming video games is not the solution and…
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Thailand tourism threatened, Bangkok mall shooting deters Chinese tourists
The tragic shooting at Siam Paragon in the heart of Bangkok yesterday has potentially hampered Thailand tourism. Thousands of Chinese netizens criticised the incident on Weibo, some even stating they would never visit Thailand again. Several casualties, including Thai, Myanmar, and Chinese nationals, resulted from the incident. As soon as the unfortunate event occurred, the hashtag #Paragon started trending on Twitter. The…
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Whooping cough warning: Pertussis cases surge, one fatality in southern Thailand
The Disease Control Department (DCD) in Songkhla province reported an alarming increase in the number of cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, particularly among children. The department confirmed the diagnosis of two patients in the region, with one fatality in Pattani province. The disease, caused by the bacteria B. pertussis, is highly contagious and spreads through coughing, sneezing,…
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National Police Commander mourns loss of mother while on duty at Siam Paragon
National Police Commander Torsak Sukwimon mourned the loss of his 104 year old mother, who passed away while being cared for at the Police Hospital. Torsak, who was informed of his mother’s declining health by a doctor, rushed to her side, whispering in her ear that he had become the National Police Commander. He had to leave shortly after due to…
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Thai motorcycle production makers ready to ‘gear’ up as sales pick up speed
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) anticipates a surge in Thai motorcycle manufacturing during this year’s final quarter, following a period of slow sales. This optimistic forecast was made earlier this year by the FTI’s Automotive Industry Club (AIC), based on an uptick in tourism and the easing of the semiconductor shortage. July saw a 12.7% year-on-year increase in local…
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Fire breaks out at prison in Bangkok, inmates and officials unharmed
A fire broke out at Klong Prem Central Prison in Bangkok‘s Chatuchak district at 10.40pm last night. Fortunately, no inmates or officials were injured in the incident. The fire was reported to Pracha Chuen Police Station, which later worked with Lat Yao Fire Station to bring the blaze under control. The fire originated in a single-story structure within the prison…
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Thai monk’s ‘soul-soothing’ fire dance ignites interest in ancient healing
A 71 year old monk from Wat Pa Theppitaks Daennabun, located in Nong Mod Daeng, Lahan Sai District, Buriram Province, uses the ancient method of fire stepping to treat various ailments and cleanse karma. This method was practised today, when a social media user posted a video showing the monk stepping on a heated iron plate or tractor blade, then…
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3BB worker fatally injured by hidden explosive while repairing Internet line in Yala
A 3BB worker tragically lost his life at Yala Hospital after stepping on a concealed explosive while working on an Internet signal line on Sunday. Police Lieutenant Colonel Asrun Hamu, an investigative officer at Yala Police Station, was alerted to the incident by locals who reported hearing an explosion near a former insurgent target area. The scene of the incident,…
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Bangkok’s brave trio: Police heroes steal hearts after Siam Paragon shooting
A commendable and heroic act by three dedicated police officers unfolded in the bustling heart of Bangkok, garnering widespread admiration and recognition from both the Deputy National Police Chief and an appreciative online community after the Siam Paragon shooting incident. The officers were hailed for their exceptional professionalism and valour as they apprehended the teenage perpetrator involved in a shooting…
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Thailand banks break the ice: Freezing loan rates to thaw financial stress
Thailand’s state-run banks have taken a bold step to counteract high interest rates by freezing their loan rates. This move has been initiated to assist low-income earners and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as disclosed by Vitai Ratanakorn, who holds dual roles as president and chief executive of the Government Savings Bank (GSB). The GSB, which currently services six million loan…
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Chinese and Burmese killed, 5 injured, twins rescued in shooting rampage at Siam Paragon Bangkok
The shooting rampage at Bangkok’s Siam Paragon shopping mall yesterday tragically claimed the lives of a Chinese woman and a Burmese woman, and injured five others while a brave Thai woman rescued Chinese twins after their mother was killed. The Royal Thai Police (RTP) announced that the shooting occurred at the mall yesterday afternoon, October 3, resulting in the deaths…
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Fuel fund forecast: Thai govt keeps diesel prices low, faces a billion-baht burnout
The Oil Fuel Fund Office (OFFO) projected a loss of nearly 100 billion baht due to the government’s decision to maintain domestic diesel prices below 30 baht a litre until December. This forecast assumes an increase in global diesel prices during the winter, a period typically marked by heightened energy demand. In 2022, the average global diesel prices for August…
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Thailand’s digital wallet project: Green light to make cash splash
The government of Thailand has given the green light for the formation of a committee for its ambitious digital money handout scheme, otherwise known as the digital wallet project. Slated for launch in February, the initiative aims to stimulate the economy by providing each Thai citizen above the age of 16 with 10,000 baht (US$269) in digital money. The project, requiring…
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Eighth day of search for missing mushroom picker in Khao Kho forest as new clues emerge
A desperate search for a 61 year old mushroom picker lost in the Khao Kho Forest in northern Thailand has entered its eighth day, with over 100 people, including residents and officials from various departments, joining the hunt. Tragically, the man, known locally as Khamphan Sisonkarn or Lod, disappeared on September 27 while foraging in the community forest of Jawa…
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Bangkok hotel launches Fifty Shades of Grey theme room
G Boutique Hotel Surawong Bangkok extends an invitation to kinky couples who desire Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey fantasies to experience its newly launched Fifty Shades of Grey-themed room, equipped with BDSM gear for those seeking an unconventional adventure. G Boutique Hotel Surawong Bangkok is a 3-star hotel in the heart of the Thai capital, just a 3-minute walk from…
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Train crash: Young man killed in late night accident
A BMW car was struck by a train in Chumphon province, Thailand, resulting in the vehicle being dragged approximately 500 metres from the accident scene. The train crash occurred at around 11.30pm yesterday. The vehicle, which was found wedged against a railway bridge, was severely damaged, and a male casualty was discovered inside. The rescue team faced a complicated situation…
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Weakening baht boosts Thailand’s exports and tourism
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin pointed out yesterday that the weakening baht, despite its potential negative impact on energy import costs, is actually proving to be a boon for the country’s exports and tourism. The baht had earlier plummeted to an 11-month low against the US dollar, trading at 37.095. According to the 61 year old prime minister, who also…
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Car takes a dive, one man survives: Dramatic sea plunge at Sattahip pier caught on camera
A shocking incident occurred in the early hours of this morning when a car plunged into the sea at the Sattahip – Koh Samui ferry pier, Chuk Samet, Sattahip, Chon Buri. One man managed to escape by breaking the car window, but two women remained trapped in the submerged vehicle. The event was captured on CCTV at around 4am today.…
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Thai welfare department pushes for more ‘home-run’ support as homeless program stalls
The Thai Department of Social Development and Welfare is advocating for increased housing subsidies for the homeless, following a year in which fewer than 100 individuals signed up for the programme, revealed Varawut Silpa-archa, the Minister of Social Development and Human Security. This joint initiative of the department and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation allows for half of the participants’…
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