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 Is private health insurance in Thailand worth it? Real costs vs risks explained
Thailand has a strong healthcare system with both public and private options. Public hospitals offer affordable care, but many people, including expats, choose private health insurance for faster service, modern facilities, and more treatment choices. To decide if private health...
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Elderly couple gets 500 baht electricity bill for a single fan (video)
A TikTok user discovered an unusually high electricity bill for an elderly couple who used only a single fan. The bill amounted to 500 baht, raising suspicions among social media users about potential electrical issues or misuse. TikTok user @bank_waiyaphat, who works as an electricity bill distributor, posted a video highlighting the anomaly in the electricity usage of a home…
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SMS-sational bust: Thai police ‘text’ down SMS scam in Bangkok
Undercover Thai police made a significant breakthrough in a dramatic move against cybercrime when arresting a Chinese national linked to a massive SMS scam operation right in the heart of Bangkok’s bustling Sukhumvit area. Yang Mu Yi, the alleged mastermind, was detained after investigators traced a barrage of fraudulent messages back to a high-tech mobile transmitter found in his possession.…
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Suphan Buri monk defrocked after 400k baht fraud scandal
A Buddhist monk in Suphan Buri province has been defrocked following allegations of involvement in a fraudulent scheme with a spirit medium, deceiving a family out of 400,000 baht. Dr Phra Maha Praipai Nontkaew, the head monk of Suphan Buri province, explained on social media that the case emerged when Gun Jompalang, a well-known influencer, assisted the affected family in…
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Thailand braces for cooler north and heavy rainfall in south
Thailand’s northern regions are experiencing a drop in temperature accompanied by strong winds, while the southern part is facing heavy to very heavy rainfall in certain areas. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a forecast for the next 24 hours, highlighting these weather conditions. A moderate high-pressure system from China extends over upper Thailand and the South China Sea, contributing…
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Horror as sedan tangles with train in near-fatal crash in Pattaya
In a shocking turn of events yesterday evening, a terrifying crash between a train and a sedan left residents in disbelief and one man with serious injuries. The drama unfolded at the Soi Khao Talo railway crossing around 7pm, where a red Suzuki SUV found itself disastrously entangled on the tracks, with a diesel locomotive screeching to an unplanned stop just…
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Man high on meth crashes fleeing police on Suphan Buri highway
A man was apprehended after attempting to evade Suphan Buri highway police on a motorcycle high on meth, leading to a roadside crash. Subsequent searches revealed methamphetamine (meth) pills in his possession. The incident unfolded yesterday, November 18, when officers were patrolling Highway 333. Police Lieutenant Nat Pin Krachan, along with colleagues Panithan Jaichuen and Thongchai Sriruangam, detained 39 year old…
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AV Expo 2024 reportedly moves to new venue amid cancellation rumours
One of the most anticipated events of the year, the Asia Entertainment Expo 2024, also known as the Adult Video (AV) Expo, announced an urgent change of venue from the IMPACT Arena Exhibition and Convention Centre to the Miracle Grand Convention Hotel in Bangkok. The expo, announced back in August, generated significant excitement among fans of Japanese adult film stars,…
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Nakhon Phanom: Drugs found hidden in Buddha statues seized
A daring drug smuggling operation involving heroin and crystal methamphetamine (Ice) concealed within large Buddha statues was thwarted by police in Thailand. The haul, with an estimated value of over 100 million baht, was seized after a tip-off led to the discovery of the illicit cargo yesterday, November 18. Police Lieutenant Colonel Rewat Champan, commanding officer of the Border Patrol…
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Drunk British tourist’s Pattaya night out ends in punch-up
A British tourist’s night in Pattaya went from bad to worse after he found himself in a brawl with two locals who’d offered to drive him home. Too drunk to secure a taxi, the man, thought to be in his 60s, ended up battered on the pavement with a broken nose, bruises, and cuts—after allegedly turning on his would-be rescuers.…
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Man slashed in head after row with fisherman in Phuket park
A late-night attempt to enter Phuket’s Chalermprakiat Park took a violent turn for one intoxicated man, who ended up with a head wound after clashing with a fisherman. The incident, which unfolded around 4.40am yesterday, November 18, saw 37 year old Ekkaphan Phuthi reportedly trying to enter the closed park gates near Suan Luang Rama IX. In his inebriated state,…
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Party goes off-track: DJ spins gunfire at Bangkok birthday bash
Police apprehended a 19 year old DJ known as Achi, who allegedly fired a gun at a rival during a birthday party after bypassing a security barrier at a housing estate. The incident, which occurred on August 31, left the victim severely injured. The arrest follows a two-month investigation by the police in response to a complaint filed by the…
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Thai smile, Roman style: New Italy-Thailand flight to boost tourism
Thailand just got a little closer to Italy. The inaugural ITA Airways direct flight from Rome to Bangkok touched down at Suvarnabhumi Airport, marking the beginning of a new era for tourism and business travel between the two countries. This direct route, running five times a week, offers Italian travellers a smoother journey to Thailand’s famous beaches, cultural sites, and…
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Fruit depot goes bananas: Gas blast injures two in Phrae
An unexpected explosion at a fruit-keeping facility in Phrae province injured two people and caused significant damage. As police investigate the cause, questions arise about the use of gas in the ripening process. Police officer Taksin Palajai received a report about the explosion at a fruit stall near the Na Phun Subdistrict Administration Organisation. The incident, last night, November 18,…
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Barber injured by black Ford pickup in Pattaya hit-and-run
A young barber in Pattaya faced a frightening ordeal when a black Ford pickup truck suddenly accelerated and crashed into him while he was depositing money at an ATM. The incident occurred yesterday evening, November 18, when the driver fled the scene immediately, leaving the victim injured and shaken. The police in Bang Lamung are now actively pursuing the case,…
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Cat-astrophic blunder: TV team in hot water over sedated cat drama
The Department of Livestock Development (DLD) issued legal action against the cat’s owner and the production team of the Thai historical series The Express of Ayodhaya, following the unauthorised use of anaesthesia on the animal by its owner rather than a professional or veterinarian. Thai netizens raised concerns that the production team anaesthetised a black cat named Samlee for a…
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Finance Ministry cashes in with economic stimulus package
The Finance Ministry is preparing to unveil an extensive economic stimulus package for review by a committee led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The announcement was made by Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, who indicated that the proposal includes a 10,000-baht (US$290) cash handout distributed via a digital wallet. This initiative is aimed at stimulating economic activity to bolster growth…
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Thai woman assaulted by friend’s boyfriend for intervening in fight
A Thai woman is seeking justice after her friend’s boyfriend physically assaulted her on November 10 when she intervened in their dispute at a condominium. Nilobon took to social media to share CCTV footage of the incident after the police failed to provide any updates on her case a week after she filed the complaint. The identity of the attacker,…
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Thailand boosts Chinese investment with new roadshow in China
Thailand is actively promoting itself as an investment destination for Chinese businesses by organising a new roadshow in China. The initiative, led by the Board of Investment (BoI), aims to showcase the potential business opportunities available to Chinese investors, especially in the sectors of electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing and smart electronics. Deputy Prime Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, who also serves…
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Alcohol bill on the rocks: New legislation nearly ready to pour
Wisarn Techathirawat, chairperson of the special committee overseeing the new Alcoholic Beverage Control Bill, announced that the legislation is nearing completion. Aiming for submission to Parliament by mid-December, the draft is approximately 80% finished. At a national academic conference on alcohol, Wisarn revealed that Parliament had given the green light to five Alcoholic Beverage Control Bill drafts, contributed by the…
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Bangkok cops slam brakes on late-night biker race
Police apprehended a group of young motorcyclists engaging in dangerous racing activities on Ramintra Road, Bangkok, around 3am today. The individuals were charged with multiple offences as law enforcement officials moved swiftly to ensure public safety. The operation was led by Anan Worasat, the superintendent of Bang Khen Police Station, who directed officers to crack down on illegal street racing.…
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Food delivery rider fined 1,000 baht for firing gun at dogs
Police apprehended a food delivery rider at a well-known shopping centre on charges of discharging a gun in a residential area. The 34 year old rider explained that he fired the weapon out of fear of being chased by dogs. The incident led to charges of causing public alarm, resulting in a fine of 1,000 baht. At 3pm on Sunday,…
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Revved up: Thai man’s motorcycle stolen in Pattaya
In a daring daylight heist, a Thai man’s motorcycle was stolen from a bustling city street in Pattaya, sparking concerns about a professional bike theft ring operating in the area. The victim, 29 year old Komkrit Lukrathok, who works at a prominent electronics store, reported the shocking theft of his Honda Wave 125 motorcycle to the Bang Lamung Police Station yesterday,…
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Former Thai boy band star denies 79 million baht fraud allegation
A former famous Thai boy band member denied a 79 million baht fraud accusation after a supplier company accused the singer and his company of failing to complete the product payment and also failing to show up in court. Naris Wittayawarakorn, the managing director of the supplementary production company called Thai Jintan revealed to the public that his company sued…
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Monk injured as car crashes into bridge in Nakhon Phanom
A red Mitsubishi car veered off a curve and collided with a bridge railing just 1 kilometre away from a local temple, leaving a monk trapped in the wreckage. The incident, which took place today, November 19, prompted a swift response from rescue teams and locals, who worked together to extract the injured individual. Emergency responders from the Chaiyaburi Subdistrict…
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Unholy row! Drunk monk arrested, begging for cash in Chiang Rai
Another week, another monk found behaving badly, this time intoxicated while hitchhiking. He was arrested after demanding money from a young woman motorist in Chiang Rai. The incident occurred yesterday, November 18, when police from the Mae Chan Police Station received a report from Nichawee, a 20 year old resident of Thung Ko, Wiang Chiang Rung, Chiang Rai. She recounted…
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Thailand to repatriate 900 seized lemurs and turtles to Madagascar
Thailand is set to return over 900 lemurs and rare turtles to Madagascar, following a significant seizure from the illegal wildlife trade, as stated by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP). The DNP announced that 963 animals, including ring-tailed lemurs, brown lemurs, spider tortoises, and radiated tortoises, are currently under the care of officials. These animals…
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Thai baby rescued from teen mum forced to sell sex and use drugs
A Thai social media influencer and Bangkok police officers rescued a two month old baby from her abusive 15 year old mother, leading to the discovery of the teenager’s tragic life of rape, drug use and underage prostitution. The social media influencer, Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet, and police officers raided a house in Soi Charan Sanitwong 13 in the Phasi Charoen…
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Phang Nga man launches knife attack at Phuket Police Station
In a shocking early-morning rampage, a Phang Nga man stormed into a police station in Phuket armed with a knife, launching an attack on an officer on duty. The incident occurred just before 3am on Sunday, November 17, when 48 year old Chuaib Phongthin arrived at the Thachatchai Police Station “in a state of distress,” according to police. Witnesses described…
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Burmese construction worker plunges from 3rd floor in Sattahip
In a terrifying fall from a three-storey building near Chumphon Naval School’s traffic lights in Bang Saray, Sattahip, Chon Buri, a Burmese construction worker narrowly escaped death at the weekend. The 29 year old worker, identified as Sun, fell from a dangerous height while on the job, leaving him with severe injuries and sparking a rapid emergency response on Saturday,…
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Thailand intercepts illegal palm oil smuggling in Ranong
Police thwarted a smuggling operation involving illegal palm oil in Ranong, Thailand, apprehending four suspects and confiscating 2,700 kilogrammes of palm oil. The operation was executed by the 25th Infantry Special Task Force, local police, and administrative officials. The first incident occurred at a natural channel along the Kra Buri River in Moo 5, Baan Hat Chid, Pak Chan subdistrict.…
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