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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Thai man steals 10 million baht from mother after falling victim to scam
A 19 year old Thai man sought forgiveness from his mother after stealing 10 million baht in cash and assets from her and transferring them to a call centre scammer. The 19 year old victim, Mick, and his mother appeared on the Hone Krasae news programme on Channel 3 today, November 21, to share details of the scam. Mick explained…
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Thailand pawn giant cashes in on gold boom, loans soar
Thailand’s leading pawn shop chain, Easy Money, is expecting its highest loan growth in two decades, fuelled by surging gold prices and a wave of young entrepreneurs seeking short-term financing. “Loan demand is booming like we haven’t seen in 20 years,” said Easy Money Group chairperson Sittiwit Tangthanakiat. The company reported outstanding loans of 27 billion baht for the first…
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People’s Party mulls Bangkok comeback with new contender
The People’s Party, which holds more than 140 MPs, is reportedly preparing for a potential early election by laying groundwork in Bangkok’s political scene. Party insiders indicate that former MP Sita Divari, also known as “Captain Pun,” is being considered as a candidate for the upcoming Bangkok gubernatorial race. Sita, a former Thai Sang Thai candidate, re-entered politics in 2022…
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Teen seeks help after police delay in Bolt driver attempted rape case
A 19 year old woman has turned to a social media influencer for help after allegedly surviving an attempted rape by a Bolt driver, fearing the case would be delayed for months due to police inaction. The victim, Arisara Mitkhuntod, contacted influencer Chot-anan Lertritphuwadol after Bang Kruai Police Station allegedly asked her to wait two to three months for medical…
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Thief snatches Pattaya vendor’s gas cylinders in luxury car
A Pattaya street vendor reported a theft to police after a man in a luxury vehicle stole her gas tanks while she was preparing to open her stall. A Thai woman who makes a living selling omelettes over rice faced a major setback when a thief in a high-end sedan stole her only two gas cylinders, worth more than 5,000…
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Cathay Pacific sees Thailand rebound after rocky first half
Cathay Pacific confirmed it is seeing a strong rebound in Thailand route performance, after earlier struggles caused by safety concerns and political instability. Hong Kong’s flagship carrier confirmed that its Thailand routes are bouncing back in the second half of the year, following earlier setbacks tied to safety concerns and political instability. Despite a soft performance earlier in 2025, the…
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Wanted fraud suspect arrested on Bangkok–Phuket bus
Police arrested a wanted fraud suspect after tracking him to a Bangkok–Phuket bus, where the man was travelling under multiple outstanding warrants. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) confirmed the arrest of a 27 year old man identified only as Patinya, who was wanted for multiple charges, including online fraud, computer crime offences, and assault. Marine Police Division officers tracked him down…
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TikTok pulls award from Thai doctor amid clothing brand drama, voting scandal
TikTok Thailand withdrew the Rising Creator of the Year Award 2025 from a Thai doctor following a dispute involving a well-known clothing brand and allegations of unethical voting practices. In a statement released yesterday, November 20, TikTok Thailand announced that the award had been revoked due to violations of the TikTok Awards’ rules and conditions. The award had originally been…
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Ratchaburi vendors shun co-pay scheme over scam fears
Several vendors in Ratchaburi, central Thailand, are refusing to join the government’s co-payment scheme, citing registration issues and scam concerns as key reasons for opting out. At Wat Tha Luang Phon in Photharam district, many small business owners are opting out of the government’s co-payment initiative, citing confusing registration procedures and concerns over fraudulent transactions. Running from October 29 to…
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Elephant electrocuted near Phetchaburi national park
A young wild elephant was electrocuted while foraging on farmland near Phetchaburi’s Kaeng Krachan National Park, prompting a full investigation. The incident occurred in the Pa Deng subdistrict of Phetchaburi’s Kaeng Krachan district, where a farmer had installed illegal electric fencing to protect his crops. The elephant, estimated to be between eight and 10 years old and weighing around 2…
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Drunk Russian man injured in Walking Street attack, flips off rescuer
A Russian man was found with a serious head injury on Pattaya’s Walking Street in the early hours of yesterday, November 20, after reportedly being assaulted by a group of unidentified individuals. Emergency responders from the Sawang Boriboon Dhammastan Foundation arrived at the scene around 3.36am and found the 27 year old Russian national sitting on the pavement, bleeding heavily…
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Tourist attacked on Bangla Road just metres from police box (video)
A tourist was assaulted near the beach end of Bangla Road in Patong, prompting police to arrest a Thai man who had been disturbing passersby in the area. The incident occurred around 5.10am today, November 21, near the beach end of Bangla Road, a bustling nightlife hotspot in Patong. Patong Police later confirmed the arrest of a Thai man accused…
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Thai man armed with M16 rifle kills neighbour, wounds another in Chumphon
A Thai man, allegedly high on drugs and armed with an M16 rifle, killed a neighbour and injured another in Chumphon province yesterday, November 20, before police subdued him with tear gas. The suspect, 40 year old Natruethep Rintawong, was reported to be under the influence of narcotics when he took the car belonging to his 27 year old neighbour,…
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Miss Mexico takes the crown after Miss Universe controversy
Miss Mexico was crowned the new Miss Universe after a dramatic final held in Bangkok, following weeks of controversy and heated exchanges. After a drama-filled competition, Mexico’s Fátima Bosch was crowned Miss Universe 2025 during the coronation show at Impact Challenger Hall in Nonthaburi today, November 21. She beat 119 contestants, including favourites from the Philippines, Venezuela and Thailand, to…
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Thai govt to hike VAT to 10% by 2030 in budget rescue plan
The government plans to gradually raise VAT to 10% to address rising deficits, as revealed by the finance minister during a major economic event in Bangkok. Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas revealed plans to gradually increase VAT, starting with a 1.5% rise to 8.5% by 2028. The announcement was made during his address at the Money Expo 2025 Bangkok Year-End, where…
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Blacklisted South Korean busted for meth, porn in Pattaya condo
Police raided a Pattaya condominium near Jomtien Beach yesterday, November 20, and arrested a South Korean man allegedly hosting drug parties. Officers found him watching porn and gambling online when they entered the unit. The operation was part of a larger effort by the Chon Buri Provincial Immigration Office targeting illegal foreigners during the high tourism season. Officers said the…
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Pattaya pushes passport upgrade to help tourists and locals
Pattaya officials met with the acting head of the local passport office to discuss improving services for residents and tourists during peak travel periods. Yesterday, November 20, Pattaya City Hall played host to a key meeting aimed at streamlining passport services for the city’s booming population of locals, expats and international visitors. Mayor Poramet Ngampichet and his secretary, Phumiphat Kamolnath,…
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Bangkok prison chief, guards accused of giving Chinese inmates VIP treatment
The director of Bangkok Remand Prison (BRP) and several prison guards are under investigation for allegedly giving VIP treatment to Chinese inmates, allowing access to electric appliances and bringing Chinese sex workers into the facility. Thai prisoners reportedly filed a complaint to the Department of Corrections, claiming certain Chinese inmates lived far more comfortably than others and held influence inside…
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Bangkok fire in commercial building injures familly of 4
A fire broke out at a commercial building in Bangkok this morning, prompting emergency crews to rescue a trapped family of four and battle the spreading flames. The fire broke out at around 5.50am today, November 21, on Chakkraphet Road in the Wang Burapha Phirom subdistrict of Phra Nakhon district. Crews from Phu Khao Thong Fire Station rushed to the…
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Motorcyclist dies after collapsing mid-ride on Pattaya street
A motorcyclist died on a Pattaya road after collapsing while riding, prompting an emergency response from police and rescue teams at the scene. The incident unfolded on North Pattaya Road yesterday morning, November 20, when 58 year old Phanomphon So-ngoen reportedly suffered a sudden medical emergency while riding. According to witnesses, he lost consciousness and fell from his blue Yamaha…
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Cold blast chills Thailand as southern storms roll in
Thailand is gripped by chilly winds in the north as fierce storms lash the south, triggering weather alerts across the country. According to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), a strong high-pressure system is sweeping the upper south, bringing chilly mornings and strong winds across northern, northeastern, central and eastern Thailand. Residents are urged to stay warm, with dry, windy conditions…
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2 Thai actresses deny involvement in 400 million baht fraud scandal
Two Thai actresses have denied any involvement in a rumoured financial scam reportedly orchestrated by a prominent celebrity, which allegedly defrauded friends and colleagues in the Thai entertainment industry out of more than 400 million baht. The controversy erupted yesterday, November 19, when Facebook page ท่านเปา claimed that major Thai media outlets were preparing to report on a high-profile actress…
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Bhumjaithai names 3 PM hopefuls in leadership shakeup
Bhumjaithai Party announced three prime ministerial candidates during a press event, aiming to expand its leadership ahead of the upcoming election. Speaking at Government House, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced that Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, along with Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun, will join him on the official candidate list. Their nominations are expected to be submitted…
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Insect larva removed from patient in Bangkok, expert says no threat to locals
A Thai science communicator addressed public concern after a hospital worker in Bangkok shared images of an insect larva removed from a foreign patient’s skin. The patient had recently returned from Brazil and sought treatment at a hospital in the capital. The medical worker posted pictures of the creature on the well-known Facebook group นี่ตัวอะไร (“What is this animal?”) yesterday,…
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Fake police officer threatens woman with fabricated explicit videos
A Thai man posed as a police officer to extort a woman in the southern province of Satun, claiming he possessed explicit videos of her and threatening to publish them. The victim, Yaowarate Madtrakate, filed a complaint with officers at La-ngu Police Station and later shared details of the case with Channel 7 today, November 20. The woman is reported to…
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South Korean DJ caught spinning without permit in Chiang Mai
A South Korean national was arrested in Chiang Mai by immigration officers after being found working illegally as a DJ at a local venue without a permit. The suspect, whose identity has not been released, was detained yesterday, November 19, after immigration officials received a tip-off regarding foreign nationals working without permits in the Mueang district. The operation took place…
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Thaksin joins Dhamma rehab as Paetongtarn exits spotlight
Thaksin Shinawatra has entered a dhamma-based rehab programme at Klong Prem Prison, as his daughter Paetongtarn steps away from politics. Ex-PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra revealed her father, Thaksin, is currently participating in the Dhammanavawang rehabilitation programme at Klong Prem Central Prison. Speaking after a visit to the Bangkok prison, Paetongtarn said Thaksin’s physical condition remained stable despite changing weather, but hinted…
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Indian blogger apologises for accusing Krabi hospital of scamming foreigners
An Indian travel blogger issued a public apology after accusing hospitals in Krabi of scamming foreign tourists by overcharging them for medical treatment following adverse reactions to cannabis gummies. The blogger, Monica Gupta, posted a reel on her Instagram account, @travelwithshades, on Sunday, November 16, alleging she and her friend were victims of a “Thai hospital scam”. In the caption of…
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2 Miss Universe judges resign amid scandal ahead of Bangkok final
Two judges resigned from the Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, citing concerns over transparency just days before the winner was set to be crowned. Omar Harfouch, a Lebanese-French composer, shocked fans on Tuesday, November 18, when he announced via Instagram that he was stepping down from the judging panel of this year’s competition, accusing the organisers of running a “charade”…
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Former shipping company worker arrested for selling client data to scammers
Police in Phuket arrested a former shipping company employee yesterday, November 19, for allegedly stealing customer data and providing it to a scam operator involved in fraudulent parcel deliveries. Officers from Mueang Phuket Police Station raided a warehouse in the Ratsada sub-district on November 16 and arrested a 31 year old suspect, Khanapa “Mook” Mengsan, for her suspected involvement in…
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