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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Thailand’s warm weather, low cost of living, and good healthcare attract many long-term expats, including retirees and remote workers. Life here feels easy and affordable, but medical costs can be high if something goes wrong. Private hospitals are popular because...
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Pickup truck loan defaults surge 39% in May, NCB reports
The National Credit Bureau (NCB) reported a significant 39% increase in bad debt for pickup truck loans in May, highlighting an alarming trend in the auto finance sector. Banks have also seen a contraction in car loans during the first half of this year, corresponding with a nationwide decline in car sales. By May 2024, non-performing loans (NPLs) for pickup…
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Thai monk in southern Thailand accused of sexually abusing dogs
A Thai monk, and acting abbot at a temple in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat, denied bestiality and sexually abusing dogs, claiming the other two monks attempted to ruin his name. Several local news agencies in Nakhon Si Thammarat reported that a worker at the temple announced to locals that the acting abbot, 42 year old Daeng, sexually…
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Heavy rain, strong winds wreak havoc in Pattaya and Na Kluea
Heavy rain and strong winds battered the coastal areas of Pattaya and Na Kluea today, causing significant damage to property and infrastructure. The Meteorological Department of Thailand predicted heavy rain in 80% of the area, focusing particularly on the Eastern region and Bangkok. Additionally, the Southern Andaman coast and the Gulf of Thailand were expected to experience waves up to…
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Thief caught on camera breaking into Pattaya apartments
A daring thief was caught on security cameras sneaking into an apartment building in Pattaya’s Soi Buakhao and breaking into unlocked rooms to steal valuables. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of July 20, was documented on security footage later released by the apartment owner to alert the public. Local reporters visited S.B. Apartments in Soi Buakhao after…
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Prime minister fears for Trat amid worsening floods
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin voiced serious concern about the ongoing flooding in Trat, which has persisted since it was first reported last week. The government is closely monitoring the situation in the eastern province, according to a Facebook post by the Thai premier yesterday, July 29. The 62 year old Thai prime minister expressed gratitude to the Royal Thai Armed…
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Thailand anticipates record 2.2 million Russian tourists in 2024
Thailand’s tourism sector is set to witness a surge in Russian travellers, with projections indicating a record 2.2 million arrivals next year, buoyed by a new 60-day visa-free scheme. However, a shortage of aircraft in Russian airlines poses a challenge, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). In 2025, TAT aims for a 7.5% increase in revenue, targeting 39…
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MFP to lift the curtain: Bangkok gym gear scandal in the spotlight
The Move Forward Party (MFP) called for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to disclose the results of its investigations into alleged corruption within a procurement programme for gym equipment. Suphanat Meenchainan, MFP MP for Chatuchak, Bang Khen, and Lak Si, announced the procurement irregularities came to public attention online in June. The BMA reportedly faced procurement issues at nine of…
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Thai-ing up loose ends: Fake prosecutor’s fraud case grows
An investigation into a Thai man accused of posing as a prosecutor and engaging in fraudulent activities is expanding, according to a source from the prosecution. Thai police are delving deeper into the actions of Mongkol Preesukkasem, who was apprehended last Thursday, July 25, while delivering a law enforcement lecture at a high school in Nonthaburi. Taling Chan police in…
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Thai wildlife rescuer remains comatose months after cobra bite
A Thai wildlife rescuer remains in a comatose state five months after being bitten by a king cobra. Nick Wildlife’s recent update reveals the extent of the challenges faced by Aun and his family. A member of the Asoraphiphat rescue team, Jakrin Nilkamhaeng, was bitten by a king cobra in a vein, leading to severe complications. Despite five months passing…
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Thailand’s longest train tunnel shut after passenger dust complaints
Thailand’s longest train tunnel has been temporarily closed by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) just after its inauguration due to passenger complaints about thick dust inside. The chief of the SRT governor’s office, Ekarat Sri-arayanpong, reported that passengers on northeast-bound trains experienced discomfort from dust while passing through the Pha Sadet tunnel in Saraburi province. As a result, the…
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Woman injured by flying steel plate on Samut Prakan expressway
A woman sustained injuries when a large steel plate flew through her windscreen, cutting her neck and cheek on an elevated expressway in Samut Prakan. The incident took place around 6pm yesterday, July 28, near the 19th-kilometre marker on the Bangkok-bound side of the Burapha Withi (Bang Na-Bang Pakong) expressway in Tambon Bang Chalong, Bangphli district. Police and rescue workers…
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Busted: ‘Smoke and mirrors’ shop nabbed for untaxed cigs, vapes
Two women have been apprehended for selling untaxed cigarettes and illegal vaping paraphernalia at a shop in Soi Pha-niang, Moo 5, Ratsada. The illicit operation netted them more than half a million baht over the past three months. The 23 year old Sarinya Phonkaew, from Satun, and the 25 year old Chonlada Chuewong, registered as living in Chalong, were detained…
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Effective mentorship fuels Gen Z’s career growth and innovation
Generation Z’s growing presence in the workforce necessitates innovative strategies to support their development. Mentorship programmes have emerged as a powerful tool, creating dynamic and mutually beneficial relationships across generations. These programmes address Gen Z’s unique professional aspirations, fostering continuous learning and growth. Effective mentorship programmes for Gen Z extend beyond traditional models where senior employees impart wisdom to junior…
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Bad Apple: Thailand ad blunder sparks boycott fury (video)
A condescending new advertisement by US giant Apple sparked outrage in Thailand, with locals threatening to ditch Apple and their iPhones for Samsung. Thai resident and English teacher David William, who boasts 1.6 million Facebook followers and 2.9 million TikTok followers, slammed the ad on his TikTok account @davidwilliamdw. His critique of the ad, The Underdogs: OOO (Out Of Office)…
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Thailand secures 98.5 billion baht for data centres, cloud projects
Government backing for investments in data centres and cloud service projects in Thailand aims to position the nation as a digital economy hub, according to government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin considers these investments crucial for the digital economy’s growth and believes they will establish Thailand as a significant investment destination for the international community. Transforming Thailand into…
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Foreign tourists found safe after night search in Doi Nang Mo forest
San Kamphaeng police, forest officers, and other relevant agencies initiated a search at 8.30pm yesterday, July 28, for two missing foreign tourists who had become lost in the Doi Nang Mo forest area near the Mae Pha Nhaen Reservoir in Chiang Mai. The search was prompted by the coordinates sent by the tourists before their signal was lost. The dense…
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Pheu Thai confident digital wallet bill will pass final House readings
Pheu Thai Party expresses confidence that its supplementary bill, designed to fund the flagship digital wallet handout scheme, will pass the House’s second and third readings tomorrow. A Pheu Thai MP-list and chief government whip, Wisut Chainaroon, asserted that the bill will pass due to the digital wallet scheme igniting new hope among the public. The final deliberation of the…
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Thailand’s walking tourism boosts local culture, sustainability
Walking tourism is increasingly popular as travellers seek to immerse themselves in local cultures and explore neighbourhoods more intimately. The United Nations Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) notes that walking tourism fosters a deeper connection with local communities, nature, and culture. This growing trend aligns with the global push for sustainable tourism and satisfies the rising demand for outdoor activities. However, the…
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Thailand’s steel sales drop 8.7% amid cheap Chinese imports
Thailand’s steel industry faced sluggish sales in the first five months of this year due to reduced spending on construction projects and the influx of cheap imports from China, according to Tata Steel (Thailand) Plc (TSTH), a subsidiary of India’s largest steelmaker. Long steel product consumption fell by 8.7% year-on-year to 2.47 million tonnes as stated by Tarun Kuma Daga,…
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Energy Ministry’s new bill targets stable oil and LPG prices
The Energy Ministry’s new bill aiming to control domestic oil and cooking gas prices requires a public hearing to assess its impact on oil traders and government revenue, according to an energy expert. Currently under review by the Council of State, the bill proposes the establishment of a new commission, akin to the Energy Regulatory Commission, to regulate retail prices…
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High crimes: Pattaya police arrest drug-dealing monk
In the latest news of monks behaving badly, another member of the Buddhist faith has been arrested by local police in Pattaya on allegations of selling illegal drugs. This arrest also led to the capture of his supplier. The operation took place yesterday under the direction of Police Colonel Nawin Sinthurat, Chief of the Bang Lamung Police Station. Acting on…
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Pattaya restaurant owner urges police to catch serial thief
A restaurant owner in Pattaya is urging the police to apprehend a thief who has repeatedly targeted her business. Boonyarat, the 40 year old owner of Chill Out 84 restaurant in Soi 5, Nongprue sub-district, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province, reported the incidents to the local police. The restaurant has been hit three times within this month alone. On…
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Thailand to ASEAN: Let’s get digital for ‘byte-sized’ unity
Thailand urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to enhance integration by adopting a unified digital economy system, supporting sustainable development, and ensuring regional security through existing mechanisms. Speaking at the 57th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Vientiane yesterday, July 28, Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa emphasised the growing interest of many countries and international organisations in engaging with ASEAN.…
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Thailand PM faces ousting over controversial appointment
Debate is intensifying over whether Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin should be ousted from office following his controversial decision to appoint Pichit Chuenban, a former convict, as a PM’s Office Minister in the latest Cabinet reshuffle. Former senator Wanchai Sornsiri expressed confidence that the Constitutional Court will likely dismiss the case against PM Srettha, pointing out that no court ruling has…
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Bhumjaithai Party allies dominate new Thai Senate
The new Senate is poised to play a crucial role in the forthcoming political power dynamics and efforts to amend the Thai constitution. Observers note that the Upper House is now heavily influenced by senators with connections to the Bhumjaithai Party, the third-largest political faction in Thailand. The newly elected Senate Speaker and one of his deputies are perceived to…
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Thai police arrest two women for illegal orthodontic services
Thai police recently apprehended two women for providing illegal orthodontic services after learning the trade online. The two suspects were charged with selling prohibited fashion braces without a licence and practising dentistry without proper certification. Police Major General Wittaya Srisrisaraphap, Commander of the Consumer Protection Police Division, directed the operation alongside other senior officers. They led the raid that resulted…
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Sergeant killed in Pattani clash as two officers injured
A recent clash in Pattani tragically resulted in the death of an officer during a law enforcement mission. Two other officers are currently receiving medical care following the incident. The incident occurred yesterday when security forces conducted a coordinated operation to apprehend insurgents in Na Ket, Khok Pho District, Pattani. During the operation, insurgents threw a grenade at the officers,…
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Family demands justice after hospital denies treatment, father dies
A tragic incident in Nakhon Ratchasima has left a family devastated after a father was denied treatment at a local hospital, leading to his untimely death. The family is now seeking justice and accountability for what they perceive as negligence. At Wat Srapleang in Sung Noen, Nakhon Ratchasima, a funeral ceremony was held for Somporn Rasamee, a 50 year old…
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Man drowns in canal after footbridge slip in Samut Songkhram
A tragic accident occurred when a 51 year old man fell from a slippery footbridge into a canal and drowned. The incident took place in Samut Songkhram, where persistent rain had made the path treacherous. Police and rescue personnel discovered Pairoj’s body floating in the Prak Mon Canal in Klong Khon today, July 28. The bridge, approximately 50 centimetres wide…
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Drone harassment leaves Ban Pakraton couple in fear and distress
A couple from Ban Pakraton in Lan Sak district, Uthai Thani province, expressed distress after encountering a mysterious drone repeatedly flying around their house and facing vandalism. They sought media help as the police dismissed their concerns due to a lack of evidence. Phraphan, a 44 year old man, and his wife, 39 year old Kanokrat, reported ongoing distress from…
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