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 much travel insurance should cost you in Thailand (By trip length)
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Hidden Buddha statues unearthed in Laos temple dig
A stunning historical discovery has shaken the district of Champasak in southern Laos, where 70 centuries-old Buddha images were unearthed beneath Vat Meuang Kang temple during restoration work. The sacred stash was found buried just 45 centimetres underground in a large jar, as workers dug the foundation for the temple’s manuscript repository on Monday, July 14. According to Lao National…
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Truck runs red light, fatally hits Thai traffic officer in Bangkok (video)
A six-wheel truck ran a red light, causing a fatal accident involving a distinguished traffic officer from the Khlong Tan Police Station in the Pattanakarn area of Bangkok. The driver claimed he had a green light. The Suan Luang Facebook page reported on the incident, stating that the accident occurred around 5.50am at the Thaworn Thawat intersection (Pattanakarn 25) and…
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UAE island fever: Phuket and Madagascar top wishlist
Island fever is sweeping the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with travellers trading city breaks for sun-soaked escapes like Phuket. Expedia’s 2025 Island Hot List reveals a 30% global spike in demand for tropical getaways, and UAE holidaymakers are leading the charge, craving culture-packed, nature-filled trips that go beyond beach loungers and cocktails. According to Expedia’s latest insights, UAE travellers are…
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Creamer crime! American nabbed with heroin ‘brew-tally’ hidden
In a dramatic sting at Phuket International Airport, an American man was arrested while attempting to smuggle over 6 kilogrammes of heroin out of Thailand. The jaw-dropping plot, uncovered by a coordinated operation involving the Tourist Police, Customs, and narcotics officers, has raised alarms throughout the region. The alleged suspect, Tyler Trong Luong, was intercepted yesterday, July 16 as he…
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Mute Thai man arrested for selling porn featuring young boys
Police arrested a mute Thai man in the southern province of Phattalung for tricking young boys into engaging in sexual activities with him and secretly recording explicit videos to sell on the Telegram app. Officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) received a tip-off from the International Protection Alliance (IPA) that a 34 year old Thai man, Phuwadon, shared multiple…
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AirAsia spreads its wings with new Bangkok–Hai Phong route
AirAsia has officially launched its brand-new direct route between Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport and the northern Vietnamese city of Hai Phong, offering four flights a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. To mark the inaugural journey, vibrant welcome events were held at both Don Mueang and Hai Phong International Airport, with excited passengers greeted by celebratory activities and…
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Honey trap! Love-struck Pakistani youths kidnapped in Thailand
In a shocking “honey trap” scandal, three young Pakistani men have fallen victim to a sly scheme set by Indian women in Thailand. Usman Amin, Muhammad Ahmed, and Tajammul Shehzad, hailing from Sahiwal, were swept off their feet by the women via phone conversations before jetting off on what was meant to be an exciting adventure. They departed on May…
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Flash floods hit Nan province amid heavy rainfall warning (video)
Heavy rainfall throughout the day and night has triggered flash floods, inundating homes in Nan province. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued its first warning, highlighting the potential impact on several provinces. The event occurred today, July 17, when a Facebook page named Nan released a video showing flash floods sweeping through houses in Ban Nam Sod, Thung Chang…
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Thai tourist attacked and robbed in Paris, 10,000 baht and documents stolen
A Thai tourist issued a warning after he was attacked and robbed in Paris, France, yesterday, July 16. He lost 10,000 baht in cash along with all his belongings. The victim, Krissana “Fai” Baowlor, shared photos of his injuries on his Facebook account, along with a caption detailing the robbery. The incident occurred at a public park near the Westfield…
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Tuk tuk blitz nets 800 drivers in Bangkok mall clampdown
More than 800 tuk tuk drivers have been busted for clogging traffic outside Bangkok’s busiest malls in just the first half of July, as police ramp up efforts to clear key roads of the iconic but unruly three-wheeled rides. Police Colonel Sirichat Chanpromma of Pathumwan Police Station confirmed that from July 1 to 15, a staggering 824 tuk tuks were…
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Teenage tycoon’s stolen motorbike empire gets punctured in Pattaya
He styled himself the “Little Tycoon” and ran a lucrative racket flogging stolen motorbikes but this teenage crime boss’s empire in Pattaya came crashing down in a cassava field after a dramatic police sting. Thai police busted a notorious motorcycle theft gang in a remote Bang Lamung plantation, arresting two suspects including a 17 year old ringleader nicknamed “Little Tycoon”…
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State Railway of Thailand ticket system shutdown for upgrades
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) announced a temporary shutdown of its ticketing and seat reservation system, known as D-Ticket, which was scheduled for today from 12.30am to 1.30am. This maintenance aimed to enhance service efficiency. The SRT has apologised for any inconvenience caused by this temporary suspension. The system underwent improvements to further develop its capabilities today, July 17,…
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Thailand Video News | Outrage in Phuket after foreign resident allegedly buries dog alive, Topless Thai transwoman busted for beach stunt in Sri Lanka
A disabled British tourist was robbed in a Pattaya hotel by a group of suspects who remain at large. After 16 years on the run, a woman was arrested for her role in her aunt’s murder. Thailand is tackling toxic pollution flowing from Myanmar that threatens public health. The government plans to open bidding for the Bangkok–Nong Khai high-speed rail…
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Howl of shame: Foreigner accused of burying Siberian Husky alive in Phuket
Foreign residents in the Rawai sub-district of Phuket rescued a Siberian Husky yesterday, July 16, after it was allegedly buried alive by its foreign owner. The dog and its parents are now under the care of a non-profit organisation. A foreign woman contacted the administrator of the Facebook page ขยะมรสุม MONSOONGARBAGE THAILAND to report the incident. She explained that she…
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Electricity rates review set as Thailand aims to cap prices
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) will gather public input on the new electricity rate for the upcoming September to December period, the last quarter of this year. This initiative, scheduled for today, aims to ensure electricity prices align with government policies. Yesterday, July 16, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy Prasert Sinsukprasert announced that the ERC will open discussions…
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Fried and conned! Chancer nicks nosh from Pattaya food vendor
A kind-hearted Pattaya food vendor was left gutted after a fast-talking freeloader made off with five takeaway meals, without handing over a single baht. The victim, Aranya, who runs a humble roadside food stall on Soi Nern Plub Wan, is fuming after being duped by a customer who vanished with a bellyful of grub worth nearly 500 baht. The cheeky…
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Thai massage shop worker and Vietnamese client killed in electrocution
An electrocution during a flood outside a massage shop in the Isaan province of Udon Thani claimed the lives of a shop worker and her Vietnamese client on Tuesday, July 16. Officers from the Udon Thani Disaster Prevention Unit were called to transport an unconscious man and woman to a hospital. Witnesses suspected the pair was electrocuted due to floodwater…
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Thai House passes amnesty bills but snubs lese majeste cases
Thailand’s lower house approved three Promote Peaceful Society amnesty bills in their first readings yesterday, but rejected two others backed by the People’s Party and civil society networks, sparking criticism for excluding those charged under the kingdom’s harsh royal defamation laws. The passed bills, tabled by MPs from the United Thai Nation (UTN), Klatham, and Bhumjaithai parties, garnered overwhelming support.…
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Contractor from Surin scoops 12 million baht in lottery
A 53 year old contractor from Surin province has become a multimillionaire after winning 12 million baht from the national lottery. Yesterday, July 16, family and locals gathered at Saman Butsri’s residence in Samrong village to congratulate him on his newfound fortune after buying the winning tickets earlier that day. According to Saman, a lottery vendor visited his home that…
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Blazing squad! Foreigner’s 4×4 goes up in smoke on Pattaya street
A startled foreign driver was left red-faced, and nearly well-done, after his SUV burst into flames on a busy Pattaya road at lunchtime, triggering a dramatic roadside rescue. Emergency crews and volunteers raced to Thai Udom Road in Naklua just after midday, yesterday, July 16, responding to reports of a car fire at the intersection with Phothisan Road. When they…
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Man posing as police arrested for phone theft in Bangkok
A man impersonating a police officer was arrested for stealing a mobile phone, with a history of similar offences across various locations. Today, July 17, Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, together with Police Major General Noppasilp Phunsawat and other officials, apprehended 51 year old Wilai or Pang at a hotel on Lat Ya Road, Khlong San, Bangkok, seizing a mobile…
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9 karaoke bar workers arrested for assault on British tourist in Chiang Mai
Police arrested nine karaoke bar workers in Chiang Mai for the gang assault of a British tourist yesterday, July 16, following a dispute over alleged overcharging. Officers from Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station responded to public concerns after a video of the attack went viral on Thai social media. The footage showed a group of Thai men, along with one…
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Thai health officials warn against dangerous kids’ pimple popper toy
The Department of Health (DoH) has initiated a campaign to protect children from dangerous toys, including a new item dubbed the “pimple popper.” The campaign was introduced at the department’s Data Centre with participation from the Royal College of Paediatricians of Thailand, the Child Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention Centre, and the Foundation for Consumers. Director General Amporn Benjapolpitak expressed…
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Udder chaos as milk van collides with drunk driver in Pattaya crash
A drunk driver, a milk truck, and a dodgy U-turn, left three people injured in a spectacular smash at a notorious Pattaya junction, just days after another horror crash left a pedestrian fighting for his life. Pattaya’s streets turned chaotic yet again after two pickup trucks collided in a violent early morning crash at the Match Factory intersection on the…
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Jellyfish helliday turns toxic as ‘floating terror’ hits Phuket beach
Tourists are being urged to look but not touch after a host of venomous sea creatures, including a notorious stinger dubbed the “floating terror,” washed up on a popular beach in Phuket. Marine life officials have sounded the alarm after several dangerous sea critters, including the venom-packed Portuguese man o’ war, were discovered on the sands of Kata Noi Beach…
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Chiang Mai tops Asia’s best cities as Bangkok grabs 3rd place
Thailand has cemented its status as a tourism heavyweight after Chiang Mai was officially crowned Asia’s best city for 2025, leaving travel-hungry globetrotters buzzing with excitement. The prestigious ranking, released by Travel + Leisure, placed Chiang Mai at the very top of its coveted list, scoring a remarkable 91.94 out of 100. Bangkok wasn’t far behind, clinching third place with…
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Coway defends purifier quality after coliform bacteria claim by Thai celebrity
Renowned water purifier brand Coway reassured customers about the quality of its products after a Thai female celebrity claimed the water from her device contained high levels of coliform bacteria. The celebrity, Chanya Tamada, shared her concerns in a Facebook post on July 8, alleging that the water produced by her Coway purifier did not meet the advertised standards. Chanya…
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Fight for the future: Phuket steps up Muay Thai game with training blitz
Phuket kicked off a major push to raise the bar in Thailand’s most iconic martial art, as dozens of aspiring coaches began intensive training to earn their official Muay Thai credentials. Today, July 16, the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) held the opening ceremony for the C-License Muay Thai Coach Training Project at the Bukitta Boutique Hotel in Phuket. The…
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Thaksin to hear lese majeste ruling on exile anniversary
All eyes are on Thailand’s Criminal Court as it prepares to deliver a high-stakes verdict in the lese majeste case against former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra—a decision that could reignite political tensions across the country. Today, July 16, Thaksin’s lawyer, Winyat Chartmontree, announced that the court had scheduled August 22 as the date for the ruling. Fittingly, the decision will…
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Thailand opens bidding for Bangkok-Nong Khai high-speed rail 2026
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is set to open the bidding process for the high-speed railway project between Bangkok and Nong Khai in the third quarter of 2026. SRT chief Veerath Amrapal led a public consultation meeting to introduce the study, review, and analysis of the project’s bidding documents. This initiative, part of the Thai-Chinese collaboration, aims to align…
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