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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Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
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ICONSIAM captivates the world at the Amazing Thailand Countdown 2025
ICONSIAM, a global landmark along the Chao Phraya River, has set a new global standard with the Amazing Thailand Countdown 2025, hailed as one of the most extraordinary new year’s celebrations in the world. The event captivated viewers across the globe, with an unforgettable performance by Lisa “Lalisa” Manobal, a world-renowned rapper, singer, dancer and style icon, who inspired people…
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Teen accidentally shoots himself in Buriram clash
An 18 year old man from Buriram tragically died after accidentally shooting himself on a motorcycle trip to a rival’s village, intending to cause chaos with a homemade gun and a ping pong bomb. This incident occurred as the young man, referred to as A, was on a motorcycle with a friend, heading towards a rival group’s village. As they…
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South Korean man causes chaos, steals pickup, and crashes it in Chon Buri
Police arrested a South Korean man who went on a rampage along the Bypass Road in Chon Buri province yesterday, January 1. The man reportedly damaged several vehicles, stole a Thai man’s car, and subsequently crashed it. The Sawang Borribun Dhammastan Rescue Foundation was alerted to a car accident and fire on Highway 36, also known as the Chon Buri-Rayong…
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Bangkok gridlock: Holidaymakers return with dried goods
The roads leading back to Bangkok have become increasingly crowded as northeastern Thai residents return after celebrating new year festivities with their families in the provinces. Traffic reporters noted heavy congestion throughout the day on the Friendship Highway, which saw a steady stream of cars heading towards the capital. Although some sections of the road experienced smoother traffic flow, minor…
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Thailand video news | Bangkok hotel fire claims lives of three foreign nationals, Russia’s secret plans target Japan and South Korea
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jay bring you the latest updates from Thailand and Asia. Highlights include the tragic toll of New Year road accidents in Thailand, a deadly hotel fire in Bangkok, and a Norwegian tourist assault in Phuket. Other stories cover fireworks sparking a blaze at a Bang Saen Beach restaurant, a sky lantern safety incident…
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Gas stove explosion injures two women in Don Mueang home
A gas stove explosion in a Don Mueang residence sent two women to the hospital with burn injuries. This morning, police and fire officials rushed to the scene to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. Police Colonel Sukrit Mangkalasawat, head of Don Mueang Police Station, ordered a patrol unit to inspect the fire accident reported at a house located…
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Pattaya horror: Foreigner’s body found wedged in drainpipe
Pattaya police faced a puzzling situation when they were alerted to the discovery of a foreigner’s body near a Naklua resort on December 30. The body was found in an unusual and alarming position, folded and wedged into a drainpipe measuring 50 by 50 centimetres, with the legs pointing upward, sparking immediate concern. Officers quickly secured the area to conduct…
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Thailand tourism earns 1.66 trillion baht from 35 million visitors
Thailand welcomed over 35 million travellers in 2024, with visitors contributing more than 1.6 trillion baht (US$46.8 billion) to the economy, reported the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Tourism Minister Sorawong Thienthong announced that from January 1 to December 29, a total of 35.32 million people visited the country, spending 1.66 trillion baht (US$48.5 billion). Chinese tourists led the influx…
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Fireworks mishap sparks panic among Patong tourists (video)
A dramatic New Year’s Eve incident unfolded in Patong, Phuket, when fireworks unexpectedly veered into a crowd of tourists. Footage shared on the Newshawk Phuket Facebook page captured the moment during the countdown celebration in Kathu district. As the clock struck midnight, fireworks were being launched to usher in the new year, but suddenly, one fell dangerously close to where…
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Japanese man vows to behave after arguing with Thai police over lantern ban
A Japanese man issued an apology after arguing with and attempting to assault a Thai police officer who warned him against floating a lantern in the city centre of Chiang Mai. The attempted assault came to public attention after the Facebook page เจ๊มอย v+ (Jmoi v+) shared footage of the incident yesterday, January 1. The incident reportedly occurred on December 31,…
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Thai woman’s Chinese boyfriend assaulted by Pattaya guards
A Thai woman has come forward with allegations regarding an incident involving her boyfriend at a nightclub on Pattaya’s Walking Street. In the early hours of December 31, she reported that her Chinese boyfriend was allegedly assaulted by security guards at the venue. The incident reportedly took place on December 27. The woman, 27 year old Bee, provided media outlets…
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Driver dies as emergency vehicle overturns in Prachuap Khiri Khan
An emergency response vehicle from Pak Phraek Subdistrict Administrative Organisation overturned after losing control on a curve, resulting in the tragic death of the driver. The incident occurred early yesterday morning following New Year’s Eve celebrations. The accident took place around 5am on a road in Bang Saphan Noi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, near kilometre marker 9, in front of Bhan…
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Road danger: Thailand’s new year accidents claim 215 lives
Over the new year holiday in Thailand, traffic accidents resulted in the tragic loss of 215 lives and injured 1,354 people. This data, covering the period from December 27 to 31, highlights the dangers of road travel during festive seasons. Somsak Thepsutin, Thailand’s Public Health Minister, reported that these casualties stemmed from 1,398 accidents over the five days. Both Bangkok…
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Thailand faces freezing north and stormy south weather conditions
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) reports that the country is experiencing varied weather conditions, with freezing temperatures and frost in mountainous areas, while the southern regions face monsoons and high sea waves exceeding 2 metres. The forecast for the next 24 hours indicates that the high-pressure system or moderate cold air mass covering upper Thailand and the upper southern region…
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New beginnings: Millions in Thailand join new year prayers
More than 12 million people across Thailand engaged in new year transition prayers, as reported by Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol. The ceremonies, marking the start of 2025, were organised by 24,835 establishments nationwide, under the initiative of the Religious Affairs Department. A significant turnout was seen online and in person, with over 10,000 individuals gathering at Sanam Luang in Bangkok.…
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Stray bullet injures woman during New Year’s Eve in Ang Thong
A New Year’s Eve celebration turned harrowing for a woman in Ang Thong province when a stray bullet pierced her home’s roof and struck her in the stomach. The incident happened as she lay sleeping, trying to calm her frightened cats amidst the noise of fireworks. Yesterday, January 1, local journalists reported that on the night of December 31, a…
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Tourist halted from releasing sky lantern in Chiang Mai (video)
A Japanese tourist caused a commotion after being stopped from releasing a sky lantern in Chiang Mai. The incident, which occurred yesterday, December 31, at 9.40am, saw the tourist grabbing the collar of a police officer after being prevented from releasing the lantern during new year celebrations. Despite the altercation, the officer, a member of Chiang Mai’s patrol unit, remained…
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Phuket family returns home to theft of 1 million baht safe
A family in Phuket faced an unexpected start to the new year when they returned home from celebrations to discover their house had been burglarised. A safe containing 1 million baht, gold bars, gold necklaces, and passports had been stolen. Police are actively pursuing the case, aiming to recover the stolen items and apprehend the culprits. The incident was reported…
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Man missing after falling into Bang Pakong River on New Year’s
A 50 year old man disappeared after slipping into the Bang Pakong River while celebrating the new year with friends in Chachoengsao. Despite an extensive search using drones and boats, the man remains missing. Police Lieutenant Colonel Wanchai Prathom received a report of a man falling into the river near the clock tower on Maruphong Riverside Road, in the Na…
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Phitsanulok couple fatally shot by relative on New Year’s Eve
Tragedy struck on New Year’s Eve as a couple was fatally shot in the middle of a road in Phitsanulok. The suspect, recently released on bail for a previous murder case, was arrested shortly after the incident. The chilling event unfolded yesterday, December 31, when local police were alerted to a shooting on a bypass road near the Dong Pradok…
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Military officer killed in Narathiwat shooting and vehicle fire
A shocking and violent incident unfolded yesterday, December 31 in Narathiwat, when armed assailants opened fire on a military officer’s pickup truck, resulting in a tragic loss of life. The incident took place within a palm plantation in the Paluru subdistrict of Su-ngai Padi, leaving the vehicle engulfed in flames. The attack occurred at 6pm when individuals armed with firearms…
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Teenagers arrested for throwing bombs at hospital in Thailand
Two teenagers have been apprehended after they threw ping pong bombs at Khuan Khanun Hospital, causing panic among staff and patients. They admitted to the act, stating it was done on a whim after purchasing the explosives on their way to a friend’s house. The incident occurred at 12.15am yesterday, December 31, when the teenagers, riding a Honda Scoopy i motorcycle,…
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Teenager fatally stabbed in Bangkok new year’s tragedy
A tragic incident marred the New Year’s Eve celebrations when a 17 year old man was fatally stabbed by a group of teenagers. The young victim succumbed to his injuries on the stairs of an apartment building in the Charansanitwong 45 area, while four of his friends were injured. Police are actively reviewing CCTV footage to identify the perpetrators. The…
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Cold weather grips Thailand, thunderstorms hit the south
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather advisory indicating that a cold air mass has enveloped upper Thailand, resulting in very cold conditions in mountainous areas. Meanwhile, the southern region is experiencing thunderstorms due to monsoons, with sea waves exceeding 2 metres. Upper Thailand, including the northeastern and northern regions, is experiencing cold to very cold weather due…
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Fireworks spark devastating blaze at Bang Saen Beach restaurant
Tourists experienced a terrifying countdown escape as fireworks ignited a blaze at a popular restaurant on Bang Saen Beach. Debris from the fireworks landed on the restaurant’s roof, causing a fire that destroyed the establishment in the early hours of today, January 1. Police from Saen Suk Station, Chon Buri province, received a report of a fire at a restaurant…
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Farmers guard crops from wild elephants near Thap Lan Park
Farmers near Thap Lan National Park in Nakhon Ratchasima are facing a challenging new year as they work tirelessly to protect their crops from wild elephants. As the rest of the nation celebrates, around 40 farmers in tambon Lampiek, Khon Buri district, are taking turns to guard their fields against the rampaging elephants. A recent incident saw elephants damaging 40…
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Korean tourist drowns after ferry capsizes off Koh Phangan coast
The body of a Korean national who tragically drowned when a long-tail ferry boat capsized was discovered floating off the coast of Koh Phangan around noon yesterday, December 31 last year. The distressing incident unfolded when a long-tail boat, carrying tourists, overturned amid high waves. A boat captain reported the grim finding to the missing persons centre on Koh Phangan…
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Swedish tourist bitten by macaque at Thai landmark
A Swedish tourist, Joel Gilbert, experienced an unexpected encounter with wildlife when he was bitten on the neck by a macaque during a visit to Phra Prang Sam Yot, a renowned landmark in Lop Buri province. Rescue workers swiftly transported him to Phra Narai Maharat Hospital for necessary treatment and vaccination. Banjerd Roisaensuk, the caretaker of Phra Prang Sam Yot,…
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Pattaya countdown 2025 carnival draws thousands to Central Beach
The Pattaya Countdown 2025: Carnival of Happiness kicked off with great enthusiasm, attracting thousands of visitors to Central Pattaya Beach. The event, which marks the beginning of a three-day celebration, captivated attendees with a vibrant array of entertainment and activities, setting the stage for an exciting start to the new year. Crowds gathered as the festivities unfolded, creating a lively…
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Gold shop owner stabbed during heist in Phra Pradaeng Market
A daring heist unfolded today, December 31, at a gold shop within Phra Pradaeng Market, Samut Prakan, when a suspect armed with a fake gun executed a robbery, stabbing the shop owner amid morning shoppers. Police are now in pursuit of the culprit. Early today, an alarming incident took place in a gold shop located within the bustling Phra Pradaeng…
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