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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Buriram man caught with stolen motorcycle and drugs
A 22 year old man has been apprehended for stealing a motorcycle from residents in Buriram, intending to impress a girlfriend. The police, upon investigation, discovered drugs and stolen money with him. The suspect is now in custody. Today, July 13, Police Lieutenant Colonel Theerapong Phonarin, an investigator at Baan Dan Police Station in Baan Dan district, Buriram province, received…
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Thai fraudster caught posing as electricity official on Koh Samui
A former employee posing as an electricity authority official was apprehended on charges of defrauding a Russian businessman on Koh Samui by falsely claiming overdue electricity bills would lead to power disconnection. The suspect confessed to multiple offences on the island. Today, July 13, Police Colonel Den Duang Thongsrisuk of Bo Phut Police Station in Koh Samui, Surat Thani province,…
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Thai soldiers intercept illegal entrants from Cambodia
Yesterday, July 12, Thai military personnel discovered two people, a man and a woman, entering Thailand from Cambodia through an illicit route. They were found without passports and had reportedly been working in Poipet, Cambodia, under false pretenses. The pair, who were suspected of illegal entry, were intercepted by soldiers from the Burapha Force and the 1201st Ranger Company along…
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Thai man attempts self-poisoning at border over 10000 baht fine
A Thai man, having spent a year in Cambodia, attempted to poison himself at the Poipet immigration checkpoint due to an inability to pay the border crossing fine. The incident occurred on July 11, when 40 year old Thanawat from Pathum Thani drank bathroom cleaner at the Poipet immigration office. The Cambodian official immediately coordinated his return to Thailand for…
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Luxury watch worth 5.65 million baht stolen in Bangkok scam
A high-end luxury watch valued at 5.65 million baht was reportedly stolen after a man expressed interest in purchasing it but failed to transfer the payment. The incident was reported today, July 13, at a renowned parcel delivery service located in Soi Lat Phrao 101, Bangkok, where the seller had placed the watch for pickup. Police Major Ekpote Manee from…
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Bangkok launches Sukhumvit Model to improve safety and public order
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has introduced the Sukhumvit Model, a project designed to enhance safety, public order, and the quality of life along Sukhumvit Road. Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt conducted an inspection of the area on the night of July 10, accompanied by deputy governor Wisanu Subsompon, Deputy Interior Minister Theerarat Samrejvanich, and other senior officials. The inspection covered…
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Cyclist saved by locals after seizure collapse in Lop Buri
Locals promptly administered CPR to a cyclist around 50 years old after he lost consciousness from a seizure while riding in Lop Buri province yesterday morning, July 12. He has since been reported as stable at Phra Narai Maharaj Hospital. The incident took place at 8.53am on Lop Buri-Wang Muang Road in tambon Nikhom Sang Ton Eng, Mueang district. Hospital rescue workers and…
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Lifeguard rescues French children from rip current at Kata Beach (video)
A lifeguard at Kata Beach in Phuket rescued two French children using a surfboard after they were carried out to sea by a strong rip current and were unable to swim back to the shore. Despite red flags being present to alert tourists to avoid entering the water due to rough conditions, the incident still took place. The rescue, occurring…
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Heavy rainfall warning issued for 32 Thai provinces
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued its sixth warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall across 32 provinces in Thailand, urging caution against potential flash floods and forest runoff. Today, July 13, the TMD forecasts heavy rain in parts of the north, northeast, central, east, and south regions of the country. Residents, especially in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai,…
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Samut Prakan journalist attacked probing hit-and-run
A local journalist filed a complaint against a 32 year old man for assault following an incident yesterday in Phra Samut Chedi district, Samut Prakan province. Sarawut Wanya, a 41 year old reporter, alleged that a man named Sahachart punched him in the face at the latter’s residence while Sarawut was pursuing a hit-and-run investigation yesterday, July 11. The incident…
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Ayutthaya abbot scammed, loses 120k baht to call centre gang
A prominent abbot from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province admitted to being deceived by a call centre gang, leading to a personal indiscretion which he later regretted. At Wat Chang Lek in Bang Sai district, locals gathered to support the abbot, Prakhru Pratheep Watcharaporn, who is also the district head monk of Ban Klueng. Prakhru Suwat Bunyoophas, the district head…
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UNESCO: Thailand primed to lead ASEAN AI revolution
Computing capabilities, data interoperability, and policy harmonisation are essential elements of ASEAN regional collaboration in developing artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, according to UNESCO. The organisation emphasises Thailand’s potential to position itself as a strategic hub for AI capacity building, strengthening its leadership in Southeast Asia’s digital future. Thailand recently hosted the UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of AI, marking…
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Thailand launches first local cancer therapy pill
Thailand has introduced its first domestically created targeted therapy pill for cancer treatment, named Imcranib 100. This development is attributed to the scientific vision and leadership of Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Krom Phra Srisavangavadhana. Targeted therapy represents a modern approach to cancer treatment, concentrating on attacking specific cancer cells while preserving healthy cells. This method helps to minimise the…
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Chon Buri duo nabbed in midnight aluminium theft
Two desperate men armed with hammers and a beat-up motorbike were caught red-handed slicing aluminium in a Chon Buri backstreet—fuelled by poverty and the urge to feed their families. In the early hours of yesterday, July 11, Bang Lamung Police Station officers swooped on a quiet lane near Soi Sukhumvit-Pattaya 79 after concerned residents reported suspicious activity. Led by Police…
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Thai Airways taps ECS group for Swiss cargo takeover
Thai Airways is gearing up for a major cargo push in Europe, handing the reins of its Swiss freight operations to Globe Air Cargo in a move set to shake up the market. Globe Air Cargo Switzerland, a subsidiary of the logistics heavyweight ECS Group, has secured an exclusive deal to become the general sales and service agent (GSSA) for…
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Thai student numbers plummet in Korea as foreign arrivals surge
In a surprising twist to South Korea’s booming foreign arrivals, the number of Thai students and trainees has nosedived—raising eyebrows as other nationalities flock in record numbers. New figures from Statistics Korea have revealed that in 2024, only 21,000 Thai nationals entered South Korea on student and training visas, a steep 40% drop from the previous year. This decline bucks…
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Runaway pig sparks traffic chaos on Rama II road (video)
Motorists on one of Bangkok’s busiest highways were left gobsmacked when a pig decided to take a leisurely stroll across multiple lanes—sparking a traffic jam worthy of a comedy sketch. Rama II Road turned into an unlikely pig pen yesterday, July 11, after a fully grown pig was spotted calmly wandering among fast-moving vehicles. The surreal spectacle was caught on…
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Drug-fuelled horror: Man slashes own throat in Phuket meltdown
A Phuket man is fighting for his life after he slit his own throat in a terrifying episode believed to be triggered by a drug-induced hallucination—leaving his family too traumatised to visit him in hospital. Thalang Police confirmed that emergency services rushed to a shed near Wat Manik, in Village 7, Srisoonthorn, at about 1.30pm on Thursday, July 10, following…
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Teen motorcyclist dies in crash with truck near Bangkok University
A 17 year old motorcyclist collided with a 10-wheel truck, resulting in his death on Phahonyothin Road’s inbound express lane near Bangkok University, Pathum Thani province. The incident, which occurred at 2am today, July 12, also left four others injured, including two good Samaritans. Police Lieutenant Anusorn Wiangsima, deputy inspector of Khlong Luang Police Station, responded to the multi-vehicle collision.…
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Teen biker caught with homemade gun in Pattaya gang bust
A late-night gathering turned into a high-stakes bust when Pattaya police swooped on a park full of youths—only to discover one teenager armed to the teeth and ready for a gang clash. At around 3am today, July 12, Pattaya City Police received urgent reports from worried residents about a large group of young people causing a commotion near the Meteorological…
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Heavy rain and thunderstorms trigger flood warning in Thailand
The Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather warning for today, predicting thunderstorms and heavy rain across 48 provinces in Thailand, including Bangkok. Residents in 15 provinces are cautioned about potential flash floods and runoff due to the inclement weather. These warnings stem from a monsoon trough affecting the upper northern and northeastern regions of Thailand, as well as parts…
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Cambodian activist seeks Thai asylum after criticising government
A 37 year old Cambodian activist has sought refuge in Thailand, fearing for his safety after criticising the Cambodian government and military. Em Piseth, leader of the Cambodian International Youth Network in Thailand, is being pursued by Cambodian police following a social media video mocking soldiers. The video, drawing on information from a former soldier and associate, suggested that troops…
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Long-lost ‘Forest sea star’ plant stuns scientists in Thailand
A rare plant thought to have vanished from the face of the Earth has emerged like a botanical ghost, shocking scientists with its return after more than a century in hiding deep within Thailand’s rainforests. Botanists worldwide are celebrating the extraordinary rediscovery of Heterostemma brownii Hayata, also known as the Forest Sea Star. Part of the milkweed family (Apocynaceae), this…
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Home lottery bonanza: 5,000 cheap Thai homes up for grabs
The Ministry of Transport has announced plans to launch a lottery system to allocate the first phase of 5,000 affordable housing units under the ambitious Home for Thais scheme. If approved, the project will see residents moving into their new homes by late 2026. Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote revealed that following the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding…
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Thai mother fatally struck by son’s car while making merit
A Thai man fatally struck his mother with his car in the Isaan province of Udon Thani, claiming he accidentally stepped on the accelerator while she was waiting to offer food to monks. Officers from Nonsung Police Station were alerted to the fatal accident on this morning, July 11, and arrived at the scene with rescuers from the Udon Sawang…
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US deadline looms: Thailand races to avert tariff pain
Thailand is racing against the clock to defuse a trade crisis after Washington dropped a bombshell 36% tariff on Thai exports, forcing Bangkok to scramble for last-minute concessions and emergency bailouts before the deadline hits. The United States has given Thailand until August 1 to finalise trade proposals under its tough new Reciprocal Tariff policy. The Thai government confirmed it…
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Rail deal steams ahead: China’s bullet trains go full Belt and Road (video)
China is hitting top speed with its global bullet train rail ambitions and Thailand is firmly on track to play a key part. Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing vowed this week to ramp up international high-speed rail links as part of Beijing’s sprawling Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), promising “hard connectivity” through mega-projects and “soft connectivity” via shared standards and rules.…
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Thai woman injured after turning on modified radio in Roi Et
A Thai woman nearly lost her left hand after switching on a radio that was abandoned in a small hut in a rice field in the northeastern province of Roi Et, after the device exploded when she switched it on. Similar incidents were previously reported in Lop Buri province in central Thailand. Local police officers and administrative officials rushed to…
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Stabbed in his tracks: Thai madman stabs grandfather on bus
A mentally disturbed man stabbed his grandfather to death in broad daylight aboard a packed intercity bus in northeastern Thailand, the latest in a bloody string of knife attacks sweeping the country. The horrific killing unfolded today, July 11, as passengers travelled on a Nakhon Phanom–Ban Phaeng service through the Ban Pak Thuai area of Tambon Wen Phrabat, Tha Uthen…
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Illegal logging racket busted in South Thailand
Underwater rescue teams from the Rom Sai Rescue Foundation in Satun province uncovered an illegal logging operation yesterday. Acting on a tip-off, they discovered submerged timber in Ban Thung Mai, Nam Phut subdistrict, La-ngu district, strategically hidden to evade detection. Although only remnants of the timber were found, the concealment was sophisticated. Previously, officials were alerted to illegal logging in…
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