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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Thaksin lifts lid on power plays as Bhumjaithai walks out
In a no-holds-barred political confessional, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has laid bare the fierce rivalries, power plays and behind-the-scenes bargaining threatening to tip Thailand’s fragile government into chaos. During the 55 Years Nation Exclusive Talk: Breaking Through Thailand’s Crisis Chapter 1 at the Eastin Grand Phayathai Hotel on Wednesday, July 9, Thaksin delivered a candid assessment of Thailand’s political…
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Sunk costs: Phuket tourists rescued as dive trip springs a leak
Five foreign tourists had to be dramatically rescued off the Phuket coast after their dive boat sprang a leak and started taking on water mid-voyage. A dive trip turned into a soggy nightmare on Wednesday afternoon when a tour boat carrying five foreign holidaymakers began leaking on the way back from the idyllic islands of southern Thailand. The drama unfolded…
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Fake police kidnap and extort Chinese tourist in Pattaya
Four Thai men posed as police officers and extorted 200,000 baht from a Chinese tourist in Pattaya by falsely accusing the victim of involvement in a call centre scam gang. The 52 year old Chinese victim, Lin, filed a complaint against the four imposters following the extortion incident on July 10. He lost two mobile phones, valued at over 100,000…
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Thailand deluge: TMD warns of heavy rainfall and flash floods
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather warning for today, predicting heavy rainfall in 41 provinces across Thailand, with some areas experiencing intense downpours covering 70% of the region. Eight provinces have been specifically cautioned to be on alert for flash floods and rapid water flow due to accumulated rainfall. These provinces include Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Phrae,…
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Retired officer arrested after failed Lop Buri armed robbery attempt
A retired 66 year old military officer has been apprehended following an attempted armed robbery at a convenience store in Lop Buri. The suspect, who held a gun to a staff member, failed to steal any money, citing financial need as his motive. At 12.05am today, July 10, Lop Buri’s 191 Radio Centre received reports of a male suspect brandishing…
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Man arrested after temple shooting in Thonburi leaves two dead
A 35 year old man was arrested following a shooting at a well-known temple in Thonburi, where two people were killed. The suspect claimed the act resulted from a dream. Police discovered an arsenal of weapons at his home. At 6am today, July 10, Police Lieutenant Withoon Saengchompoo, Deputy Inspector of Phasi Charoen Police Station, received a report of a…
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Cambodians detained for illegal entry into Thailand amid job crisis
A group of Cambodian nationals were apprehended for illegally entering Thailand due to economic hardships and lack of employment opportunities in their home country. Yesterday, July 9, at 9pm, police detained nine people walking from Baan Dong Ngu in Pa Rai subdistrict. The group, who previously worked repairing second-hand shoes at Rong Kluea Market, returned to Cambodia following recent border…
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Bangkok police bust illegal cannabis shop, arrest 28 year old man
A significant operation led by the Bangkok Metropolitan Police Bureau resulted in the arrest of a 28 year old man, Worapong, at a cannabis shop in Din Daeng, Bangkok. The raid, which took place yesterday, July 9, uncovered illicit substances including psychedelic mushrooms, cannabis-infused electronic cigarettes, and edibles. The police operation was spearheaded by Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, along…
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Koh Phangan police arrest two for drugs and firearms offences
Yesterday, July 9, police forces on Koh Phangan, in collaboration with local administrative officials, conducted a crime sweep resulting in the arrest of two people for drug and firearms offences. Police Lieutenant Colonel Jaroenchai Boonklieng, along with the special operations unit from the Surat Thani Provincial Police, executed the operation from their base in Baan Sri Thanu, Koh Phangan district,…
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Udon Thani crash claims life of young student
Two female students from Udon Thani Technical College were involved in a tragic accident at Nong Samrong intersection in Mueang district, Udon Thani, yesterday, July 9 at 6pm. One died and another was seriously injured after their motorcycle collided with a car. Police Lieutenant Chakrapong Tomtam from Mueang Udon Thani Police Station received the accident report and coordinated with Udon…
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Kuwaiti youths’ noisy motorcycle races disrupt Pattaya’s Soi Yensabai
Residents on Soi Yensabai in Pattaya City, Thailand, were disturbed in the early hours of today, July 10, by a group of predominantly Kuwaiti youths racing motorcycles through the streets. This marked the second consecutive night of such disruptions, leaving locals unable to get a peaceful night’s sleep. In response, Police Lieutenant Colonel Suchart Dusadee, who leads the patrol unit…
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Russian trio steal 2kg cannabis worth 160,000 baht from Thai clinic
In Chon Buri, Thailand, three Russian nationals are alleged to have stolen 2 kilogrammes of premium organic cannabis, valued at 160,000 baht, from a cannabis clinic in Banglamung district. The theft took place on the evening of July 4, around 9pm. The suspects fled the scene in a blue Ford sedan, leaving the clinic owner with significant financial losses. A…
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Phuket tourism boom: 223 billion baht from Russian, Chinese visitors
Phuket has emerged as a popular destination for Russian, Chinese, and Indian tourists in the first five months of this year, contributing approximately 223 billion baht in revenue, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Kamolphan Chalermsakulrat, deputy director of TAT Phuket, reported yesterday, July 9, that the island province received 5.85 million visitors between January and May, reflecting…
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Cyber police detain six over Thai baht fraud scheme
Cyber police have detained six people linked to an international fraud scheme that deceived a prominent Japanese corporation into transferring over 228 million baht to a Thai bank account using fake email invoices. Police successfully froze 215 million baht (US$6.58 million) before it could be laundered and are collaborating with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States…
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Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms hit 43 Thai provinces
Weather conditions across 43 provinces in Thailand are expected to deteriorate as heavy rainfall affects Bangkok and surrounding areas, with 70% of these regions experiencing thunderstorms. The northeastern and eastern provinces are also anticipated to face thunderstorms and heavy rain in several areas. According to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD)’s 24-hour weather forecast, heavy rainfall in some areas of Thailand…
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Fire-breathing car stirs outrage after footpath drive in Chon Buri
A Thai man faced a fine after driving a fire-breathing sedan along a footpath beside Bang Saen Beach in Chon Buri. The annual car race, the Bangsaen Grand Prix (BGP), was held in Chon Buri from July 2 to 6. The event attracted both local and foreign visitors, as well as racing car owners who gathered in the province for…
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New regulations for ride-hailing services in Thailand announced
The Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) announced new regulations for ride-hailing service providers. Drivers using such platforms must register their vehicles as public transport and possess a public transport driving licence. These new rules will be enforced 90 days following the announcement today, July 9. The Royal Gazette has published the ETDA’s announcement, specifying that digital platform services for public…
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Casino clash: Paetongtarn blasts Anutin for twisting Xi’s words
Thailand’s suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra fired back at Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul, accusing him of distorting Chinese President Xi Jinping’s views on Thailand’s controversial casino policy. Speaking in her capacity as culture minister, Paetongtarn took aim at Anutin’s claim that President Xi had voiced strong objections to Thailand’s plans for entertainment complexes that include casinos. “Xi offered various…
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Weed crackdown: Thailand to force cannabis shops to hire doctors
Thailand’s cannabis boom is about to get a massive reality check. Starting later this year, thousands of cannabis retailers will be legally transformed into healthcare facilities—and required to have a doctor on-site to dispense weed. At a packed press conference yesterday, July 8, Thanakrit Jit-areerat, Secretary to the Minister of Public Health, announced that the Department of Thai Traditional and…
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Illegal street race disrupts highway traffic, sparks public outrage (video)
A recent incident involving illegal street racing on a public highway caused significant traffic disruption, igniting public outrage. Groups of racing enthusiasts closed the road to stage a drag race, leading to prolonged traffic congestion. Many online users criticised the event, questioning the whereabouts of law enforcement and the lack of intervention. The event occurred on July 8, when TikTok…
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Stranded chihuahuas reunite with owner after 3-month hotel stay
An online community helped reunite seven chihuahuas with their owner after the dogs were left at a dog hotel in Pattaya for over three months. The couple who run the dog hotel decided to make the story public after they could no longer afford to care for the animals. One of the owners, 38 year old Buncha Phimonrat, revealed that…
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Meth-fuelled mayhem: Thai cops nab drugged driver on Patong Hill
Patong police swooped late last night to arrest a Thai man who was not only high behind the wheel but also carrying methamphetamine on Phuket’s notorious Patong Hill. The dramatic arrest unfolded at around 1.30am today, July 9, at the Patong Hill intersection on Phra Metta Road, a busy route popular with late-night revellers. Under orders from Police Colonel Chalermchai…
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Bangkok taxi driver arrested with methamphetamine pills
Officers, including Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom and Police Major General Pallop Aeremla, arrested 46 year old man in front of a petrol station on Charoen Rat Road, Bang Kho Laem district, Bangkok. He was found with nine methamphetamine pills and drug paraphernalia in his possession while sitting in a red taxi with registration number ทห1579 Bangkok. Police were patrolling…
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Foul play: Buriram village choked by giant chicken farm nightmare
A once-tranquil village in Buriram has been plunged into misery as a sprawling chicken farm turns daily life into a living hell. Residents of Ban Khok Wan, in Nang Rong district, say their community is overwhelmed by noxious odours, swarms of flies, and the constant roar of heavy trucks thundering through the night. Today, July 9, locals and members of…
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Wave of caution: Patong stages tsunami drill to save lives
Patong is set to go into full emergency mode this month, as officials prepare to evacuate the town in a massive tsunami drill that could one day mean the difference between life and death. Patong Mayor Lalita Maneesri announced the ambitious exercise yesterday, July 8, during a high-level meeting at the Patong Municipality Office. “The safety of everyone in Patong—residents,…
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Man throws stones at cars in Bangkok, subdued by locals (video)
A dramatic incident unfolded on Srinakarin Road, near Soi 27, in Bangkok, when a man was seen carrying a metal rod and throwing stones at passing vehicles. The situation was captured in a TikTok video posted by user @ion_x_noi, yesterday, July 8, showcasing the tense moments as several brave locals intervened to subdue the man. The video depicted the man,…
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Sweet crisis: Thailand races to rescue record longan harvest
Thailand’s mountains of sweet, golden longans are about to become a blessing and a headache all at once. Agriculture Minister Atthakorn Sirilattayakorn has ordered an all-hands-on-deck operation to tackle a record-breaking longan crop that’s expected to flood markets and risk crashing prices in the coming months. Speaking after chairing the first Policy Committee on Quality Longan Production Management meeting of…
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Online date vanishes with Thai man’s pickup after resort stay
A Thai man lost his pickup to a woman he met online after they arranged to meet at a resort in the Isaan province of Chaiyaphum on Monday, July 7. The 56 year old victim, Pramuan, filed a complaint with officers at Mueang Chaiyaphum Police Station after the theft. He was unable to identify the suspect beyond knowing her as Ead,…
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Fermented fury: Barefoot pensioner splashes Hun Sen portrait
Bangkok commuters were treated to a bizarre spectacle on Monday, July 7, when a barefoot pensioner splashed fermented fish sauce over a portrait of Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, earning himself a small fine and a lot of attention. Retired tennis coach 69 year old Thewa Sritawan set out from his home in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi province, before dawn, carrying…
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Monks defrocked in Prachin Buri for drug use and theft
Three monks and four temple disciples were apprehended at a prominent temple in Prachin Buri province for drug use, following complaints of frequent thefts and Buddha statue defacement. The suspects were defrocked before legal proceedings commenced. Police in Prachin Buri received complaints about monks and disciples at Wat Sawang Arom (Khok Hom) engaging in theft and vandalism, including decapitating Buddha…
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