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 9 most common health issues covered by insurance for expats in Thailand
Thailand is a popular destination for expats due to its affordable lifestyle and excellent healthcare system. However, settling in a new country often brings health concerns. To ensure you’re covered for the most common medical needs, understanding what expat health...
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Cambodian labour exodus sparks robot rush in Thai factories
Thailand’s factories are facing a labour crunch, and robots may soon be clocking in. A drop in Cambodian workers due to a simmering territorial dispute has forced Thai manufacturers to hurry automation plans, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). The exodus of Cambodian labourers has hit sectors such as construction and agribusiness, where low-cost, manual labour is essential.…
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Defence boost: Thailand seals Gripen jet deal with Sweden
Thailand is gearing up to formalise a major fighter jet deal with Sweden, just days after revealing its warplanes were used in real combat for the first time. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the agreement’s first phase will be signed next Tuesday, August 26, during a high-level visit to Sweden, led by Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa. According to Ministry…
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Cambodian soldier disrupts Thai checkpoint under influence (video)
The Cambodian soldier responsible for causing a disturbance at Chong Arn Ma in Ubon Ratchathani was intoxicated during a visit by foreign observers, according to a senior Thai military intelligence officer. This information was updated yesterday, August 20, by Major General Kran Boonchai, deputy director of military intelligence, to the ASEAN observers from eight nations. Cambodian border officials contacted their…
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Bangkok buildings rattle as 5.4 quake strikes off Myanmar
Office workers fled, lamps swung, and nerves were tested as a powerful earthquake sent tremors through Bangkok high-rises this morning. Thailand’s Earthquake Observation Division reported a 5.4-magnitude earthquake at 9.58am today, August 21, centred 10 kilometres underground in the Andaman Sea, roughly 211 kilometres southwest of Mae Sot district in Tak province. The tremors were felt across multiple districts in…
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Thailand produces titanium bone implants for wounded soldiers
The government, in collaboration with its private sector partner, is producing titanium bone implants for soldiers injured in the Thai-Cambodian border conflict, according to deputy government spokesperson Anukul Pruksanusak. In partnership with Meticuly Co, a local medical technology startup, the government aims to create customised titanium bone implants for wounded soldiers. This initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Intellectual Property,…
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Teen arrested for Trang city shooting, two injured
A 17 year old has been arrested alongside an accomplice for a shooting incident in Trang city centre, injuring two people. The youth reportedly used his father’s gun in the attack. The incident involved two youths riding a red and black Honda Wave 110 motorcycle, registration 1 กค 5387 Trang. They were shot with a 9mm firearm in the neck…
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Teacher’s husband apologises after running over schoolboy in a pickup truck
A teacher’s husband issued an apology after running his pickup over a 12 year old schoolboy in Udon Thani, claiming he did not notice the boy sitting at the spot. The 12 year old Thai boy, Tang, suffered a broken pelvis after the driver, 53 year old Phan, ran over him while he was sitting in the activity area after…
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New SIM rules roll out to crush cyber crooks in Thailand
Thailand is cracking down on SIM-swap scams with strict new mobile registration rules, and you’ll need your face to prove who you are. In a major move to curb cybercrime, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has rolled out real-time facial recognition technology, known as Liveness Detection, to verify all new SIM registrations and replacements nationwide. The change, which…
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Thailand video news | British visitor could receive decade in prison following fatal Pattaya scooter crash, Sudden glass door collapse at Bangkok mall injures children
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex brings you a wide range of stories from across the country. From a British tourist facing a decade in prison after a fatal scooter crash in Pattaya, to a volunteer claiming death threats over temple donations in Lop Buri, and Pheu Thai denying rumours of backing Prayut for prime minister. Authorities in Chiang Mai…
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Mystery surrounds woman’s death during Pattani to Betong journey
A 30 year old woman was found deceased under mysterious circumstances in a vehicle during a journey from Pattani to Betong in Yala province. Relatives were puzzled, as she was initially fine before losing consciousness and passing away at 4.30pm yesterday, August 20. Police from the Mueang Yala Police Station received notification from rescue workers about the death of an…
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Car bomb rips through Narathiwat checkpoint, 1 injured
Terror returned to Thailand’s Deep South last night when a car bomb exploded at a security checkpoint in Narathiwat’s Tak Bai district, injuring a defence volunteer and triggering a brief gun battle. The attack unfolded at around 8.15pm yesterday, August 20, in Sala Mai subdistrict, where local volunteers were manning a regular security post. According to police reports, the explosion…
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Ubon Ratchathani restaurant owner alleges extortion by fake police
A notable restaurant in Ubon Ratchathani has filed a complaint against a group of people claiming to be undercover police officers. These people allegedly extorted money from the restaurant, threatening closure over the sale of drinks past the legal hours. Kritwit, a 35 year old restaurant owner in Mueang district, Ubon Ratchathani province, reported the incident to Police Lieutenant Phakaphong…
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Bangkok man arrested for stabbing taxi driver amid cannabis delusions
A 30 year old man, Chawin, was apprehended for allegedly attacking a motorcycle taxi driver in Bangkok, resulting in severe injuries. Police acted on an arrest warrant from the Criminal Court, dated August 19, for causing grievous bodily harm. Chawin was taken into custody in Tha Ruea district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, with a folding knife found in his possession.…
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Air Serbia eyes Bangkok return after decades-long break
Thailand could soon welcome more Balkan tourists directly, as Air Serbia considers reviving long-haul winter flights to Bangkok, a destination not served from Belgrade since the collapse of Yugoslavia. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) confirmed it’s in talks with the airline as part of a push to boost direct air access from the Balkan region. TAT’s marketing representative for…
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Thailand intensifies crackdown on illegal agricultural imports
Attakorn Sirilatthayakorn, the agriculture and cooperatives minister, has announced a robust initiative to combat illegal agricultural products, including illicit pork, fisheries, and plant goods. The Special Unit Phaya Naga, established in 2023, aims to curb these activities, which have caused direct economic damages exceeding 10 billion baht. The Phaya Naga unit, founded during the tenure of former agriculture and cooperatives…
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Indian businessman faces legal battle over Pattaya hotel rental
An Indian businessman has encountered a legal dispute after renting a hotel with 32 rooms for three years, paying a deposit for three months amounting to 960,000 baht, yet being unable to access the property. Reports were filed with the police in Mueang Pattaya district by 42 year old Wassana (pseudonym), a partner in a real estate company owned by…
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Pattaya leaders aid bedridden and elderly in city push
Pattaya officials carried out a targeted welfare operation in Naklua yesterday, delivering aid to bedridden patients and elderly residents. Yesterday, August 20, Deputy Mayor Thitipan Petchtrakul and Pattaya City Council President Banlue Kullavanij hit the streets of Naklua, delivering essential aid to three of the area’s most vulnerable residents. Accompanied by fellow council members and officers from the Social Welfare…
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Kitten rescued from school pillar after four days in Thong Pha Phum
A kitten trapped inside a school pillar in Thong Pha Phum for four days has been rescued. On August 20, Sarawut Sritandorn, the mayor of Thong Pha Phum, was informed by teacher Acting Sub Lieutenant Panitta Klinchuen, also known as Teacher Tae, that a kitten was stuck inside a school building pillar. Upon receiving the report, he directed Teerasak Ritthiwong…
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Buriram woman sentenced to 332 years for embassy job scam
A court in Buriram has sentenced a 28 year old woman known as Oi to 830 years in prison for fraudulently posing as an embassy official and deceiving 166 workers into believing they would be employed in Australia. The scam resulted in losses exceeding 10 million baht (US$307,210). The workers, from Phutthaisong district in Buriram province, reported the incident to…
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Elderly man killed crossing road in Samut Sakhon accident
A tragic incident occurred when a 79 year old man was unable to use a pedestrian overpass and attempted to cross a road, resulting in his death after being struck by a 10-wheel truck. The accident took place at 4.30pm yesterday, August 20, on Phutthasakhon Road, near the Sakorn Kasem intersection in Samut Sakhon province. Police Lieutenant Tiwatpol Thawitsangkasak, Deputy…
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Cambodian landmine, not artillery, causes explosion near temple
The Second Army Region has clarified that reports of Cambodian forces firing artillery at a base near Ta Kwai Temple are unfounded. It is suspected that a Cambodian soldier triggered a landmine that the Cambodian side had secretly placed behind the temple. Residents are urged not to panic over these rumours. Yesterday, August 20, journalists reported that the Second Army…
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Bitten by bravery: Cobra strikes back in Phuket
A Thai security guard in Phuket ended up needing hospital treatment after being bitten by a highly venomous king cobra moments after capturing it with his bare hands. The shocking encounter unfolded in Kamala yesterday afternoon, August 20, when the guard bravely bagged the enormous reptile. But his moment of triumph quickly turned sour when the cobra lashed out and…
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Boy hospitalised after dog attack prompts compensation dispute
A six year old boy was bitten by a neighbour’s dog while playing in front of his home, leading to serious injuries that required hospitalisation. The dog’s owner has offered 20,000 baht (US$615) in compensation, payable in five instalments, but the boy’s mother fears this will not cover the medical expenses. The incident was highlighted by the Facebook page Kamphaeng…
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Thailand braces for heavy rain and storms across 37 provinces
Thailand is experiencing increased rainfall, with heavy showers expected in certain areas. Residents are advised to exercise caution during this period. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) predicts rainfall in 37 provinces, including Bangkok, exceeding 60% coverage on August 21. This weather pattern is due to the strengthening of a mild southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf…
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Pheu Thai shuts down Prayut comeback rumours
Rumours of a shocking political U-turn have been flatly denied by the Pheu Thai Party, following claims they planned to nominate former coup leader and ex-Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha as their next candidate for premier. Slamming the speculation as fake news, Pheu Thai Secretary-General Sorawong Thienthong told reporters the rumour had nothing to do with the party and dismissed…
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Chiang Mai cops bust 700kg Taiwan-bound ‘Durian’ meth haul
A major drug bust in Chiang Mai has sent shockwaves through Thai law enforcement after police intercepted 700 kilogrammes of methamphetamine hidden in sacks marked with the bizarre branding “Durian.” The massive haul was discovered in the early hours of Monday, August 18, at around 1.12am, when police patrolling Ban Pa Bong Ngam in the Chiang Dao district stopped a…
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Free flights frenzy: Tourists lured with 700 million baht giveaway
Thailand is betting big on tourism, with a 700 million baht budget set aside to hand out free domestic flights to foreign travellers. The government is rolling out a bold plan to lure at least 200,000 more international tourists into Thailand’s heartland by offering free domestic air tickets. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong confirmed today, August 20, that he…
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Bangkok’s ‘green lung’ boosted by Thai-Norwegian push
Bangkok’s “green lung” is breathing easier thanks to Bangchak Corporation’s bold reforestation push, now earning praise from the Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce (TNCC). The chamber, which counts Bangchak as a premium member, has put the energy giant’s environmental mission in the spotlight as it drives sustainability and biodiversity work in Bang Kachao, Samut Prakan province. Bangchak, led by Senior Executive…
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Phone found at border reportedly proves Cambodia’s use of landmines
Thai soldiers discovered a Cambodian soldier’s mobile phone while clearing landmines in a forested border area, uncovering what they claim is substantial evidence of Cambodia’s use of the landmines. The Royal Thai Navy’s Humanitarian Mine Action Unit was carrying out landmine clearance in the Phu Makhuea area of Surin province on August 19 when they found the phone, allegedly belonging…
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Media chiefs unite in Phuket to shape future broadcasts
Phuket has rolled out the red carpet for the world’s media chiefs, hosting the 23rd Annual General Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD). The three-day forum, which opened yesterday, August 19, at the Beyond Kata Hotel, has drawn more than 100 senior delegates from 24 countries under the banner Media Power: Building People, Creating Peace, and Forwarding…
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