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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Starting a new life abroad is exciting—new culture, new lifestyle, and new chances to grow. But living far from home also means taking steps to protect your health in unfamiliar surroundings. Without the right coverage, even small health issues can...
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4 Israeli men fined for causing chaos at hospital in Mae Hong Son
Police fined four Israeli men 3,000 baht each for causing chaos at Pai Hospital in the northern province of Mae Hong Son on February 2 by entering an emergency room without permission. The medical professionals at Pai Hospital expressed their dissatisfaction with Israeli nationals in the province to Channel 7 following the incident. One of the doctors revealed that a…
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Taiwanese man offers 100 pig heads at Bangkok temple
A Taiwanese man made a significant offering at Wat Ko Suwannaram in Bangkok’s Sai Mai district after winning millions in the lottery. Yesterday, February 5, the lucky man, along with friends and devotees, presented 100 pig heads, 3,000 candles, and various food items as a gesture of gratitude. The offerings were made to the Great Brahma Emperor, a large statue…
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Thai banks to ban mule account transactions next month
The banking sector will introduce a ban on financial transactions involving mule accounts next month, adhering to a directive from the Bank of Thailand. Following a recent meeting of the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking, Payong Srivanich, chairman of the Thai Bankers’ Association, announced that banks are upgrading their operational and security systems to block transactions across…
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Thai media regulator jailed for abusing power in TrueID scandal
A high-ranking member of Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has been sentenced to two years in prison for abusing her position in a controversial case involving the OTT media platform TrueID. The Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases ruled today that Professor Pirongrong Ramasoota was guilty of malfeasance in office, having unfairly targeted TrueID and causing…
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South Korean arrested for illegal tour guide work in Chon Buri
A South Korean man’s dream job in Thailand turned into a nightmare when he was arrested in Chon Buri for allegedly working illegally as a tour guide while leading a group of tourists on a luxury boat tour. Tourist Police swooped yesterday, February 5, catching the man in the act as he escorted a group of South Korean tourists aboard…
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Luxury car executive busted for 160m baht tax dodge
A 48 year old executive of a luxury car import company was apprehended in Ayutthaya for allegedly evading taxes amounting to 160 million baht. The car executive, Chakri, claims his identity was wrongly used, suggesting someone registered the company using his personal information without his knowledge. Yesterday, February 5, Police Colonel Tatsapoom Jaruprat, acting commander of the Economic Crime Suppression Division…
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PM Paetongtarn strengthens ties with Xi in landmark China visit
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra kicked off a landmark visit to China, meeting President Xi Jinping in Beijing today, February 6, in a high-level diplomatic exchange at the Great Hall of the People. The visit comes as Thailand and China celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations, marking what Xi described as a “golden year of friendship.” In a warm exchange, the…
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Thai woman admits to faking pregnancy and child loss
A Thai woman today confessed to faking her pregnancy, child loss, and accusation against a hospital in Pathum Thani province but refused to reveal her motive. The 38 year old Thai woman Rungarun and her 42 year old husband Wicharn sought help from the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive to obtain an explanation from Pathum Thani Hospital as to why one…
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Thai fruit exports set for boost with 3.5 billion baht deals
The Commerce Ministry of Thailand organised a business matching event focused on fruit and agricultural products, alongside a signing ceremony for memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between Thai exporters and international buyers. These initiatives are anticipated to boost export sales by 3.5 billion baht (US$104 billion). Deputy Commerce Minister Napintorn Srisunpang reported that 96 Thai fruit export companies, along with 65…
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Thailand approves US$9.8 billion high-speed rail expansion
Thailand is racing ahead with its high-speed rail ambitions as the Cabinet greenlights the second phase of the Thailand-China High-Speed Rail Project, extending the line from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai. The colossal 341.35 billion baht (US$9.8 billion) project will span 357 kilometres and take eight years to complete, from 2025 to 2032. Once operational, it will provide a direct link between Bangkok and Nong…
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Thai health services brace for refugee influx amid US funding cut
The Tak Provincial Public Health Office is preparing to accommodate a surge of patients from refugee camps along the Thai-Myanmar border, anticipating around 40,000 to 50,000 people. This preparation comes in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s recent decision to halt funding for the International Rescue Committee (IRC). Public health officials in the Nu Po Refugee Camp, located in…
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Thai royal command appoints four military officers as bodyguards
A royal command has been issued, appointing four military officers as royal bodyguards. Yesterday, February 5, the Royal Gazette published the royal command detailing the appointments. These appointments are made under the authority of Section 7 of the Royal Security Act of 2017, in conjunction with Sections 6, 8, and 10 of the Royal Bodyguard Act of 1937, and Section…
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Thai mother fears son lured into Cambodian scam gang
A Thai mother has approached the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) to report her 21 year old son’s disappearance, fearing he might have been enticed to join a call scam gang in Poipet, Cambodia, by a woman he met online. The woman, 48 year old Khajorn Somjai, accompanied by her eldest son, 27 year old Boonlong U-Nak, reported the missing person…
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Surin tragedy: Man drowns in pond as family watches in horror
A 39 year old man drowned in a village pond in Surin province in front of family and locals, with rescue operations taking four hours to retrieve his body. The incident occurred yesterday, February 5, in Baan Angkan, Mueang district, Surin. Police from Tenmee Mueang station and Surin rescue teams were alerted to the drowning at the large pond, around…
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Phuket drug den busted: Cops seize 25,000 meth pills
Thalang Police smashed a major drug operation in Phuket, seizing over 25,000 methamphetamine pills (meth pills) and arresting two women in a raid at a housing estate in Srisoonthorn. The bust yesterday, February 5, began with the arrest of 33 year old Prathana Khummit at a rental unit in the Keha Eua-Athorn housing estate. Officers found 602 meth pills and 2.8…
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Smoke signal: Suvarnabhumi sparks smoking rooms outrage
Smoking row ignites as the Airports of Thailand (AoT) makes a shocking bid to reintroduce smoking rooms at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, pushing against the global trend towards smoke-free terminals. As the world gears up for 100% smoke-free airports, Thailand’s move has stirred up a storm of controversy. Associate Professor Dr Naowarat Charoenkha from the Thai Health Promotion Institute, part of…
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Bangkok police raid leads to seizure of illegal contraband, sex toys
Police in Min Buri district conducted raids on three locations linked to a Chinese financier, resulting in the arrest of Thai and foreign nationals for illegal entry and the seizure of a substantial amount of contraband, including over 10,000 sex toys and numerous e-cigarettes. Today, February 6, Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, along with…
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Activists demand Parliament clean house on old prostitution law
A groundswell for change surged through Parliament today, as Naiyana Suphaphueng of the Service Workers’ Friends Foundation, flanked by activists and supporters, submitted a bold draft bill to scrap the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act B.E. 2539. With over 13,000 signatures in tow, the proposal was formally handed over to Mr. Wan Muhammad Noor Matha, Speaker of the House…
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Clean hotels with ‘3C’ initiative launches in Phuket
To ensure a safer travel experience, the Department of Medical Sciences is rolling out its ambitious Clean Hotels with 3C initiative across Thailand’s prime tourist spots. Deputy Director General Dr Ballang Uppong launched a crucial training session at the Royal Phuket City Hotel, aiding hotel operators in Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga. With over 250 participants, including public health officials,…
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Fare fight: Bang Lamung bikers protest against ride-hailing rivals
Bang Lamung’s motorcycle taxi drivers are revving up their engines in protest, calling on government departments to clamp down on ride-hailing services they say are taking the wind out of their financial sails. On Tuesday, February 4, representatives from the Public Motorcycle Taxi Association for Tourism met with district chief Patcharapatch Sritanyanont, demanding swift action to curb these so-called interlopers.…
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Man arrested for extorting Bangkok residents at bus stop
A 27 year old man was apprehended for extorting money from residents, including elderly people, at a bus stop in Bangkok. A group of bystanders detained him and handed him over to the police at Rat Burana Police Station for further legal action. Today, February 6, the Rat Burana Police Station received a report that a man was caught by…
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Close call: Thai ex-adviser’s wife nearly scammed of 14 million baht
The wife of a former adviser to the minister of commerce was nearly duped into transferring 14 million baht by a call centre scam. The incident occurred yesterday, February 5, when police from Mueang Chai Nat Police Station investigated a local resort following a report from 56 year old Dr Natjarat Klumtawee, a former adviser to the minister of commerce.…
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Ayutthaya police intercept illegal Myanmar migrants paying 8,000 to 10,000 baht
Police in Ayutthaya intercepted a group of 31 illegal Myanmar migrant workers, who admitted paying between 8,000 and 10,000 baht each to find work in the city. Yesterday, February 5, Police Colonel Eknirut Wansiripak, head of Highway Police Division 1, discovered an operation transporting illegal foreign workers into Thailand. The migrants crossed the border on foot through natural paths, where…
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VFS Global warns Thai travellers of rising visa scam threats
VFS Global cautioned Thai travellers about visa scams, urging early applications due to increasing outbound travel. The organisation, a leader in visa outsourcing and technology services, hosted an awareness event in Bangkok. Diplomats from Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Norway, and Switzerland attended to address the growing threat of visa fraud. As visa applications surge to record levels, scammers…
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Police raid uncovers 3.5 million baht online gambling in Nong Khai
Immigration police in Nong Khai yesterday raided a luxury house in Mueang district, uncovering an illicit online gambling operation involving both Thai and Lao websites. The operation saw a daily transaction of at least 3.5 million baht, leading to the arrest of 10 people. Police Major General Waritsiri Leelasiri, acting commissioner of Immigration Division 4, yesterday, February 5, led the…
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NACC to decide on charges for 44 former MPs over lese-majeste
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is expected to decide in the next two months regarding potential charges against 44 former MPs of the defunct Move Forward Party, who supported a proposal to amend the lese-majeste law. Currently, 39 of the accused serve as MPs for the People’s Party, established in August last year after the Constitutional Court dissolved Move Forward…
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American man and Thai wife lose 15.2 million baht in Hua Hin property fraud
An American man and his Thai wife are pursuing justice after being duped by a real estate firm into buying two plots of land and a house in Hua Hin, located in the southern province of Prachuap Khiri Khan, amounting to 15.2 million baht. Despite their investment, they have been unable to gain ownership of the property. The couple, Patrick…
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Thailand video news | Missing British man found dead in Bangkok, Phnom Penh nightclub fire kills two, injures five
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jay cover key stories from Thailand and Asia. Bangkok authorities have found a missing British tourist dead, while a Thai man in Rayong faces outrage for attacking his ex-girlfriend. Five Thai hostages freed by Hamas will return home this week, and confusion surrounds Thailand’s new Digital Arrival Card rollout. In a major crackdown,…
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Thai police rescue student from 1.5 million baht scam
Thai police were commended for rescuing a university student from a call centre scam that held her for a 1.5 million baht ransom. The incident occurred yesterday, February 5, when the call centre gang lured the student from a renowned university in Rangsit, convincing her to transfer nearly 1.5 million baht. Police Colonel Kiattisak Mitprasat of Khlong Luang Police Station…
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Illegal gambling ring in Bangkok busted, Taiwanese nabbed
Thai cybercrime police conducted a major raid on an illegal online gambling network in Bangkok, apprehending a Taiwanese leader and detaining more than 20 administrators. The network, which posed as an NFT trading website, was secretly providing online gambling services, including slots, live casinos, sports betting, and poker. Officials estimate the network’s annual cash flow exceeded 500 million baht. This…
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