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 5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
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Thai AirAsia offers 30% Songkran discount on direct bookings
Thai AirAsia is offering a 30% discount during the Songkran festival for direct bookings made from March 11 to 20. The airline is supporting the Ministry of Transport’s policy by adding special flights during this peak travel period across five routes from Bangkok (Don Mueang) to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nakhon Phanom, Udon Thani, and Ubon Ratchathani. The discount applies…
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Thai man throws girlfriend from Bangkok condo before jumping
A Thai man consumed by jealousy reportedly strangled his girlfriend until she lost consciousness before hurling her from the rooftop of a Bangkok condominium at the weekend, subsequently jumping off himself. Both are now in critical condition. Social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet shared yesterday, March 11, that the girl’s 43 year old Thai mother urged him to help her…
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Manhunt after husband kills wife in Samut Prakan tragedy
A tragic incident unfolded in Samut Prakan province when a 43 year old man shot and killed his 34 year old wife in front of their children and mother-in-law. The suspect fled with his 15 year old stepdaughter, prompting a police manhunt. Today, March 13, at 1am, officers from Phra Samut Chedi Police Station were alerted to a shooting at…
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Casket lid numbers bring lottery luck to Ang Thong
It has been noted that residents frequently win lotteries using numbers from casket lids, specifically two and three-digit numbers. These numbers originate from the date and time when the casket is completed, such as those finished yesterday, March 12. The story delves into the origin of these casket lid numbers at a funeral service shop located at house number 173,…
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Tourist beaten by ladyboys on Soi Bangla after dine-and-dash
A wild brawl erupted in the early hours of yesterday on Phuket’s infamous Bangla Road after a tourist allegedly skipped out on paying for his meal. The chaotic scene, which unfolded yesterday, March 12, in the heart of Patong, Kathu district, saw a group of local ladyboys, unhappy at the dine and dasher’s behaviour, confronted the man before the situation…
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Thai-tanic turmoil: British retirees escape Thailand prison drama
In an astonishing twist of fate, an elderly British couple have narrowly avoided what had seemed an inevitable prison sentence in Thailand. Instead, they’ve been handed 9,000 baht fines (£200), allowing them to plan their much-anticipated return to the UK. Their ordeal began in 2020 when Des and Mary Byrne retired to Thailand’s picturesque Thai Riviera, envisioning a peaceful, sun-soaked…
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Thai monk expelled after attacking nurse in Lop Buri hospital
A Thai monk with epilepsy and a history of mental illness attacked an assistant nurse at a hospital in Lop Buri province, striking the victim twice in the back and neck. A video showing a group of Thai men attempting to restrain the monk by pinning him to the ground was shared on Thai social media platforms and went viral.…
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400 baht minimum wage adjustment in Thailand still unconfirmed
Progress on the proposed nationwide 400 baht minimum wage adjustment remains uncertain, as confirmed by Boonsong Thapchaiyuth, the permanent secretary of the Labour Ministry. Boonsong stated that the matter is not on the current meeting agenda but assured efforts to meet the May 1 deadline set by the labour minister. The current wage board’s term will end today, March 13.…
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Bangkok ping pong show art goes viral, raises funds for Phuket elephants
A foreign Instagram sensation is selling exclusive T-shirts featuring an elephant sketch drawn by a Thai woman, using her vagina, during a ping pong show in Bangkok. Every 100 baht from the shirt sale will go to an elephant sanctuary in Phuket. A ping pong show is a form of adult entertainment available in the red light districts of Bangkok…
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Labour Ministry under scrutiny for 7 billion baht office purchase
The Ministry of Labour confirmed its willingness to cooperate with a panel investigating claims that the Social Security Office (SSO) spent an excessive 7 billion baht on acquiring the SKYY9 Centre on Rama IX Road, despite its appraised value being 3 billion baht. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn stated that the ministry is committed to ensuring transparency throughout the investigation. He…
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All systems go: Bangkok’s new Red Line to be greenlit in April
The eagerly anticipated extension of Thailand’s Red Line from Siriraj Hospital to Salaya is racing towards Cabinet approval this April. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced that the colossal 15.17 billion baht project has cleared all the necessary bureaucratic hurdles. The Finance Ministry, Budget Bureau, and National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) have all rendered their blessing, sending the proposal…
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Dog alerts owners to 5-metre king cobra under car bonnet
Unusual barking from a dog led to a startling discovery when a large king cobra, nearly 5 metres, was found hiding under a car bonnet. Weighing over 30 kilogrammes, the snake was later captured by rescue officials yesterday, March 12, in Krabi province. The incident occurred when rescue teams from the Pracharuamjai Foundation in Thung Yai district, Nakhon Si Thammarat…
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Thai and stormy: 48 provinces brace for wild weather, and hail
Weather conditions in 48 provinces across Thailand are expected to include thunderstorms, with some areas experiencing hail and strong winds. Despite these conditions, the overall weather remains very hot, according to the Thai Meteorological Department‘s (TMD) forecast for the next 24 hours. Northern Thailand will experience very hot weather with thunderstorms in 20% of the area, strong winds, and hail in…
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Police reopen British teacher’s chilling murder case from 2012
West Yorkshire Police detectives are once again on the hunt for clues connected to the brutal murder of a British teacher in Thailand 12 years after the chilling attack that ultimately claimed his life. Adam Pickles, a former head of English at the Regents International School in Pattaya, tragically died in West Yorkshire in January 2021. His demise followed a…
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Drug-fuelled taxi rage: Man arrested with gun and meth in Phuket
A man was arrested after allegedly threatening a taxi driver with a pen gun near Mae Somchit Kata Fresh Market, only for police to discover he was also carrying crystal meth. The dramatic incident unfolded at 6pm on Monday, March 10, when Wichit Police received a report of a man menacing a taxi driver with a concealed weapon on Kata…
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I’ll be right back: Foreign tourist dines and dashes in Krabi
A foreign tourist has gone viral for all the wrong reasons after dining and dashing at a Krabi restaurant, leaving staff and locals furious. The tall, tattooed man reportedly ordered a lavish meal, pretended to visit the restroom, and then vanished without paying. The incident occurred on March 9 at Into the Forest, a popular restaurant in Khao Thong subdistrict,…
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Nurse on track: Off-duty hero saves passenger on Bangkok BTS (video)
A nurse garnered praise for assisting a passenger who fainted on the BTS train in Bangkok, even though she was on her way to work. Yesterday, March 11, TikTok user @sittiaew shared a video capturing the commendable act, highlighting the nurse’s dedication to her profession. The video depicts the nurse and a BTS security officer helping a passenger who had…
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Luxury v law: Phuket crackdown targets beachfront land grab
Officials in Phuket are ramping up efforts to reclaim Bang Tao Beach from unauthorised developments, with high-end hotels and businesses facing potential demolition after illegally encroaching on public land. Yesterday, March 11, officials from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) Phuket branch, led by Director Suwat Saowarun, launched their second crackdown on beachfront encroachments in Cherng Talay. Joined by Thalang District…
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Thai man faces jail time after dropping Yaba pill in front of officials
A Thai man absent mindedly forgot that he had hidden some methamphetamine, better known in Thailand as Yaba, in his wallet and accidentally dropped six tablets in front of government officials. According to a new law, anyone found in possession of less than five Yaba tablets will be encouraged to attend rehabilitation. After rehab, suspects can waive a jail term…
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Bomb explosion narrowly misses vehicle in Narathiwat
A deadly roadside bomb detonated in Narathiwat, narrowly missing a vehicle carrying territorial defence volunteers, in what police suspect was an insurgent attack. The explosion yesterday, March 11, on the Sungai Kolok-Sungai Padi road caused significant damage but miraculously left no casualties. The blast occurred at 1.59pm at a U-turn in Ban Bango Humo, Mueang subdistrict, Sungai Padi district. Police…
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Uthai Thani housekeeper loses 12 lottery tickets, seeks public help
A housekeeper in Uthai Thani is desperately appealing for help after losing 12 lottery tickets, just a day after celebrating her birthday. What was meant to be a stroke of luck has turned into a nightmare, leaving her hoping for a miracle. Yesterday, March 11, 46 year old Vilairat Wichienrat, a resident of Khao Kwang Thong subdistrict, Nong Chang district,…
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Delivery truck overturns onto pickup, injuring driver in Chumphon
A six-wheel delivery truck veered off its lane and overturned onto a pickup truck, severely injuring its driver, who was trapped inside. The truck driver admitted to dozing off after leaving Chon Buri late at night to deliver parcels to Surat Thani, despite taking several rest breaks. At 11.30am yesterday, March 11, Police Lieutenant Kriengchai Choomkaew, deputy inspector of Sawi…
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Rent, steal, sell: Couple busted in Pattaya car theft scam
A couple accused of running an elaborate car theft scam were arrested in Pattaya after allegedly renting vehicles, disabling GPS trackers, and selling them on the black market. The operation spanned multiple provinces, with victims reporting losses in Chon Buri, Pattaya, Nonthaburi, and Kanchanaburi. On March 9, Chon Buri Highway Police arrested 48 year old Thanakrit and 29 year old…
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Serial dater or serial hater? Thai man denies assaulting woman
A Thai man denied brutally assaulting a woman he met on a dating app and threatened to launch a countersuit against her in protest. The man reportedly assaulted several women in the past. The 27 year old alleged Thai woman sought help from the news programme Hone Krasae on Channel 3 following the alleged assaults and threats from the 37 year…
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Opposition urged to revise censure motion excluding Thaksin
The opposition has until March 19 to revise its position and exclude any references to external parties to ensure the censure debate proceeds as planned on March 24, according to House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha. The speaker’s remarks pertain to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is perceived as the influential figure behind the ruling Pheu Thai Party. Wan…
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Man shot dead at home in Phatthalung after electricity cut
A 38 year old man was killed at his home in Phatthalung. The gunman, who had been released from prison two years ago for drug charges, cut the electricity before the fatal shooting. At 12.05am today, March 12, Police Lieutenant Athipat Maisuk from Khuan Khanun district station in Phatthalung province received a report of a shooting. The incident resulted in…
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Jomtien Beach revamp nears completion, flooding fix underway
Pattaya’s Jomtien Beach transformation is well underway, with more than 80% of the project completed as the city works to tackle persistent flooding and modernise its landscape. Set for completion by the end of this year, the massive upgrade promises better drainage, improved footpaths, more parking, and enhanced lighting—a game-changer for residents and tourists alike. Mayor Poramet Ngampichet recently inspected…
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Police allegedly involved in murder plot for 14 million baht payout
One of the four suspects in a murder, carried out for a 14 million baht insurance payout in the Isaan province of Sakon Nakhon, accused a police officer of being involved in the crime. Representatives from multiple car insurance companies urged police to investigate the death of a 32 year old Thai man, Wichian Jityen, after his relative, 38 year…
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Thai casino plans put on ice as Cabinet refuses to roll the dice
The bill proposing a casino-entertainment complex was not taken up for deliberation by the Cabinet as anticipated, according to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. A public hearing is awaited before further action can be taken. The 38 year old Thai PM emphasised the importance of not rushing the bill into law. She highlighted the need for public opinion and dissenting views…
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Tragic karaoke bar shooting in Phatthalung leaves woman dead
A 40 year old Laotian woman was tragically shot and killed inside a karaoke bar on Phetkasem Road between Phatthalung and Hat Yai at 9pm yesterday, March 11. Police Colonel Chan Narong Sangsang from Khao Chaison Police Station, Phatthalung province, received the report and promptly arrived at the scene with an investigative team and local rescue volunteers. Inside the karaoke…
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