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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Emirates lands a double delight with new SE Asia flights
Emirates is turning up the heat in Southeast Asia with the launch of two brand-new routes, to Vietnam’s coastal gem Da Nang and Cambodia’s cultural heartland, Siem Reap, both flying via Bangkok. The Dubai-based airline kicked off the Da Nang route on June 2, followed by Siem Reap on June 3, pushing its regional network to 23 destinations. Both flights will…
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High hopes go up in smoke as Indian women busted in weed run
Three Indian women dreaming of a free Thai getaway ended up in cuffs instead, after being caught smuggling high-grade hydroponic weed worth a staggering 85,000,000 rupees (32.4 million baht) into Mumbai. The trio were intercepted by sharp-eyed customs officers at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport yesterday, June 4, following a tip-off about a major drug shipment arriving from Bangkok. Busted…
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Singaporean businessman caught at airport over 5 million baht VAT fraud
A Singaporean businessman was apprehended at Suvarnabhumi International Airport while attempting to flee to his home country. He faced allegations of evading value-added tax (VAT), resulting in a 5 million baht loss to the state. Today, June 4, Police Major General Thathapoom Charupraphan directed Police Colonel Naruephon Karuna and Police Captain Noppakhun Thatnamalai to arrest 71 year old Liu David…
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Class act! Posh parents splash out as international schools boom
Thailand’s international school sector is booming and it’s the well-heeled who are fuelling the fire. With tuition at top-tier institutions topping a whopping 1.1 million baht a year, it’s clear that wealthy families, corporate high-flyers, and expat professionals are queuing up for a classroom seat with a global edge. Auramon Supthaweethum, head of the Department of Business Development (DBD), named international…
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Here comes the sun: Solar panel plan puts minister in firing line
A fresh push to boost solar panel use across Thailand has sparked a political power struggle, with critics warning the new bill could give the energy minister unchecked authority over who can harness the sun. The proposed legislation, aimed at streamlining solar panel installation and energy trade, has drawn mixed reactions from industry heavyweights, some calling it a bright idea,…
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Saraburi woman charged for illegal lending at 300% interest
A 20 year old woman, known for her aggressive behaviour, has been charged by police in Saraburi province for operating an illegal money lending scheme with exorbitant interest rates of up to 300%. Victims, mainly girls between 13 and 16 years old, were allegedly targeted and intimidated if they failed to repay their debts. The case was brought to light…
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Top 3 must-have apps for exploring Thailand like a local
Sawadee, savvy traveller! If you’re planning a trip to the Land of Smiles, you’re in for a ride full of golden temples, finger-licking street food, island sunsets, and tuk-tuk adventures. But if you want to do it right — not just like a tourist, but like someone who knows their som tam from their satay — you’ll need the right…
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US visa clamp sparks panic but Thai students gets pass
Thai students hoping to hit the books in the United States can breathe a sigh of relief, after officials confirmed student visa interviews in Bangkok are still a go, despite a sweeping clampdown ordered by US President Donald Trump’s team. On April 1, US political news outlet Politico dropped a bombshell: a leaked Trump-era memo revealed that US embassies worldwide…
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Blade and shame! Burmese teen busted after flaunting weapons
A cocky Burmese teen has landed himself in hot water after posing with machetes and a toy gun for Facebook clout, sparking public outcry and prompting a swift police response in Phuket’s Cherng Talay area. The images, which surfaced on social media with the caption, “So arrogant! ‘Phuket’ Myanmar teenager gang in the Cherng Talay area showing off guns and…
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Thai provinces report surge in Covid-19 cases amid rainy season
The Ministry of Public Health reported the five provinces with the highest Covid-19 infections, with a national total of 324,692 cases and 69 fatalities. The surge in cases is attributed to the rainy season and school reopening, while the XEC variant is noted for its ease of transmission. Doctor Taweesin Visanuyothin, Director General of the Department of Medical Services, highlighted…
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Russian scammer nabbed at Phuket Airport in digital crime bust
A suspected Russian cyber crook has been collared at Phuket International Airport, accused of helping to run a high-tech fraud racket that’s fleeced thousands and left victims across Thailand reeling. The 36 year old unnamed man was nicked in the arrivals hall around 1.50pm on June 2, following a sting by Phuket Airport Immigration’s Investigation Team and Surat Thani Police.…
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Thailand prioritises peace in Cambodia border dispute
War should remain a last resort in Thailand’s ongoing border dispute with Cambodia, according to Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Speaking yesterday, June 3, he emphasised the country’s commitment to resolving the issue peacefully, highlighting the need to avoid violence while protecting national sovereignty. Phumtham, who also holds the position of defence minister, made these comments as Cambodia continues its…
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Bangkok man arrested after Bang Sue youth shooting incident
A 21 year old man has been apprehended in connection with a shooting incident following a youth altercation in the Bang Sue district of Bangkok. The arrest occurred yesterday, June 3 at 12.30pm, with police charging him with three offences. Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, along with other officials from the Metropolitan Police Bureau, directed the arrest of Anon “Joy” Chiamchan.…
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Snubbed middle-income retirees look beyond Thailand to SE Asia
For decades, Thailand has been the quintessential destination for retirees seeking an affordable, beautiful, and culturally rich new home. With its golden beaches, vibrant cuisine, and famously welcoming population, the Land of Smiles has lured hundreds of thousands of Westerners to spend their golden years soaking up its tropical hospitality. Yet, a quiet transformation is taking place beneath the palm…
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Driver falls asleep, causing fatal Rayong-Surat Thani bus crash
A bus accident occurred in the early hours of this morning, when the driver fell asleep, causing the Rayong-Surat Thani bus to veer off course and crash into a guardrail. The incident today, June 4, at 4.30am, resulted in two fatalities and several injuries among the 28 passengers. The yellow passenger bus, operating on the Rayong-Mukdahan route, bore Chon Buri…
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Manhunt in Surat Thani for suspect in shooting incident
A manhunt is underway for a 36 year old man from Surat Thani after he allegedly shot and killed his ex-girlfriend’s new partner. The incident occurred at 7.30pm yesterday, June 3, at house number 55, village number 4, Si Wiat subdistrict, Tha Chang district, Surat Thani province. Police Lieutenant Suriyan Rueangnui, deputy inspector (investigation) of Sawiat Police Station, was notified…
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Thai university student smeared in fake HIV scandal fights back
A Thai university student falsely accused online of spreading HIV to multiple men has come out swinging, blood test in hand, to clear her name and demand justice. Dear, a real second-year accounting student at Mahasarakham University, was left humiliated and devastated after her image and identity were used in a malicious social media hoax, falsely claiming she was HIV-positive…
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Samut Songkhram man accused of assaulting stepdaughter for years
In Samut Songkhram province, a 33 year old father is accused of sexually assaulting his stepdaughter since she was in fifth grade, resulting in her having a four year old child. The girl’s mother allegedly knew about the abuse but attempted to sever ties with her daughter instead of addressing the issue. Chalida “Ton Aor” Palamat, an advocate for the…
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Thailand taxman’s 2-year sweetener to lure overseas millions home
The taxman in Thailand is having a rethink and it could mean a big win for globe-trotting Thais with cash stashed abroad. In a bid to woo back an estimated 2 trillion baht in overseas investments, the Revenue Department is planning a two-year tax holiday on foreign-earned income, so long as it’s brought back into the country pronto. Revenue Department…
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American arrested in Pattaya for using fake US dollars
Police in Pattaya arrested a 66 year old American for attempting to exchange counterfeit US dollars for Thai baht. The incident yesterday, June 3, took place at the TT Currency Exchange booth on Jomtien Beach Road in Chon Buri province. Police Colonel Anek Sathongyu, along with Deputy Police Colonel Arus Saphanon and Pattaya’s investigation team, led the operation. The suspect, Jeffrey…
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Wooden house collapses into Chao Phraya River, woman rescued
A wooden house belonging to 68 year old woman collapsed into the Chao Phraya River early yesterday, June 3, leaving her clinging to a wooden post for safety. Rescue volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation safely evacuated the woman, Somsong Praphaimani, suffering a torn ligament in her left shoulder and bruising on her left hip, to a hospital for urgent treatment.…
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British Onlyfans mum nabbed at Spanish airport with £200k in weed
A British OnlyFans model has swapped lingerie for lockdown after allegedly trying to smuggle over £200,000 (8.82 million baht) worth of cannabis into Spain in her luggage. Clara Wilson, a mum-of-four from Huthwaite, Nottinghamshire, was busted by the Civil Guard at Barcelona’s El Prat Airport on January 20 after stepping off a Qatar Airways flight from Doha. But her real…
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Suspect dies after ingesting 50 meth pills in police custody
A man suspected of drug possession ingested approximately 50 methamphetamine pills before his arrest, eventually leading to his death after being sent to hospital. Yesterday, June 3, police received a report regarding Thiranai, a detainee in Nakhon Pathom City Police Station’s holding cell. He had collapsed and experienced convulsions for unknown reasons. Police promptly transferred him to Nakhon Pathom Central…
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Full Moon tragedy: British tourist found dead on Koh Pha Ngan
A British tourist has been found dead and half-naked on a beach just days before the island’s notorious Full Moon Party, sending shockwaves through the Thai holiday hotspot. The 54 year old was discovered face-down in the sand by a local villager at around 6.30am today, June 4, wearing nothing but an orange bra. Her underwear was later found washed…
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Burglar nicks bling and cash in Pattaya pool villa theft
A relaxing getaway turned into a nightmare for a holidaymaker after a crook broke into her private pool villa in Pattaya and swiped gold and cash, all caught on CCTV. Thanyarat, from Prachinburi province, had checked into the Yoo Dee Pool Villa in Huai Yai on June 2 for a peaceful overnight stay. But the peace didn’t last long. The…
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Heavy rainfall warning for 37 provinces in Thailand
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued another warning for heavy rainfall affecting 37 provinces due to a moderate southwest monsoon. Bangkok is expected to experience significant rainfall, covering 60% of the area. Residents are advised to remain cautious. The weather forecast for the next 24 hours predicts thunderstorms and heavy rains in certain areas across Thailand. This is attributed to…
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Pattaya police stunned as boy, 13, caught dealing with druggie
Pattaya police cracking down on narcotics in a seedy corner of Jomtien were left stunned when they nabbed a drug dealer, only to find a 13 year old boy helping her peddle meth. The shock bust happened yesterday, June 3 during a raid led by Chon Buri Provincial Police in Jomtien Soi 2. Officers arrested 39 year old Bang-on, also…
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Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge repairs proposed with 50bn budget
The Ministry of Transport plans to propose the commencement of repairs on the fifth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge to the Cabinet on June 4. The proposal includes a budget of 50 billion baht aimed at boosting the economy. A ministry source revealed that the economic stimulus project, with a budget framework of 157 billion baht, has been reallocated from the digital…
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Thai Air Force tests gun-mounted drone amid border tensions
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has tested a drone armed with an M4 carbine, aiming to boost surveillance and reduce troop risk along the Thai-Cambodian border. The test flight took place today, June 3, and was part of a joint development between the RTAF and the Defence Technology Institute. The drone is designed to assist ground patrol units during…
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Tourists attacked in Patong after assaulting local woman (video)
Two tourists were rendered unconscious following an altercation with a group of Thai men in Patong, Phuket. The incident reportedly followed an alleged assault on a local woman by the intoxicated tourists. The altercation, which was captured on video and widely circulated on social media yesterday night, June 2, took place on Bangla Road, a well-known nightlife district in Patong,…
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