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 How much travel insurance should cost you in Thailand (By trip length)
When planning a trip to Thailand, travel insurance is a smart investment that can save you from unexpected costs. Whether it’s medical expenses, lost luggage, or trip cancellations, the right coverage can provide peace of mind and financial protection against...
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Phuket pickup truck road mishap kills three, injures seven
A tragic road accident occurred on Southern Road when a pickup truck travelling from Phuket to Nakhon Si Thammarat for a religious ceremony veered off the road and overturned, resulting in seven injuries and three fatalities. Early this morning, an unfortunate incident unfolded on Southern Road, Highway 44, near the entrance to the village of Ban Marueat, in the district…
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Homeless man arrested for brutal assault on Cha-am Beach
Police arrested a homeless man for a brutal assault on a sub-district chief while the victim was resting on Cha-am Beach in the southern province of Phetchaburi. The victim remains in critical condition at a hospital. A 23 year old Thai woman, Wissuta Wannathippakorn, sought justice for her father, 58 year old Sommart Wannathippakorn, by sharing the story with news…
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Frozen pension policy: British expat’s dream turns into nightmare
Expats in Thailand live a life many envy but behind the sunny façade lies a tale of financial struggle and dashed dreams. Three Britons became victims of a decades-long pension policy debacle, turning their golden years into a fight for survival. John Jones, a 77 year old British national, once roamed the globe with the vigour of a jet-setter, but…
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Pattalung man faces arrest for molesting two girls
A Pattalung court issued an arrest warrant for a 67 year old man accused of molesting two young girls, causing them severe distress. The initial investigation into the incident dates back to December 2022 with no conclusion reached, but the case reopened following a plea for justice by the mothers of the victims. Two young girls, aged 12, were reportedly…
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Thai-riffic partnership: Wego and TAT soar for fourth year running
Wego, the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), unveils its continued collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for the fourth consecutive year. Together, Wego and TAT are set to spotlight Thailand’s unmatched allure as a top-tier travel destination. Building upon the triumphs of their past ventures, Wego and the Tourism Authority of…
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Travel with AirAsia MOVE’s ASEAN Explorer Pass
To revolutionise travel within the ASEAN region, AirAsia MOVE has unveiled its groundbreaking ASEAN Explorer Pass. AirAsia MOVE, the brainchild of Capital A Berhad, is reshaping the landscape of online travel with its pioneering digital venture. At the heart of its mission lies the ASEAN Explorer Pass, hailed as a game-changer in connecting and championing the ASEAN region like never…
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Outrage as foreign couple crash car, leave injured rider in Phuket
Thai netizens are outraged at a foreign couple who crashed their luxury car into a motorcycle in Phuket but ignored the injured rider and focused only on the damage to their vehicle. The CCTV footage of the incident was shared widely on several social media platforms yesterday, April 25, showing a white Mercedes Benz sedan making a right turn without…
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Fugitive arrested after 19 years on the run in Kanchana Buri
After evading capture for 19 years, a 43 year old fugitive was arrested by the Metropolitan Police Bureau for drug possession with intent to sell. The woman, Sunisa Chongjit, was caught outside her residence in Kanchana Buri yesterday, just five months shy of her arrest warrant expiring. Sunisa’s long run from the law finally came to an end yesterday when…
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Eyewatering 77 million baht electricity bill prompts online debate
A woman was left reeling when her April electricity bill came in at a staggering 77 million baht, igniting a storm on social media as she joked about single-handedly powering a province. Having spotted irregularities since March, she took to Facebook to share her plight, fuelling widespread speculation of a potential system glitch. The woman’s Facebook post went viral after…
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Thai tattoo artist arrested in Phuket for brutal rape of 13 year old girl
Police arrested a Thai tattoo artist at his rented room in Phuket yesterday for a brutal rape of a 13 year old girl that occurred last year. The sexual assault left the young victim with severe genital injuries and led to the removal of her womb. Officers from the Investigation Division of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (IDMB) arrested the tattoo…
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Songkhla power plant hit by armed assault and explosions
Armed individuals dressed in camouflage stormed a power plant in Songkhla province early morning today, setting off three explosions and burning tyres in a coordinated incident that caused significant disruption. The event unfolded around 12.10am, today, April 26, when surveillance footage captured clear images of four individuals armed with what appeared to be military-grade weapons. The most severe incident occurred…
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Lampang drug bust nets 400,000 meth pills worth 500,000 baht
Thai authorities in Lampang successfully intercepted a significant drug trafficking operation, seizing 400,000 methamphetamine pills hidden within a vehicle’s spare tyre. The arrest took place following a meticulously planned operation that culminated in a routine traffic stop that turned into a major drug bust. The Governor of Lampang Province Chatchawal Chayabutr and Police Major General Phumipat Nawatrakulphisit, the Provincial Police…
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Ride-sharing driver arrested for firing gun at Jomtien Beach
Pattaya police apprehended a ride-sharing driver in the early hours of yesterday, following an incident of the driver discharging a firearm into the sea, which provoked fear among tourists near Jomtien Beach. The incident took a turn at around 2.36am, near Soi 16, where the sounds of gunshots rippled through the calm sea air. At that moment, Bang Lamung District…
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Israeli arrested in Phuket for illegal possession of 3 macaques
Police acted on a tip-off arresting an Israeli businessman at his home in Phuket yesterday for his illegal possession of three pig-tailed macaques. Officers from the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division, also known as Greencop, received information that a foreign business operator in the Patong neighbourhood of Phuket was keeping protected monkeys at his residence in the Katu district. The…
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Bangkok school directors get 20-year sentences for bribery
The Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases in Thailand handed down 20-year prison sentences to the former director and the former deputy director of Samsenwittayalai School. The two were found guilty of accepting bribes from parents, colloquially termed “tea money,” to secure their children’s admission to the school in 2017. Additionally, the court ordered the pair to pay…
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Cambodian arrested in Pathum Thani amphetamine bust
Thai police and various authorities arrested a Cambodian woman at a home in Nong Suea, Pathum Thani who is believed to be involved in the notorious drug ring known as First Klong Luang. Officers found more than they expected, not one, but 2.8 million amphetamine pills. The woman in question was identified as Saraitus On, a 30 year old Cambodian…
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Thai man armed with ammunition terrorises Chumphon
A 56 year old Thai man has been terrorising his community in Chumphon, threatening to kill residents and local officials. This wave of fear escalated after the authorities attempted to arrest Somchai at his home in Chumphon province yesterday, only to find he had already escaped, leaving behind a cache of ammunition. Somchai, a resident of Visai Tai subdistrict in…
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Asian millennials and Gen Z prefer regional travel, says Marriott
Rising travel expenses have led to an increase in intra-regional tourism among Asia-Pacific’s Gen Z and millennial tourists, according to Marriott International. The younger adults, keen on saving for their travels, are opting for trips within their region. In 2023, intra-regional travellers accounted for over 60% of bookings in the Asia-Pacific region, a significant increase from the 40-50% before the…
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Summer storm unroofs homes in Chaiyaphum
A devastating summer storm recently struck the Chaiyaphum province, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The community of Ban Na Sao was hit by a severe storm yesterday, resulting in significant damage to over 10 houses. The powerful storm, characterised by strong winds, caused widespread blackouts throughout the village, tearing roofs off houses and granaries with alarming ease.…
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Phuket authorities bust illegal kratom operation targeting teens
Authorities in Phuket apprehended a 21 year old man for his involvement in the illegal production and trade of kratom juice targeting local teenagers in the Srisoonthorn area. The operation took place in a Village 5 property where the illegal substance was being prepared on Wednesday afternoon. Officials discovered a significant volume of kratom juice being prepared for distribution. Approximately…
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Bangkok condo guard allegedly punched British woman (video)
A British woman and her Thai husband are pursuing justice following an incident at their Bangkok condominium where a security guard allegedly punched the woman in the face, resulting in severe mental health issues. CCTV footage, however, shows that the foreign woman initiated the physical altercation. Yesterday, April 25, Boon-ek Wongsuriyawattana, a 46 year old Thai man, accompanied his 37…
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Malaria on rise in Thailand: Tak province tackles ticklish trouble
Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) reports a surge in malaria cases, notably in the Tak province, where the majority of the 2,913 infections have been identified since January. Other areas affected include Mae Hong Son, Kanchana Buri, Ranong, and Prachuap Khiri Khan, with 60% of the patients being foreigners, as per the department’s data. The DDC Chief, Thongchai Keeratihuttayakorn,…
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Thailand Video News | Heatstroke fatalities reach 30 as heat index reaches 52 degrees, Australians in Phuket gain easy access to visa services
In this Thailand video news, Alex covers a range of stories, from heatstroke deaths reaching 30 to a US Carrier Strike Group revisiting Thailand after three years. Other highlights include a Thai woman arrested for impersonating a neurosurgeon, visa services now accessible for Australians in Phuket, and the unveiling of an ex-Deputy PM’s luxury car collection worth 87 million Baht.…
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Fintech friends: Thai-Australian pact seals future prosperity
A landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been inked between the Thai Fintech Association and FinTech Australia, setting the stage for increased collaboration in the burgeoning financial technology sector. The agreement was signed this week, reflecting both nations’ commitment to enhancing their fintech industries. The Deputy Chair of FinTech Australia, Brian Collins, acknowledged the vast potential for growth in Thailand…
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Thai government delays wage hike: Minimum muddle continues
The Thai government has postponed the anticipated increase in minimum daily wage to 400 baht. The rise was initially set to take effect on Labour Day but the government will now await the outcome of a tripartite committee meeting on May 14. Karom Polpornklang, the deputy government spokesperson, confirmed yesterday that the wage increase would not start on May 1.…
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Man found dead in Udon Thani rice field pit, accident suspected
A tragic accident unfolded amid a tranquil rice field in Udon Thani province, where a man lost his life in a cement water pit under mysterious circumstances. Yesterday, local authorities discovered the body of a 51 year old man, identified only by his first name, Saiya, submerged head-first in a water storage facility. The discovery was made following an alert…
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Company executive arrested for DUI and police assault in Bangkok
A high-level global company executive faces legal consequences after being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and assaulting a police officer during a checkpoint operation in Bangkok. The incident occurred early on Tuesday when the executive, driving a black Mercedes-Benz, was stopped at a breathalyser checkpoint along the motorway in Suan Luang district. Upon inspection, police found the…
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Thailand sees surge in foreign investment in Q1
Thailand has seen a recent surge in foreign investment, according to recent statistics from the Thai Ministry of Commerce. Government spokesperson Chai Watcharong yesterday, April 25, unveiled these numbers, highlighting a significant upsurge in foreign investment within the first quarter of 2024. A staggering total of more than 35 billion baht has been funnelled into the Thai economy by foreign investors,…
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Supachai Phosu found guilty of serious ethical misconduct
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) of Thailand declared former Deputy Agriculture Minister Supachai Phosu, culpable of serious ethical misconduct. The charges stem from his unlawful occupation of a forest reserve in Nakhon Phanom province. Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, the NACC spokesman, declared that the case will be forwarded to the Supreme Court for political office holders to determine the final verdict. Investigations…
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Japan zoo gender mix-up: Male hippo turns out to be female
In a revelation that has stunned both visitors and staff, Osaka Tennoji Zoo unearthed a surprising twist regarding Gen-chan, a hippo believed to be male since its arrival from Mexico’s Africam Safari in 2017 at the tender age of 5. The zoo dropped a bombshell on its website, disclosing that Gen-chan is, in fact, a female. Mexican authorities had assured…
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