Thailand News
Discover the most recent and relevant news from across Thailand on The Thaiger’s National News page. Covering a wide range of topics, including politics, business, crime, and lifestyle, our dedicated team brings you breaking news, in-depth analysis, and exclusive stories from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond.
Stay informed about the latest developments in Thai society, economy, and culture, as well as updates on travel, tourism, and expat life. With The Thaiger, you’ll never miss out on the essential news that matters to you.
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Sponsored Is tap water in Thailand safe to consume?
Wondering if you can drink the tap water in Thailand? From brushing your teeth to filling up a bottle, it’s helpful to understand a few basics. Tap water safety in Thailand varies by location, and while some people use it...
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Rain check: Heavy downpours set to soak seven Thailand provinces
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) today issued a warning for heavy rainfall across seven provinces in Thailand. Residents are advised to be cautious due to the risk of accumulated rainfall leading to flash floods and forest runoff. The northern regions of Thailand are experiencing a rise in temperature, although the mountain peaks remain extremely cold. The TMD’s 24-hour weather forecast…
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Yasothon man wins 12 million baht in lottery draw
A man from the northeastern province of Yasothon has become a multimillionaire after winning the top prize of 12 million baht in the latest lottery draw. Hailing from Don Sai Mun district, his life changed dramatically with the announcement yesterday, December 16, by the Thai Government Lottery. The winning numbers for the first prize were 097863, with additional prizes including…
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AMLO seizes assets worth 4.5 billion baht in major fraud case
The Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) recently took decisive action in a high-profile fraud and money laundering case, seizing assets across 821 items valued at approximately 4.5 billion baht. The development unfolded as AMLO officials announced the outcomes of their 15th meeting of the year, highlighting significant cases involving fraud and money laundering, some with connections to electronic gambling and drug-related…
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December 16 lottery results announced: 6 million baht first prize
Yesterday’s lottery draw results have been announced, with many eagerly checking their tickets. The winning number for the first prize, worth 6 million baht, is 097863. Additional prize categories include the three-digit front and back numbers, the two-digit numbers, and various other prizes. The first prize was awarded to the ticket with the number 097863, granting the winner a substantial…
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Bangkok shots: Drunken cop’s nightclub tantrum goes sky-high
A viral video surfaced showing an intoxicated officer from Thong Lo Police Station in Bangkok firing a gun into the sky outside a nightclub after being denied entry by security guards. Several Facebook news pages shared the video, which shows a man dressed entirely in black firing a gunshot into the sky outside an entertainment venue. The incident occurred in…
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Charity motocross in Pattaya fuels hope for schools and hospitals
Bang Lamung revved up its engines for a spectacular Sunday showdown as a charity motocross competition drew over 1,000 eager participants, all set on raising funds for local schools and hospitals. The high-octane event fired off at 10.30am, Sunday, December 15, at the Phu Ma Mao Grounds, with the charismatic Poramase Ngampichet, Mayor of Pattaya City, cutting the ribbon at…
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Moonlit tragedy: British tourist found dead after Full Moon Party
A British tourist’s dream holiday turned into a nightmare after a wild night at Thailand’s infamous Full Moon Party ended in tragedy. Christopher Stephen Boucher was discovered dead outside a 7-Eleven store on the island of Koh Pha Ngan, after attending the notorious beach bash. The 37 year old from Gillingham in Kent, had reportedly been trying to find his…
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Thaksin to become informal advisor to Malaysian PM for ASEAN
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the appointment of former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra as an informal advisor for Malaysia’s chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year. The announcement was made by Ibrahim during a joint press conference with Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Putrajaya today, December 16. “I have agreed to appoint [Thaksin] as…
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Thai customs intercept over 300 drug cases so far in December
The Thai Customs Department announced the seizure of heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis, and counterfeit goods at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in a coordinated effort with the Royal Thai Police (RTP), Immigration Bureau, and the Australian Border Force (ABF). The announcement was made at a press briefing at the Customs Department headquarters in Bangkok, today, December 16. Yesterday, customs officials intercepted two passengers…
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Hooked: Thai sailors jailed by Myanmar court for illegal fishing
In a legal ruling that’s sent shockwaves throughout the fishing community in Thailand, a Myanmar court has thrown the book at four Thai sailors, sentencing them to between four and six years in prison for fishing offences and illegal entry into the country. Sources from Kawthaung district broke the news today, December 16, revealing the fate of the Thai crew…
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Grain gains: Thai farmers to receive 1,000 baht per rai support
The Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) has initiated a comprehensive financial support programme, transferring 1,000 baht per rai to Thai rice farmers across the country. Deputy Finance Minister Jullapan Amornvivat presided over the first day of payments, aimed at providing relief and encouraging agricultural productivity. The support programme targets 4.61 million farming households, with total funding reaching 37.4…
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Thai man stabbed to death after traffic dispute in Bangkok (video)
A 23 year old man lost his life in a stabbing outside a condominium on Rama II Soi 54 in the Bang Khun Thian district of Bangkok following a traffic dispute with a suspect who remains at large. A witness reported the death of the 23 year old Thai man, named Apiwit, outside the condominium, at Tha Kham Police Station…
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Living the Thai life: Kingdom rolls out red carpet for big spenders
Thailand is upping the ante in its tourism game, spotlighting the allure of luxury and high-spending travellers to power up the economy post-pandemic. Known for its warm hospitality, stunning landscapes, and world-class attractions, the nation is seeing a surge in plush hotels and branded properties to cater to this elite crowd. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) set its sights…
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Motorcycle crash with 18-wheeler claims life in Ayutthaya
A tragic accident unfolded when a young man and his girlfriend, riding a motorcycle, were involved in a collision with an 18-wheeler truck in Ayutthaya. The incident resulted in the death of the young woman. Police officers and rescue teams were promptly dispatched to the location on Rojana Road in Bang Pa-in District after receiving reports of the accident. The…
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Thai girl suffers fractured rib and spine after falling off octopus ride
A 12 year old girl suffered a fractured rib and spine after falling from a giant octopus ride at the Winter Festival in the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima on the evening of Saturday, December 14. Four other young girls sustained minor injuries. The 12 year old victim was admitted to Pak Chong Nana Hospital in the Pak Chong district…
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Boat capsizes in Songkhla, search for missing crew continues
A fishing boat capsized off the coast of Songkhla, leaving crew members stranded at sea. Five of the crew have been rescued, while the search continues for two missing crew members. The incident was reported around 9am yesterday, December 15, to the Second Naval Area Command’s Maritime National Interests Administration Centre by Krit Phitakkhumpol, owner of the fishing vessel, Krit…
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Excise Department to reassess retail prices for higher tax revenue
The Excise Department is set to reassess the recommended retail prices that form the foundation for calculating excise taxes. This revision comes as many products’ current prices are estimated to be 5% to 10% below the actual selling prices. According to Bangkok Post, a source from the department indicated that setting recommended retail prices too low results in reduced revenue…
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Singapore-sling blunder leaves Phuket Airport officials red-faced
Phuket International Airport is facing a social media storm after using a photo of Singapore’s iconic Peranakan Houses to promote the island, leaving locals scratching their heads and critics raising eyebrows. Facebook user Ejijum Phuket didn’t hold back, spotlighting the public relations gaffe on his page, today, December 16. He shared a post about a friend’s perplexed inquiry after spotting…
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Siblings flee drug-addicted father only to be targeted by rapist
Four siblings escaped their drug-addicted father in the central province of Chai Nat only to encounter a man posing as a saint who offered help and later attempted to rape the eldest girl. They were eventually rescued by police in Chon Buri. Officers from Nong Yai Police Station shared the siblings’ story with the media. They are now safe and…
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Thailand accelerates universal healthcare coverage nationwide
The Health Ministry is set to complete its ambitious healthcare coverage expansion, bringing the 30 Baht for Healthcare Anywhere programme to all provinces by the end of 2024. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin announced yesterday, December 15, that the initiative has already reached 46 provinces, with only 31 remaining to be integrated. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will officially launch the…
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Police seize 483kg of crystal meth in major Pathum Thani raid
Thai police recently arrested two suspects in Pathum Thani and seized 483 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine in the process. The pair, a man and a woman, confessed to planning to transport the drugs across borders, revealing a lucrative payment for their involvement. The operation was part of a broader government initiative to eradicate drug trafficking in Thailand, spearheaded by the Royal…
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7 year old Thai boy killed in car accident while flying kite in Buriram
A seven year old Thai boy tragically lost his life after crossing a road while flying a kite in the Isaan province of Buriram yesterday, December 15. The fatal accident occurred on a rural road in the Nong Ki district of Buriram and was reported to the Nong Ki Police Station. Police officers and rescuers from the Nong Ki Foundation…
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Relentless flooding in Nakhon Si Thammarat plunges city
Severe flooding has devastated Nakhon Si Thammarat as relentless rain continues to batter the province, submerging key city areas and causing another fatality, bringing the death toll to four. Residents have been urged to stay alert as the situation worsens. Heavy rain has persistently hit Nakhon Si Thammarat for several days. Although there was a brief reprieve yesterday morning, December…
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Grilling the corrupt: Pattaya vows to clean up squid scandal
In a sizzling showdown, the Pattaya deputy mayor has sworn to weed out corruption among city officials extorting grilled squid vendors, promising severe consequences for those found guilty. At the crack of dawn today, December 16, Pattaya City Special Affairs officers swooped in on a group of street vendors illegally peddling their goods on Soi Pattaya Tai 15, right by…
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Holy smokes! Runaway monks in love go from robes to rogues
Police arrested two former monks fleeing from a temple in the Isaan province of Khon Kaen to the central province of Ratchaburi after their secret relationship was exposed and were implicated in operating an embezzlement scheme and a mule account. Locals in the Ban Haet district of Khon Kaen contacted highway police and reported that two monks, 24 year old…
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Fire engulfs Bangkok factory, emergency services contain blaze
A massive fire broke out at a large plastic bag manufacturing factory in Bangkok, causing chaos as firefighters rushed to control the blaze. The incident occurred yesterday, December 15, at 1.50pm in the Samdam area, Bang Khun Thian district. Bangkok police and fire services were promptly dispatched to the scene after being alerted by Prasert Phunkaew, an investigator at Samdam…
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Thai hospital checks out of universal healthcare gold card scheme
Mongkutwattana Hospital slammed the brakes on accepting outpatients under Thailand’s universal healthcare scheme, famously dubbed the gold card, as financial woes grip the facility. The shock move, spearheaded by director Riengthong Nanna, took effect on Friday, December 13 with the hospital shutting its doors to gold card outpatients. The heart of the matter? Alleged unpaid dues by the National Health…
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Wild elephant attack kills man, highlights longstanding issue
A tragic incident occurred when a wild elephant from the Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary fatally attacked a man near a sugarcane field adjacent to a village. This longstanding issue, persisting for four years without resolution, has become a cause for concern among locals. Police Lieutenant Thirawat Yiam-on, the deputy investigator at Kabin Buri Police Station in Prachin Buri…
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Thai driver flees after crashing into old man, dragging body 10km
A Thai man claimed he fled in shock after crashing into an 84 year old man and dragging the lifeless body for 10 kilometres from the scene of the incident in the central province of Ratchaburi. Officers from Photharam Police Station were alerted to the discovery of a corpse on a road alongside a railway track in the Photharam district…
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New alcohol bill to limit sales hours, boost safety measures
The Ministry of Public Health will present the Alcoholic Beverage Control Bill to Parliament next month, marking a significant step in the legislative process. Nipon Chinanonwait, who directs the ministry’s Office of Alcohol Control Committee, shared updates regarding the bill yesterday, December 15. According to him, the revised Alcohol Beverage Control Act is slated for its second and third readings…
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