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 10 biggest challenges retirees face in Thailand (and how to overcome them)
Retiring in Thailand comes with many benefits, like warm weather, affordable living, and a rich culture. However, it also brings challenges. Retirees must deal with visa rules, healthcare costs, language barriers, and cultural differences. Rising medical expenses, required insurance, and...
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Flame-ingo: Thai woman escapes burning pickup inferno
A Thai woman had a miraculous escape from a fiery fate after her pickup truck caught fire while she was driving. Thanks to the heroic actions of a quick-thinking motorcyclist, she was pulled to safety just moments before her vehicle was completely engulfed in flames. The heart-stopping incident unfolded at 8.30pm, yesterday, November 17, on Highway 22 in Nakhon Phanom…
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American arrested for alleged sexual assault of Chinese woman
Hat Yai police have arrested a 39 year old American man following serious allegations of sexual assault against a 35 year old Chinese woman. The case unfolded after the victim, known publicly as Chang, bravely came forward to report the distressing incident. The drama began on November 2 when Chang and the suspect, identified as Christian, first crossed paths at…
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Pattaya’s pageant blast: Where beauty meets the bang
The glitzy world of beauty pageants is about to hit Pattaya with a bang as the city prepares to host the Miss Grand Contest for Thailand’s southern border provinces from December 11-15. The excitement is palpable as anticipation builds for this lavish affair, set against the stunning backdrop of the Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya. In an exciting press…
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Jealousy-fuelled attack suspect caught after seven years on the run
Police apprehended a 55 year old man for a violent jealousy-fuelled attack in which he shot his former father-in-law and the mother of his ex-wife’s former boyfriend. After evading capture for seven years, he was found bedridden due to a stroke. Suwat was arrested yesterday, November 16 in a hut within a sugarcane field in Udon Thani province. The arrest…
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Buddhist abbot smashes minivan window, sparks outrage in Thailand
An incident involving a Buddhist abbot has stirred controversy after he reportedly smashed a school’s minivan window with staff in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, causing distress to kindergarten children inside. The abbot’s actions have raised concerns and prompted official complaints. Social media was abuzz with images and accounts of the incident, as shared by Social Hunter 2024. The post questioned…
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Fatal crash in Pathum Thani as truck hits motorcycle
A tragic road accident occurred early today involving a speeding pickup truck that collided with a motorcycle, resulting in the death of a 58 year old man. Police are investigating the incident and reviewing CCTV footage to determine the cause. At 1.15am today, November 17, Veerawat Niyomsap, an investigator at Khlong Luang Police Station, received a report of a collision…
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Thai influencer arrested for promoting illegal gambling at 3,000 baht per post
A Thai 27 year old influencer was apprehended for promoting illegal online gambling in exchange for 3,000 baht per post. The arrest occurred at her residence following an investigation by the Technology Crime Suppression Division 4. Kulltada, better known as “Baifern,” from Udon Thani, is a well-known social media personality with over 1 million followers. She was summoned by senior…
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Pickup truck crash in Chon Buri sparks fatal transformer explosion
A tragic incident unfolded today when a pickup truck collided with a high-voltage electricity pole, resulting in a transformer explosion and a subsequent fire. The driver was fatally trapped inside the vehicle. This accident occurred on the Sukhumvit 8 Road, in the Nong Kham area of Si Racha district, Chon Buri province. At approximately 12.30am, today, November 17, officers from…
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Burmese man drowns retrieving coins during Loy Krathong in Phuket
A tragic incident unfolded in Phuket as a Burmese man drowned while attempting to retrieve coins from floats in a reservoir during the Loy Krathong festivities. This unfortunate event took place in Thalang, with police confirming the man’s death in the early hours of November 15. The Loy Krathong festival, celebrated at the Bang Ma Ruan reservoir in the Sri…
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Cold air brings storms and cooler weather to Thailand
A new cold air mass is spreading across Thailand, bringing thunderstorms and cooler temperatures. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warns of adverse conditions affecting 32 provinces, with the central region, including Bangkok, expected to experience the most severe impact. A fresh, moderately strong high-pressure system from China has reached Vietnam’s northern region and the South China Sea. This weather pattern…
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Young man electrocuted stealing cables in Kanchanaburi field
A tragic incident unfolded when a 22 year old man, from a village in Kanchanaburi was found dead in a sugarcane field. He had attempted to steal high-voltage power cables when he was electrocuted and fell to his death. His body lay undiscovered for three days until yesterday when it was found by locals. The local police in Tha Mueang…
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Thai PM meets Xi Jinping at APEC, boosts China ties
At 10am local time in Lima, Peru, on November 15, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra engaged in a significant bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the 31st APEC Economic Leaders’ Summit. The discussions highlighted the enduring partnership between Thailand and China, marking the year as the Golden Year of Thai-Chinese Friendship. PM Paetongtarn confirmed support for China’s role…
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Thailand climbs to 41st on 2024 Global Innovation Index
Thailand reached a milestone in innovation, securing the 41st spot out of 133 economies on the Global Innovation Index (GII) for 2024, as reported by the National Innovation Agency (NIA). This achievement marks Thailand’s highest ranking in a decade, showcasing its progress in fostering an innovative environment. Thailand’s ascent from the 43rd position last year highlights its consistent improvement in…
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Seven arrested in Yasothon for luring boys into obscene videos
Seven transgender women have been apprehended in Yasothon for their alleged involvement in a scheme to lure boys into participating in obscene video recordings, subsequently selling the content to a private group. This crackdown stems from a police raid on eight locations across the northeastern province, following a tip-off about the group’s illicit activities. Police Colonel Sarawut Chantawong, leading the…
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Tragic electric bus accident in Sakon Nakhon kills one, injures 25
A tragic accident unfolded in Sakon Nakhon when an electric shuttle bus lost control and descended a steep slope, resulting in the death of one individual and injuries to 25 others. The mishap took place near Wat Phra Tha Pek in Phana Nikhom district. The incident occurred around 3pm on November 15 as the shuttle bus navigated the 3-kilometre road…
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Methamphetamine thrown on stage at Kalasin beauty pageant (video)
A surprising incident unfolded during a beauty pageant at a Loy Krathong festival when a young man unexpectedly threw methamphetamine (meth) onto the stage. This disruption occurred at Huai Mano Reservoir, Seri Thai Airport, in Na Khu district, Kalasin province, at 10pm yesterday, November 15. The individual involved, a known psychiatric patient with a history of drug use, had recently…
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Loy Krathong tragedy: Pet dog dies from firework shock
A beloved pet dog tragically died due to shock from fireworks, prompting an important reminder for pet owners to keep their animals safe indoors during festive events. The Loy Krathong festival is marked by celebrations on November 15 (yesterday), and the tradition of setting off fireworks and firecrackers is widespread. This has led to many pets experiencing fear, with some…
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Restaurant owners in Pattaya warned of food poisoning scam
A cunning scam targeting restaurants in Pattaya City, Chon Buri, has been unravelled. Fraudsters have been falsely claiming food poisoning to extort money. Restaurant owner Singhanat Rulapak discovered the scam when cross-checking a customer’s claim, which led to the identification of a notorious fraudster operating in multiple locations. A renowned restaurant in Pattaya City received a call yesterday, November 15,…
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Girl rescued from water at Loy Krathong festival in West Thailand
A near-tragic incident unfolded during the Loy Krathong Festival in Prachuap Khiri Khan province when a young girl slipped into the water while attempting to collect coins from floating krathongs (lanterns). Fortunately, quick-thinking bystanders managed to prevent a disaster. The festival, held at Wat Khao Noi Lang in Pran Buri district, nearly turned tragic when a girl, under her mother’s…
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Phuket police arrest local man with meth pills and Ice
Phuket police have apprehended a local man following the discovery of a significant cache of drugs in his possession. The 34 year old Thai man was found with over 2,000 methamphetamine (meth) pills and nearly 200 grammes of crystal meth, also known as Ice. The arrest took place in front of a rental room located in Soi Thiam Pracha Uthit,…
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Maldivian national arrested in Bangkok for drug trafficking
Police in Bangkok have announced a significant drug bust involving the seizure of nearly 3 kilogrammes of mephedrone, a Category 1 narcotic, which was hidden in a protein supplement container sent from the UK. A Maldivian national was apprehended at a courier facility in Bangkok while attempting to collect the illicit package. The Secretary-General of the Office of the Narcotics…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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