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 What do you need before moving from the US to Thailand?
The Thaiger key takeaways The most common medical emergencies for expats in Thailand include motorcycle accidents, tropical diseases, and food or water-borne illnesses. Air pollution and heat-related conditions like heatstroke also pose serious seasonal health risks, especially in northern and...
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Woman attacks debtor at funeral in Songkhla, victim critical
A woman attacked a debtor at a funeral with a knife, seriously injuring her, then fled the scene. The incident occurred yesterday at Wat Ja Ting Phra, Sathing Phra district, Songkhla province. The victim, 36 year old Wilaiwan, remains in critical condition at Songkhla Hospital. The assailant, 58 year old Sawai, later surrendered to the local police. Witnesses reported that…
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Flash flood hits Ban Rai, Uthai Thani, stranding tourists and campers
A night of heavy rain led to a flash flood that caught tourists and campers off guard in Ban Rai district, Uthai Thani, yesterday, October 19. The central plain province was one of five affected by the flooding yesterday. The flash flood struck the mountainous region of Ban Rai around 8pm, just hours after the downpour began. The water levels…
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Monk kills village headman in Khon Kaen temple dispute
A monk’s anger over being warned about drinking alcohol led to a fatal incident at a temple in Khon Kaen. The tragic event unfolded when a village headman was attacked with an axe, resulting in his death. Police in Khon Kaen, led by Theerathat Phongsuwan and Surachet Matnok, detained 66 year old Phra Ken following the incident. The attack occurred…
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Thai man arrested for blackmailing boy with nude photos
Thai police arrested a man accused of coercing a 12 year old boy into sending nude photos and subsequently blackmailing him for money. The boy’s father reported the incident after noticing his son’s distress. Yesterday, October 19, police officials in Chiang Mai apprehended 32 year old Pitsanu Jongjitklang, on charges of extortion and fraudulent use of a computer system to…
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Chemical leak forces evacuation after Prachin Buri factory explosion
A factory explosion in Prachin Buri‘s Sri Maha Pho district led to a significant chemical leak, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of residents. The incident occurred at the HSMT New Material Technology (Thailand) Co factory yesterday, releasing a large amount of chemical fumes and prompting nearly 200 locals to leave their homes. Elderly residents were among those relocated to a…
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Demand for new N3 lottery tickets remains high despite outlet scarcity
Consumer demand for the government’s three-digit lottery tickets remains strong, despite difficulties in locating lottery stores, according to the Finance Ministry. Plans are underway to open additional lottery shops to better serve the public. The popularity of the N3 lottery continues to grow, as observed yesterday, October 19, in Mueang district, Nakhon Ratchasima. Several lottery shops saw a steady stream…
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State banks to register 10,000-baht handout for non-smartphone users in November
The government will soon allow individuals without smartphones to register for the 10,000-baht handout scheme at state banks, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat announced. Julapun noted yesterday, October 19, that the initial phase of the cash handout scheme, targeting 14.5 million vulnerable people, has effectively boosted economic activity and money circulation nationwide. For those in vulnerable groups lacking smartphones, registration…
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Nearly 20% of Thai teens at risk of self-harm, warns DMH
Almost 20% of Thai teenagers face the risk of self-harm, according to the Department of Mental Health (DMH). This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need to prioritise mental health issues among the youth, experts suggest. DMH director Kittisak Aksornwong revealed on October 18 that 503,884 teenagers aged 18 and under have registered on the Department’s Mental Health Check-in application from…
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National parks revenue soars 50%, reaching 2.2 billion baht
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) reported a significant increase in income, reaching 2.2 billion baht in the fiscal year 2024, marking a nearly 50% rise. Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi in Krabi emerged as the top revenue generator, contributing 629 million baht (US$19 million). Khao Yai in Nakhon Ratchasima was noted as the most…
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Burmese worker found murdered near Phetchabun monastery
The body of a Burmese worker was found with severe injuries, including a slashed throat, facial skin removed, an ear cut off, and burn marks around the mouth, dumped by the roadside near a monastery in Phetchabun province. Police are investigating coworkers after the man went missing yesterday. Police officers and medical examiners arrived at the scene near the construction…
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State workers lose 18 million baht in iCon Group scam
Two state enterprise employees have come forward as victims of The iCon Group scam, having lost a total of 18 million baht. The state workers, along with 102 others, have filed complaints with the police. The workers, 49 year old Pitipat and 32 year old Piromna presented evidence of money transfers and related documents to the investigators. Their ordeal began…
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Two students injured in Samut Songkhram ice truck wheel accident
Two female students were injured when the rear wheel of a 10-wheel ice truck detached and collided with their motorcycle, causing them to fall and sustain bruises. CCTV footage captured the incident, which occurred yesterday, October 18, on Ekachai Road in front of Samut Songkhram Technical College. The accident was reported to the police by Niphat Kosakul, Deputy Inspector of…
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Double tax deductions to boost northern Thailand tourism
The Ministry of Finance is planning to introduce measures under the Thai Travel Continues campaign to boost tourism in flood-affected areas in northern Thailand. The initiative will offer double tax deductions for two groups: individuals and companies holding seminars in the disaster-stricken regions. Finance Deputy Minister Julapun Amornwiwat announced that the Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the Ministry of…
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New king cobra species discovered in Thailand (video)
New research has revealed four distinct species of king cobra, including a new variant found in Thailand. Nirut Chamngam, the head of the Herpetology Group, shared this discovery on social media, explaining the differences and implications of these findings. Nirut Chamngam, an expert in snakes and reptiles, posted on Facebook about a new species of king cobra. He clarified that…
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Thailand’s Koh Chang is world’s second-best tropical destination
Thailand celebrates as Koh Chang is named second-best tropical holiday destination in the world by Travel + Leisure. The announcement was made by Neramit Songsang, head of the Mu Ko Chang National Park in Trat province. Koh Chang, often referred to as the Gem of the Gulf of Thailand, achieved this prestigious ranking alongside other notable destinations in Southeast Asia,…
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GHB to launch loan app offering 8,000 to 1 million baht loans
The Government Housing Bank (GHB) is set to launch an application-based loan service aimed at small businesses, offering loans ranging from 8,000 to 1 million baht, with interest rates as determined by the Bank of Thailand (BoT). The Director of GHB, Withai Rattanakorn, announced that by next year, the bank targets to accelerate plans to enhance social support and long-term…
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Public CNG bus safety inspections launched by DLT
The Department of Land Transport (DLT) has initiated a comprehensive vehicle safety inspection for all public buses running on compressed natural gas (CNG). The inspections aim to bolster safety measures and boost passenger confidence. This mandatory inspection campaign will run until November 30. The DLT reported that 1,331 out of the total 13,426 CNG-powered buses nationwide have been inspected. Findings…
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Rare Malayan tapir spotted near Thai-Malaysian border
A rare sighting of a Malayan tapir near the Thai-Malaysian border in Narathiwat province has caught the attention of Thai officials from the Hala-Bala Wildlife Sanctuary. Local villagers alerted officials yesterday, October 18, after spotting the tapir on October 16 at around 7pm, feeding on fallen rambutans for about an hour before retreating towards the border. Residents in the Waeng…
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Australian driver crashes into Nong Prue drugstore after drinking
An Australian man driving a pickup truck crashed into a drugstore at 4.30am this morning in Nong Prue, near Pattaya, resulting in significant damage. Police Lieutenant Apinan Srithongrungthip, Deputy Inspector (Investigation) of the Bang Lamung Police Station, reported that the incident took place in front of the Sukun Piem drugstore on Soi Khao Talo. Officers arrived at the scene to…
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EC investigates Pheu Thai Party, dissolution probable
The Election Commission (EC) has commenced an investigation into the ruling Pheu Thai Party, which could potentially lead to its dissolution, as reported by multiple local media outlets yesterday, October 18. The EC has formed a committee to examine complaints alleging that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been exerting influence or directing party activities. This information was shared by…
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Chiang Rai flood recovery 96% complete, set to finish by Monday
Post-flood recovery efforts in Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district are nearing completion, according to the government’s operation centre for flood, storm, and landslide victims. Officials stated yesterday, October 18, that all affected communities should see the recovery work finalised by Monday as scheduled. Jirayu Huangsab, a spokesperson for the centre, provided an update from the forward command in Chiang Rai,…
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Ex-police chief accuses lawyer and dead cop of extortion
A former chief of police in the southern province of Songkhla filed a lawsuit against a lawyer and a dead cop for extorting more than 10 million baht from him and another police officer in August 2018 and April 2019. The former superintendent of a local police station in Songkhla, Police Colonel Surapong Kittithirangkul, complained to the lawyer, identified as Ch.,…
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Knife-wielding man shot during Kathu standoff
A violent confrontation in Kathu escalated dramatically last night, October 17, when police were forced to shoot a 28 year old Thai man after a taser failed to stop his knife-wielding rampage. Naruphan Sosaphan, reportedly in a delirious state, charged at officers with a blade after they responded to calls about his erratic behaviour. The chaotic scene unfolded around 10pm…
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Thailand’s drought and pests slash coconut yields, prices soar
The Agriculture Ministry revealed that the country’s mature coconut yield is expected to plummet to just 0.86 million tonnes this year, a sharp drop from last year’s 0.94 million tonnes. Blame it on a double whammy of prolonged drought and pesky infestations ravaging the country’s coconut trees. The knock-on effect is already being felt in the markets. Commerce Minister Pichai…
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Rubbed the wrong way: New hire turns thief at Phuket massage shop
An owner of a massage shop in the Patong area of Phuket offered a job to an unemployed woman, who later turned thief and stole money and valuables from the shop on her second day of work. The owner took to social media to issue a warning to other shops and expose the thieving behaviour of her former employee. She…
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Thai fugitive’s train escape ends with Kathu condo arrest
A daring train escape in Nakhon Si Thammarat ended in the capture of a fugitive in Phuket. On the run after fleeing police custody, the fugitive, identified as Ekkachai, was finally nabbed at a swanky condo on Tuesday, October 15, bringing a thrilling two-week manhunt to a close. Ekkachai, originally detained on five arrest warrants for property crimes in Hat…
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Patong: Passenger falls from motorcycle taxi after seizure
A passenger on a motorcycle taxi in Patong was thrown from the vehicle after suffering an epileptic seizure this morning. The incident, which occurred at approximately 10am behind the Kasikornbank branch on Prachanukroh Road, sent shockwaves through the bustling streets. According to local police, officers Police Lieutenant Sanit Aiyasuwan and Pol. Lt. Kamthon Kowaitchaet rushed to the scene after receiving…
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12 year old Thai boy rescued after escaping abuse by aunt
Police rescued a 12 year old Thai boy who fled his home in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, after being brutally abused by his aunt. He also sought help for his 14 year old sister. The 45 year old Thai woman, Wanpen Chaimart, filed a missing person report at Sai Noi Police Station on Tuesday, October 15, at 7.37pm, stating that…
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Thai food vendor killed, taxi driver injured in multiple vehicle crash
A multiple vehicle crash on the bridge over Pracharath Intersection in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, resulted in the death of a Thai food vendor and the severe injury of a taxi driver yesterday, October 17. Officers from Mueang Nonthaburi Police Station and the Poh Teck Tung Foundation rushed to the scene of the accident on the bridge to assist the…
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Khon Kaen’s stunning boat festival draws crowds to Phong River
Khon Kaen province hosted a grand boat-floating festival on the Phong River, attracting a large number of local and international tourists. Sila Municipality Mayor Pairat Thaveewan aims to elevate this event to an annual provincial celebration, showcasing beautifully crafted boats by local artisans. The event started at 8.30pm yesterday, October 17, at Wat Tha Rat, Ban Dong Phong, Sila subdistrict,…
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