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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If you plan to stay longer in Thailand, having health insurance is now more important than ever. Thai immigration often asks for proof of medical coverage when you apply to extend your visa. This applies to many types of visas,...
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Russian man stabbed outside Pattaya condo in jealous rage
A Russian man stabbed a fellow countryman in a jealous rage after seeing the victim speaking with his girlfriend outside a condominium in Pattaya. Officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station were called to investigate the stabbing at the Sunset Boulevard 2 condominium on Soi Khao Phra Tamnak 4 in Pattaya at about 6pm on Saturday, April 26. Upon arrival, officers…
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Mall brawl: Shoppers pile on gold thief after getaway fail (video)
A bungling gold thief thought he had struck it rich after grabbing a tray of necklaces in a packed shopping mall but his getaway flopped spectacularly when he tried to escape up a down escalator and was tackled by a heroic shopper. At 7pm, yesterday April 27, police were called to the dramatic robbery at Tamnak Thong 5 gold shop,…
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US targets Thai exports for strict origin checks amid trade concerns
The United States has identified 50 to 60 Thai products for stringent origin verification to prevent circumvention of trade regulations through false origin claims for exports to the US, as stated by Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira. He noted that the US is focusing on the issuance of certificates of origin (C/O) to prevent misuse of trade privileges granted to Thailand,…
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Curry on thief: Pattaya market vendor fleeced by motorbike bandit
A crafty crook made off with a Thai food vendor’s cash after pulling a sneaky stunt at a bustling Pattaya market. The police fear it’s just the latest in a growing trend of brazen street thefts. At 8.06am, yesterday, April 27, officers at Huai Yai Police Station were alerted to a snatch theft at Khao Mai Kaew Market, Pattaya. Patrol…
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Thai-hard life: Brit’s retirement dream sours over frozen pension
A British expat who dreamed of living out his golden years under the Thai sun says he’s been left counting every baht after his UK state pension was frozen and he reckons it’s “immoral” he’s been abandoned by his own country. Christopher Lee swapped Wrexham for Thailand back in 2010, lured by sizzling sunshine, spicy street food and a slower…
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Phuket seeks special local government organisation status
Kongsak Khoopongsakorn, who leads the Phuket Chamber of Commerce, has submitted a proposal urging for Phuket to be designated as a special local government organisation. This occurred during a visit from a Senate subcommittee. The Senate Subcommittee on Decentralisation, Transfer of Missions and Governance for Local Administrative Organisations and Special Forms of Local Administration visited Phuket on April 23 to…
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Man arrested after sword-wielding altercation in Phuket
A man was apprehended in Phuket after wielding a sword during a roadside altercation on Chao Fa Suan Luang Road in Wichit previously on April 25. The incident stemmed from a dispute over a construction contract fee. Video footage widely circulated on social media depicted the victim, 46 year old Chatchai Sae-Ku, leaving his vehicle after it was rear-ended by…
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Thailand launches digital arrival card to replace paper system
Thailand is set to introduce its Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) on May 1, replacing the previous paper-based system for international arrivals. This initiative aims to streamline the arrival process and enhance the screening of transnational criminals, according to immigration officials. The TDAC will be implemented for all international entries via sea, air, or land, as stated by Police Major General…
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Former village headman killed at monk ceremony in Ratchaburi
A former village headman was attacked and killed by four youths after attending a monk ordination ceremony in Ratchaburi province. The incident occurred around 12.10am today, April 27, with one additional person seriously injured. Police are currently investigating the case. Police Colonel Saifon Lakpetch was alerted to the incident at the entrance of Soi 6, Moo 3, Ban Rai subdistrict,…
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Smoke on the water: Tour boss caught out in Phi Phi national park
A business operator was fined 10,000 baht for taking foreign tourists to drink beer and smoke cigarettes at sea in the Phi Phi Islands. This incident, captured in a video on social media, showed inappropriate behaviour within the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park in Krabi province yesterday, April 26. The post was captioned with a scathing message…
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Chiang Rai man detained for claiming to be mythical creature
Police and military forces in Chiang Rai detained a man claiming to be a mythical creature, causing concern among residents in a local village. The incident occurred yesterday, April 26, when the man, reportedly exhibiting signs of mental illness and carrying weapons, was found in a hut at the edge of the village, Moo 9, in Sri Kham subdistrict, Mae…
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Thaksin refutes coalition reshuffle rumours in Thailand
In Chiang Mai, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra dismissed speculation that the Bhumjaithai Party might be removed from the coalition, amidst reports of a possible Cabinet reshuffle. Speaking to the media, Thaksin, father of current Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, emphasised that decisions regarding the Cabinet rest solely with the PM. He further indicated that any Cabinet changes would be comprehensive,…
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Fire engulfs Rangsit grassland, dangerously close to gas pipeline
A fire engulfed over 100 rai of grassland in Rangsit, Pathum Thani, with smoke billowing into the sky, causing anxiety among residents due to its proximity to a gas pipeline. Firefighters worked to control the blaze and create firebreaks yesterday, April 26, at around 1pm. The Rangsit Municipality Fire Radio Centre in Thanyaburi district, Pathum Thani province, received a report…
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Democrat Party leader calls for change amidst crisis before anniversary
Chalermchai Sri-on, leader of the Democrat Party, underscored the importance of embracing change amidst a significant crisis as the party approaches its 80th anniversary. During the annual general meeting at the Miracle Grand Hotel yesterday, April 26, Chalermchai, who also holds the position of Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, highlighted that the party is in a serious predicament, with…
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Collapsed Bangkok building death toll rises to 60
Rescue teams in Bangkok have uncovered three more bodies from the rubble of a 30-story building that collapsed last month, bringing the death toll to a devastating 60. The bodies were found in the fire escape stairwell area of the under-construction State Audit Office (SAO) building in Chatuchak district. Officials fear that more victims may be discovered as search and…
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8-year-old girl drowns in Buriram’s Mun River, mother distraught
An eight year old girl tragically drowned after a boat capsized in the Mun River in Buriram province. Her 45 year old mother was left distraught. Survivors recounted the incident, highlighting attempts to bail water from the boat and the rescue efforts by a seven year old boy. Yesterday, April 25, Phasakorn Phokham, a Police Lieutenant Colonel at Phutthaisong Police…
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Tourism in Mukdahan drops by 50% after Songkran festival
The Mukdahan Hotel Association has highlighted a significant decline in tourism activity following the Songkran festival, with accommodation bookings plummeting by over 50%. The lack of major events in this secondary tourist destination is affecting employment, with thousands at risk of losing their jobs. Pramin Wongpralab, chairman of the Mukdahan Hotel Association, noted that the sluggish economic conditions in April…
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2 Thai men confess to killing dog for sun-dried meat in Sa Kaeo
Two Thai men have sparked outrage after confessing to shooting their neighbour’s dog and using its remains to make sun-dried meat. The chilling incident, which occurred in Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province, has left the local community in disbelief. The suspects, identified as 68 year old Sawaeng and 56 year old Prasit, were arrested after a complaint was filed by…
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Pattaya’s new drainage system ready for rainy season
Pattaya City is gearing up for the rainy season with a major new upgrade to its drainage system, designed to combat flooding in central areas. On Thursday, April 24, Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet inspected and tested the newly completed Phase 1 of the Eastern Railway Parallel Road Drainage System, ensuring it’s ready for heavy rainfall. The drainage project, part of…
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Phuket road rage leads to livestreamed assault, man arrested
Shocking footage has surfaced of a violent road rage incident on the streets of Phuket, leading to the arrest of a 34 year old man who brutally assaulted a 46 year old driver. The disturbing altercation unfolded yesterday, April 25, on Chao Fah Suan Luang Road, when Nattapol, known as Pa Joke Wat Thep, chased down Chatchai’s vehicle, crashed into…
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Woman attacked near Sattahip beach, deranged suspect arrested
A horrific attack near Sattahip’s Abhakornkiatiwong Hospital has left a 52 year old woman severely injured and a suspect in psychiatric evaluation. Police were called to the scene after a violent assault near the beach, leading to a swift response from rescue teams and medical staff. Upon arrival, officers found Namnong Samsi, bleeding heavily from a brutal head wound inflicted…
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Thai Airways partners with KMC to convert Boeing 777-300ERs
Thai Airways has signed a Memorandum of Inderstanding (MOU) with Kansas Modification Center, LLC (KMC) to establish a joint venture for converting Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft into freighters. The agreement, signed yesterday, April 25, by Thai Airways CEO Chai Eamsiri and KMC CEO James Allen Gibbs at Thai Airways’ headquarters on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, marks a significant milestone for both…
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Thai-Australian police unite to combat transnational crime networks
Thai and Australian police have initiated a collaborative operation to dismantle transnational criminal networks. This joint effort targets crimes like narcotics, child exploitation, and cryptocurrency-based money laundering, aiming to tackle complex issues that cross international borders. Earlier this month, Police Lieutenant General Jirabhop Bhuridej, Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police’s Central Investigation Bureau, led a delegation to Australia for discussions…
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Phuket police bust Russian woman in prostitution crackdown
Police in Phuket have arrested a Russian national involved in a prostitution ring in a latest crackdown. On Thursday, April 24, officers working under the command of Police Lieutenant General Saksira Pueak-am, Commander of the Tourist Police, arrested a 28 year old Russian woman at a hotel in Phuket Town. The arrest was made under the Prevention and Suppression of…
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Chiang Mai cafe accused of creating ‘human zoo’ amid criticism
Criticism has been directed at a Chiang Mai cafe located in a former tobacco factory, which allows visitors to observe workers sorting tobacco leaves, with some accusing it of creating a “human zoo.“ The controversy began after a customer posted an image on social media, capturing her visit to Yen.CNX cafe with workers visible behind a glass partition, sorting leaves…
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6 police officers honoured after Hua Hin aircraft crash
Following a tragic small aircraft accident involving a police air unit, six police officers’ bodies have been transported from Hua Hin Hospital to the Police General Hospital’s forensic institute. The accident, which occurred near Bo Fai Airport in Hua Hin district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province, resulted in the deaths of five officers and critically injured one, who later succumbed to…
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New liquid and gel rules enforced at Thailand airports
Thailand has introduced new rules governing how liquids, gels, and aerosols (LGAs) can be carried in hand luggage, tightening security measures at airports nationwide. The new regulations, which came into effect on Tuesday, April 22, were published in the Royal Gazette and supersede those introduced in 2019. “These updated rules, issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), aim…
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Man killed in high-speed crash into parked truck in Phuket
A 55 year old man was killed in a horrifying crash early this morning when his sedan slammed into a stationary trailer truck on the bypass road in Phuket. The tragic accident unfolded at around 1.50am today, April 25, in front of the Kee Hin outlet. “At the scene, officers found a 22-wheeled trailer truck, registered in Chumphon, parked on…
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3 Thai teenagers suspected of murdering friend in Lop Buri dam
A Thai mother suspects three teenagers of murdering her 15 year old son and abandoning his body in a dam in the central province of Lop Buri, before fabricating a story that he had drowned. The lifeless body of the teenager, Thunwa, was discovered floating face down in the Pasak Chonlasit Dam on April 18. The Ruamkatanyu Rescue Foundation was initially unable…
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Thai police bust Ayutthaya factory making addictive syrup
In a dramatic crackdown, police raided a major counterfeit cough syrup factory in Ayutthaya, uncovering a disturbing network responsible for mixing the syrup with addictive substances to create the illicit 4×100 drink. The operation, conducted today, April 25, involved officials from the Consumer Protection Police Division and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), who targeted two warehouses in Uthai district.…
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