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 Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run
Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...
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Phuket tuk tuks set to go electric in new pilot project
Phuket’s famous tuk tuks are about to get a green makeover as the island becomes the testing ground for Thailand’s first project to switch small passenger vehicles from petrol to electric power. Akaradej Wongpitakroj, MP for Ratchaburi and chairman of the House Industrial Committee, confirmed on a recent visit that Phuket will spearhead the conversion drive. The lessons learned here…
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Chiang Mai tuk tuk driver denies physically assaulting Chinese tourist
A Thai tuk tuk driver in Chiang Mai denied physically assaulting a Chinese tourist after a video of the pair’s confrontation went viral on TikTok. The Chinese tourist, who posted the clip to his account, @ailong165, on August 29, claimed the incident occurred at about 8.45pm on August 28 in Chiang Mai Old Town. According to the tourist, the driver shouted…
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Sri Lanka brews Thai ties with world-famous Ceylon tea
Sri Lanka is banking on its world-famous Ceylon tea to deepen ties with Thailand, using the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations as the perfect occasion to showcase its prized export. On Monday, September 1, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Bangkok hosted a glittering evening reception titled Ceylon Tea Finest Evening. The event spotlighted the nation’s premium teas while highlighting their…
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Pattaya monks slammed for loitering at markets for alms
Pattaya’s bustling markets are under scrutiny after officials found monks standing outside shops and food stalls waiting for alms, behaviour critics say undermines the sanctity of Buddhist practice. The inspections, led by Bang Lamung District Chief Officer along with subdistrict monks and local agencies, followed complaints that monks were abandoning their traditional morning alms rounds, known as pindapata. Instead of…
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British pensioner’s prized tricycle swiped in Northeast Thailand
An 81 year old British man in Udon Thani has been left heartbroken after thieves made off with his treasured tricycle motorcycle in a daring early-morning theft caught on CCTV. Wayne, a retired restaurateur from UK’s Liverpool, filed a report at Mueang Udon Thani Police Station yesterday, September 2, through a translator. He told officers the blue and bronze three-wheeler,…
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Bangkok hotels face crunch as occupancy rates tumble
Bangkok’s hotel industry is heading into a storm in the second half of this year, with falling occupancy rates, soaring competition and a sharp drop in Chinese arrivals casting a shadow over the capital’s hospitality market. A report by Knight Frank Chartered (Thailand) revealed that average occupancy slipped by 3.7% to 75.1% in the first half of this year, while…
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Thai woman finds missing husband’s skeleton in septic tank
A Thai woman discovered a skeleton in a septic tank at her home in the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima, which she believed to be the remains of her husband, who had gone missing three years ago. The 60 year old woman, Thawee Paekratoke, called officers from Nong Boon Mak Police Station to her home in the Laem Thong sub-district,…
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Phuket man wanted after stabbing wife in domestic row
Police in Phuket are hunting a man who allegedly stabbed his wife with a pair of scissors during a row at a motorcycle repair shop in Thalang. The attack happened at around 7pm yesterday, September 2, opposite the Thai Watsadu store in Srisoonthorn. The victim, 38 year old Pornpana Manhan, was stabbed in the back and rushed to Thalang Hospital…
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Fugitive captured in Bangkok after motorcycle theft spree
A 26 year old man was apprehended today, September 3, after a series of escapades following his escape from detention in Surat Thani. While fleeing, he stole several motorcycles and evaded police with his wife, who at one point suffered a leg fracture in a collision. The arrest was executed by Police Major General Witthaya Sriprasertphap, with support from Police…
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Bangkok Purple Line project probed after dead fish found
Bangkok officials have launched an urgent probe after thousands of fish were found dead in a Thon Buri canal, with the blame falling on the construction of the new Purple Line electric train. Deputy Bangkok governor Wissanu Subsompon led a team of Drainage Department officers and environmental experts to Khlong Samre near Soi Somdet Phra Chao Taksin 21 following alarmed…
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E-motorcycle company accused of dodging responsibility after battery blast
A Thai policewoman accused an e-motorcycle company of denying responsibility after a vehicle’s battery explosion caused damage amounting to about 10 million baht to her and her neighbour’s property. Police Lieutenant Colonel Manchupa Subwilawan brought the case to renowned lawyer Porramate “Kaew” Chaiphatcharakunpong, fearing that she and her husband’s plea for justice would go unnoticed. She stated that the electric…
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17 year old teenage boys gang rape three 14 year old girl in Pathum Thani
Today, 3 September, at 10.30am, Sergeant Kings Taengthim of Saphan Mai brought the parents of three 14 year old girls to file a complaint with the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), seeking legal action against a group of 5 to 6 teenage boys, around 17 years old, who allegedly committed rape and gang rape in Nong Suea District, Pathum Thani Province.…
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Prasat Ta Muen Thom access restricted as Thailand tightens border security
Yesterday, 2 September, Major General Bunsin Padklang, commander of the 2nd Army Region, confirmed that recent clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border were more intense than those in 2011, resulting in significant losses for Cambodian forces. He revealed that several countries urged Thailand to cease fire, but only a temporary truce was achieved after prolonged negotiations. “The other side uses the…
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Thailand’s oldest hippo Mae Mali prepares for 60th birthday bash
Thailand’s most famous hippo is about to become the star of a birthday party like no other. Mae Mali, the beloved hippopotamus at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri, will celebrate her 60th birthday with a three-day festival complete with games, exhibitions and a giant fruit cake. The celebrations will run from September 6 to 8 at the zoo’s…
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Phuket Airport stages emergency drill as safety test Friday
Passengers flying through Phuket International Airport this Friday morning can expect to see chaos, but only as part of a full-scale emergency drill. Airport officials confirmed that the exercise, scheduled for 9am on Friday, September 5, will simulate a major incident under the Airport Contingency Plan. The goal is to sharpen safety standards and ensure staff are fully prepared to…
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Phuket man sets ex-girlfriend’s car on fire, blames anger and impulse
A Thai man in Phuket confessed to setting his ex-girlfriend’s car on fire two months after their relationship ended, admitting he acted on a foolish impulse and now regrets his actions. Officers from Wichit Police Station launched an urgent search for the suspect after the red hatchback belonging to 49 year old Thitipha Suppasamran was torched outside her home on…
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Police bust illegal kratom juice operation in Maha Sarakham
Yesterday, September 2, police apprehended 30 year old Rittikiet, accused of running an illicit business involving kratom juice and illegal cough syrup in Mueang district, Maha Sarakham province. The operation was conducted after police discovered the house, located by the Som Thawin Canal, served as a production and distribution centre for these illegal substances. During the search, police discovered 381…
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Thailand video news “Nan River Reaches Highest Level in 14 Years, Flooding Reported”, Gen-X Business Leader Tops Poll as Thailand’s Preferred Prime Minister, Thaksin backs Prayut”
Thailand’s week has been marked by sharp contrasts—plans for a VAT hike to ease fiscal pressures, polls showing rising support for a Gen-X business leader as prime minister, and the Nan River’s worst flooding in 14 years. Meanwhile, violent clashes, sexual assault allegations in the film industry, and outrage over flag disrespect stirred public debate. Adding to the…
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Military officer arrested for fake flu vaccine scam in Thailand
A military medical officer was apprehended for allegedly deceiving over 200 military personnel in South Sudan with fake influenza vaccines. Yesterday, September 2, Police Major General Witthaya Sriprasert ordered Police Colonel Manoon Kaewgam to collaborate with Jarong Kraomao, director of the Bureau of Special Investigations, and Phairoj Niyomdecha, director of the Investigation and Intelligence Operations Group 2, from the National…
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Thai man attacked, seriously injured by wild bull in plantation
A Thai man sustained serious injuries after being attacked by a wild bull in a pineapple plantation in the southern province of Prachuap Khiri Khan yesterday, September 2. The community leader, Arunchai Sommit, contacted the Luang Phor Nai Kuti Wat Kui Buri Rescue Foundation to transport the injured man, 64 year old Somsak, from the pineapple plantation in the Kui…
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Chon Buri cannabis shop raid uncovers illegal drugs and items
In Chon Buri, a cannabis shop was raided, resulting in the seizure of 20 kilogrammes of dried cannabis flowers, illegal Tramadol, and a variety of illicit cigarettes and e-cigarettes. This operation took place today, September 3, following multiple complaints from residents. Pacharapach Sritanyanon, the Bang Lamung district chief, instructed Nattawat Sophonsawetasilp and Kittiboonratnanet from the public health department to conduct…
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Pattaya woman escapes knife attack in abandoned building
A woman in Pattaya has told how she narrowly escaped a brutal knife attack after being lured into an abandoned building by a man posing as a Good Samaritan. The 47 year old victim, identified only as B, said she feared for her life after being beaten, stripped and threatened with rape and murder before escaping on her motorcycle. The…
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Nigerian dealer and Thai girlfriend arrested in Samut Prakan
Yesterday, September 2, police arrested a Nigerian drug dealer and his Thai girlfriend in their apartment on Srinakarin Road, Samut Prakan. They were found with cocaine and related assets, following a tip-off about their drug activities in the Sukhumvit area. The suspects were identified as 33 year old UKWE Vincent Chisom from Nigeria and 30 year old Thai national Kesinee,…
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9 year old boy found walking with dog on 30km journey to find mother
A motorist yesterday, September 1, assisted a nine year old boy who had attempted to walk 30 kilometres to meet his mother in the eastern province of Rayong. The motorist noticed the boy trying to hitchhike, but no one stopped for him. He was spotted on Buraphaphat Road in the Map Ta Phut area of Rayong, accompanied by his black…
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Thai man’s murder-suicide after affair with teenage sister-in-law revealed
A Thai man committed murder-suicide in Pathum Thani province yesterday, September 2, after he was caught having an affair with his 13 year old sister-in-law. The incident resulted in two deaths and three injuries. Officers from Khlong Ha Police Station received reports of a murder-suicide, prompting an investigation at a house in Soi Chaloemphrakiat 2, Khlong Luang district, Pathum Thani,…
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Thai nationals intercepted returning from Cambodia after job scam
Seven Thai nationals were intercepted by the Burapha Task Force as they attempted to return from Cambodia after being lured into working for an online gambling site. The group decided to flee home when the promised conditions were not met. At approximately 12pm yesterday, September 2, Police Colonel Chainarong Kasi, commander of the Aranyaprathet Task Force, directed officers from the…
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People’s Party backs Anutin as PM under strict terms (video)
Thailand’s political chessboard just shifted again, and the clock is now ticking on Anutin Charnvirakul’s path to power. In a dramatic U-turn, the People’s Party (PP) announced this morning, September 3, that it would support Anutin, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, as Thailand’s 32nd prime minister, but only under strict conditions that could collapse the new government within months. The…
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Forest monk accused of child abuse in Phichit
A troubling incident has emerged in the Thai monastic community in Phichit province, where a forest monk is alleged to have abused three young boys. This incident has prompted a police report and an investigation. The events unfolded when a teacher at a school in Thanang subdistrict, Phon Thale district, noticed unusual behaviour among students. Conversations among the pupils indicated that…
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Lamphun lottery luck: Pork sellers win 12 million baht jackpot
It was a dream come true for pork sellers in Lamphun province as they struck the jackpot, winning a staggering 12 million baht in the national lottery. The lucky vendors at Pa Heo Market couldn’t believe their eyes when they saw the winning numbers announced by the Government Lottery Office yesterday, September 1. The first prize was claimed by ticket…
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Thai film director accused of sexually assaulting 2 actresses
Two freelance actresses accused a film director of sexually assaulting them during an acting workshop. The director claimed that he was teaching them about a love scene. The actresses, aged 32 and 16, sought help from social media influencer Chotanan “Pae” Lertritphuwadon after the assault. Chotanan then accompanied one of the victims, 32 year old A, to Bang Bua Thong…
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