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 to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
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Call for dissolution of Pheu Thai over alleged Thaksin influence
An anonymous complaint submitted last week called on the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) to dissolve the Pheu Thai Party. The complaint alleges that party members have permitted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a non-member, to exert undue influence over its political activities. Channel 3 reported that the dissolution request on Monday, August 19, accused the Pheu Thai Party of…
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Thailand Video News | Phuket Landslide Claims 13 Lives and Injures 19, Damaging Over 200 Homes ,Singapore Detects 13 Cases of Mpox Clade 2 in 2024
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex covers a series of gripping stories from across the country and Southeast Asia. Highlights include a deadly landslide in Phuket’s Kata subdistrict that claimed 13 lives, with 19 others injured and over 200 homes damaged. In Nakhon Ratchasima, a landslide at a high-speed rail tunnel construction site has trapped workers, halting rescue efforts due…
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Brothers arrested for illegal alcohol linked to fatal incident
Two brothers have been arrested for their involvement in producing illegal alcohol in Bang Chan and selling it to local shops. Investigations are underway to determine if their products are linked to a fatal herbal alcohol incident that resulted in 19 illnesses and one death. Orasa Thongboonrod of the Bangkok Area 5 Excise Department received a tip-off about illegal alcohol…
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Yingluck’s 6 trillion baht water project revived to address floods
A massive water management project initially proposed by Yingluck Shinawatra may be revived, aiming to tackle Thailand’s recurring issues of flooding and drought. The initiative, projected to cost around 6 trillion baht, has been deemed a national priority by Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. “The matter was first raised by the Yingluck government. In 2011, a budget of 2…
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Chinese man arrested for offering illegal Pattaya travel on TikTok
Police officers arrested an illegal Chinese tour guide at Pattaya Floating Market on Thursday for illegally operating a travel agency and offering travel packages on the TikTok application. Pattaya Tourist Police received a tip-off about illegal foreign tour guides from the Department of Tourism. The department reported that these foreign tour guides were taking foreigners, especially Chinese nationals, to multiple…
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Official investigation launched into Chachoengsao aircraft crash
The Transport Ministry tasked the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) with investigating the reasons behind a small aircraft crash in Chachoengsao. Caretaker Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit ordered the CAAT to investigate the crash of TFT209 on August 22, which resulted in the deaths of nine people, including the pilot and co-pilot. The aircraft lacked a black box, complicating the investigation.…
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New Cabinet line-up to be finalised by weekend
The new Cabinet line-up is expected to be finalised by the end of the week, according to Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. The government plans to immediately address national issues following the announcement of its policy statement in parliament next month. Phumtham, who stepped in as acting prime minister after Srettha Thavisin’s dismissal by the Constitutional Court, confirmed that…
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German teacher escapes attempted rape by Grab rider in Isaan
A German teacher was “lucky” to escape an attempted rape by a Grab rider and sought help at a tea shop on Suppasit Road in Ubon Ratchathani’s Isaan province around 7.30pm on Friday, August 23. Officers from Mueang Ubon Ratchathani Police Station received a report of the attempted rape by staff at the Cha Chok Dee (“lucky tea”) shop. Officers…
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Thailand braces for heavy rain and flash floods in 44 provinces
Today’s weather forecast from the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) warns of increased rainfall across 44 provinces, with heavy rain expected in 70% of these areas. Citizens are advised to be cautious of sudden flooding and flash floods. The TMD predicted that Thailand will experience increased rainfall, with heavy rain in some areas, particularly in the upper northern region and…
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Workers found alive under collapsed tunnel at rail construction site
Three workers have been found alive under a collapsed tunnel at the high-speed rail construction site between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to retrieve them from 6 metres beneath the debris. The incident occurred yesterday, August 25, at the high-speed rail tunnel construction site between the Janthuek and Klong Khananchit stations in Pak Chong district, Nakhon…
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Thai bus firms under siege as Chinese rivals drive them up the wall
The Thai bus industry is under siege with Chinese bus operators flooding the market with cut-rate prices and dodgy tactics, leaving Thai companies struggling to keep up. The Thai Transportation Operators Association has sounded the alarm on this cut-throat competition. Wasuchet Sophonsathien, the association’s president, laid bare the ongoing crisis. Illegal foreign bus operators are muscling in on the market,…
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Thailand braces for heavy rain and flash floods in 44 provinces
Today’s weather forecast from the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) warns of increased rainfall across 44 provinces, with heavy rain expected in 70% of these areas. Citizens are advised to be cautious of sudden flooding and flash floods. The TMD predicted that Thailand will experience increased rainfall, with heavy rain in some areas, particularly in the upper northern region and…
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Thaksin suggests reacquisition of private transit projects for 20 baht
The Transport Ministry is considering establishing an infrastructure fund aimed at repurchasing mass rapid transit projects from private entities, following a proposal by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Public ownership of these services could potentially allow for a standard fare of 20 baht per ride. Caretaker Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced yesterday, August 24, that the ministry intends to explore the…
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Fake alcohol in Bangkok causes widespread methanol poisoning
A cluster of severe methanol poisoning cases has emerged in Bangkok after 21 individuals fell ill after consuming counterfeit alcoholic beverages, leading to one death and several others in critical condition. The incident began when patients started showing symptoms of severe acidosis from drinking fake alcohol containing methanol. The products were traced to two shops located in Soi Hathairat and…
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Thai police raid reveals underage exploitation at a semi-pub
A recent raid by the Thai police at a semi-pub restaurant in Chaiyaphum province uncovered illegal activities involving underage girls. The operation led to the arrest of the owner and three girls under 20 years old, who were found offering illicit services. The raid took place yesterday, August 24, when the Chaiyaphum Provincial Police, led by Police Major General Suchart…
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Tunnel collapse in Nakhon Ratchasima leaves three missing
A tunnel collapse at the Khlong Khanan Chit high-speed rail station in Nakhon Ratchasima left three people missing. The Nakhon Ratchasima governor ordered immediate rescue efforts. The incident occurred approximately 3 to 4 kilometres from the tunnel entrance. Today, August 25, Chaiwat Chuenkosum, the Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima, instructed Kanachanon Srijaroen, the District Chief of Pak Chong, to inspect the…
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Former official arrested for negligent road work, 38 warrants
Police apprehended a former provincial administrative organisation president in Bangkok, who is accused of negligent road work in Chaiyaphum, leading to multiple injuries among locals. The individual, identified as 54 year old Yothin was also found to have 38 outstanding arrest warrants related to cheque violations. The operation was directed by Police Major General Montree Teskan, commander of the Crime…
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Intoxicated municipal inspector injures four in Pattaya crash
A municipal inspector, identified as Wuttikorn, was involved in a car accident in Pattaya while driving under the influence, resulting in injuries to four individuals, including a two year old child. Yesterday, August 24, at 8pm, the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Radio Centre in Pattaya, Chon Buri, received a report of a car colliding with a motorcycle, causing multiple injuries.…
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Thai man turns himself in after woman found dead in Khon Kaen
A man connected to the last moments of a woman found dead by a pond has come forward to the police, shedding light on the incident. The 51 year old woman, referred to as Somchok, was discovered dead near a pond in Khuean Ubolratana, Ubolratana, Khon Kaen. Medical professionals attributed her death to pre-existing health conditions. The last person reportedly…
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Police arrest contract killer after 33 year manhunt in Lopburi
Police in Lopburi province yesterday apprehended a contract killer who escaped a 33 year prison sentence after a failed assassination attempt at a hotel. Chief of Police Supakorn Chantabut, along with Deputy Chief Siwawong Damrongsatchasi, alongside other officers successfully arrested the 56 year old contract killer, Paisan, yesterday, August 24. The arrest took place in Chaibadan district, Lopburi province. The…
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Illegal Bitcoin mine in Ratchaburi causing power shortages raided
Police raided a hidden Bitcoin mining operation in Ratchaburi, uncovering over 900 mining rigs and revealing illegal electricity use that caused power shortages in the community. The raid was led by Deputy Superintendent Chumphon Sukphakdi of Ratchaburi City Police Station, along with Jumnong Chanwong, Chief District Officer for Security, Yotsaphon Chaibulwat, District Officer, and officials from the Provincial Electricity Authority…
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Ekkamai taxi driver demands 400 baht for 10-minute ride
A heated encounter unfolded in the Ekkamai area of Bangkok when a taxi driver charged a passenger an exorbitant fare of 400 baht for a 10-minute ride without using the meter. The incident, captured on TikTok sparked a public outcry. The passenger, who had been enjoying a rare trip to Ekkamai, was shocked to discover that the driver demanded a…
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Oil stains littered across Jomtien Beach prompts cleanup efforts
Tourists at Jomtien Beach in Pattaya were met with an unfortunate sight as oil stains marred the sandy shores, clinging to their bodies and clothes. Numerous complaints from tourists regarding stubborn oil stains that couldn’t be washed off at Yinyom Beach prompted a cleanup effort by officials. The investigation revealed oil stains scattered across the beach and floating in the…
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Patong leaders back legalising sex work for safety and health
Patong’s key figures unanimously support the legalisation of sex work, asserting that it will enhance safety and health protection for sex workers and their clients. President of the Patong Entertainment Business Association (PEBA) Weerawit Kreuasombat highlighted the current paradox of Thailand’s stance on its renowned sex industry. “Thailand is known for its sex industry, yet maintains a hypocritical stance towards…
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Teen killed in Lopburi over jealousy-fueled shooting
A 16 year old boy was shot and killed by a 14 year old in Lopburi after the younger boy became jealous over romantic attention towards his girlfriend. The incident occurred yesterday evening. Police received a report at 7.05pm about a shooting at a three-way junction in Ban Nong Krathum, Maha Phot subdistrict, Sa Bot district, Lopburi province. Upon arrival, authorities…
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Bangkok restaurant owner found dead in car after marital woes
A restaurant owner was found dead inside her car in a secluded alley in Bangkok. Police revealed she had been stressed and upset about her husband’s infidelity. Friends were unable to contact her throughout the day. Police discovered the body of a 21 year old woman, identified as the owner of a restaurant in the Phutthamonthon Sai 5 area, in…
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Chiang Mai temple halts 19-metre statue plan after public outcry
Wat Phra That Doi Kham in Chiang Mai has decided to halt its plan to build the world’s tallest Taowesuwan statue, standing at 19 metres, after facing significant opposition from locals and social media users. The revered temple, located in Mae Hia, Mueang district, had initiated a ceremony to install the giant statue’s feet, intending to provide devotees with a…
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Thai government destroys counterfeit goods worth 325 million baht
Thai officials recently conducted a significant destruction of counterfeit and pirated goods in an effort to combat intellectual property rights violations. The ceremony took place at the Air Defence Command headquarters in Don Mueang, Bangkok, and was led by Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Phumtham, alongside Deputy Commerce Minister Napintorn Srisangpang, Commerce Ministry Permanent Secretary Wuttikrai Leeviraphan,…
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Thai mascot Butterbear mocked with overpriced satirical product
A recent online controversy erupted after a Facebook page mocked the beloved mascot Butterbear by selling a satirical product. The item, made from shredded pork floss, was labeled in a disrespectful manner and priced exorbitantly at several hundred baht. Butterbear, a mascot from the Butterbear shop, has become a national favourite, akin to a celebrity. The mascot has appeared on…
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Thai king’s son reveals lung infection in candid hospital post
Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, son of the King of Thailand, shared an update about his health while lying in a hospital bed with an oxygen tube. He revealed that he has a lung infection caused by a virus. Vacharaesorn posted a story on his Facebook account yesterday, showing himself in a hospital bed with an oxygen tube in his nose. “Still here,…
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