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 5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
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Facebook scams cost 718 million baht in Thailand last year
Facebook scams and fraudulent activities have inflicted significant financial damage, totalling 718 million baht over the past year, according to the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister, Prasert Jantararuangtong. Highlighting the efforts of the Anti-Online Scam Operation Centre (AOC) during a recent briefing, Prasert revealed the centre’s impact from November 1 last year to November 14 this year, during which…
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EV excitement with a shock: Thailand’s green dream hits a snag
Thailand’s electric vehicle (EV) industry may be sparking excitement but beneath the surface, a storm of challenges is threatening to short-circuit the nation’s EV ambitions. Despite a surge in EV usage, the sector is grappling with poor domestic car sales, sluggish economic growth, crippling household debt, and cutthroat pricing wars that could derail its progress. Chinese EV manufacturers, with their…
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Phuket’s tourism set to earn 500 billion baht this year
Phuket’s tourism industry is poised for a financial boom, with anticipated earnings reaching an impressive 500 billion baht this year. The island’s strategic focus on attracting visitors through sports tourism, even during the traditional off-season, is driving this growth, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) Phuket office. Director of TAT Phuket, Lertchai Wangtrakuldee highlighted that the island effectively…
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Storm warning: Thailand’s weather is about to reign on your parade
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a weather forecast for tomorrow, November 19, warning of thunderstorms and heavy rain in certain areas. Bangkok and central regions are expected to experience the most severe conditions, affecting 22 provinces in total. An influx of moderately cold air from China is currently covering the upper northern region, the upper northeastern region, and…
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Thailand’s debt drive: Putting the brakes on cars and homes
The financial woes of Thailand have taken centre stage as crippling debt levels put the brakes on car sales and curb the housing market, particularly among low-income households. With banks wary of non-performing loans (NPLs), many hopeful borrowers are seeing their applications for mortgages and car loans hit the skids. In response, the government is steering new initiatives to tackle…
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Flame-ingo: Thai woman escapes burning pickup inferno
A Thai woman had a miraculous escape from a fiery fate after her pickup truck caught fire while she was driving. Thanks to the heroic actions of a quick-thinking motorcyclist, she was pulled to safety just moments before her vehicle was completely engulfed in flames. The heart-stopping incident unfolded at 8.30pm, yesterday, November 17, on Highway 22 in Nakhon Phanom…
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American arrested for alleged sexual assault of Chinese woman
Hat Yai police have arrested a 39 year old American man following serious allegations of sexual assault against a 35 year old Chinese woman. The case unfolded after the victim, known publicly as Chang, bravely came forward to report the distressing incident. The drama began on November 2 when Chang and the suspect, identified as Christian, first crossed paths at…
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Pattaya’s pageant blast: Where beauty meets the bang
The glitzy world of beauty pageants is about to hit Pattaya with a bang as the city prepares to host the Miss Grand Contest for Thailand’s southern border provinces from December 11-15. The excitement is palpable as anticipation builds for this lavish affair, set against the stunning backdrop of the Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya. In an exciting press…
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Denmark wins Miss Universe 2024, Thailand’s Opal shines in third runner-up
The 73rd Miss Universe 2024 pageant concluded in Mexico, where Denmark’s representative emerged victorious. Thailand’s Opal Suchata Chuangsri achieved an impressive feat, securing the third runner-up position and earning admiration from beauty pageant fans worldwide. Opal Suchata Chuangsri, a beloved figure among pageant enthusiasts, has had an inspiring journey leading to her top five finish at Miss Universe. Born on…
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Buddhist abbot smashes minivan window, sparks outrage in Thailand
An incident involving a Buddhist abbot has stirred controversy after he reportedly smashed a school’s minivan window with staff in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, causing distress to kindergarten children inside. The abbot’s actions have raised concerns and prompted official complaints. Social media was abuzz with images and accounts of the incident, as shared by Social Hunter 2024. The post questioned…
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Fatal crash in Pathum Thani as truck hits motorcycle
A tragic road accident occurred early today involving a speeding pickup truck that collided with a motorcycle, resulting in the death of a 58 year old man. Police are investigating the incident and reviewing CCTV footage to determine the cause. At 1.15am today, November 17, Veerawat Niyomsap, an investigator at Khlong Luang Police Station, received a report of a collision…
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Thai influencer arrested for promoting illegal gambling at 3,000 baht per post
A Thai 27 year old influencer was apprehended for promoting illegal online gambling in exchange for 3,000 baht per post. The arrest occurred at her residence following an investigation by the Technology Crime Suppression Division 4. Kulltada, better known as “Baifern,” from Udon Thani, is a well-known social media personality with over 1 million followers. She was summoned by senior…
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Bangkok motorcycle shop fire causes explosions and tragedy
A devastating fire erupted at a motorcycle shop, resulting in multiple explosions and significant property damage, while the discovery of the shop owner’s wife’s body added to the tragedy. Police are investigating the cause of the blaze that broke out in the early hours of today. At around 1am, today, November 17, police officer Korawik Suputat from Bang Khun Thian…
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Burmese man drowns retrieving coins during Loy Krathong in Phuket
A tragic incident unfolded in Phuket as a Burmese man drowned while attempting to retrieve coins from floats in a reservoir during the Loy Krathong festivities. This unfortunate event took place in Thalang, with police confirming the man’s death in the early hours of November 15. The Loy Krathong festival, celebrated at the Bang Ma Ruan reservoir in the Sri…
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Cold air brings storms and cooler weather to Thailand
A new cold air mass is spreading across Thailand, bringing thunderstorms and cooler temperatures. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warns of adverse conditions affecting 32 provinces, with the central region, including Bangkok, expected to experience the most severe impact. A fresh, moderately strong high-pressure system from China has reached Vietnam’s northern region and the South China Sea. This weather pattern…
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Young man electrocuted stealing cables in Kanchanaburi field
A tragic incident unfolded when a 22 year old man, from a village in Kanchanaburi was found dead in a sugarcane field. He had attempted to steal high-voltage power cables when he was electrocuted and fell to his death. His body lay undiscovered for three days until yesterday when it was found by locals. The local police in Tha Mueang…
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Thai students to benefit from 2.9 billion baht free lunch programme
The Education Ministry is set to ensure that students nationwide receive nutritious meals as part of next year’s free lunch programme. Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob has highlighted the initiative’s focus on providing children with a balanced diet, crucial for their academic and personal development. The upcoming programme will target underprivileged children in rural areas, expanding upon this year’s efforts, which…
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Thailand climbs to 41st on 2024 Global Innovation Index
Thailand reached a milestone in innovation, securing the 41st spot out of 133 economies on the Global Innovation Index (GII) for 2024, as reported by the National Innovation Agency (NIA). This achievement marks Thailand’s highest ranking in a decade, showcasing its progress in fostering an innovative environment. Thailand’s ascent from the 43rd position last year highlights its consistent improvement in…
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Seven arrested in Yasothon for luring boys into obscene videos
Seven transgender women have been apprehended in Yasothon for their alleged involvement in a scheme to lure boys into participating in obscene video recordings, subsequently selling the content to a private group. This crackdown stems from a police raid on eight locations across the northeastern province, following a tip-off about the group’s illicit activities. Police Colonel Sarawut Chantawong, leading the…
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Tragic electric bus accident in Sakon Nakhon kills one, injures 25
A tragic accident unfolded in Sakon Nakhon when an electric shuttle bus lost control and descended a steep slope, resulting in the death of one individual and injuries to 25 others. The mishap took place near Wat Phra Tha Pek in Phana Nikhom district. The incident occurred around 3pm on November 15 as the shuttle bus navigated the 3-kilometre road…
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TikTok video captures plight of homeless man in Chon Buri (video)
A TikTok video recently highlighted the plight of a homeless man in Chon Buri, sparking sympathy and curiosity among viewers. The clip, posted by user @its.allbackedup, captured the man wandering near a CJ convenience store in the Nong Ri area. His dishevelled appearance, covered in what seemed to be white powder, drew the attention of a young man who, intrigued…
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Loy Krathong tragedy: Pet dog dies from firework shock
A beloved pet dog tragically died due to shock from fireworks, prompting an important reminder for pet owners to keep their animals safe indoors during festive events. The Loy Krathong festival is marked by celebrations on November 15 (yesterday), and the tradition of setting off fireworks and firecrackers is widespread. This has led to many pets experiencing fear, with some…
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Restaurant owners in Pattaya warned of food poisoning scam
A cunning scam targeting restaurants in Pattaya City, Chon Buri, has been unravelled. Fraudsters have been falsely claiming food poisoning to extort money. Restaurant owner Singhanat Rulapak discovered the scam when cross-checking a customer’s claim, which led to the identification of a notorious fraudster operating in multiple locations. A renowned restaurant in Pattaya City received a call yesterday, November 15,…
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Girl rescued from water at Loy Krathong festival in West Thailand
A near-tragic incident unfolded during the Loy Krathong Festival in Prachuap Khiri Khan province when a young girl slipped into the water while attempting to collect coins from floating krathongs (lanterns). Fortunately, quick-thinking bystanders managed to prevent a disaster. The festival, held at Wat Khao Noi Lang in Pran Buri district, nearly turned tragic when a girl, under her mother’s…
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Leopard thrills visitors at Phetchaburi national park (video)
A leopard made a striking appearance at the Ban Krang Helipad in Kaeng Krachan National Park, Phetchaburi province, thrilling visitors. Captured in vivid detail by a tourist, this sighting underscores the park’s thriving ecosystem and effective conservation efforts. A clip and photographs of the leopard, shared by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), have drawn significant…
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Maldivian national arrested in Bangkok for drug trafficking
Police in Bangkok have announced a significant drug bust involving the seizure of nearly 3 kilogrammes of mephedrone, a Category 1 narcotic, which was hidden in a protein supplement container sent from the UK. A Maldivian national was apprehended at a courier facility in Bangkok while attempting to collect the illicit package. The Secretary-General of the Office of the Narcotics…
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Thailand launches QR system to track tobacco products
Thailand’s Finance Ministry has unveiled a new technology aimed at transforming the monitoring of tobacco products. The “QR Cigarette” system, announced by Deputy Finance Minister Paophum Rojanasakul, is a Track & Trace innovation designed to follow tobacco products throughout their lifecycle, from production to purchase. This move is part of a broader effort to enhance tax collection efficiency, boost transparency,…
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Pattaya floods halt traffic amid Loy Krathong Festival preparations
Heavy rainfall swept through Pattaya, causing significant disruptions as traffic came to a standstill due to widespread flooding. As the city prepared for the Loy Krathong Festival, a severe thunderstorm struck at 5.36pm yesterday, November 15, lasting for about an hour. This deluge led to waterlogged streets, particularly in areas notorious for flooding. Khao Talo Road along the railway, Soi…
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Thai elderly to soon receive 10,000 baht cash aid: Finance Ministry
The Ministry of Finance is poised to introduce a one-time cash payment initiative targeting the elderly, as confirmed by Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul. This proposal, amounting to 10,000 baht, will be presented during the upcoming economic stimulus policy committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 19. This new measure specifically excludes state welfare cardholders and disabled individuals who previously received…
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Gambling addict arrested for cash theft after disguising as monk
A young man addicted to gambling has been apprehended after stealing his relative’s ATM card and withdrawing nearly 500,000 baht until the account was empty. He used the money for gambling and later fled to become a monk, hoping for forgiveness. However, the relative reported the theft to the police, leading to his arrest yesterday, November 15. Phakphon Suchon, Head…
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