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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Audit office blames thin elevator shafts for Bangkok collapse
The State Audit Office (SAO) released a statement addressing the decision to reduce the wall thickness of the elevator shafts in its new 30-storey building, which allegedly contributed to its collapse during an earthquake. The statement clarified that the adjustment in wall thickness was made to comply with appropriate building standards for interior architecture. The construction contract was awarded to…
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Twin tremors hit Pai as Thailand’s earthquake saga continues​
Northern Thailand was rocked late last night by a pair of earthquakes in Mae Hong Son’s picturesque Pai district, sending tremors across two provinces and adding to a growing list of seismic shocks unsettling the region in recent weeks.​ At 10.27pm, yesterday, April 24, a 3.8-magnitude earthquake struck Wiang Nuea subdistrict in Pai district, Mae Hong Son province, at a…
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DSI uncovers illegal pork import scheme with Thai, Chinese links
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) announced the discovery of illegal pork imports involving Thai and Chinese investors, along with government officials. A total of 161 containers of frozen pork were found. This announcement took place yesterday, April 24, at the DSI office in Chaeng Watthana Government Complex. Present were Somboon Muangklam, advisor to the justice minister, and several DSI…
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Talk not tariffs: ASEAN plays it cool as trade war heats up
As Washington rattles the tariff sabre, ASEAN isn’t taking the bait, instead doubling down on diplomacy and pledging to keep trade ties intact with the US, its second-biggest partner. ASEAN has made it crystal clear: it’s sticking with multilateralism and won’t retaliate against US tariff hikes. That’s the message from Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan after a special virtual summit of…
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SUV crushed between 2 trucks causes 8 deaths, 3 injuries
In a heart-wrenching accident, eight lives, including those of young children, were tragically cut short when a colossal 22-wheel truck slammed into a parked SUV and another lorry in an emergency parling area. The crash, which left three others injured, occurred on a motorway heading towards Chon Buri province. Officials from the Phranakhon Radio Centre were alerted to the fatal…
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Thai Vietjet launches summer fares from 799 baht
Thai Vietjet is turning up the heat this summer with an unbeatable promotion, offering domestic flights from just 799 baht, including taxes and fees! Whether you’re dreaming of a beach getaway to Phuket, a city escape to Chiang Mai, or a cultural trip to Hat Yai, there’s a deal waiting for you. But that’s not all – international routes are…
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Thai woman fatally shot in front of son in financial dispute
In a chilling scene straight out of Nakhon Pathom, a man fatally shot a woman right before her 11 year old son. The tragedy didn’t stop there as the suspect then took another woman hostage before police swooped in for the arrest. His motive? He accused the victim of swindling him out of cash. Officers from Mueang Nakhon Pathom Police…
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Second storm warning for upper Thailand this summer
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a second warning regarding summer storms expected to affect upper Thailand from tomorrow, April 26 to Thursday, May 1. This announcement highlights the potential for thunderstorms, strong winds, hail, and heavy rainfall in some areas. The storms are anticipated due to a moderate high-pressure system from China moving over Vietnam and the South China…
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Thai and mighty: Exports soar to 3-year high despite tariff troubles
Thai exports are firing on all cylinders, with shipments rocketing to their highest level in three years, defying fears over punishing US tariffs and giving the economy a hefty shot in the arm. Thai exports surged for the ninth straight month in March, jumping 17.8% year-on-year to a record-breaking US$29.5 billion, or around 1 trillion baht, according to the Commerce Ministry.…
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Thailand snuffs out 80% of e-cigarettes in teen vape clampdown
Vaping in Thailand has taken a sharp nosedive, with an eye-watering 80% drop in sales and usage in just two months, as the government lights a fire under its anti-e-cigarette campaign. Deputy Government Spokesman Anukool Pruksanusak announced the dramatic plunge, crediting a no-nonsense crackdown ordered by the Prime Minister amid mounting concern over teen vaping. “The number of young users…
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Thailand pushes for inclusive job market for silver age workers
Jobsdb by SEEK, Thailand’s leading job platform, is advancing the country’s labour market by supporting the Silver Age workforce, those aged 55 and above, in preparing for a future shaped by AI technology and digital tools. As of yesterday, April 23, the Silver Age group comprises over 13 million people, roughly 20% of Thailand’s workforce, with projections of the country…
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Star voyager cruise docks in Pattaya for the first time
Thailand just got a massive upgrade on the luxury travel map — and it’s coming by sea. For the first time ever, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) teamed up with StarDream Cruises to welcome the Star Voyager to Thai shores, marking a milestone moment in the kingdom’s cruise tourism ambitions. The sleek, high-end cruise ship officially launched operations from…
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Husband’s sign warns thief after wife’s undergarments stolen twice
A husband has resorted to putting up a sign to deter an intruder who has twice stolen his wife’s undergarments. The thief was captured on CCTV, clearly showing the perpetrator in action. This incident was reported by a local Facebook page, which shared footage of the thief taking underwear from a clothesline. The CCTV footage shows the culprit, a man…
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UNICEF sounds alarm on Thailand’s rising child obesity
Thailand once made huge strides in improving children’s nutrition but now a new health crisis is growing — and it’s expanding waistlines. UNICEF Thailand has launched a powerful new campaign called Kin Rai Dee (What’s Good to Eat) in response to rising childhood obesity rates and stagnant progress on tackling undernutrition in parts of the country, particularly the southern border provinces,…
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Train wreck! Biker’s reckless dash leaves wife floored by railway barrier
A Thai motorcyclist ignored a railway barrier and recklessly rode through it, causing the barrier to strike his wife on the head and knock her to the ground in Bangkok. A Facebook user, Peet Love, shared footage of the incident on Tuesday, April 22, with a caption that read, “The incident occurred this morning. The train was coming, and you…
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Chinese steel fails second safety test in Thai collapse probe
The steel scandal behind the collapse of Thailand’s State Audit Office (SAO) building has deepened after fresh test results revealed another failure by Chinese manufacturer Xin Ke Yuan Steel — marking the second time its materials have failed to meet Thai industrial standards. Yesterday, April 23, Industry Minister Akanat Promphan confirmed the findings, citing results from the Iron and Steel…
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Russian tour guides busted in Phuket crackdown
Thailand’s sun-soaked tourist trails turned tense this week as Phuket Tourist Police swooped in on illegal tour guide operations, arresting two Russian nationals and fining two tour companies in a coordinated sting targeting unlicensed tourism activity. The crackdown, conducted yesterday, April 23, was spearheaded by Police Lieutenant Colonel Ekkachai Siri and involved officers from multiple police units and the Southern…
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Suspect arrested after attempted gold shop robbery in Yasothon
A suspect identified has been arrested following an attempted robbery at a gold shop in Mueang district, Yasothon province. The incident occurred on April 21 when the suspect, 29 year old Yotthana, also known as Sam Hongthong, disguised with a helmet and face covering, used an object resembling a firearm to threaten the shop owner. However, the owner resisted, preventing…
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Trang woman claims uncut hair has supernatural powers (video)
A 52 year old woman from Trang province has maintained her hair uncut for over a decade, measuring at 1.17 metres in length. Known locally as “Pom Pee Chor” or “ghost hair,” attempts to cut it have been unsuccessful, reportedly causing illness to those who tried. Journalists visited Nutcha’s home in Wangwon subdistrict, Kantang district, Trang. Her hair, which appears…
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Teenage boy at large after filming Thai woman in condo bathroom
A Thai woman called for a swifter investigation by police after a teenage boy filmed her in a condominium bathroom in Bangkok. The case has made no progress after eight months. The victim, identified only as Jane, contacted news agencies in a plea for justice after her complaint remained unresolved for over eight months. The incident occurred at a luxury condominium…
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Man arrested in Bangkok for child pornography ring
The Combating Human Trafficking Division arrested a 22 year old man accused of producing and distributing child pornography and enticing minors into inappropriate behaviour. The arrest of the suspect, Nakharin, took place yesterday, April 23, in the Pravet district of Bangkok. Police were alerted by an account named S0PIDA_Nam with over 44,000 followers, which was posting advertisements for more than 100…
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Phuket to stage tsunami drill at Kamala Beach
Sun, surf… and sirens? Tourists and locals on Phuket’s Kamala Beach are set to witness a full-scale tsunami emergency drill as Thailand prepares for the worst with one of its biggest disaster response simulations to date. From June 24 to 27, the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM Phuket) will take part in the Crisis Management Exercise: C-MEX…
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White lines, don’t do it! British man nabbed in drugs & visa overstay
A British man’s island joyride ended in handcuffs in Koh Samui after he reportedly tried to dodge a police stop, only to be caught with drugs in his bag and an expired visa in his passport. What started as a routine patrol turned into a high-speed chase through the streets of Koh Samui after a British man gave police the…
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Samut Sakhon man arrested after Songkran shooting incident
A 20 year old man from Samut Sakhon has been arrested following a shooting incident during the Songkran festival. He claims to have been provoked by the victim, who allegedly rode a motorcycle to cut in front of him. The suspect, recently released from prison for a theft conviction, was taken into custody yesterday, April 23. Police Major General Khomsit…
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Thai university professor blames AI for nude pre-dick-ament
A Thai university professor blamed an artificial intelligence (AI) photo editor for a nude image of himself that circulated on social media platforms. The Facebook news page Big Kren recently reported on a group, known as OutdoorHDY, who are allegedly involved in outdoor sexual activities and produced pornographic videos at several public locations in the southern province of Songkhla. The group…
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Busted! Pakistani man lived ‘life after death’ with dead Thai’s ID
A crafty Pakistani conman has been cuffed after living in Thailand for over a decade, using the stolen identity of a dead man to travel in and out of the country more than 100 times. The 41 year old Pakistan national has been arrested in Bangkok for living a double life, quite literally, after police uncovered a jaw-dropping identity scam…
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Pattaya’s new parking rules spark confusion and complaints
Motorists in Pattaya may want to double-check where they park from now on, or risk fines, towing, and a whole lot of frustration. In a bid to unclog its traffic-choked streets, Pattaya City has rolled out new parking regulations on Pattaya South Road and Thepprasit Road, hoping to ease congestion and restore some order to the city’s notoriously chaotic roads.…
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Massive fire devastates Phanom Sarakham market, destroying 12 homes
A fire broke out at the old market in Phanom Sarakham, Chachoengsao province requiring 30 fire trucks to contain the blaze. The fire yesterday, April 23, at 11.30pm, resulted in the destruction of 12 homes, but no injuries or fatalities have been reported. Rescue teams in Phanom Sarakham were alerted by locals about the fire, which occurred on Sukhaphiban 5…
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Foreign man causes scene at Bangkok hotel over deposit dispute
A foreign man caused a commotion at a hotel in Bangkok, accusing the Thai staff of cheating him and his family by charging them extra. The bedlam was caused after the staff requested a deposit for the rooms they had booked. The TikTok user Stantheman705 shared a video of the foreign family arguing with Thai hotel staff on Sunday, April…
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Chinese tourist’s joyride ends in horror crash on Pattaya street
A Chinese tourist’s midnight thrill ride turned into a nightmare after he slammed his high-powered motorcycle into a utility pole in Pattaya, leaving him fighting for his life. The horrific crash occurred at 5.16am yesterday, April 23, in Soi Chaloem Phrakiat 3. Emergency responders from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre rushed to the scene, joined by Police Lieutenant Anand…
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