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 Why 8 Atelier Residence is poised for growth: Phuket’s investment hotspot in the making
Phuket’s residential real estate market is no longer defined only by beachfront villas and short-stay resort condominiums. The island is now seeing sustained interest from international investors targeting long-term yields, capital stability, and access to full-scale lifestyle infrastructure. Looking at...
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High-profile Chinese inmate accuses Thai officials of treating him unfairly
A high-profile Chinese inmate sought assistance from INTERPOL, accusing Thai officials at Bangkok Remand Prison of treating him unfairly. This Chinese inmate is She Zhijiang, the Chinese President of Yatai International Holding Group (IHG) and the founder of the crime hub in Shwe Kokko, Myanmar. He was arrested in Thailand in August 2022 and imprisoned at Bangkok Remand Prison. Zhijiang was arrested…
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Opposition mounts against potash mining in Thailand
Opponents of potash mining in Nakhon Ratchasima are urging the energy group Bangchak Plc to adhere to good governance practices. Bangchak, listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, is the majority owner of the mining company with the concession rights. Representatives from the Dan Khun Thot Conservation Group convened at the Ministry of Industry yesterday, urging the Department of Primary…
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Thailand denies mistreatment of jailed Chinese gambling tycoon
Thailand has refuted allegations of mistreatment against She Zhijiang, a jailed gambling tycoon facing extradition to China over charges of running illegal online gambling operations in Southeast Asia, said Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong. She, a Chinese Cambodian businessman, has claimed he experienced inhumane treatment in a Thai prison, including violence that has rendered him unable to stand. This claim was…
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Casino legalisation: A new opportunity for tourism in Thailand
Thailand is on an exciting yet possibly very controversial journey towards changing its tourism industry. The country is blessed with extraordinary beaches and enriching cultural sceneries. Long since it has been a popular destination for lovers of nature and tourism. Now the country is targeting a wealthier section of people with the desire to rejuvenate and experience luxury. This change…
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Viral video of Thai man kicking motorcyclist sparks police action
A viral TikTok video showing a pedestrian kicking a motorcyclist who failed to stop at a red light and a zebra crossing in Bangkok has led to the arrest of the rider today, January 29. The Thai TikToker, @p_is_myname, shared a video of himself kicking and arguing with the motorcyclist, later identified as 26 year old Jadesada, with a caption…
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Thailand’s aviation recovery nears pre-Covid levels: CAAT
Thailand’s aviation sector is anticipated to experience a robust recovery this year, reaching pre-pandemic levels, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). Suttipong Kongpool, the CAAT director, forecasts a rise in passenger numbers to at least 25 million, aligning with figures from 2019. Initially, full recovery expectations were set for last year; however, the slow return of Chinese…
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Phuket: Construction worker slits man’s throat in motorbike dispute
A construction site in Phuket turned into a bloodbath this morning, January 29, when a heated argument over a motorbike accident ended in cold-blooded murder. Police were called to a construction site in Soi Phu Yai Din, Village 4, Srisoonthorn, just before 8.30am, where they found 28 year old Ka Aye lying lifeless on a steel cutting machine, his throat brutally slit. The deep wound on the right…
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2 Chinese and 4 Burmese nationals arrested in Bangkok salon raid
Thai Tourist Police officers arrested two Chinese and four Burmese nationals for illegally working at a beauty salon in the Rama 9 neighbourhood of Bangkok yesterday. The Tourist Police launched a special operation called “Happy Chinese New Year 68” and raided a beauty salon in Rama 9, named Yinhaijinchuan Barber & Salon, where the Chinese suspects were arrested. In addition…
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Thai barber denies sexual assault allegation after customer shares video
A Thai man accused a barber in the Isaan province of Khon Kaen of sexually assaulting him while receiving a haircut, but the barber denied the accusation, claiming he merely flirted with the customer. The victim shared his story in a local Facebook group in Khon Kaen, warning others to avoid the barber‘s services. He posted part of a video…
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Thai transwoman stifles laughter as thief steals fake gold necklace
A thief broke into a luxury house in the Isaan province of Udon Thani and escaped with a gold necklace, but the homeowner later confirmed that the stolen item was a fake. The Thai transwoman, 27 year old Phattarawan Kongphuthorn, filed a complaint with Mueang Udon Thani Police Station officers yesterday after returning home to find signs of a break-in.…
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Spectacular 70 year old mango tree in Surin draws crowds
A 70 year old forest mango tree in Surin is drawing crowds as it blooms spectacularly, with people stopping to take photos. Enthusiasts are also on the lookout for lucky numbers, with some spotting numbers like 37 and 15 at the tree’s base. The tree, believed to be between 60 and 70 years old, stands about 10 metres tall with…
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Thai Airways’ A320 business class: Luxury or letdown?
Thai Airways is stepping up its game, rolling out regional business class on its single-aisle Airbus A320 jets, promising premium perks and a smoother flying experience. But is it the luxury upgrade travellers crave—or just a glorified economy seat with extra legroom? Dubbed Royal Silk Class, Thai’s A320 business cabin features 12 wide reclining seats with a 38” pitch and 5” recline—a significant improvement over…
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Bangkok residents frustrated by Chinese New Year fireworks chaos (video)
Residents in Bangkok are voicing their dissatisfaction over Chinese people setting off fireworks to celebrate the Chinese New Year, with little regard for police intervention. The fireworks have sparked fires in nearby grasslands, causing chaos for fire services, and have left pets in distress. Social media users have reported complaints from multiple areas across the city, including Huai Khwang, Rama…
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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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Pattaya’s Walking Street swarmed by cops in CNY crackdown
Tourists on Pattaya’s infamous Walking Street got more than just neon lights and nightlife this Chinese New Year—law enforcement was out in full force. In a high-profile safety operation, Pattaya Tourist Police, backed by local police and the US Navy Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), launched a crackdown to ensure tourist safety during the festive season. Leading the charge was Police…
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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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Thailand pledges continued refugee healthcare despite US aid halt
Thailand’s government will maintain healthcare services for refugees following US President Donald Trump’s directive for a 90-day halt on foreign aid, which affects the financial support for refugee healthcare in the country. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin stated yesterday, January 28, that approximately 100,000 refugees reside in nine camps along the Thai-Myanmar border. He noted that international organisations assist in…
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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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Thai woman killed and her close friend injured in apartment fall
Two Thai women mysteriously fell from an apartment in the central province of Samut Sakhon yesterday, 28 January, resulting in one death and one serious injury. Officers from Krathum Baen Police Station were alerted to the incident at an apartment in Soi Khlong Maduea 1/1, in the Krathum Baen district of Samut Sakhon, at around 5pm yesterday. They rushed to…
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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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Pattaya’s tourism takes a hit after Chinese abduction (video)
Thailand’s tourism industry has been rocked by the recent abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing, leaving popular hotspots like Pattaya eerily quiet. The star was allegedly lured to Thailand under false pretences before being trafficked across the border and held captive in Myawaddy, Myanmar. While Thai police scrambled to rescue the actor, the fallout was swift. News of the terrifying…
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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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