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 5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
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Pattaya begins major clean-up project at Bali Hai Pier
Pattaya City mobilised a significant workforce from the Department of Resource and Environment along with other relevant agencies to carry out a massive clean-up operation at Bali Hai Pier. This initiative, conducted yesterday, June 27, follows direct orders from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who visited the area recently and highlighted the need for improvements. Prime Minister Srettha’s visit to Bali…
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Fire sparks chaos: Lithium battery turns van to ashes in Chon Buri
A fire broke out from a lithium battery, causing a van in Chon Buri to burn to cinders. The driver, noticing a burning smell, quickly pulled over and escaped. Police are set to investigate the cause. A dramatic incident unfolded last night, June 27, when a white Toyota Commuter van caught fire on Suk Prayoon Road in Nong Tamlueng, Phan…
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Weight watching: Minister targets overloaded lorries and bribery
Thailand’s transport ministry pledged stricter enforcement against overloaded lorries and aims to eliminate highway-related bribery in a move to enhance road safety. The minister directed the Department of Highways (DoH) and the Department of Rural Roads (DRR) to utilise new technologies to enhance the detection of overloaded vehicles and to take serious legal action against violators. Overloaded lorries contribute significantly…
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Python surprise: Slippery situation at Phang Nga Police Station
A large python was found in the engine compartment of a confiscated pickup truck at the Thap Put Police Station in Phang Nga, causing quite a commotion. Police officers managed to safely extract the snake after a resident discovered it and reported the incident. The discovery of a sizable python in a confiscated Isuzu pickup truck disrupted the routine training…
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Thailand’s digital wallet budget faces review
A portion of Thailand’s 2025 national budget designated for the government’s digital wallet scheme is likely to be reconsidered by the special House Committee vetting the budget bill within the next couple of weeks, according to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat. Julapun, who serves as vice chairman of the 72-member committee, commented on the panel’s decision to suspend scrutiny over…
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EGCO boosts investment to expand power capacity by 1,000MW
Electricity Generating Plc (EGCO), part of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) plans to boost its investment budget this year to acquire more assets, aiming to add 1,000 megawatts (MW) of new power generation capacity each year. The company has already added 370MW from operational power plants, leaving an additional 630MW needed to hit its target. As of yesterday,…
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Credit crunch: Phuket bank manager’s pickup truck mishap
A bank credit manager crashed his pickup truck into the back of a parked trailer in Phuket, causing significant damage. Police promptly investigated the scene. The trailer driver reported hearing a loud noise around 5.40am today, June 28. Police Captain Aphairat In-iad from the Phuket City Police Station received the accident report. The crash happened in front of a petrol…
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Thailand tourism spending to miss 1.2tn baht target, rising costs
Thailand’s domestic tourism spending is projected to fall short of the government’s ambitious target of 1.2 trillion baht amid economic concerns and rising travel costs, as the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) indicates. TAT Deputy Governor for Domestic Marketing, Somradee Chitchong, expressed confidence that domestic trips would reach 210 million this year, surpassing the initial target of 200 million. Despite…
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Stolen truck rampage: New employee causes ruckus in Nonthaburi
A Burmese worker stole his boss’ pickup truck and caused a series of collisions, injuring three children and a woman before fleeing the scene. The worker had been in his new job for only four days. At 1am today, June 28, officers from Bang Bua Thong Police Station received a report about a pickup truck crashing into motorcycles on the Sai…
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Thaksin sues Warong for 100 million baht over bribery defamation
Thaksin Shinawatra initiated a lawsuit against Thai Pakdee Party leader Warong Dechgitvigrom, demanding 100 million baht for alleged defamation related to a 2-billion-baht bribe accusation. Thaksin’s lawyer, Winyat Chartmontree, filed the suit yesterday, June 27, following Warong’s comments on social media and during a rally near Government House. Warong’s remarks, though not directly naming Thaksin, strongly implied his involvement in…
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Stormy skies ahead: Thailand’s TMD issues heavy rain alert
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a weather warning for 36 provinces, forecasting thunderstorms and heavy rainfall with Bangkok experiencing the heaviest rainfall, affecting 60% of the area. The TMD predicts weather conditions for the next 24 hours, highlighting the impact of the southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, combined with a low-pressure…
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SCB denies UN claims of aiding Myanmar military transactions
Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) firmly denied any involvement in irregular transactions with Myanmar, challenging claims made in a recent United Nations report concerning the bank’s alleged role in financing military procurement. Tom Andrews, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, released a report this week detailing how Myanmar’s military regime continues to acquire weapons used against civilians. The…
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Pattaya’s future rings in with 5G Smart City initiative
Pattaya City and National Telecom Plc (NT) have embarked on a groundbreaking collaboration to develop the 5G Pattaya Smart City project. On Tuesday, Pattaya City Mayor Poramase Ngampichet and NT President Colonel Sapphachai Huwanan formalised this partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at Pattaya City Hall. This initiative focuses on integrating advanced technologies such as 5G Internet, artificial…
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Border bust: Thai police collar 25 illegal immigrants
Kanchanaburi police arrested 25 illegal immigrants attempting to cross the Thai border in Sangkhlaburi. The interception occurred at 2am today, June 28, as immigration officers and related agencies conducted a coordinated operation. Police in Kanchanaburi were alerted to the presence of numerous foreign immigrants hiding in a forested area of Sangkhlaburi. Responding swiftly, officers positioned at Prang Plo Intersection, along…
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Kratom caper: Thai cops shrimp on illegal juice joint
The Royal Thai Police (RTP) swooped on an abandoned shrimp warehouse in Samut Sakhon following reports of a man distributing all-you-can-drink kratom juice to immigrant workers. Mueang Samut Sakhon Police Station officers, alongside relevant agencies, responded to complaints from residents about a group of Burmese workers frequently gathering at the warehouse for kratom juice. Signs advertising a drink buffet were…
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Thai teen caring for his grandmother receives public support
Generous individuals rallied to support a devoted Thai teen who put his education on hold to care for his ailing grandmother. The 15 year old Ae’s daily struggle involves walking barefoot for over 14 kilometres to collect and sell recyclable materials to support his grandmother and younger siblings. The family lives in a modest house in a rural area, lacking…
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Police arrest man for smuggling crystal meth in clothes in Bangkok
Bangkok Police arrested a Thai man for smuggling crystal methamphetamine hidden in second-hand clothing parcels. The man confessed to working for over a month, earning 3,000 baht daily by packing and shipping drugs. Police officers, including Kiattikul Sonthinene, received a report from Kornwarat Promsawan and the Romklao investigation team about alleged drug trafficking activities in the Rong Kha Daeng community.…
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Korat village under water: Residents left high and dry without aid
Flooding has plagued a village in Korat for over five days, leaving residents without assistance. Some have been forced to rent temporary accommodation due to the severe conditions. A local, Teerapat Nuwongsri, shared photos of villagers wading through water and homes submerged in water. His post highlighted the ongoing struggle, noting that while his house remains submerged, other areas had…
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Over 46,000 meth pills seized in Khon Kaen drug crackdown
Police in Khon Kaen seized over 46,000 methamphetamine pills and assets worth more than 20 million baht in a month-long crackdown. Efforts to treat drug users revealed the youngest addict was only 12 years old, prompting an urgent call to address the root causes. Khon Kaen Provincial Governor Kraisorn Kongchalad, Anuwat Suwannaphum, Provincial Police Chief, representatives from the Office of…
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Former deputy commerce minister faces death sentence for murder
The Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence for Banyin Tangpakorn, found guilty of murdering construction tycoon Chuwong Saetang. The ruling was read yesterday, June 26, at the Phra Khanong Criminal Court, confirming the previous judgments from lower courts. Chuwong’s widow, Sirirat Saetang, alongside prosecutors, initially filed the case against Banyin, a former Deputy Commerce Minister and ex-MP for Nakhon…
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Cameroonian man seeks lucky numbers at temple ceremony
A Cameroonian man recently participated in a sacred ceremony at Wat Sawang Arom in Nakhon Pathom, seeking divine blessings and lucky numbers to share with his Thai wife. The event took place yesterday, June 26, at 11am, with a lively atmosphere as people gathered to pray for prosperity and good fortune. The temple attracts a diverse crowd, especially as the…
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Thai feature film ‘How To Make Millions’ sweeps box offices
When Thai filmmaker Pat Boonnitipat embarked on his debut feature film, How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, his primary goal was simple: to complete it in time for his grandmother to watch. Initially, the film was also meant to support his family’s mirror and glass-making business. However, the movie’s sweeping regional success has catapulted Pat into the spotlight, leaving…
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Men over 50 urged to be probed for prostate cancer
Health experts urge men over 50 to take precautions against prostate cancer, emphasising that untreated conditions can be fatal. The Thailand Healthcare 2024 event, held in Samyan Mitrtown Hall, highlighted free health screenings and expert talks on prostate health. The annual fair, celebrating its 16th year, kicked off yesterday, featuring free health check-ups from 30 leading hospitals through tomorrow. The…
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50 illegal Cambodian and Burmese immigrants arrested after brawl
Police raided a condominium in Samut Prakan, uncovering a violent feud between Cambodian and Burmese immigrants. The raid, led by Police Major General Wichit Boonchinwutikul, Chief of Samut Prakan Provincial Police, saw over 50 officers descend on the Bang Pu area, resulting in the arrest of 50 illegal migrant workers. The crackdown was triggered by a brutal altercation on Monday…
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AirAsia operates flights betweeen Kuala Lumpur and Chiang Rai
AirAsia will be launching a direct route from Kuala Lumpur to Chiang Rai, launching on November 2 with three weekly flights. To celebrate this exciting addition, the airline is offering an irresistible deal: Free seats for the inaugural flights. The free seat promotion applies to the base fare for one-way flights, excluding airport taxes, MAVCOM fees, fuel surcharges, and other…
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Busted feathers: Cops pause drug arrest to feed chickens, budgies
Phetchaburi police took an unusual approach with a drug possession arrest, pausing to help the suspect feed his chickens and budgerigars before proceeding with legal action. The suspect expressed gratitude and promised to abandon drug-related activities. Officers from Thayang Police Station yesterday apprehended 46 year old Songsak at a small hut in Thayang district, Phetchaburi province. He was found in…
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Thai blaze: Narcotics go up in smoke on international anti-drug day
To mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Thailand incinerated over 20 tonnes of confiscated narcotics valued at a staggering 6.45 billion baht yesterday, June 26. The vast quantity of drugs, primarily methamphetamine, was seized from 41,800 cases, underscoring the country’s relentless war on drugs. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin stated that this destruction is part of…
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Human rights activist narrowly clinches Senate election
Renowned human rights activist and widow of kidnapped lawyer Somchai Neelapaijit, Angkhana Neelapaijit secured a seat in the Senate as a representative of the civil sector and NGOs. However, she has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the election process, alleging widespread fraud and vote manipulation in favour of certain candidates. In an impassioned statement, Angkhana claimed that the…
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Buriram police seize drugs and guns, suspect claims he found them
Buriram police seized methamphetamine, firearms, and ammunition, from a drug dealer’s home, who claimed he found all the illegal items on the street, leading officers to stifle their laughter during the arrest. Buriram Provincial Police Commander, Police Colonel Ruttaphon Naowarat, yesterday led a team to raid the home of a suspected drug dealer and confiscate various illegal items. The evidence,…
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Thailand leases state land to improve citizens’ living conditions
The Government of Thailand has initiated a transformative project to lease state-owned land to citizens across nine provinces, aiming to improve their living conditions. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Finance, the initiative is said to benefit approximately 1,900 individuals over the next six months, covering around 7,000 rai (over 2,767 acres). Deputy Finance Minister Paophum Rojanasakul announced the launch of…
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