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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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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Severe cold hits Thailand’s north as south braces for storms
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning of severe cold weather in the north and northeast, with frost expected on mountaintops. Meanwhile, eight provinces in the south are bracing for thunderstorms, as the country experiences varying weather patterns. The high-pressure system or cold air mass, persists over the upper part of Thailand and the northern part of the…
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Bangkok lowers speed limit to 60 km/h in bid to reduce road accidents
The Royal Gazette published an announcement today, December 24, regarding a new regulation on speed limits within Bangkok, which reduces the speed of vehicles on all roads in the city to 60 kilometres per hour (kp/h), except on 13 specific roads. The Royal Gazette released details on its official website today regarding the new speed limit and noise prohibitions in…
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Thai couple dead in murder-suicide over jealousy of ex-husband
A Thai man fatally shot his wife before taking his own life at their shared home in Soi Lat Phrao 87 in the Wang Thong Lang district of Bangkok yesterday, December 23, in an act of jealousy over her ex-husband. Officers from the Chok Chai Police Station were called to the scene to investigate the deaths of the couple, identified…
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Teeing off diplomacy: Thailand celebrates 50 years with China
Thailand rolled out the green carpet in Pattaya for over 300 Chinese golf enthusiasts, blending sport and diplomacy in a high-profile event. The Amazing Thailand Golf Paradise 2024, held on December 19 at Siam Country Club Waterside and Rolling Hills, marked the 50th anniversary of Thai-China diplomatic relations with a swing and a celebration. Under Thailand’s specialised golf package tours,…
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Phuket’s Nai Harn Lake revamp set for February completion
A significant 66-million-baht development project is currently transforming Nai Harn Lake in Phuket, with a completion target set for early February, according to local officials. The project, overseen by the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), aims to enhance the lake’s surroundings with a new bike path and landscaping improvements. The initiative covers a stretch of 1,973 metres and includes the…
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‘Sober up or pay’: Thai govt cracks down on festive driving chaos
The Thai government is on a mission to curb the deadly spike in road accidents during new year celebrations with its Don’t Drink and Drive, Get Home Safely campaign. But will it be enough to tackle a cocktail of cultural habits, weak enforcement, and limited transport options? The initiative aims to save lives during the holiday season, notorious for a…
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Poll reveals what’s draining happiness from the Land of Smiles
It seems 2024 has been a tough year for many in Thailand, and despite its moniker, the Land of Smiles, not many are feeling the joy as economic woes, political turmoil, and cybercrime topped the list of frustrations in a new poll by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA). The annual survey, titled What Have You Been Tired of…
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Festive crackdown: Car decked with lights halted in Bangkok
A festive spectacle on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road through Bangkok captured the attention of many, including that of law enforcement, as a car adorned with reindeer antlers, a red nose, and twinkling Christmas lights drove along the busy street. The driver, 29 year old Supattha, admitted to officers that he decorated his vehicle in collaboration with friends to attract more passengers…
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Tattoo artist threatens client after dispute in Lat Phrao, Bangkok
A tattoo session in the Lat Phrao area of Bangkok took an unexpected turn when a woman found herself dissatisfied with the artwork she received. Although she was refunded 1,000 baht, the situation escalated as the tattoo artist allegedly began harassing her through chat messages, threatening harm, and urging her to relocate. This incident quickly gained traction online after being…
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Defence Council approves plan to downsize RTA and cut costs
The Thai Defence Council has approved a significant white paper, marking a strategic shift to downsize the Royal Thai Army (RTA) and cut back on weapon expenses. This decision, made during the council’s final meeting of the year, aligns with the strategic plan for 2026 to 2037, which Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai presented to set the…
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Missing 11 year old Thai girl found after alleged abduction by father
Yesterday, December 23, police located an 11 year old girl after her aunt filed a complaint alleging that she was kidnapped by her father from Bangkok to the central province of Chachoengsao. However, the father claimed that his daughter willingly went with him. A Thai woman, identified as Na, complained to Romklao Police Station, reporting that her 11 year old niece…
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Royal milestone: Thai king celebrates with ceremony on January 14
The Thai government has scheduled a royal ceremony for Tuesday, January 14 to commemorate a significant milestone for His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua. On this date, the current Thai king will have lived as long as King Rama I, the founder of the Chakri dynasty. Rama I, known formally as Phra Bat Somdet Phra Phutthayotfa Chulalok Maharat, passed…
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Thai man fatally attacks wife in alleged menstrual blood prank
A Thai man fatally attacked his wife in a rice field in the Isaan province of Ubon Ratchathani on Sunday, 22 December, claiming she pranked him by rubbing menstrual blood on his mouth. The deceased woman’s relative expressed doubt about his account. The 35 year old Thai man, Phanumart Manee-on, surrendered himself to officers at Khueang Nai Police Station following the…
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Man arrested for defrauding tourists in Maharaj café scam
A man posing as the owner of a popular café in the Maharaj area has been arrested after deceiving a group of Chinese tourists before fleeing with their money. The suspect, 55 year old Kritsana, was apprehended by police in a fraud case, having a notorious history of similar offences. His arrest follows an incident involving eight hearing-impaired Chinese tourists…
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Cholera claims three lives, infects 450 near Thai-Myanmar border
Cholera has claimed three lives and left around 450 people infected in the Myanmar region bordering Mae Sot district in Tak province. Officals have issued warnings for increased vigilance regarding hygiene and food preparation to prevent further outbreaks. Cholera, a severe diarrhoeal disease, has caused significant health concerns in the area, with the first reports coming from the Myanmar side.…
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Illegal health products worth 220 million baht destroyed
Police have taken a significant step in the fight against illegal health products, destroying over 38,880 kilograms of unlicensed items worth more than 220 million baht (US$6.4 million). The operation, conducted at Bangpoo Industrial Estate, Samut Prakan, involved burning illicit drugs, food, cosmetics, and medical equipment. At 10am yesterday, December 23, the collaborative effort was led by senior officials from…
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Innocent Thai couple killed in shooting by military volunteer
A member of the Volunteer Defence Corps (VDC) opened fire at a restaurant in the southern province of Songkhla, killing an innocent Thai couple who were celebrating their son’s birthday. The shooting occurred at a restaurant on Nuan Kaew Uthit Road in the Hat Yai district of Songkhla on the night of Sunday, December 22. The two victims, 48 year…
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Man dies as pickup truck plunges into Pasak River after collision
A 38 year old man tragically lost his life after his pickup truck plunged into the Pasak River, following multiple collisions with a barrier. Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing moments as efforts to rescue the driver proved unsuccessful. At 7.30pm yesterday, December 23, police received a report of a pickup truck veering off course, crashing into a barrier at a U-turn…
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Chon Buri pyramid scheme fraud costs victims 40 million baht
More than 30 victims have reported a significant fraud involving a pyramid scheme after being deceived by a group leader known as Mae May. The victims, who have suffered a total loss of 40 million baht (US$1.17 million), gathered to file complaints at Saensuk Police Station, Chon Buri, yesterday, December 23. The fraudulent activities have left many individuals in financial…
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Gold scam: Thai police and bank recover 1.8 million baht for victim
Police in Thailand have successfully collaborated with a bank to freeze and recover more than 1.8 million baht for a victim of an online gold trading scam. The victim had been deceived into making over 15 transactions. The incident unfolded when Phumiphat Phattharasriwongchai, from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, along with his team, financial institution officials, and police officers, managed…
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School gardener arrested in Sukhothai for selling illicit videos
A cybercrime investigation led to the arrest of a school gardener who allegedly ran a secret group selling illicit footage of women and students. This operation reportedly generated a significant income over two years, accumulating upwards of 120,000 baht. The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) held a press conference in Muang Thong Thani at 12pm yesterday, December 23, where senior…
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Peeping Tom: Khon Kaen woman filmed in restaurant restroom
A woman in Khon Kaen recently reported an unsettling incident at a local restaurant where she was secretly filmed while using the restroom. Despite the offender’s confession, the evidence was deleted, leaving local police unable to take legal action. The incident occurred in the early hours of yesterday, December 23, prompting the victim to post a warning on social media…
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Drunk Thai man crashes car, killing police and 4 year old boy
A 75 year old drunk man crashed his vehicle into a crowd outside a school in the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima yesterday, December 23, killing a traffic police officer and a four year old schoolboy and injuring more than nine others. The fatal accident occurred at about 4.15pm yesterday outside Ban Don Kwang School on Phet Ma Tu Kla…
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Thai government to launch digital wallet phase three with 10000 baht aid
The Thai government has announced the next phase of its digital wallet initiative, providing 10,000 baht to eligible citizens. This initiative, aimed at bolstering the economy, will not be distributed in cash but through a digital wallet system. The Deputy Minister of Finance, Paophum Rojanasakul, recently stated that the proposal for this distribution would be presented to the Cabinet today,…
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Thailand video news | Remembering the 2004 Phuket Tsunami: A tragic turning point, Ho Chi Minh City opens first metro line after 12-year delay
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jay bring a diverse array of stories from Thailand and Southeast Asia. Highlights include the festive chaos aboard the inaugural Surat-Bangkok flight that ran out of alcohol mid-air, sparking laughter and camaraderie among passengers. Meanwhile, a Thai AirAsia flight’s viral video reignited debates on in-flight etiquette. In Chonburi, a mysterious death raises questions,…
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Tsunami guardian: How one man guards Thailand from the waves (video)
Nearly 20 years after the devastating Boxing Day tsunami, one man in Phang Nga province has become a beacon of hope and safety for his community. Meet 59 year old Banlue Choosin, a former fisherman turned guardian of the Andaman Sea. Ban Nam Khem village, where Banlue lives, was one of the hardest-hit areas in the 2004 disaster, which claimed a…
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Husband strangles wife to death in Phuket tragedy
A tragic incident unfolded when a husband strangled his wife to death in their rented home in Pa Khlok, Thalang district, Phuket. Colleagues of the victim expressed sorrow, revealing that she had recently mentioned feeling relieved after her husband had moved out with his belongings. However, he returned and committed the heinous act early this morning, December 24, at 5.05am.…
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Phetchabun: Big bike stunt sparks online backlash (video)
A young motorcyclist’s daring stunt on a big bike in Phetchabun province has captured widespread attention on social media. The footage, showing him riding with one foot on the seat and one hand off the handlebar, sparked significant online criticism. The individual involved admitted to the act, claiming ignorance of the potential consequences. The afternoon of the same day saw…
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Thailand to revise minimum wage across provinces from January
Thailand is set to implement a new minimum wage structure across its 77 provinces from January 1, 2025. The decision was made following an extensive meeting led by Boonsong Thapchaiyuth, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour. The meeting, which took place yesterday, December 23 and lasted over five hours, resulted in a unanimous agreement on the new wage rates,…
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Pattaya crackdown: over 50 arrested in major anti-drug operation
Police in Pattaya have executed a large-scale operation resulting in the arrest of over 50 individuals as part of a concerted effort to combat drug use and criminal activity in the Jomtien area. The operation, named Parasite Clean-up Part 2, was led by Police Major General Thawatchakrit Jindakwanasong, Chief of Chon Buri Provincial Police, and took place in the early…
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