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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Bangkok buses now accepts QR code and e-wallet payments
Thai Smile Bus, operating primarily in Bangkok, has expanded its payment options, now allowing passengers to pay using QR codes via PromptPay across all routes. Additionally, the service will also support Digital E-Wallet payments, such as True Money Wallet, which came into effect on March 1. Kulpornphat Wongmacharapinya, Chief Executive Officer of Thai Smile Bus Company Limited, announced the expansion…
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Sucker punch: Pattaya nightlife bash leaves British tourist floored
A British tourist found himself on the receiving end of a knockout punch from a local bar security guard, leaving him bloodied and hospital-bound on Pattaya’s notorious Walking Street. The late-night altercation, recorded at around 11.30pm, yesterday, March 2, unfolded like a scene from an action-crime movie, with the aftermath turning heads and causing quite a stir. Eyewitnesses recounted the…
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2 foreign couples exposed for dine and dash at Phuket restaurants
Two Thai restaurant owners took to social media to expose two foreign couples for committing dine and dash offences at their establishments in Phuket last week. A female Thai restaurant owner, Narissara O OOp, shared a post on her Facebook account on February 28 condemning two foreigners for their fraudulent act and warning other restaurants to be cautious of the…
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China defends Uyghur deportation amid international criticism
The Chinese embassy in Thailand stated that the recent deportation of 40 Uyghurs from Thailand is a standard procedure of Sino-Thai cooperation on addressing illegal immigration. The move has been met with criticism from certain countries, which the embassy accuses of applying a double standard. In response to international criticism regarding the treatment of this ethnic minority, the embassy clarified…
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Baht-ing the bullet: Thailand to cash in on tourists with fee
Thailand is gearing up to introduce a 300 baht tourism fee for all foreign visitors starting in 2025, just in time for the bustling peak travel season. The news comes courtesy of Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, who shared that the levy is designed to ease the financial burden currently shouldered by the government to assist tourists in emergencies…
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Thailand braces for extreme heat and thunderstorms
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather alert for today predicting temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius across northern, northeastern, and central Thailand. Residents are advised to take precautions against the intense heat and avoid prolonged outdoor activities. Meanwhile, southern and southeast winds are bringing thunderstorms and gusty winds to lower northern, northeastern, central, and eastern regions.…
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Khao Kheow Zoo calls on public to name newest zebra star
Pattaya’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo is creating quite the buzz by inviting the public to name its latest black-and-white bundle of joy: a newborn zebra foal. Khao Kheow Open Zoo director Narongwit Chodchoi proudly announced the debut of a charming female zebra foal, born on November 6 last year to her 6 year old mum and 8 year old dad.…
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Muay Thai-tanic World Championship to make waves in Pattaya
Pattaya City is gearing up for a mega showdown as it hosts the 6th World Muay Thai Championship from March 9 to 17. The prestigious event is backed by the Thai and Traditional Boxing Sports Association and the spirited Father Ray Foundation, promising a knockout experience for all involved. Kicking off the fierce festivities will be the weigh-in on March…
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Swedish man in tears after girlfriend’s tragic suicide in Pattaya
A Swedish man was found in tears beside his dead girlfriend in a South Pattaya condominium, Chon Buri, on March 2. Police Major Suthiraphan Tapasri from Mueang Pattaya Police Station was alerted at 4.06am about a suicide incident. The 26 year old woman, Sureetip, reportedly took her life using a pair of trousers. Her boyfriend discovered her body and brought…
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Kata landslide inquiry faces delays, further interviews planned for March
The inquiry into the landslide in Kata that resulted in 13 fatalities and numerous injuries in August last year has encountered delays. Karon police require further interviews with victims and witnesses due to the significant damage. Officers have arranged additional questioning for March 5, with witnesses also expected to provide more statements. Police Lieutenant Colonel Ekkasak Kwanwan, Senior Inspector (Investigation)…
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Villager killed by wild elephant in Chanthaburi forest tragedy
A villager gathering forest products in Mueang Phaya Kamphut, Chanthaburi province, was tragically killed by a wild elephant yesterday, March 1. Rescue volunteers from the Sawang Katanyu Association in Pong Nam Ron were informed of the incident, which occurred within a military area in the subdistrict of Pong Nam Ron, district of Pong Nam Ron. Following the report, local administrative…
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Thailand cracks down on illegal foreign makeup teachers
The Department of Employment intensified its crackdown on employers and foreign workers found engaging in reserved professions, specifically targeting unauthorised makeup teacher roles. Recently, two people have been prosecuted, reinforcing the protection of Thai citizens’ right to work. Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director General of the Department of Employment, stated that labour minister Pipat Ratkitprakarn has instructed officials to rigorously inspect, prevent,…
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Angler’s shocking catch in Pathum Thani: a body, not a fish
A 36 year old man fishing in Pathum Thani’s Rangsit Phra Yurasak Canal was surprised to discover a body, mistaking it for a fish initially. Yesterday, March 1, at 10pm, Police Lieutenant Pornchet Prommool from Pratunam Chulalongkorn Police Station was informed about a body found floating in the canal near Pier 2, close to Kaew Bridge, on the way to…
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Phuket tightens immigration checks amid illegal work, drug concerns
Phuket, in collaboration with international consulates, is intensifying its immigration checks and efforts to combat illegal activities due to a rise in drug-related offences and the presence of foreigners working without proper documentation on the island. Last year, 194 foreigners had their visas revoked, and 998 faced deportation in Phuket for activities primarily linked to drugs and working without valid…
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Korean driver dies in Nong Prue truck collision
A Korean national tragically lost his life in a car accident involving a truck in Nong Prue during the early hours of yesterday, March 1. Emergency responders were alerted to the incident at 3.06am on Motorway 7 Section 5, which connects Bangkok to Chon Buri. Upon arrival, they discovered a damaged small car on the road. The driver, identified as…
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Bangkok police seize illegal e-cigarettes worth 30 million baht
Bangkok Metropolitan police, in collaboration with officers from Phetkasem Police Station, yesterday conducted a raid on an illegal e-cigarette warehouse in Bang Khae district, Bangkok, confiscating contraband valued at over 30 million baht. Acting on a search warrant issued by the Thonburi Criminal Court, the police targeted a four-story commercial building after receiving information indicating the storage of illegal items…
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Police raid in Pattaya nets eight arrests in drug den bust
Anti-narcotics officers conducted a significant raid on an alleged drug den in Soi Jomtien 3, Pattaya, at 2.06pm on February 28. The operation resulted in the arrest of eight people, including one dealer and seven users, following complaints from locals about ongoing drug activities despite continuous efforts to eliminate them. The raid was carefully planned through a sting operation involving…
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Suvarnabhumi Airport tightens checks amid Congo fever outbreak
Heightened disease control measures have been implemented at Suvarnabhumi Airport to screen travellers arriving from high-risk countries after reports of a mysterious fever outbreak in Congo. Doctor Panumas Yanwetsakul, Director General of the Department of Disease Control (DDC), addressed reports from the World Health Organisation (WHO) regarding an outbreak of an unknown illness in Congo. As of February 19, the…
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Foreign worker healthcare costs soar to 92 billion baht in 2024
The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) recently stood by its figures regarding healthcare costs for foreign workers, stating that the data was sourced from the Ministry of Public Health. According to NESDC’s report, there has been a notable rise in healthcare demand from foreign patients, particularly in border areas, reaching a record 3.8 million healthcare visits in the fiscal…
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119 Thai nationals deported from Cambodia over scam centre involvement
Some 119 Thai nationals were among 230 foreigners released from a scam call centre in Poipet, Cambodia, as law enforcement continues its battle against cybercrime. Yesterday, March 1, Cambodia’s immigration department reported the deportation of 119 Thais, comprising 61 men and 58 women, who had unlawfully entered and resided in the country. The deportation took place via the Poipet border…
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Chanthaburi school sues ex-employee over missing 3m baht milk
A former marketing employee of the Chanthaburi Dairy Cooperative is facing a lawsuit demanding nearly 3 million baht in damages. The case involves the disappearance of approximately 270,000 cartons of school milk, worth almost the same amount. Yananan, who previously worked as a housekeeper for the cooperative from October to November 2018 before being promoted to a marketing position in June…
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Pattaya businessman attacked in broad daylight
A prominent Pattaya businessman was brutally assaulted in broad daylight, sparking concerns over his safety and a possible real estate dispute. Thanakrit Chokmongkhonthanakul, former president of the Pattaya Taksin Lions Club and an executive of the LT Group, is demanding justice after two attackers ambushed him outside his real estate project in Nong Prue. Despite the violent nature of the…
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Phuket to host Thailand Biennale 2025, showcasing global art
Phuket is set to become a global art hotspot as the Thailand Biennale 2025 gears up to showcase a fusion of contemporary creativity and natural beauty. The Ministry of Culture officially launched the event’s first group of participating artists during a press conference at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre on Thursday, February 27. With the theme Eternity, the international…
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Police seize 2.3 million meth pills on Mittraphap Road
Police in Region 3 seized 2.3 million methamphetamine tablets (meth pills) on Mittraphap Road, intended for distribution to a central investor group. The suspects confessed to being paid between 30,000 and 50,000 baht per vehicle. The operation was conducted yesterday, February 28 at the Region 3 Investigation Bureau. Police Major General Rutthaphon Naowarat, Deputy Commander of Region 3, Pol. Maj.…
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Tiktok to invest 300bn baht in Thai tech hub development
TikTok plans to invest approximately 300 billion baht in Thailand over the next five years to transform the country into an ASEAN technology hub. The decision emerged from discussions yesterday, February 28, between Helena Lersch, TikTok’s vice-president of public policy, and Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Bangkok, as reported by Government Spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub. Lersch expressed appreciation for the Thai…
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Patong road rage: Pickup driver brutally attacks motorist
A shocking road rage incident in Patong has sparked outrage after a viral video captured a pickup truck driver launching a brutal attack following a minor collision. Patong Police have launched an investigation after footage of the assault spread across social media, drawing widespread condemnation. The disturbing clip, shared by Facebook user Pooja Pooja, shows a white covered pickup truck…
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Potential lucky numbers predicted for March 1 lottery draw
The lottery draw today, March 1, is generating significant interest, with several numbers being highlighted as potentially lucky. The draw, organised by the Government Lottery Office, is set to take place in Phang Nga province at the Le Erawan Hotel in Mueang Phang Nga district. The excitement is further fuelled by recent noteworthy events that have inspired popular number predictions.…
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Fire in Pattaya hotel causes alarm, no injuries reported
A minor fire at a hotel on Soi Buakhao, Pattaya, sent Thai and foreign guests into a panic on Thursday evening, February 27. Thick smoke billowed through the building, spreading from a third-floor room to the lower levels, raising alarms among residents. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the damage was minimal. Emergency services were alerted at around 10pm, prompting…
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Scorching season begins: Thailand braces for blistering heatwave
Thailand has officially entered its sizzling summer season, with temperatures set to soar over the coming months. The Meteorological Department confirmed that winter is over, paving the way for a heatwave that is expected to last until mid-May. Weather forecasters warn that temperatures will gradually climb, with parts of the country expected to experience scorching conditions. Residents in central and…
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Thai govt warns foreigners on illegal condo rentals via Airbnb
Foreigners purchasing condominium units in Thailand and renting them out as hotels are infringing on local laws, the government announced yesterday through Deputy Government Spokesperson Anukul Prueksanusak. This warning follows reports of Chinese nationals leasing their condos to tourists via Airbnb. Residents in certain condominiums, particularly in the Sukhumvit area, have lodged complaints about disturbances caused by short-term tenants. Issues…
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