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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  • 5 Chinese arrested for 1 million baht scam on old Thai woman

    5 Chinese arrested for 1 million baht scam on old Thai woman

    Police arrested five Chinese nationals in the southern province of Yala for stealing 800,000 baht in gold and 150,000 baht in cash from an old Thai woman on February 12. The 71 year old victim, Jiraporn, filed a complaint with Betong Police Station after falling victim to the Chinese scammers. She reported that the scammers approached her outside an electrical…

  • China doubles down on border scam operations with Myanmar

    China doubles down on border scam operations with Myanmar

    China is intensifying its efforts to dismantle international scam operations along the Thai-Myanmar border, dispatching Liu Zhongyi, China’s Assistant Minister of Public Security, to the region to bolster the crackdown. Liu, an experienced police officer, arrived at Don Mueang International Airport yesterday, February 16, with approximately 26 Chinese delegates. From there, they travelled to Mae Sot district in Tak before…

  • Pickup truck plunges into sea at Rayong’s Maptaput estate

    Pickup truck plunges into sea at Rayong’s Maptaput estate

    A pickup truck plummeted into the sea in Rayong, leaving bystanders helpless as they watched the vehicle and its occupant disappear beneath the waves. The incident was reported to the Mueang Rayong District Police Station today, February 17, when a local fisherman witnessed the accident near the coastal road at the Maptaput Industrial Estate. Upon arrival at the scene, located…

  • Thailand urged to target older tourists to boost tourism revenue

    Thailand urged to target older tourists to boost tourism revenue

    A scholar from Thammasat University is advocating for Thailand’s government to target older tourists, who are known for longer stays and higher spending, as part of its tourism strategy. The government has designated 2025 as the year of Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism & Sports, with the objective of drawing 40 million international tourists and generating a minimum of 3 trillion…

  • Puff, cuff, and rough: Thai cop busted for smuggling after crash

    Puff, cuff, and rough: Thai cop busted for smuggling after crash

    A Thai police officer got himself arrested for illegal cigarette smuggling after a car accident in the eastern province of Trat yesterday, February 16, and sustained serious injuries. Officers from Ban Tha Luan Police Station responded to the accident on Sukhumvit Road at 6.30pm yesterday. They found the police vehicle crashed into a roadside lamp post. The driver was identified as…

  • Car blaze prompts evacuation in Ubon Ratchathani

    Car blaze prompts evacuation in Ubon Ratchathani

    A car fire on Chang Sanit Road in the Mueang district of Ubon Ratchathani, led to the evacuation of a woman in her forties before the flames engulfed the vehicle. Firefighters from the provincial and municipal fire departments responded quickly to control the blaze, suspected to have been caused by an electrical short circuit, in 20 minutes. The incident occurred…

  • Bangkok highlights urgent need for pedestrian safety at crossings

    Bangkok highlights urgent need for pedestrian safety at crossings

    Road safety measures at pedestrian crossings in Bangkok are being highlighted as essential, following findings that most road accidents occur near schools and hospitals. Chamaipan Santikarn, who manages the Social Mobilisation for Motorcycle Safety Project at ThaiHealth, emphasised the need for improved safety after a recent incident where a 68 year old South Korean tourist was struck by a motorcycle…

  • Racing sedans crash in Chon Buri, 12 vehicles damaged (video)

    Racing sedans crash in Chon Buri, 12 vehicles damaged (video)

    An accident involving a group of modified sedans racing on the Chon Buri motorway resulted in damage to 12 vehicles. Emergency services suspect intoxication as a factor. Police are currently questioning those involved after the incident, which occurred yesterday, February 16 at 3.30am. The event was widely shared on social media, showing the cars speeding, weaving, and overtaking recklessly before…

  • Four illegal foreign nationals nabbed in Pattaya swoop

    Four illegal foreign nationals nabbed in Pattaya swoop

    Bang Lamung police officers swooped on Naklua at the weekend, leading to the arrest of four foreign nationals working illegally in the bustling area behind Naklua New Market in Chon Buri province. The targeted raid on Saturday, February 15 uncovered a startling six-year overstaying spree by two of the apprehended individuals. The crackdown unfolded in Moo 5, Naklua subdistrict, where…

  • Chumphon stunned as elderly monk fatally stabs abbot

    Chumphon stunned as elderly monk fatally stabs abbot

    Residents of Chumphon province were shocked as an 87 year old monk attacked the 94 year old abbot with a knife, resulting in the abbot’s death. The incident occurred at 7.30pm, yesterday, February 16 at a temple in Mueang district. Police Lieutenant Colonel Pathompong Chummak, Deputy Inspector at Ban Wisai Nuea Police Station, responded to a report of a violent…

  • Shocking striker: Uker van Lingen’s post-match jolt causes sparks

    Shocking striker: Uker van Lingen’s post-match jolt causes sparks

    Suphanburi FC striker Uker van Lingen survived an unexpected encounter with live voltage that turned a routine post-match interview in an electrifying turn of events. As the Football Association of Thailand jumps into action, the bizarre mishap has left the league sparking a debate on safety measures. Following Suphanburi FC’s triumphant 3-0 victory over Pattaya United in the Thai League…

  • Elderly man’s half a million baht close call in Bangkok taxi

    Elderly man’s half a million baht close call in Bangkok taxi

    An elderly man in Bangkok accidentally left four valuable pieces of ancient gold jewellery in a taxi. Police successfully traced the items, revealing their worth to be around half a million baht. The incident occurred after the man travelled from Chatuchak yesterday, February 16. Police Colonel Sanong Saengmanee, superintendent of Chanasongkram Police Station, stated that the investigative team was informed…

  • Man arrested for filming under skirts at Bangkok concert

    Man arrested for filming under skirts at Bangkok concert

    Police detained a 26 year old man from Udon Thani for allegedly attempting to covertly record under a female concertgoer’s skirt at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok on February 16. The incident occurred amidst a large concert attended by both Thai and international audiences, including many Chinese tourists. The arrest was led by Police Colonel Pronthwee Somwang and officers…

  • Throttle tragedy: German biker’s final ride ends in fatal Thai crash

    Throttle tragedy: German biker’s final ride ends in fatal Thai crash

    A tragic high-speed collision in Pattaya has claimed the life of a German biker in a heart-stopping crash that left a local driver shaken but miraculously unscathed. As police delve into the incident, questions mount over the biker’s ill-fated manoeuvre into oncoming traffic. In the early hours of yesterday, February 16, tragedy struck on Huai Yai Road when a 45…

  • Thailand’s single ticket system to cut public transport costs

    Thailand’s single ticket system to cut public transport costs

    The Common Ticketing System Management Bill, which aims to enable commuters to purchase a single ticket for various public transport modes, is expected to reduce service costs, according to a public hearing. The Thailand Consumers Council organised this hearing to gather feedback on the bill for the House’s special committee reviewing the measure. Jiraroth Sukolrat, Deputy Director-General of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy…

  • Thai lottery winners share 54 million baht jackpot

    Thai lottery winners share 54 million baht jackpot

    The Thai lottery, Lottery Plus, announced a major win of 54 million baht, creating new millionaires in two provinces. The Thai Government Lottery Office announced the winning numbers for the draw held yesterday, February 16. The first prize number was 847377, with additional winning numbers for the three-digit front, three-digit back, and two-digit categories. Following the announcement, Lottery Plus confirmed…

  • Chinese driver crashes SUV into rental house, injuring 2 (video)

    Chinese driver crashes SUV into rental house, injuring 2 (video)

    A Chinese man crashed his SUV into a rental house in the central province of Prachin Buri on Saturday, February 15, injuring two victims, a Thai woman and a Laotian man. Officers from Kabin Buri Police Station investigated the accident, which occurred at around 9.30pm in the Kabin Buri district of Prachin Buri province. Upon arrival, they found a white…

  • PM Paetongtarn’s plans for ASEAN growth

    PM Paetongtarn’s plans for ASEAN growth

    Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has emphasised the importance of fostering regional economic integration, and fortifying supply chains among ASEAN nations to contribute to global economic progress. In an interview, the 38 year old PM highlighted the potential for ASEAN, under Malaysia’s chairmanship, to expedite the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to stimulate regional growth. The Thai premier…

  • Heavy rain and strong winds to hit 30 Thai provinces

    Heavy rain and strong winds to hit 30 Thai provinces

    The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather forecast indicating that 30 provinces, including Bangkok, will experience heavy rainfall, strong winds, and thunderstorms. Residents are advised to be cautious, especially as 30% of the areas are expected to be affected by the severe weather. Following these weather conditions, a temperature drop is anticipated on February 17. A high-pressure system…

  • Phuket police impound 20 bikes over reckless tourist driving

    Phuket police impound 20 bikes over reckless tourist driving

    Phuket’s Patong police impounded 20 motorbikes and addressed the issue of foreign tourists driving recklessly during a late-night operation intended to enhance road safety. Yesterday, February 15, at 12.30am, Patong Police officers carried out an inspection near Kasikorn Bank on Prachanukroh Road, located at the southern end of Patong. The operation focused on identifying and addressing reckless driving and other…

  • Russian, Thai nationals arrested in Phuket over wire fraud charges

    Russian, Thai nationals arrested in Phuket over wire fraud charges

    A Russian national and three Thai citizens have been detained in Phuket in separate operations. The Russian, Egor Nikolaevich Glebov, is wanted by US police for wire fraud charges. Phuket Immigration officers and the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) carried out the raids. Glebov, a 38 year old Russian national, was apprehended at a residence in Supalai Palm Springs, Srisoonthorn.…

  • Family of three found dead in truck: Suspects charged with murder

    Family of three found dead in truck: Suspects charged with murder

    Yesterday, February 15, at the Khlong Khlung Police Station in Kamphaeng Phet province, senior police officials presented the case of a family of three found dead in a pickup truck. Two suspects, Siwakorn or Note and Khe, were charged with intentional murder, concealment of bodies, theft at night, and possession of firearms without permission. At 1pm, the police took the…

  • Couple arrested in Thailand for child exploitation and trafficking

    Couple arrested in Thailand for child exploitation and trafficking

    Yesterday, February 15, police arrested a 35 year old woman, Wannipa, and her 43 year old husband, Uthen, for the creation and distribution of illicit content involving their 10 year old child. While Wannipa confessed, Uthen denied the charges. The arrests were conducted under orders from Police Major General Songklod Krikkritaya, with Police Colonel Pattharapong Sripinpraw and Police Lieutenant Colonel…

  • Lottery fans hunt lucky numbers for February 16 draw

    Lottery fans hunt lucky numbers for February 16 draw

    Lottery enthusiasts are eagerly searching for lucky numbers ahead of the third lottery draw of 2025, scheduled for today, February 16. To enhance their chances, many are reviewing previous lottery results from February 16 over the past decade. In the February 16, 2024 draw, the first prize number was 941395, with 43 as the two-digit number. The three-digit numbers preceding…

  • Thai man arrested after robbing gold shop for Valentine’s gift

    Thai man arrested after robbing gold shop for Valentine’s gift

    A 26 year old man from Nakhon Si Thammarat was arrested for robbing a gold shop in Samut Prakan, claiming he needed the money to buy a gift for his partner on Valentine’s Day. The suspect, identified as Chayanan But-nga, was apprehended by police while attempting to flee the area. Chayanan was caught with a black Honda PCX motorcycle, registered…

  • Turkish man loses 25,000 baht after Valentine’s Day encounter in Pattaya

    Turkish man loses 25,000 baht after Valentine’s Day encounter in Pattaya

    In Pattaya, a Turkish national reported to the police the loss of his money following an encounter with a woman he met at Pattaya Beach on Valentine’s Day. Police from Pattaya City conveyed to the Phuket Express that the man, identified only as Nevzat, lodged his report at 2.46am yesterday, February 15. Nevzat recounted meeting a woman on Pattaya Beach,…

  • Thailand’s marriage equality law requires effective implementation

    Thailand’s marriage equality law requires effective implementation

    Following the introduction of the Marriage Equality Law in Thailand, experts highlight the need for effective implementation and support for the LGBTQ+ community. A recent forum titled Marriage Equality: From Diverse Viewpoint to Effective Legal Implementation, organised by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation and Thammasat University, addressed how to enact the law inclusively. Academics specialising in gender studies acknowledged that…

  • Myanmar raids arrest 29, uncover illegal gambling, scams

    Myanmar raids arrest 29, uncover illegal gambling, scams

    A recent operation in Myanmar’s Tachileik led to the arrest of seven Thai and 22 Myanmar nationals suspected of involvement in illegal online gambling and scams. The arrests, conducted by Myanmar’s State Administration Council (SAC), were reported by the Tachileik News Agency. From February 12 to February 14, all 29 people were detained. On February 12, the SAC apprehended the…

  • Thaksin Shinawatra allowed to attend ASEAN meeting in Brunei

    Thaksin Shinawatra allowed to attend ASEAN meeting in Brunei

    Thaksin Shinawatra has been granted permission by the Criminal Court to attend an ASEAN meeting in Brunei on Tuesday and Wednesday. This marks the second occasion the former prime minister is allowed to leave Thailand, following the provision of a 5-million-baht cash surety. The court, however, denied his requests to visit Vietnam and Cambodia during this period. Thaksin will be…

  • Police operation rescues young foreign girls from Bangkok streets

    Police operation rescues young foreign girls from Bangkok streets

    On February 14, a police operation against panhandling in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit Road area led to the rescue of three young foreign girls. Lumphini police, alongside social workers and Ministry of Social Development and Human Security staff, conducted a sweep from Sukhumvit Soi 3 to the Asok intersection. The operation resulted in the apprehension of 13 homeless women, comprising one Thai,…