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 Thinking of retiring in Thailand long-term? Here’s your health checklist before the move
Thinking of retiring in Thailand long-term? Thailand is a popular choice for retirees because of its beautiful landscapes, warm climate, and affordable living. Cities like Chiang Mai and coastal areas offer a relaxed lifestyle with friendly communities. The country also...
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Bangkok police and FDA seize codeine-laced syrup worth 1 million baht
Police Major General Anan Nanasombat, who heads the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD), and a team from the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sparked a meticulous search operation at six designated locations on Tuesday, October 17. The focus of this operation was to locate and seize syrup laced with Codeine and other drugs that had not been officially registered…
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Narcotics suspect drowns in canal escape bid during Pathum Thani police raid
A narcotics suspect in Pathum Thani drowned after attempting to escape law enforcement by jumping into a canal. The police had been extending the results of their drug sting operation when the individual reacted by discarding his drugs and attempting to flee by jumping into the water. The incident took place in the Rangsit Prayoonsak Canal, in front of the Siwalee…
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Thailand invites Russian President Putin for official visit amidst global isolation
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin extended an invitation for an official visit to Russian President Vladimir Putin during the next year, during his recent visit to Beijing. This invitation emerges amidst Putin’s global isolation due to Russia’s conflict with Ukraine which kicked off in February last year. Furthermore, the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant against Putin over accusations…
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Thieving specter or cunning crook? Lopburi thefts stir mythical creature suspicions
A recent spate of thefts in the Lopburi province ignited fear amongst residents, who are attributing the incidents to the mythical creature Phi Kra Sue. However, local authorities have pacified public concerns, stating the culprit is merely a masked thief and not a supernatural mythical creature. The situation came to light when Yotsawin Bamrungwet, Lopburi’s provincial governor, and the province’s…
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Seafood surprise: Family’s meal unearths Chiang Mai’s potential pearl gem
A family’s casual seafood meal led to an unexpected find of a pearl over 1 centimetre in size, set to be verified in Chiang Mai. The incident occurred today at 5/4 Buasali, Mae Lao, Chiang Rai, the residence of Sethapong Sivavong. Sethapong revealed that his wife and daughter had purchased clam from a reputed local market in downtown Chiang Rai…
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Bid-rigging network raided by DSI in connection with highway construction project
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) launched a raid on a network suspected of bid-rigging, connected to a company named Khamnun Nok. The action follows a tip-off about the residence of a woman known as “Ai Nong.” The raid took place today, in relation to highway construction project number 375 in Don Tum and Lam Luk Ka. The DSI is…
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Starry night showtime: Catch the Orionids meteor shower this weekend
The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) invited the public to witness the Orionids meteor shower, a spectacle of dust from Halley’s Comet, from Saturday night, October 21, to early Sunday morning, October 22. The meteor shower, expected to reach its peak at around 10.30pm, is likely to display about 20 meteors per hour and can be observed across…
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Swift police action follows tragic suicide of student scammed by iPhone fraud gang in southern Thailand
The tragic suicide of a female grade 12 student from a school in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province has prompted a swift response from law enforcement agencies. The student chose to end her life in her bedroom on Sunday night, October 15. Police guess that she was under extreme stress after falling prey to a fraud gang that enticed her to…
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Motorcyclist killed in hit-and-run by lorry driver in central Thailand
A tragic road incident has claimed the life of a 43 year old motorcyclist in Bang Phli, Samut Prakan. An 18-wheel lorry collided with the victim’s motorcycle, resulting in fatal head injuries. The 39 year old driver, Wasan, refuted allegations of fleeing, claiming ignorance of the incident that killed the victim Phinyo. At approximately 9.20am today, Deputy Inspector Anan Thongleua of…
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Phantom frenzy: Lopburi locals hunt for notorious ghost causing sleepless nights (video)
Residents of Lopburi are on a hunt for a notorious ghost, causing sleepless nights due to its eerie presence in central Thailand. A 70 year old pig farmer, Wichien, today revealed he encountered this ghost twice. The hunt has sparked excitement and fear among residents who have taken to TikTok to document their thrilling ghost hunts. Wichien’s first encounter with…
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PM Srettha urges swift evacuation decision as death toll of Thai workers in Israel hits 30
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin urgently called upon Thai citizens residing in Israel to make a swift decision regarding their evacuation amidst escalating global concerns. The Thai death toll in Israel has distressingly reached 30. Addressing the public from Beijing on Wednesday, the prime minister expressed his concern. “For those who are still undecided, it’s crucial to decide promptly as…
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Chiang Mai property stirs online debate, selling dream or reality for 80,000 baht?
A plot of land, measuring just one square wah (equivalent to 4 square metres) and priced at 80,000 baht, has caused a stir on social media. The land, located in a village in Chiang Mai, comes complete with a groundwater system, a water tank, and a steel cage. The online Chiang Mai property post advertising the sale also included a…
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Elderly man accused of child sex abuse commits suicide in northern Thailand
A 72 year old man accused of child sex abuse committed suicide, escaping the legal consequences of his actions. The mother of the 11 year old girl victim revealed that she too had been molested by the same man when she was a child. The child sex abuse incident came to light when an 11 year old girl sent a…
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Stringing along trouble: Cambodian guitarist strikes wrong chord in Bangkok church heists
A Cambodian guitarist was arrested today after being accused of stealing musical instruments from Christian churches across Bangkok. The church theft arrest took place at an unnamed rental room in Suk Sawat Road, Phra Samut Chedi district, Samut Prakan. The suspect, Hek Sophol, was sought after an arrest warrant was issued by the Criminal Court of Southern Bangkok on October…
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Sunny-side up: Thai exports set to crack 3.6% growth in 2023
Positive prospects are forecasted for Thai exports next year, with an anticipated growth rate of 3.6%. This rebound follows a projected 2% drop this year, according to a recent report by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC). UTCC’s president, Thanavath Phonvichai, attributes this optimistic projection to several factors including lower interest rates and easing inflation globally, which…
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Thai worker survives shooting in Israel, returns home thanks to fellow expat
A Thai worker who survived a shooting incident in Israel has returned home to Khon Kaen province thanks to the heroic efforts of a Thai woman from Nong Bua Lamphu. The Thai worker’s mother, Boonhom Butmo, expressed her deepest gratitude to 40 year old Jam for ensuring the safe return of her son, Ono. When reporters visited Ono’s parents at…
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Thai PM dismisses rumours of expensive Super App for digital currency scheme
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin quashed rumours yesterday regarding the development of a new application for the country’s forthcoming 10,000-baht digital currency handout scheme. Speculation had been rife that an affiliate of property behemoth Sansiri Plc was to develop the new digital wallet application, named Super App, at a whopping cost of 12 billion baht. However, the 61 year old…
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NIA Reform: Thailand supports startups and SMEs market entry
The National Innovation Agency (NIA) reformed its financial assistance measures, shifting focus towards aiding startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in getting their products to market, rather than simply supporting the development of prototypes. This year, the state agency has allocated 300 million baht to support these businesses, to generate a 3 billion baht economic and social impact, which…
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National police chief probes Thaksin’s hospital treatment amid special privilege claims
National Police Chief General Torsak Sukvimol requested a report from the Police General Hospital (PGH) regarding the medical treatment provided to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra who is currently incarcerated. This request was prompted by a photograph circulating on social media that depicted Thaksin, donned in a patient’s gown and mask, presumably heading for CT and MRI scans. The image, which…
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Thailand to establish dedicated appeal court for narcotics cases
The Supreme Court of Thailand has set in motion plans to establish a dedicated appeal court for narcotics cases, aiming to expedite the legal process for confiscating assets of drug networks. This initiative follows a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsutin and the newly appointed Supreme Court president, Anocha Chevitsophon. The deputy prime minister requested guidance from Anocha Chevitsophon…
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Real estate giant Siam Piwat secures global partnerships to boost retail reputation
The Siam Piwat Group, a leading real estate and retail developer in Thailand, secured partnerships with seven global retail giants, boosting its reputation as a popular global destination. The group, which owns and operates several prominent shopping centres, including Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, ICONSIAM, and Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok, has also been in talks with Hyundai Department Store…
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Thai police to trial reflective vests for increased safety in tourist areas
The bustling tourist areas of Thailand will soon see police personnel donning new reflective vests, a move aimed at enhancing safety measures for both Thai citizens and international visitors. This decision was brought to life by Police General Torsak Sukvimol, the commissioner general of the Royal Thai Police, and was announced on October 16. Officers from the Crime Suppression Division…
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Revved up worries: Middle East turmoil puts Thai car exports in the hot seat
The Federation of Thai Industries’ Automotive Industry Club warned that the ongoing Middle East conflict could potentially disrupt car exports to the region. Particularly, the popular pickup exports could see a downturn if the dispute remains unresolved. Given the current stagnation in domestic sales, the Thai auto industry relies significantly on its exports. Surapong Paisitpatanapong, the vice-chairman of the Federation…
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Thai workers in Israel red zone plead for government aid to return home
A plea for help has been issued by 28 Thai workers located in Israel. They are calling for the Thai government to facilitate their return home after their employer allegedly abandoned them in a high-risk area of ongoing conflict, known as the “red zone” and coerced them into continuing their work. A 31 year old man, Pongsakorn Intaworn, from Ban…
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Bangkok’s electric train flat fare drops to 20 baht, ridership soars by 90%
A surge of nearly 90% in ridership was recorded on Bangkok’s Red and Purple electric train lines on Monday, following the introduction of a 20-baht flat fare. The Department of Rail Transport (DRT) source revealed that the number of passengers on both lines escalated to 94,446 on Monday, marking an 86% increase from the previous day. The 20-baht flat fare…
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Chinese corporations eye investment in Thai green economy
Chinese corporations have expressed their intent to invest in Thailand’s green economy and development projects, renewable energy, electric vehicles (EVs), and transportation infrastructure, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The Chinese investment announcement came after discussions between PM Srettha and Chinese business executives at the 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) in Beijing. The 61 year old…
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Thai student’s tragic death after falling victim to iPhone online scam
A tragic incident unfolded in Nakhon Si Thammarat when a 19 year old student was found hanged in her home after falling victim to an online scam. The fraudsters duped the victim, Atiya, into paying 20,000 baht for an iPhone 13 that never existed. The police launched an investigation yesterday to capture the culprits, including a woman who held an account…
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Thai women heroically rescue compatriots amidst Israel conflict
Two Thai women have emerged as heroes following their daring rescue of 32 Thai workers amidst the recent tumult in Palestine and Israel. The courageous act of the women, Wipawadee “Jam” Vannachai and Napaporn “Nong” Sohasun, caught the public’s attention yesterday when a series of videos shared by Wipawadee chronicling their risky mission went viral. This commendable act was carried…
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Thai tycoon Premchai Karnasuta’s release reignites interest in Black Panther case
Premchai Karnasuta, a high-profile individual known for his involvement in the infamous Black Panther case, is set to be released from Thong Pha Phum prison today. This news has reignited interest in the case, which once shook the nation, on social media platforms. Premchai, the primary defendant in the case, is the president and managing director of Italian-Thai Development Public…
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Thai human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa bail hopes derailed again on less majeste charge
Arnon Nampa, a prominent human rights lawyer, faced a second denial for his bail request, as informed by Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR). The appeal court’s decision came yesterday, October 16, justifying it with the severity of the royal defamation charges against Arnon and the potential risk of him absconding if set free. Consequently, the court found no grounds…
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