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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Each year, many expats living in Thailand see their health insurance premiums go up and often without a clear reason. This can be frustrating, especially when you're trying to plan your budget. But by understanding why prices rise and learning...
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Thai tyre factory closed for illegal hazardous waste transport
The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand has ordered the closure of Prince Chengshan Tire (Thailand) Co., Ltd. due to repeated violations involving the illegal transport of hazardous waste from its factory without permission. This action follows previous incidents, including the seizure of tyres lacking Thai Industrial Standards (TIS) and tampered production dates. On July 31, the Industrial Estate Authority shut…
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Illegal cigarette trade in Songkhla cripples local businesses
The Thai Tobacco Trade Association has raised alarms over the rampant distribution of illicit cigarettes in Songkhla province, which has impacted over 4,000 legal tobacco retailers and forced the closure of about 200 small shops. Thanyasaran Sangthong, the association’s executive director, revealed that Songkhla ranks second in the country for illegal cigarette infiltration, severely affecting local tax revenue. The president…
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Phuket police go high-tech to slash road chaos
Phuket police are going digital in a bold new bid to tackle the island’s growing traffic nightmare—and reckless drivers are firmly in the crosshairs. The Safer Road Connect initiative, launched yesterday, August 6, promises to revolutionise traffic enforcement in the province, using integrated vehicle data and real-time monitoring of road violations. The high-tech pilot programme was unveiled at The Pago…
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Mystery surrounds death of woman in Samut Prakan apartment
In Samut Prakan, neighbours were shocked to discover the body of a 59 year old woman in her apartment after she failed to send her usual morning greetings for two consecutive days. Police are currently reviewing CCTV footage and awaiting autopsy results to determine the cause of death. Today, August 7, Police Lieutenant Colonel Phatthakorn Chainoi of Bang Phli Police…
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Coffee vendor caught after 10km highway chase in Thailand
A coffee vendor was apprehended after a 10 kilometre pursuit on a highway for allegedly shooting a loan shark to death. The incident occurred yesterday, August 6, when the suspect reportedly became enraged over insults to his parents. The Central Investigation Bureau, led by Police Lieutenant General Jiraphop Phuridech, and the Highway Police Division, under the direction of Police Major…
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Scottish expat loses legs in Bangkok lorry crash
A British man living in Thailand had both legs amputated after a horror motorbike crash with a lorry in Bangkok. Willie Braid, a 54 year old expat from Scotland, was hit while riding his motorbike in the capital on July 27. The driver of the lorry is alleged to have fled the scene in what appears to be a hit-and-run…
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Influencer arrested with drugs and vehicles in Suphan Buri raid
A prominent influencer has been arrested along with the seizure of methamphetamine and several vehicles after being linked to a major drug network in Suphan Buri. The operation was conducted by Suphan Buri police and the Region 7 investigative team yesterday, August 6. Under the direction of Police Major General Wacharin Prasopdee and Police Colonel Peera Atsawapiboonphon, the police apprehended…
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Thai-British woman escapes attempted rape by condo manager
A Thai-British woman narrowly escaped an attempted rape by a condominium manager in Pathum Thani province. The suspect reportedly entered her room, immediately undressed, and took a shower before trying to trick the victim into having sexual intercourse. The 21 year old victim and her 29 year old boyfriend filed a complaint with Chulalongkorn Pratunam Police Station after the incident,…
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Wild elephants roam 40km for Thai produce, sparking concerns
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has reported that wild elephants are straying beyond their forest habitats in eastern Thailand, travelling over 30 kilometres in search of food. Atthapol Charoenchansa, the department’s director-general, stated that elephants are attracted to the taste of local produce such as durians, mangosteens, bananas, and sugarcane, which are more appealing than their…
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Suphan Buri police seize 2.4 million meth tablets, arrest teens
Police in Suphan Buri seized over 2.4 million methamphetamine tablets and detained two 17 year olds involved in transporting the drugs from northern Thailand. Police Colonel Thaththep Lertlakmiphan, superintendent of Dan Chang Police Station, led the operation to apprehend a major drug trafficking gang from the north. The operation took place on Highway 333 in Village No. 3, Wang Khan…
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Singaporean tourist’s Pattaya drone flight ends in cuffs
A tourist’s late-night drone flight over Pattaya’s Walking Street landed him in handcuffs for breaking aviation laws. At around 12.19am today, August 7, a Singaporean man was arrested for illegally operating a drone in Pattaya’s busy nightlife district, despite a nationwide ban currently in place. Pattaya City Special Affairs officers caught 44 year old Goh Chia Hsien piloting a drone…
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Pickup and sedan plunge into pond after collision near Thammasat
A collision between a pickup truck and a sedan took place near Thammasat University, Rangsit Centre, resulting in both vehicles plunging into a pond. The incident occurred on Phahonyothin Road today, August 7. Police Lieutenant Supachai Chamchoi from Khlong Luang Police Station received the report and attended the scene alongside traffic officers and emergency services. At the location, a Nissan…
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Foreign man arrested for running illegal motorcycle rental in Phuket
Police arrested a foreign man in Phuket for allegedly operating an illegal motorcycle rental service catering to foreign tourists. However, the suspect denied the accusation and attempted to shift the blame to a friend. Officers from Tourist Police Sub-division 3 launched a crackdown on illegal vehicle rental businesses operated by foreigners and identified one suspect in Kathu district, Phuket. The…
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Trump teases new tariffs on drugs and chips
US President Donald Trump indicated yesterday that new tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals and semiconductors might be announced as early as next week as part of his ongoing efforts to reshape global trade. These comments were made during an interview with CNBC, occurring just days before another set of tariff increases is set to impact several economies later this week. The…
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Phuket copper thief caught red-handed stripping stolen wire
A Phuket man was caught red-handed slicing up stolen copper wire in what police say is part of a wider cable theft ring fuelling local drug habits. The suspect, identified only as 55 year old Somchai, was arrested on Monday, August 4, at a property in Village 3, Ratsada, where he was actively stripping insulation from a pile of stolen…
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Pattaya launches sticker crackdown on Koh Larn vehicles
Koh Larn’s wild west of unregulated rental bikes, mystery fares, and traffic chaos is about to get a serious reality check. Pattaya officials have launched a sweeping new initiative to bring order to the island’s unruly public transport and rental vehicle scene — and it starts with colourful stickers. Over 3,500 vehicles will now be categorised, monitored, and regulated under…
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Bangkok breaks into world’s top 5 summer hotspots
Despite border tensions and global economic uncertainty, Bangkok is stealing the travel spotlight once again — officially named one of the world’s top five most searched and booked destinations for summer this year. Booking.com’s latest global survey has revealed that the Thai capital remains a firm favourite among international travellers this year, ranking alongside exotic hotspots like Hurghada and Sharm…
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Thai thief fails necklace snatching but gets 100 baht from kind victim
A Thai man, who failed in an attempt to snatch a gold necklace from a woman, has issued an apology at the scene, prompting the victim to give him 100 baht to buy food. The Facebook page Jmoi V+ shared a video of the attempted theft on August 4, with a caption that read… “Amateur thief. The victim is kind…
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Patong unites to support troops at Thai border
Locals in Phuket’s party capital are proving they’ve got more than just nightlife in their veins—they’ve got heart. In a powerful show of solidarity, Patong’s officials, business leaders and residents have come together to donate a haul of essential supplies and cash to support Thai citizens and military personnel affected by the ongoing Thai-Cambodian border conflict. The handover ceremony took…
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Thai fortune teller faces legal action over border clash prediction
Two Thai lawyers filed a complaint against a well-known fortune teller, accusing her of spreading panic after she predicted an upcoming clash at the Thailand-Cambodia border. The fortune teller, Worracha “Plai” Pinitrokakorn, better known as Plai Prai Krasip, gave an interview to the media on August 2, during which she commented on Thai politics. Plai initially spoke about the new…
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Thailand pushes 8-point peace plan in border talks
Thailand has slapped eight proposals on the table in a bid to lock in a fragile ceasefire with Cambodia—and all eyes are now on Phnom Penh. The Thai delegation, led by Acting Defence Minister and Deputy Defence Minister General Nattaphon Narkphanit, submitted the peace plan on day two of the Thai-Cambodian General Border Committee (GBC) preliminary talks in Kuala Lumpur,…
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Police dismantle illegal gambling ring, seize assets worth 56 million baht
Police dismantled an illegal gambling operation linked to Auto888vip.com, seizing assets worth 56 million baht, including luxury vehicles valued at 10 million baht and a collection of high-end jewellery and watches. The operation reportedly generated around 20 million baht monthly from online gambling activities. Today, August 6, Police Lieutenant General Trirong Phiwphun, head of the Technology Crime Suppression Division, directed…
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Jurassic World shoot sparks tourism surge in Thailand
Thailand’s stunning southern landscapes just scored a Hollywood blockbuster boost—and the dinosaurs aren’t the only stars drawing attention. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has teamed up with Universal Pictures Home Entertainment for a global influencer campaign to promote Jurassic World Rebirth, the latest instalment in the iconic franchise. The campaign flew in 30 top influencers from around the world…
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Thai police raid drone company over permit violations
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and the Crime Suppression Division conducted a raid on a renowned drone manufacturing company in Samut Prakan yesterday, August 5. A significant amount of equipment was seized, and the company caretaker was questioned, as the owner is currently overseas. Tairat Wiriyasirikul, the acting secretary-general of the NBTC, revealed the operation involved collaboration between…
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Teen arrested with pen gun after Phuket shooting scare
A Thai teen is in hot water after allegedly firing a shot outside a Phuket housing estate, sparking a swift police response—and ending in the discovery of a homemade pen gun hidden under a cloth. Police in Chalong arrested 19 year old Amonrat Thongphakdee yesterday, August 5, after responding to reports of gunfire in front of a home in the…
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Bangkok BTS trains wrapped in Thai flag as tribute to border soldiers
The Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) wrapped its trains in the Thai national flag to honour soldiers who sacrificed their lives protecting Thailand’s territory and citizens during recent border clashes with Cambodia. Tensions along the Thailand–Cambodia border escalated into military conflict in mid-July. After weeks of confrontation, the two countries agreed to a ceasefire on July 29, bringing the fighting…
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China denies drone donation claims in border conflict
China has hit back at reports claiming it supplied drones to Cambodia amid ongoing tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border, branding the allegations “completely false.” In a firm statement issued by the Chinese Embassy in Thailand, officials clarified that the viral photos allegedly showing Chinese drones gifted to Cambodia were taken during a flight demonstration back in January and had nothing…
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Thailand to acquire four Gripen jets in US$19.5 billion deal
The Thai Cabinet has sanctioned the Royal Thai Air Force’s acquisition of four Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets from Sweden, formalised through a government-to-government agreement. The initial phase of this procurement, valued at 19.5 billion baht (US$602 million), anticipates a contract signing on August 25. According to government sources, this purchase aligns with the RTAF’s long-term strategy to enhance…
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Thailand video news | Thailand rejects Cambodian claims of assassination plot against Hun Sen and Hun Manet, Thailand plans tax-free repatriation of foreign income to boost economy
In Thailand video news, Alex and Jay cover news stories from across Thailand. The stories include diplomatic tensions rising as Thailand denies Cambodia’s assassination plot claims, while Thaksin’s niece rejects spy allegations amid political turmoil. Meanwhile, a French jogger is found dead near Angkor Wat, and Pattaya police investigate a gold theft involving transgender suspects. Thailand makes headlines for legalising…
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Thaksin’s niece to take legal action over Cambodian spy claims
The niece of former Thai Prime Minister (PM) Thaksin Shinawatra is taking legal action against netizens who accused her and her family of being spies for the Cambodian military. Chayika Wongnapachant, Advisor to the Foreign Affairs Minister, visited the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) yesterday, August 5, to provide further details of her complaint to CCIB Commander, Trairong Pewphan. She…
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