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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Teenager tragically killed by harvester in Kamphaeng Phet
A tragic incident occurred in Kamphaeng Phet when a 15 year old boy from Phetchaburi, working in a sugarcane field, was killed by a sugarcane harvester. Relatives claimed the boy was asleep in a furrow, unnoticed by others. Yesterday, February 11 at 2.30pm, Lan Krabue Police Station was informed that the sugarcane harvester had pulled the boy into its machinery…
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Norwegian parents’ cave tour with baby in Thailand sparks debate
A Norwegian couple, known for documenting their global adventures, recently revealed an unconventional solution to include their 10 month old son on an adventure trip in Thailand. The destination of the Norwegian couple, 32 year old Tora and 31 year old Marcus, was the Emerald Cave, a sea cave that leads to a hidden lagoon and beach, accessible only by swimming,…
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Myanmar and Rohingya migrants found abandoned in Thai forest
More than 50 people, identified as Myanmar and Rohingya nationals, were discovered hiding in a forest near a village in Rim Si Muang subdistrict, Khao Kho district. They had been abandoned after being smuggled into the country and left without assistance. The discovery emerged after a Facebook post by Phaitoon Khotsombat, a district official, shared a video of the group…
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Pregnant woman mourns husband shot by police in Bangkok theft
A nine-month pregnant woman was left in mourning after her husband was shot dead by police during a motorcycle theft incident in Bangkok. The man, part of a gang involved in stealing motorcycles, was confronted by investigators and shot after allegedly threatening officers with a firearm. The family claims the police response was excessive. The shooting occurred near the entrance…
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Tragedy in Trat as rubber worker kills toddler
A 25 year old rubber-tapping labourer was apprehended by the police for the murder of a one year old boy in Bo Rai, Trat province. The incident, involving multiple stab wounds, occurred after he allegedly consumed methamphetamine and claimed he was threatened by the child’s father. Police Colonel Thanapon Temsara, deputy inspector at Bo Rai Police Station, reported the arrest…
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Thai boy forced into inappropriate acts by foreign students
An incident involving a seven year old Thai boy being forced by four foreign students to perform inappropriate acts at a school has emerged. The boy’s mother reported the incident to the police, who have been accused of dismissing the boy’s claims as playful experimenting among children. According to reports, the boy, who is in the first grade, was allegedly…
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Thailand considers border ban and export halt to curb scams
The Government of Thailand is considering intensifying its efforts against call-scam gangs operating from Myanmar, potentially including a border ban on suspected accomplices and halting solar panel exports to Myanmar. This was stated by senior officials following recent discussions. Chatchai Bangchuad, Secretary General of the National Security Council, stated yesterday, February 11, that current anti-scam measures will continue. Should these…
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Phuket probes kindergarten injuries amid social media uproar
Officials in Phuket have launched an investigation into alleged student injuries at Patong Kindergarten following concerns highlighted on social media. A high-level meeting was convened on February 10, with officials committing to a comprehensive and impartial inquiry. Attendees of the meeting included Phuket Vice Governor Ronnarong Thipsiri, Patong Mayor Chalermsak Maneesri, Deputy Mayor Lalita Maneesri, Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee, senior…
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Phuket cybercrime bust: Six arrested in online gambling crackdown
A significant operation against international cybercrime in Phuket has led to the arrest of six people, including three Taiwanese nationals, connected to a complex online gambling and money laundering scheme. This was part of an initiative by the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB). The arrests were publicised yesterday, February 11, at the CCIB headquarters in Bangkok. The operation, named Hunting…
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Chinese factories in Thailand raided for legal violations
Three Chinese-owned factories in Samut Sakhon’s Mueang district were raided and had their operations suspended for multiple legal violations. The Industry Ministry and the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division of the Royal Thai Police led the inspections after residents raised concerns about night-time black smoke emissions. The factories were engaged in metal smelting and processing non-hazardous waste like…
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Teen attacked by classmates in Buriram school incident
In the Lahan Sai district of Buriram, a 13 year old student has reported to the police that a group of her schoolmates physically assaulted her for approximately one hour. The Grade 7 student, accompanied by her parents, approached the Lahan Sai Police Station yesterday, February 11, after being attacked by at least 10 classmates from both Grade 7 and Grade…
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Thailand’s temperatures rise slightly despite chilly mornings
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts a slight warming trend despite cold morning temperatures. The Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea will experience waves of about 1 metre, prompting caution for seafarers yesterday, February 11. An update for the next 24 hours highlights that while temperatures in upper Thailand are set to rise by 1 to 3 degrees Celsius,…
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Thailand launches global task force to combat human trafficking
Thailand is stepping up its fight against human trafficking and scam call centres by establishing an international coordination centre to rescue victims trapped in Myanmar, Police Inspector-General Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot announced. Speaking from Tak province yesterday, February 10, Thatchai confirmed that the centre will work with international law enforcement to track down and free people, regardless of nationality, who…
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Foreign motorcyclist flees after hitting Thai delivery rider (video)
A Thai food delivery rider is seeking justice after a foreign motorcyclist hit him on a road in Pattaya and immediately sped away, even though he was injured in the accident. The 35 year old victim, Surasak, shared dashcam footage of the incident with various news agencies to locate the foreign motorcyclist. He told Channel 7 that the incident took…
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Brit arrested at Manchester Airport for drug offences after Thai trip
A 21 year old British man’s holiday ended in handcuffs after he was arrested at Manchester Airport upon returning home from Thailand. Matthew Crehan, of Dentons Green Lane, St Helens, was taken into custody on Saturday, February 8, before being charged with multiple drug supply offences. Merseyside Police confirmed that Crehan faces charges related to the supply of class A,…
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More planes to take off as Thailand summer travel surges
Thailand’s skies are set to get busier as flights increase across major airports under the new northern summer schedule, which kicks off next month. With international travel rebounding, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) confirmed a significant rise in flight slots at the nation’s busiest airports. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced that Suvarnabhumi Airport has secured 1,202 daily flight…
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Thailand’s LGBTQ tourism surge as spending hits record high
Thailand is fast becoming the globe’s top LGBTQ travel destination, with spending among LGBTQ tourists skyrocketing 38% to over 73,000 baht per trip, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The number of first-time LGBTQ visitors has also jumped 19.9%, signalling a major shift in the country’s tourism landscape. Following the Marriage Equality Act, LGBTQ travellers have increasingly inquired…
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Illegal factory in Nonthaburi busted for fake sterile cotton balls
Thai police shut down an illegal medical supply factory in Nonthaburi after uncovering a massive operation producing unlicenced cotton balls soaked in diluted alcohol, potentially endangering thousands of patients. Consumer Protection Police (CPP) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials raided the factory in Khlong Khoi subdistrict yesterday, February 10, following a tip-off. Inside, they found over 9,000 packs of…
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Google eyes increased investment in Thai government projects
Google has shown interest in increasing its investment in Thai government-related projects, according to the Commerce Minister. During a visit to the United States last week, Minister Pichai Naripthaphan engaged in discussions with Google executives focusing on collaboration in the digital economy, cybersecurity enhancement, and advanced technology investments in Thailand. A major topic was public project investments, with Google particularly…
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Scorching summer ahead: Thailand braces for 43°C heatwave
Thailand is set to officially enter its sizzling summer season at the end of February, with temperatures expected to soar as high as 43°C, the Thailand Meteorological Department (TMD) announced today. The scorching season will last until May, driven by hot southerly winds sweeping across the country. However, the north and northeast will continue to see cool mornings throughout March…
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Black water crisis: Pollution hits Kamala Beach again
Phuket’s paradise image is once again under threat as black wastewater was seen gushing onto Kamala Beach, where unsuspecting tourists and locals swim. Despite repeated promises of urgent action, pollution continues to plague the island’s beaches, raising serious health concerns. Following public outrage, Pollution Control Department (PCD) Director General Preeyaporn Suwannaket ordered an urgent investigation into the foul-smelling wastewater contaminating…
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Disabled man killed in Surin after argument turns deadly
A 52 year old man with a disability was tragically killed following an altercation in the Surin province. The incident occurred yesterday afternoon, February 10, when police were alerted to an assault resulting in death near the village hall in Mueang, Sangkhla district, Surin. Upon arrival, police found the body of An, a local with a prosthetic leg, lying on…
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Canadian man found dead in car near Phuket beach
Police have launched an investigation after a Canadian man was found dead inside a parked car near Nui Beach in Karon yesterday morning, leaving officers puzzled over the circumstances of his death. Karon Police were alerted to the scene at approximately 9.15am yesterday, February 10, where they found the man’s body inside a Mitsubishi Xpander with Phuket registration. His lifeless…
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High-stakes hiss: 4 metre king cobra captured after tense showdown
A highly aggressive king cobra measuring 4 metres in length was safely captured after it raised its hood over 1 metre high and threatened to strike. The incident occurred on Sunday, February 9, when 62 year old Sunthon Chumanuan, residing at 98/1, Village 1, Sathon subdistrict, Nathawi district, Songkhla province, alerted police to the presence of a large and fierce…
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Thai actress suspended, beauty queen removed over soup attack
A production company suspended a Thai actress and the organiser of a beauty pageant cancelled a transgender beauty queen’s title following their alleged involvement with two suspects in the hot soup attack on an LGBTQIA+ university student in Pathum Thani province near Bangkok. Officers from Khlong Luang Police Station arrested two LGBTQIA+ university students from Bangkok University, 22 year old…
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FDA allows colour in tea but urges caution with additives
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that adding colour to tea is permissible, advising consumers to check for FDA approval on labels. They recommend against consuming multiple cups daily and suggest choosing teas with a natural appearance. Yesterday, February 10, Doctor Surachoke Tangwiwat, Secretary General of the FDA, addressed concerns about the use of Yellow No. 6 or Sunset…
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Monkey shelters in Phetchaburi to be ready by March
The Government of Thailand is overseeing the construction of monkey shelters in Phetchaburi, which are expected to be completed by March. These facilities aim to accommodate troublesome monkeys from Phetchaburi city, addressing the issue of overpopulation. Yesterday, February 10, at the Huai Sai Wildlife Breeding Station in Cha-am district, Phetchaburi province, Yutthaphon Angkinan, a former advisor to the minister of natural…
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PM mulls lifting alcohol restrictions for tourists on Buddhist holidays
Thailand’s strict alcohol sales restrictions could soon be scrapped as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra orders a review of outdated laws limiting alcohol sales on Buddhist holidays and between 2pm and 5pm. The move aims to boost tourism, with concerns that foreign visitors are unaware of these restrictions and find them inconvenient. Following a Cabinet meeting, the 38 year old prime…
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Pattaya tourists fuming as Makha Bucha shuts down nightlife
Pattaya’s famous nightlife is set to go silent as officials enforce a strict alcohol ban in observance of Makha Bucha Day, leaving frustrated tourists scrambling for alternative plans. From 12.01am to 11.59pm tomorrow, February 12, all businesses—including shops, pubs, and bars—are strictly prohibited from selling alcohol. The Pattaya Police Department issued a stern warning, urging establishments to comply or risk…
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Thai MP’s friend accuses police of demanding bribe in rape case
A friend of the Thai MP accused of raping a Taiwanese woman said police officers demanded a 400,000 baht bribe to make the case go away. Chiang Mai Police Station officers last week revealed to the public that a Taiwanese woman filed a complaint against Thai Progressive Party MP Chaiyamphawan “Puaut” Manpianjit for raping her on January 9 at a hotel in Chiang…
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