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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Foreign man caught urinating on tuk tuk amid traffic jam in Phuket
A foreign man was caught on camera taking the p*ss on a red tuk tuk in the Patong neighbourhood of Phuket on Friday. A video of the incident quickly went viral on Thai social media on Friday, June 21. A Thai baht bus driver shared the video on his Facebook account, เบส ซาโจ้, on Friday with a caption that read,…
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Suspect in Sattahip vanishes from police station after alcohol theft
A daring escape took place yesterday at Sattahip Police Station when a suspect was whisked away by an accomplice, leaving police scrambling for clues. The suspect, who had been apprehended for stealing alcohol from a local mall, managed to flee the scene with the help of a man on a motorcycle. At 1.52pm, the Chief of Sattahip Police Station in…
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Tour bus U-turn results in fatal collision with motorbike in Chon Buri
A tragic accident occurred yesterday at 10.36pm on Highway 36 in Chon Buri when a tour bus made a U-turn and collided with a motorcycle, resulting in a fatality. Rescue units and local police were promptly dispatched to the scene. The tour bus showed damage on the storage compartment door near the rear wheels. Nearby, a Yamaha sports bike was…
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Heavy rainfall warning issued across 56 Thai provinces
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning for heavy rainfall across 56 provinces in Thailand today, affecting 70% of the area, including Bangkok. The public is advised to be cautious of potential flash floods and sudden water surges. The TMD forecasts 24 hours of intense weather conditions due to a strong southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand,…
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Revered monk’s lost diamond ring returned for 50,000 baht
A diamond-studded gold ring, blessed by the revered monk Luang Por Perm and lost during a ceremony, has been returned to its owner, earning the finder a 50,000 baht reward. The story began when a Facebook user, Pong Lotus Ayutthaya, reported losing the precious ring at a merit-making ceremony at Wat Hua Khung in Suphan Buri on June 16. The…
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Ex-general’s house goes up in flames under MFP MP’s watch
A fire erupted last night at a historic half-concrete, half-wooden house in Bangkok, once owned by General Chatichai Choonhavan and now home to Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Tisana Choonhavan. The inferno ignited around 9.30pm, June 23, and was swiftly extinguished within half an hour, but not before causing extensive damage to roughly half of the property. Miraculously, there were…
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Bull-dozed: Wild chase ends in tragic crash near Khao Yai
A wild bull fatally crashed into a cement pillar while chasing a resident near Khao Yai National Park in Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima. The incident occurred at 9.40am yesterday, June 23, when park officials received the alarming report. Surasawadee Rueangjab, the headwoman of Pong Ta Long Subdistrict, stated that a resident was gathering vegetables near the park’s boundary when a…
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Tourists flee as tuk tuk leader threatens taxi driver in Patong
A heated confrontation erupted in front of Jungceylon in Patong yesterday when a local tuk tuk leader threatened a metered taxi driver, prompting the taxi’s foreign passengers to quickly exit for their safety. The incident unfolded as the metered taxi was dropping off a customer at the bustling mall. Two foreign tourists entered the taxi, unaware of the turmoil that…
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Thailand warns 43 provinces of flash floods and strong winds
Thailand’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department (DPMD) issued an urgent alert for 43 provinces to brace for potential flash floods, forest runoff, stagnant flooding, and strong winds. The warning covers the period from today through three days from now. Chaiwat Junthirapong, Director-General of DPMD, revealed that the Central Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Division has been closely monitoring weather conditions and…
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Cobra in new motorcycle sparks three-hour rescue in Ayutthaya
A spitting cobra slithered into a new motorcycle, prompting a three-hour rescue mission by local authorities. The 46 year old owner, who recently acquired the vehicle, believes the snake might bring good luck, as she just received the new license plate. Emergency services in Ayutthaya were alerted by a resident needing assistance to capture a cobra inside a motorcycle parked…
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Motorcyclist with epilepsy dies in crash, girlfriend severely injured
A 25 year old man suffering from epilepsy crashed his motorcycle into a utility pole and died instantly, while his girlfriend sustained severe injuries. His sister revealed he had been using a prosthetic leg for several years and frequently experienced seizures. Police Lieutenant Warachet Dechdecho, an investigator from Phra Samut Chedi Police Station in Samut Prakan province, reported the accident…
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Police arrest two in Chiang Rai over meth smuggling in avocados
Police captured two agents linked to smuggling 1.5 million methamphetamine tablets disguised in avocado boxes, connected to a previous seizure involving pineapples. The operation, led by Chiang Rai police, resulted in the arrests of 28 year old Sunittra and 29 year old Watthana. Police received information on a significant drug trafficking operation from the Mae Chan district, with drugs being…
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Thailand approves 3.75-trillion-baht budget for 2025 fiscal year
Thailand’s House of Representatives approved the 3.75-trillion-baht budget bill for the 2025 fiscal year late yesterday with 311 votes in favour, 175 against, and two abstentions. A special 72-member House committee has been established to scrutinise the bill, consisting of 18 Cabinet representatives and 54 members from both government and opposition parties. This committee will convene its initial meeting tomorrow…
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Influenza claims 14 lives, impacting over 180,000 nationwide
Influenza has claimed 14 lives and affected over 180,000 individuals across the nation since the start of the year, according to the Department of Disease Control (DDC). Director-General Thongchai Keeratihatthayakorn addressed public concerns yesterday regarding severe strains of influenza circulating online. He clarified that influenza is a respiratory viral infection that generally causes mild symptoms and can be treated effectively.…
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Basal tyrannosauroid teeth found in Kalasin, Thailand
Kasetsart University researcher Wongwech Chowchuvech uncovered the fossilised teeth of a Basal Tyrannosauroid in Phu Noi, Kalasin province, marking a significant palaeontological find in Southeast Asia. The discovery, which emerged under the guidance of Assistant Professor Chatchalerm Ketwetsuriya, Mahasarakham University researcher Sita Manitkoon, and Sirindhorn Museum director Phornphen Chanthasit, sheds light on the region’s prehistoric biodiversity. Analysis of the teeth…
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Woman arrested in Bangkok for fifth drug trafficking offence
Police arrested a woman for drug trafficking at her home, marking her fifth arrest for similar offences. Officers confiscated a large quantity of methamphetamine and crystal methamphetamine from her residence in Lat Krabang, Bangkok. The arrest occurred today following orders from Police Colonel Somphot Thongmoon, Superintendent of Romklao Police Station, and Police Lieutenant Colonel Kornwarat Promsawan, Acting Deputy Superintendent of…
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Wat Lat Nam Khao fire: Novice monk heroically rescues abbot
A fire broke out at Wat Lat Nam Khao in Suphan Buri, with a novice monk smashing a window to rescue Luang Pu Thoop, a revered monk, from the flames. Despite the swift response from local firefighters, the fire consumed the temple’s ancient wooden structures. At 2pm yesterday, Narongsak Palakawong Na Ayudhya, an investigator at Bang Pla Ma Police Station…
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Student electrocuted turning off water dispenser at Thai school
A tragic incident unfolded at a high school in Kantang District, Trang Province, leaving a student dead from electrocution while attempting to turn off a water dispenser. The event, which occurred during a school sports day, was captured on video and shared on social media, causing widespread shock and grief. The video, posted on the Facebook pages กันตัง บ้านเรา and…
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Thailand’s exports surge in May with agricultural products
Thailand’s exports reached their highest level in 14 months, achieving a 7.2% year-on-year growth in May, largely due to a surge in agricultural products. Director-General of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office Poonpong Naiyanapakorn announced that the value of exports in May expanded to US$26.2 billion (approximately 960 billion baht), marking a significant gain of 7.2%. Thai shipments, excluding gold,…
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Phuket governor celebrates SDG localisation at Bangkok event
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat participated in the closing ceremony of the SDGs Localisation: Thailand’s Journey Towards Sustainability project orchestrated by the United Nations in Bangkok yesterday. The event, held at the ESCAP Hall meeting room at the United Nations Conference Centre on Rajdamnern Nok Avenue, served as a platform to spotlight Thailand’s initiatives in integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into…
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Thailand scoops top honours in travel awards including Koh Samui
Thailand has cemented its status as a premier travel destination, sweeping the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2024. Koh Samui has been crowned the Best Island in the Asia Pacific, while Samui Airport secured a commendable fourth place among the region’s best airports. Bangkok also emerged victorious, being named the Best City in the Asia Pacific. These accolades…
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Police target tourist scammers in major Pattaya cleanup
To make Pattaya safer for tourists, the Tourist Police Bureau has joined forces with the embassies of five countries to combat tourist scams and dismantle 10 criminal gangs operating in the bustling resort city. Bureau Commissioner Police Lieutenant General Saksira Phuek-am led a crucial meeting on Thursday to establish robust safety measures for tourists in Chon Buri’s popular destination. The…
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I’ve been denied entry to Thailand – Now What?
THE THAIGER / ASEAN NOW EXCLUSIVE What happens if you are being denied entry to Thailand? The Thaiger asked Tod Daniels, visa expert at ASEAN NOW visa forum, what do do in this situation. Tod: The first thing is DO NOT panic, many many hundreds of people per week are denied entry and it is not the end of the…
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PM Srettha crushes coalition crisis rumours
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has slammed rumours suggesting the Palang Pracharath Party might be ousted from the coalition government. Speaking to reporters at Parliament yesterday, June 21, Srettha decisively quashed the speculation. “I have never mentioned any changes, and these rumours did not come from me.” The 62 year old PM assured that the coalition’s internal communications remained harmonious.…
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Budget deficit: Government to unveil new economic measures
Amidst budget deficit concerns, the government will introduce new measures to boost the struggling economy next week, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced today. Discussions about economic stimuli and the stock market were held with Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira yesterday evening. “A significant announcement on short-term, medium-term, and long-term measures will be made tomorrow or the day after.” When asked if…
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Army dog auction to feature trained military dogs
The Army Dog Centre is set to open bidding for 66 well-trained but test-disqualified military dogs on July 6. The auction will feature Labrador Retrievers, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherds at the Army Dog Centre in Nakhon Ratchasima. Details have been gradually released on the Army Dog Centre’s Facebook page, revealing the initial bidding prices for the latest 10 dogs.…
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Gold shop worker in Samut Prakan caught stealing for gambling
A female employee at a gold shop in Samut Prakan has been caught stealing gold over several months to fund her online gambling habit. The shop owner, 48 year old Chak Kamol Tantarasmee reported the theft to the police at Samrong Tai Police Station, armed with CCTV footage as evidence. Chak noticed irregularities in his employee’s spending habits, which led…
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Samut Prakan teen girl attempted assault suspect arrested
A suspect accused of attempting to assault a 15 year old student in Samut Prakan has been arrested. The incident involved the suspect allegedly following the girl from school on his motorcycle to her residence, where he attempted to commit the assault. The girl’s quick thinking and cries for help thwarted the attack. Police received a tip-off yesterday evening from…
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Woman dies in house fire in Samut Sakhon
A house fire claimed the life of a woman trapped inside her own home. The incident took place yesterday in Bang Thorat, Samut Sakhon. Police Lieutenant Kritsanaphon Watjanaphan, Deputy Inspector of Bang Thorat Police Station, received a report of a fire in a house located in Village No. 6, Bang Thorat Subdistrict, Mueang District. Fire trucks from Bang Thorat Subdistrict…
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Royal barges restored for King’s 72nd birthday celebration
Restoration of 52 royal barges will be completed in time for a royal kathin ceremony in October, as part of celebrations for the King’s 72nd birthday on July 28, according to the Culture Ministry. Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol stated today that only minor details remain, with the work scheduled to finish by the end of this month. The Fine Arts…
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