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 How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
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Pattaya beach turns green: Plankton bloom causes panic
Pattaya’s popular Wong Amat Beach recently became the centre of environmental concerns as a sudden plankton bloom turned the waters a disturbing dark green and filled the air with a sulfur-like stench. The phenomenon, which began a few days ago, not only altered the sea’s appearance but also raised serious worries among locals and tourists about its potential impact on…
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Bangkok hotel raid: 200 phones seized in Chinese bust
A police raid at a hotel in the Makkasan area of Bangkok has led to the discovery of a suspicious operation involving Chinese nationals, sparking fears of illegal activities. Acting on a search warrant, investigators from the Metropolitan Police Bureau uncovered a series of alarming findings that point to an underground phone trafficking network. The raid, which took place after…
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Measles surge in Thailand: Young children at high risk
Measles concerns have arisen for those returning from neighbouring countries, with young children particularly vulnerable to the disease and at higher risk of death. Measles is airborne, much like tuberculosis, and those at risk are advised to monitor symptoms closely. Doctor Jurai Wongsawat, a senior medical officer and government spokesperson for the Department of Disease Control (DDC), Ministry of Public…
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Pattaya’s parking crackdown: No car is above the law
Pattaya traffic police launched a no-nonsense crackdown on illegal parking, sending a clear message that no vehicle is above the law—whether it’s a luxury sports car or a humble taxi. The key rule is simple: vehicles must strictly adhere to the odd-even parking schedule on South Pattaya roads. Failure to comply? Prepare for a clamp. The new enforcement initiative aims…
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Ratsada’s bold plan: Mayor unveils 7 key initiatives for growth
Jirayut Songyos, the newly elected Mayor of Ratsada Subdistrict Municipality, laid out an ambitious policy plan aimed at transforming his subdistrict into a stronger, more prosperous community. Following his certification by the Phuket Provincial Election Commission on June 4, Jirayut spoke to the Ratsada Subdistrict Municipality Council, outlining his commitment to work under the principles of good governance and transparency.…
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Cambodian tourist numbers to Thailand drop 48% due to closures
Cambodian tourist numbers visiting Thailand have significantly decreased by 48% this month due to border closures, impacting a market already experiencing a slowdown since the previous year. Despite this, Thai AirAsia has reported a strong load factor on flights from Bangkok to Cambodia. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), stated that Cambodian arrivals in the first…
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Bangkok police arrest trio for selling drug-laced e-cigarettes
Officers in Bangkok arrested a group yesterday for selling e-cigarette liquids laced with drugs online. The three suspects, 37 year old Netnapa, 46 year old Thanakorn, and 33 year old Pratchaya, were caught red-handed yesterday, June 20, with a large stash of illegal vaping liquids and equipment, sparking a serious drug trafficking investigation. The bust came after concerned residents in…
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Senate seeks to oust Paetongtarn over leaked call with Cambodia
The Senate Speaker has petitioned the Constitutional Court and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to remove Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office due to a leaked phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. The petitions question if the Thai PM engaged in corruption by violating the Constitution or laws, or if she seriously breached ethical standards. Concurrently, the Constitutional…
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Thai aide accuses Cambodian leader of national security threat
An aide to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has lodged a police complaint against Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, alleging threats to Thailand’s national security and causing internal discord. Somkid Chueakong, the deputy secretary-general for political affairs to the prime minister, submitted this complaint yesterday, June 20, to Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phiewphan, head of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB).…
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Poipet casinos offer promotions to lure back Thai gamblers
Casino operators in Poipet, Cambodia, are implementing enticing travel promotions to attract Thai gamblers back after a noticeable decline in cross-border visits due to increased security measures at the Thai-Cambodian border. A local source noted that smaller gates at the Ban Khlong Luek border checkpoint in Sa Kaeo’s Aranyaprathet district remain operational to facilitate students travelling to school. The official…
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Russian tourist drowns after ignoring red flags at Phuket beach
A Russian tourist disregarded red warning flags and entered the sea at Karon Beach, Phuket, before tragically drowning in front of his family. Despite rescue efforts, he was pronounced dead on June 10 at 11.40am. Police Sub-Lieutenant Jaras Lempan of the Karon Police Station received a report of the incident and informed Police Colonel Khundech Na Nongkhai, the Karon Police…
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More rain: Thunderstorms and downpours continue to hit Thailand
Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather warning for today, forecasting increased rainfall across Thailand, with heavy showers expected in the north, east, and south. The northeast will experience particularly severe conditions. Residents are advised to remain cautious. The intensified southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, combined with a low-pressure area over northern…
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German man found dead in rented house in Nakhon Si Thammarat
A German man was found dead at a rented house in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat, reportedly due to an ongoing illness. Officers from Thasala Police Station were called to the scene at 6.50am today, June 20, after receiving a report of a foreign man’s death at a house in Tha Kuen sub-district, Tha Sala district. The deceased…
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Phumtham defends PM, dismisses audio scandal backlash
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has come out swinging in defence of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, urging calm and diplomacy following the political storm triggered by her leaked audio conversation with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen. Phumtham, who also serves as Defence Minister, downplayed the fallout from the controversial clip, reaffirming the coalition’s support for Paetongtarn and brushing off…
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Thai couple accused of faking rape to extort former police officer
A Thai couple accused a former police officer of raping and accused another officer of extorting 15,000 baht, but a lawyer later discovered that the pair withheld significant information about the case. The couple, known as Em and Bee, sought assistance from well-known lawyer Paisarn Rueangrit. They claimed to have filed complaints with local police, but alleged that no progress was…
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Tiger comeback: Prey release sparks hope in Thai jungle
In Thailand’s dense, steaming western forests, 20 sambar deer leap into freedom — and straight into the domain of one of Asia’s most elusive predators: the Indochinese tiger. This dramatic release in Khlong Lan National Park, Kamphaeng Phet, Central Thailand, is part of an ambitious government and WWF-backed effort to revive Thailand’s wild tiger population by restoring their natural prey…
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Watch your words: Thai air force warns troops on recordings
Heads up, airmen — Big Brother might be listening. The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has issued a stark warning to its personnel: think twice before you speak, because your conversations could be recorded. In a now-deleted post made on June 19 via the official RTAF News Facebook page, Air Chief Marshal Praphat Sonjaidee, the air force’s spokesperson, reminded service…
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Pattaya motorbike thug attacks Bolt rider in road rage meltdown
An early morning altercation at a busy Pattaya intersection has ignited public outrage after a motorcycle taxi driver was caught on camera assaulting a Bolt passenger, and now police are under pressure to act. The incident took place at around 6.45am yesterday, June 19, at the intersection of Pattaya South Road and Thanon Sai Sam, near Soi Pattaya South 18…
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‘Get out!’: Rally erupts in Phuket over PM’s leaked clip
The streets of Phuket Old Town roared with anger as hundreds rallied against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, demanding her resignation following a bombshell leaked audio clip. Yesterday afternoon, June 19, a group that called themselves Phuket Loves the Nation staged a highly charged protest at Queen Sirikit Park on Thalang Road, drawing a crowd of 200 to 300 demonstrators. Their message…
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New driving rules: Foreigners must take test in Thailand
No more shortcuts — foreigners in Thailand will soon be required to pass a written test to get a Thai driver’s licence, even if they hold a valid international permit. The Department of Land Transport (DLT) is tightening its rules with a new draft regulation that scraps the use of international driving permits (IDPs) as acceptable proof for obtaining a…
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Dead man with hands cuffed and legs bound found in Nakhon Si Thammarat
The discovery of a dead man with his hands cuffed and legs bound in a palm plantation in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat yesterday, June 19, reminded locals in the area of a similar case that occurred two years prior. Residents of the Tha Rue sub-district in Mueang district detected a foul odour in the area and gathered…
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iCloud loan sharks busted in Bangkok raid over 30% interest scam (video)
The Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) conducted a raid on an illegal loan company in Bangkok and Samut Prakan. The company allegedly accepted iCloud accounts as collateral and locked devices if payments were missed. It had over 5,000 clients and charged interest rates of 30% per month. The operation was led by Police Major General Thasanphumi Charuprachya, commander of the…
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Thailand video news | Thai opposition urges house dissolution as leaked call deepens political crisis, Thailand approves 5-year crypto tax break to spur growth
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jay present key developments from across the region, spotlighting political tensions, diplomatic fallout, and shifting expat sentiments. Thailand’s government faces mounting pressure after a leaked call with Cambodia’s Hun Sen triggered coalition fractures and calls for new elections. Meanwhile, Phuket eyes cannabis zoning to protect its tourism image, and police crack down on…
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Death penalty call: Activists accuse PM over leaked tape
Two fiery political activists have filed explosive charges against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, claiming she committed acts so severe they could carry the death penalty. The complaint was lodged on Thursday at Mueang Khon Kaen Police Station by anti-corruption campaigners Tul Prasertsilp and Chaichana Tasaniyom. The duo accused the prime minister of breaching multiple sections of Thailand’s Criminal Code over…
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Rawai drug dealer busted with gun and meth stash
A Phuket man’s drug-dealing days went up in smoke after police raided his Rawai home and uncovered a stash of meth, firearms, and a bullet-laced surprise. The 30 year old suspect, Thanabat “Bank” Nomsaksiri, was arrested yesterday, June 19, following a targeted operation led by the Narcotics Suppression Division of the Phuket Provincial Police. The raid, headed by Police Lieutenant…
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Death of Thai volunteer lawyer in Cambodia linked to illness, not murder
An autopsy confirmed that a Thai volunteer lawyer who died in a rented room in Cambodia, with 700,000 baht missing, had passed away due to a congenital disease, not murder. A strong unpleasant odour from an apartment in the Or Smach district of Oddar Meanchey province led to the discovery of the body of 58 year old Thai man Thotsaporn…
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United Thai Nation Party demands PM’s resignation
The political ground is shaking as the United Thai Nation Party (UTN) threatens to walk out of the government coalition unless Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra steps down, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown. Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, the party leader and Energy Minister, made a terse announcement yesterday, June 19, following a closed-door executive meeting of the UTN in response to…
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20 Myanmar migrants nabbed in Thai rubber plantation
A human smuggling route was shut down as 20 Myanmar migrants were caught hiding in a rubber plantation in Kanchanaburi, after a dawn raid by Thai authorities. Chakrit Tanpirul, the district chief of Thong Pha Phum in Kanchanaburi province, revealed yesterday, June 19, that officials had foiled a major illegal entry operation the night before. The bust followed a tip-off…
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EconThai warns against dissolving House amid political unrest
The Employers’ Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry (EconThai) has advised against dissolving the House of Representatives to tackle the weakened political stability in the wake of a leaked phone call between Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Hun Sen, former Cambodian prime minister. Tanit Sorat, vice-chairperson of EconThai, expressed concern about the potential political vacuum that could result from dissolving…
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Democrat Party digs in: No exit from coalition after crisis talks
After hours behind closed doors, Thailand’s oldest political party has decided to stick with the ruling coalition — for now. The Democrat Party has confirmed it will remain part of the government coalition following a tense three-hour meeting yesterday, June 19, amid political turbulence triggered by a leaked audio clip involving Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodian Senate President Hun…
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