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 great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...
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Drug-addicted monk arrested for threatening locals in land dispute
Police arrested a drug-addicted monk in the Isaan province of Kalasin yesterday, July 4, after he threatened to kill locals living near a temple over a land dispute. A 22 year old Thai man and his father sought help from social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet after facing death threats from a 49 year old monk from a nearby temple.…
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Myanmar armed groups boost drug production to fund resistance
Armed ethnic groups in Myanmar are increasingly producing illicit drugs to fund their resistance against the Myanmar government, according to a senior Royal Thai Army (RTA) officer. Deputy Commander of the Pha Muang Force, Colonel Meechai Nillasart, disclosed that these groups are using drug trafficking to finance their purchase of weapons and sustain their fighters. The Pha Muang Force has…
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Chon Buri community helps mother find missing 12 year old girl
A 12 year old girl from Chon Buri, missing for four days since July 4, has been found safe and sound, after tireless efforts from her mother following over 100 tip-offs stemming from her social media post. Namfon disappeared from a condominium in Si Racha, Chon Buri, on July 4. Her mother, 43 year old Nanjinya immediately took to social…
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Livestream captures Thai man’s final moments before fatal shooting
A livestream captured the final moments of a Thai man who was shot dead by two gunmen at a public park in the Isaan province of Loei on the evening of July 7. Officers from Mueang Loei Police Station were alerted to the shooting at the Kut Pong Public Park in the city centre of Loei province. Upon arrival, officers…
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Thailand’s oil reserves expansion faces financial challenges
Plans to bolster Thailand’s strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) are encountering pushback from industry executives due to financial constraints. Thailand’s Energy Minister, Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, spearheaded an initiative to increase national oil reserve security by expanding the SPR as detailed in the 2024 oil plan. Pirapan aims to increase Thailand’s oil reserves, both crude and refined, from 50 days to 90 days…
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Man’s drug-induced hallucinations terrorise local community
Residents in a local community are living in fear due to a man experiencing severe drug-induced hallucinations, who has been causing disturbances and property damage. Despite repeated police interventions, the issue remains unresolved as hospitals refuse to admit him. Footage captured by a security camera on the morning of July 7 shows a thin man shouting and causing a commotion.…
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Cyber police raid in Songkhla uncovers illegal firearms stash
Cyber police raided a house in Songkhla’s Chana district and arrested a man for possessing numerous illegal firearms, including a machine gun and a shotgun, some of which he claimed belonged to his sister. Today, July 8, the Commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), Worawat Watnakornbancha, directed a team to execute a search warrant issued by the Songkhla…
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Laotian police arrest Thai man in 3.3 million baht theft
Laotian police yesterday arrested a Thai man in the Khammouane province of Laos for conspiring with another thief to steal 3.3 million baht from a victim in the car park of a supermarket in Bangkok. The two thieves stole 3.3 million baht in cash from the 44 year old victim, Yanai Taechathanabut, on July 3 after he had just withdrawn…
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King Rama X boosts Thai sports culture with lifelong passion
King Rama X’s lifelong passion for sports has made a significant impact on Thailand’s sporting culture. His journey began at a young age when he mastered horseback riding at around 11 years old, quickly proving himself to be an adept rider. In his youth, he also engaged in rowing, football, and rugby with friends both in Thailand and overseas. His…
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Kalasin monk exposed by activist for possession of drugs and guns
Renowned Thai social activist, in collaboration with the Kalasin police and local administration, intervened to help a young man allegedly threatened by a monk. During the investigation, police discovered firearms, methamphetamine, and marijuana in the monk’s quarters. At 2pm yesterday, July 7, at Khao Wong Police Station in Kalasin province, social activist Kanthas Phongphaiboonwetch, also known as Gun Jompalang, coordinated…
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Thailand targets top 20 ranking for Suvarnabhumi Airport by 2029
The Ministry of Transport is aiming to elevate Suvarnabhumi International Airport into the world’s top 20 airports by 2029, aligning with the government’s ambition to make Thailand a global aviation hub, according to government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke yesterday. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit set the target following Suvarnabhumi Airport’s ranking of 58th on the 2024 World’s Best…
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Repeat offender rearrested in Bangkok five minutes after release
A repeat offender found himself back behind bars just five minutes after he had been released from prison for theft in Chon Buri. The suspect stole money from numerous donation boxes. Initially from Udon Thani province, 21 year old Saharat Sananthai was apprehended by Banglamung police as he exited Min Buri Central Prison in Bangkok yesterday, July 8. Saharat had finished…
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Cat-astrophic fire in Bangkok building kills 21 cats, injures five
A devastating fire last night engulfed a four-storey commercial building in Don Mueang, Bangkok, leaving 21 cats dead and five others injured. Within ten minutes, firefighters managed to control the blaze, which erupted. The fire broke out at 10.20pm, yesterday, July 7, in a residential area on Chang Akat Uthit 15 Alley, Don Mueang. Local police coordinated with fire services…
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Reforming Thailand’s creative sector to boost economy globally
Thailand’s creative industry requires a comprehensive reform to foster growth both domestically and internationally, as emphasised by the soft power development subcommittee. The government has identified the creative sector as a crucial driver for economic enhancement and international recognition, leveraging Thailand’s soft power. The 5F approach, encompassing Thai food, films and videos, fabric and fashion design, martial arts, and traditional…
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Outgoing Senate to fulfil duties until new members endorsed by EC
Senate Speaker Pornpetch Wichitcholchai affirmed that the outgoing Senate will continue its duties until the Election Commission (EC) officially endorses the 200 new senators. This statement comes amid questions from political analysts and senators-elect regarding the outgoing Senate’s role in reviewing the budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year. Concerns have been raised about why the outgoing senators, whose terms…
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Chinese couple remains at large after public sex show in Thailand
Police are searching for a Chinese couple after they were caught having sex in public in a university car park in the city centre of the northern province of Chiang Mai. Photos of the naked Chinese couple were shared in a local Facebook group in Chiang Mai yesterday, July 7. The photos showed two Thai police officers intervening in the…
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Pathum Thani PAO chairman suspended amid corruption trial
The recently elected Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) Chairman in Pathum Thani, Charn Phuangphet, faces suspension from duty due to malfeasance, pending a court decision, according to Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Anutin confirmed that the provincial officers will adhere to the legal advice provided by the Council of State (CoS), which recommends suspension due to Charn’s ongoing trial for malfeasance. While…
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Tax relief planned for businesses after minimum wage hike
The Finance Ministry is poised to introduce measures to support businesses impacted by the recent increase in the minimum wage. The ministry confirmed that the wage hike must be paired with tax measures to lessen the burden on businesses, following precedents set by past wage increases. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat stated that the goal of the minimum wage increase…
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Salaween River reroute raises fishy fears: Ecological impact alarm
Concerns are mounting over the potential ecological impact of diverting water from the Salween River to the Ping River, with experts warning of a possible decline in fish stocks due to invasive species and genetic contamination. Fisheries biologist Apinan Suwannarak from Maejo University revealed that the Nam Yuam Dam project, which aims to redirect up to 1.8 billion cubic metres…
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Pattaya hit-and-run: British tourist left with dislocated shoulder
A British tourist sustained injuries after being struck by a motorcycle while crossing a street in Pattaya. The incident occurred at 12.10am, yesterday, July 7, on Soi Arunothai, Pattaya Central Road, in the Nongprue sub-district of Banglamung district, Chon Buri province. Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find 76 year old Graham Hughes lying injured on the road. Semi-conscious,…
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Severe thunderstorms and heavy rain forecast for 45 provinces
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning for severe weather, predicting thunderstorms and heavy rain across 45 provinces, with Bangkok expected to be significantly impacted. Citizens are advised to take precautions against the potential dangers of severe rain and flooding. Today, July 8, the TMD forecasts that the southwest monsoon will cover the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the…
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Thai woman arrested for drugging, and robbing foreign date
Pattaya police arrested a Thai woman on charges of drugging and robbing her foreign date in Bangkok, making off with a Rolex watch and a gold chain worth over 500,000 baht. The incident, which took place on June 20, came to light after the foreign tourist complained to the Huai Khwang Police Station. The complaint alleged that the tourist was…
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Foreign man escapes hospital, steals van, and crashes in Phuket
A foreign man escaped from a hospital at the weekend, stole a van parked at a petrol station, and crashed it into another vehicle on Khao Patong Road in Phuket. Officers from Patong Police Station were alerted to an accident on Baramee-Khao Patong Road in the Kathu district of Phuket on Saturday, July 6. Police then requested the Kusoldharm Phuket…
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Minibus crash in Surat Thani injures ten foreign tourists
A minibus carrying foreign tourists overturned yesterday, injuring ten passengers. The accident occurred around 6.30am, yesterday, July 7, on Phunphin-Mueang Road in the Tha Lon sub-district, Phunphin district, Surat Thani province. Police and rescue workers promptly arrived at the scene where they found the minibus overturned on the roadside. The ten foreign tourists, who sustained minor injuries, were swiftly transported…
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Road rage incident in Chiang Mai sparks online debate (video)
A recent incident involving a road rage altercation in Chiang Mai drew significant attention online. The dispute began when a woman driving slowly in the right lane was confronted by an irate driver, who accused her of using her mobile phone while driving. The incident, which occurred yesterday, involved 28 year old Aem, who was driving on Samphoch 700 Pi…
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Bangkok police arrest man with 200 methamphetamine pills
Police apprehended a man after he attempted to flee during a routine check, discovering 200 methamphetamine pills in his possession. The arrest took place outside a supermarket on Chaeng Watthana Road in Bangkok. The incident began when officers from Bang Khen Police Station, including Anant Warasat, Sanpich Sirisoonthorn, and Adul Phothakan, received a report of a group of teenagers fighting.…
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Bangkok police arrest woman for 5 million baht fraud scheme
Police in Bangkok have apprehended, a 44 year old woman, a key figure in a large-scale fraud case. She is accused of luring victims into a high-interest investment scheme, resulting in losses exceeding 5 million baht. Pimpapatsorn, a prominent recruiter in the scheme, enticed numerous individuals with promises of high returns and special perks, including international travel. Victims were threatened…
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Teen brawl in Bangna leaves two dead and several injured
A tragic altercation among teenagers in Bangna escalated, resulting in two deaths and multiple injuries. The confrontation, involving youths aged 14 to 16 years old, led to the arrest of seven individuals. The incident occurred late at night outside a residence in the Udomsuk 26 alley. Police responded to a report of a violent brawl involving a group of teenagers,…
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Fatal crash at notorious Panthong bend leaves one dead, several injured
A severe accident occurred at a notorious bend in Panthong, Chon Buri, resulting in the death of one individual and serious injuries to several others. The collision involved an Isuzu SUV and a Toyota pickup truck. At 4.30am today, Kittikul Amatatrakul, Deputy Inspector of Investigation at Panthong Police Station, Chon Buri, received a report of a crash at the Christian…
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Thailand proposes 75% foreign ownership in condos, extending leases to 99 years
The government’s proposal to increase foreign ownership quotas for condominiums to 75% and extend land leasehold terms to 99 years has raised concerns, though officials are downplaying potential negative impacts. Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke addressed these concerns in a Facebook post, asserting that regulations could be introduced to mitigate any adverse effects on Thai citizens. The proposal aims to raise…
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