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 national thought held hostage in Gaza found safe in Israel
A Thai national believed to be among the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza has been found safe in Israel. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) reveals this miraculous twist as talks for the release of remaining Thai hostages continue. The Thai embassy in Tel Aviv confirmed that a missing Thai national, initially feared to be among the hostages, recently…
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Thai health official’s family embroiled in 50 million baht corruption case
Public Health Minister Chalnan Srikaew today revealed a corruption case involving a senior official from the Department of Medical Science, her daughter, and her son-in-law. The trio was involved in fraudulent activities, falsifying documents, and misappropriation of funds causing over 50 million baht in damages. Chalnan yesterday received a report from Yongyos Thamwutti, the acting director of the Department of…
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EconThai: Thailand’s job market faces limited growth in key sectors predicted for 2024
The Employers’ Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry (EconThai) painted a gloomy picture of Thailand‘s job market in 2024. The Employers’ Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry (EconThai) is sounding the alarm, predicting a continued slump in Thailand’s job market in the coming year. According to Tanit Sorat, Vice-Chairman of EconThai, the country’s employment landscape remains bleak in the aftermath…
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Five children left with 40 baht daily rescued from shopping centre life
Five children found living in a shopping centre, left by their parents with only 40 baht per day, have been rescued by Kan Jom Puan, also known as Kanthasat Pongphaiboonvech, along with officers from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security and Bang Khen Police Station. The children aged between one and 12 years old were discovered living in…
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Mackerel ice cream becomes star attraction at Maeklong Festival
The Maeklong Mackerel Festival in Samut Songkhram province has taken a delightful turn with a unique signature item – Mackerel Ice Cream. The frozen dessert, designed to resemble the iconic fish, comes in four delicious flavours: Thai tea, chocolate, strawberry, and milk. The news broke out on the festival’s Facebook page, leading to a rapid viral spread. The post received…
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Thai man robs store for 900 baht to buy rice for sick family
A Thai man was arrested for robbing a convenience store using a fake gun, tearfully confessing he had no money to buy rice for his sick mother-in-law and wife. The 24 year old, Thanawut Thiapthanom, admitted to the crime, stating he also used drugs to help him work longer hours and earn more money. He was tracked and seized by…
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World’s largest private jet, the Flying Palace, drops price to 16 million baht
The world’s largest and most luxurious private jet, the Boeing 747-8, often dubbed the Flying Palace, announced a significant price drop to fly in the globe’s most expensive aeroplane. The gigantic aircraft, unmatched in its size in the private jet sector, is outfitted with all the necessities one could need when travelling at an altitude of 40,000 feet. The Flying…
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Bangkok’s retail revolution: Emsphere unveils glamorous shopping oasis worth 20 billion baht
Bangkok‘s shopping arena just hit the jackpot with the grand opening of Emsphere, the glittering jewel in the Em District crown. Packed with star-studded events and jaw-dropping features, this 20 billion baht retail haven is set to catapult Bangkok into the global retail spotlight. Emsphere, the latest addition to the Em District in Phrom Phong, Sukhumvit Road, opened its doors…
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Chiang Mai teacher accused of falsifying meal allowances, not redistributing school meals
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) clarified allegations against Chaiyayot Suktho, a special senior teacher (Grade 3) at Yang Pao School, Aom Koi district, Chiang Mai. Chaiyayot was not accused of redistributing school meals to underprivileged students but of falsifying meal allowances, indicating a deliberate attempt to evade subsequent audits. Chaiyayot continues to volunteer at Yang Pao School without a salary,…
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Pattaya’s infamous 4 Step Tomboy nightclub takes a stumble in narcotics raid
Officials yesterday cracked down on Pattaya‘s infamous 4 Step Tomboy nightclub. Allegations of illegal activities prompted a raid that exposed the possession of narcotics at the nightclub. Bang Lamung District Office and Pattaya Police Station officials, spearheaded by district chief Phisit Sawatdinukul and district chief secretary Kamolchanok Konsombat, launched a decisive raid on the notorious 4 Step Tomboy nightclub at 3.30am,…
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Loan dispute escalates into violent altercation in central Thailand
A debtor, who had previously complained to the Crime Suppression Division about being attacked with a knife and having his teeth knocked out, has been informed that his case is not progressing. The police superintendent of Bang Bua Thong Police Station clarified that the incident was not related to illegal lending but was a case of assault stemming from a…
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Cold spell from China brings cooler temperatures to Thailand
A cold spell from China is bringing cooler temperatures to Thailand, with a decrease of 1-3 degrees Celsius forecasted across the country. The 24-hour weather forecast indicates that this high-pressure system or cold mass of air is spreading over northern Thailand and the South China Sea, resulting in colder temperatures and strong winds, particularly in the north and northeast of…
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Cable cash approved: Thai Cabinet greenlights 28 million baht for sky-high project in Phu Kradueng
The Thai Cabinet recently approved a 28 million baht budget to design a contentious cable car project at Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei, according to Lertsak Watthanachaikul, a Pheu Thai Party MP for Loei. This was further confirmed by PM’s Office Minister Puangpet Chunlaiad, a former Loei MP, who stated the design fund was presented to the cabinet at…
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Tripartite committee set to discuss new daily minimum wage rates
The tripartite committee, which consists of representatives from the ministry, employers, and employees, is set to deliberate on the new daily minimum wage rates across various provinces. The meeting, confirmed by Pairoj Chotikasathien, the permanent secretary for labour, is scheduled for today, December 8. According to the data finalized by a sub-committee under the main wage committee on November 27,…
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Surge in Covid-19 cases prompts advice for public to wear masks
A respiratory expert issues a warning as Covid-19 cases soar, surpassing even the flu. Renowned respiratory specialist, Dr Manoon Leechawengwongs, dropped a bombshell on social media, sounding the alarm on the escalating Covid crisis. Hailing from Vichaiyut Hospital in Bangkok, he disclosed a staggering 545 cases in November alone, divulging the unsettling statistics in a Facebook post yesterday, December 7.…
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Legendary journalist John McBeth passes away, leaving a legacy of his 62-year career
New Zealand journalist John McBeth‘s passing in Jakarta at 79 on December 6 has left a void, but his legacy echoes through decades of groundbreaking journalism. McBeth, an unapologetic old school reporter, carved his niche in Asia, scorning those fleeting colleagues. Embracing his role as an Asian lifer, he stood as a stalwart amidst transitory pens. His extensive career meandered through…
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Tomorrowland plans a decade-long dance in Thailand, says PM Srettha
The Prime Minister of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin, this week had dinner with the organisers of the world-renowned Tomorrowland music festival and told Thai EDM music fans to look forward to plans for the festival coming to Thailand over the next ten years. PM Srettha shared a picture and some words with the Tomorrowland organising team on his Twitter account on…
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Homeowners confidence hits rock bottom- is your dream home still a dream?
The 2023 Homebuyer Confidence Index has taken a nosedive, leaving prospective homeowners questioning their property dreams. Recent research unveils the shocking truth behind this unexpected slump in optimism. Despite a generally content outlook on the Thai economy, the Consumer Confidence Index for 2023 has fallen to 76, a noticeable dip from the previous year’s score of 80. Sumitra Wongpakdee, managing…
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Chon Buri: Peacock on residential rooftop captured by rescue teams in Nong Prue
A peacock was spotted yesterday perching on a residential rooftop at Eakmongkol Village 3, Bang Lamung, Chon Buri. The Nong Prue rescue teams, upon receiving the unusual report at 5.40pm, promptly arrived on the scene to manage the situation. The peacock, typically an inhabitant of the wilderness, had somehow made its way to the urban locality and decided to make…
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Thai man arrested over death of Thai woman with tattoos in Chon Buri
Police arrested a Thai man over the death of a Thai woman with tattoos who was found buried in Chon Buri province. Officers insisted her case was unrelated to the body of a Thai man found near the scene. Locals in the Huay Yai district of Chon Buri discovered the lifeless body of the unidentified Thai woman buried in a…
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Thailand seeks visa exemptions for its tourists travelling to China
Thailand’s government is seeking visa exemptions for Thai tourists travelling to China, with an official delegation planned to negotiate the details by the end of this month. Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara revealed this yesterday, December 7, following a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The discussion took place on the fringes of the 8th Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Foreign Ministers’…
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Thai man dies on police station waiting room sofa in Bangkok
A Thai man tragically died on a Bang Khen Police Station sofa in Bangkok yesterday, December 7, while waiting to report a physical assault by his employer’s son. Police officer Somporn Sata approached the 45 year old victim, a Thai man named Tui, to inform him that it was his turn to file a complaint. However, upon reaching Tui, Somporn…
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Democrat party power struggle emerges ahead of leadership election
A power struggle has emerged within the Democrat Party as a group of Members of Parliament (MPs), headed by Dech-it Khaothong, the Democrat MP for Songkhla, made moves to oppose the leadership bid of acting Deputy Leader Narapat Kaewthong. This event, which unfolded on Wednesday, saw a significant number of MPs express their reluctance to endorse Kaewthong. The faction is…
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Knife-wielding man invades Pattananikom School causing panic, quick thinking saves day
A knife-wielding man stormed into Pattana Nikom School in the Pattana Nikom district, Satun province, causing panic among teachers and students. The knife-wielding man, later identified as 31 year old Narong (surname withheld), also brandished a slingshot, causing alarm as teachers and students were participating in a school clean-up. The quick thinking of school staff secured the premises, allowing everyone to…
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Bankrupt millionaire seeks opportunities and jobs after life as thief
A victim urged the Thai police to arrest a former millionaire in Chon Buri who, facing bankruptcy, resorted to becoming a thief. The man evaded several arrests by claiming he was mentally ill, evoking sympathy from some, who wished he could rebuild his life. One Facebook user, Aroon Kab, shared security camera footage of a man stealing three aluminium step…
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Ex-protest leader Chinnawat gets suspended sentence for royal defamation
Chinnawat Chankrachang, better known as Bright, a former co-leader of pro-democracy demonstrations who later supported the United Thai Nation Party (UTN) linked with ex-Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, has been given a suspended sentence for royal defamation. This conviction is related to a rally held in February 2002. The details were revealed on Chinnawat’s Facebook page, where he shared that the…
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Bangkok’s Pink Line monorail to open on December 18: Free rides until January 2
Passengers can now embark on a thrilling ride through Bangkok‘s Pink Line monorail, soaring 34.5 kilometres from northwest to northeast. Offering an early holiday treat, the city is generously providing free rides until January 2, creating a buzz of excitement among locals and tourists alike. Mark your calendars for the grand opening on Monday, December 18. The Pink Line, an…
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Thai cybercrime nightmare: 50 billion baht online fraud shocks nation
Thailand has been plunged into a cybercrime crisis, with online fraud cases skyrocketing to a staggering 50.87 billion baht in damages over the last 21 months. Deputy government spokesman Karom Polpornklang disclosed today, December 7, that the Royal Thai Police website, www.thaipoliceonline.com, has been inundated with a whopping 405,194 fraud complaints from March 1 last year to November 30 this…
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Thai King and Queen gear up for 35th Phuket King’s Cup Regatta
The Thai King and Queen participated in today’s international sailing competition training in Phuket, joining the THA72 team in the IRC Zero category. The event took place today, December 7, at 7.42am at Kata Beach. His Majesty the King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and his wife Queen Suthida were preparing for the 35th Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, a prestigious international…
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Pattaya punch-up: Ex-US soldier seeks answers as Thai man delivers unexpected blow
A former US soldier sought help from locals in Pattaya after a Thai man punched him in the face. The victim was unaware of the motive for the attack. Mueang Pattaya Police Station officers and rescue team rushed to the Pattaya Sai Song Road near Soi Pattaya 13 after a Thai woman, 44 year old Nattanan, notified them about the…
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