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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Thailand is a popular destination for expats due to its affordable lifestyle and excellent healthcare system. However, settling in a new country often brings health concerns. To ensure you’re covered for the most common medical needs, understanding what expat health...
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Roll the dice: Thai lottery enthusiasts brace for next draw
Anticipation is building among lottery enthusiasts as the next draw of the Thai government lottery approaches, scheduled for Monday, April 1. Lotto buffs will be interested in studying the past decade’s worth of statistics on lottery numbers drawn on Mondays, revealing intriguing patterns, including instances of repeat numbers. A review of the last ten years highlights the recurrence of certain…
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Fare fight: Thai woman’s plea after Bangkok taxi driver slaps her
A Thai woman took to social media to seek justice and also issue a warning to others after a male taxi driver in Bangkok slapped her in the face for refusing his dishonest service. The victim posted details of the incident on her Facebook account, stating that it occurred around 11pm on March 22. She mentioned flagging down a yellow…
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Bowl brawl: Thai monk’s alms lid swipe has woman in stitches
A violent Thai monk struck a local woman with the lid of his alms bowl, leaving the victim with four stitches to her head. The monk’s thuggish attack was reportedly prompted by the woman’s delay in helping him pack his food offerings. A witness recorded a video capturing the moment when the monk, identified as Nart, attempted to flee after…
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Thai gold prices see slight rise, now at 37,900 baht per baht-weight
Thai gold prices have experienced a modest increase, catching the attention of potential buyers and investors. As of the latest update from the Gold Traders Association (GTA), the cost of gold ornaments rose by 50 baht since the last recorded prices, indicating a slight uptick in the precious metal’s market value. The GTS’s website revealed that as of 9.09am today,…
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Thailand issues severe weather alert for 27 provinces
A severe weather warning has been issued for 27 provinces in Thailand, including Bangkok, as the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) forecasts thunderstorms and potential heavy rainfall across various regions. The eastern part of the country is expected to face the brunt of the storms, with 40% of the area likely to experience intense downpours. The warning comes amid a…
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Foreigners condemned for spray-painting Phuket footpath (video)
Thai netizens condemned two foreign men for spray-painting graffiti on a footpath and several spots in the Patong neighbourhood of Phuket. The Facebook page, โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต (meaning so brutal, Phuket province), shared the 13-minute video of the two foreign vandals on March 23. “This completely dares the power of Patong police officers. Foreigners are not afraid of Thai laws. They…
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Metropolitan Police Bureau investigate Thai policewoman’s abuse
A distressing online complaint from a Thai policewoman, newly inducted into the force, has prompted an investigation by the Metropolitan Police Bureau in Thailand. The recruit alleges that she suffered continuous physical and mental abuse during her initial training year, leading to a depressive mental state. A police spokesperson has confirmed the knowledge of the complaint, posted on Sunday evening,…
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2 Thai workers killed, 1 injured in Taiwan aluminium plant explosion
Two Thai workers lost their lives while another suffered a serious injury in an explosion at an aluminium plant in Taiwan, at the weekend. Officials from Kaohsiung City Fire Department in Taiwan told local news agencies that the explosion occurred at Juei Fang Aluminium Plant at around 8.23am, Saturday, March 23. Eight workers were injured in the incident, with one…
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Hungarian couple injured due to hole on Chiang Mai road
A Hungarian couple sustained minor injuries when their motorcycle fell into a 100-centimetre-deep hole on a road near Chang Phueak Gate in Chiang Mai province on the evening of March 23. A video showing the Hungarian couple riding a motorcycle before tumbling into a hole swiftly gained traction on Thai social media. The footage captured the pair travelling in the…
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Thai tensions thaw as peace talks resume between NSC and BRN
Peace talks between Thailand’s National Security Council (NSC) and the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) are set to continue next month, despite recent setbacks, according to deputy spokeswoman Rudklao Suwankiri. This announcement follows a series of arson attacks on March 22 in Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla, and indications that 45 other locations are likely targets during the holy month of…
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Thai-China high-speed rail set to boost ASEAN connectivity
Chinese Ambassador Han Zhiqiang projected a significant enhancement in the collaboration between Thailand and China upon the conclusion of the anticipated high-speed rail project. The statement came during a seminar addressing the economic ties between the two nations and the Thai-China visa-free agreement, held by the Thai-Chinese Journalists Association recently. The ambassador emphasised that the completion of the Thai-China high-speed…
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Significant expansion planned for Thailand’s Red Line rail network
The State Railway of Thailand‘s (SRT) Red Line electric commuter rail network is set to undergo a significant expansion, according to Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote. The Transport Ministry will put forth proposals for the construction of three extensions this week: the Taling Chan-Salaya extension, the Rangsit-Thammasat University, Rangsit Campus extension, and the Taling Chan-Siriraj extension. The proposals will be…
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Songkhla man arrested for multiple sexual offenses against teen
The arrest of a 43 year old man, Sativat, on charges of multiple sexual offenses in Songkhla province has triggered a meticulous police operation led by the Commander of the Anti-Human Trafficking Division. The suspect, identified as the father of the victim’s friends, is accused of committing heinous acts against a 17 year old girl, including rape and molestation. Yesterday,…
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House fire in Kra Chon causes 100,000 baht damage, sparks investigation
A single-storey concrete house was engulfed in flames, leading to extensive damage and a call for those responsible to come forward. This incident, which occurred today, March 24, is believed to have originated from local farmers illegally burning rice straw in nearby fields, causing the fire to spread uncontrollably. The 50 year old homeowner, Duangsamorn, returned home to a scene…
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Child abuse case surfaces involving stepmother and malnourished 5-year-old
A five year old child was allegedly subjected to abuse by their stepmother, who reportedly left bruises and signs of malnutrition on the child’s body. The 31 year old biological mother, Jiraporn, has filed a police report against the 34 year old stepmother, identified as Fon. The 32 year old child’s father, Warut, previously won a lottery prize of 12…
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Notorious elephant See Do Nok relocated for public safety in Thailand
A wild elephant known as See Do Nok has been safely relocated after posing a danger to locals in the Kabin Buri district of Prachinburi province, Thailand. The elephant, which had previously been responsible for a fatality and damaging property while foraging for food, was moved in a complex overnight operation. Last night, a joint effort by volunteers, local conservation…
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Undernourished dugong spotted in Trang raises alarm for marine life
A dugong, appearing undernourished and weak, was spotted in Trang’s Koh Libong area, a well-known sanctuary for these marine creatures. The animal’s condition has generated alarm among the public and researchers, considering the diminishing seagrass around the island due to human activities and climate change. Santi Nirawat, director of the Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre (Lower Andaman Sea) at…
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Motorcycle crash on Suwinthawong Road claims life in Bangkok
A catastrophic traffic incident occurred on Suwinthawong Road, near the Harajuku curve in Bangkok, when a motorcycle collided with a parked pickup, resulting in the rider’s death. The accident, which took place today, March 24, saw the motorcycle rider tragically killed after being run over by another vehicle. Police Lieutenant Colonel Somkuan Nasommai, an investigator from the Suwinthawong Police Station,…
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Thai government promises aid following 44 insurgent fires in South
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin declared on Saturday that the government is stepping in to offer aid and reparation to the victims of the 44 incendiary incidents that swept through Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla the previous day. In the quest for justice, Srettha has assigned the task of investigating this string of fires to the acting national police chief, Kittirat…
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Thailand gears up to become global festival hub hosting Tomorrowland and Summer Sonic
Thailand is set to become a global festival hub as it gears up to host two internationally acclaimed music festivals, Summer Sonic and Tomorrowland. This move forms part of the government’s broader vision to stimulate economic activity by attracting major international events. Chai Watcharonke, a government spokesperson, revealed that Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin is spearheading this initiative,…
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Mysterious demise of young woman in Samut Songkhram sparks police probe
A 22 year old woman was found dead and partially undressed in her home in Samut Songkhram Province, prompting a police investigation into the mysterious circumstances surrounding her demise. The incident occurred yesterday evening, and the police were alerted at 7.30pm yesterday, March 23. The deceased, known only as Ajchara, was discovered lying on her bed, wearing a white shirt…
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Alarming rise in Thailand’s air pollution prompts call for dedicated committee
Air pollution in Thailand has escalated to an alarming level, prompting the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) to call for the formation of a dedicated national committee to tackle the PM2.5 problem and a separate agency to manage smog. These proposals were presented in an academic paper published on the TDRI’s website yesterday. This comprehensive study was conducted by esteemed…
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Junk food marketing – how it affects children
Today’s youth in Thailand face a startling reality. Their life expectancy may be shorter than their parents, largely due to health issues stemming from excessive junk food consumption. Over 39 million children under 5 are overweight, fueling a rapid obesity epidemic. A significant contributor is junk food marketing, targeting children who lack the cognitive skills to discern advertising intent. Marketers…
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Bangkok couple arrested for scamming delivery workers via app
Bangkok police have arrested a couple accused of orchestrating a delivery app scam that tricked delivery employees into topping up a digital wallet, causing significant financial losses. The operation, led by high-ranking police officials, culminated in the capture of the suspects at their home yesterday. The police were alerted to the criminal activity following complaints from delivery workers who had…
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‘Jekyll and Hyde’ man’s rampage in Canada sparks public concern (video)
A man with conflicting behaviour resembling the iconic fictional character Jekyll and Hyde unleashed a series of seemingly unprovoked attacks in downtown Vancouver, Canada on Wednesday. The man has previous form from time in Thailand. The incidents prompted the mayor of Vancouver and the city’s police chief to address the public, despite an arrest being made in connection with the…
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Chinese national’s lost gold Cartier bracelet found in Phuket
A valuable gold Cartier bracelet, worth approximately 750,000 baht, was reported missing by a Chinese national on Thalang Road in Phuket late on Thursday evening. The Chinese man, 45 year old Wang Lei, expressed his gratitude to the local police force for their quick action in locating and returning his lost property. Wang approached the Phuket City Police shortly after…
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Thai police arrest man for selling protected langurs on Facebook
Thai authorities apprehended a 31 year old man in Narathiwat for illegal wildlife trade involving two protected langurs. Basam Saleh, who was caught following an online sting operation, confessed to purchasing the animals from a local and attempting to sell them through a Facebook group. In a significant crackdown on wildlife trafficking, Thai police successfully nabbed Saleh for the possession…
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Chiang Mai summer storm topples gateway arch, damages car
The northern city of Chiang Mai witnessed the aftermath of a summer storm when a significant gateway arch collapsed at the intersection of Bo Sang traffic lights, causing damage to a red sedan and nearby structures. In the wake of the incident, local officials and emergency services worked through the night to clear the debris and restore normalcy to the…
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Stagnant trade and closed doors shake Bangkok’s New Chinatown
Dubbed the “New Chinatown of Bangkok,” Pracharat Bamphen Road, once teeming with Chinese hot pot restaurants and bustling shops, is now shrouded in a veil of uncertainty. Several Chinese eateries have succumbed to the fierce battleground of competition, exacerbated by a decline in Chinese tourist footfall since the Covid-19 pandemic. While there’s been a slight uptick in numbers, it’s a…
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UK: Princess Catherine’s cancer confession (video)
In a video statement, Princess Catherine of the United Kingdom disclosed her battle with cancer, describing it as a “huge shock” after enduring what she called “an incredibly tough couple of months.” Despite the adversity, she maintains a positive outlook. “I am well and getting stronger every day.” The details of her condition remain veiled in secrecy, with Kensington Palace…
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