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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Fitness coach Po admits to child discipline incident, offers apology
Fitness coach Po, known for his popular page, has publicly addressed allegations of child assault, admitting to his actions and expressing regret. He confirmed using only a fingertip to lightly discipline the child and is prepared to take responsibility for his actions. The incident, which occurred on November 30 at 4.30pm, involved Coach Po engaging with two boys by a…
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PM Anutin sets 14-day recovery deadline for Hat Yai flood aftermath
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has established a 14-day timeframe to complete clean-up and rehabilitation in Hat Yai following recent floods, aiming to return the city to normalcy. During a visit to Hat Yai in Songkhla province on Saturday, Anutin, also serving as interior minister, expressed appreciation to the rescuers who have been active since the onset of the disaster. He…
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Thai Navy boosts Vietnam ties, denies frigate deal claims
The Royal Thai Navy has reaffirmed its close military cooperation with Vietnam and provided an update on the status of its planned frigate procurement, stating the process remains in its early stages and is being handled with transparency and care. Today, December 6, Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiyapan, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Navy, said the naval relationship between Thailand and…
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Cyanide confirmed in Channel 8 reporter’s body, investigation ongoing
Thai authorities are investigating the death of Channel 8 reporter Natthawut Ponglanka after forensic tests confirmed the presence of cyanide in his system. Natthawut, also known as Nutpong, was found dead at his home in Nonthaburi’s Bang Kruai district on the morning of November 30. Initial findings suggested abnormal heart rhythm as the cause of death, but further examination by…
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Shell from Myanmar clashes lands in Tak, injures two
Tensions along the Thai–Myanmar border rose yesterday, December 5, after a projectile landed in a Thai village during clashes between the Myanmar military and anti-government forces. Two Thai residents were injured, one seriously, prompting a response from Thai authorities. At around 12pm yesterday, Myanmar military troops from Light Infantry Division 22 reportedly advanced on opposition forces holding a position in…
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Hip-hop star Way accused of fake stock scheme after wife’s 195m baht scandal
Thai rapper Prinya “Way” Intachai, a member of hip-hop group Thaitanium, has been accused of swindling an investor out of over 50 million baht through a fake stock trading scheme, just days after his actress wife was arrested in a separate high-profile fraud case. A complaint filed with the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) includes bank transfer receipts and chat logs…
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Opposition leader slams flood response committee as headline-making move
Opposition leader and People’s Party MP Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut has criticised the government’s decision to establish a flood response review committee, calling the move unnecessary and performative. In an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and released on December 4, Natthaphong questioned the rationale behind forming yet another committee, arguing that Thailand has already endured numerous disasters and accumulated…
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Vehicle registration rules relaxed for flood-hit southern motorists
Thailand’s Transport Ministry has instructed the Department of Land Transport (DLT) to relax documentation requirements for motorists in the south who lost or damaged their licence plates or vehicle registration documents due to recent flooding. Affected individuals will not need to present the original registration book or ID card to request replacements. The announcement was made yesterday, December 5, by…
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Questions rise over sudden death of renowned Thai journalist
Tributes and questions have emerged following the sudden death of Nattawut Ponglangka, a 35 year old Channel 8 field reporter known for his investigative coverage, after colleagues said he “fell asleep and never woke up”. News of his death was first shared on November 30 by fellow Channel 8 reporter Ice Sarawat Kijpanit, who posted that Nattawut had passed away…
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Sek Loso withdraws from prison duties after family visit dispute
Thai rock star Sek Loso, also known as Seksan Sukpimai, has announced his decision to withdraw from all work assignments outside the prison, following a public incident involving family at the Central Women’s Correctional Institution on December 3. The incident began when Sek’s wife, Wiphakorn “Karn” Sukpimai, took their daughter to the facility to celebrate the girl’s birthday and watch…
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People’s Party demands deputy PM’s removal over alleged crime ties
The opposition People’s Party has renewed its call for the dismissal of Deputy Prime Minister Thamanat Prompow, citing concerns that his continued role in the Cabinet may affect ongoing investigations into a transnational crime and money laundering network. The remarks were made by Rangsiman Rome, Deputy Leader of the People’s Party, following the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO)’s seizure of assets…
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Samut Prakan police rescue student from call centre scam
Bang Phli police have rescued a 20 year old university student who was deceived by a call centre scam gang into believing he was involved in a money laundering case. The student was tricked into transferring money and locking himself in a rented room to stage a fake arrest, as the gang attempted to extract further money from his family.…
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Death toll from southern floods remains at 145, says Health Ministry
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health reported that the death toll from the southern floods remains at 145, with 42 bodies returned to families and 103 awaiting identification as of 4pm on December 4. The update was issued from Songklanagarind Hospital in Hat Yai, which is handling post-mortem examinations and forensic identification following the disaster. Among the deceased, 54 died while…
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Mother stabs daughter in Udon Thani after dispute over boyfriend
Police in Udon Thani launched an investigation after a 36 year old woman was found dead in a bathroom, allegedly stabbed by her mother during an argument over the daughter’s relationship with a man involved in drug dealing. At 11.30am yesterday, December 4, officers from Nong Saeng Police Station responded to a call reporting a fatal stabbing at a home…
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Anutin admits SEA Games budget woes predate his term
Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul admitted he was aware of the financial challenges surrounding the 33rd SEA Games even before assuming his current role. Addressing reporters’ concerns about the budget, Anutin clarified that the issue was longstanding. “I knew there was an issue, so I asked [Captain Thamanat Prompow] to work at full speed; everyone’s heads are spinning.”…
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December 5 weather: Bangkok, south hit by downpours, haze persists
Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning today, December 5, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall across 24 provinces, with Bangkok and the upper southern region among the hardest hit. Meanwhile, upper Thailand continues to face chilly morning temperatures. From now until tomorrow evening, people in southern provinces should brace for torrential downpours, especially in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat…
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Iconic Thai voice actress behind Conan and Suneo passes away
Channel 9 Cartoon announced the death of Took Arunee, a legendary Thai voice actress behind Conan and Suneo. The Facebook page “Channel 9 Cartoon” shared sad news of the passing of Arunee Nanthiwat, also known as Aunty Took, a legendary senior voice actress. She was the iconic voice behind many beloved characters, including Edogawa Conan, from Detective Conan, and Suneo,…
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Minister denies hiring designer amid SEA Games ceremony controversy
The Sports and Tourism Minister responded to the controversy over the cancelled SEA Games ceremony design, insisting that no hiring contract was ever made with the designer or his team. The drama began after Thai visual and lighting designer Rueangrith “Ton” Suntisuk shared on December 2 that he and his team had been working on the opening and closing ceremony…
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Thai netizens call out Cambodia’s Miss Charm video
Thai netizens are accusing Miss Charm Cambodia 2025 of using Thailand’s iconic tourism slogan and traditional-style attire. The recently released video on Miss Charm’s Facebook page, titled “Miss Charm Cambodia 2025 | Introduction Video”, features this year’s Miss Charm Cambodia contestant, Det Sreyneat, narrating the kingdom’s cultural wonders, historic temples, and natural beauty. But what caught the attention of many Thai…
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South Korean man allegedly pours hot water over Thai girlfriend out of jealousy
A jealous South Korean man allegedly poured hot water over his Thai girlfriend in an attempt to disfigure her so she would be unable to date other men. The Thai woman took to a Facebook group of Thai people in South Korea yesterday, December 3, seeking a free interpreting service after she was assaulted by her South Korean boyfriend. She…
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Danish tourist erupts at Trat bus terminal after missing final airport bus
Police intervened after a Danish man caused a disturbance at the Trat Bus Terminal on Tuesday, December 2, after he missed the last bus to Suvarnabhumi International Airport for his midnight flight. Staff at the terminal called officers from Mueang Trat Police Station at around 6pm after the foreign tourist began shouting and causing chaos. The man, a Danish national,…
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AOT to hike airport tax in 2026, eyes 10 billion baht revenue boost
Passengers flying internationally from Thailand will soon face higher airport taxes, after the Civil Aviation Board approved a 53% hike in the Passenger Service Charge (PSC) at six major airports. Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, who chaired the board’s meeting yesterday, December 3, confirmed the PSC for international departures will rise from 730 baht to 1,120 baht per person. The increase…
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Asiatique introduces scenic mode and cuts hours after SkyFlyers noise complaints
Asiatique The Riverfront responded to noise complaints over loud screaming from riders on its SkyFlyers attraction by introducing a scenic ride mode and limiting its operating hours. In recent days, residents living near the popular open-air mall took to social media to complain about the disturbance caused by the newly launched SkyFlyers ride. They said the noise did not come…
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Thailand unveils six eco-friendly tax measures for 2027
Thailand’s Excise Department plans to roll out six new tax initiatives to promote environmental sustainability and improve public health. Director-General Pornchai Thiraveja said these policies aim to align with shifting global trade standards, which now place more emphasis on climate action and public health. The measures also support upcoming carbon-related regulations. Bangkok Post reported that the first measure expands the tax…
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Foreign suspect flees after stabbing British man outside Phuket nightclub
A “large” foreign man is on the run after stabbing a British national outside a nightclub in the Choeng Talay area of Phuket in the early hours of yesterday, December 3. Choeng Talay Police Station officers and rescue workers were called to the road outside the entertainment venue at around 12.20am to investigate the stabbing and assist the victim, later…
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Trat woman collapses after 10 months on diet pills
A 22 year old woman collapsed at her workplace in Trat and was rushed to the hospital late last night, December 3, after reportedly taking weight loss pills for over 10 months. Investigators suspect the pills, which she bought from an online shop, contain sibutramine, a banned substance linked to severe health risks. At around 10.30pm yesterday, reporters visited Trat…
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Dashcam exposes false account after Thai driver kills British woman in Nonthaburi
A Thai driver fatally struck a British national who was crossing a road in Nonthaburi province yesterday, December 3, before claiming the victim suddenly stopped walking in the middle of the road. Dashcam footage later circulated online contradicted her account. Sai Noi Police Station officers were alerted to the fatal accident at around 1pm and rushed to the Bang Kruai-Sai…
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Nonthaburi driver attempts suicide over 35,000 baht repair cost
A 61 year old driver from Nonthaburi attempted suicide yesterday, December 3, due to stress over financial strain. Police responded to a report of a man seriously injured at his home in Bang Phut subdistrict, Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi province. At the scene, police found Anurat lying in the garage of his home, wearing only shorts. There was a knife…
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Thailand and UAE mark 50 years of diplomatic relations
Thailand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) marked 50 years of diplomatic relations this week during a ceremony held at the UAE Embassy in Bangkok. The celebration coincided with the UAE’s 54th Union Day. UAE Ambassador to Thailand, Obaid Saeed Obaid Bintaresh Aldhaheri, addressed the attendees on Monday, praising the steady growth of bilateral ties. He remarked that the long-standing…
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Dumbhead dispute: Miss Universe 2025 winner faces defamation complaint from Thai organiser
A Thai beauty pageant organiser filed a defamation complaint against the newly crowned Miss Universe 2025, Fatima Bosch, after she publicly claimed he called her a “dumbhead”. The dispute between the president of the Miss Universe 2025 organising committee, Nawat Itsaragrisil, and the Mexican beauty queen, Bosch, began on November 4 during a pre-pageant event in Bangkok. The conflict first…
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