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 Planning to extend your Thai visa? Why health insurance is more important than ever
If you plan to stay longer in Thailand, having health insurance is now more important than ever. Thai immigration often asks for proof of medical coverage when you apply to extend your visa. This applies to many types of visas,...
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Thai police score big: Massive drug bust nets millions in meth and firepower
Thai police seized a staggering haul of illegal narcotics, in a drug bust, including three million methamphetamine pills, 11 kilogrammes of crystal meth, 7 kilogrammes of heroin, and a slew of military-grade weapons. The drug bust occurred in the Thanyaburi district of Pathum Thani province, following an eight-day stakeout operation. Despite the suspect evading capture, the operation has dealt a…
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Foot Locker kicks off its Thai journey, stepping into youth-driven sneaker scene
Foot Locker, the renowned speciality athletic retailer based in New York, launched its first store in Thailand, targeting the youth demographic and aiming to invigorate the sports shoe/sneaker market. The announcement came from Deepak Tomar, country general manager and director of MAP Active Adiperkasa, the official licensee for Foot Locker in Thailand, who revealed the store’s opening in the Siam…
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Buzz around relic-embedded Buddha statue in Ban Khai District
A renowned temple in the Ban Khai District of Rayong recently created a buzz with the construction of a colourful rendition of the Buddha statue, featuring vibrant green, yellow, and red hues. This edition, known as the Wat Taek version of the Buddha, also comprises relics of famous eastern monks, making it a hot topic among Buddhist statue enthusiasts. The construction…
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Russian man arrested for money laundering linked to scam call centre
Police arrested a Russian man for his involvement in a money laundering scheme for a scam call centre gang at a hotel on Koh Samui island in the southern province of Surat Thani. The arrest, on Sunday, September 3, followed the death of three people at a house in the central province of Samut Prakarn which was reported on August…
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Stormy surprise: Thailand tempest turns 54 provinces soggy
A powerful storm system is wreaking havoc across 54 provinces in Thailand, with the Thai Meteorological Department issuing a warning today. The southern region is experiencing the most rainfall, covering 80% of the area. Bangkok is also affected, with the residents urged to be vigilant for sudden flooding and forest runoff. The storm system is moving across the northern and…
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Thailand’s first expressway tunnel proposed through 36 billion baht investment
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) has put forth a proposal for an underground expressway, aiming to replace a contentious section of the N1 Expressway development. The proposal came after an extensive 17-month initial feasibility study. EXAT Governor Surachet Laophulsuk revealed this plan during the project’s second hearing, stating that multiple factors such as engineering, investment costs, and environmental impact,…
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Illegal Thai resort dismantled for violating National Forest Act
Phetchabun witnessed a significant operation yesterday as over a hundred officials systematically dismantled parts of a resort found to be unlawfully constructed on national forest grounds within the Khao Kho district. The collaborative force, comprising soldiers, local administrative officials, and police officers, effectively removed five bungalows that formed part of the Khaokho Freeday resort. The decision to dismantle came following…
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Drug suspect’s escape attempt causes crash, leaving five injured in Chon Buri
A drug suspect fleeing from police caused a traffic accident that resulted in five injuries, including two police officers and a resident. Found in possession of 100 methamphetamine pills and two bags of crystal meth, the suspect was eventually apprehended. The incident occurred yesterday on the Chon Buri-Ban Bueng road. At 9.30pm, the Chon Buri City Police received a report…
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Free visa for Chinese tourists stirs Thai transnational crime fears
The newly proposed travel policy by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, which includes free visa privileges for Chinese tourists, could potentially escalate transnational crime rates, as per the Immigration Bureau (IB) of Thailand. The program, which is set to kick off on October 1, is designed to stimulate the influx of Chinese tourists, who once dominated the tourist arrivals. However, despite…
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Neighbourly nightmare: Squatter sparks property feud with no end in sight
A couple in need of police and media intervention recently found themselves embroiled in a property dispute when a neighbour decided to squat in their long-abandoned house. The neighbour initiated extensive renovations and showed no willingness to return the property to its rightful owners. Sun, a 27 year old man, unveiled his plans to marry his girlfriend, Eye, by the…
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Bangkok’s multinational ambitions drive forward: BMA seeks government support
The drive to establish Bangkok as a multinational hub has gained momentum, with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) expressing intent to garner government backing for the initiative. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, yesterday, announced the intent to align the BMA’s policy with that of the government to stimulate the city’s economy and job creation. In a press briefing, Chadchart illustrated the…
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Catch me if you can: Rapist arrested after challenging police to apprehend him (video)
Police arrested a rapist yesterday who physically and sexually assaulted a 17 year old girl in Pathum Thani province near Bangkok. The sex offender also taunted the police prior to the arrest, saying, “You will never catch me.” The family of the victim filed a complaint against the alleged rapist, 29 year old Suppakarn “Ohm” Khansantier, after the teenage victim…
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New Thai Cabinet prioritises economic recovery, property and tourism sectors
The newly confirmed Cabinet, featuring many Pheu Thai Party members, is focusing on economic recovery matters and pledged to reduce energy costs to ease financial burdens. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin engaged with various business sectors but concerns about potential bias make it unlikely that the property sector will receive preferential treatment. Tritecha Tangmatitham, MD of SET-listed developer Supalai, believes the…
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Dancing duo wanted: Police on the hunt for kratom tea temptresses
Police are hunting for two women who danced provocatively and served free kratom tea at a public rest area on a motorway in the central province of Phetchabun. The Thai man who allegedly hired the two dancers shared a video showcasing their sexy dance performance at an empty parking area. The caption on the video read… “Kratom tea for free!”…
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Famed chef accused of unfair dismissal and misconduct
A renowned chef has been exposed by a former employee for unfair dismissal and deception, leading her into a group sex event. The chef’s deceptive behaviour towards multiple employees has been revealed, with some even facing threats. The disclosures were posted on the popular page Let’s Be Famous, I’ll Arrange It Return Part 6, featuring stories of the chef’s misconduct.…
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Government economy plan: Cost of living cuts, fuel and electricity price adjustments
The government plans to announce initiatives to reduce living costs and boost the economy in an upcoming Cabinet meeting. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat revealed these measures would involve changes to diesel and electricity prices. A reduction in diesel excise tax is under consideration to lower retail prices at the pump and help the economy. A potential freeze on government…
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Tourism’s thrilling twist: Thapanee takes the helm at TAT
A new chapter unfolds in Thailand’s tourism sector as Thapanee Kiatphaiboon, the former Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business, steps into the esteemed role of Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) today. An individual renowned for her innovative leadership and technology acumen, Thapanee’s work has significantly contributed to the development and promotion of Thailand’s tourism industry. During…
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TikToker shares flight passenger’s smelly feet on her armrest
A recent incident on a plane has sparked outrage among online viewers of a viral post. A woman shared a video on TikTok, showing her disgust as a fellow flight passenger placed his stinky feet on her armrest. The video was posted by the username @kenggii, and it has since amassed a significant number of views and comments, raising serious…
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Justice whispers: Thaksin’s sentence may shrink yet
Undisclosed sources within the Justice Ministry leaked news that the sentences handed to Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra could be reduced further. Thaksin’s return to Thailand on Tuesday, August 22 this year marked the initiation of legal proceedings against him, encompassing three charges that had been levied against him before he departed from the country in 2008. The 74…
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Strong waves warning in Krabi, Andaman Sea, and Gulf of Thailand
The Nopparat Thara Beach National Park in Krabi issued a weather warning for high waves, strong winds, and heavy rainfall. The park has advised caution for all marine activities within its jurisdiction. Thapanee Ariyudomwong, head of Nopparat Thara Beach-Phi Phi Islands National Park, announced the weather warning and urged careful conduct of tourism activities during the period of storms and…
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Tragic twist: Death of two year old Thai boy leads to arrest in Suphan Buri
Police arrested a Thai man over the death of a two year old boy in the central province of Suphan Buri. The man claimed that the death was a result of an unintentional shooting. On September 1, the medical professionals of the Uthong Hospital filed a complaint at Uthong Police Station after a Thai man delivered an injured boy to…
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Tidal wave of troubles: Hua Hin beach road left in ruins, affecting 2,500 households
An intense tidal wave, coupled with rising sea levels, caused severe damage to a cement road along Hua Hin beach in the Satun province. The tidal wave damage disrupted the lives of 2,500 households in ten villages, causing transportation difficulties. Local officials have swiftly initiated an assessment of the damage and marked hazardous areas. Following the distress signal from local…
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Electric car fire: Week-old million baht vehicle ignites in Udon Thani mall
A week-old electric car costing over a million baht, suddenly caught fire while being charged in front of a shopping mall in Udon Thani, northeast Thailand. The owner, a 41 year old man named Vin (pseudonym), was taken aback when 50% charged, the vehicle began to emit smoke from under the hood. Chinese engineers are currently investigating the electric car…
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Digital economy minister urged to support SMEs and combat online scams in Thailand
The newly appointed Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister is being urged by industry leaders to combat online scams, bolster cross-border e-commerce for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and provide additional incentives to businesses for technological investments. The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is also looking to collaborate with the minister, Prasert Chanthararuangthong, on various initiatives to bridge the…
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Violent altercation tragically claims life of Pathum Thani man
A 34 year old man was tragically killed in a violent altercation in a rented room in Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, central Thailand. The incident, which occurred yesterday, at 8pm, was reported to the police by Wirawat Niyom Thatsap, a Khlong Luang Police Station investigator. The victim’s father, 57 year old Narin, who was heavily inebriated and sporting facial wounds,…
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Boat capsize tragedy: Retail manager and friend drown in northeast Thailand reservoir
A prominent 35 year old retail store manager, along with a friend, tragically drowned after their boat capsized due to a leak in a reservoir in Nakhon Phanom province, northeast Thailand. The boat capsize incident, which occurred yesterday, was reported to the police department by a 29 year old woman, the deceased’s friend, who was present at the scene but…
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American TikToker and teacher arrested for sexually assaulting young Thai girl
Thai police arrested a renowned American TikToker and English language teacher in Bangkok for sexually assaulting a 16 year old Thai girl who is a student of his. A Thai woman complained at Khlongtan Police Station that her 16 year old daughter engaged in a sexual relationship with her American teacher, Luke Nathanael Rockwell, after meeting each other five months…
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Thailand’s own Aquaman, ‘The Merman,’ rescues drowning Spanish tourist in Krabi (video)
Thailand’s very own Aquaman showcased his heroic qualities last week when he saved a drowning Spanish tourist in Krabi, Thailand. Scott Siranat, known among locals as “The Merman” rescued a Spanish tourist from drowning off Koh Hong island in Krabi province on Tuesday, August 29. The 25 year old half Thai, half-Scottish man was on patrol when he noticed a…
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Denture obstruction: Retired teacher narrowly escapes choking
A horrifying situation unfolded for a 67 year old retired teacher who nearly lost his life after his false teeth got lodged in his throat. Following a meal, the retired teacher noticed an unexpected denture obstruction in his throat while swallowing water to take his after-meal medication. Unaware initially that it was his decade-old lower denture that was causing the…
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Thonglor murder: Teen son arrested for suspected hammer killing of French father
A violent incident unfolded in a condominium in Thonglor, as police arrested a 19 year old half-Thai man suspected of killing his French father with a hammer. The Thonglor murder took place in Phra Khanong district yesterday. Deputy Investigation Officer, Sirichai Kaewprasit of Khlong Tan Police Station, acted on the report of the murder in a townhome on Soi Pridi…
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