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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Bhumjaithai names 3 PM hopefuls in leadership shakeup
Bhumjaithai Party announced three prime ministerial candidates during a press event, aiming to expand its leadership ahead of the upcoming election. Speaking at Government House, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced that Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, along with Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun, will join him on the official candidate list. Their nominations are expected to be submitted…
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Insect larva removed from patient in Bangkok, expert says no threat to locals
A Thai science communicator addressed public concern after a hospital worker in Bangkok shared images of an insect larva removed from a foreign patient’s skin. The patient had recently returned from Brazil and sought treatment at a hospital in the capital. The medical worker posted pictures of the creature on the well-known Facebook group นี่ตัวอะไร (“What is this animal?”) yesterday,…
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Thailand ‘Fast Pass’ to unlock stalled investment billions
Finance officials plan to present a new scheme to the economic Cabinet to fast-track approved investment projects and boost Thailand’s stalled capital flow. Thailand’s Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas will pitch the ambitious Thailand Fast Pass initiative to the economic Cabinet on Monday, November 24, aiming to cut red tape and expedite major domestic investment projects. The new scheme targets businesses…
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Fake police officer threatens woman with fabricated explicit videos
A Thai man posed as a police officer to extort a woman in the southern province of Satun, claiming he possessed explicit videos of her and threatening to publish them. The victim, Yaowarate Madtrakate, filed a complaint with officers at La-ngu Police Station and later shared details of the case with Channel 7 today, November 20. The woman is reported to…
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Thaksin joins Dhamma rehab as Paetongtarn exits spotlight
Thaksin Shinawatra has entered a dhamma-based rehab programme at Klong Prem Prison, as his daughter Paetongtarn steps away from politics. Ex-PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra revealed her father, Thaksin, is currently participating in the Dhammanavawang rehabilitation programme at Klong Prem Central Prison. Speaking after a visit to the Bangkok prison, Paetongtarn said Thaksin’s physical condition remained stable despite changing weather, but hinted…
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Indian blogger apologises for accusing Krabi hospital of scamming foreigners
An Indian travel blogger issued a public apology after accusing hospitals in Krabi of scamming foreign tourists by overcharging them for medical treatment following adverse reactions to cannabis gummies. The blogger, Monica Gupta, posted a reel on her Instagram account, @travelwithshades, on Sunday, November 16, alleging she and her friend were victims of a “Thai hospital scam”. In the caption of…
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British man attacks French tourist in Samui love spat
A 44 year old British man was arrested on Koh Samui after allegedly assaulting a French tourist and his Thai girlfriend during a hotel altercation over suspected jealousy. The incident occurred around noon yesterday, November 19, at a hotel in Bo Phut, Surat Thani Province. Officers from Bo Phut Police Station responded to reports of a violent altercation and arrived…
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2 Miss Universe judges resign amid scandal ahead of Bangkok final
Two judges resigned from the Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, citing concerns over transparency just days before the winner was set to be crowned. Omar Harfouch, a Lebanese-French composer, shocked fans on Tuesday, November 18, when he announced via Instagram that he was stepping down from the judging panel of this year’s competition, accusing the organisers of running a “charade”…
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Anutin teases early House dissolution amid censure threat
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signalled he may dissolve the House early if the opposition files a no-confidence motion, warning he won’t play into political traps. Speaking at Government House yesterday, November 19, Anutin said his minority government is ready for scrutiny but warned that a formal no-confidence debate under Section 151 would likely lead him to dissolve the House before…
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47 tourists rescued after Koh Kut boat splits at sea
A passenger boat carrying nearly 100 tourists suffered a hull rupture while returning from Koh Kut, prompting an urgent sea rescue by Thai authorities. Dozens of tourists were left fearing for their lives after the hull of a passenger boat ruptured mid-journey while returning from Koh Kut to the mainland in Trat province. The incident unfolded today, November 20, as…
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Thai twins make history with life-saving liver transplant
A young man’s life has been saved by his identical twin in a medical first for Thailand, thanks to a groundbreaking liver transplant in Chiang Mai. Doctors at Chiang Mai University confirmed the successful operation, marking a turning point in Thailand’s transplant history. The patient, Suphawit Songngern, was born with biliary atresia, a rare condition that blocks the bile ducts…
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Foreign man caught stealing shoes and umbrella outside Phuket salon
A foreign man was caught on CCTV footage stealing shoes and an umbrella left outside a salon in Phuket yesterday, November 19. The owner of a salon in the Ratsada sub-district of Phuket shared the security camera footage of the theft with the Newshawk Phuket Facebook page. The salon owner had temporarily closed the shop to run a personal errand…
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Hong Kong man arrested in Bangkok for call centre scam and drug possession
Police arrested a man from Hong Kong for operating a call centre scam and possessing drugs at his home in Lat Krabang, Bangkok, on Tuesday, November 18. Officers from the Metropolitan Police Bureau raided a house on Soi Lat Krabang 1ก/7, where the Hong Kong suspect, Tsai Chun-Ming, was identified as the homeowner. Tsai was wanted following a complaint by…
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Pattaya performers scammed as organisers vanish with 430k
A comedy troupe and musicians were left high and dry in Pattaya after a fake event organiser disappeared with over 430,000 baht intended for their fees, prompting a police investigation. The incident unfolded on Tuesday, November 18, near the entrance of Soi Khao Talo, where an outdoor concert was due to feature popular comedian Foy Thong Chuen Yim, young singer…
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Transport ministry eyes 40-baht day pass for train lines
The Ministry of Transport is moving forward with a proposal to introduce a 40-baht all-day train pass for Bangkok’s Purple and Red electric lines. Designed to ease commuting costs and encourage regular use, the plan will be submitted to the Cabinet for approval next week. An official source revealed the pass would allow unlimited travel for a flat fee of…
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Thailand crowned world’s best food destination in 2025
Thailand has been crowned the world’s best country for food, after a global survey revealed what travellers really crave: bold flavours and unforgettable dishes. Condé Nast Traveller, a prestigious US-based travel magazine, has named Thailand the No.1 country for food in its annual Readers’ Choice Awards 2025. Scoring a near-perfect 98.33 out of 100, Thailand wowed voters with its bold…
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Thailand plans to extend civil servants’ retirement age from 60 to 65
The government plans to extend the retirement age for all civil servants from 60 to 65 in response to declining birth rates and the country’s transition to an ageing society. Deputy Prime Minister for Legal Affairs, Bowornsak Uwanno, discussed the progress of the study on extending the retirement age for civil servants, as assigned by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Bowornsak…
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Second body found in Phuket’s Sarasin bridge suicide identified
A woman from Surat Thani died alongside her partner after their pickup plunged off Sarasin Bridge in Phuket, prompting an urgent recovery and investigation. The woman, identified as 39 year old Kan from Surat Thani province, South Thailand, has become the focus of a heartbreaking case after she and her partner were found dead when their pickup truck plunged off…
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Wife arrested for shooting husband over ‘throuple’ relationship request
A 60 year old woman shot her 35 year old husband in Nakhon Pathom yesterday, November 19, after he returned to his ex-wife and asked her to accept a throuple relationship. Police from Nakhon Chai Si Police Station responded to reports of a shooting at a house in Soi Khun Kaew 10, Khun Kaew sub-district, where they found the injured…
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Phuket MP demands action over forestland grab scandal
A Phuket MP has called on officials to investigate the illegal construction of buildings on protected forestland after claims of encroachment surfaced. Phuket’s forestland is under fresh scrutiny as Members of Parliament call for a full investigation into illegal construction encroaching on protected public land and animal pastures at Laem Phromthep. At a press conference held at Parliament yesterday, November…
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Thailand may delay decision on scrapping Cambodia border pacts
A Thai House committee reviewing controversial border MoUs with Cambodia is seeking more time to decide whether to recommend their cancellation. A parliamentary committee tasked with reviewing two controversial memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between Thailand and Cambodia is requesting a 30-day extension as it struggles to sift through a mountain of evidence. The current deadline is December 3, but committee…
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17 year old Thai student stabs classmate for pulling down trousers as prank
A 17 year old student stabbed his classmate multiple times with a knife at a school in Chachoengsao yesterday, November 19, after he allegedly pulled down his trousers as a prank. Teachers urgently contacted the Tha Kradan District Rescue Foundation for help, and the injured student, 16 year old Wuttipong, was transported to Sanam Chai Khet Hospital for treatment. Wuttipong…
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Indian gang arrested in Pattaya online gambling condo sting
Five Indian men were arrested in Pattaya after police raided a condominium where they were allegedly running an illegal online gambling operation. Immigration police, led by Police Colonel Napaspong Khositsuriyamani and Police Lieutenant Colonel Kawinwat Arayasutirawong, raided the property on Thepprasit Soi 17 in the Nong Prue area of Bang Lamung district. The bust followed intelligence reports that a group…
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Chilly blast hits Thailand as monsoon brings storms south
A cold spell is sweeping across Thailand as a powerful high-pressure system brings strong winds, falling temperatures and stormy seas to several regions. A strong high-pressure system from China is extending over upper Thailand, triggering a cold snap across the north, northeast, and parts of the south. Morning temperatures are dipping sharply, particularly in northern regions, where residents woke up…
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Police investigate death of woman found on beach in Prachuap Khiri Khan
Police are investigating the death of a Thai woman whose body was discovered on Laem Kum Beach in the Thap Sakae district of Prachuap Khiri Khan province on Monday, November 17. Officers from Thap Sakae Police Station were alerted at around 12.30pm after reports of a body discovered roughly 500 metres from Rocky Point Resort. When police arrived, they found…
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Russian arrested in Bangkok for 12 million baht investment scam
A Russian man has been arrested for allegedly defrauding the elderly owner of a renowned Chinese-Thai herbal medicine company out of over 11 million baht in an elaborate investment scam. The arrest came after cyber police launched a sting operation in response to a complaint filed by the 70 year old victim from Nakhon Pathom province. The victim said she…
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Police rescue teenage boy from suicide attempt on Ayutthaya bridge
Two police officers stepped in to save a 15 year old boy from a suicide attempt on a bridge in Ayutthaya province yesterday, November 18. Police Senior Sergeant Major Itsara Samakrob and Police Lance Corporal Thanachai Thianthong were dispatched to a bridge in the Pratu Chai district after receiving a report about a suicide attempt. At the scene, officers found…
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Phuket tattoo artist says Australian client skipped 15,000 baht bill
A tattoo artist in Patong, Phuket, has accused an Australian man of failing to pay for a completed tattoo session worth 15,000 baht, after making an initial deposit. The incident occurred on November 18 at Dragon Ink Patong Phuket tattoo studio. The artist shared photos of the man across multiple Facebook groups to warn other businesses in the area. In…
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Miss Teen Cambodia contestant accuses Thailand of starting war (video)
A Miss Teen Cambodia contestant sparked controversy when she tearfully accused Thailand of provoking conflict during a speech at a national pageant event. The woman accused Thailand of instigating conflict and demanding the return of 18 Cambodian soldiers. The moment unfolded during the pageant finals and was later uploaded to TikTok by the account @queencambodiaofficial_17. The video, which quickly went…
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Central Thailand woman scammed out of nearly 1m baht online (video)
A woman from central Thailand turned to a well-known TikTok content creator after falling victim to an online scam that cost her nearly one million baht. The woman, an agricultural scholar and longtime follower of TikTok user @Namobanchangtongdaengso0, shared her emotional ordeal during a livestream. She sought Namo’s help in verifying whether her remaining jewellery was real gold after losing…
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