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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Thai finance chief cautions reform balance to prevent tax shock on economy
Krisada Chinavicharana, the permanent secretary at the Finance Ministry, sounded the alarm bell for the incoming government, stating that the proposed tax reforms aiming to bump up the revenue should not produce a shockwave effect on the economy. Currently, tax revenue stands at just 14% of the GDP, falling short of the expected 15% or 16%, Krisada said. He stated……
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Magazine ranks Thailand 9th best retirement spot on Earth
Thailand secured its position as the world’s ninth-best retirement spot on International Living Magazine’s 2023 Annual Global Retirement Index. The index ranks countries based on their suitability for retirees, taking into account various factors including cost of living, cost of healthcare, cultural activities, and more. In the 2023 index, Thailand shares the spotlight with other popular retirement destinations such as Portugal,…
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Rainfall reigns: Tropical storm Talim puts Thailand on umbrella alert
The Thai Meteorological Department recommends the nation gets its umbrellas out as heavy rainfall bears down on Thailand, providing a tangible reminder of the dramatic effects of tropical storm Talim. The Meteorological Department issued a weather alert for several provinces in the country as the storm continues to show its relentless power. An urgent weather bulletin cautions citizens, particularly those…
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Patong motorbike taxi dispute goes viral, ends in peaceful resolution (video)
An altercation between a local motorbike taxi rider and an unidentified foreign tourist unfolded in Patong, Thailand. The disagreement, which stemmed from a fare dispute, gained social media attention yesterday after a video of the heated encounter started to circulate widely. Patong Police yesterday revealed details of the incident which had been shared on a Facebook page at 4.44pm. A…
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Affordable and enriched living in Thailand attracts foreign investors
Thailand is making waves on the world stage with what International Living defines as its attractive blend of enriched living at pocket-friendly costs. The gem in the Thai living appeal seems to be the lucrative real estate sector where, as International Living puts it: “Foreigners are able to buy condos very easily and there are bargains everywhere.” Along with attractive…
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Andaman provinces appeal to continue Phang-nga Airport study amid fears of overcrowding
The Joint Public and Private Sector Consultative Committee (JPPSCC) spanning the Andaman provinces appealed to Airports of Thailand (AoT) to ensure the continuation of its feasibility study on the proposed Phang-nga Airport. Previously, a discussion between the JPPSCC across the provinces of Krabi, Trang, Phang-nga, Phuket, Ranong, Satun, and Phuket Airport took place concerning the same issue. As a result…
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Rubber plantation horror: Hunt underway for murderer of Thai and Burmese victims
Police are currently conducting a search for the murderer responsible for the deaths of a Thai man and three Burmese men in a rubber plantation in the Sawee district of Chum Phon province in the southern part of Thailand. A 42 year old man, Surachai Somnuek, discovered the dead body of his father, 60 year old Prayong Somnuek, on the…
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Vibrant pink Siam tulips in northeast Thailand draw tourists
Nature enthusiasts and flower fans have flocked in their thousands to Sai Thong National Park in Chaiyaphum province to witness the breathtaking sight of a vast field of blooming pink Siam tulips. The influx of tourists began over the weekend, with visitors eagerly capturing photos and selfies amidst the stunning display. Spanning four districts – Nong Bua Rahaew, Thep Sathit,…
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Singaporean man’s Bangkok airport mix-up leads to arresting headlines
The Singaporean man arrested at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok for allegedly stealing the belongings of a German man insists it was all a mix-up. Teo Yu Xuan Kenny was trying to board a plane home when Immigration Bureau officers swooped to apprehend the Singaporean for the alleged theft of 100,000 baht in cash, a laptop, and a passport…
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Young Kuwaiti man risks leg amputation after Pattaya motorbike accident (video)
In a recent tragedy, a 19 year old Kuwaiti man is facing the risk of having his leg amputated after a motorbike accident in Pattaya early yesterday morning. The incident occurred when the motorbike he was riding as a pillion grazed against a concrete street barrier on South Pattaya Road. Sawang Boriboon rescuers received arrived on the scene near Bali…
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Bank of Ayudhya predicts pivotal role of politics in Thailand’s economy
In light of the current political climate, a division of the renowned Bank of Ayudhya suggests that the upcoming political decisions could significantly steer Thailand’s economy this year. This report highlights the pivotal role of swift administrative formation in stabilising the economy and buoying investor confidence. However, the prospect of an emerging minority government raises considerable concerns over its potential…
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Swinging into trouble: Golfer faces prosecution for ‘fore’-bidden activity in Thai national park (video)
In a bid to uphold the sanctity of national parks, Thai authorities at Khao Yai National Park are preparing to prosecute a golfer who dared to engage in sporting activity such as illegal golfing within the protected vicinity of Sai Sorn Reservoir. This reservoir, nestled within the heart of the national park, is not only home to a diverse array…
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Thailand battles marine pollution with 507 tonnes of waste collected in 2020
Marine pollution issues have impinged on Thailand‘s coastal regions, with increasingly alarming statistics emerging, according to updates from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Throughout last year, there were reports of 22 oil spill events within the Gulf of Thailand, and an astonishing 507 tonnes of various waste gathered from surrounding seas, as noted by deputy government spokeswoman, Traisulee…
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Trat’s tourism sector hopes to rebound despite ongoing struggles
Trat, one of Thailand’s premier beach destinations, is optimistic about a boost in tourism during the latter part of this year despite a struggling hotel sector that is yet to bounce back from Covid-19 disruptions. Phatcharin Sawettarat, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) Trat Office, disclosed that the province accommodated approximately one million visitors last year, just half…
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Sattahip naval base officer investigated over alleged ammunition theft
Investigations by the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) are ongoing, following suspicions that an officer at Sattahip naval base might be guilty of stealing a significant number of cartridges. The base, located in Chon Buri in Thailand, is at the heart of a major theft case, according to naval spokesman Admiral Pokkrong Monthatphalin. This was a response to allegations on the…
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Pheu Thai may replace MFP in Thai political shakeup
A shift in the political dynamic of Thailand might be on the horizon, according to predictions by a distinguished political science academic. He believes the Pheu Thai Party could rise as the new coalition’s head if Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP), fails to secure victory in the Parliamentary selection for Thailand’s Prime Minister. Burapha University’s…
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Trade war triggers fear of new EV chip shortage from China export limit
Leading authorities in the industry fear another chip shortage could soon hit electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers. This comes as China limits the export of two significant metals, a move driven by the ongoing trade dispute between Washington and Beijing, as reported by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). As of August 1, China will impose trade restrictions on select products…
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Thai businesses call for swift government formation
A speedy establishment of a new administration is of paramount importance, according to the business community amid ongoing political uncertainty. Chookiat Ophaswongse, an honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association voiced concerns over the nebulous political situation, indicating the future of Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat as the next prime minister is uncertain, making the country vulnerable to…
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Thai Senator to sue cyberbullies after Prime minister bid fallout
In the face of escalating online threats against him and his kin, Senator Somchai Sawaengkan announced he is preparing litigation against the cyber-bullies responsible. The threats transpired after the failed bid of Pita Limjaroenrat, head of the Move Forward Party (MFP), for the position of prime minister. Somchai yesterday revealed that he, alongside other senators, is in the process of…
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High-end watch demand increases among younger Thai generation
A constant evolution and inherent value have ensured a secure niche for high-end watches in today’s market, said Narun Thamavaranukup, the managing director of watch distribution company, PMT The Hour Glass. With smartphones ubiquitous, one might think wristwatches would lose their charm. However, as Narun says, these timepieces are more than mere instruments to tell time. For Narun, watches play…
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German man faces death penalty for premeditated murder
Royal Thai Police (RTP) have officially charged a man with premeditated murder in connection to the gruesome killing of Hans Peter Walter Mack, a 62 year old German real estate tycoon residing in Chon Buri, significantly intensifying the legal implications for the prime suspect. Deputy National Police Chief, Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, listed 52 year old German national Olaf Thorsten…
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Stepping forward: MFP aims to rewrite Senate’s role in selecting Thai Prime Minister
The Move Forward Party (MFP) today proposed a revision to Section 272 of the Constitution in order to reduce the power of the Thai Senate and the role of its senators in selecting the Prime Minister of Thailand. Under Section 272 of the Constitution, senators appointed by the last military-led government have the privilege to sway the PM vote. Section…
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Second Indian tourist in a month tragically drowns in Pattaya pool
In a heartbreaking turn of events, an Indian tourist tragically met an untimely demise when he drowned at a hotel pool in Pattaya. The incident happened on Tuesday, July 11, less than a month after another Indian tourist also drowned in a Pattaya hotel pool. Local media reports indicate that the authorities have refrained from disclosing the victim’s identity to…
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Numbers game: Lottery draw entices numerology enthusiasts to decode winning digits
The National Lottery numbers are in for this Sunday’s draw bringing with it an array of numerology enthusiasts looking to decipher the winning digits. From the prime number on a local woman’s newly coloured car registration plate to the intriguing calculations surrounding political polls, lottery devotees are engaging in all sorts of permutations and interpretations in hopes of striking fortune…
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Suphanburi fraudster’s 20 million baht investment scam victims fight for justice
More than 20 victims accumulated a loss exceeding 20 million baht (US$578,035) due to fraudulent investment practices by a renowned online share investor from U Thong District, Suphanburi province. The victims, who initially met at the law enforcement centre today, are asking for justice and compensation. They claim the fraudster continues to live a luxurious lifestyle after serving a one-year prison…
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Interpol sought over Stark Corp scandal as losses mount to 38 billion baht
Interpol is currently sought by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to issue a red notice for the pursuit of the former chairman of a company known as Stark Corp, on charges of financial misconduct. The DSI issued this plea after the chairman did not adhere to the call to report to the DSI for acknowledging charges related to Stark’s…
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Words as ammunition: Bhumjaithai Party MP demands ‘shooting’ law for people insulting Thai monarchy
Controversial Bhumjaithai Party Deputy Leader Chada Thaiseth yesterday demanded a new law be introduced to shoot people who insult the Thai monarchy. The 62 year old MP believes Thai people should be allowed to turn vigilante and shoot people who criticise the monarchy without consequence. Chada made the shocking announcement in Parliament after Pita Limjaornerat, the leader of the Move…
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Exemplary Thai teacher arrested for fraud, duping victims with fake accommodation offers
In an intriguing turn of events, a former eminent Thai language teacher from a reputable school in Bangkok, who was a No.1 honour graduate from a prestigious university and recipient of the ‘Exemplary Thai Language Teacher of the Year’ award in 2017, has been accused of deceptively renting accommodation. It transpires that the fraudulent accommodation offerings were purportedly for big…
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Unearthed secrets: Alleged infant skeleton sends chills through Chon Buri community
The discovery of an alleged infant skeleton in the wooded outskirts of Banglamung, near Huay Yai, sent chills through the bones of residents in Chon Buri. The unsettling find was reported to the local police on Wednesday, July 12 and soon, the area was flooded with officers and curious residents watching the scene unfold from the sidelines. Nestled by the…
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Legendary Thai king cobra performer retires after decades of venomous shows
A 62 year old man known as the King of King Cobra in Thailand announced his retirement from a 28-year career in snake exhibitions, most notably kissing the venomous cobra, a stunt which won him Guinness World Records. His decision came after his wife expressed her worry for his safety, given the risk of severe neurotoxicity if bitten, especially at…
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