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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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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Blaze at Trang car repair shop causes 10 million baht damage
A severe fire broke out at a major car repair shop in Mueang district, Trang province, affecting over 30 vehicles being serviced. At least seven cars were destroyed, with damages exceeding 10 million baht, as firefighters worked for 90 minutes to control the blaze. Nattapong Niamsom, Mayor of Nataluang subdistrict, mobilised fire engines and coordinated with local administrative organisations for…
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Drunken tourist passes out in front of Pattaya Police Station
A heavily intoxicated foreign man sparked alarm after collapsing unconscious outside Pattaya Police Station, leaving bystanders and officers scrambling to assist. The unnamed tourist was found lying in the parking area on Sunday night, February 2, blocking visitors from retrieving their vehicles. Police and rescue workers examined him and found no signs of assault, determining that his extreme alcohol consumption…
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Thailand caps airfares to curb Songkran holiday price hikes
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) announced yesterday, February 3, its plans to address the issue of high airfares during peak travel periods, especially around the Songkran holiday. According to CAAT chief Suttipong Kongpool, the initiative is in response to a directive from Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, aimed at regulating airfares for the benefit of…
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Thailand’s most polluted areas revealed in air quality report
IQAir released a real-time report on air quality in Thailand highlighting the top 10 areas with the highest levels of PM 2.5 pollution, a fine particulate matter known to affect health. As of 8.49am, today, February 4, these areas were identified as having air quality levels that pose health risks, marked in red for their severity. The list of the…
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Bangkok commits to dust-free classrooms amidst pollution concerns
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has committed to increasing the number of dust-free classrooms within its schools by the end of the year. During a community inspection in Watthana district, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt highlighted the need to address public concerns, particularly those related to environmental and public health issues. The 58 year old Bangkok chief confirmed that 744 out…
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Pattaya offers free Thai massages: Free job training
Pattaya residents and visitors can now enjoy free Thai massages and foot reflexology, thanks to a city initiative aimed at boosting employment and tackling poverty. Mayor Poramet Ngampichet recently visited a Thai massage and foot massage training programme, where participants were honing their skills as part of their certification process. Organised by the Social Welfare Office, the initiative aligns with…
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3 Thai exchange students accuse Filipina host in Ireland of racism
Three Thai exchange students accused a Filipina host in Ireland of racism, claiming she treated them unfairly and complained about them without reason, despite their weekly payment for accommodation. One of the students took to her TikTok account, @ekongza, to share a video of them moving out of their host’s home in Ireland, with a caption that read… “We are exchange…
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Golden days: Dazzling rise in gold prices spark trading frenzy
In a sparkling turn of events, gold prices have shot up, leaving traders feverishly clasping their hands with glee. Today, February 4 marked a golden morning as the Gold Traders Association (GTA) announced a substantial hike of 250 baht compared to yesterday’s rates, setting the trading floors abuzz with anticipation. As the clock struck 9.05 am, the shimmering reality set…
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Chiang Mai Night Safari welcomes adorable young hyenas (video)
Chiang Mai Night Safari has introduced two young striped hyenas, a male and a female, following in the footsteps of the much-loved tiger Eva. The hyenas’ debut occurred yesterday, February 3, attracting many visitors charmed by the new arrivals. The young hyenas, born to parents Sonic and Sanya on December 13 last year, represent a significant success in breeding rare…
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Cybercrime crackdown: New law holds Big Tech accountable
In a landmark move against the surging tide of cybercrime, a significant amendment proposal is set to be unveiled in the Royal Gazette this month, aimed at reinforcing the fight against online fraud. Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong announced that the bold step comes in response to rising concerns over the financial havoc wreaked by cybercriminals. In a…
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Man arrested for setting fire to sugarcane field in Buriram
A 53 year old man has been arrested for setting fire to a sugarcane field in the Mueang district of Buriram province, causing damage to over 30 rai with losses estimated in hundreds of thousands of baht. He claims alcohol and stress from a marital dispute impaired his judgment. Police Colonel Chamras Siriliang, along with other officers, apprehended Sombat yesterday,…
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Family arrested after illegal land occupation in Sattahip
Royal Thai Police (RTP) and naval forces in Sattahip apprehended a family for defying a court order by illegally occupying private land. The family resisted arrest, with one member attempting to flee on horseback, but eventually surrendered after negotiations yesterday, February 3 at 2.10pm. Police Colonel Thanaphon Klinkesaorn, along with Deputy Police Colonel Suwichak Ruennuamdee and an investigative team, arrived…
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China’s high-tech research ship docks in Phuket
In a grand display of diplomatic and scientific collaboration, Phuket welcomed China’s cutting-edge marine research vessel, R.V. Xiang Yang Hong 01, in a ceremony marking 50 years of Thailand-China relations. The reception, held at the Phuket Deep Sea Port yesterday, February 3, was presided over by Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong and attended by senior officials from both nations. Among…
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Thai scammer posing as police caught after decieving beauty queens
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) arrested a leading Thai call centre scammer who posed as a police officer and swindled money from at least 163 victims, including two famous beauty queens, Charlotte Austin and Anchilee Scott-Kemmis. CIB officers arrested two call centre scammers upon their return to Thailand from Cambodia. The first suspect, 31 year old Ramil, was arrested in…
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Former prisoner shot dead at petrol station in Chaiyaphum
A 31 year old former prisoner was fatally shot at a coin-operated petrol station, with initial suspicions pointing towards a drug-related motive. The incident occurred in Chaiyaphum province yesterday, February 3, at 2.11pm, just months after his release from prison. Police Colonel Prasit Premkamol from the Mueang Chaiyaphum Police Station received a report about a shooting at a petrol station…
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Taiwanese ‘Meteor Garden’ star Barbie Hsu dies at 48
The entertainment world is in shock after Taiwanese actress and television host Barbie Hsu, best known for her iconic role in the 2001 hit drama Meteor Garden, died from pneumonia at the age of 48. Hsu, one of the biggest stars in the Mandarin-speaking world, became a household name across Asia, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand, after Meteor Garden was dubbed…
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Hunter found dead in Khao Yai Park, police investigate
A 58 year old hunter was found dead under mysterious circumstances in Khao Yai National Park. His wife revealed he used ripe jackfruit to lure wild boars and never returned home. Police found spent shotgun shells at the scene. Police Colonel Prasit Phakdi from Nadi Police Station in Prachinburi province received a report about a death near Khao Yai National…
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Foreign man attacks Phuket woman for honking while crossing road
A Thai woman is seeking justice after a foreign man attacked her for honking her horn at him while he was crossing a road in Phuket. The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, shared details of the assault with the Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ today, February 4. The incident occurred at 9.10pm on Saturday, February 1. The page reported… “This foreigner in…
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Pattaya Mayor rushes to aid injured tourist after road crash
Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet turned into a first responder after a tourist was injured in a motorcycle accident on South Pattaya Road yesterday, February 3. The dramatic moment unfolded as the mayor and local council members were conducting a field visit to oversee new parking regulations. Their routine inspection quickly turned into an emergency response when they came across the…
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Government raid dismantles major gambling den in Nakhon Nayok
Government officials dismantled a large gambling den, apprehending over 100 gamblers, many of whom were elderly, in a raid on a building in Nakhon Nayok. The operation, conducted by a special task force from the Department of Administrative Affairs, occurred around 11pm yesterday, February 3. Images and details of the raid were shared via the Thai Police’s Facebook page, accompanied…
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Foreign couple exposed for repeated taxi fare scams in Phuket
A foreign couple in Phuket allegedly attempted to avoid paying a taxi fare yesterday, February 3, but ultimately paid after the driver threatened them with legal action. The female Thai taxi driver took to social media to warn other drivers to be cautious of the foreign couple. The Phuket Times also shared her story to alert taxi drivers working mainly…
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Manhunt intensifies for escaped prisoner in Nonthaburi forest
A search operation in a forest has yet to yield results in the hunt for an escaped prisoner. CCTV footage shows the 32 year old inmate, convicted of theft, riding a motorcycle from Nonthaburi to Bangkok yesterday, February 3. Wasan Obnual, who was serving a sentence of one year and 12 months, had completed nine months with a remaining term…
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Turkish man caught packing more than just bags at Phuket Airport
A Turkish man was detained at Phuket International Airport after airport security uncovered ammunition hidden in his luggage. The man, Isa Ates, found himself at the centre of a dramatic scene, insisting he had no idea how the bullets ended up in his suitcase. The incident unfolded yesterday, February 3, when eagle-eyed airport officials, conducting a routine security check, spotted…
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Chiang Rai to become major aircraft repair hub
Thailand is gearing up to challenge China in the lucrative aircraft maintenance industry, with Chiang Rai Airport (CEI) set to become a major Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub. The ambitious project, spearheaded by Airports of Thailand (AOT), is targeting the booming Chinese market. AOT President Kerati Kijmanawat revealed that land preparation is already underway, with the first hangar expected…
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Pregnant Thai woman accuses husband of domestic violence
A 32 year old woman accused her new husband of domestic violence in front of her three year old son. The incident left her unconscious with a broken jaw and nose. The victim, A, who is three months pregnant with her husband, Sommai’s child, expressed a desire to leave the relationship but fears for her safety due to Sommai’s threats to…
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Beautician from Thailand battles British heirs for £400k inheritance
In an explosive legal showdown fit for a soap opera, a beautician from Thailand is taking her former British lover’s sons to the London High Court, demanding her slice of their late father’s £400,000 inheritance. The contentious affair has captivated courtroom observers, as they watch the tug-of-war over promises, property, and pounds unfold in the British High Court. Kanokporn Nattachai…
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US tariffs could flood Thai market with cheap Chinese goods
Thailand may soon be swamped with an influx of cheap Chinese imports if the United States slaps high tariffs on Chinese goods, warns former Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai. The country must brace itself for economic turbulence, or risk being caught off guard. Speaking at the Chula Thailand Presidents Summit 2025 at Chulalongkorn University, Surakiart cautioned that if the US tightens trade…
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Two arrested for fatal shooting at Chaiyaphum petrol station
Two men have been apprehended for the shooting of a former inmate at a coin-operated petrol station in Mueang district, Chaiyaphum province. The suspects, 30 year old gunman Kan and 27 year old driver Uma Wacharin, confessed to the crime, citing revenge as their motive. The shooting took place at a petrol station in Ban Wang Nam Khiao yesterday, February…
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Debt-ridden Thai man snatches bag from Japanese tourist in Chiang Mai
A Thai man snatched a bag off a Japanese woman in the northern province of Chiang Mai on Friday claiming after the arrest that he had to steal to pay off his debts. The Japanese victim, 63 year old Reiko, filed a complaint with Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station after losing her bag in the snatching which occurred at about…
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Back in the driver’s seat: Rewat plans to steer Phuket forward
Fresh off his re-election victory, Rewat Areerob is revving up to tackle the challenges facing Phuket as the newly-affirmed president of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO). Triumphing with a commanding 86,616 votes, Rewat of the Phuket Yat Dai Party left his nearest rival, Lersak Leenanitikul of the Prachachon Party, trailing in the dust with 44,602 votes. Not content with…
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