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 Living on a budget in Thailand? Here’s how to stay healthy without breaking the bank
Thailand is a popular place for people who want to enjoy a good life at a lower cost or even on a budget. Many expats, retirees, and digital nomads choose to live here because daily expenses are cheaper than in...
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Tying the knot: Pattaya hosts free LGBTQ+ weddings
Royal Garden Plaza Pattaya is gearing up to host a significant event on Valentine’s Day, February 14, marking Thailand’s historic Marriage Equality Law with free wedding ceremonies for LGBTQ+ couples. Pattaya Marriage Equality Celebration 2025 honours the law’s official enactment on January 23, with support from Pattaya City and various partners. Seven LGBTQ+ couples will be chosen to have their…
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Chill factor: Thailand braces for cold, frosty spell as mercury dips
Thailand is braced for a cold, frosty spell as temperatures plunge by an additional 1-2 degrees Celsius across the nation. Frost dusts the peaks of high mountains while strong winds batter the seas, turning up the tumultuous weather conditions. As winter tightens its grip, the South sees relentless rainfall, adding to the weather woes. Forecasts from the Meteorological Department of…
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Lottery results revealed for past draws on January 17
As the date for the upcoming lottery draw approaches, Sanook News compiled a historical record of winning numbers from the same date over the past decade. Here are the notable numbers from previous draws. Year First prize three-digit front three-digit back two-digit back 2024 105979 429 and 931 196 and 635 61 2023 812519 389 and 443 564 and 849…
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Phuket man arrested for sexually exploiting young boys
The Phuket Provincial Administration Promotion Office arrested a Thai man for sexually assaulting more than 10 young boys and distributing explicit videos of the victims on X (formerly Twitter). More than 1,400 indecent videos were found in his possession. Officials received a tip-off from the non-governmental organisation Scientia that a 15 year old victim sought help from the organisation after…
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Fire in Bangkok’s Min Buri destroys warehouse and 8 vehicles
A fire broke out in Soi Rom Klao 7, Min Buri district, Bangkok, spreading to a chemical storage warehouse and destroying eight vehicles, including six cars and two motorcycles. The incident occurred at 3.05am today, January 17, when the Rama 199 Radio Centre was alerted to a grass fire in Rom Klao 7, Saen Saep subdistrict, Min Buri district. Upon…
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Thai minister demands Shinawatra family forfeit Alpine Golf land
Thai Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also leads the Bhumjaithai Party, announced yesterday that the Shinawatra family’s ownership of extensive land at Alpine Golf and Sports Club should be rescinded. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is connected to these holdings through familial ties. Anutin stated that Chamnanwit Terat, the Deputy Permanent Secretary for the Interior, must ensure the revocation is completed…
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Size matters: Thailand absent in global boobs size rankings
In a revealing study by the World Population Review, Thailand is noticeably absent in the rankings of countries with the largest average boobs. The Scandinavian country of Norway has the biggest boobs, the survey reported. This comprehensive report scrutinised 108 nations, unearthing intriguing correlations between body mass index (BMI) and breast size, while affirming that individual factors like genetics, diet,…
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Phuket netizens slams half-naked foreign man on red baht bus
Thai netizens criticised a foreign man after a photograph of him standing half-naked on a red baht bus in Phuket circulated on Thai social media platforms. The Phuket Times shared the images yesterday, January 16, with a caption that read, “#Patong. A foreign tourist pulled his shorts down and revealed his bottom. Doesn’t care about anyone.” The two images shared…
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Roti rebellion: Thai police rescue Burmese teenager from trafficking
In a harrowing tale of courage and justice, a Burmese teenager hailed the Government of Thailand for rescuing him from a nightmare of forced labour and trafficking. The 17 year old’s ordeal ended with the conviction of his captor in Bangkok last year, bringing a glimmer of hope to the youth as he waits to return home to Myanmar. The…
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Herd mentality: Thai activists stomp on elephant birth control plan
Conservationists gathered yesterday to oppose the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s proposal to administer birth control injections to wild elephants. The Soo Phua Chang Network, advocating for elephants, convened at the ministry, urging a delay in the plan until comprehensive studies and reviews of the contraceptive injections are completed. They presented their petition to Minister Chalermchai Sri-on, and Naraphat…
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Plane stupid! Australian man’s flight crash threat lands him in jail
A disgruntled Australian man found himself behind bars after making a chilling threat to kill everyone at 35,000 feet. His off-the-cuff remark about crashing a plane left airport officials with no choice but to take him seriously. Marli Curtis Philip Moncrieff embarked on what he thought would be a dream holiday from Perth to the sunny shores of Phuket with…
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British explorer uncovers shocking truth at abandoned Phuket Zoo (video)
A British explorer got more than he bargained for during a visit to Thailand’s abandoned Phuket Zoo, uncovering a hidden and haunting secret that left him and his viewers stunned. British content creator Sean King, known for exploring deserted attractions on his YouTube channel @SeanKing5150, ventured into the defunct zoo. What he found was both extraordinary and deeply troubling. “I…
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Bangkok steals top spot for Chinese New Year celebrations
Bangkok has emerged as the top destination for Thai and foreign tourists planning to celebrate Chinese New Year in Thailand, according to data from the digital travel platform Agoda. The vibrant capital outshone other popular spots, with accommodation searches surging ahead of the festivities starting January 29. Agoda revealed yesterday, January 15, that Bangkok topped the list for Thai tourists,…
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Bangkok cracks down on smoky buses amid pollution crisis
To tackle Bangkok’s escalating air pollution, city officials inspected public buses for black smoke emissions at the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority’s (BMTA) Sathuphradit Depot on Tuesday, January 14. The initiative, led by Phonprom Wikitset, Advisor to the Governor of Bangkok, and Prapat Luangsirinapa, Director of the Environmental Office, aimed to address the city’s fine particulate matter (PM2.5) crisis. The inspections…
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PM perfects ‘Salaam’ greeting on helicopter to Muslim south
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra prepared for a visit to Thailand’s southern Muslim-majority provinces by practising the universal Islamic greeting, “as-salaam alaykum” (peace be upon you), aboard an air force helicopter. Assisted by Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong, the PM repeated the greeting several times to perfect her pronunciation. “I practised this earlier too, but I want to get it just right.”…
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Rawai woman busted in 36 million baht fake investment scam
A 36 year old woman in Rawai has been arrested for her alleged role in a massive investment scam that defrauded victims of over 36 million baht. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), in collaboration with the Highway Police Division, apprehended the suspect, identified as Wipha, at a residence in Soi Samakee 2 following a detailed investigation. Wipha faces multiple charges,…
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Thai OnlyFans star quits adult content, citing mental health effects
A famous Thai OnlyFans content creator announced her retirement from the industry, citing the effects of her work and netizens’ comments on her mental health. The 29 year old OnlyFans star, Arisa “Kwang” Siangluecha, better known as Deerlong, is one of Thailand’s most popular creators of adult content. She typically collaborated with her boyfriend, Earth, to produce sexually explicit material…
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South Thailand unrest: Defence chief demands strategy overhaul
Deputy Prime Minister-cum-Minister of Defence Phumtham Wechayachai called for a bold rethink of Thailand’s southern border strategy following a recent motorcycle bomb attack in Pattani that left defence volunteers and civilians injured. In a scathing critique of current measures, Phumtham urged the National Security Council (NSC) to replace the ineffective cycle of lifting and reinstating emergency decrees with a more…
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Lottery fever grows as Teachers’ Day draw nears in Udon Thani
As the lottery draw approaches Teachers’ Day tomorrow, January 17, a popular destination for those seeking fortune is the mystical island of Kham Chanod in Udon Thani province. Known for its spiritual significance, the site is bustling with visitors who come to pay their respects to the revered spirits of Grandfather Srisuttho and Grandmother Phatumma. At the Kham Chanod shrine,…
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Chaos on Pattaya Beach: Drunk tourists fuel brawls in hotspot
Pattaya Beach, known for its stunning coastline and electrifying nightlife, is grappling with a surge in alcohol-fuelled brawls involving unruly tourists. Once a haven for relaxation and revelry, the iconic destination has seen a troubling rise in disruptive incidents, leaving locals and officials concerned about the city’s reputation. Reports reveal that drunken altercations have become an all-too-common sight, particularly after…
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Dim sum drama: Hungry tourist rides into restaurant for a bite (video)
A hungry foreign tourist made an unforgettable entrance into a dim sum restaurant in Chalong in Phuket yesterday driving his motorbike straight into the eatery and causing a stir on social media. CCTV footage captured the bizarre moment yesterday, January 15, as the tourist lost control of his bike, crashing into a parked motorcycle and a table at Mangmee Dim Sum,…
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Thai durian exporters face losses due to new Chinese regulations
Durian farmers and exporters in Chumphon province are facing significant financial losses due to new Chinese import regulations requiring certification for the absence of Basic Yellow 2: an organic compound classified by the World Health Organisation as a Group 2B carcinogen. Thailand currently lacks the necessary testing equipment, leading to delays and financial strain for the industry. The new Chinese…
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Paw-trait of loyalty: Faithful dog waits for dead owner outside 7-Eleven
In a heart-wrenching tale of devotion, a stray dog named Moo Daeng (roasted pork) has captured the hearts of Thai social media users after being spotted waiting for its late owner outside a 7-Eleven in downtown Korat. Dubbed the “Hachi of Korat,” Moo Daeng’s story has drawn comparisons to Japan’s legendary loyal dog, Hachikō. The poignant story went viral after the…
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Thai man attacks Swiss man with cue stick over pool game dispute
A Thai man attacked a Swiss tourist with a cue stick at a bar in Pattaya, accusing the foreigner of cheating during a game of pool. Rescuers from the Sawang Borriboon Dhammstan Foundation responded to the incident at a bar on Soi Khao Ta Lo in Bang Lamung district, Pattaya, last night, January 15, following reports of a physical altercation.…
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Ex-police officer caught selling modified BB guns as firearms
A former police officer was apprehended for modifying and assembling BB gun parts into firearms capable of shooting live ammunition and selling them upon request. Yesterday, January 15, police from Sai Noi district, Nonthaburi province, arrested 55 year old former Border Patrol Police officer, Manut Wongsuwan. The arrest took place in a department store car park in Sai Noi, where…
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Second post-mortem to be conducted on death of Indian woman
A chilling twist has emerged in the alleged murder of a 32 year old Indian woman whose body was flown back to India from Thailand late Tuesday night, January 14. Lucknow police, acting on her family’s complaint, are set to conduct a second post-mortem today to uncover the truth behind her suspicious demise. The woman, Priyanka Sharma’s husband, city-based doctor…
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Mother arrested for gold theft amid lender threats in Thailand
A 27 year old mother was arrested for stealing a gold bracelet after facing dire financial straits. She resorted to stealing following threats from a lender who intimidated her by threatening her four month old child. The incident occurred on January 12 in a gold shop in Hua Ro, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya district, Ayutthaya province. Suwichada Ongying, who works…
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Israel to open 13,000 agriculture jobs for Thai workers
Some 13,000 jobs in the agriculture sector are set to be made available for Thai workers, as announced by Israeli Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Avi Dichter. In recent discussions held in Jerusalem, senior Thai officials, including Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn and Department of Employment Director General Somchai Morakotsriwan, met with Dichter. The Thai delegation visited Beit Hilkia Moshav on…
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Dutch national arrested in Bangkok for US$55,000 gold scam
Thailand’s Immigration Bureau announced on Tuesday, January 14, the arrest of a 43 year old Dutch national for allegedly organising a gold scam in Bangkok. The suspect, named Ndille, is accused of deceiving customers by selling counterfeit gold pellets, claiming they were smuggled tax-free from Africa and offering them at below-market prices. Investigations uncovered that the suspect employed a sophisticated…
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Fake doctor and lawyer swindle 2.75 million baht from Thai nurse
A Thai nurse from the Isaan province of Udon Thani lost 2.75 million baht in two separate investment scams, leaving her unable to afford the care of her bedridden mother and daughter. The victim, 48 year old Bee, filed a complaint with the Provincial Police Region 4 and shared her experience with news agencies to warn others about falling victim…
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