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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Pipe dream: Teenagers caught escaping Thai detention centre
Fifteen juveniles who escaped from a detention centre in Nakhon Ratchasima have been apprehended. Armed with metal pipes, they stole a motorcycle from a local, citing unbearable heat and homesickness as reasons for their escape. Police have informed the parents of the incident. Yesterday, March 16, a disturbance occurred at the Juvenile Observation and Protection Centre in Nakhon Ratchasima province,…
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Expressway chaos: Bangkok traffic mayhem as flyover tumbles
Transport chiefs in Thailand have urged motorists to seek alternative routes after a key section of the Bangkok–Thon Buri expressway collapsed on Saturday, causing traffic bedlam and blocking crucial ramps. Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) chief Surachet Laophulsuk warned of severe congestion around the Chalerm Maha Nakhon expressway ramp, particularly near the Dao Khanong toll plaza, starting today, Monday, March…
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Fool’s gold: Man in Bangkok arrested after gold store heist
A 35 year old man was apprehended after allegedly robbing a gold store in the Wat Chula area, stealing five 1-baht gold necklaces before returning home, where police arrested him. The suspect, Pramote Khongsriworakulchai, is accused of pawning one necklace, changing his appearance, and attempting to evade arrest. Yesterday, March 16, at 9pm, Police Colonel Anan Warasat, along with Deputy…
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Pounds meltdown: Phuket hospital weighs in on medical tourism
Vachira Phuket Hospital is stepping up its game in the booming medical tourism sector by inviting international patients to experience its top-notch weight-loss surgery. With demand for such procedures on the rise, the hospital is keen to establish itself as a major player. Dr Thakoon Poonthananiwatkul, a senior surgeon at Vachira, proudly announced the plans. “We have over a decade…
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Last call: Drunk man’s tragic death in a Khlong Tan police cell
A 55 year old man died in a detention cell at Khlong Tan Police Station after being arrested for disorderly conduct while drunk. His family revealed he had a heart condition and a history of drug use. The incident involved a man, Pairoh, whose surname is withheld, causing a disturbance in Soi Phatthanakan 10 Intersection 1. Police from Khlong Tan…
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Grey matters! Labour Ministry’s age-raising proposal stirs debate
The Labour Ministry of Thailand is controversially considering raising the retirement age from 55 to 65, while also encouraging voluntary retirement, in a bid to bolster the financial stability of the Social Security Fund (SSF) as the nation braces for an ageing population boom. Government spokesperson Phumphat Muanchan revealed that Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn is keen on ensuring the SSF…
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Two Thais become millionaires in 60 million baht lottery win
The latest lottery draw has turned two people into millionaires with a total prize of 60 million baht. A 48 million baht prize went to one winner, while the other claimed 12 million baht. Phanawat “Nott” Nakwisut, CEO of Lottery Plus, selected the winning tickets, drawing gratitude from the winners. The announcement was made at 4pm yesterday, March 16, following…
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British woman missing after fire on diving boat off Koh Tao (video)
A British woman went missing yesterday after a fire broke out on a boat during her diving trip off Koh Tao, an island in the southern province of Surat Thani. The fire on the diving boat, named David Jones’ Locker, was reported to Koh Tao Police Station at about 9am yesterday, March 16. The boat was carrying 22 people, including…
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Bugged out! Mosquito bite leaves British dad in Tourette’s grip
A British father’s dream holiday in Thailand took a nightmarish twist after a vicious mosquito bite not only gave him Tourette’s syndrome, but set off a series of bizarre, life-altering health issues. Ross Constable returned from a family holiday to Phuket, never expecting a simple insect bite to transform his life in the most shocking way. The 48 year old…
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Storm set to rain on 25 provinces, Bangkok in the splash zone
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning for a summer storm affecting 25 provinces, including Bangkok, predicting heavy rain in 40% of the area. Strong winds and hail are also expected, with a subsequent drop in temperatures today, March 17. A high-pressure system from China is currently affecting the upper northeastern region, anticipated to expand to cover the…
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Chiang Mai air quality ranks worst globally due to regional fires
Burning activities in Myanmar and Laos have significantly contributed to the poor air quality in Chiang Mai, which has been ranked as having the worst air quality in the world. Today, March 16, 17 provinces in Thailand reported PM2.5 levels exceeding safety standards. Associate Professor Doctor Wisanu Arthawanich from the Faculty of Economics at Kasetsart University highlighted the situation on…
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Boat fire near Koh Tao triggers evacuation by Royal Thai Navy
A fire broke out on a boat carrying 28 tourists for a diving trip near Koh Tao, prompting an evacuation effort by the Royal Thai Navy‘s (RTN) Marine Department in Surat Thani province. The incident occurred at 9.25am, today, March 16, when RTN Captain Natthaphon Sinphunphon, deputy director of the department, received an alert from Koh Tao’s rescue centre about…
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Police raid illegal gambling den in Suthisan, arrest 19 people
Thai metropolitan police raided an illegal gambling den in the Suthisan area, arresting 19 people, including the organiser, and seizing five items of evidence. The incident occurred yesterday, March 15, at around 10.50pm, in a rented room on Suthisan Winitchai Road. The operation was led by Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, with support from…
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Drug-influenced man kills one, injures another in Chaiyaphum attack
A 26 year old man, reportedly under the influence of drugs, attacked his neighbours in Chaiyaphum province, resulting in one death and one serious injury. Following the incident, he fled and was later apprehended at a temple, where he confessed his actions. Today, March 16, Police Lieutenant Witoon Phaphong-ngarm from Nong Bua Daeng district Police Station was informed of an…
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South Korean man injured in Pattaya condo altercation
A South Korean man was injured in a confrontation at a Pattaya condominium after his ex-girlfriend discovered him with a Thai woman. The incident occurred on the 16th floor of a building on Thappraya Road, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri. Emergency services were notified, and the injured man was promptly transported to a hospital. The victim, 45 year…
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Tragic accident in Bang Pa Han: Man killed by lawnmower blade
A 58 year old man tragically died after a lawnmower blade broke off and struck his leg while he was working in a field in Bang Pa Han district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. The incident was reported yesterday, March 15. Relatives had planned to celebrate his birthday but instead found themselves organising a funeral. Police Lieutenant Colonel Piyapong Sirichanyatham from…
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Regulatory loophole enables illegal land sales in eastern regions
The National Land Policy Committee (NLPC) has identified a regulatory loophole leading to unlawful land transfers, particularly in regions designated for the underprivileged. This issue affects land sold to investors in the eastern region and requires additional cooperation for resolution, according to the director of the NLPC. NLPC chief Rawiwan Phuridej recently revealed that an initial probe uncovered illegal sales…
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Fifteen Thai nationals charged for online gambling in Cambodia
Arrest warrants have been issued for 15 Thai nationals repatriated from Poipet, Cambodia, over allegations of organising online gambling operations. The action follows a crackdown by Cambodian officials on scammers in the border town last month, resulting in the arrest and deportation of 119 Thais for investigation in Thailand, according to Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phiewphan, head of the Cyber…
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Major drug bust in Songkhla uncovers drugs worth 117 million baht
A significant drug bust in Songkhla province has led to the seizure of approximately 200 kilogrammes of heroin and 2.7 million methamphetamine pills, with an estimated total value exceeding 117 million baht. Two people suspected of drug trafficking were apprehended in what is being described as the province’s largest drug seizure to date. A coordinated effort by police, military personnel,…
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Nigerian man arrested for motorcycle theft in Chumphon disturbance
A Nigerian man suspected of motorcycle theft was apprehended after causing a disturbance outside a convenience store in the Muang district of Chumphon yesterday morning, according to police reports. Tourist Police responded to an incident at the Home Fresh store in tambon Na Thung after receiving reports of a foreign tourist creating disorder and damaging property, stated Police Lieutenant Colonel…
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Thai weather warning: 49 provinces to face severe storms
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued its fourth warning concerning severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and significant temperature drops of up to 8 degrees Celsius. Residents in 49 provinces, including Bangkok and its vicinity, are advised to exercise caution from March 16 to March 20. From March 16 to March 17, upper Thailand will experience thunderstorms, strong winds, hail,…
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Thailand tourism surges with visa-free policy, Phuket leads
Following the easing of Covid-19, global tourism has experienced a resurgence, bolstered by the Thai government’s visa-free policy. This has led to a continuous increase in tourists visiting Thailand. Recent data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports revealed that between January and March, the number of tourists reached 7,021,344, marking a 5.91% increase compared to the same period last…
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Rubber plantation worker shot dead in Nakhon Si Thammarat
A 52 year old rubber plantation worker was fatally shot while riding his motorcycle to work in Nakhon Si Thammarat province yesterday, March 14. Police are actively investigating the case to determine the motive and apprehend the gunman. Police Lieutenant Hassan Wongmathong, Deputy Inspector at Chulabhorn Police Station, received a report of the shooting incident near a rubber plantation entrance…
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Uthai Thani locals flock to ancient tree for lottery luck
As the lottery draw approaches, residents in Uthai Thani’s Mueang district have flocked to seek lucky numbers from a century-old Takian tree. It is believed that 12 spirit guardians, known as Mae Takian, reside within the tree, offering fortune to visitors. Located in Ban Huai Rang, Village 2, Rabam subdistrict, the revered Takian tree stands by a busy road, drawing…
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Thai man drowns on shellfish trip in Samut Songkhram canal
A Thai man searching for shellfish in a canal in Mueang district, Samut Songkhram with a group of friends drowned yesterday, March 14. Deputy Inspector Chanathip Ongkhleuab from Mueang Samut Songkhram Police Station received a report of a man, Supachip, who had drowned and disappeared in Khlong Si Suk. Rescue divers from the Sawang Benjatham Foundation were called in to assist…
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Ayutthaya hermitage draws crowds for blessings, lucky numbers
The Ruesi Cherne Thatu Phutthakhun hermitage in Ayutthaya is buzzing with visitors seeking spiritual blessings and lucky numbers ahead of the next lottery draw. This sacred site in Bang Sai district has become a magnet for those looking to boost their fortune, drawing tourists and devoted believers alike. Among the hermitage’s revered figures is the nine-faced Thao Wessuwan statue, standing…
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Pattaya shooting range noise reduced, but residents uneasy
Residents expressed relief as Pattaya officials inspected a shooting range adjacent to their village, which has caused persistent noise disturbance. Yesterday, Krisana Boonsawat, Pattaya’s Deputy Mayor, along with officials from the engineering and public health and environment departments, visited the Guns Shooting and Battle range, now renamed 556 Shooting Club, following complaints from residents of Jomtien Park Villa 2 in…
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Ex-finance minister exposes Phuket police extortion
A former finance minister has blown the lid off corrupt police practices in Phuket, exposing a rampant extortion racket targeting tourists. Sommai Phasee took to Facebook to reveal how officers are demanding bribes of 10,000 to 20,000 baht from foreign visitors to avoid being dragged to the police station. “I can’t stand it anymore. Corruption is everywhere in Thailand—it’s a…
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Songkran to boost Thailand’s tourism by 26.5 billion baht
The Songkran festival is anticipated to generate 26.5 billion baht, attracting 476,000 international tourists and facilitating 4.4 million domestic trips, as reported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool stated that revenue from international markets between April 12 and 16 is projected to rise by 7% year-on-year, reaching 7.3 billion baht. Meanwhile, domestic revenue is expected…
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Phuket leads Thailand’s push for sustainable tourism
Thailand is going green in a big way, with Phuket at the forefront of a bold push to revolutionise sustainable tourism. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) has launched the Green Hotel Plus Phuket Sandbox project, a key initiative to raise hotel sustainability standards to global levels. Minister Chalermchai Sri-on, who chaired the event on Thursday, March 13,…
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