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Thailand hot news, breaking stories, crime, politics, tourism, and business—stay updated with in-depth reports and exclusive interviews on the latest events across the country. Get the latest from The Thaiger, your trusted Thailand news source.

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  • Thailand launches QR system to track tobacco products

    Thailand launches QR system to track tobacco products

    Thailand’s Finance Ministry has unveiled a new technology aimed at transforming the monitoring of tobacco products. The “QR Cigarette” system, announced by Deputy Finance Minister Paophum Rojanasakul, is a Track & Trace innovation designed to follow tobacco products throughout their lifecycle, from production to purchase. This move is part of a broader effort to enhance tax collection efficiency, boost transparency,…

  • Pattaya floods halt traffic amid Loy Krathong Festival preparations

    Pattaya floods halt traffic amid Loy Krathong Festival preparations

    Heavy rainfall swept through Pattaya, causing significant disruptions as traffic came to a standstill due to widespread flooding. As the city prepared for the Loy Krathong Festival, a severe thunderstorm struck at 5.36pm yesterday, November 15, lasting for about an hour. This deluge led to waterlogged streets, particularly in areas notorious for flooding. Khao Talo Road along the railway, Soi…

  • 2 students killed, 12 injured in Pattani truck collision

    2 students killed, 12 injured in Pattani truck collision

    Tragedy struck in Pattani’s Sai Buri district when a six-wheel truck collided with a parked pickup truck carrying students, resulting in the deaths of two students and injuries to 12 others. This unfortunate incident occurred on the Pattani-Narathiwat Road at Ban Laharn village, Village 5, and was reported to police at approximately 8.10am yesterday, November 15. Upon arrival, police found…

  • Thai elderly to soon receive 10,000 baht cash aid: Finance Ministry

    Thai elderly to soon receive 10,000 baht cash aid: Finance Ministry

    The Ministry of Finance is poised to introduce a one-time cash payment initiative targeting the elderly, as confirmed by Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul. This proposal, amounting to 10,000 baht, will be presented during the upcoming economic stimulus policy committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 19. This new measure specifically excludes state welfare cardholders and disabled individuals who previously received…

  • Gambling addict arrested for cash theft after disguising as monk

    Gambling addict arrested for cash theft after disguising as monk

    A young man addicted to gambling has been apprehended after stealing his relative’s ATM card and withdrawing nearly 500,000 baht until the account was empty. He used the money for gambling and later fled to become a monk, hoping for forgiveness. However, the relative reported the theft to the police, leading to his arrest yesterday, November 15. Phakphon Suchon, Head…

  • Thief caught after stealing historic sword from Bangkok temple

    Thief caught after stealing historic sword from Bangkok temple

    A notorious thief was apprehended after stealing a revered sword belonging to King Taksin from a renowned temple in Thonburi, Bangkok. The suspect, claiming self-defence intentions, was not believed by police who suspected a different motive. The incident occurred at Wat Intharam Worawihan, situated in Bang Yi Ruea, Thonburi, where the sword went missing on Wednesday, November 13. CCTV footage…

  • 9 students and 2 teachers injured in Surat Thani van accident

    9 students and 2 teachers injured in Surat Thani van accident

    A van carrying 11 passengers, including nine students and two teachers, overturned in Kanchanadit district, Surat Thani province, following a camping trip. The accident occurred yesterday afternoon, November 15, on Highway 44, along the Krabi-Surat Thani route in Thung Rang subdistrict. Police Captain Thaweewit Kaewroy of Khunthale Police Station detailed the incident, which was reported at 2.10pm. Upon arrival, police…

  • Pathum Thani police officer with health issue dies in car crash

    Pathum Thani police officer with health issue dies in car crash

    A car crash involving a police officer who lost control and collided with a shop and utility pole resulted in his death. The incident occurred yesterday, November 14, near a residential area in Pathum Thani province. The tragic accident unfolded when police officer Settapong Songkrod, who held the position of Deputy Inspector, experienced a sudden health issue while in his…

  • Thai police officer who died pursuing suspect in Phrae honoured

    Thai police officer who died pursuing suspect in Phrae honoured

    A 22 year old police officer with a promising future, tragically died in the line of duty. He has been posthumously promoted and awarded special recognition following his brave actions while pursuing a suspect. Yesterday, November 14, National Police Chief Kittirat Phanphet revealed details surrounding the death of Sittiphong Kanta, a police officer from Sa-iab Police Station in Song district,…

  • Pattaya beach turns into unregulated booze and kratom market

    Pattaya beach turns into unregulated booze and kratom market

    Pattaya Beach, a once serene paradise for tourists and locals, is now teetering on the edge of chaos as unlicenced vendors run rampant. Once discreet, these sellers now brazenly set up stalls along the shoreline, peddling kratom-laced cocktails and alcoholic beverages, ignoring the law with apparent ease. Despite frequent police patrols, vendors openly resume business the moment officers leave, leaving…

  • Dog ‘adopter’ linked to Chiang Rai slaughterhouse shock

    Dog ‘adopter’ linked to Chiang Rai slaughterhouse shock

    In a shocking twist, an alleged animal welfare scandal has erupted in Chiang Rai province, where a man who posed as a compassionate dog adopter is now accused of sending his “rescued” pets to an illegal slaughterhouse. Local animal welfare advocates and the Livestock Department are calling for immediate police action to bring the man, from the Akha ethnic group,…

  • ‘Keep your krathongs on land,’ says Patong Mayor in eco-plea

    ‘Keep your krathongs on land,’ says Patong Mayor in eco-plea

    As Loy Krathong celebrations light up Patong Beach tonight, Patong Municipality is urging revellers to keep their lanterns (krathongs) out of the sea. Every year, thousands descend on the beach, offering decorated krathongs to the water goddess to cast away bad luck and ask for blessings. Yet, while the gestures float away, the krathongs often come back, with the tide…

  • Thailand’s Marriage Equality Bill to boost GDP and tourism

    Thailand’s Marriage Equality Bill to boost GDP and tourism

    Thailand’s historic decision to legalise same-sex marriage, starting January 2025, is set to supercharge its tourism industry, drawing in millions of visitors and billions in revenue. According to a new study by digital travel platform Agoda, this legislative move is projected to bring in 4 million additional international visitors each year, driving up tourism revenues by an impressive US$2 billion…

  • Frenchman faces legal action for unlawful macaque possession in Bangkok

    Frenchman faces legal action for unlawful macaque possession in Bangkok

    A French national has found himself facing legal action for allegedly keeping four young macaques unlawfully after showcasing them on social media. This incident unfolded when officials from the Natural Resources, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, along with police from the Natural Resources and Environment Crime Division, executed a search at the individual’s residence in Bangkok. Department representative, Naruphon Thipmontha,…

  • High ambitions: Suvarnabhumi aims to triple transit traffic by 2030

    High ambitions: Suvarnabhumi aims to triple transit traffic by 2030

    Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand’s busiest international gateway, is gearing up for a major transformation to become Southeast Asia’s ultimate transit hub. Airports of Thailand (AOT) plans to raise the airport’s transit flights from a mere 4% to a soaring 20% as part of an ambitious master plan to rank among the world’s top 20 airports by 2030. This bold goal is…

  • Chiang Mai’s Doi Inthanon draws tourists with frosty scenic views

    Chiang Mai’s Doi Inthanon draws tourists with frosty scenic views

    Cold temperatures on Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai have attracted tourists eager to experience the chill and witness the stunning frost formations on grass and wildflowers. As of today, the temperature on the summit dropped to 9°C, creating a picturesque scene that drew many visitors to the national park. There is great anticipation for the occurrence of Maei Khap frost,…

  • Mitsubishi Pajero crash in Prachinburi leaves one dead, one injured

    Mitsubishi Pajero crash in Prachinburi leaves one dead, one injured

    A tragic accident unfolded when a Mitsubishi Pajero lost control, hitting a utility pole before spinning across lanes and violently colliding with a pink taxi. The crash resulted in a fatality and a serious injury, leaving bystanders and those involved in shock. The incident occurred early today, November 15, at 12.30am, on the 304 Road near the U-turn at Ban…

  • Bangkok braces for rising pollution as air quality worsens

    Bangkok braces for rising pollution as air quality worsens

    Bangkok’s air quality has significantly deteriorated, with 28 areas submerged in PM2.5 dust particles. Officials issued warnings, anticipating a spike in pollution levels between this Sunday, November 17 and next Tuesday, November 19. Residents are advised to take precautions to protect their health. The Pollution Control Department (PCD) reported on the air quality status in Bangkok and its surrounding areas,…

  • Cyber police arrest scammer who defrauded politician’s daughter of 650,000 baht

    Cyber police arrest scammer who defrauded politician’s daughter of 650,000 baht

    Cyber police apprehended a key player in a call centre scam that deceived the daughter of a Democrat Party deputy leader out of over 650,000 baht by impersonating officials from the Department of Special Investigation. Police from Technology Crime Suppression Division 5 reported the arrest of 55 year old Suthep near a house in Wang Sala, Tha Muang district, Kanchanaburi.…

  • Police in Thailand to receive increased allowances this year

    Police in Thailand to receive increased allowances this year

    Police officers across Thailand are set to receive increased allowances this year, following a directive signed by Kittirat Phanpetch, the National Police Chief. The directive, dated Tuesday, November 12, emphasises the need for efficient budget management and cautions against any misallocation of funds. Kittirat issued the directive to various police divisions, including the Metropolitan Police Bureau and Provincial Police Regions…

  • Police ‘sidecar’ into bust: Drug suspect nabbed in undercover sting

    Police ‘sidecar’ into bust: Drug suspect nabbed in undercover sting

    Police officers in disguise successfully apprehended a major drug suspect by blending seamlessly into the local community. Disguised as locals, they rode a sidecar motorcycle to the suspect’s home, where they arrested him without raising suspicion. Officers from the Elephant Warriors unit of the 434th Border Patrol Police Company in Phatthalung, led by Yothaphon Rungsawat, orchestrated the arrest. The team…

  • Police arrest Sisaket man for firearms and drugs possession

    Police arrest Sisaket man for firearms and drugs possession

    Police successfully conducted a crime crackdown during the Loy Krathong festival, seizing firearms and ammunition. On the day of the operation, officers arrested a 45 year old Thai man, at his residence in Huai Chan subdistrict, Khun Han district, Sisaket province. The operation was spearheaded by Chayaphon Namsuwan, a senior investigator at Khun Han Police Station, and supported by Wanchai…

  • Tragic road accident claims two lives in Rayong

    Tragic road accident claims two lives in Rayong

    A tragic accident resulted in the deaths of two people on a road in Pluak Daeng, Rayong when a black saloon car veered across lanes and collided with a pickup truck. The crash left the saloon car torn into two parts, with the driver ejected and killed instantly. The incident, which also involved a white delivery pickup, has raised questions…

  • Phuket guesthouse owner reclaims heirlooms stolen by employee

    Phuket guesthouse owner reclaims heirlooms stolen by employee

    The owner of a Phuket guesthouse breathed a sigh of relief after police tracked down and recovered nearly 1 million baht worth of stolen jewellery and luxury items, taken by none other than her restaurant manager, who had been drowning in online gambling debt. The shocking betrayal left 33 year old Sophia Brussaard both heartbroken and relieved when justice finally…

  • British expats uncovered in Thailand as UK probes pension fraud

    British expats uncovered in Thailand as UK probes pension fraud

    In a fresh twist for British expats soaking up the sun abroad, the cloak of UK banking secrecy is about to be lifted if there’s a whiff of state pension fraud. The Data Protection and Digital Information Bill, currently being dissected in the House of Lords, is pegged to hit the legal books in early 2025. This new legislation will…

  • Thai police ‘tweet’ out arrests in illegal bird trade bust

    Thai police ‘tweet’ out arrests in illegal bird trade bust

    Thai police have swooped on a major illegal bird trade operation in southern Thailand, arresting two people involved in selling protected Bulbul birds via Facebook. The suspects admitted to selling thousands of birds over the past year. Police officers from the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division conducted raids on the homes of two individuals, known by their Facebook…

  • Thailand consumer confidence rises for first time in eight months

    Thailand consumer confidence rises for first time in eight months

    Consumer confidence in Thailand saw its first improvement in eight months this October, driven by reduced concerns over recent floods and improved economic conditions influenced by government policies. The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) reported a rise in the consumer confidence index to 56, up from 55.3 in September. The consumer confidence index, which measures consumers’ outlook…

  • Motorbike bomb attack injures five police officers in Pattani

    Motorbike bomb attack injures five police officers in Pattani

    An explosive attack targeted a police truck in Pattani yesterday, injuring five officers when a bomb planted on a motorcycle was detonated remotely. The incident occurred at 2.40pm, yesterday, November 14, near the Tanyong Dalo Bridge in Yaring district. Police Colonel Teerapot Yindi, head of Yaring Police Station in Pattani, was alerted to the attack, which left the police truck…

  • Chon Buri police arrest three for trafficking 10 year old Burmese girl

    Chon Buri police arrest three for trafficking 10 year old Burmese girl

    Police in Chon Buri apprehended two Thai individuals and a Myanmar citizen, accusing them of trafficking a young girl from Myanmar to work under exploitative conditions. The arrests, executed by the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) and the local office of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), followed court-issued warrants. The Thai nationals involved were identified as…

  • Constitutional amendment: PP proposes Senate removal in process

    Constitutional amendment: PP proposes Senate removal in process

    The People’s Party (PP) yesterday submitted a proposal aiming to remove the Senate from the constitutional amendment process, according to the House of Representatives’ secretariat. This is one of the 17 proposals put forth by the PP, targeting specific sections of the constitution for amendment. A central focus of these proposals is Section 256, which requires that any charter amendment…