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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Supreme court weighs in on vote buying case against PPRP candidate
The Supreme Court is currently reviewing a vote buying case brought forth by the Election Commission (EC) against a candidate from the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) from Nakhon Sawan. The candidate, Pornwisit Jaemsai, is accused of vote-buying, an illegal practice that infringes the Organic Act on the Election of Members of the House of Representatives (2018). This announcement was made…
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Methamphetamine seizures double in Thailand amid increased smuggling
The second half of last year saw a significant spike in methamphetamine seizures in Thailand, with over 250 million pills intercepted, which is twice the quantity seized during the same period the prior year. This rise in the illegal drug trade is reportedly due to increased smuggling activities across the borders from neighbouring nations, as explained by Prime Minister Srettha…
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Teenage gang’s reign of terror over East Pattaya neighbourhood
A gang of teenagers wreaked havoc in a quiet neighbourhood on Soi Huay Yai 15 in East Pattaya with their disruptive antics lasting three consecutive nights. The gang, captured on CCTV cameras, was seen riding more than 10 motorcycles and unleashing a barrage of disruptive activities, including hurling firecrackers and explosive bottles, creating deafening disturbances that reverberated throughout the area.…
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Thai taxi driver threatens Japanese man for refusing his service
A Thai taxi driver faces four charges for threatening a Japanese man with a knife after the foreigner refused to use his service because he would not use his meter and demanded 150 baht for a destination only 1 kilometre away. On February 5, the Japanese victim took to his Twitter account, @ginn_taro, to share his experience with a Thai…
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Honouring His Majesty’s 72nd birthday: Lord Buddha’s relics
The Department of Religious Affairs declared that rare relics of the Lord Buddha and his chief disciples Sariputra and Moggallana will be transported from India to be showcased at Sanam Luang, allowing the public to offer their respects from 9am to 8pm, starting from February 22 until March 19. Following this period, the relics will embark on a journey to…
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Van plunges into ravine on Chiang Mai-Pai route
A passenger van on the Chiang Mai-Pai route lost control of his vehicle and veered off the road, plummeting approximately 15 metres into a ravine yesterday evening. The vehicle was extensively damaged and all 14 passengers on board were injured. Emergency services, including local police, hospital medical teams, and military units, were dispatched to the scene to provide assistance and…
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Pheu Thai Party dismisses corruption concerns on 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme
The Pheu Thai Party dismissed a warning by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) concerning the government’s proposed 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme. Anusorn Iamsa-ard, a Pheu Thai list-MP, maintained that the government is open to feedback from all quarters and that the NACC’s concerns are premature as the scheme has not been implemented yet. “If the digital wallet scheme is delayed…
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Boy, 12, killed in horrific Ayutthaya Road accident
A tragic incident occurred in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province when a 12 year old boy lost his life in a road accident involving a motorcycle and a truck. The incident happened near a U-turn bridge on the Asia Road, heading towards Bangkok, around the 11-kilometre mark in Bang Pa-in District. At the scene, authorities discovered the body of the…
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Elderly man alleges Chon Buri police assault after family dispute
A 73 year old man brought to light a troubling incident involving Chon Buri police, claiming officers handcuffed and assaulted him in front of his daughter after a family dispute led to a report of physical assault against him. , Jamras Dokmaiwhai, residing in Chon Buri Province with his daughters and wife, expressed his desire for justice after the alleged…
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Bangkok police seize 10 million meth pills, 60kg crystal meth in major drug bust
Following a two-month-long surveillance operation, the Narcotics Suppression Bureau of Bangkok’s Division 6 successfully dismantled three drug trafficking networks, seizing 10 million methamphetamine pills and 60 kilogrammes of crystal meth. The haul, intended for distribution in local communities, was intercepted at 1pm yesterday, February 8, at the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police Bureau Division 6. Assistant Commissioner of the National…
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The Peninsula Bangkok presents exquisite Cantonese menus by internationally acclaimed guest chef Grace Choy
Xin nian kuai le! Celebrate the Lunar New Year by enjoying authentic Cantonese menus specially curated by the renowned chef Grace Choy at Mei Jiang Restaurant. Known for her extraordinary journey from a self-taught maestro to a globally recognized culinary star, Chef Choy is poised to enchant holiday guests with her exquisite Chinese specialities during her nine-day stint as guest…
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Update: Meet the first female president of the Football Association of Thailand
Nualphan Lamsam clinched a resounding victory to become the new president of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), leaving her competitors in the dust. The former men’s team manager secured an impressive 68 out of 73 votes, marking a significant shift in leadership at the association, as she takes over from Police General Somyot Poompunmuang following his eight-year tenure. The…
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The secrets of ancient Thai log coffins in northwestern Thailand
Many are unaware that the highlands of northwestern Thailand harbour dozens of caves, which serve as the final resting places for remarkable human burials dating back 1,000 to 2,300 years ago. These burials consist of large wooden coffins, some several metres long and crafted from a single tree trunk, mounted above the floor on wooden stilts, reflecting a mysterious Iron…
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13 year old boy falls to his death from 7th floor of school
A 13 year old boy tragically fell to his death from the seventh floor of a school building in the Pak Kret district of Nonthaburi province near Bangkok yesterday, February 7. The boy’s mother, Jiraporn, revealed to Amarin TV that she was notified of the tragic news yesterday, February 7, that her son, Pepe, accidentally fell off the school building.…
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Trunk turmoil: Mother elephant’s rampage leaves owner dead in Surin
A mother elephant from Surin province, led by its owners to beg along a road, became agitated, charging ahead and trampling her owner, resulting in the mahout’s death in a pool of blood. Upon receiving the report, local police officers from Kao Liew Police Station were promptly dispatched to investigate the scene, along with emergency medical personnel and rescue teams.…
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Art extravaganza: Inside the Thailand Biennale Chiang Rai
The Thailand Biennale Chiang Rai (TBC) has taken the artistic community by storm, attracting international artists and prominent visitors. Angkrit Ajchariyasophon, a key figure in Thailand’s artistic realm, has played a pivotal role as co-curator. The TBC, with its diverse range of displays and activities, promises an unparalleled artistic experience in the northern region. On December 9 last year, the…
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Nearby Sukiyaki eatery stewing as buffet rival steals spotlight
A nearby sukiyaki eatery finds itself unexpectedly challenged as a well-received buffet-style sukiyaki venue opens nearby, resulting in a significant decline in customers. The owner, having invested nearly 2 million baht (US$55,805) into the business, is now seeking guidance during this crisis. The story came to light when Facebook user Pichaya Kairos shared a post in the Lam Luk Ka…
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Thai teacher’s ex-boyfriend surrenders after holding students hostage (video)
A Thai gunman surrendered to the police after holding students and his ex-girlfriend, who is a teacher, hostage at a school in the Isaan province of Mahasarakham. Fortunately, all students and teachers emerged unharmed from the incident. The gunman, whose identity remains undisclosed, broke into Ban Kwao Tung School in the Phayakkhaphum Phisai district of Mahasarakham province at about 1.30pm…
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Frozen accolades: Thai ice sculptors carve success at Sapporo Snow Festival
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor praised the Thai ice sculpting team for their outstanding performance at the 48th International Snow Sculpture Contest, held as part of the 74th Sapporo Snow Festival. The Thai ice sculpting team left the world in awe with their breathtaking depiction of the Naga Fireballs at the prestigious 48th International Snow Sculpture Contest, earning…
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73 year old Thai man found dead on way to lover’s home
A 73 year old Thai man died en route to his lover’s home in Samut Prakanr province near Bangkok. His family believed the death resulted from an accident, rather than any jealous motives. A Thai woman, Kwanruethai, contacted officers at Khlong Dan Police Station on February 7 after she discovered the dead body of a 73 year old man named…
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Sea-change agenda: Phuket sets sail for luxury ship entry
Senate Tourism Committee Chairman General Thanasak Patimaprakon and his delegation visited Phuket yesterday to discuss transforming the popular holiday resort island into a point of entry for small luxury ships. The visit was in response to plans to develop Phuket Deep Sea Port at Ao Makham to serve as a home port for small cruise ships. This move aims to…
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Taiwan halts group tours to China amid escalating tensions
Travel agents in Taiwan have been ordered to cease organising new group tours to China as tensions between Beijing and Taipei continue to escalate. Despite China reopening its borders to other popular tourist destinations post-pandemic, Taiwan remains excluded from the list of approved destinations for Chinese nationals. Since the end of the pandemic, China has gradually allowed its citizens to…
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Kanchanaburi court decides fate of disputed 30 million baht lottery
In a high-stakes legal battle, the much-anticipated verdict in the 30 million baht lottery case was delivered yesterday at the Kanchanaburi Provincial Court. The plaintiff, retired police officer Charoon Wimol, commonly known as Uncle Charoon, filed a lawsuit against teacher Preecha Kraikruan, and his lawyer, Waryuth Boonwongsai. The dispute centred on a winning lottery ticket from the November 1, 2017…
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Indian short film on transgender issue to be adapted for Thai audiences (video)
Renowned Manipuri actor and filmmaker Priyakanta Laishram’s groundbreaking 2015 short film It’s Not My Choice is set to break new ground as it becomes the first Indian short film to be adapted into Thai. This cultural milestone is set to bridge the gap between Indian and Thai cinema, promising to captivate audiences with its powerful message. In 2015, Manipuri actor…
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Thai resort owner allegedly drugs, attacks, rapes party entertainer
A Thai party entertainer accused the owner of a resort in the central province of Ang Thong of drugging, attacking and raping her on February 1. Subsequently, several other party entertainers have come forward, reportedly revealing that they too have been subjected to his abusive behaviour. The victim, 30 year old Dee, decided to file a complaint against the wealthy…
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Thai football in turmoil: Race for FAT presidency and financial promises revealed
The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) is set to usher in a new president, marking the conclusion of Police General Somyot Poompunmuang’s eight-year tenure as the nation’s football chief. The battle for the coveted position has seen former national men’s team manager Nualphan Lamsam emerge as the frontrunner, with the election scheduled to take place at FAT headquarters in Bangkok’s…
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German airline Condor to operate direct flights to Bangkok and Phuket
German airline carrier Condor unveiled plans to revitalise travel to Asia by introducing non-stop flights from Frankfurt to Bangkok and Phuket starting in September. Condor is gearing up to spread its wings with a thrilling new route expansion. The airline is set to add seven weekly flights to Thailand. Frankfurt to Bangkok flights will operate four times a week while the…
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China’s warning to students: Beware of foreign spies
China’s Ministry of State Security sounded the alarm amidst an extensive nationwide security initiative, bringing to light a distressing narrative involving a Chinese graduate who fell prey to the intricate web of foreign espionage. In a revelation shared on the ministry’s WeChat platform, an ominous case was detailed, chronicling the exploits of a Chinese student, identified solely by the surname…
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Bangkok Metropolitan Council approves 23.4 billion baht for Green Line extension
The Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) gave the green light for a whopping 23.4 billion baht payment to the Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC) for crucial electrical and mechanical (E&M) installation work and operation services for the Green Line’s second extension. This decision comes after a crucial meeting that saw high-ranking officials deliberate the fate of the city’s transportation system.…
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Thai activists call for ban on hazardous PFAS in textile industry
Calls for the prohibition of Per-and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS), perilous chemicals found in the textile industry and other goods, have been made by activists. The campaigners argue that such a ban would generate awareness amongst customers who require environmentally friendly products for their health and the welfare of our planet. Thitikorn Boontongmai, Ecological Alert and Recover-Thailand (Earth) Planning Manager, highlighted…
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