News
Thailand news, politics, business, crime, lifestyle, and tourism—stay updated with breaking news and in-depth analysis from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond. The Thaiger delivers the latest national news that matters.
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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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Cloudy with a chance of cuffs: Teen nabbed for smuggling e-cigarettes
Police in Nong Khai arrested an 18 year old for illegally selling imported e-cigarettes, seizing 30 boxes hidden in a shoulder bag, ready for distribution. In a significant crackdown on the illegal e-cigarette trade, police in Nong Khai detained a young individual for operating an illicit business out of a local resort room. The arrest took place yesterday when the…
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Motorcycle crash in Chon Buri claims life, leaves mother in despair
A heart-wrenching scene unfolded on a road in Chon Buri province when a 29 year old man’s motorcycle collided with a parked truck, leading to his instant death. The subsequent arrival of his mother, who was overcome with grief, added a tragic dimension to the already grim traffic accident. In the early hours, local police and rescue teams were called…
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US plans to reinstate GSP scheme for Thailand, to help trade relations
The United States signalled its intent to reinstate the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) scheme for Thailand, as disclosed by Thailand’s Commerce Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai. This development comes after the scheme expired in 2020. Phumtham’s statement emerged following a strategic dialogue with US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and a representative from the President’s Export Council. The dialogue served as…
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Japan’s visa-free privileges for Thais safe despite overstay concerns
Fears of a potential withdrawal of Japan’s visa-free privileges due to an increased number of Thais overstaying their visas have been dismissed by travel operators. The Department of Consular Affairs brought attention to this issue last December, revealing an increase in the number of Thais overstaying from 8,688 in 2021 to 11,472 in 2023. Reports suggest that the Japanese government…
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Bus and truck collision injures 30 on Chon Buri expressway
A collision involving a bus and a truck on the Burapha Withi Expressway near Bang Pakong, Chon Buri resulted in severe damage and multiple injuries yesterday. The incident, which took place between kilometres 45 and 46, left several passengers trapped and injured. Emergency services rushed to the scene of a major traffic accident on the expressway leading to Chon Buri.…
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Thailand eyes visa-free agreement with EU countries
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently announced the country’s ambitions to boost its tourism industry and international relationships, following a promising discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron. Held at the prestigious Élysée Palace in Paris, the meeting centred around a visa-free agreement with Schengen area countries, a strategic move that France has expressed support for. The Thai prime minister’s announcement…
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Gas explosion in China destroys restaurant, leaves one dead (video)
A suspected gas leak wreaked havoc at a restaurant in Hebei, northern China, causing a devastating blast that tore through buildings, wrecked cars and left one dead and 22 injured, as reported by state media and authorities today. According to CCTV News, the injured victims were swiftly transported to hospital following the explosion, which occurred around 8am in Sanhe County,…
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Thailand adds 38 flights to soar past Songkran price surge
Thailand’s Civil Aviation Office (CAAT) has decided to add 38 new flights to its schedule, in an attempt to combat inflated airfare prices during the Songkran festival and improve the overall travel experience for holidaymakers. Deputy Director of the CAAT, Sarun Benjanirat, brought this development to light as a direct response to the call from Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit for…
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Taxi turmoil: Motorbike mayhem as riders brawl with cabbie in Pattaya
A violent clash between motorbike taxi riders and a taxi driver near North Pattaya’s bus station was caught on camera last Sunday, March 10. In a dramatic video obtained by reporters yesterday, the chaos unfolds as motorbike taxi riders, donning their signature orange vests, unleash a barrage of blows on the hapless taxi driver, with his terrified passengers looking on.…
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Frenchman’s trial unveils multi-million euro Rolex replica ring
A Frenchman dubbed “the prince of fake” stands accused of orchestrating a sprawling network that flooded France with counterfeit watches. Admitting to masterminding the operation from Thailand, Julien V confessed to overseeing the production of up to 10 counterfeit watches daily, predominantly knock-offs of the prestigious Swiss brand Rolex, culminating in a staggering turnover of 3 million euros (117 million…
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New measures to protect Thailand’s elephants
As Thailand marks the country’s National Elephant Day, authorities are rolling out ambitious plans to safeguard the majestic creatures and mitigate human-elephant conflicts. With a blend of innovation, community involvement, and legislative actions, the nation aims to secure the future of both wild and domesticated elephants. Thailand, renowned for its vibrant culture and diverse wildlife, is home to a significant…
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Russian and Burmese arrested for illegal employment
In a crackdown on entertainment hotspots, police in Surat Thani Province found a restaurant owned by a Russian national on Koh Pha Ngan which illegally employed three Burmese workers. During a routine inspection, officers stumbled upon the Colorful Hut eatery, owned by a Russian national, known only by the name Boris. The Russian was found guilty of exploiting three Burmese workers.…
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Stocking up: SET chairman tipped for Finance Minister role
The chairman of the Stock of Thailand (SET) is reportedly poised to ascend to the position of Finance Minister, according to insider sources. The anticipated transition is slated to occur at the culmination of the ongoing parliamentary session on April 9, disclosed the informants. This strategic move aims to relieve Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of his dual role, allowing him to…
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Loan shark in Hat Yai nabbed for imposing 120% interest rates
Police in Hat Yai arrested a 62-year-old loan shark for allegedly offering covert loans with exorbitant interest rates of 120% per year, using land title deeds as collateral, and threatening borrowers. The operation was conducted on March 7 under the direction of Major General Warawut Watnakornbancha, Chief of the Special Branch Office 5, along with Lieutenant Colonel Phumiphat Phatarasriwongchai, Chief of…
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Power cables on Bangkok’s Sarasin Road go underground
The Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), under the leadership of Khajon Srichawanothai, reported a triumph in the endeavour to relocate power cables underground along Sarasin Road. Amidst the verdant expanse of Lumpini Park, Pathumwan District, Bangkok, a historic announcement ceremony unfolded last Friday, March 8. Joined by Chadchart Sittipunt, Bangkok Governor, Vilas Chalaysat, MEA Governor, and a cadre of network executives,…
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Big Joke associates deny money laundering charges
Two close associates of high-profile police figure Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, vehemently denied all charges in a money laundering case linked to the online gambling website BNKMaster. The two suspects, Sub-Lieutenant Natthawut Huadwaew and Sub-Lieutenant Natthanant Choochak were granted bail of 100,000 baht (US$ 2,800) each at 10am today, March 13, at the Tao Poon Police Station after the Criminal…
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Triple murder-suicide stuns community in northern Thailand
In a shocking discovery at a newly built residence in Udon Thani, Thailand, a gardener found three bodies lying side by side, in the aftermath of an apparent murder-suicide involving a retired police officer. The deceased included the homeowner, her sister, and the ex-officer, who were to celebrate a housewarming and birthday tomorrow, March 14. Police Colonel Pattanawong Janphol, the…
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Thai industrial sentiment dips despite tourism boost
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) reported a minor dip in the industrial sentiment index for February, which fell to 90.0 from 90.6 in the preceding month. This decline was attributed to a slowdown in both domestic demand and exports, despite a boost from the tourism sector. The FTI revealed that household concerns over high living costs and debt issues…
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Visually impaired students explore Khao Yai National Park
In a remarkable display of inclusion and environmental appreciation, nearly 30 visually impaired students, accompanied by sighted peers, embarked on an educational trek through the lush trails of Khao Yai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand. The event, yesterday March 12, titled Friends Lead Friends (Blind) Through Khao Yai Forest, entered its second year,…
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Russian arrested for illegal vehicle rental business in Thailand
The Thai authorities’ crackdown on foreigners working illegally in Thailand continued yesterday when a 21 year old Russian national was apprehended on Koh Pha Ngan island in Surat Thani for running an illegal vehicle rental business. The Russian, Danil Kulnevnich, was nabbed yesterday, March 12, by a joint team of tourist police, local police and officials at a pier in…
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Retired American in Ratchaburi chokes ex-cop, faces legal action
A tense altercation in Ratchaburi resulted in a retired police officer being choked by an American bully at a local shop on the evening of March 6. Initially, the retired cop, Arthaporn Premjit, who did not recognise his US assailant named John, despite having seen him at the shop before, pressed charges at the Mueang Ratchaburi Police Station, vowing to pursue…
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Brief burglary: Panty thief evades Phuket police pursuit
An underwear thief who managed to steal over 20 items of women’s underwear in one swoop is being pursued by the Patong Police in Phuket. The audacious theft, which was captured on CCTV, has been circulating widely across local social media channels since yesterday. The victim of the theft, a 42 year old woman who requested to be referred to…
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Tourists injured as sleepy driver crashes Fortuner into truck near Bangkok
A Toyota Fortuner carrying two tourists to Suvarnabhumi Airport was involved in a collision after the driver reportedly fell asleep at the wheel. The incident occurred at 6.30am today, March 13, when the SUV veered off course and slammed into the back of a 10-wheeler truck. The aftermath of the crash left passengers injured, requiring immediate medical attention. At the…
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Thailand and France forge future partnerships
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and France President Emmanuel Macron united in Paris, pledging to fortify relations spanning diverse domains and to invigorate a symbiotic alliance between their nations. During a joint press conference, Macron accentuated the importance of economic collaboration and trade synergies, emphasising proactive preparation for forthcoming challenges in Southeast Asia. He articulated the pivotal role of robust bilateral…
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Trang couple’s 70-year love story ends in joint funeral
A touching tale of enduring love comes to light as a couple from Trang Province, Thailand, passed away just two days apart after sharing seven decades of life together. The couple’s grand funeral rites, a testament to their inseparable bond, were held yesterday, with generations of family and friends in attendance to bid them farewell. Ninety-two-year old Kleuon Kaewklang, and…
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Homeless man rescued at sea on makeshift raft in Pattaya
An unconventional rescue mission took place in Pattaya, where authorities came to the aid of a homeless man drifting in the sea on a self-constructed raft made of plastic bottles. The incident unfolded around 11am yesterday, March 12, when speedboat operators spotted a lone figure sitting atop a makeshift raft roughly 2.4 kilometres off Bali Hai Pier. Alerting the Pattaya…
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Buriram issues health alert over anthrax after Laos cases
The province of Buriram in Thailand issued a health warning over the threat of anthrax, a severe bacterial disease, following the identification of three cases in neighbouring Laos. The disease, which can spread from animals to humans, particularly through the consumption of raw bovine and buffalo meat, prompted heightened surveillance and precautionary measures. Today, the provincial livestock office, led by…
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British man nabbed with illegal Diazepam in Phuket
A British man was apprehended by authorities in Karon after being caught red-handed with Diazepam yesterday. According to reports from the Karon Police, a routine checkpoint near Nong Harn Lake led to the discovery. Suspicions were raised when a taxi, carrying a foreign passenger identified only as Thomas, a 27 year old British man, attracted attention. While the authorities did…
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Thailand to launch 50 billion baht SME support scheme
Thailand’s Ministry of Finance is set to endorse a new credit guarantee scheme, known as PGS 11, with a funding pool of 50 billion baht (US$1.4 billion baht). This initiative, revealed by Radaklao Intawong Suwankiri, the Deputy Government Spokesperson, is designed to bolster small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in three key industries. Radaklao announced today that Krissada Chinavicharana, the Deputy…
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Sustainability Week Asia 2024: A call to action for climate crisis
Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke at the Sustainability Week Asia 2024 event hosted by Economist Impact, under The Economist media group, held at The Athenee Hotel, Bangkok. In his opening remarks, Parnpree rallied an esteemed audience comprising business magnates, both domestic and international, alongside government representatives, academia, and experts. Highlighting the gravity of the…
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