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 Moving with family? Here’s how to cut health costs in Thailand
Relocating to Thailand with your family brings exciting new opportunities, but it also comes with the challenge of managing healthcare costs in a new system. Thailand has both public and private healthcare options, each offering different prices and quality of...
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Cattle farmer shot dead near ordination event in Phetchaburi
A 32 year old cattle farmer, Sakditat, was fatally shot nine times near a religious ordination celebration in Phetchaburi. Police have identified a suspect and are investigating a personal conflict as a possible motive. The incident occurred yesterday, June 1, along the Nong Bo–Bo Huai road in Don Yang subdistrict, Mueang district, Phetchaburi province. Police Lieutenant Prakit Tonmaithong from the…
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Drivers held for transporting 1,434 boxes of illegal cigarettes
Two delivery drivers employed by a parcel company have been apprehended for allegedly transporting 1,434 boxes of illegal cigarettes. The drivers claimed they were unaware of the contents, as they were simply fulfilling their duties. Police stated that tracking down the perpetrators should not be difficult due to complete sender and recipient documentation. Yesterday, June 1, Police Colonel Parinya Khraikruan,…
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Woman abducted in Trat as police chase white van
A white van blocked a black Mitsubishi car, prompting a woman to flee for help, only to be pursued and assaulted by a man who then dragged her into the van and drove away. Police in Mueang district, Trat province, are urgently tracking the vehicle, but the woman’s fate remains unknown. At 6pm yesterday, June 1, Police Lieutenant Colonel Therdkiat…
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Man tragically shot in Phetchabun mall car park
Surveillance footage captured a tragic shooting incident outside a shopping mall that left a man dead while waiting to pick up his girlfriend from her last day of part-time work. The event, which occurred yesterday, June 1 at 7pm in Phetchabun province’s Bueng Sam Phan district, caused panic among shoppers. Police from Bueng Sam Phan Police Station, along with a…
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Thailand lottery winners scoop 78 million baht jackpot
A lottery draw in Thailand resulted in a significant win for two people, with a combined prize of 78 million baht. Yesterday, June 1, the Government Lottery Office announced the winning numbers for the draw. The first prize number was 559352, with additional prizes for other categories. Notably, a man from Chiang Rai won 54 million baht (US$1.64 million), while…
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Sattahip police crackdown on noisy bikers, seize over 100 illegal motorcycles
Scores of motorcyclists were arrested and hundreds of illegally modified motorcycles impounded by Sattahip police following resident complaints about noise and public disturbances during a long holiday weekend. The bikers had assembled from various regions at Nang Ram Beach in Chon Buri province, prompting a swift police response. At 11am yesterday, June 1, Police Colonel Komsan Kamtunkaew, the chief of…
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Bangkok’s new city plan expected by 2027 amid zoning changes
Bangkok’s updated city plan is anticipated to be implemented in 2027, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). Initially drafted in 2013 and set for enforcement in 2019, the plan was postponed by the Ministry of Interior for further reviews on water and environmental zoning. Deputy Bangkok governor Wisanu Subsompon stated that the fourth revision of the city plan is…
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Illegal hazardous waste exporter caught running toxic trade operation
A key suspect involved in the illegal hazardous waste trade has been apprehended, operating three companies engaged in the processing and export of toxic industrial dust, contravening multiple laws, according to the Ministry of Industry. Industry Minister Akanat Promphan assigned Thitipas Choddaechachainun to lead a special task force investigating 11 steel factories utilising induction furnace (IF) technology in Rayong. This…
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Global communities unite at centralwOrld to celebrate Pride Month 2025
Over 300,000 people marched through Bangkok today, ending their Pride Parade journey at centralwOrld in a powerful celebration of love, diversity, and unity. This year’s event was the first Pride Parade since Thailand officially enacted the Marriage Equality Law, making it a historic moment for the LGBTQIAN+ community both in Thailand and globally. Under the theme Born This Way, the…
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Opal Suchata Chuangsri makes history as Thailand’s First Miss World 2025
Yesterday, May 31, Opal Suchata Chuangsri, a 22 year old woman from Phuket, Thailand, made history by becoming Thailand’s first-ever winner of the Miss World pageant. The grand finale, held at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad, India, featured 108 contestants from around the world, with Opal emerging victorious and captivating hearts globally. Born on March 20, 2003, Opal was…
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Bangkok Pride 2025 to make global history with record-breaking parade
Bangkok Pride 2025 is set to break records and expand its reach beyond the Thai capital, with more than 40 provinces across Thailand joining the festivities. In Bangkok, the main events will take place from 30 May to 1 June at Siam Paragon, Siam Centre, Siam Square One, and Lido Connect under the theme Born This Way, a powerful celebration…
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Woman gives birth in rescue vehicle as public eyes registration number
A 22 year old woman gave birth to a baby boy on a rescue vehicle after experiencing severe labour pains. Both mother and child are safe. The incident has sparked interest in the rescue vehicle’s registration number among those seeking good fortune. The woman shared her experience on Facebook, announcing the birth of her son today, June 1, at 3.48am.…
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Thailand’s smoking rate drops 48% in 33 years, economic strain remains
Thailand has successfully decreased its smoking rate by 48% over the past 33 years, yet tobacco use continues to impose a significant economic burden on low-income households. This was highlighted by the Action on Smoking and Health Foundation (ASH) during World No-Tobacco Day yesterday, May 31. Chairman Doctor Prakit Vathesatogkit, referencing data from tobacco consumption surveys between 1991 and 2024,…
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Thai army denies imminent closure of border with Cambodia
The Royal Thai Army has denied claims circulating on social media about the imminent closure of 16 border checkpoints with Cambodia. Such measures would only be considered if security concerns, particularly those involving long-range weapons, were to escalate. Major General Winthai Suvaree, the army spokesperson, addressed the issue yesterday, May 31, dispelling rumours that closures had been ordered following a…
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Bangkok taxi driver caught without licence demands fixed fare (video)
A Bangkok resident experienced a surprising encounter when a taxi driver, who initially agreed to use the meter, later demanded a fixed fare of 200 baht. It was subsequently revealed that the driver lacked both a driving licence and a taxi ID. This incident, which spread rapidly on social media, has brought renewed attention to the issue of taxi regulation…
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Ukrainian tourist dies after rooftop fall in Phuket
A Ukrainian tourist, 28 year old woman, tragically died after falling from a rooftop at a villa in Chalong, Phuket, in the early hours of yesterday, May 31. She succumbed to her injuries at Chalong Hospital. Police were alerted at 5am about the incident. Officers from Chalong Police Station, led by Police Lieutenant Kriangkrai Daokrajai, visited the villa estate on…
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Tragic road accident claims life on Highway 331 in Chachoengsao
In Chachoengsao, a 40 year old employee of a car company tragically lost his life in a road accident. As he was returning home in his Isuzu pickup truck, the vehicle skidded off the road and collided with a tree, resulting in his death at the scene. The incident occurred yesterday, May 31, when Police Lieutenant Teera Senthong from the…
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Tragic drowning of three young girls in Sisaket pond
Three young girls tragically drowned in a pond in Sisaket province, leaving their relatives devastated. The incident occurred yesterday, May 31, at 4pm, when the Srisaket Charity Foundation received a report of three children missing in a pond near Ban Don Muang, Rasai Sila district. Rescue teams were dispatched to the location, approximately 1 kilometre from the village, where residents…
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28 provinces brace for heavy rain as Bangkok faces severe storms
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather forecast for June 1, identifying 28 provinces across two regions that are expected to face heavy rain, with Bangkok predicted to experience the most severe conditions. Citizens are advised to be cautious due to moderate monsoon conditions affecting the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. The weather forecast for…
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Abandoned macaques found in Thai forest, suspected for illegal sale
Over 20 young long-tailed macaques were discovered abandoned in bags in a forested area, leading locals to initially mistake the cries for an abandoned baby. After following the sounds, the residents contacted officials, prompting a search for those responsible. It is suspected that the location was used as a temporary holding spot for selling the animals yesterday, May 31. Sirikhun…
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Buriram tyre technician arrested for selling meth to youths
In Buriram, narcotics suppression units collaborated with related agencies to arrest a 53 year old man, a tyre repair technician, for distributing methamphetamine to local youths. He also admitted to using the drug himself to alleviate back pain and body aches. Police had been investigating Somkit, who worked at a tyre repair shop in Huai Rat district, after receiving information…
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Chinese man injured in Chon Buri shooting incident
Yesterday, May 31, a shooting incident occurred in Chon Buri’s Bang Lamung district, where a Chinese man was injured and dragged into a house. Police have apprehended the suspect, and the injured man, 26 year old Yang, has been hospitalised with a gunshot wound to his right ankle. Police Colonel Mintrathit Thongsai from the Huai Yai Police Station responded to…
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A historic win: Opal becomes Thailand’s first Miss World
Thailand has made pageant history after 25 year old Suchata Chuangsri, known as Opal, was crowned Miss World 2025—the first Thai woman to win the global title in 74 years. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss World (@missworld) The 72nd Miss World grand finale was held on May 31 at the HITEX Convention Centre…
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Rawai restaurant owner fumes after tourist poos outside
A Rawai restaurant owner is fed up with cleaning up faeces after catching tourists using his property as an open toilet—now he’s demanding action from local authorities. The owner of a popular floating restaurant in Rawai, Phuket, has called on local authorities to install more public toilets for tourists after a shocking incident involving a foreign visitor defecating outside his…
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Dugong baby boom? Rare sea creatures spotted off Krabi coast
Krabi’s crystal waters have just delivered a marine miracle—two rare dugongs and a gang of green turtles have been spotted gliding through the waves, sparking hopes of a biodiversity comeback in the Andaman Sea. Park officials in Krabi are celebrating a major boost in marine biodiversity after spotting two new dugongs and a group of green turtles near Ao Nammao…
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Nestlé sues ex-partners over Nescafé trademark breach
Nestlé has initiated legal action against former business partners over the alleged infringement of the Nescafé trademark. The company is seeking 577 million baht in damages from Prayudh Mahagitsiri and Chalermchai Mahagitsiri, as stated in a company release dated May 30 (yesterday). The claim pertains to losses caused by an eight-day suspension of Nescafé sales after the Minburi Civil Court…
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Tiger selfie turns savage: Indian tourist mauled in Phuket (video)
A dream holiday snap turned into a nightmare for one tourist in Phuket after a tiger lashed out during a selfie stunt—leaving social media stunned and raising serious questions about animal welfare at popular tourist attractions. An Indian tourist suffered minor injuries after being attacked by a tiger at Tiger Kingdom in Phuket. The man, whose identity has not been…
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Krungsri forecast for Thailand economic growth cut to 2.1%
Research by Krungsri has revised Thailand’s economic growth forecast for 2025 to 2.1%, down from an earlier estimate of 2.7%. This adjustment comes amid layered risks, including US trade policy uncertainties and domestic pressures. The government is advised to exercise caution in policy-making while responding effectively to rapidly evolving situations. Pimnara Hirankasi, head of economic research and executive researcher at…
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Pattaya firm hits back at ‘grey Chinese’ money claims
Baidi International (Pattaya) Real Estate Asset Management Co., Ltd. has firmly denied any links to illegal Chinese capital, following swirling allegations and a government inspection that cast a shadow over the firm’s operations. At a press conference held at its office on Soi Department of Lands, Village 10, company director Kham Sae Yang, flanked by company lawyer Theerathorn Morakotjinda and…
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Activist demands court ruling over energy minister appointment
Thailand’s newest prime minister is already under legal fire, with a political activist demanding the Constitutional Court weigh in on her first big Cabinet move. Political activist Sonthiya Sawasdee has called on the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) to seek a Constitutional Court ruling over Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s appointment of Pirapan Salirathavibhaga as deputy prime minister and energy…
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