News
Thailand news, politics, business, crime, lifestyle, and tourism—stay updated with breaking news and in-depth analysis from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond. The Thaiger delivers the latest national news that matters.
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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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Foreigners arrested in illegal daycare raid on Koh Pha Ngan
A special operations unit conducted a raid on Koh Pha Ngan, apprehending a group of foreigners from Russia, Ukraine, and Myanmar involved in operating an illegal childcare centre. The arrests were made yesterday, January 28, with Police Colonel Charoenchai Boonklieng and the special operations unit of the Surat Thani Provincial Police, in collaboration with the Koh Phangan Immigration Police, Koh…
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Thailand’s Destination Visa loophole that could cost you
The much-hyped Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is proving to be more of a bureaucratic headache than a dream ticket. While Bangkok Immigration (Division 1) has published criteria for extending the visa by six months, these guidelines aren’t binding on provincial offices, leaving holders navigating a minefield of uncertainty. The biggest revelation? It’s far easier to leave the country every 180 days than to fight through…
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Man arrested in Bangkok for motorcycle theft and knife threat
A 47 year old man was apprehended by Sutthisan police after allegedly threatening a victim with a knife and stealing their motorcycle yesterday, January 28. The suspect, identified as Nui Somchai, was caught during a routine patrol after officers noticed suspicious behaviour near Sutthisan Police Station in Bangkok. Police Colonel Siam Boonsom directed Police Colonel Porntep Chalermkiat and other officers from…
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Chon Buri stray dog adopted by American man after firecracker scare
An American man calmed a stray dog that was frightened by firecrackers during a Chinese New Year celebration in Chon Buri and ended up adopting the animal. ThaiRath reported yesterday that chaos broke out at a convenience store in the Sattahip district of Chon Buri, but the incident surprisingly had a happy ending. According to the media, a white and…
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Trio arrested for stealing highway cables in Surat Thani
Three men have been arrested for stealing highway street lighting cables in Surat Thani province. The suspects were caught in the act by local highway officials and police. A subsequent search of their residence revealed more stolen items. Yesterday, January 28, Kritsada Khongplot, head of the Khian Sa highway department, received a tip-off about suspicious activity on Highway 44, at…
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Drug courier shot in police chase, 800,000 meth pills seized
In Sai Noi district, Nonthaburi, a drug courier was shot and injured during a police chase that resulted in the seizure of 800,000 methamphetamine pills early yesterday morning, January 28. Police, led by Police Major General Khomsit Rangsai, chief of Metropolitan Police Division 9, positioned themselves discreetly along a road in tambon Khunsri around 3am. They were acting on information…
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Thailand video news | Tourist brawl in Phuket sparks visa policy debate, Vietnam opens historical sites for free during Tết
Alex and Jay bring the latest video news from Thailand and Southeast Asia, covering a mix of tourism, politics, and cultural events. In Phuket, a tourist brawl and a series of dine-and-dash incidents have reignited debates on Thailand’s visa policies. Meanwhile, a British woman’s legal battle over a debt dispute highlights concerns about justice for foreigners. On the policy front,…
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Illegal foreign workers busted in Bangkok salon raid
A beauty salon in Bangkok catering to Chinese tourists was raided, leading to the arrest of six hairdressers from China and Myanmar. The Chinese owner fled the scene. Police General Kittirat Phanpet, the national police chief, yesterday ordered measures to address the issue of foreigners breaking the law and to prepare for the High Season. Police Lieutenant General Saksira Phueka-am,…
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Vietnamese national arrested for illegal cannabis farm in Bangkok
A Vietnamese national was arrested for illegal cannabis cultivation in a building in Bangkok, following complaints about noise and odours. The suspect claimed to have been hired by a Thai person for 20,000 baht a month. Yesterday, January 28, Police Major General Prasart Kemmaprasit, Commander of Immigration Division 1, alongside officers including Police Colonel Rapeepat Utsaha, Deputy Commander and Acting…
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Japan and China remain top spots for Thai tourists
Japan and China are anticipated to continue being the leading destinations for Thai tourists this year, with at least 2.5 million people expected to visit due to visa exemptions, weaker currencies, and a variety of tourism options. Charoen Wangananont, president of the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), noted that these countries were the most popular at the Thai International Travel…
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Thai monk denies fatal hit-and-run despite CCTV evidence
A Thai monk denied involvement in a fatal hit-and-run in the central province of Ayutthaya, despite CCTV footage showing his car at the accident scene at approximately 12.30am on Monday, January 27. Rescuers from the Ruam Katanyu Foundation reported the death of a 30 year old Thai motorcyclist, Kasemsan, on their Facebook page on Monday. Kasemsan’s body was found at the…
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Over 700 stray dogs face starvation in Chachoengsao landfill
A concerning situation has emerged in Chachoengsao province, where over 700 stray dogs are reportedly starving at a local landfill, raising worries about potential rabies outbreaks as the hot season approaches. Residents are urging government intervention to address the pressing issue. Yesterday, January 28, reporters were alerted to the condition of these stray dogs at a landfill in Mueang Hua…
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Inmate escapes from Thai prison, father urges surrender
A 37 year old inmate escaped from Khao Phra Prison in Nakhon Ratchasima province on January 27, just three months before his scheduled release in April. His father is urging him to surrender, concerned that his son might be harmed while on the run. Somporn Promha, who was serving a sentence for drug-related offences, fled while participating in a community…
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Thai taxi rider arrested for snatching Burmese woman’s gold necklace
Police arrested a Thai motorcycle taxi rider for snatching a gold necklace from a Burmese victim as she was walking on a footpath in Bangkok on Sunday, January. 26 The Burmese woman, Moe Moe Win, lodged a complaint with Phetchakasem Police Station at around 9.40am on Sunday following the theft. The incident occurred outside the Nanyang shoe factory in Soi…
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Firecrackers and red envelopes: Phuket’s CNY extravaganza
Phuket Old Town burst into life this morning, January 29, as Chinese Thais welcomed the Chinese New Year with vibrant celebrations, cultural traditions, and colourful altars. From Thalang Road to Phang Nga Road and Phuket Road, families and businesses set up beautifully adorned altars brimming with offerings, embracing the festive spirit with renewed enthusiasm. Compared to recent years, this year’s…
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Air quality to stay good until tomorrow, PM2.5 rises in February
The health ministry predicts that air quality will remain good until tomorrow, with PM2.5 levels expected to return by early February. Residents are advised to prepare for potential pollution, particularly when engaging in outdoor activities and should monitor air quality levels regularly. Yesterday, January 28, at the Ministry of Public Health’s Health Information Centre, Doctor Warat Chotipitayasunont, the government spokesperson…
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Fires linked to Chinese New Year incense in Samut Songkhram
A fire engulfed three houses during Chinese New Year celebrations in Samut Songkhram province when incense and candles were left unattended. In a separate incident in Nakhon Pathom, a similar fire destroyed a house entirely. Yesterday, January 28, Police Lieutenant Pisin Nupinit, deputy inspector of Bang Khonthi police station, received a report of a fire in Moo 5, Bang Krabue…
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Mother of newborn twins falls to her death in hospital tragedy
A tragic incident occurred at Pathum Thani Hospital when a 31 year old mother of newborn twins fell to her death from the 18th floor. The hospital has issued a heartfelt statement, expressing deep condolences to the family and pledging full cooperation with police investigations. The woman, known as Bee for anonymity, had given birth to premature twins on January…
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Phuket gets ready for provincial elections this Saturday
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat has officially launched the final preparations for the upcoming election of members and the president of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), set to take place on February 1. The event, the Election Big Day, was organised by the Phuket office of the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT Phuket) and the PPAO. During the ceremony, Akarawat…
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Children find headless body in Samut Sakhon canal
Children playing football near the riverbank made a startling discovery when they went to retrieve their ball yesterday, January 28. They found a floating body, missing its head and arms, in a canal in Om Noi, Krathum Baen district, Samut Sakhon province. Police Lieutenant Colonel Atsadawut Eadkeaw, an investigation deputy at Krathum Baen police station, reported receiving the notification around…
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Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi leads Southeast Asia aviation industry
Southeast Asia’s aviation industry is taking off this year, with major airports and emerging destinations recording impressive growth in seat capacity. Fuelled by surging travel demand, expanded airline networks, and strategic connectivity upgrades, the region is cementing its position as a global aviation powerhouse. Leading the charge is Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, adding a staggering 407,000 seats in January—a 16% increase…
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Bangkok prison scrutinised for bribes and Chinese inmate privilege
A Thai political activist and former inmate accused officials at Bangkok Remand Prison of accepting bribes from a Chinese inmate and granting them privileges. The activist, Ekkachai Hongkangwan, took to Facebook on Tuesday, January 21, to share his experiences in Bangkok Remand Prison between 2022 and 2023. His post highlighted the comfortable lives of Chinese call centre scam suspects and alleged…
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Chinese New Year spending in Thailand hits 51 billion baht
Public expenditure during the Chinese New Year is projected to reach 51.78 billion baht, marking the highest level in five years, according to recent government estimates. Sasikan Wattanachan, deputy government spokesperson, noted that this figure signifies a 4.5% rise compared to the previous year. It is also the first occasion since the Covid-19 pandemic that spending for Chinese New Year…
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Russian couple accused of dining and dashing at many Phuket restaurants
A Russian couple reportedly dined and dashed at multiple restaurants in Phuket, sparking an online debate over the visa-free scheme, which some online users claim attracts low-quality foreign visitors. A restaurant owner in Patong, Phuket, shared his experience with the foreign couple, believed to be Russian nationals, via the news Facebook page Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ today, January 28. He warned…
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Drowsy truck driver crashes into parked pickup, injuring woman and killing dog
A drowsy truck driver crashed into a parked pickup outside a tyre shop in the Isaan province of Roi Et, injuring a Thai woman standing near the pickup and killing her dog. The 20 year old victim, Siriporn, shared CCTV footage of the accident on her TikTok account, @siriporn_mos, last week. In the caption, she wrote… “A lesson learned. Even if…
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Chiang Mai to join UNESCO’s World Heritage list
Chiang Mai, the jewel of northern Thailand and the former capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, is inching closer to becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Officials from the Culture Ministry, the Fine Arts Department, and Chiang Mai Province are finalising a nomination dossier to submit to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre in Paris—a move that could cement the city’s…
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Thailand to launch digital TM6 for tourists, delays 300-baht fee
Starting May 1, all foreign visitors to Thailand will need to complete a mandatory digital version of the TM6 immigration form, replacing the old paper-based system. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports confirmed the move, which aims to streamline immigration procedures and boost safety confidence among tourists. Natthriya Thaweevong, the ministry’s permanent secretary, explained that the online form will help…
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China exposes 36 scam gangs targeting victims with 100k callers
Chinese police have revealed the shocking scale of international call scam operations, with 36 major gangs employing over 100,000 callers to swindle victims out of their money. The revelation came during a high-profile meeting between Chinese Assistant Minister of Public Security Liu Zhongyi and Thailand’s Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) in Nonthaburi yesterday. Leading a Chinese delegation, Liu sought Thailand’s…
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Worker electrocuted in shocking Pattaya restaurant accident
Chaos erupted on Pattaya Beach Road as a restaurant worker suffered an electric shock while renovating a popular venue near Soi 13/3. Rescue teams rushed to the scene, where a crowd of locals and tourists had gathered around the injured man, identified as 34 year old Chatmongkol. He sustained severe electrical burns on both palms and was bleeding heavily. First…
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Chinese nationals deny dine and dash, citing a misunderstanding
Chinese nationals accused of a dine and dash claimed they did not intentionally evade a bill of 9,480 baht at a restaurant in the Isaan province of Udon Thani, but instead cited a misunderstanding. The 27 year old manager of a South Korean restaurant filed a complaint at Mueang Udon Thani Police Station yesterday, January 27, stating that 12 Chinese…
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