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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Chiang Mai lottery sales surge during Songkran festival
In Chiang Mai, lottery ticket sales are thriving during the Songkran festival, with locals eagerly purchasing tickets from various stalls around the city, including areas like Chiang Mai Gate, Chang Phueak Gate, Mahidol Road, Mueang district, the railway station, and morning markets. Tickets are priced at 100 baht (US$3) each, with sets of two selling for 200 baht (US$6), three…
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Welsh traveller goes missing in Thailand, family appeals for help
A 26 year old Welsh traveller has gone missing in Thailand, prompting concern from his family and friends who haven’t heard from him in over four weeks. Daniel Davies, from Llanelli, was last in contact with his family on March 13 while staying at the Hangover Hostel in Bangkok. He was later seen on the island of Koh Phi Phi, a…
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Small earthquake strikes Krabi, no tsunami risk reported
An earthquake measuring 3.5 on the Richter scale occurred in Krabi province, with the epicentre located in Khlong Khama subdistrict, Nuea Khlong district. The event, which was felt by locals, took place at 2.27pm yesterday, April 14. The Thai Meteorological Department’s Earthquake Surveillance Division reported the quake’s depth at 2 kilometres. At 2.42pm, the Thai Meteorological Department issued a statement…
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Pickup truck ploughs into Songkran crowd, injuring 12 in Thailand
A pickup truck drove into a group of Songkran festival celebrants, injuring 12, with six in serious condition, prompting a chaotic scene as bystanders pulled the driver from the vehicle. Police have since charged the driver, who was found to be over the legal alcohol limit, with related offences. Yesterday, April 14, at 7.05pm, a pickup truck crashed into people…
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PM Paetongtarn invites tourists to Chiang Mai’s vibrant cultural fest
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has encouraged both Thais and tourists to partake in the Pee Mai Mueang San Kamphaeng event, highlighting the enchanting Lhong Him Khao community in Chiang Mai. Lhong Him Khao, located in the San Kamphaeng district, is a vibrant community celebrated for its traditional Lanna arts, crafts, and cultural expressions. Residents have transformed their homes into cafes,…
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Heavy rain forecasted for Bangkok and 33 provinces post-Songkran
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasted heavy rain across 33 provinces, including Bangkok, as the Songkran festival comes to an end. The weather is expected to include thunderstorms, strong winds, and possible lightning today, April 15. The upper regions of Thailand will experience rising temperatures, with hot weather prevailing in central areas, Bangkok, and surrounding vicinities, as well as the…
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Death toll hits 41 after State Audit Office collapse in Thailand
The discovery of four more bodies, comprising both male and female people, was made under the rubble of the collapsed State Audit Office building. Identification of some remains is ongoing, with scattered human body parts found in zone C. The death toll has now reached 41, with 53 people still missing. By 10am today, April 14, the site of the…
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Buriram man wanted for fatal Songkran shooting over drugs
Police in Buriram have issued an arrest warrant for a man accused of fatally shooting his friend in a dispute over drugs during a Songkran celebration. The suspect, a 27 year old named Rakkiat, remains in denial despite witness testimony and evidence linking him to the crime. The incident occurred on April 12, near the victim’s hut in Non Sawan…
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Gas station cashier killed in Chon Buri robbery
A male gas station employee allegedly stabbed a female cashier to death before fleeing with her wallet at a gas station in Mueang district, Chon Buri province. The incident occurred at 11.20pm yesterday, April 13. Police Lieutenant Ratchaphon Ratchawakan, a deputy investigation officer at Don Hua Lo Police Station in Chon Buri, received a report of a serious stabbing at…
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Phuket woman dies after brutal assault by partner
A tragic incident unfolded at a rental room in the Mueang district of Phuket, where a woman succumbed to injuries following a violent altercation with her partner. Police apprehended the suspect, who later confessed to the assault. At approximately 10.45pm yesterday, April 13, Police Lieutenant Wutthichai Chanpai, Deputy Inspector of Wichit Police Station, was alerted to a domestic dispute resulting…
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Fatal stabbing cancels Charming Maha Songkran event in Trang
A fatal stabbing incident occurred during the Charming Maha Songkran event, leading organisers to immediately cancel the event and pursue legal action against the perpetrators. A 21 year old woman was also injured by a stray bullet. The incident unfolded around 1.15am yesterday, April 13, when Police Lieutenant Pandhiwat Phetloh of the Huai Yot Police Station in Trang province was…
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Child rescued from flip-flop mishap during Songkran in Phayao
On April 13, a young child experienced distress during Songkran festivities in Phayao province when a flip-flop shoe became stuck on their foot. The incident occurred near a water tunnel behind a concert stage, where the child was enjoying the water play among tourists, including both teenagers and children. Attempts were made to remove the shoe by pouring water over…
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Fire in Ban Pong destroys over 20 rooms, no injuries reported
A fire broke out in the Rong Thoop community in Ban Pong, Ratchaburi province, destroying over 20 rooms. The incident occurred at 1.40pm yesterday, April 13 and involved several fire engines mobilised to extinguish the blaze. Police Lieutenant Colonel Surachai Boonin of Ban Pong Police Station received the report and notified Police Colonel Kobchoke Lektragul, the station chief, before heading…
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Man arrested for fatal knife attack on ex-wife in Phetchabun
A 39 year old man has been detained after allegedly fatally attacking his former wife with a knife in Phetchabun province. The incident occurred on April 12, when 43 year old Somkit was found with severe neck injuries in her home in Pak Chong subdistrict, Lom Sak district. The suspect, her ex-husband, Sombat, allegedly confessed to having taken five methamphetamine pills…
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Teenagers arrested for murder of student in Pathum Thani
Three teenagers, between 16 and 18 years old, have been apprehended for the murder of a 26 year old engineering student, Thanat Somsakul, from Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi. The incident occurred yesterday, April 13, in Pathum Thani province. The suspects allegedly attacked the student under a footbridge in the Prachathipat subdistrict, following a confrontation that began when their motorcycles…
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Songkran boosts Thai regional airport traffic with celebrations
Regional airports across Thailand are experiencing a surge in both domestic and international travellers as the nation celebrates the Songkran festival. Yesterday, April 13, the first day of Songkran, cities like Phuket, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Songkhla, and Khon Kaen hosted their events, attracting thousands eager to join the annual celebrations. In Phuket, Patong Beach became a hub of activity…
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Thailand waives park fees for Family Day celebration
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation will waive entrance fees to all national parks, botanical gardens, wildlife sanctuaries, and conservation sites in Thailand today in celebration of Family Day, observed annually on April 14. According to Attapol Charoenshunsa, the director-general of the department, this initiative is part of an effort to promote visits to the country’s lesser-known…
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TMD warns of summer storms in 33 provinces
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued warnings concerning summer storms affecting the northern and central regions, impacting 33 provinces with thunderstorms, strong winds, hail, and potential lightning. The advisory is valid today, April 14. A moderate high-pressure system or cold air mass from China is influencing the northeastern region of Thailand and the South China Sea. This results in…
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Songkran drink-driving cases top 1,300 in two days
The Department of Probation has released statistics revealing that drink-driving cases remain high during the Songkran festival, accumulating over 1,300 cases in two days. Today, April 13, Police Lieutenant Colonel Suriya Singhakamol, Director-General of the Department of Probation, reported on cases entering probation yesterday, marking the second day of stringent measures. A total of 1,037 cases were recorded, with six…
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Myanmar earthquake tremors reach northern Thailand cities
An earthquake measuring 5.9 magnitude in Myanmar was felt in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai. This tremor, occurring at 9.24am today, April 13, was attributed to the movement of the Sagaing Fault. The Earthquake Observation Division of the Thai Meteorological Department reported that the earthquake struck on land at a depth of 10 kilometres, approximately 271 kilometres…
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Man found dead after fall in Phuket’s Wichit district
A 44 year old man was found dead after falling from an abandoned building in the Wichit district, Phuket. Before the incident, he had a dispute with his wife and left on a motorcycle. The police are investigating the cause of death. At 8.50pm yesterday, April 12, Police Lieutenant Colonel Fonthip Kaewsaen, Deputy Inspector of Wichit Police Station, was informed…
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Bangkok raid seizes illicit goods worth over 845 million baht
A joint operation between the Metropolitan Police and the Department of Excise led to the arrest of a 37 year old Chinese national and the seizure of 668,407 packs of illicit cigarettes and 23,721 bottles of illegal liquor. The operation took place across seven locations, with a significant raid conducted at a residence in the Ekkamai-Ram Inthra area of Bangkok on…
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Man in Chon Buri arrested for killing puppy in shocking incident
Today, April 13, in Chon Buri’s Mueang district, a distressing incident occurred involving a man who reportedly placed a puppy into a fertiliser sack and smashed it to the ground, resulting in the animal’s death. A concerned citizen captured the act on video, showing the man entering an alley with a group of barking dogs before committing the act. Nirat…
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Tourists protest inflated water prices at Hat Yai Songkran festival
Tourists at the Hat Yai Midnight Songkran festival in Hat Yai district, Songkhla province, today raised concerns over the inflated prices of water sold for the event, with costs reaching 1,000 baht for 200 litres. Many Malaysian tourists participated in the festival, attracting vendors who charged significantly higher prices for water, claiming it included ice. The Songkhla governor, Chotinrin Kerdsom,…
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Bangkok man charged with murder after shooting pregnant wife
At noon yesterday, April 12, a tragic incident occurred in the Thung Khru district of Bangkok, when a 35 year old pregnant woman was shot dead in her home by her husband. The suspect confessed to the police that a heated argument led to the fatal shooting, with charges of intentional murder and firearm violations filed against him. The incident…
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Retired officer found dead after shooting motorcycle taxi leader
A retired police officer was discovered dead beneath a Bodhi tree at a temple in Saraburi after allegedly shooting a motorcycle taxi leader in front of a passenger. Yesterday, April 12, Police Lieutenant Nikathat Haken, a duty officer from Nong Khae Police Station, was alerted by locals to a death at Wat Rat Samakkhi in Khok Yae subdistrict, Nong Khae…
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Vietnamese woman arrested in Bangkok for Songkran thefts
A 42 year old Vietnamese woman was apprehended in Bangkok for allegedly cutting open bags of people praying during Songkran festivities. The arrest, made today, April 13, at 2.30am, followed surveillance footage capturing the act. The operation involved multiple high-ranking police officers, including Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom. Nguyen, charged with theft and disguising herself to avoid detection, was arrested in…
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Thailand to curb illegal rentals with new booking regulations
State agencies are being encouraged to collaborate with online accommodation booking platforms to create a system ensuring that only legally registered hotels and accommodation providers can accept online reservations. This initiative is driven by the House Committee on Consumer Protection, following discussions with state agencies and online travel companies regarding the illegal rental of condominium units in violation of the…
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Chinese YouTuber mugged in Pattaya by fellow nationals
A Chinese YouTuber was discovered with severe injuries in Pattaya in the early hours of yesterday, April 12, after reportedly being tricked into a mugging by two fellow Chinese nationals. Police in Chon Buri’s resort town were notified by a resident at 5.10am about a man who had been assaulted and left on the roadside in Soi Thep Prasit 6/1,…
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Summer storm warning for 44 Thai provinces including Bangkok
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather forecast indicating persistent severe conditions, with a summer storm affecting 44 provinces, including Bangkok. Thunderstorms are expected across the north, central, east, and Bangkok, covering 60% of these areas on April 13. The weather forecast for the next 24 hours predicts a summer storm in upper Thailand, characterised by thunderstorms, strong…
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