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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Tragic hit-and-run kills woman on Suksawat Road in Samut Prakan
In a devastating hit-and-run incident today on Suksawat Road, Samut Prakan, a 71 year old man and his wife were struck by a truck, resulting in her tragic death. Police Officer Chai Polsri reported that the accident unfolded when a motorcycle collided with the back of a pickup truck, leaving one person dead and another seriously injured. The shocking incident…
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Thailand and Laos combat drug smuggling and online scams
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra engaged in a pivotal meeting with her Lao counterpart to address pressing cross-border issues, including drug smuggling, human trafficking, and the alarming surge in online fraud. During the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, the Thai premier, accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan, and PM’s secretary-general Prommin Lertsuridej, met with Sonexay Siphandone…
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Rain check! Bangkok braces for a drenching deluge
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a stark warning: heavy rain and cooler temperatures are on the horizon for tomorrow. A staggering 33 provinces will be affected by the weather with Bangkok expected to see a soggy 60% of its area drenched. Get ready for potential flooding and flash floods as the storm rolls in. In their latest forecast, the…
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Thailand implements law for package checks before CoD payments
A new law enabling customers to open packages of products ordered online before making payments has come into effect, according to the Royal Thai Police (RTP). Prime Minister’s Office Minister Jiraporn Sindhuprai announced the law in the Royal Gazette on July 5, which came into effect on October 3. The law, known as the Contract Committee Notification on Cash-on-Delivery (CoD)…
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South African teacher vanishes in Cambodia after dinner date
The search is on for a young South African teacher who vanished without a trace in Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh after a date with a British man known only as Jack. The South African teacher, 26 year old Angelique Tong, was last seen on September 29 after a dinner at Harry’s Bistro, a popular riverside spot in the Cambodian capital.…
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Bangkok: 16 communities brace for Chao Phraya River deluge
Bangkok is on high alert as the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) issued a dire flood warning to residents in 16 communities across seven districts. With no protective flood levees in place, these areas are at serious risk of inundation between October 13 and 23. A looming surge in the Chao Phraya River, fuelled by rising sea tides and increased water…
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New PM office spokesperson announced at Government House
In a whirlwind Cabinet reshuffle, the Government of Thailand is shaking up key roles, including naming a new spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office and promoting the deputy secretary-general of the National Security Council (NSC) to council chief. It’s all part of the latest wave of power moves under PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Announcing the changes at a press briefing today,…
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Floods wreak havoc on Chiang Mai hotels occupancy rates
Severe floods in Chiang Mai from October 4 to 6 have devastated the local hotel industry, plunging occupancy rates by a staggering 30% and impacting 1,500 to 2,000 rooms across the province. La-iad Bungsrithong, a board advisor for the Thai Hotels Association (THA), revealed that conditions are gradually improving. “Since Monday, many hotels in the affected areas have begun cleaning…
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All aboard: Bangkok’s scenic train adventures are ready to roll
To boost domestic tourism, the Transport Ministry has revealed a schedule of enchanting train journeys departing from Bangkok, running from October through February. These special services, which include steam locomotives, promise to generate income for local communities while providing unforgettable experiences for travellers. Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced yesterday, October 7, that three train options would be available over the next…
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Phuket veggie festival gets a ‘clean plate’ in food hygiene check
As the vibrant Phuket Vegetarian Festival unfolds, a team from Vachira Phuket Hospital is cracking down on unsanitary practices among street market food vendors and shrine kitchens. Last Friday, October 4, Dr Thiraphong Aramruang, Head of the Social Medicine Group at Vachira Phuket Hospital, led an inspection mission at the Sui Boon Tong Shrine (Lor Rong) and the Tao Bo…
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Scammers posing as repair technicians target homes in Buriram
Scammers posing as repair technicians have been targeting residents by forcibly entering homes and demanding payment for unnecessary repairs. This unsettling incident has left the community of Samrong, Plapplachai district, Buriram province in a state of alert. On October 6, around 1pm, 59 year old Jamnien, was looking after her four month old granddaughter in front of her house when…
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Thailand targets 36.7 million tourists in 2024 despite challenges
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) predicts a steady growth in international tourists for the fourth quarter of 2024, despite recent flooding in the country. The initial concern was that such natural disasters might deter visitors. However, the influx, particularly from Chinese tourists during China’s National Day holiday, has surpassed expectations. To achieve the target of 36.7 million international tourists…
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3 Thai men seek justice after assault by bar security guards and DJ
Three Thai men are seeking justice after they were physically assaulted by a group of security guards and a DJ at a bar in the northern province of Kamphaeng Phet on October 1. The video of the chaotic altercation inside the entertainment venue in Kamphaeng Phet was shared by various Thai news agencies. In the footage, the bar’s security guards,…
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Thai Airways soars with ‘plane’-tastic gourmet menus for all classes
Thai Airways (THAI) is taking in-flight dining to new heights, literally. The airline has rolled out premium menus across all cabin classes, offering a luxurious yet culturally immersive experience. With European routes booming at an 80% load factor, Thai Airways has decided to up the ante on its service offerings. In First Class, passengers can indulge in Italian caviar sourced…
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Thailand assures 60-day oil reserve amid Middle East conflict
The Ministry of Energy assured the public that Thailand’s oil reserves are sufficient to last over 60 days amidst the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Measures are being taken to ensure stable oil prices despite the volatile situation. Weerapat Kiatfuengfu, Deputy Permanent Secretary and spokesperson for the Ministry of Energy, stated that the ministry and relevant agencies are closely…
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Over 28% of Thais hit by fraud as AI scams soar
Thailand is facing a scam epidemic, with more than a quarter of its citizens falling victim to fraudsters in just the past year, a bombshell report has revealed. A staggering 28% of Thais have lost money, according to new data from Whoscall developer Gogolook, in collaboration with the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) and ScamAdviser. The survey of over 9,000 Thais…
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New chairman could spell economic disaster, warns ex-bank boss
The race to appoint the next Bank of Thailand (BoT) board chairman has taken a dramatic turn as former governor Tarisa Watanagase warns that a bad choice could plunge the economy into chaos. In a fiery Facebook post, Tarisa urged the panel selecting the new BoT chair to exercise extreme caution, stressing that appointing the wrong person could open the…
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Fake Line Man caught in gold ‘heist’ situation by sharp-eyed bikers
A man disguised as a Line Man delivery driver attempted to rob a gold shop in Samut Sakhon but was captured by vigilant motorcycle taxi drivers before he could escape. The robbery occurred at the Bangkok Golds shop located in the Lotus Mahachai 2 branch in Maha Chai subdistrict, Mueang Samut Sakhon district, Samut Sakhon province. The suspect, a tall…
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Shinawatras open kitchens to feed flood victims in Chiang Mai
The Shinawatras are back in action, and this time it’s all about giving back. Former Thai premiers Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra have stepped up in a big way, sponsoring two relief kitchens in their hometown of Chiang Mai, ensuring flood victims don’t go hungry. Thaksin, who recently returned to Thailand after years in exile, has funded a kitchen at Paed Kao…
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Fishing for owner: Chiang Mai rescue reels in 300kg catfish
A rescue team that operated during the floods in Chiang Mai discovered a 300-kilogramme giant catfish in the floodwaters and is now searching for its owner, believing the fish to be a pet. One of the rescuers, who found the giant catfish, Wi Sang, took to his Facebook account to post pictures of the animal, both to record the shocking…
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Elderly man dies after falling from ladder in Chanthaburi orchard
An 85 year old man tragically died after falling from a ladder while tending to durian flowers in Chanthaburi. Emergency medical teams performed CPR and used a defibrillator but the man was found unresponsive under a durian tree, and could not be revived. Police Lieutenant Pacharapol Tanjing of the Chanthaburi City Police Station received a report of a serious accident…
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Elderly Swiss man busted with gun at Phuket Airport
An 82 year old Swiss man was arrested at Phuket International Airport after security found a handgun tucked away in his luggage. The Swiss national, Kurt Fritz Loliger, a seemingly unassuming pensioner, was stopped at Gate 81 of the International Passenger Terminal last night, October 7. The drama unfolded around 8.30pm when Ainah Pango, an X-ray image officer, spotted something…
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Smogged in: Bangkok wakes up to a PM2.5 breath of fresh despair
Bangkok and its neighbouring provinces awoke today to find themselves enveloped in a thick blanket of smog, as pollution levels reached dangerously high levels. The stagnant air trapped hazardous levels of PM2.5, leaving the city gasping for breath. According to the Pollution Control Department, PM2.5 (tiny particles less than 2.5 microns in diameter) breached the safe threshold of 35 microgrammes per…
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Thai man receives death threats from cheating, bed-hopping wife
A Thai man pleaded for help after receiving death threats after seeking a divorce from his unfaithful bed-hopping wife, who cheated on him five times to his knowledge. The non-profit organisation Saimai Survive assisted the desperate Thai man, identified only as 45 year old A, and held a press conference today, October 8, for him to share his story with the…
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Thailand eyes higher inflation target to push for rate cut
Sources familiar with the discussions have revealed that Thailand’s Finance Ministry plans to propose an increased inflation target of 1.5% to 3.5% for the coming year. This move is likely to exert additional pressure on the central bank to lower its key interest rate. Talks between the Finance Ministry and the Bank of Thailand (BoT) to finalise this new price…
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PM Paetongtarn urges swift update of laws to boost road safety
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has directed officials to expedite the amendment of outdated laws to enhance road safety. At a road safety meeting yesterday, the 38 year old prime minister highlighted the tragic accident on October 1, which has led the government to reassess existing frameworks and regulations concerning vehicle safety for passengers. Paetongtarn emphasised the necessity for stricter…
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Thai national returns from Lebanon amid Israeli airstrikes
A Thai national has safely returned from Lebanon to Thailand, while five others await evacuation amidst Israeli airstrikes, as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). Nikorndej Balankura, the MFA spokesperson, noted that approximately 100 Thais residing in Lebanon prefer to stay and monitor the situation. The spokesperson held an online press conference on October 6 addressing Israel’s attack…
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Vaping a chance: Thailand aims to clear the air for 20,000 youths
The Public Health Ministry plans to rehabilitate 20,000 young e-cigarette users as part of its efforts to curb the spread of e-cigarettes, according to Minister Somsak Thepsutin. vaping a chance: health ministry aims to clear the air for 20,000 youths! Somsak’s announcement came in response to concerns raised by Senator Premsak Piayura during a Senate meeting about the increasing use…
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Phatthalung villagers scammed out of 5 million baht by neighbour
Nearly 30 villagers in Phatthalung province filed police reports after being scammed out of 5 million baht by a neighbour they had trusted. The incident involved daily savings schemes, gold savings plans, and land brokerage deals. The chief of Khao Krasai subdistrict in Pa Bon district, Komjak Saengsio, led the villagers in reporting the case. The accused, Sattaya Boonladee, a…
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Food fight: Delivery rider and motorcyclist clash in petrol station
A heated altercation occurred between a food delivery rider and a motorcyclist, leading to a physical fight, causing both men to sustain facial injuries. CCTV footage captured the incident at a petrol station on Sri Sothorn New Road in Chachoengsao province yesterday. The altercation began when a delivery rider, riding his motorcycle against traffic, exited the petrol station. At the…
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