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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2 Thai taxi drivers deceived by scam passenger posing as wealthy man
Two Thai taxi drivers urged Channel 3 and the media to issue a warning after they were deceived by a scam passenger who posed as a wealthy man. The drivers lost valuable amulets, a mobile phone, and 2,000 baht. The Thai taxi drivers were identified as 54 year old Yanyong Pongkit and 35 year old Nopporn Chewanitjakun. Yanyong revealed that…
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Thai police dismantle major drug syndicate seizing narcotics worth 300 million baht
In a first major operation under new leadership, the Thai Police successfully dismantled a significant drug syndicate, seizing 15 million methamphetamine pills, 443 heroin bars, 420 kilogrammes of crystal meth, and a significant quantity of Happy Water and Five Five drugs. The raid took place yesterday, at 11.30pm in a house in Nakhon Pathom. The operation, led by Deputy Commissioner,…
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Cluck-up chronicles: Novice cook’s chicken catastrophe roasts online
A social media post featuring a novice cook’s disastrous attempt at grilling chicken sparked hilarity among a group of homemakers. Despite following an online recipe, the result was far from successful, highlighting that not everyone possesses the culinary skills or magic touch to achieve a successful outcome in the kitchen. The post’s owner revealed that this was their first attempt…
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Thailand braces for heavy rain and strong winds, warns TMD
The Department of Meteorology (TMD) issued its 13th announcement, revealing that numerous provinces are set to be impacted by heavy rainfall today and tomorrow September 28-29. Strong winds, flash floods, and forest run-offs are expected in many areas. High waves are anticipated in the sea today. The announcement focused on the low-pressure area covering the western part of the northern…
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Nonthaburi man livestreams suicide following legal woes
A 29 year old man identified as Anan committed suicide by shooting himself, following a livestream on social media where he vented his frustrations about ongoing court cases. The incident took place at his rented two-storey townhouse in the Bang Bua Thong district of Nonthaburi province. Upon arrival at the scene, Lieutenant Colonel Pruet Jamroonsartsiri, the head of Bang Bua…
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Lopburi homeowners swing into action against monkey invasion
Homeowners in Lopburi province are calling for assistance from authorities as they battle an ongoing monkey invasion. The primates are wreaking havoc, causing significant damage to the properties and possessions of Lopburi residents and homeowners who are living in fear. A user on TikTok has highlighted the severity of the issue by posting a distressing clip of monkeys vandalising a…
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Unmasking the money: The underworld of ‘dummy accounts’ in illicit finance
A bank account referred to as a dummy account is typically held by a person who is not the actual owner. These accounts are commonly used in illicit financial activities such as fraudulent transfers, gambling, drug trafficking, or money laundering. Dummy accounts can be obtained in two main ways: 1. Paying someone else to open an account. 2. Deceiving or…
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Ele-fantastic fortune: Thai cactus with trunk-like growth attracts good luck-seeking locals
Residents of Phayao province are flocking to a golden chicken ball cactus, believed to be a good luck charm due to its unusual growth resembling a baby elephant’s trunk. The cactus belongs to 46 year old Phatharaporn, who has experienced an influx of customers and a significant increase in income since the peculiar growth appeared. The golden chicken ball cactus,…
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Tennis tantrum tamed: South Korean player apologises for unsportsmanship behaviour
Petulant South Korean tennis player Kwon Soon-woo apologised to Thai tennis opponent Kasidit “Boom” Samrej and Thai sports fans for his unsportsmanlike, aggressive behaviour during their encounter at the 19th Asian Games in China. Thai tennis player Boom recorded an impressive victory over South Korea’s Kwon in the men’s singles match on Monday, September 25, at the Olympic Tennis Centre in…
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Year-end bonus frenzy: Thai companies make it rain with envy-inducing rewards
Over ten renowned Thai companies are set to distribute generous year-end bonuses for 2023, leading to a wave of envy. The highest bonus reported is 7.3 months’ salary plus an additional 37,000 baht. Some of the companies declaring such bonuses include IHI Turbo Thailand, Jtekt (Thailand), Siam Toyota, Siam ATT I-Shin, Trimotive, SIAM DENSO KYOSAN, IJT Thailand, TTK, TBKK, and…
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American TikToker condemns Bangkok taxi driver for trying to rip him off
An American TikToker condemned a Thai taxi driver in Bangkok for trying to rip him off by refusing to use a meter and charging him 300 baht for a trip to Khao San Road. The American, Jason Rupp, shared a video on TikTok on September 5. The video showed Rupp confronting a taxi driver in Bangkok who refused to use…
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Tragedy on the rocks: Missing Russian tourist found dead after speedboat collision
The body of a Russian tourist who had gone missing following a collision with a speedboat was discovered today on the Haad Tian rocks near Pattaya’s Koh Larn. The tragic incident occurred on Monday, September 25, when a speedboat strayed into a restricted area, resulting in a collision that claimed the life of the Russian tourist and injured his Thai…
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Flash floods warning in Loei as heavy rainfall continues for two days
Heavy rainfall for two consecutive days in Loei province, specifically in Phu Kradueng district, caused a surge of forest run-off into the Pong River. The sudden rise in water level prompts officials to alert residents to the potential flash floods, urging them to move their belongings to higher ground. Phu Kradueng experienced intense rainfall day and night over two days…
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Egg-stonishing discovery: Thai woman finds unusual ‘rock’ in boiled egg in eastern Thailand
A 55 year old Thai woman encountered an unusual incident while eating her boiled egg in Rayong, eastern Thailand. Patcharin Jaisuk bit into a hard substance which, upon extraction, turned out to be a peculiar stone nestled within the egg yolk. Believing it to be an auspicious sign, Patcharin, who has been selling boiled rice for more than 30 years,…
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Fallen hero remembered: Late narcotics officer posthumously promoted in royal tribute
The late narcotics officer, Veerawat Kamdee, was posthumously honoured in a royal funeral ceremony. Veerwat, who lost his life in a shootout with a drug trafficking gang on September 19, was posthumously promoted to the rank of Police Lieutenant Colonel. The ceremony took place at Mengrai Maharaj Temple in Chiang Rai and was presided over by Police Lieutenant General Prachuap…
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Wedding photo dispute sparks social media backlash as disappointed Thai bride seeks sponsors for reshoot
A social media feud erupted over wedding photos between a recently married Thai couple and their photographer due to dissatisfaction with the quality of the 4,000 baht pictures in central Thailand. The bride openly voiced her disappointment, even seeking sponsors to fund a redo of the wedding shoot. However, the photographer later clarified the situation, resulting in public backlash and…
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Lizard love leads to lottery luck in northern Thailand
Residents of Nakhon Ratchasima province believe that witnessing lucky lizards mating inside a house brings good luck, particularly with the lottery. This belief was sparked by a 52 year old woman named Suwong Srinith, who discovered two lizards mating in her house located at 142/1 Moo 1, in Mueang, Phimai, Nakhon Ratchasima. The event was captured on video, which quickly…
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Monkeying around: Fake Thai spiritual medium swindles 50 million baht from believers in Chinese Monkey King con
A Thai woman claiming to be the spiritual medium of the traditional Chinese Monkey King, also known as Sun Wukong, swindled 50 million baht from victims. Ten victims, who had donated about 50 million baht to the spiritual medium eight years ago, sought assistance from renowned Thai lawyer Ronnarong Kaewphet. They had given the money with the understanding that it…
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Tropical storm drenches northeast Thailand but pumps come to the rescue
A tropical storm has swept across northeast Thailand, causing the Mun River to rise, and flooding local communities. In response, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department hastened to set up water pumps to draw rainwater back into the river, lessening the impact of the floods. Two districts have been affected, forcing residents from 15 communities, totalling 200 households, and 684…
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Thai lottery hopeful dances with destiny, invokes Pu Wessuwan for luck at Nong Meg shop
A Thai woman conducted a ritual at the Nong Meg shop to pay homage to the revered deity Pu Wessuwan in Nong Meg, Nong Han, Udon Thani. Her intention was to seek blessings and good fortune for the upcoming lottery draw. After completing the ritual, the devout Thai woman named Pan, known for her unwavering faith in Pu Wessuwan, led…
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Thailand’s education minister takes ‘no-conflict’ stance to school corruption
In a bold move against corruption, Police General Permpoon Chidchob, Thailand’s Education Minister, issued directives to all education officials, mandating the avoidance of potential conflicts of interest. This action aims to eradicate graft, corruption, and fraud which can stem from such conflicts. Concerning this, Pol. Gen. Permpoon stated that all agencies must strive for total transparency and accountability. He believes,…
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Man fatally struck by SUV while changing tyre on central Thailand road
A Thai SUV driver fatally struck a Thai man changing a car tyre in the left lane of the Asian Highway in the central province of Ayutthaya. The victim’s colleague, and pickup driver, 37 year old Thawatchai, called officers from Bang Pahan Police Station to the scene at 5pm yesterday, September 26. He told the officers that his colleague, 36…
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Witch hunt against ‘Big Joke’ persists: Police probe rental properties linked to top cop
The witch hunt to try and destroy the prestigious career of Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn continues after police summoned the owner of five houses rented by the Royal Thai Police (RTP) Deputy Commissioner. Big Joke stated that the owner of the houses is a relative of his and that the relative is a businessman, not an online gambling operator. According…
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Phuket’s golden opportunity: Chinese tourists set to make waves this weekend
The renowned resort island of Phuket is preparing for an influx of Chinese tourists as China gears up for Golden Week starting this weekend and the continuation of the visa-free scheme for Chinese nationals. The surge in tourists is expected to start towards the end of the week. The anticipation also extends to the forthcoming Chinese New Year, which will…
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Tourist surge at Si Thep sparks concerns over sacred site damage
An unexpected surge in tourists at Si Thep Historical Park, recently declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on September 19, sparked concerns among locals in Phetchabun. The locals are worried about the increasing number of visitors scaling Khao Klang Nok, a historical site within the park. The site, considered sacred and located approximately 2 kilometres from the old city…
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Thai govt’s shocking move: Sparks fly as power tariff gets a jolt down
The Thai government, under the leadership of Srettha Thavisin, has swiftly approved a plan to lower the power tariff, with the goal of reducing electricity bills for the public. The tariff rate has been revised from 4.45 baht to 3.99 baht per kilowatt-hour, applicable from September to December this year. However, for a long-term solution to high electricity costs, a…
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Rain reigns in Thailand: TMD’s 10th warning as heavy rainfall soaks the nation
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued its 10th heavy rainfall warning, highlighting many areas across the country at risk. The announcement comes in response to a strong low-pressure area covering the northeastern region and a monsoon trough passing over northern Thailand. These conditions are expected to cause heavy rain in the north, northeast, and central, including Bangkok and nearby provinces,…
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Srettha Thavisin to bolster ASEAN ties, attract Saudi investment
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is preparing to bolster Thailand and Cambodia’s relationship with his upcoming visit tomorrow, as announced by Panpree Bahiddha-Nukara, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister. This visit marks PM Srettha’s first trip to an ASEAN country since his initiation as prime minister, with Cambodia being one of Thailand’s nearest neighbours to strengthen ASEAN ties. Panpree…
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THAI’S high-flying ambition: Soaring to new heights in tourist traffic
Thai Airways International (THAI) unveiled an ambitious plan to expand its international flight offerings in the forthcoming high season. The airline’s primary focus is to draw in a higher number of tourists. A notable feature of this expansion is the airline’s decision to recommence flights to Istanbul, Turkey, which is a significant aviation hub for Asia, Europe, and Africa. This…
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Thai govt greenlights 500 billion baht boost for state-owned enterprises in 2024 budget bonanza
The Thai government yesterday approved a massive investment budget of 500 billion baht dedicated to 46 state-owned enterprises for the fiscal year 2024, commencing this October. The substantial budget aims to stimulate the national economy and bolster fiscal growth. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke detailed the budget allocation, stating that the funding includes 209 billion baht earmarked for ongoing and routine…
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