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 Top 10 reasons for expats to get a comprehensive health insurance in Thailand
Moving to Thailand offers a prospect full of excitement and adventure, but in the same vein, if any injuries were to occur (and god forbid it does), the local healthcare system can be confusing at first glance for many expats...
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2 Canadian men found supplying drugs to Phuket music festival goers
Phuket police officers discovered that the two Canadian men, who fled a police checkpoint claiming to escape from a physical assault, had been offering drugs to partygoers at the Electric Daisy Carnival Thailand 2025 (EDC Thailand 2025) music festival. Officers from Karon Police Station stopped the two Canadian men, travelling in a black Ford Raptor pickup, on Patak Road on…
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Toxic air crisis: 70 provinces choked by dangerous dust levels
Thailand woke up to alarming air quality today, with ultrafine dust particles (PM2.5) reaching hazardous levels in 70 of 77 provinces, and Greater Bangkok bearing the brunt of the toxic haze. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) revealed that PM2.5 levels surged into the red, or hazardous-to-health, zone in 27 provinces, primarily in central Thailand. At 7am, Samut…
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Burglar captured on CCTV breaking into Samut Prakan clinic (video)
A TikTok user, @doctor_on_thegreen, shared CCTV footage revealing a burglary at their clinic. The incident occurred on January 6 at approximately 9.04pm when a man, concealing his face with a black cap, broke into the clinic using a metal bar. Despite the clinic being located on the busy Srinakarin Road and well-lit inside and out, the assailant showed no concern…
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Three million Thai elderly to receive 10,000 baht cash handout
Approximately three million elderly people are set to receive 10,000 baht (US$293) each as part of the second phase of the government’s cash handout initiative, according to Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul. Paopoom indicated that a recent review identified 3.04 million elderly people 60 years old and over as eligible for the scheme. However, it is estimated that around 20,000…
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Thai thief poses as jogger to steal over 1 million baht from luxury home
A thief posed as a resident of a luxury village in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok and pretended to jog around the community before breaking into a home and stealing over 1 million baht in cash and valuables. The 30 year old homeowner, Kanin Kosonwittayanan, contacted officers from Rattanathibet Police Station to investigate the theft at his home on the afternoon…
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Driver cheats death after terrifying Pattaya motorway smash
A 55 year old man miraculously escaped a serious accident after his car smashed into a power pole near Pattaya, leaving the vehicle mangled and the pole precariously tilted. The dramatic crash occurred on Sunday, January 19 along the parallel road of Motorway Route 7, at Kilometre 111 in Takiantia, Bang Lamung. Jakkrit Ruenarun, the driver of a grey Chevrolet…
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Cyber police arrest Suphan Buri woman for call centre scam
Cyber police arrested a 32 year old woman from Suphan Buri for her involvement with a call centre scam that targeted a grandmother and her grandson. The scam involved luring victims across the border to Poipet for facial scans, with around 30 people being deceived each month. Yesterday, January 20, Police Lieutenant General Trirong Phiwpan, Commissioner of the Cyber Crime…
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Pink dholes with rare colour spotted in Thailand
In a stunning discovery that has wildlife enthusiasts buzzing, rare images of dholes with pinkish fur have emerged from Thailand’s Kaeng Krachan National Park. A dhole (pronounced dole) is also known as the Asiatic wild dog, red dog, and whistling dog. It is about the size of a German shepherd but looks more like a long-legged fox. The unusual find…
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Inmate escapes Chumphon prison, manhunt underway
An inmate serving a prison term for a drug-related offence has escaped from Huai Klung temporary prison in Wang Tako subdistrict, Lang Suan district, Chumphon province, sparking a search operation. The escape occurred around 3pm, yesterday, January 20, and seven hours later, the fugitive remains at large. Prison officials, alongside police from the Lang Suan Police Station, have mobilised to…
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Thai man loses 70,000 baht after scammers use fake ID to access his credit card
A Thai man lost nearly 70,000 baht from his credit card balance after a scammer created a fake ID card, gained access to his mobile phone number, and accessed his credit card. The 37 year old oil exploration worker in Bangkok, Kittinat, gathered evidence and sought assistance from the Foundation Campaigning to Reclaim Social Justice after suffering the 70,000-baht loss.…
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Thai FDA warns against unapproved smart devices for blood sugar
The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning against the use of Smartwatches and Smart rings for blood sugar monitoring, as the devices have not been approved and pose potential health risks. Leutchai Lerwut, the FDA’s Deputy Secretary-General, highlighted concerns that some Smartwatches and rings on the market claim to measure blood sugar levels using medical software. However,…
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Two arrested for illegal loans after vendor’s tragic suicide
Police Region 4 apprehended two men for providing illegal loans with exorbitant interest rates, following the suicide of a fish vendor overwhelmed by debt. The suspects confessed to charging interest rates of 60% monthly. Yesterday, January 20, Police Lieutenant General Chatchai Surachetphong, commanded Police Major General Poomiphat Patrasriwongchai, Police Colonel Kraithong Chaising, and their investigation teams to arrest 24 year…
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Gold rush: Daylight thief strikes Phitsanulok market
A thief snatched a gold necklace weighing 2 baht from a 65 year old shop owner in broad daylight at a market in the Phitsanulok province. The suspect fled on a motorcycle, prompting police to launch an urgent search for the thief. The incident took place at the front of First Boutique, located at 109/103 Village 7, Bang Rakam subdistrict,…
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Thai school director accused of raping colleague in car
A Thai woman accused the director of a school in the central province of Prachin Buri of raping her in his car on December 23 last year in Nakhon Nayok. She claims to have the suspect’s semen as evidence. The 29 year old victim, who works as administrative staff at a primary school in Nakhon Nayok, shared her story with news…
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Thai embassies gear up for global same-sex marriage registration
Thai embassies and consulates around the world are prepared to kick off same-sex marriage registrations on Thursday, following the Marriage Equality Act’s enactment tomorrow, January 22. From Thursday, January 23, same-sex couples will have the opportunity to register their marriages at any district office across Thailand and Thai embassies and consulates abroad. Karom Ponpornklang, deputy government spokesperson, announced yesterday, January…
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Fiery destruction in Phuket leaves 29 homeless: Safety warning
A fire in Phuket’s Mueang district destroyed six rental homes and left 29 residents in urgent need of temporary shelter. The fire, which broke out yesterday, January 20, prompted the provincial governor to call for increased vigilance during the Chinese New Year festivities. Emergency services, including the Phuket Municipality’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, responded swiftly to the fire…
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Buriram stray cat survives dart attack, raises 10,000 baht for care
A stray cat was found severely injured with a dart embedded in its head in Buriram province. Concerned residents notified rescue services to assist the animal and the public has since raised funds for its medical treatment. Rescue personnel from the Buriram Highway Police were alerted by villagers in Kradueang village, Thanon Hak subdistrict, Nang Rong district, about a stray…
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Rising PM2.5 pollution forces Bangkok schools to close
Schools throughout the capital city were compelled to close due to rising PM2.5 pollutant levels reaching unhealthy thresholds yesterday, January 20. Nong Khaem district experienced particularly high concentrations, measuring 77.8 microgrammes per cubic metre at 12.30pm, significantly surpassing the Pollution Control Department’s 24-hour safe exposure limit of 37.5µg/m³. Consequently, two schools in the district were instructed to close, as stated…
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Thai tea brand launches bird’s nest drink for Chinese tourists
Napit Sasiwimolkul, the marketing director of Suntory Beverage & Food (Thailand) Co., Ltd., highlighted the continued focus on health among consumers. According to Eastern beliefs, particularly in China, bird’s nest is considered to have cooling properties. With Thailand’s tourism sector showing signs of recovery, data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports reveals that 35,545,714 international tourists visited the country…
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Foreign motorcycle rider crashes on dangerous curve in Phuket
A foreign motorcycle rider lost control of the vehicle last night at a curve along Kalim Beach in Phuket, cutting off a Thai man’s car before crashing into a barrier and parked motorcycles. A Thai motorist shared a dash cam video of the accident yesterday, January 20, on Facebook account Mai All Star, with a caption that read… “A foreigner…
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Motorcyclist dies in Chon Buri collision with parked truck
A tragic accident occurred in Chon Buri when a 36 year old woman collided with a parked pickup truck while riding her motorcycle. The accident, which took place on a dimly lit road near the Sattahip Naval Base, resulted in her death at the scene. Rescue volunteers from the Sawang Rojanathammasathan Foundation attempted CPR on the victim, Somboon Chomsiri, but…
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Fire at Phichit biomass plant burns 1,000 tonnes of fuel
A fire broke out at a biomass power plant in Taphan Hin district, Phichit province, engulfing over 1,000 tonnes of compressed fuel. Emergency services, including 15 fire trucks, responded to the incident. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and no injuries have been reported. The facility, operated by Thip Phichit Hybrid Energy Company, started operations on December 24, 2022.…
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Udon Thani man electrocuted during failed cable theft attempt
An attempted theft of high-voltage power cables ended tragically in Udon Thani when a man, believed to be aged between 30 and 40 years old, was electrocuted, causing him to fall from approximately 10 metres. The incident sparked a fire in the nearby grass, which emergency services promptly extinguished. The event occurred near an old petrol station on Nitthayo Road,…
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Thai durians cleared for export to China after contamination checks
Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Itthi Sirilattayakorn recently inspected the export of durians free from Basic Yellow 2 and cadmium contamination at the Nakhon Phanom border checkpoint. Itthi discussed export strategies to China with the Department of Agriculture and relevant agencies. Following Agriculture Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat’s urgent policy on safe, high-quality fruit for domestic consumption and export, efforts to address…
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Boozy alibi: Thai cop blames fatigue after drink driving crash
A Thai police officer in the southern province of Narathiwat, who crashed his car into two motorcycles and claimed exhaustion from work as the cause, had an alcohol level of 213 milligrammes per cent in his system. The accident occurred on the Chanae-Du Song Yo Road in the Chanae district of Narathiwat at around 5.12am on Saturday, January 18. Security…
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Thailand to rethink visa-free policy for Chinese citizens: Senate
The Senate has urged the Government of Thailand to reconsider its visa-free policy for Chinese citizens, expressing concerns that Thailand may become a centre for criminal activities. Senator Wanchai Ekpornpichit raised these issues during a recent Senate meeting led by Speaker Mongkol Surasajja. Wanchai pointed out that the policy, initially designed to boost tourism, has been misused by criminal groups.…
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Preschool teacher in Sisaket accused of husband’s murder
A tragic incident occurred in Kanthararom district, Sisaket province, where a 53 year old preschool teacher, Somjit, allegedly killed her husband, 58 year old Prasit, while he was asleep. The incident took place on January 19 at their rural home in Ban Khlor. Prasit, also known as Changsit, was found with a neck wound. Somjit, who suffers from mental health…
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Thailand video news | British tourist exposes harsh Thai detention conditions, Cambodian police arrest 300 in anti-gambling raid
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jay deliver an array of compelling stories from Thailand and across Asia. Highlights include the dramatic arrest of a Canadian in Phuket after a chaotic car chase, a “fake hug” scam targeting an Indian tourist in Pattaya, and a British tourist’s exposé on harsh Thai detention conditions. They also explore Thailand’s ambitious casino…
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More jobs: Thaksin defends casino complex in Maha Sarakham
In Maha Sarakham province, former premier Thaksin Shinawatra criticised opponents of the government’s proposed casino entertainment complex, accusing them of misrepresenting the project as merely a casino. Thaksin defended the plan, stating that less than 10% of the complex’s activities would involve gaming, with the majority dedicated to other attractions. The 75 year old former prime minister highlighted that each…
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Thai transwoman and boyfriend steal 3 million baht in cash and gold
Police arrested a Thai transwoman and her boyfriend for stealing a safe containing 3 million baht in cash and gold from a house in the Isaan province of Loei on Sunday. A homeowner filed a complaint with officers at Phu Ruea Police Station after the 50-kilogramme safe was stolen at approximately 11.23am on Sunday, January 19. The safe contained nearly 400,000…
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