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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Former English footballer caught in drug smuggling own goal
A former footballer from Liverpool confessed he deeply regrets smuggling drugs from Thailand after quitting the professional game to allegedly look after his cancer-stricken grandparents. The former Tranmere Rovers footballer was arrested by immigration police while transferring through customs at Manchester Airport. Jamie Kilcourse, returning from a holiday in Bangkok with friends, was stopped by Border Force officers upon arrival…
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Firefighters battle forest fire near monastery in Chon Buri (video)
A forest fire broke out at 9.30pm yesterday, January 15 along a mountain range in Village 4, Pong subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri. The extensive spread of the fire poses a threat to a nearby monastery, leading to immediate action from local officials and residents. The fire’s rapid progression has raised concerns for the safety of the monastery, which…
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Thai woman abused, forced to shave head by cheating husband
A Thai woman is seeking justice after her drug-addicted, unfaithful husband brutally abused and forced her to shave her head. The man reportedly denied her request for a divorce and even sent pictures and videos of himself having sex with his mistress to his wife. Chalida Palamart, founder of the Be One organisation, assisted the 29 year old woman, named Onn,…
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Thai patrol seize over one million meth pills in Mekong bust
Thai border patrol officers seized over one million methamphetamine pills packed in three sacks after a drug smuggling operation was interrupted along the Mekong River. The suspects opened fire and fled in a boat back to Laos yesterday, January 15 in Bueng Kan province. Bueng Kan’s provincial governor, Worapot Wannachatsiri, assigned Worapan Chamniyan, the province’s deputy governor, along with military…
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Phuket under siege: Tidal wave of trash threatens tropical paradise
The once-idyllic waters and landscapes of Phuket is in danger of being flooded in a rising tidal wave of trash is threatening to overwhelm this renowned tourist haven. Plastic bottles and empty beer cans now clutter the ocean floor while the island itself groans under the weight of mounting rubbish, casting a shadow over its famed beaches. Behind the scenes,…
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Banana plant in Phayao sparks lottery frenzy with unique bud
A unique phenomenon in Phayao province has attracted attention as a banana plant, seemingly cut down, has produced a bud resembling a lotus flower from its trunk. Residents are flocking to the site with hopes of finding lucky lottery numbers, believing a local spirit, known as the Goddess Tanee, is offering protection. Locals informed the media yesterday, January 15, about…
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Illegal cuts: South Koreans snipped up in Bangkok salon raid
Police yesterday arrested four South Korean nationals for working illegally at a renowned hair salon in the Sukhumvit area of Bangkok. Officers from the Immigration Bureau acted on a tip-off and raided the salon, located on the second floor of a building in the Sukhumvit neighbourhood, at around 3.30pm, yesterday, January 15. Upon arrival, officers found both Thai and foreign customers…
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Couple scammed in 80,000 baht eucalyptus plantation deal
A couple from Lad Yao district in Nakhon Sawan province has fallen victim to a scam involving the sale of a eucalyptus plantation. Supakorn Tamatalong and his wife, Somporn Kamtalong, discovered their 20-rai eucalyptus plantation had been completely cleared. They agreed to sell the land for 80,000 baht (US$2,314), at a rate of 4,000 baht (US$115) per rai, to a…
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Relatives surrender in 20 million baht Australian job scam
Parents, grandparents, and relatives surrendered to police in connection with a scam promising Australian jobs to 250 victims, resulting in losses of 20 million baht. The main suspect remains at large, prompting another summons scheduled for later this month. The investigation in Buriram province revealed that 28 year old Thamonwan, also known as Oi, allegedly posed as an Australian Embassy…
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Thai PM faces petition over jailed activist adviser appointment
Activist Sonthiya Sawasdee has lodged a petition against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra concerning the appointment of a former jailed activist as her adviser. Sonthiya requested that the Office of the Attorney-General forward his complaint to the Constitutional Court regarding the appointment of Nattawut Saikuar, a significant figure in the red shirt movement, on October 4 last year. Sonthiya claims that…
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3 Pattaya transwomen assault Laotian woman over job loss (video)
Three Thai transwomen brutally attacked a Laotian woman in Pattaya earlier this week, accusing the victim of getting them fired from their jobs. A Laotian woman, identified only as Da, called on Thai news agencies to assist her in seeking justice after she was brutally assaulted on Pattaya Sai Song Road at 2.59am on Tuesday, January 14. The incident occurred…
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Chiang Mai woman claims bank loan fraud, 300,000 baht debt
A 57 year old hill tribe woman, unable to read, claims she was tricked into signing a bank loan document, resulting in a debt of nearly 300,000 baht. The newly appointed district chief of Samoeng, Siripong Nampha, is investigating the matter to ensure justice for all parties involved. Yesterday, January 15, Siripong Nampha, along with several local officials, visited the…
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Korat calls for urgent donations amid major blood shortage
Residents across northeastern Thailand are being encouraged to donate blood to address a significant shortage, as highlighted by officials at Regional Blood Centre V. Hospitals in regions such as Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, Buriram, and Surin are currently receiving only 30 to 40% of their required blood supply, according to Sirilak Piakkhunthod, head of the blood centre. Sirilak noted that 39…
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Chiang Rai drug bust: 456 kilogrammes crystal meth seized
Military and police forces intercepted a drug smuggling operation in Chiang Rai, seizing approximately 456 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine. The operation followed a local tip-off about a Mitsubishi pickup truck involved in a collision and subsequent escape. Yesterday, January 15, soldiers from the Phaden Base, Task Force Chao Taak, and the Pha Mueang Force, in collaboration with Mae Fa Luang…
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Ex-Yakuza member arrested in Thailand over call centre scam
A Japanese national, allegedly a former Yakuza member, has been detained in relation to a dismantled call centre operation in Thailand, as announced by the Immigration Bureau yesterday, January 15. Identified as 34 year old Yu Hamaji, police suspect him to have been the deputy leader of the Japanese gang that was intercepted in mid-December in Bang Lamung district, Chon…
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Thai man drives wife and friend into Rayong sea in jealousy spat
A Thai man attempted to drive his wife and her friend into the sea in the eastern province of Rayong yesterday, January 15, due to a heated argument over jealousy and infidelity but failed when his hatchback became stuck in the sand. The Sawang Phon Kuson Rayong Rescue Foundation and officers from Mueang Rayong Police Station were called to Laem…
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Motorcycle-car crash on Khlong Khlung Bridge leaves one dead
A tragic accident occurred yesterday when a motorcycle collided with a car on the Khlong Khlung Bridge over the Ping River in Kamphaeng Phet province, resulting in one death and two severe injuries. The incident prompted a response from the police and rescue services. Police Lieutenant Chatchanon Sanitmak, attached to Khlong Khlung Police Station, yesterday, January 15, reported the accident…
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Thai FDA warns against deadly vape liquid mixed with ketamine
The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about the dangers of Pot K, a vape liquid mixed with ketamine, which can be fatal. Selling this substance can lead to a prison sentence of up to 15 years and a fine of 1.5 million baht. This illegal product has become prevalent among nightlife enthusiasts. Dr Witit Srisuriyachayakul, Deputy…
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Thai man breaks into neighbour’s home, fires shots, and ends his life
A heartbroken, desperate Thai man opened fire and took his own life at his neighbour’s home in the central province of Pathum Thani late last night. Officers from Thanyaburi Police Station were called to investigate the shooting at Garden View Village in the Thanyaburi district of Pathum Thani at around 11pm, yesterday, January 15. The incident occurred at two houses, numbers…
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Man found dead in Chanthaburi abandoned house after disappearance
A Thai mother’s worst fears were realised when her 42 year old missing son was found dead in an abandoned house in Chanthaburi province. Police and emergency services discovered the body following a GPS trace that led them to the location. Financial stress and personal issues were cited as potential reasons for the suspected suicide. Police Colonel Jirannon Thongsroi of the…
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Thai cinema reels in the big bucks, outshining Hollywood
Eight Thai films surpassed 100 million baht in revenue in 2024, capturing a 54% share of the domestic market, surpassing Hollywood films. Surachet Asavarueng-Anan, Chief Executive Officer of M STUDIO, a film production and distribution company in Thailand and abroad, announced yesterday, January 15, that the Thai film industry achieved significant success last year. The industry’s market share exceeded that…
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CCTV captures Thai teens slapping foreigners’ heads in Pattaya (video)
CCTV footage outside a hotel in Pattaya captured teenage motorcyclists slapping foreign pedestrians on the head before speeding away. The Facebook page อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 6 (translated as “tell me if you want to be famous, return part 6”) shared the video of these physical assaults on foreign tourists yesterday, January 15, accompanied by a caption that read… “Ruining the…
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Northern Irishman fights for life after Thailand holiday accident
Friends, family, and co-workers are rallying behind a Northern Irishman left fighting for his life following a shocking accident while on a dream holiday in Thailand. Ryan Daly, from Portadown, had set off on an ambitious round-the-world trip when tragedy struck, leaving him on life support and his loved ones in turmoil. The 27 year old care attendant, known for…
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Thailand weather takes a chill pill as storms brew in the south
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) forecasts a cold air mass to cover the region, causing temperatures to drop by 2°C. Heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected in the south, particularly affecting the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. Yesterday, January 15, a new high-pressure system from China reached northern Vietnam and Laos and is expected to spread…
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Irish diver’s fate revealed on Thailand’s ‘Death Island’ (video)
In a heartbreaking twist that has sent shockwaves through a small Irish village, the tragic fate of a young Irish diver discovered lifeless on a Thai island has been made public. The body of Robert “Robby” Kinlan was found on January 9 in Koh Tao, ominously dubbed “Death Island” due to a chilling pattern of tourist fatalities. Initial post-mortem examinations…
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Thai tax tangle: Expats warned of new rules on overseas income
A packed meeting of the Pattaya City Expat Club turned into a lively debate as members received crucial updates on Thailand’s controversial new tax policy regarding overseas income transfers. Hosted by Thomas Carden, director of American International Tax Advisers, and tax attorney Patcha Inkudanonda, the session offered clarity, and raised fresh concerns, about the Thai Revenue Department’s evolving guidelines. Patcha…
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Hong Kong sends task force to rescue citizens trapped in Thailand
In response to reports of Hong Kong residents being lured to Southeast Asia and forced into illegal work, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced that the Security Bureau has dispatched a task force to Thailand. The move comes as law enforcement agencies reveal that 28 residents have been trapped abroad since mid-2024, with only 16 successfully returned so…
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Thai man brutally assaults woman in Rayong, citing transwoman confusion
Police arrested a Thai man for brutally assaulting a Thai woman on a road in the eastern province of Rayong. The man claimed he mistook the victim for a transwoman. The victim, Arisa, shared details of the brutal assault with the Facebook news page เหยี่ยวข่าว ตะวันออก (Heyiyw Khaw Tawan Xxk) following the incident, which occurred on Monday, January 13. The…
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Drunken chaos: Foreigner flees after Pattaya motorcycle wreck
A shocking hit-and-run incident involving a motorcycle in East Pattaya has left a Laotian housekeeper fighting for her life while a foreign national is accused of fleeing the scene. The crash occurred yesterday, January 14 in Soi Thung Klom-Tan Man 9, leaving behind a trail of carnage and unanswered questions. Police arriving at the scene found a Yamaha Grand Filano…
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Woman caught vaping on Bangkok BTS sparks outrage (video)
A video capturing a woman allegedly vaping cannabis on a Bangkok Skytrain (BTS) has gone viral, igniting outrage and calls for stricter public behaviour enforcement. The shocking footage, shared on the Facebook page อีซ้อขยี้แหลก on January 12, shows the woman casually vaping on the train, surrounded by children and elderly passengers. The clip reveals the woman standing and texting while…
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