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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Major drug dealer captured after dramatic canal chase in Tha Sala
Police in Tha Sala district yesterday arrested a major drug dealer after an intense pursuit. The suspect, identified as a key figure in the local drug trade, attempted to evade capture by attacking officers and fleeing into a canal. Police Colonel Thawatchai Sangkhamitkon of Tha Sala Police Station yesterday, April 8, had received reports of drug trafficking in the area.…
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Contractor claims 3.7 million baht unpaid wages in DSI probe
A construction contractor appeared before the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) officers to discuss his knowledge of those associated with China Railway Number 10 and 9 PK company, major contractors in an ongoing investigation. The meeting occurred at the DSI headquarters on Chaeng Watthana Road at 9.30am, yesterday, April 8, where Thitiphong Pothiprom was questioned for more than three hours…
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Koh Larn resort worker arrested for trespassing and assault
Police arrested a 40 year old resort employee on Koh Larn following accusations of trespassing and sexual assault made by his former girlfriend. The arrest took place yesterday, April 8, when officers from Mueang Pattaya district executed two warrants against the man, known only as Samarn, at his residence in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province. The warrants, issued by…
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No grounds for panic: No coffee shortage or price hike, says DIT
The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has confirmed that there will be no shortage or price increase for a well-known coffee brand, despite rumours to the contrary. They are closely monitoring the market, ensuring retail outlets display prices clearly, with penalties for non-compliance. Witthayakorn Maneenate, Director-General of the DIT, addressed concerns over rumours suggesting a temporary halt in the supply…
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Ex-Israeli soldier busted for moonlighting as Koh Pha Ngan guide
An ex-Israeli special forces soldier swapped the battlefield for the beaches – but his jungle jaunts with kids have landed him in hot water, after being busted for playing tour guide on Koh Pha Ngan without a permit. Police Lieutenant General Saksira Phueak-am, Commander of the Tourist Police Bureau, yesterday, April 8, ordered a crackdown after receiving a tip-off that…
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Bangkok’s Wat Arun nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status
Thailand’s iconic Wat Arun temple is one step closer to global recognition, as the Cabinet has just approved its nomination for the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. The move highlights the temple’s rich architectural history and its significance to the Rattanakosin Kingdom. In a pivotal Cabinet meeting yesterday, Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol announced that the Phra Prang of Wat Arun…
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British man plays Russian roulette after gas, grass binge and loses
A British man is fighting for his life after a shocking game of Russian roulette went horribly wrong in a Pattaya condo, following a heavy session involving cannabis and nitrous oxide, better known as laughing gas. Police revealed the incident unfolded in the early hours of yesterday, April 8 at a high-rise flat on Soi Chaiyaphruek 1, Pattaya City, where…
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Thunderstorm warning: Thailand braced for a real down pour
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has sounded the alarm for today, warning tourists and residents to brace themselves as heavy rain is set to drench 49 provinces with thunderous booms and gusty gales, Bangkok included. Residents are urged to stay vigilant, as some areas could even see a surprise visit from hailstones. The current weather conditions are influenced by a…
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Chinese steel firm delays Bangkok conference over safety
Chinese steel manufacturer Xin Ke Yuan Steel has decided to postpone its much-anticipated press conference on steel quality, opting to await further clarification from Thailand’s Industry Ministry. The move comes amid growing scrutiny over the company’s involvement in the collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district and concerns over the safety of its products. The…
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Thailand and Bhutan sign landmark Free Trade Agreement
Thailand and Bhutan have signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA), strengthening economic ties and paving the way for closer trade cooperation. The historic deal was signed during Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay’s visit to Bangkok last week, coinciding with the 6th BIMSTEC Summit. Bilateral trade between the two countries has already surpassed 460 million baht, and Tobgay expressed confidence…
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Pattaya resort worker arrested for rape and burglary
A Pattaya resort employee has been arrested for burglary and the rape of a colleague, which has rocked the seaside resort community. At 10.30am today, April 8, Police Lieutenant Colonel Arun Saphanon, Deputy Director of Investigation at Pattaya City Police Station, along with a team of investigators, served two arrest warrants at the home of 40 year old Samart Nakthong.…
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Watt’s next: Thailand powers up for electric vehicle revolution
Thailand’s government is committed to transforming the nation into an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing hub, with a policy focused on stimulating demand to encourage consumer adoption. Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul emphasised the importance of building a domestic EV supply to meet this demand. The government has shifted from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle production to an EV focus through…
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2 Thai teenagers drown in Suphan Buri canal while washing hair
Two Thai teenagers drowned in a canal in the central province of Suphan Buri after entering the water with a friend to wash their hair following a dyeing session. A seven year old girl ran from the Jorrakay Samphan Canal back to her community yesterday, April 7, to seek help after her two older friends, 15 year old Kate and…
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Thai Airways expands fleet with 45 Boeing dreamliners
Thai Airways International (THAI) has confirmed that fleet expansion is a key part of its strategy, with the airline set to procure 45 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners as part of a major deal to increase its aircraft numbers and strengthen ties with the United States. In a bold move aimed at both modernising its fleet and supporting Thailand’s trade negotiations with…
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Worker crushed by crane in Sisaket pleads for help
A distressing case emerged from a residence in Suk Sawat subdistrict, Phrai Bueng district, Sisaket province, as a worker claimed negligence following a severe accident. The incident involved a 55 year old man, Somboon, who is now bedridden and requires oxygen support after being crushed by a crane basket during a demolition job. The employer allegedly offered minimal financial assistance…
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Chiang Mai prepares moat for Songkran with safety upgrades
As the Songkran festival approaches, Chiang Mai is ensuring its historic moat is ready for the annual water splashing fun, with significant upgrades to water quality and safety. The city has taken crucial steps to improve both the environment and the safety of residents and tourists who flock to the moat to celebrate Thailand’s most famous water festival. Since March…
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American professor denied bail on Section 112 charges
Paul Chambers, a prominent American academic from Naresuan University, has been denied bail by Phitsanulok Court following his arrest on charges under Section 112, the lese majeste law, sparking widespread outrage over academic freedom and human rights. Dr Chambers, an expert in Southeast Asian military-civilian relations, was apprehended after an arrest warrant was issued by the Phitsanulok Provincial Court. Today,…
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Thai doctor accused of encouraging patient to die after suicide attempt
A Thai woman battling depression and bipolar disorder accused a doctor at a hospital in Udon Thani, Isaan province, of urging her to end her life. This shocking claim surfaced after she was admitted following a suicide attempt on April 3. The 24 year old woman, Chompoo, shared her story with ThaiRath, seeking justice and calling for disciplinary action against…
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New four-lane highway to boost eastern Thailand connectivity
The Songkran holiday season might be chaotic with traffic jams, but a major four-lane highway upgrade in eastern Thailand promises to ease congestion in the future. Highways 3486 and 348 are set to undergo a significant transformation with the construction of a 48-kilometre, 4-lane highway, designed to improve traffic flow and protect local wildlife. The Department of Highways (DOH) has…
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Locals slam Phuket cops for freeing thug after savage attack on foreign woman
Phuket residents criticised the police for releasing a man just two days after his arrest for an unprovoked, vicious assault on an unnamed foreign woman. The Phuket Times shared a video of the assault on April 4. The incident occurred at around 1pm on Thep Kasattri Road in the Thalang area of Phuket. The video showed the foreign victim standing…
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Quake leaves 55 Bangkok buildings unusable, inspections continue
The Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning announced the results of building inspections following a recent earthquake. Some 55 buildings have been deemed severely damaged and are prohibited from use. Meanwhile, 6,487 buildings remain operational, and 361 have moderate damage. Yesterday, April 7, the Building Damage Inspection Centre, in collaboration with various engineering bodies including the Council…
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Black leopard wonder: Feline spotted hunting in Kaeng Krachan
Tourists visiting Kaeng Krachan National Park were treated to an extraordinary spectacle when a rare black leopard was spotted preparing to hunt a southern spectacled langur. Mongkol Chaiyaphakdi, Chief of Kaeng Krachan National Park, revealed the stunning image taken along the Khao Phanom Thung route at Kilometre 19. The black leopard, a critically endangered species, was calmly observing its prey…
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Big Joke sends 300 southerners home for Songkran
Former police chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn has made Songkran celebrations even sweeter for over 300 southerners by sending them back home with free flights and VIP bus rides, easing the financial burden during tough economic times. At Don Mueang International Airport, Big Joke, President of the Southern Association under Royal Patronage, personally waved off 320 people headed back to…
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Teen arrested for fatal stabbing at Ayutthaya traffic light
A 17 year old from Ayutthaya was arrested for fatally stabbing a 19 year old during an altercation at a traffic light. It was later revealed that the deceased was a relative. The incident occurred yesterday, April 7, at 1am, on Rojana Road in Ayutthaya. The suspect, referred to as A, was apprehended by Police Colonel Adirek Bothipan and his…
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Thai PM sues man impersonating her adviser to deceive actress
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has taken legal action against a man impersonating her advisor to deceive a Thai actress. The 33 year old Thai actress, Rinyarat “Kana” Watchararojsiri, yesterday, April 7, exposed the deceitful behaviour of her ex-boyfriend, identified as Thunyathep “Hot” Sirisubdaechakun, during an interview on Channel 3’s news programme Hone Krasae. Kana explained that Hot had pretended…
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Family feud over inheritance sparks public dispute
A 48 year old woman reached out to the media to present her side of a family dispute after her stepson, appeared on a popular television show. The woman’s stepson, 24 year old Phuwat, known as Joe, accused his step mother, Phattharaporn, step-siblings and the police, of conspiring to frame him with drugs to seize inheritance assets worth over a…
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4 more bodies found in Bangkok building collapse takes toll to 20
Four more bodies have been discovered beneath the debris of the collapsed Zone C of the new State Audit Office (SAO) building in Chatuchak, Bangkok, taking the death toll to 20 with 77 reported missing. These bodies, found crushed by the structure yet intact, were uncovered at approximately 7.45am today, April 8, opposite the collapsed building site. Anuwat Pho-ampai, a…
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Motorways open free for Songkran travel from April 11 to April 17
During the upcoming Songkran festival, the Department of Highways (DoH) is preparing to facilitate travel by opening two motorway routes free of charge. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Suriya Juangroongruangkit, stated that a significant number of people are expected to travel to their hometowns or on vacation during this period. To ensure smooth and safe travel from April…
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Naked Russian woman falls to death from Pattaya condo
A naked Russian woman plunged to her death from a Pattaya high-rise, sparking police investigation involving a mystery man and a possible lover’s quarrel. At around 4pm on April 7, officers from Bang Lamung Police Station, Pattaya Tourist Police, and rescue workers from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation rushed to a condominium in Soi Naklua 16 after reports of a…
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Stream fright: Chiang Mai tot gets unwelcome leech up her nose
A hospital in Chiang Mai issued a warning to the public to exercise caution when using water from natural sources after a three year old girl was found to have a leech in her nose because she washed her face in a stream. The case was shared by a doctor from Nakhonping Hospital in Mueang District, Chiang Mai, via the…
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