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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Miss Universe strips Thai beauty pageant of title after controversy
Thailand’s beauty pageant scene has been rocked by a shocking decision from the Miss Universe Organisation, which has officially stripped Suchata “Opal” Chuangsri of her third runner-up title following her participation in the Miss World Thailand event. The controversy began when Opal appeared at a business announcement for the Miss World 2025 competition, violating her contract by participating in another…
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Thailand scraps mandatory scout uniforms, ease parents’ burden
Parents across Thailand are breathing a collective sigh of relief as the Ministry of Education announces a major change in school regulations. The compulsory wearing of full scout uniforms will be scrapped, offering much-needed financial respite to families as the new school term approaches. Deputy Education Minister Surasak Phancharoenworrakul made the announcement during a meeting with senior officials today, April…
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Thailand’s 3.78 trillion baht budget faces US tariff concerns
The Thai Parliament will hold a special session next month to debate the government’s proposed 3.78-trillion-baht budget for the 2026 fiscal year, as concerns over a potential trade war with the United States loom large. With Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s government seeking to minimise the economic impact of looming US tariffs, the upcoming session promises to be a pivotal moment…
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Thai PM urged by Human Rights Watch on Cambodia repression
As Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra prepares for her visit to Phnom Penh today, April 23, and tomorrow, April 24, Human Rights Watch is calling on her to raise pressing human rights concerns with Cambodian leaders. The visit, which marks the 75th anniversary of Thai-Cambodian diplomatic relations, will see the 38 year old PM meet with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun…
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Fire destroys Thai museum warehouse, millions in sculptures lost
A devastating fire ravaged the three-storey warehouse of the Thai Human Imagery Museum in Nakhon Chaisri district, Nakhon Pathom province, causing substantial damage estimated at over 10 million baht. The fire, which broke out today, April 23, destroyed the warehouse, although the museum’s exhibition space, featuring lifelike sculptures of Buddhist monks, former kings, and scenes from Thailand’s past, remained unharmed.…
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Phayao park renovation abandoned, 9.6 million baht project in disarray
In Phayao province, a public park renovation project valued at 9.6 million baht remains unfinished as the contractor has abandoned the work. The project site is now deteriorating, with building materials damaged, overgrown grass, and sunken roads. Officials assure that they are actively addressing the issue. Yesterday, April 22, a journalist from the Phayao province examined the Chalerm Phra Kiat…
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Thaksin’s hospitalisation defended amid ombudsman review
Justice Minister Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong has downplayed concerns surrounding the Ombudsman’s review of Thaksin Shinawatra’s hospitalisation, calling it legally justified. The former prime minister’s six-month stay at Police General Hospital (PGH) sparked controversy, with critics questioning whether it constituted privileged treatment. However, the justice minister remains unfazed, stating the arrangement complied with legal standards. In a statement yesterday, April…
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Man caught stealing from Buddhist donation tree in Phuket
A man has been captured on CCTV stealing money from a Kathin offerings tree at a shop on Bangkok Road in Phuket Town, inciting anger among residents. The footage, shared online, depicts a grey-haired man in an orange motorcycle taxi vest entering the shop and lingering near the counter. Once confident no one was watching, he approached the Kathin offerings…
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Finance Ministry confirms 10,000 baht digital currency distribution
The Finance Ministry has confirmed the distribution of 10,000 baht in digital currency for phase three during the second quarter. The application is ready, with only integration with banks remaining. The release date for phase four has also been announced. Deputy Finance Minister Chulapan Amornvivat yesterday, April 22, stated that the ministry remains committed to its schedule for the economic…
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Bangkok’s new law: Register and microchip pets by January 2026
From January 10 next year, Bangkok residents will be required to register and microchip their cats and dogs under a new city law aimed at tackling the growing problem of stray animals. The bold new regulation, announced by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), will impose strict requirements on pet ownership, including limits on the number of pets allowed in certain living…
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Saraburi firm probed over Chinese workforce, only 13 found violating laws
The Immigration Bureau Commissioner has ordered an investigation into a construction company in Saraburi following complaints of an entirely Chinese workforce. Of the 250 workers checked, only 13 were found to violate the law. Yesterday, April 22, Police Lieutenant General Phanumas Boonyaluck, alongside Police Major General Phanthana Nuchanarot and Police Major General Chairit On-orat, directed a search team led by…
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Thailand’s visa-free scheme under scrutiny for overstays
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has raised serious concerns about the misuse of Thailand’s visa-free entry scheme, following a noticeable increase in visa overstays, illegal employment, and other breaches of the programme. The scheme, which allows eligible foreign nationals to stay in Thailand for up to 90 days without a visa, has been a cornerstone of the country’s tourism success. However,…
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Phuket urges residents to save water as dry season drags on
As Phuket approaches the final leg of the dry season, the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) is ramping up calls for water conservation across the island. Marking Earth Day yesterday, April 22, the PWA issued a public plea urging residents to adopt mindful water-use habits and report any burst pipes immediately, reinforcing that every drop counts in the battle against dwindling…
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Perverted panty thief caught after mum lends undies in saucy sting
A perverted panty thief who swiped a Thai woman’s underwear straight off the washing line has been exposed in a cheeky sting, thanks to a mum who lent her daughter her own knickers to lure the knicker-nicking creep. A woman in Nonthaburi was left red-faced, and nearly bare-bottomed, after a serial knicker thief stole nearly all her underwear, forcing her…
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Passenger numbers soar at Thai airports during Songkran festival
Airports of Thailand (AOT) reported that passenger numbers over the Songkran festival period exceeded 2.6 million, marking a 4.3% increase. Some 16,064 flights were operated. AOT chief Kirati Kitmanawat shared insights into this growth during the Songkran festival from April 11 to April 17. The six airports under AOT’s management, including Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang Chiang…
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World Bank backs Thailand’s retirement lottery to boost savings
Thailand’s retirement lottery has received international acclaim, with the World Bank calling it a “remarkable innovation” for boosting retirement savings. The scheme, which cleverly combines the public’s love for gambling with the need for financial security, has sparked significant interest at the World Bank-International Monetary Fund (WB-IMF) Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C. The World Bank has expressed strong interest in…
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Vacuum cleaners and air purifiers controlled to combat PM2.5
To combat the dangers of PM2.5 pollution and protect consumers from inflated prices, the Thai Cabinet has officially classified vacuum cleaners and air purifiers as controlled goods. This new regulation follows a recommendation by the Ministry of Commerce, which highlighted the essential role these devices play in mitigating the effects of harmful air pollution in homes. According to Commerce Minister…
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Pork chop: Police sizzle illegal slaughterhouse in Bangkok bust
Police and the Department of Livestock Development launched an operation to dismantle an illegal pig slaughterhouse in Bangkok’s Bang Sue district. The operation resulted in the seizure of 1.8 tonnes of unapproved pig carcasses. Police Major General Wacharin Poosit, commander of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division, directed the operation yesterday, April 22, along with other officials. They arrested…
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Foodpanda to bow out of Thailand next month
Foodpanda announced it will cease operations in Thailand, with the delivery giant confirming that its services will end on May 23. The shocking decision marks the end of an era for the popular food delivery platform, which has served millions of Thai customers since its launch. In a statement released today, April 23, via their official fan page, Foodpanda Thailand…
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Thailand to honour Pope Francis with 3 days of mourning
In a heartfelt gesture of respect and mourning, the Thai government ordered all government agencies and state enterprises to fly their flags at half-mast for three days in tribute to Pope Francis. The mourning period began today, April 23, and runs through to Friday, April 25, following the death of the beloved pontiff at the age of 88. Prime Minister…
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Pattaya beauty clinic busted for illegal medical practices
Police raided a beauty clinic in Soi Kor Phai, off Thepprasit Road in Pattaya following complaints about unlicensed operations and unqualified staff performing medical procedures. The clinic, which promised beauty enhancement services, was caught red-handed today, April 23, operating without the proper legal permits and medical certifications. Police Major General Teerachai Chamnarnmor, Commander of the Region 2 Investigation Division, led…
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Ancient Takian tree unearthed in Phetchabun sparks lottery frenzy
A giant ancient Takian tree, estimated to be over 1,000 years old, was unearthed by an excavator in Phetchabun province during the expansion of a large water reservoir. The discovery attracted significant local interest, with a medium conducting a ceremonial invitation, naming the tree spirit Chao Mae Ngam Thong, and sparking a search for lucky numbers. Yesterday, April 22, villagers…
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Military truck and motorcycle collision kills 3 in central Thailand
A military truck collided with a motorcycle sidecar yesterday, resulting in the deaths of three people, including a child, and seriously injuring one person. The incident took place yesterday, April 22, at 2.30pm on the 3481 road in Bang Nam Priao district, Chachoengsao province. Police from Bang Khonak Station, along with medical personnel, emergency services, and rescue units, arrived at the…
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Pregnant Thai woman released on bail after killing mistress
Police released a pregnant woman on bail of 150,000 baht after she fatally attacked her husband’s mistress at a love hotel in the Min Buri district of Bangkok on April 21. Police granted bail to a pregnant woman, posting 150,000 baht, after she allegedly launched a fatal attack on her husband’s mistress at a love hotel in Bangkok’s Min Buri district.…
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Bangkok influencer summoned over online gambling promotion
A Saimai district influencer is facing serious legal trouble after cyber police revealed they would issue a summons over allegations of promoting online gambling. The influencer, known for his social media presence, is now under investigation after presenting what police says is incriminating evidence. The controversy unfolded yesterday, April 22, when Police Lieutenant General Trirong Phiwpharn, the commander of the…
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Fatal crash in Khon Kaen: Sedan hits truck, driver dies in fire
A tragic accident occurred on the Mittraphap Road in Khon Kaen’s Ban Haet district when a red sedan crashed into the back of a 10-wheel truck, catching fire and resulting in the driver’s death. The incident took place at 1am today, April 23, near Baan Nong Ngong in Baan Haet subdistrict. Passersby and the truck’s passengers attempted to extinguish the…
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Karaoke clash: Trat’s tune turns into brawl-room blitz over bar girl
Chaos erupted at a karaoke bar in Trat province late last night, as a dispute over a bar girl escalated into a violent brawl, leaving three people injured. The shocking fight unfolded at a bar in Wang Krachae Subdistrict, Mueang District, just after midnight, sparking an emergency response and raising questions about what triggered the violent clash. According to a…
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Man arrested for assaulting monk over drug deal in Nonthaburi
A 23 year old man was arrested for assaulting a monk at his residence in Mueang district, Nonthaburi province. The incident occurred after the man had reportedly given money to the monk to buy methamphetamine but did not receive the drugs. Consequently, he sought to reclaim his money. When the monk could not return the money, the man attacked him.…
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Man tragically killed by lightning while picking kaffir lime leaves
A tragic incident unfolded as a man was struck by lightning while collecting kaffir lime leaves for cooking, resulting in his death in front of his father. The incident occurred at 6.30pm yesterday, April 22, when Police Captain Boonlert Raktong, an investigator from Mueang Amnat Charoen Police Station, received a report of the lightning strike fatality in a paddy field…
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Thailand urges stores to keep pork prices stable amid shortage
The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) urges retail and wholesale stores to maintain stable pork prices despite recent supply-driven increases. Wittayakorn Maneenetr, DIT Director General, stated that consultations with the Department of Livestock Development and the Swine Raisers Association of Thailand have highlighted a reduced availability of pigs. Approximately 60,000 pigs are supplied daily, sufficient for domestic needs. The recent…
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