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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Coyote dancers arrested for convenience store theft in Samut Prakan
Police arrested three Thai nationals, including two coyote dancers, for stealing from at least nine convenience stores in Samut Prakan province near Bangkok, between May 16 and 17. Employees at the convenience stores filed a complaint with Phra Samut Chedi Police Station after CCTV footage showed two Thai women stealing products from the shops. The security cameras clearly captured their…
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PM attends 46th ASEAN Summit, calls for deeper cooperation
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra joined fellow ASEAN leaders at the 46th ASEAN Summit yesterday, May 25, hosted at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Malaysia. The summit, held under the theme Inclusive Participation and Sustainability, brought together leaders from nine ASEAN member states, including Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand. The Prime Minister of Timor-Leste…
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Thailand tightens checks on frozen durian imports to boost safety
Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat has directed a thorough inspection of frozen durian imports to Thailand, ensuring they are contaminant-free as part of the ministry’s aims to elevate standards and boost the value of this high-demand product. Narumon has tasked the National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards (ACFS) and the Department of Agriculture with inspecting facilities that…
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Pattaya transwoman strikes Indian tourist after alleged theft
A Thai transwoman in Pattaya allegedly stole from an Indian man after engaging in sexual activities and struck him on the head with her handbag before fleeing the scene. The receptionist at a hotel in Pattaya’s Sai Song Soi 12, Jamjan, called the Sawang Borriboon Thammasathan Rescue Foundation to provide first aid to the 41 year old Indian guest, Hemant…
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Paetongtarn denies using public funds for UK, Monaco trips
Yesterday, May 25, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra dismissed claims that her recent visits to the United Kingdom and Monaco were privately motivated and funded by taxpayer money. Speaking at Wing 6 of the Royal Thai Air Force Base in Don Mueang, Bangkok, the 37 year old premier clarified that the trips were not personal holidays. She also addressed an online…
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From run to ruin: mini-marathon at Bangkok park turns out to be scam
Nearly 2,000 runners fell victim to a scam mini-marathon at Suan Luang Rama IX Public Park in Bangkok. The total amount of financial loss remains under investigation. Several runners took to social media yesterday, May 25, to condemn the organiser of the mini-marathon, Run for Destination 2025. Around 1,800 runners arrived at the venue only to find an eerily quiet…
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Public health response team aids flood-stricken Mae Sai communities
The Public Health Ministry has deployed a medical operations team to assist four flood-affected communities in Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai. A patient care centre has been established, with medications and medical supplies prepared, and bedridden patients are being evacuated to safer locations. The minister highlighted the concern of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra regarding the floods and relayed her directive…
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Motorcyclist dies after losing control on Pattaya overpass
A tragic accident occurred when a motorcyclist lost control while overtaking on a curve of an overpass, hitting the bridge’s rail and falling to his death. The incident took place yesterday, May 25, at 4.06pm at Highway 7 in Pattaya, Chon Buri. The scene of the accident was attended by Police Lieutenant Colonel Ratphon Warana, Deputy Superintendent (Investigation) of Highway…
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11 tonnes of smuggled avocados seized in Thailand’s Pathum Thani market
Approximately 11 tonnes of avocados from Vietnam, mislabelled as mangoes, were illicitly brought into Thailand and sold at a prominent wholesale market in Pathum Thani province. Yesterday, May 25, consumer protection police, along with customs and agriculture officials, conducted a raid at Talad Thai fresh market located on Phahon Yothin Road in Khlong Luang district. A total of 421 boxes…
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Fatal motorcycle taxi driver stabbing in Bangkok’s Khlong Toei
A dispute between two intoxicated motorcycle taxi drivers in Bangkok escalated into a fatal stabbing, resulting in the death of one person. The incident occurred on Ratchadaphisek Road in Khlong Toei district on May 24 at approximately 11pm. During the altercation, 32 year old Apivat, who was drinking beer at the scene, got into a heated argument with 27 year…
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Muay Thai coaches in Japan certified for soft power initiative
The Department of Skill Development (DSD) is promoting soft power by certifying Muay Thai coaches in Japan to enhance economic value and increase Thai income while sharing martial arts culture with Japanese and other international communities. Yesterday, May 25, Decha Prukpatanarak, the Director-General of the DSD under the Ministry of Labour, officially launched the project to promote the capability standards…
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Overturned LPG truck causes road closure in Prachuap Khiri Khan
A 10-tonne LPG truck overturned on Phetkasem Road in Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan district, prompting police to temporarily close the southbound lanes for safety reasons. The incident occurred around 10am today, May 26, leaving one man injured. According to Somkuan Saiphothong, head of the highway rescue unit in Prachuap Khiri Khan, the accident took place approximately 2 kilometres from Singkhon…
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Thailand video news | Thai monsoon alert: 15 days of heavy rain & flood risk, Vietnam moves to ban telegram
In today’s Thailand news roundup, Alex and Jay bring you the top stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia. Highlights include Thailand’s 15-day monsoon warning, a deadly gang clash in Pattaya, British fugitives arrested on Koh Samui, and a bomb hoax that delayed an AirAsia flight. Plus, updates from Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Singapore—including a Telegram ban, an extradited tycoon,…
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Bangkok driver rams into motorcyclist for stopping at zebra crossing
A Thai motorcyclist accused a hatchback driver of deliberately ramming into him on a Bangkok road on May 22, allegedly out of anger after the rider stopped at a zebra crossing, which briefly blocked the driver’s way. The 24 year old victim, Butchart, sought assistance from the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive after officers at Bang Khen Police Station allegedly ignored his…
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Saleswoman’s false robbery claim leads to legal trouble in Pattaya
A 37 year old saleswoman, working for a department store in South Pattaya, fabricated a robbery story to avoid criticism from her English boyfriend after losing 32,000 baht. Her tale unravelled, resulting in charges for filing a false police report. The incident was initially reported to have occurred in Soi Siam Country Club, Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chon…
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Former Thai protest leaders unite against PM’s father’s influence
Former leaders of major Thai protests, Sondhi Limthongkul and Jatuporn Prompan, who were previously adversaries over the former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, have publicly united to oppose the father of Thailand’s current prime minister. In 2005, Sondhi launched a campaign against Thaksin on his ASTV satellite television channel, eventually becoming a leader of the yellow-shirt People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD).…
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No arsenic in Thai tap water but surface water monitored
The Ministry of Public Health reported no arsenic contamination above standard levels in tap water, vegetables, or fish from the Kok, Sai, and Mekong rivers. However, surface water showed contamination, prompting ongoing monitoring. At-risk groups showed no arsenic in urine tests. Yesterday, May 25, public health minister discussed the arsenic contamination situation affecting residents near the Kok, Sai, and Mekong…
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Thai man arrested for using fake licence plate on luxury car
A 58 year old man was arrested for using a forged licence plate on a luxury Mercedes-Benz, buying it from the black market. The real owner faced police fines, leading to the discovery of further offences. Police Colonel Apichat Renchana, along with Police Lieutenant Colonel Itthisak Khumkhun and Police Captain Bodi Duanphon, apprehended Wisit on May 25 on Highway 3…
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Pattaya woman fakes robbery to hide loss from foreign boyfriend
A Thai woman confessed to fabricating a robbery in Pattaya after losing cash and an engagement ring, in an attempt to hide the truth from her foreign boyfriend. The 37 year old woman, identified as Rattana, filed a complaint with officers at Bang Lamung Police Station on May 25, claiming she lost 32,000 baht in cash and a ring worth…
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Young woman dies in Pathum Thani motorcycle crash
Yesterday, May 25, a tragic accident occurred when a 21 year old woman, returning from a wedding, collided with a barrier on a major road in Pathum Thani, resulting in her death. Police Lieutenant Wasukanya Tachiphan, deputy inspector at Pak Khlong Rangsit Police Station, received the report of the accident at 5pm. The incident took place on Tiwanon Road in…
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Driver in fatal Nonthaburi crash surrenders, vows compensation
A driver involved in a fatal collision in Nonthaburi has surrendered to police and faces three charges. The driver has expressed willingness to compensate the victims’ family and has plans to ordain as a monk. The incident occurred on May 24 when 40 year old Tiwa Boromstatit and his seven year old son, both from Sai Noi district in Nonthaburi,…
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Wild elephants devastate orchard in Khao Khitchakut, losses hit 440,000 baht
In the Khlong Takian area of Pluang subdistrict, Khao Khitchakut district, Chanthaburi province, a community faces a dire situation as wild elephants have invaded a local fruit orchard, toppling nearly 30 durian trees. This damage has resulted in the loss of almost four tonnes of durian, leading to damages exceeding 400,000 baht. Yesterday, May 25, the issue was brought to…
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Pheu Thai supports Yingluck’s 10bn baht rice compensation battle
The Pheu Thai Party is supporting former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra in her legal battle against a court ruling demanding she pay 10 billion baht in compensation related to the rice-pledging scheme from over ten years ago. The party is examining potential legal avenues to contest this decision. Danuporn Punnakanta, a Pheu Thai spokesperson and member of Parliament, stated at…
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Chon Buri locals flock to collect free toys from waste site
Residents in Chon Buri were intrigued by a large pile of children’s toys discarded behind Wat Mausukha in the Nong Ri Mueang Chon Buri area. The toys, still new and unpacked, attracted locals who arrived with large bags to collect them. Images of the toys were widely shared on social media, with posts mentioning that anyone interested could collect toys…
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Mushroom forager dies after cliff fall in Lampang forest
A villager searching for mushrooms tragically fell from a cliff and sustained severe injuries after hitting his head on rocks in a stream. Despite being rushed to Sobprab Hospital for treatment, he later succumbed to his injuries. Yesterday, May 25, the head of Wiang Kosai National Park, Prawit Jaikam, shared images and a message on social media addressing the incident.…
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Thailand braces for heavy rain and potential floods
The Meteorological Department has issued a weather warning across Thailand for Today, May 26, predicting heavy rain across nearly all provinces. This could lead to flash floods, forest run-off, and landslides. The forecast for the next 24 hours indicates heavy rainfall in the north, northeast, central regions, including Bangkok and its surrounding areas, the east, and the west coast of southern…
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Drugged soldier attacks nephew with machete in Trang Province
A conscripted soldier under the influence of illegal drugs attacked his nephew with a machete, severely injuring him, before holding himself hostage for six hours. The incident, which took place yesterday, May 24 in Trang Province, concluded when he surrendered after a special operations team intervened. Police Lieutenant Wasant Rakkaew, Deputy Inspector of Palian District Police Station in Trang, was…
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Mystery surrounds death of woman in Kanchanaburi
An investigation is underway following the mysterious death of a 28 year old woman, Phattaraphon Khongklan, known as Looktan, found deceased in her bedroom in Phanom Thuan district, Kanchanaburi province. Police are determining whether this incident might be a concealed murder and are seeking the last man she was seen with for questioning. At 12.30pm yesterday, May 24, Police Lieutenant…
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Thai monsoon forecast: Heavy rain and flood risks ahead
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has forecasted significant rainfall over a 15-day period, with intense monsoon conditions affecting various areas. Between May 25 and May 27, there is a heightened risk of heavy rain, flash floods, and landslides across the country. According to the updated daily rainfall predictions and wind analysis from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, the…
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Vietnamese crypto scammer Madam Ngo arrested in Bangkok
A Vietnamese woman sought by Interpol for her involvement in cryptocurrency and forex investment scams that defrauded over 2,000 Vietnamese people of approximately US$300 million has been apprehended in Bangkok, alongside two bodyguards. The Crime Suppression Division (CSD) police detained Ngo Thi Theu, known as Madam Ngo, a 30 year old woman, at a hotel in the Klong Tan Nuea…
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