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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Earthquake damages Chiang Mai temples, restoration underway
Three of Chiang Mai’s most iconic temples, Wat Chedi Liam, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Umong, have suffered damage following the powerful earthquake that struck neighbouring Myanmar on March 28. While none of the structures face immediate risk of collapse, government officials are moving quickly to stabilise and restore these sacred landmarks, which are central to the city’s rich cultural…
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School hiss-teria: King cobra causes a stir in Surat Thani
Residents in Don Sak, Surat Thani, were startled when a large king cobra, referred to locally as a bong la, appeared in front of a community school. The incident, which occurred yesterday, April 21, prompted the immediate involvement of local rescue services to safely capture the snake. Facebook user Supawit Kamonbutr shared images of the rescue team from Don Sak…
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Thailand slashes 2025 tourism forecast amid global concerns
In a surprising move, Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Ministry has revised its tourism revenue forecast for 2025 down to 3 trillion baht, citing a mix of domestic and international factors that could affect the country’s tourism industry. The new target is a significant reduction from the previous projection of 3.5 trillion baht. Permanent Secretary Nattareeya Thaweewong confirmed the updated forecast…
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AOT reports record 2.6 million passengers during Songkran festival
Airports of Thailand (AOT) has announced impressive air traffic statistics for the Songkran period, highlighting a 4.3% increase in passenger traffic across the six airports it operates, compared to last year. Dr Kerati Kijmanawat, President of AOT, revealed that from April 11 to 17, a total of 2.6 million passengers passed through Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket,…
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Koh Larn to get new police station amid tourist boom
With more than 10,000 tourists descending on Koh Larn every day, officials have finally responded to mounting concerns about safety and stretched police resources by announcing plans for a brand-new police substation at Tawaen Beach. In a recent meeting held at Pattaya City’s branch office on the island, Deputy Mayor of Pattaya Manoch Nongyai, Permanent Secretary Kiatthisak Sriwongchai, and other…
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Woman seeks justice over husband’s misuse of funds and infidelity
A 55 year old woman appealed for justice at the Ubon Ratchathani provincial complaints centre, claiming her husband, a village headman, has been involved with three mistresses and used money from selling their land to build a house for one of them. Yesterday, April 21, she was accompanied by lawyer Kritsada Lohitdee, known as Lawyer Nobi, to submit a formal…
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French tourist busted in Patong for reckless riding
A thrill-seeking Frenchman landed himself in trouble after his reckless antics on Patong’s streets caught the attention of Thailand’s national immigration chief. Identified as 23 year old Ali, the tourist was arrested after CCTV footage revealed him tearing through red lights, revving up noise complaints, and riding without a helmet. The chaotic joyride didn’t go unnoticed. National Immigration Bureau Chief…
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Thai taxi driver wins lottery, gives passengers free ride and cash
A Thai taxi driver promised to offer a free ride plus 200 baht in cash to three passengers if he won a lottery ticket. Guess what? Yes, he indeed won it. A Thai woman shared a video on her TikTok account, @featployda, on Sunday, April 20, capturing the moment she, her friends, and the taxi driver awaited the lottery results…
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Thai task force seizes 300,000 meth tablets in drug bust
The Surasak Montri Task Force, in collaboration with soldiers, border patrol police, and administrative officers, seized 300,000 methamphetamine tablets after discovering a drug trafficking operation from a neighbouring country today, April 22. Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang, commander of the 2nd Army Area and the director of the Command to Suppress and Prevent Drugs and Chemicals in the northeastern border (NBYorSor.24),…
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Thailand aviation upgraded to category 1, opening US flights
In a major boost for Thailand’s aviation sector, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially upgraded the country’s aviation safety rating to Category 1. The Ministry of Transport announced the exciting development today, April 22, recognising that Thailand now meets international civil aviation safety standards, paving the way for Thai airlines to resume flights to the United States. This…
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400 million baht for new Rama 2 parallel route construction
The Department of Highways has allocated 400 million baht to alleviate traffic congestion on Rama 2 Road by constructing a parallel route and new bridges. Construction is expected to begin in September this year, and officials assure that it will not affect traffic on the main route. Yesterday, April 21, Apirat Chaiwongnoi, Director General of the Department of Highways, discussed…
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Thai woman throws 300k baht ring into sea after cheating prank
A woman’s online post has sparked debate after she threw her 300,000 baht wedding ring into the sea, following a prank by her husband. The couple, on a yacht trip on April 21, faced a turning point in their marriage when the husband’s joke about infidelity went awry. The 29 year old woman shared her story online, describing it as…
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Thai rice exports drop 30% as Vietnam overtakes in global market
Thai rice exports have seen a significant 30% decline in the first quarter, raising concerns as Vietnam overtakes Thailand to become the world’s second-largest rice exporter. Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, reported that during the first quarter this year, Thailand exported 2.1 million tonnes of milled rice, a drop from the same period last year.…
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Drunk foreign man ends Phuket beach party with graveyard nap
Locals in the Bang Tao area of Phuket rescued a drunk foreign man who was found sleeping in a graveyard after attending a beach party. The Phuket Times shared photos of the man lying on a grassy area yesterday, April 21, with the caption: “5.20pm. A foreigner was found lying unconscious in the Bang Tao kubur (kubur means burial ground…
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Phuket probes construction site over erosion concerns
Phuket officials have launched a major investigation into a hillside construction project in Karon after public concerns over potential illegal development and environmental damage. The inspection, conducted yesterday, April 21, was led by Surasak Anusorn, Director of the Phuket Natural Resources and Environment Office, and accompanied by officers from the Phuket Provincial Public Works and Town & Country Planning Office.…
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Bangkok bungler! Ex-con caught robbing shop with a toy gun
Police last night apprehended a 29 year old man for armed robbery at a well-known convenience store in Bangkok’s Bang Bon district. The suspect, Surat, also known as M, had recently completed a sentence for theft and was unemployed before just starting a job as a security guard. The arrest occurred at approximately 10pm yesterday, April 21. Police Major General…
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3 Thai universities deny offering student visas to illegal Chinese workers
Three universities in northern Thailand denied allegations that they illegally issued student visas to Chinese nationals who were secretly working on construction sites across the country. The Facebook news page, รู้ทันจีน (Roo Than Jeen, meaning “Know China”), claimed yesterday, April 21, that several universities in Thailand provided student visas to Chinese nationals who were not enrolled as students, thereby enabling…
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Man arrested in stolen car with fake plates bought for 40,000 baht
Police apprehended a 49 year old man driving a luxury car adorned with red commemorative plates from a graduation event. The vehicle was found to be stolen, with the suspect, Patrawut, admitting to buying it from the black market for 40,000 baht. Yesterday, April 21, Police Major General Kongkrit Lertsitthikul, along with Police Colonel Apichat Renshana and other officers, arrested Patrawut…
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Teen monk killed in drive-by attack on police escort in Songkhla
In a shocking attack, gunmen opened fire on a police vehicle escorting monks during their morning alms round in Songkhla province. The incident, which took place today, April 22, in the Saba Yoi district, resulted in the death of a 16 year old novice monk and left another injured. Police forces are now on a manhunt for the assailants, but…
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Solar flare-up! US tariffs scorch Thai imports in fiery trade row
A blistering tariff bombshell from Washington has lit a fire under Southeast Asia’s solar imports, with Thailand among the hardest hit, as the United States slaps sky-high duties of up to 3,521% on imports, claiming unfair competition from Asian suppliers. The US has launched a full-scale trade crackdown on solar imports from Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia, slapping colossal new…
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Australian caught with loaded gun on Patong’s Bangla Road
An Australian man has been arrested in Patong after being caught with an illegal, loaded firearm in the early hours of yesterday morning. Lachlan James McGahey, 31, was detained by police during a routine patrol on Bangla Road at around 3.40am, yesterday, April 21. Officers discovered that McGahey was carrying a Thai-made .38-calibre handgun, which was loaded with eight rounds…
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Robbery attempt at Yasothon gold shop thwarted by brave owner
A gold shop in Yasothon province was the target of a robbery attempt yesterday, April 21. The suspect, armed with an unloaded gun, demanded gold but was thwarted by the alert shop owner and her nephew. The suspect fled the scene, and police are currently pursuing him. Police Lieutenant Colonel Worawut Thanmook, Deputy Superintendent of Mueang Yasothon Police Station, received…
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17 year old Thai girl fatally shot after glance exchange at restaurant
Police are searching for a gunman who fatally shot a 17 year old girl on Sunday, 20 April, while she was riding a motorcycle. The incident allegedly stemmed from an exchange of glances at a barbecue restaurant in the central province of Pathum Thani. Medical staff at Rangsit Hospital alerted officers from Khu Khot Police Station after the victim, known…
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Rolling the dice: Pheu Thai MPs bet on casino and amnesty bills
Pheu Thai lawmakers have been directed to advocate for the casino-entertainment complex and political amnesty bills within their constituencies during the Parliamentary recess. This effort aims to facilitate the smooth passage of these bills. Pheu Thai spokesperson and Member of Parliament Danuporn Punnakanta stated that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra advised party MPs to assess public opinion on several issues, including…
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Thai royals to enhance ties with Bhutan in April state visit
King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana will embark on a state visit to Bhutan from April 25 to 28, as announced by the Royal Household Bureau. The journey follows an invitation from King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan and aims to enhance the friendship and cooperation between Thailand and Bhutan, which are rooted in shared cultural…
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Taiwanese man attacked by Pattaya homeless with no prior conflict
A Taiwanese man issued a warning to others after he was attacked with a wooden stick by a homeless man outside a restaurant in southern Pattaya last weekend. A reward is being offered for anyone with useful information leading to the arrest of the attacker. The Taiwanese victim and his Thai girlfriend reported the incident to the public yesterday, April 21.…
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Thailand introduces new cybercrime law to tackle data misuse
A new cybercrime law aims to tackle cybercrime at its roots by preventing the misuse of personal data, as stated by the Personal Data Protection Committee (PDPC). PDPC Secretary General, Police Colonel Surapong Plengkham, announced yesterday, April 21, that the Royal Decree on Measures for the Prevention and Suppression of Cybercrime 2025 has been officially published in the Royal Gazette.…
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Bang Khen police arrest brothers for motorcycle theft
Bang Khen police successfully apprehended two brothers who had been involved in motorcycle theft and dismantling parts for sale. The operation yesterday, April 21, was led by Police Colonel Anan Warasart, with assistance from Deputy Investigation Chief Police Lieutenant Colonel Kosolpiya Sima, Investigation Chief Police Lieutenant Colonel Pornchai Wongprasertkan, and Investigation Inspector Police Captain Yuranan Phetmanee. The suspects, 37 year…
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Thailand’s sarus cranes arrive in Vietnam for conservation
In a monumental step for wildlife conservation, six sarus cranes have arrived in Vietnam as part of an ambitious project to save the endangered species. The cranes, flown in from Thailand, were welcomed at Tram Chim National Park in Dong Thap province, Vietnam, on Sunday, April 20, marking the beginning of a significant reintroduction programme aimed at restoring the species…
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9 month old baby boy survives accident that kills family in Thailand
A nine month old baby boy was the sole survivor of a deadly car accident on Phetchakasem Road in the southern province of Prachuap Khiri Khan, which claimed the lives of his parents and grandmother. A Thai doctor shared the tragic story of the infant on his clinic’s Facebook page, Yingyos Orthopaedic Clinic, yesterday, April 21. He explained that he…
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