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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If you plan to stay longer in Thailand, having health insurance is now more important than ever. Thai immigration often asks for proof of medical coverage when you apply to extend your visa. This applies to many types of visas,...
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Charity dinner in Hua Hin to raise funds for impoverished children
Hands Across the Water, an Australian charity established to support victims of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, is hosting a charity dinner to raise funds for a commemorative charity run. The run, initiated by the charity’s founder, Peter Baines, began on December 1 and is set to conclude on December 26, marking the 20th anniversary of the devastating tragedy that…
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Moo Deng unharmed by tissue dropped by monkey, says zoo (video)
Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri province has clarified the circumstances surrounding an incident involving Moo Deng, Thailand’s famous pygmy hippo, and a piece of tissue paper. Concerns arose after a video surfaced online showing Moo Deng sniffing and chewing on the tissue, prompting worries about her health. Speculation initially suggested that a zoo visitor had dropped the tissue…
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Explosion leads to house fire rescue in Bangkok’s Yannawa district
A loud explosion startled residents who initially thought school students were causing a commotion, only to discover a raging fire engulfing a two-storey house. The urgency to save two women trapped inside heightened as they were unable to escape due to barred windows. At 2.10am yesterday, December 10, Somkriat Jaitrong, an investigator from Thung Mahamek Police Station, received a report…
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High school student fatally stabs junior at Sattahip school
A tragic incident unfolded in Sattahip, Chon Buri as police located a high school student from a prominent private school suspected of fatally stabbing a younger student. The altercation, which began as a challenge and escalated into a physical confrontation, ended with the first-year student succumbing to his injuries after being stabbed in the back. Police officers, including Thanaphon Klin…
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Teenagers mistakenly attack park officials at Ngao Waterfall
Eighteen teenagers riding nine motorbikes launched an attack intended for rivals from another district but mistakenly targeted park officials at Ngao Waterfall in Ranong, causing injuries to two officers. The incident unfolded when a 16 year old gunman confessed following the attack, which occurred yesterday, December 10, at 9.30pm. The chaos erupted when officers from Ngao Waterfall National Park were…
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Armed attack at Prachin Buri grilled chicken shop leaves three dead
A violent incident unfolded in Prachin Buri, Central Thailand, when a man in a frenzied state attacked a local grilled chicken shop, resulting in three fatalities. This alarming event has led police to conduct a thorough investigation to uncover the motive behind the attack. The perpetrator, identified as 38 year old Surath, also known as Jack, initially stormed a shop…
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Cyber police arrest woman for illegal money lending in Thailand
Cyber police conducted swooped to arrest a 33 year old woman involved in an illegal online money lending operation, charging exorbitant daily interest rates of 2,000 baht. She confessed, and substantial evidence was found at the scene. The operation unfolded yesterday, December 10, when police from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau led by Trairong Phiwpan and Wiwat Kamchamnan, instructed Phumiphat…
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Bodyslam singer hits the right note for cancer care in Phuket
The lead singer from popular Thai band Bodyslam is set to headline a charity concert in Phuket, aiming to raise 290 million baht for a new cancer-treatment centre at Vachira Phuket Hospital. This announcement was made during a press conference at the Phuket Merlin Hotel, with Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat and the singer, Artiwara Kongmalai, present. The concert is scheduled…
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Northern Thailand warms as southern provinces face heavy rain
A weather forecast from the Thai Meteorological Department today highlights drastic changes across the country. The northern regions face rising temperatures, while the south prepares for heavy downpours affecting nine provinces, with sea waves exceeding 2 metres. The current weather patterns indicate that a moderate high-pressure system or cool air mass covering upper Thailand and the South China Sea is…
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Thai parties unite to block anti-coup legislation
A political debate is brewing in Thailand as the United Thai Nation Party (UTN) and the opposition Palang Pracharat Party (PPRP) firmly rejected a proposed legislative amendment to prevent future military coups. The bill, drafted by Prayut Siripanich, a Member of Parliament from the ruling Pheu Thai Party, seeks to alter the Defence Ministry Administration Act. Akradet Wongpitakroj, a spokesperson…
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Busted in Bangkok: Undie-cover cops quash gay shindig rumours
In an eyebrow-raising update from Bangkok’s bustling Sukhumvit 31 stretch, police quashed rumours of a cover-up in an outrageous gay underwear bash that involved drugs but no glittering celebrity attendees. Police Major General Wittawat Chinkam, Metropolitan Police Bureau 5 chief, yesterday, December 10, convened a nearly two-hour session to dissect the scandal involving a group of gay men who threw…
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Actions speak louder: Police save mute woman from suicide near Pattaya
In the early hours of yesterday, quick-thinking police officers near Pattaya turned silent gestures into a powerful rescue mission to save a mute woman from committing suicide, proving actions truly speak louder than words. At 4.30am, yesterday, December 10, a critical call came in about a potential suicide near the busy Sukhumvit Road in the Sattahip district of Chon Buri.…
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Construction firm accused of 30 million baht fraud
A group of disgruntled individuals, led by Thammanun Tangtim, known as King of Saphan Mai, filed a complaint against a construction company owner for allegedly abandoning projects and withholding employee salaries, resulting in damages exceeding 30 million baht. The incident took place yesterday, December 9, at the Crime Suppression Division on Phahonyothin Road. Phrae, a former employee whose full name…
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Police in Bangkok arrest suspect, seize firearms in gambling case
Police in Nonthaburi apprehended a suspect linked to a notorious gambling website, seizing a cache of firearms and ammunition in the process. The arrest underscores ongoing efforts to bring the site’s elusive owner to justice, following a violent incident involving the website’s admin. Police moved swiftly to arrest 22 year old Natthaphong Kosasaeng, at a car park in Royal Mansion,…
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Thailand aims for 3.4 trillion baht tourism revenue by 2025
Thailand is setting its sights on a tourism boom with a newly launched strategy aimed at bolstering both international and domestic travel. With the tourism sector generating a substantial 1.892 trillion baht (US$56 billion) in 2023, the government is now targeting an impressive 3.4 trillion baht (US$100 billion) in revenues by 2025, aspiring to welcome over 40 million international visitors.…
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Beauty queen scammed out of 4 million baht by cyber criminals
Charlotte Austin, a beauty queen affiliated with Miss Grand Thailand, has reportedly fallen victim to a scam by a cybercriminal gang, resulting in a loss of 4 million baht. The perpetrators allegedly coerced her into a continuous 24-hour video call. The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) is currently investigating the incident but has not yet been able to contact Charlotte…
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Finnish man falls to death from 11th floor in Pattaya
A tragic incident unfolded at a condominium in Pattaya, when a 52 year old Finnish national fell from the 11th floor, dying from the impact. The shocking incident, known and insensitively named throughout Thailand as The Pattaya Flying Club, occurred shortly after midnight today, December 10, leaving witnesses and responders stunned. Police Lieutenant Manasak Polyeam of Pattaya City Police Station…
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Chon Buri MP’s father shot at rice porridge shop, suspect sought
A gunman targeted Sakda Nopsit, the father of a Chon Buri MP, leaving him seriously injured. The police have launched an investigation to track down the suspect. The incident occurred yesterday, December 9, at a rice porridge shop in Samet, Mueang Chon Buri. The police, led by Thanaphong Photi and accompanied by a team of investigators and Tri Khunnatham rescue…
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Elderly Thai man walks 14 days to find missing son
An elderly Thai man, partially blind and determined to find his long-lost son, embarked on a remarkable 14-day journey on foot from Nakhon Ratchasima to Chon Buri. This poignant tale of parental love and perseverance unfolds as 85 year old Lung Lek Wongjaiya made the arduous trek with a cane, driven by the hope of reuniting with his eldest son,…
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Thai crew’s fate uncertain as Myanmar delays release decision
The fate of the Thai crewmembers detained in Myanmar remains uncertain as the government awaits a decision from Nay Pyi Taw. Local officials are currently not empowered to authorise their release, following an incident near Ranong last week. Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed yesterday, December 9, that negotiations for their release continue, with Thai officials having formally requested permission to…
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Thailand to finalise 400 baht minimum wage proposal on December 12
The anticipation surrounding the upcoming tripartite wage committee meeting is palpable, as it seeks to finalise the government’s proposal for a nationwide minimum wage increase to 400 baht per day. Scheduled for Thursday, December 12, this meeting aims to implement the wage hike as a new year’s offering to workers, a key initiative the ruling Pheu Thai Party promised. The…
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Five men die in tragic Thai fish tank accident
Five men tragically lost their lives in a fish fermentation tank at a plant in the Lom Sak district of Phetchabun, a province in northern Thailand. The incident was reported to the Lom Sak Police Station yesterday, December 9, around 5pm. The deceased were identified as 69 year old Lam, 68 year old Lad, 50 year old Jakkrit Senanut, Hia…
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Thai woman seeks justice after attack by unidentified man in Bangkok
A Thai woman is seeking assistance after she and her male colleague were attacked by an unidentified man on Soi Charan Sanitwong 35 in the Bangkok Noi district of Bangkok on Friday, December 6. The 31 year old victim, identified only as A, reached out to the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive and shared her story publicly, hoping to identify the…
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Thailand throws ‘baht’ at impact study of 10,000-baht handouts
In a bid to decipher the ripple effects of Thailand’s 10,000-baht cash handout scheme, the Finance Ministry launched an exhaustive survey. This deep dive, spanning 40,000 participants, aims to unravel the true impact of this financial initiative on the economy and society as a whole. Finance Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit promises findings by the month’s end. “This survey uses a…
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Trang Airport project abandoned, contractor loses millions
The Airports Department has terminated its contract with Port and Marine Corporation (PAM) and confiscated a 53 million baht security deposit after the company failed to complete the construction of a new passenger terminal at Trang Airport in southern Thailand. Director General Danai Ruangsorn announced that Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri instructed the department to end the agreement and expedite…
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Deadly New Guinea flatworm crawls into Thailand (video)
In a digital age where the bizarre often grabs attention, one Facebook user has set social media ablaze with a video of a sinister black worm. The eight-second clip, accompanied by chilling photos, captures the creatures squirming in unsettling clusters, prompting users to ask, “What on earth is this?” This eerie display has left viewers equally fascinated and alarmed, with…
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Thailand and UK discuss trade, explore FTA possibilities
Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan met with British Ambassador Mark Gooding last week at the ambassador’s official residence in Bangkok to discuss strengthening economic ties between Thailand and the United Kingdom. Central to their discussions was the feasibility of a Thailand-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) aimed at boosting bilateral trade and investment. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to expanding trade and…
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Bangkok braces for current affairs as power outages hit home
In a move that’s set to ignite frustration, the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) announced a slew of planned power outages sweeping across Bangkok and its neighbouring areas over the next two days. These interruptions, part of an essential maintenance blitz, are designed to bolster the city’s electricity network with greater efficiency and reliability. The disruptive energy cuts crackled into action…
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Window w*nker: Barber’s indecent exposure leaves wife in a snip
A Thai woman expressed shock and fear after discovering that her husband had been masturbating in front of passersby through the clear window of his barber shop in the central province of Ang Thong. Victims of the man’s lewd behaviour sought justice by contacting a Thai news agency and sharing explicit videos of him with the media. Channel 8 broadcast…
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Ex-husband sets Chon Buri home on fire over lost military ID card
A heated domestic dispute in Chon Buri turned fiery when a former military husband allegedly set his ex-wife’s house on fire after a disagreement over a lost military ID card. The incident took place in Bang Saray, Sattahip district, leaving the single-storey home severely damaged. Police were alerted to the fire at 8pm yesterday, December 8. Chaiwat Nemmee, a police…
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