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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Sponsored Thailand vs. the West: What expats save on healthcare each year
Healthcare in Thailand is much cheaper than in Western countries, making it a great choice for expatriates looking for affordable medical care. Both public and private healthcare options offer high-quality services, with savings of up to 80% on procedures like...
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Domino’s Pizza asserts dough supremacy over flaky rivals
Domino’s declared war on its rivals, Pizza Hut and The Pizza Company, asserting that its food quality and promotions are far superior to those of its rivals after both brands faced a customer backlash due to failed sales systems during special promotions. The Pizza Company, a leading brand in Thailand, launched a special promotion on May 21, offering medium-sized pizzas…
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Thai minister reveals groundbreaking health initiative with China
Thailand’s Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation unveiled a pioneering research programme in collaboration with China’s leading genome research powerhouse, BGI. This initiative, aimed at transforming healthcare in Thailand, promises to elevate the quality of life for locals while slashing healthcare costs tied to late-stage diseases. The ambitious project, spearheaded by Thailand’s National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology…
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British man apologises for drunken assault of gas station worker
The recent incident involving a 25 year old gas station attendant, who was the victim of a drunken assault by a foreign man, has now reached a resolution with justice prevailing. The foreign man, identified as Anthony Davis, has been approached by the Udon Thani Provincial Police and has subsequently come forward, acknowledging his wrongdoing and expressing remorse for his…
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Northeast Thailand: Wildlife officer mauled by bear survives attack
A brave wildlife officer narrowly escaped death after being mauled by a ferocious bear while patrolling a remote mountain in northeast Thailand. Danai, a 39 year old officer from the Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary in Chaiyaphum province, was conducting a routine patrol through dense woodland last Friday, May 17 when an Asian black bear emerged, attacking Danai with its powerful…
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Royal splendour: King and Queen lead Visakha Bucha ceremony
Their Majesties, King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida graced the Temple of the Emerald Buddha within Bangkok’s Grand Palace complex yesterday, presiding over a solemn religious ceremony to mark Visakha Bucha Day. A group of venerable senior monks orchestrated the spiritual proceedings, infusing the ancient halls with sacred reverence. As twilight descended, the king took the lead in the wian…
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Thai Constitutional Court accepts petition against PM Srettha
The Constitutional Court accepted a petition calling for the removal of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin over his decision to appoint a minister with a criminal record. Despite this, the court narrowly voted 5-4 not to suspend the Bangkok-born PM from his duties while awaiting its final ruling. A panel of nine judges convened today to consider the petition submitted by…
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Buddhist park sign triggers online uproar with shoot to kill sign
Phutthamonthon Buddhist Park in Nakhon Pathom province near Bangkok sparked controversy on social media with a sign that displayed it would shoot visitors if they broke any park rules. The Phutthamonthon Buddhist Park is located in Nakhon Pathom near the western side of Bangkok. The place is known for being the highest-standing Buddha statue in the world. It is regularly…
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MRT clarifies water leakage caused by clogged A/C system
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) today clarified that the water leakage on a Bangkok MRT train captured on camera was due to a clogged air-conditioning system. The incident occurred at 6.35pm on Tuesday, May 21, on a Blue Line train travelling from Bang Sue station to Tao Poon station, which saw water flowing from the A/C vents, causing concern…
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App-alling Thai man: Admits to sexual assault of multiple taxi riders
A Thai man sexually assaulted an app-based motorcycle taxi rider in Bangkok and astonishingly confessed to assaulting other riders during previous rides. The victim took to social media to share a video of him arguing with his passenger over the sexual assault on the footpath in Bangkok. The video was posted on a Facebook page, เพื่อนRiDer ไม่ทิ้งกัน (meaning friends for…
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Thai car production drops 11.02% in April amid long holidays
Car production in Thailand experienced a significant decline of 11.02% in April from the previous year, with total units produced amounting to 104,667, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). This decrease follows a more substantial drop of 23.08% year-on-year in March. The FTI attributed April’s reduced production figures to long holidays during the month. For the January to…
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Thai government urged to regulate booming influencer industry
With the explosive growth of social media and e-commerce, the role of influencers has never been more prominent. Recognising the immense economic potential, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) calls for the Thai government to implement regulations and provide support for this burgeoning career path. In 2023, the ASEAN region boasted approximately 13.5 million influencers, according to Nielsen.…
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Man survives 20-metre fall from sugar palm tree in Udon Thani
A 38 year old Udon Thani native miraculously survived a fall from a 20-metre-tall sugar palm tree with only minor scrapes. The incident, which occurred in Dong Mafai village, Na Phue sub-district, Phen district, Udon Thani, has left locals astounded. Reporters visited Dong Mafai village yesterday, May 23, after hearing about the remarkable survival of Watchara Chusena, also known as…
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Drug-addicted passenger stabs van driver on Nonthaburi Road
A Thai man grappling with drug addiction feared a van driver intended to assault him and decided to retaliate first by stabbing the driver while travelling on a road in Nonthaburi province. The driver is currently in stable condition. The stabbing took place in front of Si Chai Thong Village in the Pak Kret district of Nonthaburi at about 4pm…
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Record sea temperatures devastate coral reefs and marine life
Record sea surface temperatures in Thailand’s eastern gulf coast are causing severe damage to the region’s aquatic life, raising concerns among scientists and local communities. Coral reefs that were once vibrant and colourful, situated about 5 metres underwater, have turned white due to coral bleaching. This phenomenon indicates deteriorating health caused by elevated water temperatures. Data reveals that sea surface…
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Pichit exit rocks premiership boat amid legal storm
Pichit Chuenban, the Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, has resigned after a legal complaint from senators that threatens the premiership of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Pichit’s resignation follows a bombshell petition from 40 senators, urging the Constitutional Court to scrutinise the qualifications of both Prime Minister Srettha and Minister Pichit, alleging they fall short under Article 160 of…
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Body found beneath electricity control panel on Bangkok footpath
A Thai road sweeper discovered the body of an unidentified man beneath an electricity control panel on a footpath along Romklao Road in Bangkok after noticing an unpleasant odour while working. Road sweeper Panadda Ngokngam reported the dead body to traffic police officers at a nearby police booth around 6.40am today, May 23. The incident was then reported to Min…
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PM Srettha cooks up plan to boost food quality with Barilla partnership
In a high-stakes meeting that could reshape Thailand’s food industry, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin sat down with top executives from Barilla G.e.R. Fratelli S.p.A., the world’s leading pasta producer. With ambitions running high, the discussions centred on enhancing food production quality and expanding pasta distribution networks throughout Thailand. Among the Italian delegation were Federico Vescovi, Barilla’s Partnership Development President, and…
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Cybersecurity trends and threats in 2024
In an epoch where threats from the cyber realm are becoming progressively sophisticated, it is no longer a luxury to be proactive, but rather, a necessity. The crucial role that Artificial Intelligence and automation play in determining cybersecurity trends is becoming increasingly evident, leading transformation across various dimensions of cybersecurity operations. Ranging from threat detection to predictive analytics, solutions powered…
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US imposes major tariffs on Chinese EVs and semiconductors
The United States recently imposed substantial tariffs on Chinese products, focusing particularly on electric vehicles (EVs) and semiconductors. This move is expected to push China to expand its EV manufacturing within Asia, with Thailand emerging as a significant export hub, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). President Joe Biden’s administration cited Beijing’s unfair trade practices as the reason for…
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Video evidence: Thai monk gropes sleeping passenger’s breasts
Another Thai monk disgraced his Buddhist faith by sexually assaulting a woman while travelling from Bangkok to Chon Buri on a bus, by groping her breasts when she fell asleep. The victim, 67 year old Siriporn Kamnok, took to social media to warn women travelling alone on public transport to be aware of sexual assaults, even from a monk. Siriporn…
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Thai 5th grader juggles school and babysitting duties in class (video)
A heartwarming video of a Thai 5th grader bottle-feeding her younger sister has captured the hearts of millions in Thailand. The 20-second clip, now viral, features a young student nicknamed Green diligently writing in her exercise book with her right hand while cradling her one year old sister in her left arm. The adorable toddler appears content and engaged, sipping…
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PTT worker assaulted by drunk foreigner claiming to be immigration
A shocking incident unfolded at a PTT gas station in Udon Thani Province as 25 year old gas station worker was allegedly assaulted by a drunk foreigner, who claimed to be an immigration worker. The incident transpired at a PTT station on Udon Dusit Road in Mak Khaeng subdistrict, Mueang Udon Thani district, recounted the incident and provided photographic and…
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Wet & wild: Commuters caught in unexpected MRT downpour (video)
Bangkok commuters experienced a shocking surprise on Tuesday evening when their usual MRT Blue Line ride turned into an unexpected indoor waterfall. Passengers on the MRT Blue Line, travelling from Tao Poon to Tha Phra, were caught off guard around 6.35pm when water began pouring from the ceiling. The chaos unfolded shortly after the train left Bang Sue station, turning…
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New lung CT scan without the need for contrast dyes
In the realm of medical imaging, a groundbreaking development is offering hope to patients who are allergic to contrast dyes or have restrictions due to health conditions. This innovation promises to significantly enhance the speed and accuracy of lung diagnoses without the need for contrast dyes, which have traditionally been essential but problematic for some patients. This new technology, developed…
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Thai lawyers seek bail for political prisoners under lese majeste law
Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) is working to secure bail for 19 political prisoners, predominantly those charged under Section 112, commonly known as the lese majeste law, to uphold their human rights. TLHR announced yesterday, May 22, that the number of political prisoners, especially those detained under Section 112 of the Criminal Code, has surged since last year. Many…
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Yingluck’s hope for a democratic revival with new charter
Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra sparked fresh hope for Thailand’s democratic future, declaring that the country will soon see a return to full democracy under the Pheu Thai Party-led government with a new people’s charter. In a poignant Facebook post marking the 10th anniversary of the coup that ousted her caretaker government on May 22, 2014, Yingluck expressed renewed optimism.…
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Returned Golden Boy statue unveiled at National Museum Bangkok
Eager crowds gathered at the National Museum Bangkok yesterday to witness the unveiling of the recently repatriated Golden Boy statue, a 900 year old artefact smuggled out of Thailand in 1975 by the infamous art dealer Douglas Latchford. The Golden Boy, along with a bronze statue of a kneeling lady, was returned to Thailand from the Metropolitan Museum of Art…
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Migrant workers take over house of Thai-Australian couple in Korat
A Thai woman and her Australian husband filed a police complaint after a group of migrant workers took over their house in the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima, also known as Korat. The Thai woman, 66 year old Somporn Rolland, told officers at Sikhio Police Station that she returned home from Australia in February to find the group of migrants…
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Thailand boosts ties with Italy, eyes Schengen visa waiver
Thailand and Italy have committed to enhance bilateral cooperation across various sectors, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced following his official visit to Italy, describing his discussions with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as highly productive. Thailand’s prospects for obtaining a Schengen visa waiver for its ordinary passport holders have significantly improved. Meloni pledged her support for Thailand’s proposal, bolstering the…
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Bangkok Land to transform Mueang Thong Thani into smart city
Bangkok Land, a Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET)-listed company, is poised to transform Mueang Thong Thani into a smart city district. This ambitious plan includes the establishment of a new seafood and fruit centre aimed at providing affordable goods to attract tourists to Nonthaburi. The development is strategically timed to coincide with the launch of the Pink Line monorail service,…
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