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 How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
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Highway havoc: Mercedes-Benz driver’s taxi riders gun threat and drug use lead to charges
Police charged a Thai Mercedes-Benz driver after he threatened motorcycle taxi riders in the Thong Lor area of Bangkok with a gun and used crystal methamphetamine. His five friends were charged with using the drug. The Thai man charged, 44 year old Chawin Chanintarawanich, crashed his Mercedes-Benz into a motorcycle taxi rider, 39 year old Kwanchai Tadee at 8.40am on Friday,…
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Revenue target for Thai government exceeds by 150 billion baht
Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) Director-General Pornchai Thiraveja has announced that the Thai government is rolling in cash. The director-general declared that the government’s revenue surpassed expectations, surpassing its target by 150 billion baht in the opening ten months of fiscal 2023. This continues a positive trend reported in May when revenue targets were surpassed by 112 billion baht. As per…
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Zika outbreak: Warning for pregnant women as cases spike and concerns grow in Thailand
A surge in Zika virus cases sparked a warning from the Department of Disease Control (DDC). In the last month, 266 cases were reported. Pregnant women are at risk, as the virus can cause babies to be born with microcephaly, a result of underdeveloped brains. The DDC made the announcement yesterday, August 27. The monsoon season, with its frequent rain,…
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Thai Taxi Association’s controversial tips for satisfactory rides spark debate
The Thai Taxi Association stirred debate by posting six tips to ensure a satisfactory taxi ride. The recommendations include asking before getting in, not forgetting to tip, and calling for a Grab taxi during peak hours or if the location is difficult for a regular taxi to reach. The Thai Taxi Association’s Facebook page recently shared these suggestions, aiming to…
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VAT’s next? Thailand mulls talks amid dismissals over potential increase
The Thai administration yesterday dismissed the possibility of increasing the value–added tax (VAT) from 7% to 10%. Despite this official stance, talks have been initiated around this proposal, attributing the potential increment to the requirement for additional funding to cater to the escalating needs of the country’s ageing populace. From the Office of Fiscal Economy, Pornchai Thiravej, the director, shed…
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Thunderstruck: TMD predicts stormy weather across 32 provinces and Bangkok
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warned of thunderstorms and stormy weather across 32 provinces, with Bangkok expected to experience heavy rainfall in 20% of its areas. The southwest monsoon is predicted to cover the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. The weather forecast for the next 24 hours is stormy and a trough is to pass over Myanmar’s upper region…
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Liquid dreams: Thailand’s Pilatus Marine charts global growth with 1.05 billion baht vessel acquisition
Pilatus Marine, a SET-listed company and Thailand’s leading liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) transport operator, is set to acquire three large used liquid-carrying vessels for a total cost of 1.05 billion baht. This move is aimed at expanding their services overseas. Operating in both marine and land transport of LPG, Pilatus Marine also leases vessels to other companies. The incoming ships,…
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Gun-grab getaway: Daring Thai man captured after snatching police officer’s gun
Provincial Police Region 6 officers finally arrested a Thai man yesterday after he snatched a gun from a police officer in the northern province of Uttaradit and escaped on a stolen motorcycle. Traffic police officer Chitipun Kunnarmang was on duty Friday, August 25 on the Boroma-as Road when he spotted a Thai man, later identified as 40 year old Pitsanupanya…
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Thai Internet idol Mintan speaks out on unending stalker harassment despite court order
Internet idol Mintan, renowned for the page หนูมินตันทาสกระดาน continues to face relentless harassment from a persistent stalker. Mintan recently updated her followers that the same security guard who had previously been found guilty of harassing her is once again causing her distress. Mintan exposed her ordeal in a post, revealing that she has been tormented for almost three years by…
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Shoreline showdown: Pattaya beach brawl leaves teens injured, one ‘leg’-ally shot
A beachside brawl in Pattaya on Saturday night left multiple teenagers injured, one of whom was shot in the leg. The incident, which unnerved tourists, involved two rival groups. The authorities have since been pursuing both parties involved. Today, A 19 year old boy Thitipong, also known as Mag Baanchang, turned himself into Pattaya City Police Station. He brought with…
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Unexpected encore: Concert takes a dive as boat sinks at Amphawa Floating Market (video)
A concert held at the Amphawa Floating Market in Samut Songkhram province took an unexpected turn when a boat sank mid-show. Thanks to quick reactions, no injuries were reported from the incident that took place today. The startling event was captured by TikTok user @anntiviruss and has since garnered widespread attention. The Amphawa Floating Market, a popular tourist destination, played…
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Foul play: Noxious scent unveils grim discovery of dead Finnish man in Pattaya
An unpleasant odour seeping from a residence in the Bang Lamung district of Pattaya has led to the discovery of the dead body of a Finnish man inside. According to SiamRath, residents in Pattaya detected a foul smell from the house of a foreign man. In response, they enlisted the aid of a rescue team at the stroke of midnight…
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Miraculous plunge: Singaporean man survives fifth-floor fall from Krabi hotel
A Singaporean man on Saturday survived a terrifying life-threatening fall from the fifth floor of the Krabi Seabass Hotel. Krabi Pitak Pracha rescuers were called to the hotel on Takuapa Road in the southern province of Karabi to help the 37 year old Singaporean man called Brian. Remarkably, Brian emerged from the fall with only minor injuries, a testament to his…
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Thai condo owner discovers shocking state after foreign tenants leave
A landlord issued a warning to others after some foreign tenants trashed a luxury condominium in Thailand. The discovery was made by the owner of the condo when she was contacted by the management of the building due to the tenants’ unpaid electricity bills. TikTok user @fang_pacara posted a cautionary tale for landlords after she found her property in a…
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Hit and run in Trat leaves 15 year old boy dead
A fatal hit-and-run collision involving a car and a motorcycle resulted in the death of a 15 year old boy in Trat, Thailand. The car, believed to be a white Isuzu pickup, fled the scene leaving the damaged motorcycle and the lifeless body of the young rider on the road. The hit-and-run incident took place today, on the Rai Pa-Dan…
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Child drowning tragedy: 11 year old boy loses life in Khon Kaen Pond
An 11 year old boy tragically drowned while playing with friends in a local pond in Nong Hin village, Mueang, Khon Kaen. The group of four were rowing a plastic boat when it suddenly capsized, leading to the fatal child drowning incident. The three other children managed to escape unharmed. The victim, a Year 5 student from Ban Nong Hin…
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Indonesia unveils three month plan to boost trade and cultural ties with Thailand
Indonesia kickstarted a three month long series of activities in Thailand, aimed at bolstering trade, cultural ties, and tourism, and enhancing people-to-people diplomacy. Announced at the Indonesia Fair: Know Indonesia Better event, Ambassador Rachmat Budiman revealed the comprehensive plan, curated by the Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok. The event which took place over the weekend at the Central Court in Central…
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Thai girl battles rhabdomyolysis after harsh school punishment in northern Thailand
A tale of a young girl in the eighth grade, known only as Lalida, sparked outrage in the small tambon Klang community of Selaphum district, Roi Et. Lalida is currently battling a severe case of rhabdomyolysis, a dangerous affliction that involves the breakdown of injured skeletal muscle. This condition has rendered her unable to walk and she remains confined to…
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Vape escape: 16 year old’s lung goes bust after e-cigarette causes collapse
The health of a 16 year old child who smoked e-cigarettes raised alarm when an X-ray revealed air leakage in the right lung, causing the lung to collapse. According to Tevin Chakrayanuyok, a cardiologist states that the dangers of vaping are more serious than many people realise, urging those who can quit to do so. Tevin Chakrayanuyok, a cardiologist, shared…
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Good Samaritans rescue distressed intern student from suicide attempt in Nonthaburi
An intern student, distressed to the point of attempting suicide by running into traffic and self-harming with a knife, was rescued by Good Samaritans. The alarming mental state of the young woman, identified only as Da, a 21 year old student undergoing an internship, was reported around 11pm yesterday near Bang Kruai-Sai Noi Road, opposite Praya Banlue Gate, in Nonthaburi…
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Prayut reflects on PM term: Thailand’s journey to progress
Outgoing Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha concluded his nine-year term, taking to Facebook to share his reflections and achievements. He described the tenure as the most significant and memorable of his life. Prayut highlighted Thailand’s considerable progress, attributing its development to nine specific areas. Under Prayut’s leadership, Thailand initiated an unprecedented 20-year national strategy, directing the country’s trajectory and ensuring the…
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Thai opposition in disarray as Move Forward Party rejects leadership role
Chaos has engulfed the Democrat Party, as the top opposition role remains unclear. This comes after the Move Forward Party (MFP), the largest opposing party, expressed disinterest in the role, likely to keep their Deputy House Speaker seat. The Democrat Party spokesperson, Ramet Rattanachaweng, stated that technically, the right to assume the opposition leader role falls to Pita Limjaroenrat, the…
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Teacher: No sympathy for student with broken leg forced to climb stairs for exam
A student with a broken leg was forced by a teacher to climb stairs and attend an exam, despite the physical difficulty. The student expressed disappointment over the lack of empathy and understanding from the teacher, leading to an outpouring of sympathy from the online community but also concerns over potential legal consequences. The exchange was brought to light via…
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Thunderstorm warnings across 32 provinces, high waves hit southern seas
The Thai Meteorological Department warned of thunderstorms across 32 provinces, including Bangkok, with approximately 30% of the areas expected to be affected. This comes as the southern seas experience high waves, prompting a cautionary notice to seafarers today. The weather forecast for the next 24 hours indicates the presence of a southwesterly monsoon covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the…
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Thailand’s FDA ramps up seafood inspection following Fukushima wastewater discharge
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is holding back on any immediate action following the discharge of wastewater from Japan’s damaged Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean on August 24. This detail was shared by Lertchai Lertvut, the FDA’s deputy secretary-general. Lertchai stated that the FDA has been in conversation with the Department of Fisheries, the Office of Atoms…
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Thai network petitions for home-grown cannabis and 5-year import ban
The Cannabis Future Network in Thailand is gathering signatures for a petition, aiming to accumulate 10,000 names to urge parliament to continue its reading of the Cannabis-Hemp Act. This legislation, if passed, would permit citizens to cultivate marijuana at home and prohibit the importation of cannabis products for half a decade. Prasitchai Nunual, the head of the network, yesterday stated…
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Chumphon highway crash claims three lives, investigation ongoing
A disturbing road accident involving several vehicles occurred on Asia Highway 41, Chumphon province, Thailand, leading to serious injuries and multiple fatalities. The incident was reported at 11pm yesterday, near kilometre markers 26-27 in Korn Sub-district, Sawi District. The crash site was a chaotic scene, with a blue Toyota Revo pickup truck, licence plate 9307 Phetchaburi, transporting vegetables capsized and…
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UPDATE: Thai passengers ejected from flight over fight with cabin crew over luggage
An update to the original story about a woman from a group complaining on social media to criticise the air hostess and cabin crew for refusing to help her carry the luggage. Prominent YouTuber and influencer, Akaradej Yothajun, known as Benz Apache, recently recounted the same dramatic incident aboard a flight from Vietnam to Thailand. He reported that 16 Thai…
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Thailand braces for heavy rainfall: Citizens and mariners urged to exercise caution
The Thai Meteorological Department has forecasted heavy rainfall across various regions of the country, brought about by low atmospheric pressure near the Vietnamese upper shore and the southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea and Thailand. Thailand continues to experience thunderstorms, with heavy rain in certain parts of the northeast, and central regions, including Bangkok and its vicinity. Citizens in the…
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Mercedes-Benz driver arrested after road rage leads to drug and firearm discovery
A group of six, including the driver of a Mercedes-Benz, were apprehended following a road rage dispute with motorbike taxi drivers, subsequently leading to the discovery of illegal substances and an unregistered firearm in their vehicle. The altercation took place as the group was returning from a party. Chaowin, the Mercedes-Benz driver, initiated the conflict by attempting to overtake three…
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