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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PETA warns tourists to stay away from Thailand’s Moo Deng (video)
Animal rights organisation PETA urged British tourists to stay clear of Thailand media darling Moo Deng and other famous animals in the nation’s zoos. Pygmy hippo Moo Deng, whose name translates to “bouncy pork” in Thai, has sent visitor numbers at Khao Kheow Open Zoo skyrocketing. However, this surge in popularity has prompted concern from animal welfare groups like Born Free…
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Thai woman stops British man’s suicide attempt at Bangkok airport
A Thai woman yesterday intervened in a British man’s suicide attempt at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, which ultimately led to a successful rescue. Officers from Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station reported that the rescue operation began at around 8pm, yesterday, February 23. They were alerted to investigate a foreign man who was sitting on the barrier rail of a bridge…
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Severe weather alert: Thunderstorms and hail expected in Thailand
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a forecast for today, February 24, predicting severe weather conditions across 49 provinces in Thailand. Thunderstorms, strong winds, lightning, and hailstorms are expected, particularly in the north and northeast regions. Following these conditions, temperatures are anticipated to drop by 1 to 3 degrees Celsius. Residents in upper Thailand are advised to take health precautions…
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A monk, a woman, a cucumber, and a bout of mutual masturbation
The crumbling Buddhist faith of Thailand is under question once more after yet another monk became embroiled in a scandal following a bout of mutual masturbation with a woman in a video call. A temple in Ban Chang district, Rayong has become the talk of the town after a cheeky prank involving a woman using a cucumber to masturbate led…
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Police fish out man’s body found floating in Pattaya Bay
Pattaya City police yesterday reported that the body of a man was found floating in Pattaya Bay. Locals informed Pattaya police about the body spotted in the water near Pratumnak Hill, approximately 300 metres from the coast. The dead man, believed to be between 40 and 50 years old, was discovered face down in the sea. He was wearing black…
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Man arrested with 200,000 meth pills in Ubon Ratchathani
A 24 year old man was arrested for allegedly storing 200,000 meth pills in preparation for distribution, following a tip-off about a drug trafficking operation in Khemarat district, Ubon Ratchathani province. Today, February 23, the Suranaree Task Force, under Control Division 4, received a tip about illegal drug activities in the area. They responded by launching the Suranaree Dok Bua…
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Concerns rise over illegal rentals by Chinese condo owners
A popular Facebook page has highlighted concerns over Chinese property owners purchasing and illegally renting out condos as daily accommodations, bypassing hotel registration processes. The page reported issues faced by residents in buildings where units are rented out on platforms like Airbnb. Residents have observed a constant influx of foreigners with luggage, likening it to a nearby large hotel. The…
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Chon Buri man offers 20,000 baht reward for missing wife
A Facebook post about a missing person has gone viral, offering a 20,000 baht reward to anyone who can provide information leading to the discovery of the woman, a wife, who has been reported missing in Chon Buri since February 19. A 36 year old contractor, Khomsan, revealed that his wife had been missing. They have been together for over…
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Nine Afghans detained for illegal entry with Thai smugglers
In Songkhla, nine Afghan nationals caught illegally in the country, along with three Thai individuals suspected of smuggling, were detained in two separate incidents yesterday, February 22. Immigration officers, police from Provincial Police Region 9, and Tourist Police intercepted a pickup truck in Hat Yai district, Songkhla, near a garbage dump in tambon Khuan Luang. The vehicle, bearing Narathiwat licence plates,…
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Senators urge justice minister’s removal over election probe
A group of senators is advocating for the dismissal of Justice Minister Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong due to the Department of Special Investigation’s (DSI) plan to examine complaints linked to last year’s Senate election. The DSI is set to convene on Tuesday, February 25, to deliberate on whether to pursue an investigation into vote-fixing allegations. This follows demands from unsuccessful…
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Man fatally shot while fishing in Ang Thong province
A man was fatally shot while fishing with friends outside a house in Ang Thong province. The incident occurred today, February 23 at 3am when gunmen approached the group, asked for the victim by name, and then opened fire. The victim fell into a canal and drowned, and the attackers returned to fire additional shots. Police Lieutenant Colonel Wiwat Pawong,…
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Turkish hitchhiker praises Thai locals for aid on Chiang Mai trip
A Turkish hitchhiker expressed gratitude to Thai locals who assisted him with transportation costs to Chiang Mai after he spent six hours attempting to hitchhike. The man, a YouTuber, is travelling the world to learn about different cultures. The incident gained attention when a photo of the Turkish tourist, who was in Rangsit at the time, was shared online. The…
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Transgender scammer causes distress in Thai massage deception
A 39 year old transgender, identified as Luk, was brought in for questioning by the Bang Yai police in Nonthaburi over allegations of impersonating a Thai massage housekeeper to scam men into paying deposits for services. The incident caused significant distress to the real housekeeper, 53 year old Thanida, who had strangers regularly knocking on her door due to the…
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Chiang Mai loan shark arrested for illegal high-interest lending
A 33 year old man known as Oat has been apprehended for leading an illegal loan operation in Chiang Mai, involving high interest rates and intimidation tactics. This follows reports of aggressive debt collection methods in the Chai Sathan subdistrict of Saraphi district. Yesterday, February 21, the loan shark gang reportedly threatened debtors at their homes. Social media posts revealed…
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Fake doctor arrested at Samut Prakan clinic for illegal practice
A fake doctor was apprehended at a clinic in Phra Samut Chedi while administering injections to a patient. This occurred around 3pm yesterday, February 21. Nuttanaporn Wongboonkeokul, a 32 year old pharmacist and head of the consumer protection and pharmaceutical health group in Samut Prakan province, alongside Police Lieutenant Colonel Prayoon Pattanuli, Deputy Superintendent of Investigation at Phra Samut Chedi…
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Police dismantle illegal Cambodian settlement in Sa Kaeo
Police in Sa Kaeo province dismantled a Cambodian settlement illegally established on Thai soil for over a year, following orders from the regional police chief. Yesterday, February 21, officers discovered the settlement and arrested several illegal immigrants. Under the directive of Police Lieutenant General Yingyot Thepchamnong, the region’s police chief, strict enforcement against illegal immigration was emphasised. This operation aligns…
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Chanthaburi destroys confiscated e-cigarettes worth 20 million baht
In Chanthaburi province, a massive police operation led to the destruction of nearly 245,058 items of confiscated goods, including e-cigarettes and illegal tobacco products valued at nearly 20 million baht. This action was taken following the conclusion of 67 cases. Yesterday, February 21, at 11am, police gathered at a public area in Mueang Chanthaburi district, far removed from residential areas,…
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Bangkok faces severe air pollution as PM2.5 levels rise
The Pollution Control Department has issued a warning concerning high PM2.5 levels across 32 provinces in Thailand, with Bangkok experiencing the most severe pollution. Predictions indicate that PM2.5 levels in Bangkok and its vicinity are likely to rise in the upcoming week. Yesterday, February 21, the Air Pollution Resolution Communication Centre of the Pollution Control Department released a report on…
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Man arrested for distributing child pornography on social media
Police apprehended a 44 year old man, Pattanakorn (surname withheld), for allegedly distributing child pornography on social media under account X. He is accused of creating and sharing content featuring people in school and various professional uniforms to lure victims into secret groups with a membership fee. The arrest took place at his residence in Mueang district, Nakhon Ratchasima province…
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Freedom Beach reclassified for business and ecotourism operations
Businesses and small vendors have been granted permission to operate on over 41 rai of Freedom Beach, following its reclassification by the Royal Forest Department as Recreational Forest. Deputy Director-General Bannarak Sermthong confirmed that the reclassification was publicly announced on January 31 and took effect upon publication in the Royal Gazette on February 19. Bannarak explained that the new designation…
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Thailand’s biometric data lapse leaves borders vulnerable
The Immigration Bureau did not collect biometric data from approximately 17 million travellers entering and leaving Thailand last year due to the system reaching its capacity, as stated by People’s Party deputy leader Rangsiman Rome. Rangsiman highlighted on his Facebook page yesterday, February 21, that Thailand’s current lack of biometric data collection for border security presents a significant risk, as…
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White Lotus season 3 boosts Koh Samui tourism by 88%
The third season of the HBO series The White Lotus has led to an 88% increase in Internet searches for Koh Samui and a 44% rise in hotel bookings on the island, according to tourism executives. The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) predicts that Koh Samui may not experience a low season this year due to the popularity of the…
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Phuket police arrest 13 Chinese tourists in illegal gambling raid
Phuket Provincial Police arrested 13 Chinese tourists involved in an illegal gambling operation in Phuket Town, supported by locals. The raid, led by Police Colonel Ekkalak Boonsangcharoen, occurred at the Phuket Poker Sports Club in Soi Poonphol at 11pm on February 20. The gambling venue, managed by a Thai national, was secretly catering to Chinese gamblers. During the operation, police…
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Thailand braces for thunderstorms and high waves in 37 provinces
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning about unstable weather conditions affecting 37 provinces in Thailand, with thunderstorms expected. Bangkok is also forecasted to experience the same conditions, while waves exceeding 3 metres are predicted in the sea. Today, February 22, the TMD provided a 24-hour weather forecast. Easterly and southeasterly winds are bringing moisture from the South…
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Third time’s the harm: Bangkok gambling den busted yet again
A major gambling den in Don Mueang, Bangkok was raided and dismantled yesterday, February 20 at 3pm. This recent raid marks the third time the establishment has been raided since 2024. Officers, led by Police Major General Jesada Suaysom and Police Major General Chotiwat Lueangwilai, executed a search warrant at a property located in Soi Songprapha 1, Don Mueang district,…
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Thailand and Laos to boost trade and security ties by 2027
Thailand and Laos agreed to a commitment to enhance collaboration across several sectors, including bolstering border security, addressing haze problems, and setting a joint trade target of US$11 billion (369.9 billion baht) by 2027. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra held a meeting yesterday, February 20, with her Lao counterpart Sonexay Siphandone at Government House in Bangkok. During the meeting, the two…
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Maid to misbehave: Cleaner caught red-handed in CCTV sting
In a crooked web of betrayal within the private confines of a family home, a Thai housemaid was arrested by police after her secret life of crime was laid bare by unforgiving lens of CCTV. Naphonthip “Kan” a 46 year old housemaid from Phitsanulok, faces charges of theft after swiping a fortune in gold and jewellery from her employer to…
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New allowance system for seniors in the works
The Government of Thailand plans the introduction of a 1,000 baht monthly allowance for senior citizens, replacing the current age-based payment system. The proposal follows discussions on senior welfare improvements and budget constraints. A new flat-rate monthly allowance of 1,000 baht for citizens over 60 will replace the current tiered system, as announced by Secretary to the Prime Minister Somkid…
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Temple abbot arrested for child pornography possession
Police arrested a temple abbot in Suphan Buri on charges of possessing and distributing exploitative materials of minors. The suspect also faces additional charges related to the abuse of a temple assistant. Today, February 21, Police Colonel Peera Assawapiboonphol, Superintendent of Suphan Buri Provincial Police Investigation Division, ordered an operation at Nong Chaeng temple in Dan Chang district, Suphan Buri…
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Scorchio alert: Thailand heats up as summer season arrives
Get ready to sizzle, because the Director-General of the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) declared that the kingdom will step straight into the scorching summer season on February 28. This marks the start of a few sweltering months ahead, promising a mix of high temperatures and occasional summer storms. TMD chief Sukanya Yawincharn made the announcement today, February 21, based…
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