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 to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
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Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge repairs proposed with 50bn budget
The Ministry of Transport plans to propose the commencement of repairs on the fifth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge to the Cabinet on June 4. The proposal includes a budget of 50 billion baht aimed at boosting the economy. A ministry source revealed that the economic stimulus project, with a budget framework of 157 billion baht, has been reallocated from the digital…
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Wild elephant causes chaos in Thai shop, damages shelves
In Nakhon Ratchasima, a wild elephant from Khao Yai National Park surprised a local shop in Pak Chong district yesterday, June 2, causing chaos as it rummaged around for food, damaging shelves in the process. The shop, located approximately one kilometre from a park entrance in Ban Tha Maprang, tambon Mu Si, witnessed the unexpected visit of the elephant, known…
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Thai Air Force tests gun-mounted drone amid border tensions
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has tested a drone armed with an M4 carbine, aiming to boost surveillance and reduce troop risk along the Thai-Cambodian border. The test flight took place today, June 3, and was part of a joint development between the RTAF and the Defence Technology Institute. The drone is designed to assist ground patrol units during…
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Tourists attacked in Patong after assaulting local woman (video)
Two tourists were rendered unconscious following an altercation with a group of Thai men in Patong, Phuket. The incident reportedly followed an alleged assault on a local woman by the intoxicated tourists. The altercation, which was captured on video and widely circulated on social media yesterday night, June 2, took place on Bangla Road, a well-known nightlife district in Patong,…
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R12, newly proposed route to boost Thailand-Vietnam trade
Plans are underway for the construction of Route R12, a new trade corridor in Laos, which will connect Thailand, Vietnam, and China. Perames Vudthitornetiraks, President of the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA), stated that the route will begin in Thakhek, Khammouane province, Laos, 17 kilometres from Thailand’s Nakhon Phanom border checkpoint. The route will link the towns of…
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Udon Thani couple resolve engagement dispute with 100,000 baht agreement
A dispute over a postponed engagement ceremony in Udon Thani has been resolved, with both parties agreeing not to pursue financial claims further. The couple will continue residing in the family home, and the bride’s side has agreed not to make additional demands. The incident, involving 43 year old Saengduan, the groom’s mother, and a woman, A, unfolded at Saengduan’s…
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Thailand targets 4.5 billion baht from pride month tourism
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) aims to position Thailand as a top destination for the LGBTQ+ community, with expectations for the pride month celebrations to generate up to 4.5 billion baht in economic activity. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, the Governor of TAT, highlighted that June is celebrated globally as pride month. Thailand continues to hold grand celebrations for the LGBTQ+ community,…
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Baan Khao Din checkpoint stays open amid Cambodia closure rumours
The permanent border checkpoint at Baan Khao Din, Khlong Hat district, Sa Kaeo province, remains open amidst increased security measures by immigration and military personnel. This follows rumours in Cambodia about a potential border closure on June 2. The Thai-Cambodian border trade market, known as Sri Phen Market, continues to operate with Cambodian traders arriving as usual, albeit in fewer…
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Motorbike clash in Pattaya leads to serious assault
Two women on a motorcycle allegedly exited a side street, leading to an altercation that resulted in a serious assault. The incident, which involved a man being attacked with a bottle, occurred in the early hours of June 3. Emergency services from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan in Pattaya and police from the Nong Prue station responded to the scene in Soi…
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State Audit Office scandal: 25.8m baht contract under scrutiny
Renewed attention has focused on the collapsed State Audit Office (SAO) building after a recent report highlighted ongoing irregularities in its construction beginning in 2009. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) found evidence last year supporting allegations against former Auditor-General Khunying Jaruvan Maintaka and others, concerning a 25.8 million baht design contract related to the project. The building was originally intended…
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Ten injured as bus of Indian students crashes in Bangkok
At least 10 passengers sustained injuries when a tour bus carrying Indian exchange students crashed into a roadside power pole on Phahon Yothin Road near Kor Por Aor Intersection in Bangkok. The accident occurred yesterday, June 2, at 11am on the outbound side of the road in Sai Mai district. Rescuers from Bangkhen Fire and Rescue responded swiftly to the…
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Five arrested in Customs electronic cigarette theft investigation
The investigation into the theft of electronic cigarettes from the Customs Department is progressing, with five people arrested and one suspect still at large. Police Major General Witthawat Chinkham, commander of Division 5, confirmed that there is no police involvement, although it is suspected that insiders may have provided information regarding the stolen goods. The suspects, who all know each…
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Tourists overpay 22,000 baht for coffee, cafe resolves issue (video)
Two foreign tourists inadvertently paid over 22,000 baht for two coffees at a café in Nakhon Ratchasima province, but the situation was amicably resolved. A still image from the Mount Wind Tree Cafe’s Facebook page shows a foreign cyclist unintentionally overpaying by nearly 22,000 baht. This incident took place on May 31 at the Mount Wind Tree Cafe, located in…
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Drug conspiracy arrest: aspiring Ratchaburi village headman detained
A 41 year old man, aspiring to be the village headman in Bang Phae district, Ratchaburi province, was arrested at his residence. On June 1 at 3pm, police apprehended Sunan under a warrant issued by Ratchaburi Provincial Court, dated May 15, for his involvement in a drug-related conspiracy. The arrest operation was led by Police Major General Wachiraphong Amornapitak, Ratchaburi…
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Tourism council urges PM to boost sector’s global competitiveness
The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) is set to submit a letter to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra this week, advocating for enhancements in the tourism sector to elevate Thailand’s competitiveness on a global scale. Chai Arunanondchai, President of the TCT, emphasised the need for Thailand to evolve into a sustainable and high-quality tourism destination. According to Chai, the sector, responsible…
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Elderly man allegedly stabs wife in Bangkok home after argument
A tragic incident unfolded when an elderly couple’s argument led to a fatal stabbing in their Bangkok home. A 69 year old man, in a fit of anger, allegedly stabbed his 77 year old wife, who suffered from dementia, following a dispute in their residence on Charan Sanitwong 37 in the Bang Khun Si subdistrict. Police Lieutenant Virat Menthakul from…
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Motorcyclist dies in tragic crash on Chon Buri U-turn bridge
A 25 year old man tragically died after his motorcycle collided with a bridge railing on a U-turn bridge in Mueang district, Chon Buri. The accident, which occurred yesterday, June 2, resulted in fatal injuries, including a skull fracture and broken neck. Police Lieutenant Chinawat Thisala from Mueang Chon Buri Police Station responded to the incident on Sukhumvit Road, inbound…
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Thai Airways and Turkish Airlines sign joint business agreement
Thai Airways and Turkish Airlines have signed a Joint Business Agreement (JBA) to enhance flight services between Bangkok and Istanbul. The collaboration was formalised during the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting in New Delhi, India, marking a significant step in strengthening relations between Thailand’s flagship carrier and Turkey’s national airline. The agreement builds upon Thai Airways’ successful launch of a…
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Police address ceiling collapse at Immigration Bureau
Today, June 3, at the Royal Thai Police headquarters, Police General Kittirat Punpech addressed the collapse of the ceiling at the Immigration Bureau’s training centre. The incident was attributed to a leaking air conditioning system, not structural issues, and a thorough inspection is underway. The ceiling in the third-floor meeting room collapsed due to water accumulation from a condenser leak,…
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37 Thai provinces issued warning for heavy rain and storms
The Meteorological Department has announced that 37 provinces in Thailand are under a weather warning due to a moderate southwest monsoon affecting the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. Heavy rain is expected to impact 60% of Bangkok today, June 3. The weather forecast for the next 24 hours predicts thunderstorms and isolated heavy rain across several regions…
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Man found dead in Surat Thani hot springs pool
A 55 year old man was discovered deceased in a hot springs pool in the Phunphin district of Surat Thani early today, June 2. Police indicated that the man had a pre-existing medical condition which might have led to a loss of consciousness, resulting in drowning. Media reports identified the deceased only as Wichan from Nakhon Si Thammarat. He was…
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Man in Khon Kaen confesses to grandmother’s murder after argument
A 49 year old man has confessed to killing his 87 year old grandmother, whom he had been caring for, following an argument. The incident occurred in Khon Kaen province, where the victim had recently adopted him as her son and left him all her property. Today, June 2, Police Colonel Chalit Morakotsriwan, along with his team and Deputy Police…
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Body found in haunted Udon Thani well near railway station
In Udon Thani, the body of a middle-aged man was discovered in an abandoned well near the railway station, believed by some locals to be haunted. A homeless person residing at the railway station reported the sighting, sparking eerie tales of ghostly apparitions at night. Upon receiving the report today, June 2, emergency services coordinated with Police Lieutenant Colonel Wattanapong…
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PM leads Bangkok Pride 2025 as Siam Piwat powers month-long festival
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra opened the Bangkok Pride Parade 2025 yesterday, June 1, marching through the Siam area alongside key Cabinet members, including Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, Prime Minister’s Office Minister Jiraporn Sindhuprai, and Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool. They were joined by Bangkok Pride chair Waaddao Ann Chumaporn, Bangkok Deputy Governor Sanon Wangsrangboon, UN…
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American tourist dies in Phuket motorbike accident after heart attack
A 56 year old American tourist passed away in Patong on May 31, following a suspected heart-related medical emergency while riding a motorbike. The incident occurred on 50 Pi Rd in the evening, and the deceased was identified as Larry Dean Chupp Jr from Georgia. Police and rescue services arrived at the scene at approximately 7pm. Investigation officer Police Lieutenant…
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Cattle farmer shot dead near ordination event in Phetchaburi
A 32 year old cattle farmer, Sakditat, was fatally shot nine times near a religious ordination celebration in Phetchaburi. Police have identified a suspect and are investigating a personal conflict as a possible motive. The incident occurred yesterday, June 1, along the Nong Bo–Bo Huai road in Don Yang subdistrict, Mueang district, Phetchaburi province. Police Lieutenant Prakit Tonmaithong from the…
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Drivers held for transporting 1,434 boxes of illegal cigarettes
Two delivery drivers employed by a parcel company have been apprehended for allegedly transporting 1,434 boxes of illegal cigarettes. The drivers claimed they were unaware of the contents, as they were simply fulfilling their duties. Police stated that tracking down the perpetrators should not be difficult due to complete sender and recipient documentation. Yesterday, June 1, Police Colonel Parinya Khraikruan,…
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Woman abducted in Trat as police chase white van
A white van blocked a black Mitsubishi car, prompting a woman to flee for help, only to be pursued and assaulted by a man who then dragged her into the van and drove away. Police in Mueang district, Trat province, are urgently tracking the vehicle, but the woman’s fate remains unknown. At 6pm yesterday, June 1, Police Lieutenant Colonel Therdkiat…
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Algerians gang arrested for theft at Suvarnabhumi Airport
A gang known as the Algerians was apprehended at Suvarnabhumi Airport, accused of pickpocketing tourists and using stolen credit cards to purchase luxury goods. The suspects were reportedly targeting crowded locations like train stations and airports. The suspects, identified as 59 year old Kej Omer and 58 year old Hammouda Ahmad, both of Algerian nationality, were arrested under warrants issued…
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Thailand lottery winners scoop 78 million baht jackpot
A lottery draw in Thailand resulted in a significant win for two people, with a combined prize of 78 million baht. Yesterday, June 1, the Government Lottery Office announced the winning numbers for the draw. The first prize number was 559352, with additional prizes for other categories. Notably, a man from Chiang Rai won 54 million baht (US$1.64 million), while…
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