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 Top 10 reasons for expats to get a comprehensive health insurance in Thailand
Moving to Thailand offers a prospect full of excitement and adventure, but in the same vein, if any injuries were to occur (and god forbid it does), the local healthcare system can be confusing at first glance for many expats...
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Bangkok BTS trains wrapped in Thai flag as tribute to border soldiers
The Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) wrapped its trains in the Thai national flag to honour soldiers who sacrificed their lives protecting Thailand’s territory and citizens during recent border clashes with Cambodia. Tensions along the Thailand–Cambodia border escalated into military conflict in mid-July. After weeks of confrontation, the two countries agreed to a ceasefire on July 29, bringing the fighting…
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China denies drone donation claims in border conflict
China has hit back at reports claiming it supplied drones to Cambodia amid ongoing tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border, branding the allegations “completely false.” In a firm statement issued by the Chinese Embassy in Thailand, officials clarified that the viral photos allegedly showing Chinese drones gifted to Cambodia were taken during a flight demonstration back in January and had nothing…
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Thailand to acquire four Gripen jets in US$19.5 billion deal
The Thai Cabinet has sanctioned the Royal Thai Air Force’s acquisition of four Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets from Sweden, formalised through a government-to-government agreement. The initial phase of this procurement, valued at 19.5 billion baht (US$602 million), anticipates a contract signing on August 25. According to government sources, this purchase aligns with the RTAF’s long-term strategy to enhance…
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Thailand explores lawsuits against Cambodia over criminal activities
At 8.40am on August 6 at the Government House, Phumtham Wechayachai, who is serving as acting prime minister and is the deputy prime minister and interior minister, addressed the Cabinet meeting held on August 5. The meeting resulted in directives for relevant agencies to explore civil and criminal lawsuits against Cambodia due to serious criminal activities. He clarified that this…
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Thaksin’s niece to take legal action over Cambodian spy claims
The niece of former Thai Prime Minister (PM) Thaksin Shinawatra is taking legal action against netizens who accused her and her family of being spies for the Cambodian military. Chayika Wongnapachant, Advisor to the Foreign Affairs Minister, visited the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) yesterday, August 5, to provide further details of her complaint to CCIB Commander, Trairong Pewphan. She…
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Thailand tops global infidelity list with 51% rate
Research conducted in 2024 highlights Thailand as the leading country where spouses most frequently engage in infidelity. It is the only Asian nation to make the list of the top 20 countries with the highest rates of marital cheating. Infidelity remains a significant issue affecting relationships worldwide, transcending cultural differences. The study, which included data from BedBible, World Population Review,…
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Thai Airways denies US pressure behind Boeing deal
Thai Airways (THAI) has grounded speculation that its planned multibillion-baht aircraft acquisition is tied to US trade deals, insisting the fleet expansion is based purely on business logic—not political bargaining. The national carrier is pushing back hard against claims its recent deal to acquire up to 80 aircraft, including 45 firm orders from Boeing, is part of backroom trade talks…
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Sergeant Major’s body found in Chao Phraya River, investigation ongoing
The body of a 41 year old Sergeant Major was discovered floating face down in the Chao Phraya River under mysterious circumstances. Police are investigating the cause of death, which is estimated to have occurred over 48 hours prior. Yesterday, August 5, officers from the Pak Khlong San Police Station were alerted to a body found in the river near…
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Hippo star Moo Deng raises 300k baht for border aid
Thailand’s favourite pygmy hippo is on a mission – and it’s not just stealing hearts. Moo Deng, the adorable social media star from Khao Kheow Open Zoo, has helped raise a whopping 300,000 baht for border soldiers and struggling families in Surin province. In a heartwarming show of unity and compassion, Khao Kheow Open Zoo teamed up with Leila Toys…
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Man arrested for fatal knife attack in Sisaket
A 54 year old man has been detained after allegedly fatally assaulting a 44 year old friend with a knife in Sisaket province. The incident occurred yesterday, August 5, following a drinking session at the suspect’s home, which ended in a heated argument fuelled by jealousy. Police Lieutenant Colonel Thongchai Torpimai of Nam Kliang Police Station in Sisaket province was…
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MEA denies cyber threats or terrorism after Bangkok power outage
The Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) confirmed that the widespread power outage across several parts of Bangkok last night, August 5, was caused by an internal technical issue, and not related to cyber threats or terrorism. Residents in Saphan Khwai, Dusit, Phaya Thai, Phahonyothin, and Rama VI took to social media around 10pm to report the blackout, complaining that there had…
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Thailand cuts electricity supply to Cambodia amid policy shift
Electricity officials in Sa Kaeo province have disconnected power lines and removed equipment supplying electricity to Cambodia at Ban Khlong Luek’s permanent border checkpoint. By 1pm yesterday, August 5, the lines had been left exposed, preventing further electricity supply to Cambodia. The operation was led by Taweesak Koetsap, manager of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) branch in Aranyaprathet, along with…
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Gunman pursued after fatal M16 shooting in Narathiwat
In Narathiwat province, police are pursuing a gunman who fatally shot a 50 year old man with an M16 rifle on August 4. The incident, occurring at 3.35pm, also resulted in another person sustaining injuries. Thirty-two shell casings were found at the scene. Police Colonel Prayong Khotrasa, Deputy Commander of Narathiwat Provincial Police, alongside Police Colonel Suppachart Na Phatthalung, Chief…
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Python crashes through ceiling into Thai cat room
A 5-metre-long python gave a Thai pet owner the fright of her life after crashing through the ceiling into a room full of prized Scottish Fold cats in Nonthaburi. The scaly intruder was discovered yesterday morning, August 5, coiled atop a storage cabinet in a two-storey home undergoing renovation in Thanakorn Village, Bang Mae Nang subdistrict, Bang Yai district. The…
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Cambodian soldier arrested in Thailand for espionage
Thai police in Buriram province have apprehended a Cambodian soldier believed to be part of the BHQ, a unit tasked with protecting Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. The arrest took place yesterday, August 6, at a residence in Krasang district, following suspicions that the soldier was involved in relaying Thai military movements to Cambodia. A post on the Lamduan Police…
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Historic Saraburi hotel destroyed by fire after 50 years
A historic hotel in Saraburi, which stood for over 50 years, was destroyed by a fire late at night yesterday, August 5. At 10.20pm, Police Lieutenant Colonel Paitoon Pankluaymai, Investigator at Mueang Saraburi District Police Station, was informed of a blaze at the I-Nguan Hotel, located near the railway station in Saraburi province. He relayed the information to his superiors…
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Army officer found dead in car at Bangkok mall
A 37 year old army officer was found deceased in his car in a shopping mall parking lot in Bangkok’s Bang Khen district. Police discovered the vehicle filled with smoke and a stove beside the driver’s seat. Despite resuscitation efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after. The incident occurred today, August 6, around 1.10am, when patrol officers from Bang Khen…
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Thunderstorms and heavy rain forecast for Thailand regions
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts thunderstorms and strong winds in upper northern and northeastern Thailand on August 6, with heavy rain in several provinces. Residents are advised to be cautious of potential flooding or other weather-related hazards. A low-pressure system over northern Vietnam, coupled with a prevailing southwesterly monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand,…
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Police probe cement truck crash near Phuket café
Police have concluded that unstable terrain was to blame for a truck crash behind a café in Kathu last week, after a fully loaded cement mixer tumbled down a hillside and landed just metres from a busy coffee shop. The incident occurred at around 12.30pm on Thursday, July 31, behind Coffee in Farm, a café across from the Tin Mining…
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Thailand fights back: Border clashes, US tariffs shake nation
Thailand’s acting prime minister has vowed to steer the country through two of its biggest recent challenges—border violence with Cambodia and a US tariff bombshell—while rallying citizens with promises of support, peace, and unity. In a televised address today, August 5, titled Overcoming Two Crises, Moving Forward Together, Deputy Prime Minister and Acting PM Phumtham Wechayachai said the nation had faced…
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Thailand falls behind Japan and Vietnam in tourism race
Thailand’s once-booming tourist scene has hit a bump in the road. The kingdom welcomed 19.29 million international arrivals between January and July this year—a 6% drop compared to the same period last year, according to data released by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Meanwhile, regional rivals are leaving Thailand in the dust. Japan raked in 21.5 million foreign visitors…
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Thailand slams Hun Sen and Hun Manet assassination plot claims
Thailand has fiercely denied claims from Cambodia that it plotted to assassinate two of the country’s most powerful leaders. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) hit back after Cambodia’s Minister of Information reportedly accused Thailand of conspiring to kill Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet, citing so-called foreign intelligence sources. The allegations surfaced on social media…
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Pattaya police launch ‘Clean Station’ blitz to impress tourists
Pattaya police are scrubbing up their image with a bold new Clean Station campaign, aiming to boost public trust and impress international tourists through spotless facilities and stricter hygiene standards. In a move to boost public confidence and impress tourists, Chief of Pattaya City Police Station Police Colonel Anek Sarathongyoo launched the Royal Thai Police (RTP)’s Clean Station campaign, a…
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Grab’s AI translator and big discounts woo Thailand’s expats
Grab Thailand is turning its attention to Thailand’s growing expat population — and it’s rolling out smart features and generous perks to win them over. With more than 5.3 million non-Thai residents now living in Thailand—an 8% jump since 2019—the company has seen delivery orders from expats skyrocket by over 50% in the past 12 months, signalling a major shift…
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Thailand plans tax break on foreign income
The Thai Revenue Department is fast-tracking new legislation to exempt Thai citizens from income tax on earnings sourced from abroad within the current year. Revenue Department Director-General Pinsai Suraswadi stated that the proposed law would exempt Thai citizens from income tax if they bring foreign-sourced income into Thailand within two years of earning it. The details are under discussion at…
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Thai Air Force denies Cambodia’s MK-84 bomb purchase claims
The Royal Thai Air Force has refuted Cambodia’s claims of purchasing MK-84 bombs from Israel, suggesting that a neutral third party should verify the allegations. They emphasised that their operations comply with international laws and humanitarian principles, along with the right to self-defence. Today, August 5, Heng Ratana, director of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), alleged that the MK-84…
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Phuket man arrested for raping unconscious woman on video
A 40 year old man has been arrested in Phuket after he allegedly raped his girlfriend’s unconscious best friend and secretly filmed the assault. Police say the shocking incident occurred after a birthday party earlier this year. The suspect, Yotsaphan Wichetwarinwet, originally from Hat Yai, was apprehended by officers from Wichit Police Station while applying for a job at a…
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Abbot wounded in temple shooting, suspect flees in Loei
Two abbots were involved in a late-night altercation that escalated into a shooting at a well-known temple in Chiang Khan. A bullet struck one abbot near his left ear, and the gunman fled in a sedan. Police are currently investigating the incident and pursuing the suspect. Today, August 5, police from the Chiang Khan Police Station reported an incident yesterday,…
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Vietjet offers Bangkok flights from less than 1 baht
Vietjet Thailand is pulling out all the stops with two brand-new direct routes from India to Bangkok — and headline-grabbing base fares starting from just 1 Indian rupee (0.50 baht). The airline will launch direct flights from Kolkata and Ahmedabad to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, making them its third and fourth connections between the two countries, as it continues to grow…
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Major illegal cigarette smuggling ring busted in Kanchanaburi
A significant illegal cigarette smuggling operation was thwarted by the Ladan Yao Task Force of the Surasi Forces, capturing a man transporting nearly 10 million baht worth of contraband cigarettes. The incident occurred today, August 5, at the 9th Infantry Division headquarters, where Commander Major General Atsadawut Panyarachun, leading the Surasi Forces, coordinated with Athit San Intra, the Governor of…
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