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 9 most common health issues covered by insurance for expats in Thailand
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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School shame: Bangkok security guard accused of sexual assault
A 21 year old security guard at a well-known Don Mueang school in Bangkok has been accused of sexually assaulting a 12 year old student in the school’s bathroom. What’s more alarming, the school director allegedly brushed off the incident, reportedly offering a measly 5,000 baht to make it all go away. The harrowing ordeal, which took place on February…
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Valentine’s rose prices in Chai Nat hit two-decade high
In Chai Nat, the demand for roses during Valentine’s Day has led to a significant increase in retail prices, reaching a two-decade high, according to local vendors. Rose sales have surged in anticipation of Valentine’s Day, resulting in higher prices at the Chai Nat municipal market. Prices nearly doubled overnight, rising from 10 to 15 baht per flower yesterday, February…
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Golden rescue: Student saved from call centre scam in Bangkok
Royal Thai Police (RTP) swooped in to save 21 year old student from the clutches of a call centre scam in Bangkok. The young woman, Jidapha, was deceived into surrendering her valuable gold and instructed to hide out in a hotel under mysterious threats, leaving her parents anxiously hanging on every second. On Wednesday, February 12, at precisely 11.45pm, Jidapha’s…
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DASTA backs Phu Kradueng cable car feasibility study
The Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) has expressed support for the government’s proposal to conduct a feasibility study on a cable car project within Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei province. DASTA director Thitipong Khiawpaisan stated that Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong instructed the agency to undertake the study of this contentious project. The study will encompass…
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Turkish man’s visa revoked in Phuket over Interpol notice
Phuket Immigration has withdrawn the visa of a 32 year old Turkish national due to an Interpol Red Notice. The notice was issued for alleged offences involving illegal firearms and unauthorised sharing of personal data. The Republic of Turkey’s arrest warrant accused the Turkish national, Taskin, of possessing firearms and ammunition unlawfully and disseminating personal information without permission. This led…
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Baht to the future: Thailand exports ready for Trump change
The Export-Import Bank of Thailand is bullish about the country’s export growth this year, buoyed by ripple effects from US President Donald Trump’s trade policies. According to Exim Bank President Rak Vorrakitpokatorn, several global regions, including the EU, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, are ramping up imports in anticipation of Trump’s next moves, especially with uncertainty looming over US imports…
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Thunderstorms and cool foggy mornings hit Thailand
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a weather forecast cautioning residents in South Thailand of thunderstorms and high seas, while the upper regions of Thailand will experience cool mornings with fog and hot afternoons. The forecast predicts a weak high-pressure system will cover the northeastern areas and the South China Sea, causing the upper regions to be cool in the…
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High drama: Cannabis inferno leaves Pattaya in fits of giggles
Chaos and laughter erupted in Pattaya last night after a serious blaze at a cannabis cultivation centre left residents and tourists feeling a little dazed. Yesterday, February 13, the Land Disaster Relief Radio Centre was alerted to a fire tearing through a residential building on Soi Welcome Jomtien, Nongprue. Quick as a flash, Pattaya City police, Jomtien Disaster Relief officers,…
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Nok Air turbulence: Pilot lawsuit leaves airline flying on fumes
Nok Air has come out swinging against allegations that it forced junior pilots to pay for their training as a prerequisite for employment, denying any involvement amidst a high-flying lawsuit. The airline finds itself in hot water after Teerawat Angkasakulkiat, President of the Thai Pilots Association, revealed that 13 pilots have taken legal action against the carrier. Back in 2018,…
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Bangkok passenger caught smuggling ‘space oil’ at HK airport
A brazen drug smuggler’s trip from Bangkok to Hong Kong ended in disaster when customs officers uncovered a shocking stash of illicit “space oil” hidden in fruit-flavoured drink powder. The 22 year old suspect was stopped at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday, February 13, where officials discovered approximately 8 kilogrammes of the substance, containing the controlled drug etomidate, inside his…
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Gun’s the word: Thailand aims to shoot down violence with new ban
In a bold move to combat rising gun crimes, Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul have pulled the trigger on a one-year freeze on gun carry permits, starting today, February 14. This decisive order, unveiled by Deputy Government Spokesperson Traisulee Traisoranakul and published in the Royal Gazette yesterday, February 13, comes into force immediately. The suspension…
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Pattaya police kick the habit: Drug raids clean up city streets
Over 500 officers from Pattaya City police, Chon Buri Immigration, and other agencies swooped on the underbelly of Pattaya in a sweeping anti-drug crackdown. Revellers and residents alike were left reeling as the government’s ambitious campaign zeroed in on two notorious hotspots, leaving no stone unturned. The first target, a bustling commercial building on Soi Pattaya Klang 16, saw six…
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Sky-high thieves on the rise: Minister demands tighter flight security
A wave of in-flight thefts targeting unsuspecting passengers sparked urgent action from Thai police after reports revealed that criminals stole valuables worth 19 million baht on flights to Hong Kong last year. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong has now called on airlines to step up cabin inspections and warn passengers to safeguard their belongings. Several airlines have already tightened…
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Deadly mystery: Three bodies found hidden in abandoned pickup
In a chilling twist worthy of a crime novel, an abandoned pickup truck shrouded in mystery was discovered behind a white cloth with three dead bodies inside, leaving a trail of questions for both locals and Thai police. What began as a simple report of a foul odour has unravelled into a dark tale that has rattled the quiet community…
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Political chaos: Charter debate stalls as Pheu Thai blocks vote
Thailand’s charter amendment debate descended into chaos as the joint sitting of MPs and senators was abruptly adjourned due to a lack of quorum. The Pheu Thai Party strategically withheld participation to prevent the bill’s rejection, while a senator pushed for a Constitutional Court ruling on the process. The session began at 9.30am today, February 13, but was called off…
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Gold prices soar as traders sparkle after latest hike
The Gold Traders Association (GTA) announced a fresh hike in gold prices today, following a flurry of adjustments yesterday. As of today, February 13, the price of gold jewellery climbed to 47,250 baht per baht weight, marking a 100 baht rise since the closing figures of the previous day. According to the GTA’s latest update at 9.03am, gold bars in…
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Banking on success: Line BK logs in for double-digit loan growth
In a bold move against economic headwinds, Line BK, the social banking brainchild of Kasikornbank (KBank) and Line Corp, is setting its sights on a double-digit loan growth surge this year, powered by cutting-edge technology. Eyeing a hefty 3-4 billion baht boost in new loans, Line BK is steering towards a 13-18% growth, up from last year’s 22 billion baht…
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Disabled man dies in fire caused by cigarette in Samut Prakan
A 47 year old bed-bound man died in a fire suspected to have been caused by a cigarette at his rented room in Samut Prakan. His brother, who returned from work, discovered smoke billowing from the room and attempted to extinguish the flames with the help of neighbours. Police Colonel Somchai Sakorn from Khlong Dan Police Station reported receiving notification…
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Fuelling the future: PTT Oil shifts gears for a brighter 2025
PTT Oil and Retail Plc (OR) is revving up for a sunnier financial forecast this year, aiming to bounce back after last year’s revenue slip. The secret sauce? A Thailand infused with tourism and investment buzz, according to OR chief Peekthong Thongyai. Thanks to a tourism surge, Thailand’s economic prospects are looking rosier than ever. Back in 2019, the country…
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Helmet heist: Elderly man caught on CCTV stealing in Pattaya
An elderly man wearing a motorcycle taxi vest was caught on CCTV brazenly stealing a helmet outside a company on Soi Naklua 16, Wong Amat in Pattaya on Tuesday, February 11 at around 11.25am. The incident has ignited a firestorm on social media, with many questioning whether the suspect is a legitimate motorbike taxi driver. Online commenters pointed out that…
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Fatal fall: Loei hole takes motorcyclist’s life after tumble
A 41 year old motorcyclist died after falling into a 2-metre deep hole on a construction site in Mueang district, Loei province. The accident occurred last night, February 12, when the victim, Adisak, fell into a pit dug for sewer installation near a petrol station. Witnesses immediately contacted rescue volunteers from the Ruamjai Rescuers Association in Loei, who arrived at…
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Comeback call: Thailand’s smartphone market dials up growth
Thailand’s smartphone market powered back to life last year after two years in the doldrums, defying a sluggish economy. Global research giants IDC and Canalys both report an upward swing in sales: from IDC’s impressive 17.1% growth, with 16.9 million units shipped, to Canalys’s solid 7.1% increase, marking 16.4 million units sold. IDC predicts this growth spurt will carry on…
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Pattaya cracks down on homelessness amid public safety concerns
Pattaya is stepping up efforts to tackle homelessness and improve public safety along Sukhumvit Road and the beach, responding to growing concerns about crime and disorder. Local officials are rolling out new measures to clean up the streets, provide support for the homeless, and clamp down on illegal activities. Residents have voiced strong opinions on the issue, with many calling…
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High-speed chase in Bangkok: Suspect escapes after collisions (video)
A man involved in a high-speed chase with police, which resulted in multiple collisions with civilian vehicles, managed to escape after abandoning his car. Yesterday, February 12, a viral clip from the อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 6 page showed police surrounding a grey pickup truck reversing to evade capture on Pracharat Road, near Taopoon Market, before colliding with civilian vehicles. On…
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Crowds seek blessings at Kham Chanod on Magha Puja Day
Visitors flocked to Kham Chanod yesterday, February 12, to seek blessings from the revered spirits, Por Pu Si Sutho and Mae Ya Sri Pathumma, coinciding with the Buddhist holiday, Magha Puja Day. The island, located in Ban Muang, Ban Dung district, Udon Thani province, was bustling with activity as worshippers gathered to make offerings and pray for luck and fortune…
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Pattaya transforms Lan Pho Naklua into modern seafood market
Pattaya officials conducted an inspection of the nearly completed renovation at Lan Pho Naklua, which is being transformed into a modern seafood market. Pattaya Deputy Mayor Wuttisak Ruemkijakarn visited the site on Tuesday, February 11, to assess the progress of this transformation. He was accompanied by local government officials, relevant agencies, and residents. Wuttisak explained that the renovation aims to…
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Thai security operation rescues 261 from Myanmar call centre
A Thai security operation successfully received 261 foreign nationals who were previously lured by a call centre scam in Myanmar. The operation yesterday, February 12, at 4.10pm, involved the Ratchamanu Task Force, Border Patrol Police, and local administrative officials in Tak province. At 4pm, the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) handed over 221 men and 39 women from 20 different…
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Single Thais impact wedding industry with shifting social values
A growing number of Thais are opting to stay single, with reasons cited including evolving social values, financial constraints, and mismatched expectations. This trend is impacting businesses associated with romance, such as wedding planners and florists. In 2023, a survey by the National Statistical Office found that one-fifth of Thais were single. Within the reproductive age group of 15 to…
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Thai DSI targets Karen leader in global call centre scam
The issue of call centre scams is a significant concern in the Southeast Asia region, following revelations by Rangsiman Rome, an MP from the People’s Party. The MP exposed a fraudulent network causing distress for many. Rangsiman recently posted an image of an arrest warrant for Mong Chittu, leader of the Border Guard Force (BGF), alleging that the high-ranking officer is…
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Honda Jazz overturns and catches fire in Nong Khai
A white Honda Jazz collided with a barrier, flipped, and caught fire this morning in Mueang district, Nong Khai province. The 48 year old driver, Preecha, returning from dinner with his mother, stated he could not recall the accident’s details. Police Lieutenant Sittisart Moolmanat of Mueang Nong Khai Police Station received reports of the incident on Sadej Road leading to…
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