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 See the best of Northern Thailand this winter on a budget
The Thaiger key takeaways Peak season brings higher prices, but smart planning and local know-how can help you experience Northern Thailand affordably. Chiang Mai, Pai, and Chiang Rai offer plenty of free or low-cost attractions, from temples and canyons to...
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Indian man glues passport pages to hide Thailand trips from wife
A 33 year old logistics operator from Satara, India, found himself in hot water at Mumbai International Airport. Immigration officials detained the Indian man just before he could board a flight to Thailand, uncovering his audacious attempt to conceal past trips from his wife. Tushar Pawar’s arrest followed the discovery that he had tampered with 12 pages of his passport, glueing…
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Pathum Thani man murders neighbour over dog barking
A man has confessed to the brutal murder of a school van driver in Pathum Thani, driven by long-standing resentment over a dispute involving a dog. The suspect refused to reenact the crime, fearing retaliation from the victim’s family. Police in Lam Luk Ka, Pathum Thani, discovered the body of 61 year old Wongduean, a school van driver, who had…
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One missing during Maha Sarakham reservoir breach flooding
A significant breach at the Huay Chiang Kham Reservoir in Maha Sarakham led to the release of several million cubic metres of water on Tuesday, affecting vast agricultural areas and resulting in one person missing. Local officials reported that the incident impacted 10,000 rai of farmland across four subdistricts in the northeastern province. The breach, which occurred at 5pm, created…
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EXAT announces toll exemptions for three public holidays in July
Thailand’s Expressway Authority (EXAT) announced toll exemptions for three major expressways in Bangkok on three specific days in July, while two public holidays will not see toll exemptions. The EXAT, under the Ministry of Transport, stated that tolls on three expressways will be waived on July 20, July 21, and July 28. These dates coincide with public holidays as declared…
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Butterbear bakery mascot sparks nostalgic craze in Thailand
The popularity of Butterbear, the mascot of Butterbear bakery located on the G floor of EmSphere shopping mall, has become a new phenomenon in Thailand. Part of the Coffee Beans by Dao brand, Butterbear has attracted crowds similar to those seen for superstar artists, with people queuing as early as 4am to take pictures with the beloved character. Butterbear has…
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Ministry of Justice reiterates repercussions for cyanide possession
The Ministry of Justice issued a stern warning to the public regarding the unauthorised possession of cyanide, which carries a potential prison sentence of up to two years and a fine not exceeding 200,000 baht, or both. The deputy spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, Kanika Unjit, today, July 18, addressed the shocking incident that led to six Vietnamese nationals…
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Stateless elderly in Chiang Rai die waiting for Thai citizenship
Numerous stateless elderly individuals in Chiang Rai have tragically passed away before receiving Thai citizenship due to prolonged bureaucratic processes. A Chiang Mai teacher, Daeng, called upon Thai Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to visit the area and witness the situation firsthand. Teacher Daeng, whose full name is Tuenjai Deetes, along with Pienporn Deetes, Secretary-General of the Foundation for Community…
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Thailand faces growing heart and cardiovascular disease crisis
Thailand is grappling with a significant public health challenge as heart and cardiovascular diseases claim an alarming number of lives. According to data from the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), there were more than 23,667 deaths due to heart and cardiovascular issues, including strokes, in the first 198 days of 2024. This staggering figure translates to an average of 119…
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Thailand considers petroleum reserve amid oil price volatility
Thailand is considering various strategies to mitigate the impact of global crude oil price fluctuations, beyond merely subsidising domestic oil prices through the dwindling Oil Fuel Fund. One proposed solution is the development of a strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) to enhance national oil security and safeguard against potential supply disruptions caused by geopolitical conflicts. Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga suggested the…
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Foreign man caught on viral video urinating on Phuket road (video)
A viral video shared on a news Facebook page showed a foreign man urinating in the middle of the Patong Beach Road in Phuket during a traffic jam, despite many motorists staring at him. The Facebook page, 1วันพันกว่าเรื่อง ภูเก็ต (meaning over 1,000 things happen in a day), shared a video of the foreign man, whose identity was not disclosed, yesterday,…
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Thai king honoured for vital contribution to Covid-19 fight
King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua demonstrated his generosity through substantial support for medical personnel battling the Covid-19 pandemic. To celebrate his 69th birthday on July 28, the king is being honoured for his vital contributions to medical science and public health, which have become crucial amidst the pandemic. The king’s efforts in enhancing medical science and public health, especially during…
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Ex military officer arrested for domestic violence near football field
Police arrested a former military officer at a football field for domestic violence, following repeated incidents despite reconciliation attempts. The individual, who fled his duties and was dismissed from service, now faces legal action. Police Major General Montree Teskun today, July 18, directed Police Colonel Phattharawut Onchuay and Police Captain Theerapong Khongkiao from Provincial Police Region 5 to apprehend 27…
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Thailand’s 60-day visa exemption unleashes unlimited entry by land
Three days into Thailand’s 60-day entry visa exemption, a tourist discovered there are no restrictions on the number of entries by land in a calendar year. Tod Daniels, ASEAN NOW‘s visa expert reported that the tourist did two free stamp land entries this year, left Thailand then entered the country again, and got a new 60-day entry with no issues.…
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Chinese man robbed of 3 million baht by thieves in Chon Buri
A Chinese man accused his Chinese girlfriend of being a decoy after three thieves broke into his home in Chon Buri and stole 3 million baht from him last night. The Chinese victim, 43 year old Qian Peng Yi, called Nongprue Police Station officers to his home in Soi Lablae, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri, after the theft of 3…
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Thai Airways ranks eighth among world’s top ten airlines
Thai Airways secured a spot among the top ten international airlines in the world, as ranked by Travel & Leisure for 2024. The award, announced today, July 18, places Thai Airways at No.8 on the prestigious list. Travel & Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2024 surveyed opinions from travellers, tourists, and business people worldwide. This comprehensive survey evaluated excellence in various…
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Serpent scare: Cobra found in washing machine sparks concerns
A startling discovery was made when a Facebook user found a cobra inside their washing machine. Despite keeping the lid closed, the snake was discovered in the spinning drum, prompting online communities to advise securing drainage hoses after use. A Facebook post detailed the encounter in a group named What’s This? “May I ask, what kind of snake is this?…
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Thai men credit Buddhist amulets for surviving lightning strike
Two men miraculously survived a lightning strike, attributing their escape to the Buddhist amulets they wore. Local reporters yesterday, July 17, investigated the incident, meeting the two men who showcased the amulets they believe saved their lives. Around 11.30am yesterday, 50 year old Tawint and 31 year old Pradit, employees of a private company in Lampang, were conducting a training…
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Udon Thani family terrorised by local gang amid police inaction
A mother and daughter in Udon Thani are living in fear after a gang of local youths began terrorising their home by shooting guns into the air and throwing bottles. Despite filing a police report, police have yet to take significant action. Residents of Ban Tha Chuong Village in Udon Thani have reported severe disturbances caused by a group of…
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Box of joy: Thai woman rescues abandoned newborn in Rayong
A Thai woman yesterday rescued an abandoned newborn baby boy found in a cardboard box on the roadside in the eastern province of Rayong. The 33 year old woman, Wanida, reported the discovery to officers at Pluak Daeng Police Station. She explained that she noticed the abandoned baby while picking up her child from school. Wanida said her child found…
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Fin Food Festival brings culinary delights to Pattaya this weekend
Food enthusiasts in Pattaya have something to look forward to as the Fin Food Festival promises a culinary delight. The event, offering an array of delicious dishes, caters to fans of local Thai flavours and those craving Western cuisine. With bars and nightlife closed for religious activities over the weekend, the festival serves as a perfect alternative for visitors and…
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Pattaya unites community to tackle drug issues
Pattaya City held its second Show, Share, Connect event aimed at assessing the drug situation and fostering community unity in tackling drug problems. The event kicked off at 9am on Tuesday, July 16 at the Chumsai Community Office, chaired by Banjong Banthuraprasit, Vice President of Pattaya City Council. Attendees included members of the Pattaya City Mayor’s working group, city council…
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Pattaya launches training to enhance staff’s document writing skills
Pattaya City has initiated a new training program designed to improve the skills of its employees in writing official letters and documenting meeting minutes. The project, led by the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Pattaya City, Dr Siwat Boonkerd, aims to ensure that staff members can draft accurate and effective official documents, thus enhancing communication efficiency within the city administration. Head…
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Transport Ministry execs visit Phuket to boost economic development
Senior executives from the Ministry of Transport gathered at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday, engaging in a two-day study tour aimed at boosting economic development in the region through transportation initiatives. This initiative, part of a broader training programme organised by the Ministry of Transport, targets government officials and employees from state enterprises. Running from May 27 to August 16, the…
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Civil defence volunteers in Pattaya receive disaster training
Civil defence volunteers in Pattaya underwent their annual training to enhance their support capabilities during public disasters. The programme commenced at 9.30am on Monday, July 15, in the Thappraya Room at Pattaya City Hall. Theerasak Chatupong, Head of the Pattaya City Permanent Secretary’s Office, led the opening ceremony. Charan Thiammuang, Head of the Maritime Disaster Prevention Department and Acting Director…
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Woman killed, Good Samaritan injured in tragic truck collision
A tragic accident occurred last night when a pickup truck collided with a fallen motorcycle, killing one woman and injuring a Good Samaritan who attempted to help. The incident took place on the main road in front of the Hua Samrong Subdistrict Municipality in Plang Yao District, Chachoengsao Province. The distressing event unfolded around 9.30pm. Before the collision, a woman…
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Cat-nabbed: Thai man’s purr-fect crime outside Phuket bank (video)
Police arrested a Thai man for stealing a cat from outside a bank in the Wichit district of Phuket. The man claimed he intended to pet the cat but many Thai netizens suspected he intended to eat it. The cat’s owner posted CCTV footage on social media showing the thief, identified as 32 year old Nattaphon, taking her white cat named…
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Pattaya Buddhist Lent celebration with traditional candle procession
The Nong Manao Community near Pattaya united to celebrate the upcoming Buddhist Lent with a traditional candle procession and offering ceremony. The event took place on Tuesday, July 16 at 9am, involving villagers, teachers, and students from Wat Sukri Bunyaram School in Nong Manao, Village No. 8, Bang Lamung, Chon Buri. The actual dates for Buddhist Lent will take place…
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Cyber police arrest loan shark, seize over 3 million baht
Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau officers (CCIB) are intensifying efforts to crack down on illegal money-lending operations. Police recently arrested a 43 year old woman for running an online lending page. She confessed to charging exorbitant interest rates of 20% per month, with evidence found at her residence revealing over 3 million baht in circulation. Police Major General Phumipat Phattharasriwongchai, chief…
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Burglar steals TV and fan, uses drugs and sniffs underwear
A burglar climbed into a woman’s house, cutting the chain on her door, stealing a TV and a fan, and then casually using drugs and sniffing underwear in the kitchen. The police are actively pursuing the suspect. Police in Udon Thani were alerted to a burglary at a single-storey cement house in the Ban Muang community near Wat Thammasena. The…
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Police seize 240,000 meth pills after high-speed chase
A high-speed chase involving a drug trafficking gang in Mukdahan province led to the arrest of one suspect and the seizure of 240,000 methamphetamine pills, while another suspect managed to escape into the forest. Under the supervision of Chatchai, the provincial police chief, officers were instructed to intensify drug trafficking inspections. The operation, led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Phonchai Phuchomchit…
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