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 How to choose the perfect family-friendly property in Phuket
Phuket has long attracted visitors from around the globe with its golden beach and lush green hills. Many come for a holiday and leave captivated, often deciding they want a piece of the island for themselves. That’s why, despite fluctuations...
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EXAT announces toll exemptions for three public holidays in July
Thailand’s Expressway Authority (EXAT) announced toll exemptions for three major expressways in Bangkok on three specific days in July, while two public holidays will not see toll exemptions. The EXAT, under the Ministry of Transport, stated that tolls on three expressways will be waived on July 20, July 21, and July 28. These dates coincide with public holidays as declared…
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Deputy PM Anutin opposes PM Srettha’s cannabis reclassification
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul, declared his opposition to Prime Minister (PM) Srettha Thavisin‘s policy to reclassify cannabis as a Narcotics Category 5 drug. The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) agreed last week to reclassify cannabis, which has been permitted for health-related purposes for over two years. This new policy is expected…
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Butterbear bakery mascot sparks nostalgic craze in Thailand
The popularity of Butterbear, the mascot of Butterbear bakery located on the G floor of EmSphere shopping mall, has become a new phenomenon in Thailand. Part of the Coffee Beans by Dao brand, Butterbear has attracted crowds similar to those seen for superstar artists, with people queuing as early as 4am to take pictures with the beloved character. Butterbear has…
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Ministry of Justice reiterates repercussions for cyanide possession
The Ministry of Justice issued a stern warning to the public regarding the unauthorised possession of cyanide, which carries a potential prison sentence of up to two years and a fine not exceeding 200,000 baht, or both. The deputy spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, Kanika Unjit, today, July 18, addressed the shocking incident that led to six Vietnamese nationals…
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Thailand faces growing heart and cardiovascular disease crisis
Thailand is grappling with a significant public health challenge as heart and cardiovascular diseases claim an alarming number of lives. According to data from the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), there were more than 23,667 deaths due to heart and cardiovascular issues, including strokes, in the first 198 days of 2024. This staggering figure translates to an average of 119…
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Teenager arrested in Bangkok sting for child prostitution
Police officers conducted a sting operation leading to the arrest of a 17 year old suspect involved in child prostitution at an apartment in Bangkok. The operation resulted in the confiscation of 5,000 baht in cash and the rescue of a minor. On July 16, police officers from Patrol Division 2, led by Warawit Yanchinda, Vasun Thawatchaiwirut, and Natdanai Bamrungsri,…
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Thailand considers petroleum reserve amid oil price volatility
Thailand is considering various strategies to mitigate the impact of global crude oil price fluctuations, beyond merely subsidising domestic oil prices through the dwindling Oil Fuel Fund. One proposed solution is the development of a strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) to enhance national oil security and safeguard against potential supply disruptions caused by geopolitical conflicts. Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga suggested the…
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Foreign man caught on viral video urinating on Phuket road (video)
A viral video shared on a news Facebook page showed a foreign man urinating in the middle of the Patong Beach Road in Phuket during a traffic jam, despite many motorists staring at him. The Facebook page, 1วันพันกว่าเรื่อง ภูเก็ต (meaning over 1,000 things happen in a day), shared a video of the foreign man, whose identity was not disclosed, yesterday,…
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Ex military officer arrested for domestic violence near football field
Police arrested a former military officer at a football field for domestic violence, following repeated incidents despite reconciliation attempts. The individual, who fled his duties and was dismissed from service, now faces legal action. Police Major General Montree Teskun today, July 18, directed Police Colonel Phattharawut Onchuay and Police Captain Theerapong Khongkiao from Provincial Police Region 5 to apprehend 27…
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TikTok user finds 4,000 baht prize from old Thai lottery ticket
A TikTok user discovered an old lottery ticket that was thought to be rubbish, only to find it had won a prize after being checked one year later. The ticket, from the June 16, 2023 draw, held the number 628255 and won 4,000 baht. TikTok account kumpol.narayasewt posted a video showing the old lottery ticket belonging to an elderly man,…
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Thailand’s 60-day visa exemption unleashes unlimited entry by land
Three days into Thailand’s 60-day entry visa exemption, a tourist discovered there are no restrictions on the number of entries by land in a calendar year. Tod Daniels, ASEAN NOW‘s visa expert reported that the tourist did two free stamp land entries this year, left Thailand then entered the country again, and got a new 60-day entry with no issues.…
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Chinese man robbed of 3 million baht by thieves in Chon Buri
A Chinese man accused his Chinese girlfriend of being a decoy after three thieves broke into his home in Chon Buri and stole 3 million baht from him last night. The Chinese victim, 43 year old Qian Peng Yi, called Nongprue Police Station officers to his home in Soi Lablae, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri, after the theft of 3…
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Serpent scare: Cobra found in washing machine sparks concerns
A startling discovery was made when a Facebook user found a cobra inside their washing machine. Despite keeping the lid closed, the snake was discovered in the spinning drum, prompting online communities to advise securing drainage hoses after use. A Facebook post detailed the encounter in a group named What’s This? “May I ask, what kind of snake is this?…
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Pattaya boosts safety with new training for 7-Eleven staff
Pattaya Tourist Police, in a joint effort with government and private sector partners, recently organised an extensive training programme for guards and employees of 7-Eleven stores. This initiative is designed to bolster safety measures and enhance the overall experience for tourists visiting the popular convenience stores, particularly those situated around Walking Street. Participants in the training programme acquired vital skills…
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Thai men credit Buddhist amulets for surviving lightning strike
Two men miraculously survived a lightning strike, attributing their escape to the Buddhist amulets they wore. Local reporters yesterday, July 17, investigated the incident, meeting the two men who showcased the amulets they believe saved their lives. Around 11.30am yesterday, 50 year old Tawint and 31 year old Pradit, employees of a private company in Lampang, were conducting a training…
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Udon Thani family terrorised by local gang amid police inaction
A mother and daughter in Udon Thani are living in fear after a gang of local youths began terrorising their home by shooting guns into the air and throwing bottles. Despite filing a police report, police have yet to take significant action. Residents of Ban Tha Chuong Village in Udon Thani have reported severe disturbances caused by a group of…
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Fin Food Festival brings culinary delights to Pattaya this weekend
Food enthusiasts in Pattaya have something to look forward to as the Fin Food Festival promises a culinary delight. The event, offering an array of delicious dishes, caters to fans of local Thai flavours and those craving Western cuisine. With bars and nightlife closed for religious activities over the weekend, the festival serves as a perfect alternative for visitors and…
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15 year old Thai teenager stabbed to death over love triangle
A 16 year old Thai teenager surrendered to police after stabbing a 15 year old boy to death in the central province of Pathum Thani over a love triangle. Officers from Ladlumkaew Police Station were alerted to the death of the teenage boy, Sarawut, at 5.44pm yesterday, July 17. They visited the scene with a rescue team and medical workers.…
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Pattaya unites community to tackle drug issues
Pattaya City held its second Show, Share, Connect event aimed at assessing the drug situation and fostering community unity in tackling drug problems. The event kicked off at 9am on Tuesday, July 16 at the Chumsai Community Office, chaired by Banjong Banthuraprasit, Vice President of Pattaya City Council. Attendees included members of the Pattaya City Mayor’s working group, city council…
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Pattaya launches training to enhance staff’s document writing skills
Pattaya City has initiated a new training program designed to improve the skills of its employees in writing official letters and documenting meeting minutes. The project, led by the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Pattaya City, Dr Siwat Boonkerd, aims to ensure that staff members can draft accurate and effective official documents, thus enhancing communication efficiency within the city administration. Head…
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Civil defence volunteers in Pattaya receive disaster training
Civil defence volunteers in Pattaya underwent their annual training to enhance their support capabilities during public disasters. The programme commenced at 9.30am on Monday, July 15, in the Thappraya Room at Pattaya City Hall. Theerasak Chatupong, Head of the Pattaya City Permanent Secretary’s Office, led the opening ceremony. Charan Thiammuang, Head of the Maritime Disaster Prevention Department and Acting Director…
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Vietnamese tour guide reveals more on Bangkok hotel murder-suicide
Further questioning of a Vietnamese tour guide, who served the six Vietnamese nationals before their deaths, revealed that another tour guide, named Tiger, may have known the source of the cyanide and been able to identify others involved in the murder-suicide case. Six Vietnamese nationals died from cyanide poisoning at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Bangkok, with their bodies discovered…
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Woman killed, Good Samaritan injured in tragic truck collision
A tragic accident occurred last night when a pickup truck collided with a fallen motorcycle, killing one woman and injuring a Good Samaritan who attempted to help. The incident took place on the main road in front of the Hua Samrong Subdistrict Municipality in Plang Yao District, Chachoengsao Province. The distressing event unfolded around 9.30pm. Before the collision, a woman…
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Cat-nabbed: Thai man’s purr-fect crime outside Phuket bank (video)
Police arrested a Thai man for stealing a cat from outside a bank in the Wichit district of Phuket. The man claimed he intended to pet the cat but many Thai netizens suspected he intended to eat it. The cat’s owner posted CCTV footage on social media showing the thief, identified as 32 year old Nattaphon, taking her white cat named…
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Cyber police arrest loan shark, seize over 3 million baht
Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau officers (CCIB) are intensifying efforts to crack down on illegal money-lending operations. Police recently arrested a 43 year old woman for running an online lending page. She confessed to charging exorbitant interest rates of 20% per month, with evidence found at her residence revealing over 3 million baht in circulation. Police Major General Phumipat Phattharasriwongchai, chief…
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Thailand braces for heavy rainfall and flash floods in 51 provinces
The Thailand Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a weather warning for 51 provinces, including Bangkok, forecasting heavy rainfall and advising caution against flash floods and forest runoffs. Today, the TMD predicts strong monsoons will sweep through the upper northern and northeastern regions, impacting the pressure systems over the northern South China Sea. The monsoon’s force, covering the Andaman Sea, southern regions,…
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Burglar steals TV and fan, uses drugs and sniffs underwear
A burglar climbed into a woman’s house, cutting the chain on her door, stealing a TV and a fan, and then casually using drugs and sniffing underwear in the kitchen. The police are actively pursuing the suspect. Police in Udon Thani were alerted to a burglary at a single-storey cement house in the Ban Muang community near Wat Thammasena. The…
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Police seize 240,000 meth pills after high-speed chase
A high-speed chase involving a drug trafficking gang in Mukdahan province led to the arrest of one suspect and the seizure of 240,000 methamphetamine pills, while another suspect managed to escape into the forest. Under the supervision of Chatchai, the provincial police chief, officers were instructed to intensify drug trafficking inspections. The operation, led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Phonchai Phuchomchit…
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Six-wheel truck rampage damages 20 cars on Rama II Road (video)
A chaotic scene unfolded on Rama II Road as a six-wheel truck went on a rampage, crashing into over 20 parked vehicles. Locals and police joined forces to chase the vehicle but the driver did not stop. A video clip circulated online yesterday, July 17, showing a group of motorcyclists pursuing a six-wheel truck that had caused multiple collisions and…
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Thailand to boost 2024 budget by 122 billion baht for economic lift
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin emphasised the necessity of increasing the 2024 fiscal budget by 122 billion baht to stimulate Thailand’s economy. He proposed a supplementary budget bill to the House, aiming to finance the digital wallet scheme, a core policy of the Pheu Thai Party. Opposition parties opposed the bill, citing legal concerns and potential violations of the State Fiscal…
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