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 Planning to extend your Thai visa? Why health insurance is more important than ever
If you plan to stay longer in Thailand, having health insurance is now more important than ever. Thai immigration often asks for proof of medical coverage when you apply to extend your visa. This applies to many types of visas,...
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Phuket deluge: It’s a washout for traffic and tides
Catastrophic downpours have wreaked havoc across Phuket today, submerging parts of the island and traffic in complete disarray. Areas like Cherng Talay, Kamala, Thalang, and Kathu were battered by relentless rain starting just before midday, leading to dramatic flooding and a partial landslide that had locals reeling. In a particularly hard-hit spot, Soi Hua Khuan Nuea near the iconic Phuket…
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Thai workers die from toxic gas in South Korean greenhouse
Two Thai workers were found dead in a greenhouse in South Korea after lighting a fire to stay warm and inhaling toxic gas. The tragic incident occurred in Pyeongchang, Gangwon province, and the victims were identified as a 60 year old man and a 50 year old woman. Local reports revealed that on the morning of October 4, police received…
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Soldiers recover gold necklace after Chiang Rai landslide (video)
A house owner in Chiang Rai experienced a landslide that buried their home, prompting a call for military assistance to recover a gold necklace lost in the mud. After six hours of digging, the soldiers’ efforts were rewarded when they found the necklace and returned it to its rightful owner. Heavy flooding in northern Thailand, particularly in Chiang Rai, caused…
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Supercar convoy causes major delays on M6 motorway (video)
A convoy of luxury supercars obstructed traffic on the M6 motorway, causing significant delays. The incident, captured on video and posted online, has sparked heated discussions among netizens. A video posted by the popular page “อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 6” shows a line of luxury supercars, led by Ferraris, cruising along the Bang Pa-in to Nakhon Ratchasima stretch of the M6…
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Student drowns on school trip to Rayong
Tragedy struck when a first-year secondary school student from a well-known private school in Nakhon Ratchasima drowned during a field trip to Rayong. The young girl, known for her talents in music and art, was the only daughter of her family. A Facebook page, เจ๊มอย V+, initially posted the heart-wrenching news. “Again? A private school in Korat took students on…
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British man dies in Chon Buri motorcycle crash
A British man riding a high-speed big bike collided with a U-turn sign, resulting in his death. Eyewitnesses reported seeing two motorcycles speeding before the crash. The accident occurred today, October 6, in Chon Buri province. Police Lieutenant Colonel Dhammanchit Sittisart, Deputy Inspector of Sattahip Police Station, received a report about a foreign national on a big bike crashing into…
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Teen suspect dies after escaping police and jumping into canal
A 17 year old suspect died after escaping from custody and jumping into the Saen Saeb Canal while being transported to Min Buri Juvenile Court. Despite a search effort, his body was found drowned. Police Lieutenant Colonel Phichitphon Ratchakom from Min Buri Police Station received a report on October 4 about a 17 year old male juvenile suspect, who had…
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Car crash on Lat Phrao Soi 48 causes major power outage
A car collided with an electric pole on Lat Phrao Soi 48, causing significant power outages and blocking residents from entering or exiting the area. The police are investigating the accident, which occurred early this morning. At around 6am today, a Honda City, white in colour, with the registration number 717 Bangkok, crashed into an electric pole on Lat Phrao…
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Parents seek 1.21 million baht for kids they didn’t raise
Parents of some students who died in the tragic bus fire have attempted to claim 1.21 million baht in compensation each, despite not having raised the children, the Office of Attorney-General (OAG) reported. The provincial prosecution office in Uthai Thani discovered irregularities while contacting the families of the victims, according to Kosolwat Inthuchanyong, head of the office for rights protection…
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DDC warns against uncooked pork after 12 deaths in Thailand
The Department of Disease Control (DDC) issued a warning today regarding the consumption of uncooked pork, following 12 fatalities linked to Streptococcus suis in four provinces in the lower northeastern region of Thailand. Dr Taweechai Wisanuyothin, head of DDC Office 9, reported that from January 7 to September 3, there were 149 cases of hearing loss caused by this bacterium…
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Former boxer’s wife charged after Bangkok police standoff
A former boxer’s wife faces multiple charges after a dramatic standoff and police chase in Bangkok. The search for her husband continues. Bang Sue police escorted 42 year old Potjanee Boonlong to the Criminal Court today, October 6, seeking a 12-day detention approval. Charged with illegal possession of a gun, carrying it without permission, carrying it in public without a…
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Two elephants drown amid severe flooding in Chiang Mai park
Two elephants tragically drowned following severe flooding at Chiang Mai’s Elephant Nature Park in the Mae Taeng district. As efforts intensify to rescue animals stranded by rising waters, the park’s 126 elephants face unprecedented challenges. The park confirmed the deaths of two elephants, swept away by the floodwaters. Phang Fah Sai, a female elephant, was discovered near the Sibsan resort…
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Thai Excise Department ramps up crackdown on illegal goods
Thailand’s Excise Department has intensified its crackdown on illegal goods, reporting 33,359 cases, a 28% increase, with estimated fines exceeding 2.4 billion baht. The Deputy Minister of Finance, Paophum Rojanasakul, announced yesterday, October 4, that the Ministry of Finance, through the Excise Department, has effectively ramped up its nationwide efforts to combat violations of excise laws. The department reported 33,359…
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Thai police arrest key figure in dating app scam gang
Thai police have apprehended a key member of a hybrid scam gang targeting victims on dating apps and tricking them into investing in digital currency, resulting in losses exceeding 500,000 baht. Officers arrested 35 year old Yupaporn in front of her residence in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung, Chon Buri. The arrest followed a warrant issued by the Taling Chan Criminal…
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Fire kills 11 cats and injures five in Bangkok home
Firefighters battled a blaze on the second floor of a house in Bangkok, discovering the tragic scene of 11 cats dead and five severely injured. The owner was in shock, revealing she housed 29 cats there. Officers from Thungkhru Police Station received a report of a fire at 6.40pm yesterday, October 4, at a residential home within Khlong Kao Hong…
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Facebook debate erupts over unclear pricing at Thailand buffet
A Facebook user recently sparked a debate in the Buffet Lovers group by questioning the meaning of the word “net” in restaurant pricing. The user shared their experience at a suki restaurant, where they were surprised to find additional charges for drinks and VAT, despite a sign advertising a 199 baht net price. “Hello everyone, I want to know what…
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Thai shop’s refusal to replace ice cream spoon sparks debate
A mother’s request for a replacement spoon at a popular ice cream parlour sparked a heated debate online after the shop refused to provide one. The incident, which quickly garnered attention on social media, divided netizens into two camps: those supporting the shop’s policy and those sympathising with the mother. The event came to light when a member of the…
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Boat in Chiang Mai flood narrowly escapes disaster (video)
A boat narrowly avoided disaster after being swept away by floodwaters in Chiang Mai, crashing into a bridge before passing safely underneath. The incident, captured on TikTok by user @malaim274, occurred during severe flooding in the area. “Chiang Mai’s second round of flooding brought fast and powerful water currents. This boat got swept away but luckily didn’t sink.” The video…
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Elephant carcass found in Chiang Mai after severe flooding
A tragic discovery was made yesterday, October 4, when the carcass of an elephant was found washed up near an elephant camp in Chiang Mai following severe flooding. This incident highlights the urgent need for improved animal management during natural disasters. The flooding, which occurred in several areas of Chiang Mai province, particularly impacted the region of Mae Taeng, where…
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Bangkok named fourth friendliest city in the world for 2024
Bangkok has been named the fourth friendliest city in the world in 2024, according to Condé Nast Traveller. The travel magazine, known for its focus on luxury and independent travel, announced its annual Readers’ Choice Awards, highlighting the 10 friendliest cities as voted by travellers worldwide. Singapore topped the list with a score of 94.84. Known for its financial hubs,…
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Soldiers in Lopburi camp hospitalised after severe punishment
A military camp in Lopburi has come under scrutiny following reports of two soldiers being subjected to severe punishment late at night, leading to their admission into the intensive care unit (ICU). The soldiers were allegedly ordered to continue working immediately after being discharged from the emergency room. Former candidate for MP in Constituency 10, Chon Buri, for the now-defunct…
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Foreign tourist’s gold necklace stolen in Patong alley
Patong Police are currently investigating the theft of a gold necklace from a foreign tourist in Soi Sea Dragon, off Bangla Road, which took place early yesterday morning, October 4. The incident, which occurred around 12.20am in front of a bar, was reported by the victim, Guilherme Rodrigues e Almeida Fernandes, to the police. Fernandes, whose nationality was not disclosed,…
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Phuket cracks down on illegal busking during Vegetarian Festival
Police in Phuket have issued a stern warning against begging and busking in key public areas during the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. This comes after several individuals were apprehended at Jui Tui Shrine in Phuket Town on Thursday, October 3. A team of officers, led by officials from the Phuket Provincial Office of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security…
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Chiang Mai Airport operational despite severe Ping River flooding
Chiang Mai Airport remains fully operational despite severe flooding from the Ping River. The airport, unaffected by the rising water levels, confirmed its status by issuing an update at 11am yesterday, October 4. The Ping River’s water level at Nawarat Bridge reached 4.88 metres, significantly exceeding the 3.70-metre crisis threshold, as reported by the Irrigation Department’s warning system. Despite this,…
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Turtle-saving tech: Thai students invent beach lamp
Thailand’s sea turtles are getting a lifeline, thanks to a bright idea from students at Chulalongkorn University. Enter COCOLAMP—a clever light-diverting bulb shade designed to protect baby turtles from disorienting beach lights, ensuring they can safely crawl to the sea. With sea turtles at risk of extinction, this innovation could make all the difference. Lights from beachfront hotels, resorts, and…
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Eye for an eye: Thai rider’s stare-down leads to road rage stabbing
A Thai man confessed to stabbing another man on a road in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, in a fit of anger after the victim allegedly stared at him while they were riding motorcycles near each other. The victim’s girlfriend and brother filed a complaint with Pak Kret Police Station on the morning of Wednesday, October 2, after the victim, 26…
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Thai crackdown on activists ignites fresh tensions in Deep South
Five activists in Thailand’s insurgency-plagued Deep South are facing the heat after hosting a mock referendum on self-determination. Yesterday, October 3, police charged two activists and three students for organising the event in June last year, sparking renewed debates about free speech in the volatile, heavily militarised border region. The group, which includes members of The Pattani political movement and…
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Banking on transparency: Thailand opens data doors for financial access
The Bank of Thailand unveiled an open data initiative aimed at enhancing access to financial services for Thai citizens and businesses. The Your Data initiative allows individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to share their data with financial institutions, facilitating improved access to a range of financial services. The central bank’s project, in collaboration with regulatory agencies and financial…
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DSI fast-tracks fraud case against celebrity retailer Kornkanok
Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong authorised the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to expedite the high-profile fraud case against celebrity online retailer Kornkanok “Mae Tuck” Suwannabut. The case has been designated a special case to ensure a swift resolution. Kornkanok and her husband, Kanpon Rueang-aram, were arrested on September 30 in Bangkok, facing multiple charges. They are accused of public fraud,…
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Thai beauty queen tricked into paying 800,000 baht for victory
A Thai beauty queen demanded justice after a beauty pageant manager deceived her into paying 800,000 baht to secure a crown. The 27 year old beauty queen, Panicha, also known as Lemon, sought help from non-profit organisation Saimai Survive after she was allegedly duped by the manager of a renowned beauty pageant in the central province of Suphan Buri. Lemon…
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