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 one hospital visit in Thailand could cost more than your whole trip
Thailand is a favourite spot for travellers who want to enjoy more while spending less. From cheap street food to low-cost hotels and fun attractions, it’s easy to stretch your budget here. But there’s one thing many people don’t think...
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Shell shock: Aussie man caught with a grenade at Phuket Airport
An Aussie man has landed himself in hot water after allegedly trying to board a domestic flight in Thailand with grenade launcher ammo and bomb parts stuffed in his suitcase. The Thai police swooped on 61 year old Peter Davison at Phuket International Airport after stunned baggage staff uncovered a suspicious stash of military-grade weapon components hidden in his luggage.…
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Drunk officer crashes police pickup into woman and flees scene
An alleged drunk officer crashed a police pickup into a woman and her sidecar motorcycle in the central province of Chachoengsao on Monday, May 5, and failed to stop and assist the victim. CCTV footage of the incident circulated widely on Thai social media platforms, drawing criticism of the officer responsible for the collision. The crash occurred on the Ban…
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Chumphon highway crash leaves many injured amid roadwork confusion
A collision between a pickup truck and a passenger van on Asia Highway 41 in Chumphon resulted in significant damage and multiple injuries. The incident, which occurred due to a lack of warning lights during road repairs, is the latest in a series of accidents at this site. At 2am today, May 7, Police Lieutenant Vimol Kaewchu, deputy inspector of…
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Bangkok trials smart traffic system at 72 city intersections
Bangkok’s notorious traffic nightmare could finally be easing, thanks to a new ‘smart’ system that promises to slash waiting times and get drivers moving faster. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) rolled out its high-tech Adaptive Traffic Control System (ATCS) at 72 key intersections in a bold bid to revolutionise the capital’s congested roads. The trial initiative aims to replace outdated…
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Bangkok drug gang busted: Major arrest and drug seizure
A significant drug gang member has been apprehended following months of investigation. Police seized nearly 500,000 methamphetamine pills, 1 kilogramme of ice, and 1 kg of ketamine. The arrest of the suspect, nicknamed Boonyaraksa, took place at 6am today, May 7, in the Khlong Sam Wa district, Bangkok. Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, Major General Nopasilp Punsawat, and Major General…
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Fourth anthrax case confirmed in northeast Thailand outbreak
The Mukdahan Provincial Public Health Office announced yesterday a new case of anthrax, raising the total number of cases in the current outbreak to four, with one resulting in death. According to a source, three are currently hospitalised; two at Mukdahan Hospital and one at Don Tan Hospital. Of the 636 deemed at risk, 538 have completed a seven-day observation…
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Australian man jailed for 15 days for motorcycle wheelie in Phuket
Thai police sentenced an Australian man to 15 days in prison for performing a motorcycle wheelie on a road in Phuket on April 27, in an apparent effort to demonstrate that no special treatment is given to foreign nationals in Thailand. The 32 year old Australian, Daherwalid, went viral on Thai social media in April after images and videos of…
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Rescue teams race to save trapped whale shark off Thai coast (video)
A massive whale shark’s dive turned into a near-death entanglement drama after it was spotted trailing ropes and fishing junk off Thailand’s Richelieu Rock, sparking a race-against-time rescue mission. The search and rescue operation is underway in the Andaman Sea after the whale shark was seen with its tail trapped in what appears to be discarded fishing gear near the…
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Drunk massage girl’s nap turns into mobile snatch horror
A young massage girl’s boozy kip turned into a nightmare after a cunning thief made off with her mobile, all while she dozed on the pavement outside her Pattaya parlour. Suphassara Somsuay, from Sisaket province, shared CCTV footage in a desperate bid to track down a mobile phone thief who struck while she was fast asleep outside her massage shop…
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Thai boy abused by parents on Chon Buri road, no legal action taken
A Thai woman rescued an 11 year old boy from physical abuse by his parents in the middle of a road in Chon Buri yesterday, May 4. Unfortunately, no charges were filed against the parents. ThaiRath reshared a video of the incident, showing the woman intervening to protect the boy. The event occurred along the road by Bang Saray Beach…
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Phuket fights erosion as turtles and dugongs make a comeback
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Chalermchai Sri-on has announced an urgent expansion of erosion control efforts at Sai Kaew Beach in Sirinat National Park near Phuket, following severe shoreline damage and disruption to local communities caused by last year’s monsoon season. During an inspection on May 3, Chalermchai revealed that erosion had severely disrupted transport routes and threatened nearby…
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Innocent man shot in head by friend’s rivals, his parents asasulted
A 19 year old innocent man sustained a serious gunshot wound to the head after his friend’s rivals opened fire at his home in Bangkok’s Lat Phrao district on the night of May 5. The shooting and physical assault took place at a house in Soi Prasert Manukit 27. A neighbour managed to record part of the physical assault, which…
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Thailand video news | Pattaya street brawl leaves three foreigners injured, Belgian man deported over repeated drunken behaviour
Today’s top regional headlines cover a spate of incidents across Southeast Asia, from violent brawls and drug-linked border clashes to diplomatic developments and natural disruptions. Thailand sees rising scrutiny over police response to stalking, a tourist’s arrest for ADHD medication, and the deportation of a repeat offender. Elsewhere, Indonesia halts a controversial crypto project, while tensions flare along the Thai-Lao…
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Thai celeb couple slams breast pump ad misuse
A Thai celebrity power couple has taken legal action after discovering their faces plastered on breast pump ads, without permission. The drama unfolded yesterday afternoon, May 5, when the stars and their lawyer stormed into Thong Lo Police Station to file a complaint against a well-known baby brand accused of hijacking their images to peddle discount coupons at a children’s…
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Inflation tops concerns as Thai citizens urge government action
Consumer price inflation has emerged as the foremost concern among citizens, according to a survey by the National Statistical Office. The poll, which included families with members aged over 18, revealed a strong demand for government action on rising consumer costs as the Paetongtarn Shinawatra administration approached its six-month mark on March 12. Government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub reported that 86%…
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DSI uncovers 30 forged signatures in SAO building collapse probe
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has uncovered 30 forged signatures of engineers on documents related to the State Audit Office (SAO) building collapse, as part of an investigation into alleged nominee practices by China Railway No.10 (Thailand). In a meeting held yesterday, May 5, the DSI reviewed the progress of its ongoing investigation into the nominee case involving China…
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Vietnam surpasses Thailand in attracting Chinese, Russian tourists
The decline in Chinese and Russian tourists visiting Thailand, in favour of Vietnam, is impacting the Thai tourism industry. With cheaper accommodation and 24-hour food service, alongside diverse attractions beyond natural sights, Vietnam is drawing twice as many tourists compared to Thailand. Thanet Supornsahasrangsi, President of the Chon Buri Tourism Council, highlighted that Thailand’s tourism image has been suffering for…
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Southern Thai watermelon gets GI boost in sweet victory
The Ministry of Commerce has officially designated the Koh Sukorn watermelon as Thailand’s first GI-certified watermelon variety, marking a significant milestone for the small island in Trang province. Deputy Commerce Minister Napintorn Srisunpang announced the news, calling it a victory for local identity and agricultural pride. “This sweet, sea-grown watermelon is a standout. Its flavour, fine texture, and colourful flesh make it unique not…
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Out of tune: Thai man punches singer after his football team loses
A Thai man repeatedly punched a singer at a bar in the northern province of Lampang, allegedly out of anger after his favourite football team lost. The 34 year old singer, Bas, filed a complaint at Mueang Lampang Police Station following the assault, which occurred while he was working at the bar on Sunday, May 4, around midnight. The incident…
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Two teens arrested for fatal shooting in Bangkok
Two suspects were apprehended following the fatal shooting of a 34 year old man in Soi Nuanchan 22 in Bangkok. The incident took place on May 3 when the suspects, riding a red PCX motorcycle without a license plate, fired approximately 15 shots before fleeing. Today, May 6, Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom directed the arrest of 19 year old…
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Sweet deceit: Thai dessert seller left out of pocket in pudding fraud
A Thai dessert vendor has accused a market vendor of fraud, claiming she ordered desserts worth 3,800 baht but failed to pay. Anusara, a 31 year old homemaker and dessert maker, reported the issue to the police yesterday, May 5. She invested several thousand baht in making 470 boxes of Thai desserts for Phornchanok, a 25 year old vendor at…
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Thai parents turn to pawn shops for school expenses
Parents across Thailand are increasingly turning to pawn shops to secure funds for their children’s uniforms and other essentials for the upcoming school term. With the new school calendar set to begin on May 16, these establishments are preparing for a surge in business. Pawn shops nationwide are bolstering their cash reserves in anticipation of the increased demand. In Nakhon…
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Thai father tries to cash in on disabled daughter’s funeral fund
A Thai father in the eastern province of Rayong attempted to claim 4.8 million baht from a donation campaign for his disabled daughter, who died of cancer, despite not caring for her while she was alive. The 34 year old woman, Pan, suffered from oral cancer and was unable to afford medical treatment, which eventually left her disabled. Her tragic life…
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Thailand state welfare card benefits updated for May
The Department of Comptroller General has announced the updated benefit schedule for state welfare cardholders in May, with key entitlements rolling out in two stages. Deputy Director General Tiwaporn Phasuk confirmed the details, urging recipients to check their eligibility and use the benefits promptly. On May 1, cardholders automatically received: A 300 baht monthly spending allowance, redeemable for essential goods…
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Gang members arrested in Bangkok assault investigation
Police apprehended several members of a gang involved in assaults on fellow nationals, with ongoing investigations focusing on two areas in central Bangkok. The incident stemmed from conflicts dated May 5, when Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom led a team to arrest three men linked to the attacks. Those arrested include 18 year old Chakraphat (surname withheld), a Thai Yai…
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‘Hello, Ni Hao’ campaign woos Chinese tourists back to Thailand
Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong has unveiled the Hello, Ni Hao campaign, a bold new move aimed at rebuilding confidence in Thai tourism among Chinese travellers. The initiative, which kicks off this month, will see more than 300 Chinese media professionals and influencers invited to Thailand to showcase the country’s attractions through social media and press coverage. “This is…
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Fake DSI agents target ex-Senate candidates in Amnat Charoen
A confidential letter was urgently sent by the governor of Amnat Charoen, Narong Thepsena, to the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Interior. In it, he detailed a disturbing incident in which three individuals claiming to be from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) allegedly forced two former Senate candidates to confess to electoral fraud, all while disabling the security…
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Thailand rattled by tremors as 10 mini quakes rock region
Residents in northern and northeastern Thailand woke up to a shaky surprise this morning after a swarm of small earthquakes hit the region, sending tremors through three provinces and sparking concern online. Ten mild earthquakes were recorded today, May 6, in parts of Myanmar and across northern and northeastern Thailand, according to the Thai Meteorological Department’s Earthquake Observation Division. The…
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Paws and effect: New Bangkok law to shake up pet ownership rules
A new law set to take effect in Bangkok early next year will significantly alter pet ownership regulations. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Ordinance on Animal Keeping and Release Control 2024, coming into force on January 10 next year, seeks to manage stray populations and promote responsible pet ownership, particularly affecting dog and cat owners. The ordinance classifies Bangkok as…
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Tragic accident in Kanchanaburi claims lives after tyre blowout
A family returning from a birthday celebration met with a tragic accident when their pickup truck suffered a tyre blowout and crashed into an electricity pole. Police Lieutenant Aumnaj Chanbutr, Deputy Inspector at Nong Khao Police Station in Kanchanaburi province, yesterday, May 5, at 9.34pm, received a report of a serious accident on U Thong-Kanchanaburi Road, opposite the entrance to…
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