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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Southern Thai community shaken by drug-infused gay sex scandal involving abbot
A startling revelation has ruffled the robes of both locals and monks alike in the tranquil southern province of Phattalung after a sinning abbot had been dealing in more than just sermons, he was caught offering drugs to men in the community in exchange for gay sex, leaving the community in disbelief. A woman who lives near the temple told…
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Tragic mushroom foray: Fatal elephant attack in Thai forest reserve
A fatal elephant attack took place in a national forest reserve located in the Khon Buri district of the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima. Unfortunately, a resident was fatally attacked while gathering mushrooms in the forest. The fatal elephant attack was reported by the Khon Buri police chief investigator, Pasit Jitprasert, and it occurred in the forest east of Ban…
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Apple’s sweet surprise: iPhone 15 lineup set to juice up Thailand’s smartphone sales
Apple Inc’s new line of iPhone 15 models is set to boost Thailand’s smartphone sales in the fourth quarter, say industry analysts and a mobile phone distributor. In the premium smartphone market in Thailand, Apple and Samsung devices continue to reign. Apple debuted the iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max on Tuesday. Thai consumers will be…
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Thailand tourism shifts focus to Kazakhstan amid slow Chinese tourism recovery
Chinese tourists aren’t expected to immediately surge to 700,000 arrivals per month, despite a prospective Thailand tourism visa–free scheme, due to safety concerns and lower flight frequencies, currently at half of their pre-pandemic 2019 levels. Phuket’s tourism operators are instead setting their sights on Kazakhstan, to be granted visa-free entries from September 25 to February 29, 2024. Travel agents see…
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Thailand’s tourism reboot: aiming high with a 2.4 trillion baht comeback
The Thai government unveiled an ambitious strategy aimed at revitalising its tourism industry, to generate revenue of 2.4 trillion baht this year. This figure equates to approximately 80% of the income recorded in the sector’s peak year of 2019. A spokesperson for the government, Chai Wacharonke, revealed the plans yesterday. The government has further goals for the domestic tourism sector,…
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Minister’s pork order: 4,300 tonnes of smuggled pork ‘trashed’ in Sa Kaeo landfill
The Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Thamanat Prompow commanded that the disposal of approximately 4,300 tonnes of unlawfully smuggled pork be carried out in a Sa Kaeo landfill. The pork was earlier seized at Laem Chabang port during a Department of the Special Investigation (DSI) probe in July. The confiscated shipment, valued at over 500 million baht, comprised 161 containers.…
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Former provincial chief’s journey ends in tragic car crash on Rama II Road
A former Provincial Chief of Prachuap Khiri Khan province tragically lost his life in a car crash. The fatal incident occurred this morning, when his Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, registered in Prachuap Khiri Khan, crashed into a roadside barrier on Rama II Road, flipping the vehicle and ending fatally. The deceased, identified as 55 year old Prakit, was an esteemed figure…
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Flames of justice: Police uncover dead body’s identity and suspect drug gang-linked murder
After finding the scorched body of a dead man, Chai Badan Police Station officers successfully determined his identity, the suspect, and the motive behind the murder, which is connected to a dispute within a drug trafficking gang. A local made the shocking discovery of a dead body while he was riding his motorcycle past the spot. The dead man was…
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Firearm amnesty: Illegal Thai gun owners given 30 days to ‘trigger’ compliance
In an attempt to crackdown on illegal firearm possession, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin drafted a 30-day amnesty for gun owners without permits. They now have a month to turn in these firearms at any police station before stricter enforcement measures are applied. This initiative was implemented yesterday, September 13, following a raid where a team of 100 officials targeted 21…
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Thai digital delights: DEPA and partners unlock future of gaming, animation, characters
The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), in collaboration with esteemed partners including the Thai Digital Content Association (DCAT), Thai Animation and Computer Graphics Association (TACGA), Thai Game Software Industry Association (TGA), Bangkok ACM SIGGRAPH, and Atwise Consulting Company, has unveiled a comprehensive survey and evaluation report on the state of the Thai digital content industry encompassing games, animation, and characters…
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Wild west drama unfolds at Samui Airport: Minibus driver shoots Grab driver in fiery clash
Samui International Airport in the southern province of Surat Thani turned into a scene from a Western movie after a minibus driver shot a Grab driver following a heated dispute. Bophut Police Station officers rushed to a parking area of the arrival passenger terminal in the airport to investigate the shooting scene. Officers discovered travellers were shocked by the incident…
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Rain reigns: Homes flooded in surprise deluge in Phayao, northeast Thailand
A torrential rain shower caused mayhem as it dampened the spirits of over 100 households in Phayao province in northeast Thailand. Locals hastily scurried to relocate their possessions to more sheltered spots. The relentless rain, which persisted both day and night, resulted in a cascade of water from the woods, spilling into the Mae Tam River. The resulting flood inundated…
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Rain reigns: Severe weather warning blankets 43 Thai provinces with flood fear
The Thai Meteorological Department issued a severe weather warning for 43 provinces in Thailand, with heavy continuous rain, affecting 80% of the area in the north and northeast regions, including Bangkok. This sudden rainfall could potentially cause flash flooding and forest runoffs. The storm is caused by a strong monsoon trough passing through Myanmar, the upper part of northern Thailand,…
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Time to shine: MFP leader Pita makes it to Time100 Next list
Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat has been included in the TIME100 Next list unveiled by the American news magazine, Time. Time magazine recently released its annual TIME100 Next list, which aims to recognise individuals who have excelled in their respective fields and have had a significant impact on and served as an inspiration to others in their communities.…
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Car engine snake-tastrophe: Late-night drive in Bangkok takes a twist with surprise python visit
A woman’s late-night drive took a slithery turn when a python, perhaps seeking a different kind of ‘carb’uretor, surprised her by emerging from the engine compartment after she returned from a meal. At around 1am on September 14, emergency services from the Thung Mahamek Fire Station were called to a parking lot in front of a convenience store in the…
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Phaya bung magic strikes again as lottery hopefuls in Thailand conjure winning numbers
For over three hours, lottery enthusiasts performed good luck rituals at the legendary Phaya Bung hole, leading to the emergence of three full numerical digits. This followed a successful prediction from the previous round, sparking a frenzy among hopeful lottery players for the draw on Saturday, September 15. Reports highlighted a bustling scene at Bunok Village, Yanri Subdistrict, Kabin Buri…
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Chiang Mai Airport plans massive expansion to accommodate 16.5 million travellers
Chiang Mai Airport is set to table its expansion proposal to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin during his scheduled visit this weekend. The airport’s director, Wijit Kaewsaitiam, revealed that the Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA) is set to spearhead the construction of the terminal’s first phase. The extension plan is aimed at significantly increasing the airport’s capacity, allowing it to accommodate…
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Bangkok Gems fair dazzles with record-breaking success
The 68th Bangkok Gems and Jewellery Fair, which recently concluded, surpassed all anticipated outcomes. The Fair took place at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) from September 6 to 10 and welcomed almost 40,000 attendees hailing from 117 countries, a notable 44% surge compared to the previous event, according to Phusit Ratanakul Sereroengrit, the director-general of the Department of…
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Bangkok’s Khlong Toei to host ASEAN’s largest sustainability expo in 2023
Experience the heart of sustainability in Bangkok’s Khlong Toei District: SX 2023, ASEAN’s premier gathering. Mark your calendar for a journey to the future of sustainability, as the spectacular Sustainability Expo 2023 (SX 2023) unfolds at the Prestigious Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) from September 29 to October 8. SX 2023’s director, Tongjai Thanachanan, briefed the press about the…
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American man faces dilemma as Thai girlfriend’s parents demand 1 million baht dowry
An American man asked netizens for advice on what to do after his Thai girlfriend’s family demanded a million baht dowry, known as sinsod in Thailand. He said he loved her very much but was not a foolish farang. The American shared his story on the social media platform Reddit yesterday, September 12. The man began by explaining that he…
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Thai men caught for 10 million baht motorway CCTV system shutdown theft
Two men were nabbed by the police in Chon Buri for stealing power cables from the Pattaya–Rayong motorway, an act that led to the complete shutdown of the CCTV system along the inter-provincial highway last month. The arrested individuals, 35 year old Anulak Obchoo, and 31 year old Traiphop Buahom, were caught in tambon Huai Yai of Bang Lamung district…
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Rangers seize riverine treasure trove: Meth stash dumped in daring escape
A considerable haul of over 250,000 methamphetamine pills was seized by army rangers on the Mekong River’s shoreline in the district of Ban Phaeng, Nakhon Phanom province, as three smugglers made a hasty escape. The drugs were found stashed in sacks which were callously abandoned by the fleeing perpetrators. Acting on a tip-off about an impending drug transaction, the paramilitary…
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Dolphin tragedy: Tangled in net, washed ashore in Chon Buri
A dolphin carcass was discovered today washed up on the shores of Bangsaen beach, near Laem Thaen roundabout, in Chon Buri. The 2 metre long, 50 kilogramme animal had a fishing net entangled around its tail, suggesting it had been dead for approximately two to four days. Amornsak Saksaensilp, a 33 year old member of the Sea Patrol Volunteers, relayed…
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Health supplement scams sizzle online as FDA flags revoked claims
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified three health supplement products advertising overblown claims on e-marketplaces despite their licences being revoked. The products, found in advertising online, claim to control sugar levels, burn fat and decrease hunger. The FDA today disclosed the results of their surveillance of health product advertisements on e-marketplaces. They identified three products: 1. Mix Oil…
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Supernatural near-drowning ordeal: Ghost tells Thai woman to commit suicide
A Thai woman in the central province of Samut Sakhon survived a near-drowning incident in the Sanamchai Canal and alleged afterwards that a ghost had compelled her to attempt suicide by leaping off a bridge. Footage captured by a security camera at a restaurant along the canal revealed the incident at 11am yesterday. The woman was seen struggling to swim…
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Call for help: Mobile phone shields Thai woman from ex-boyfriend’s bullet
A mobile phone became an unexpected life-saving shield for a Thai woman when her ex-boyfriend shot her in the Isaan province of Chaiyaphum. Thanks to the phone shield the woman only suffered a mild injury near her waist. The victim, 24 year old Ratda, who remains at Khon Sawan Hospital, recounted the shooting to police and reporters. According to Ratda,…
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Bangkok bids farewell to Police Major Siwakorn Saibua in moving temple service
In Nakhon Pathom, a police funeral service took place yesterday at the Wat Phra Si Mahathat temple in Bangkok’s Bang Khen district, marking the solemn farewell of Police Major Siwakorn Saibua. The fallen highway police officer was tragically gunned down after declining a corrupt promotion proposal from a local village official. The sorrowful event was attended by immediate family, close…
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Ex-PM Thaksin’s special treatment risks unrest, warns senator
A cautionary note has been sounded by a senator who has advised the government to exercise equal treatment for all prisoners. The senator has expressed concerns that the special treatment accorded to Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister who has been convicted, could potentially invite future complications for the government. The warning was issued on Tuesday during the second day…
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Phony police husband: Imposter arrested, wife in the dark for two years
Police officers arrested a fake cop in the central province of Lop Buri yesterday. The fake cop’s wife had been completely unaware of his deceit throughout their two-year marriage. Locals in the Pattana Nikhom district of Lop Buri reported their suspicions about the true identity of Rachata Jadejiranit to Manao Whan Police Station. The locals stated that Rachata was always…
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Thailand’s government proposes swift minimum wage increase to 400 baht
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced that the government will be pushing for a swift increase in the minimum daily wage to 400 baht, in a bid to assist workers grappling with rising living costs. The decision will be reached through negotiations between the government, employers, and workers to agree upon a reasonable amount. The prime minister shared the plans during…
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