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 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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Licence to vanish: British fraudster swaps UK for Thailand, leaves cops scratching heads
A British fraudster swapped one resort town in England for another in Thailand to escape being charged with issuing fake driving licences in the UK, leaving the authorities puzzled about his whereabouts for over three years. Leon Childs, from Southend, found himself embroiled in a web of deceit when Paul Ridden, a 70 year old, allegedly confessed to peddling counterfeit…
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Thai VietJet Air partners with global cargo giant for Asian expansion
Thai VietJet Air has announced a groundbreaking partnership with ECS Group, in a move to reshape its cargo operations across Asia. Under the terms of the agreement, ECS Group’s subsidiary, AVS GSA Thailand, will spearhead the cargo contract, leveraging the expansive network of ECS across the region. This landmark deal, sealed on February 1, empowers Thai VietJet Air with access…
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German tourist’s night out in Pattaya turns into nightmare
In the dim-lit streets of Soi Buakhao, Pattaya, chaos erupted as a German national found himself entangled in a brutal altercation with Go-Go bar thugs in the early hours of yesterday, leaving him nursing injuries to his left ear. The 46 year old German tourist, Mike Groebiinghoff, accompanied by his Thai girlfriend, innocently sought a parking spot in front of…
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Former PM Thaksin granted parole, walks free this weekend
It has been confirmed that Thaksin Shinawatra, former prime minister of Thailand, will walk free from prison this weekend. A source from Government House made the following announcement. “Convicted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is set to be released on parole this weekend, following confirmation from Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong on Tuesday (February 13).” Tawee disclosed that Thaksin was among…
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The White Lotus season 3 to welcome Blackpink’s Lisa
Blackpink’s Lisa is poised to make waves in the world of Hollywood as she gears up for her acting debut in the acclaimed American series, The White Lotus. The K-pop sensation will follow in the footsteps of her bandmate Jennie Ruby Jane, stepping onto the HBO stage and igniting excitement amongst fans worldwide. According to Variety’s latest report, Lisa will…
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Foreign man found lying unconscious with deep cuts in Pattaya
A Thai man stumbled upon an unconscious foreign man with deep cuts to his throat and arms lying in a pool of blood in an abandoned plot of land in Pattaya this morning. The 23 year old Thai man, Nattaphon, contacted Bang Lamung Police Station officers today, February 13, after he discovered the injured foreigner. Nattaphon explained that he and Suriya…
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Phuket café’s lion cub sparks police and wildlife officers manhunt
A lion cub, used as a tourist attraction at a café in Phuket, set off a manhunt by Thai police and wildlife officers. The cub was made available to the public for photographs at The Glass House Café and Space, located north of Phuket Town. This unusual situation ignited a wave of online controversy, primarily from individuals deeply concerned about…
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Sunken secrets unveiled: Thai-US Navy joint mission to salvage Sukhothai corvette
In a bid to lay to rest the haunting echoes of the past, Admiral Adung Phan-iam, commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN), declared today the impending joint operation with the US Navy to probe the depths where the Sukhothai corvette now rests. Sinking beneath the waves on that fateful December 19 night in 2022, the Sukhothai corvette became a…
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Thai stepfather denies abusing 4 year old boy despite visible injuries (video)
A Thai social media influencer solicited help from the police to rescue a four year old boy from his abusive stepfather, who denied allegations of abuse despite visible bite marks, bruises, and burns on the child’s body. A community leader in the Khlong Samwa district of Bangkok reported the child abuse to the Bangkok Metropolitan Council and social media influencer…
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Bitcoin hits US$50,000 milestone, crypto market on a digital rollercoaster
Bitcoin, the largest digital asset, oscillated around the landmark value of US$50,000, a level it hadn’t touched in over two years. This marks a remarkable resurgence following the various cryptocurrency scandals and industry wipeouts that had previously cast a shadow of uncertainty over the sector’s future. Yesterday, in the United States, Bitcoin’s value soared to an impressive US$50,328, and it…
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Lightning strikes three farmers in eastern Thailand
Three farmers were struck by lightning while toiling on a farm in Huay Yai Phrom Community in Sri Racha district last Friday, February 9. According to the Sri Racha Police Station, the calamity unfolded around 5pm as an unexpected thunderstorm engulfed the area. The victims, identified as 45 year old Somchai, 40 year old Nongnuch and 18 year old Nattapong…
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CRC projects 9-11% revenue growth driven by tourism boost
Central Retail Corporation (CRC) is expecting revenue growth of 9-11% in 2024, with the primary drivers being a resurgence in tourism and increased consumption. However, concerns have been raised about a potential influx of inexpensive imported goods. Yol Phokasub, CRC’s chief executive, articulated that despite the sluggish economic growth, the overall spending confidence in Thailand remains above average for the…
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Pickup truck collides with golf cart at luxury Jomtien hotel
A collision at the entrance road of a lavish beach resort in Jomtien between a pickup truck and a golf cart left several injured, with some impaled by metal objects. Preliminary investigations reveal that Htet Naing Lin, a 20 year old Myanmar national, was delivering goods to the hotel when he encountered the golf cart emerging from a side street.…
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Oil Fuel Fund in Thailand faces 84.3 billion baht loss
A confidential source from the Energy Ministry revealed that a meeting is scheduled this week to address the considerable loss of 84.3 billion baht (US$2.35 billion) incurred by the state Oil Fuel Fund due to its oil and gas subsidy programmes. Despite the substantial deficit, the fund’s financial status is deemed manageable. The discussion will be spearheaded by a subcommittee…
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Burmese woman stabs employer to steal cash and gold necklace
Police arrested a Burmese woman who stabbed her Thai employer to steal 30,000 baht in cash and a gold necklace in a house in the northern province of Chiang Mai. Officers from the Chang Puak Police Station were alerted to the attack and theft in the middle of the night on February 10. They rushed to the incident scene at…
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Ready for takeoff: Suvarnabhumi Airport set to soar with new runway
Transport Minister Suriya Jungroongreangkit announced a surge in Suvarnabhumi Airport’s operational prowess with the imminent completion of its third runway in July. Suriya forecasts a soaring increase, propelling the airport’s flight handling capability from 67 flights per hour to a whopping 94, a pivotal move in fortifying Thailand’s position as a pivotal aviation nucleus in the region. The forthcoming third…
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Secret cockfighting ring busted in Pattaya
Bang Lamung police led a crackdown on an illicit cockfighting gambling den nestled in Bang Lamung, Chon Buri, resulting in the arrest of 45 individuals. Responding promptly to public grievances, Bang Lamung District Chief Veekit Manarotkit swiftly orchestrated a law enforcement sweep on Sunday, February 11, targeting the covert den ensconced within Soi Baan Kreak, Nong Pla Lai. Covert operatives…
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BMA proposes 50km/h speed limit on 40 roads in Bangkok
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is set to lodge a request with the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB), advocating for the imposition of a 50 kilometres-per-hour speed limit on 40 roads in central Bangkok and key residential areas. The move is primarily aimed at reducing traffic accidents and enhancing road safety, according to Thaiphat Tanasombatkul, the director-general of BMA’s Traffic and…
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Pervert arrested in Bangkok after 2 decades of underwear theft
Police arrested a perverted Thai man at an apartment in the Bangkok Noi district of Bangkok yesterday after two decades of women’s underwear theft. Police seized nearly 600 items as evidence. A Thai woman filed a theft report at Bang Yi Khan Police Station officers at night on Sunday, February 11. The woman said she lived on the first floor…
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Miracle at sea: Rare albino whale resurfaces near Phang Nga
A rare albino Omura whale, previously sighted off the shores of Phuket, has once again graced the Andaman seas near Phang Nga province, stunning onlookers and marine experts alike. Banchar Sae-jo, manager of the New Tapana tourist boat, caused a stir online when he shared a mesmerising video clip of the ivory Omura whale on his Facebook page last Saturday,…
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Thailand govt cuts informal debts by 670 million baht in two months
The Government of Thailand has slashed the nation’s informal debts by 670 million baht (US$18.69 million) in a span of two months, successfully resolving 102,000 out of the 140,000 reported cases. This significant reduction is part of an initiative to alleviate the household debt burden. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who also holds the position of Finance Minister, attributed this progress…
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Thailand News Today | Farang’s on e-unicycles raise local ire, PM calls for more security for royal family
The Prime Minister is calling for heightened security for the royal family Following a recent incident where student activist Tantawan Tuatulanon and a member of the Thalu Wang group attempted to disrupt Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s motorcade by honking and lane-cutting, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin called for increased security measures for the royal family, emphasizing the importance of their safety…
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17 years cold: Japanese tourist’s murder mystery in Thailand haunts family as killer remains at large
In a heart-wrenching tale spanning over a decade, the unresolved murder of Japanese tourist Tamako Kawashita continues to cast a long shadow of sorrow and frustration over her family. Tamako’s father, Yasuaki, stood at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, his voice heavy with grief as he recounted the tragic events. “Her life ended tragically during the trip and, sadly, her killer is…
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Thailand to reassess recent reduction in meth penalties
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin affirmed yesterday that the government is open to reevaluating a recently announced policy which reduces penalties for individuals found with five or fewer methamphetamine pills. This statement follows the public disapproval that has arisen in response to the law, signed by Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew on February 9, which determines that anyone found with…
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Digital love: 80% of Thais to swipe right on online Valentine’s gifts
According to a recent study conducted by the YouGov analysis institute, sponsored by Visa, the go-to name in digital payments, 80% of Thais will be ordering their Valentine’s Day treats from the comfort of their screens. The research delved deep into the hearts and wallets of Thai consumers, uncovering fascinating insights into how lovebirds navigate the digital aisles in search…
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Thailand’s health ministry targets birth rate boost with new fertility strategies
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health is set to introduce strategies designed to encourage artificial insemination and support those who wish to become parents, encompassing the LGBTQ community as well. The drive is part of an initiative to increase the country’s birth rate. During a meeting with Jos Vandelaer, Thailand’s World Health Organisation representative, at Nakhonping Hospital, the Minister, Cholnan Srikaew,…
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South Thailand: Volunteer killed, four injured in Thai insurgent ambush
In a tragic turn just days after peace negotiations resumed, a roadside explosion in the Janae district of Thailand’s Narathiwat province yesterday killed a defence volunteer and left four others with serious injuries. The volunteers, aboard an armoured pickup truck bound for the Chang Phuek Tambon Administrative Organisation, fell victim to insurgents’ treachery along Road 4217 in Ban Kumoong village.…
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Royal Thai Air Force to open facilities and golf courses to public
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) decided to open select facilities and golf courses to the public under certain conditions, according to the commander-in-chief, ACM Punpakdee Pattanakul. This decision follows a request from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to use the Kantarat Golf Course, situated between Don Mueang International Airport’s runways, and access other RTAF properties for state project development. The…
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Thai PM defends 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme amid criticism
The implementation of the controversial 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme was defended yesterday by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. This came following a statement by Move Forward Party Deputy Leader Sirikanya Tansakul, suggesting the government develop a backup plan due to the scheme’s uncertain future. Tansakul pointed out that the scheme’s success hinges on the decision of the government’s digital wallet policy…
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Man arrested in Songkhla for illegal online sale of protected birds
The Thai authorities arrested a 40 year old man for illegally selling protected wild birds online, claiming he needed the money for his child’s medical expenses. The man, identified as Tatsana Pohtong, was apprehended at his home in Songkhla province with 29 caged birds in his possession. The arrest followed an investigation into his Facebook posts advertising the sale of…
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