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 12Go introduces Japan Rail Passes to enhance travel accessibility for international travellers
For those who have travelled throughout Thailand, 12Go is a well-known provider of various trips, though the platform itself has a much wider reach. Ranging from buses to planes, 12Go is undoubtedly a leading booking platform for travel throughout the...
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Motorcycle dispute turns violent in Nong Prue, Chon Buri
A confrontation over a borrowed motorcycle led to a violent altercation at a rented room in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri. Following a dispute about the motorcycle, which had been altered, the borrower was attacked with a knife. At 10.06pm, yesterday, February 5, a report of an assault was received by the Sawang Boriboon Rescue Radio Centre. Emergency…
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Caught with his visa down: Thai cops snare suspected American pedophile
In a dramatic swoop, Thai immigration officers uncovered an alleged American pedophile in the unsuspecting town of Nakhon Ratchasima after police discovered the 57 year old had overstayed his visa. Overstaying his welcome by far more than a few days, the man, named Negri, is a key suspect on the FBI’s radar, hunted down for harrowing charges encompassing child exploitation…
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Prisoners in Thailand may earn early release by reading books
The Department of Corrections (DoC) is considering the implementation of reading as a criterion for prisoners’ early release, as announced by Justice Minister Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong. The proposal involves a project where inmates could earn one day of parole for each book they read while incarcerated. The initiative is designed to encourage learning and ensure prisoners receive basic education…
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Thailand heat up by 3°C, PM2.5 levels to rise across regions
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning about an increase in temperatures by 1 to 3 degrees Celsius across Thailand and a likely rise in PM2.5 toxic dust levels, affecting nearly all regions. The south will experience rain, with residents advised to take health precautions until today, February 6. The 24-hour weather forecast predicts weakening high-pressure systems over northeast…
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Escaped Thai inmate from Nonthaburi caught on Chon Buri beach
Police arrested an inmate who had escaped from Nonthaburi Provincial Prison on February 2 while enjoying the beach in Chon Buri. The 32 year old prisoner, Wasan Obnual, seized an opportunity while working for the Department of Corrections at the Corrections Museum in Nonthaburi to escape. He immediately took a taxi back home, which was close to both the museum…
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Trump’s mad, mad, mad, mad world—now with extra madness
It’s a mad, mad, mad, mad, world, about to get a whole lot madder under newly elected United States President Donald Trump. The 78 year old alleged leader of the free world, not content with stirring a hornet’s nest by saying he plans to take over Greenland and make Canada a US state, yesterday, February 5, he announced plans to…
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Phatthalung woman detains parents over 30 million baht
A 46 year old Thai woman accused her 50 year old sister of detaining their parents in a rented house for over three months. The woman, Kulisara, claims her sister, Kirati administered psychiatric medication without a doctor’s prescription, allegedly to seize a 30 million baht inheritance. Kulisara reported the incident to the police in Mueang district, Phatthalung province, seeking to…
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Anutin: Thaksin still has political power despite election results
Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul countered assertions that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has lost his political influence. Anutin maintains that Thaksin continues to wield significant political power. “Warriors are warriors. To underestimate Thaksin or say he is losing his magic can bring [the big mouth] an unprecedented disaster.” The statement follows analyses from political commentators questioning Thaksin’s influence after…
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Bank of Thailand targets illegal loan apps for removal
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) has identified 10 mobile applications offering personal loans illegally and is taking steps to have them removed from the App Store and Google Play Store. Pirajit Padmasuta, the central bank’s senior director for financial consumer protection and supervision of financial service providers, stated that the regulator initially reported the 10 verified illegal apps, including Fineasy…
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Unregistered hotels could boost tourism revenue to 3.5 trillion baht
Unregistered hotel operators entering the registration system could significantly increase hidden tourism revenues, potentially reaching 3.5 trillion baht if successful, according to the Tourism and Sports Ministry. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong stated that the annual revenue reported by the ministry is lower than the actual tourism figures due to the extensive informal economy, which includes illegal accommodations and…
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Nonthaburi: Retired teacher loses 2 million baht in call centre scam
A retired teacher fell victim to a call centre scam, losing 2 million baht after being convinced by fraudsters. The incident took place on February 3, when scammers contacted the elderly woman via a messaging app, impersonating officials from the Ministry of Finance. The scammers persuaded the woman that her bank account should not hold more than 2 million baht,…
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Thai man throws ex-girlfriend down stairs, threatens to share explicit videos
In a shocking display of violence, a Thai man reportedly threw his girlfriend down a 1.7-metre stairwell outside her workplace in the eastern province of Rayong. Not content with this abhorrent act, he brazenly took to social media, offering explicit videos as a twisted bounty for any information on her whereabouts. The Facebook page Jmoi v+ shared security camera footage…
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Thai hostages freed by Hamas to return home on Febraury 8
Five Thai nationals held hostage by the Palestinian group Hamas for over a year, are scheduled to return home on Saturday, February 8, as stated by Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa. Yesterday, February 4, the minister updated on the repatriation efforts from Israel. The Thai hostages returning are Sathien Suwannakham, Pongsak Thaenna, Watchara Sriaou, Surasak Rumnao, and Bannawat Saethao. While their return…
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Tunisian tourist tries to outrun Karon cops, chase ends in arrest
A reckless Tunisian tourist led Karon Police on a dramatic chase after blowing through a checkpoint along Karon Beach Road last night. At 8.08pm yesterday, February 4, officers stationed on Patak Road, near the southern end of Karon Beach, signalled for a red Honda Scoopy motorcycle to stop. However, the rider, identified as 23 year old Samir Brki, ignored their…
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Thailand PM strengthens China ties with investment focus
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to enhance relations with China, particularly focusing on long-term investment partnerships, during her four-day official visit starting today, according to Government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub. The government intends to bolster long-term investment collaborations in key areas pivotal to the transition towards a greener and more digital society. This includes promoting the electric vehicle and semiconductor…
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Over 27 tonnes of illegal drugs to be destroyed in ONCB crackdown
Over 27 tonnes of illegal drugs are set to be destroyed tomorrow as part of drug eradication efforts by the Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB). Apikit Chrojprasert, Deputy Secretary General of the ONCB, attended an event yesterday, February 4, alongside police and other officials to prepare for the large-scale incineration of illegal drugs. The total weight of drugs confiscated…
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Trunk road surprise: Prachin Buri motorists have elephant-sized scare
Motorists in Prachin Buri province experienced a heart-stopping moment when two wild elephants wandered onto a public road, narrowly avoiding a collision with passing vehicles. The dramatic incident has reignited concerns over human-wildlife conflict in the region. The elephants, which had strayed from Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary, were spotted near Ban Hua Sa School in Si Maha Phot…
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Thai woman suspected of burning father to death in Kalasin
Police suspect a Thai woman of burning her father to death in a hut in the Isaan province of Kalasin on January 31. The woman continues to deny the accusation. The fire broke out in the hut in the Khong Chai district of Kalasin on January 31, and the body of a 73 year old man, Boonliang Jansri, was found…
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Troublemaker arrested after assaulting elderly man in Nonthaburi
Police in Bang Bua Thong district, Nonthaburi province, yesterday apprehended a notorious troublemaker who had assaulted an elderly man, causing two fractures in his leg. The perpetrator, identified as 29 year old Tosapol, was found hiding in his home after the incident. According to Police Colonel Pruet Jamrunsa, the arrest took place yesterday, February 4, at 11.45pm, following a report…
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Uzbek tourist robbed at Patong Beach, thieves arrested
A gang of thieves who stole an Uzbek tourist’s bag at Patong Beach in the early hours of this morning didn’t get far, as police tracked them down and arrested them within just over an hour. The victim, 21 year old Xhayrdonion Zafarugu Khanotion, reported the theft to Patong Police at 3am today, February 5, stating that his waist bag,…
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Man arrested after girlfriend’s suspicious death in Chon Buri hospital
A young man has been arrested after taking his dead girlfriend to a hospital, claiming she had slipped in the bathroom. Medical staff at the Laem Chabang Hospital in Chon Buri, however, found suspicious signs, including bruises on her body, face, and eyes. They decided to lock the emergency room and notified the police. The man, Suwan Boonkhao, later confessed…
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Bus crash in Tak leaves driver, attendant dead, 35 tourists hurt
A bus driver and attendant died when a bus collided with a tree in the Wang Chao district of Tak province. The incident also left 35 foreign tourists injured. Police Colonel Wasan Sirikanjakom, head of Wang Chao Police Station, today, February 5, at 1.20am received a report from the Tak Provincial Police emergency centre about the accident on National Highway…
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Man arrested in Kanchanaburi smuggling heroin worth 50,000 baht
A man from Sangkhla Buri was apprehended at a checkpoint while attempting to smuggle heroin concealed in a hidden compartment of his pickup truck. The arrest occurred yesterday, February 4 at 3pm, with police seizing 15 bars of heroin. The suspect was travelling with his family to avoid suspicion. At a joint checkpoint in the Thong Pha Phum district of…
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Thailand’s new digital entry rule sparks panic: TM6 form
Thailand’s latest travel rule is set to shake up the entry process for all foreign visitors but with just a few months to go, crucial details remain missing. From May 1, all non-Thai passport holders must complete the Thai Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before travelling, replacing the outdated TM6 paper form. The online submission will require personal details, travel plans,…
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Police raid Pattaya nightclubs in surprise crackdown
Pattaya’s nightlife came under the spotlight as Tourist Police and Chon Buri Immigration officers launched surprise raids on entertainment venues on February 3. The operation, conducted under the 5 Safe policy, aimed to crack down on drugs, weapons, human trafficking, and illegal foreign workers while ensuring overall safety. Police targeted popular nightlife hotspots along Pattaya Third Road, where foreign tourists…
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Tutor arrested for alleged sexual assaults in Pathum Thani
A tutor has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting three female students, including an 18 year old who endured the abuse in hopes of entering a prestigious university. The police have filed severe charges and opposed bail, suspecting more victims. Yesterday, February 4 at 5.30pm, Pavena Hongsakul, Chairperson of the Pavena Hongsakul Foundation for Women and Children, accompanied the parents…
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Thai cop killers on the run: Malaysia tightens borders amid manhunt
Malaysian police dismissed speculation that two fugitives wanted for the brutal murder of a senior Thai police officer and his son have fled to Malaysia. Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain confirmed that no formal requests had been received from Thai police regarding the suspects. “We are acting based on media reports as we do not want criminals…
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Escaped Thai inmate suspected of hunting wife’s lover in Bangkok
The father of an inmate who escaped from a prison in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok on February 2 suspected his son fled after learning about his wife’s lover. The escaped inmate, 32 year old Wasan Obnual, was arrested for snatching in September 2022 and sentenced to three years in prison. He had been imprisoned at Nonthaburi Provincial Prison for nine…
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AirAsia expands Thai network with new routes from Suvarnabhumi
AirAsia is ramping up its domestic game with the launch of two brand-new routes from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, offering twice-daily flights to Udon Thani and a daily service to Khon Kaen. The budget airline is doubling down on Suvarnabhumi as a major hub, adding to its existing domestic connections, which include six daily flights to Chiang Mai, four to Phuket,…
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Man arrested after car crash reveals 3.2 million meth pills
A man involved in drug trafficking was apprehended after his car crashed into an electricity pole during an attempted escape from police. Police seized over 3.2 million methamphetamine pills. The incident occurred on February 4 at Mueang district, Mukdahan province. Police Lieutenant General Chatchai Surachetphong, head of Region 4, along with Mukdahan governor Worayan Boonnarat, Deputy Police Lieutenant General Kittisak…
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