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 5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
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Eight arrested in 2 billion baht digital wallet scam bust
A major crackdown on a digital wallet scam involving 2 billion baht resulted in the arrest of eight people accused of orchestrating an online stock trading fraud. Law enforcement seized assets worth 80 million baht, including luxurious properties and vehicles. Police at the Central Investigation Bureau, led by Jiraphop Phuridej, held a press conference detailing the arrests of 36 year…
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Machete-wielding thieves strike twice in chilling Pattaya heist
A shocking burglary in South Pattaya has left residents on edge after security footage revealed two masked intruders brazenly breaking into a home, one wielding a 50-centimetre machete during their second raid. The terrifying saga unfolded on September 21 but came to light yesterday, December 3 when the homeowner, fashion retailer Sunthorn, shared the harrowing details. While Sunthorn was away,…
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Ancient human remains discovered in Nakhon Ratchasima
Villagers in Nakhon Ratchasima stumbled upon human skulls and bone fragments believed to be centuries old, alongside broken pottery shards. Police have been notified and archaeological experts are being consulted. The discovery occurred near the Sap Pradu Reservoir in Sikhiu district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, when 60 year old local Somkhuan Phangkaewkam, was tending to his cattle. He noticed what initially…
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British man arrested in Chon Buri for sexual assault of 7 year old
A British man has been arrested in Chon Buri province following allegations of sexual assault against a minor after police received crucial information from international partners. A shocking discovery by the child’s mother on her mobile phone led to the 30 year old alleged pedophile’s arrest. The arrest of Luke Adam Lawrence, the British national, took place after a warrant…
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Shock treatment: Blind electrician left reeling after brutal assault
A 33 year old partially blind electrician reported a harrowing assault that left him with severe injuries, including a double jaw fracture. The incident occurred after the electrician, named Jakraphan, was lured by a group claiming to be influential figures to discuss a missing battery issue, only to be brutally attacked. Jakraphan and his father, 61 year old Jinda, have…
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Man tragically killed in Surat Thani hit-and-run accident
A tragic hit-and-run incident has claimed the life of a man in Surat Thani, leaving his body dismembered at the scene. Police are urgently seeking the driver responsible for this fatal accident, which occurred late yesterday, December 3. At approximately 9.58pm yesterday, the police received a report of a deadly hit-and-run on the southbound lane of Road 41, near Kuan…
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Elderly man loses 120k baht cash and gold in Udon Thani
An elderly man is in distress after losing a substantial sum of money while tending to his cattle in a field. The incident occurred yesterday, December 3 in a village in Udon Thani, where the 85 year old man misplaced 80,000 baht in cash along with a gold ring worth 41,000 baht, totalling 121,000 baht. The elderly man, identified as…
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Foreign man safely rescued after suicide attempt in Pattaya condo
Mueang Pattaya Police Station successfully rescued a foreign man from joining the Pattaya Flying Club after a suicide attempt at a beachfront condominium on Thappaya Road in Pattaya today, December 4. Police rushed to the 22-storey condominium following reports of a suicide attempt. The man, estimated to be between 70 and 75 years old, was spotted on the 21st floor,…
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Kalasin warns of rising ‘farmer’s fever’ cases with 120 infections
Kalasin’s public health sector is on high alert as they warn residents about the rising tide of melioidosis cases, with 120 reported infections and three fatalities. Known locally as “soil fever,” this bacterial infection poses a significant risk to farmers, and currently, no vaccine exists for prevention. Melioidosis, often referred to as “farmer’s fever,” is emerging as a serious public…
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Bangkok’s 2024 Baturu Cultural Festival: what you need to know
The 2024 Baturu Cultural Festival started this weekend in Bangkok — but what is it? This one-of-a-kind festival is more than just an event; it’s a movement that uses art as a tool for tackling big issues like gender inequality, mental health, and social justice. Whether you’re here to catch a heart-stirring film, join a fascinating panel discussion, or just…
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Rainmaking flights reduce air pollution in Bangkok
The air quality index (AQI) in Bangkok, neighbouring provinces, and certain northern regions has shown improvement following the initial efforts of rainmaking flights conducted by the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation (DRRAA). The initiative aimed to address the high levels of PM2.5 fine particulate matter affecting the region. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Itthi Sirilathayakorn, announced that…
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Road collapse in Betong disrupts traffic until December next year
A road collapse in Betong, Yala Province, has caused significant disruption, with officials warning motorists to avoid the area due to safety concerns. The road, which has sunk over 10 metres deep, is closed for repairs from today, December 4 until further notice. A report from locals alerted the acting head of the Betong District Transport Office, Thararath Sangthong, to…
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UNESCO honours Thailand’s Tom Yum Kung as intangible cultural heritage
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) today, December 4, approved the renowned Thai dish Tom Yum Kung (hot and sour shrimp soup) as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Thailand proposed the country’s iconic dish, Tom Yum Kung, for UNESCO’s consideration, and the proposal was officially approved today. The announcement was made during the 19th Session of…
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Severe floods persist in Narathiwat after Kolok River overflows
Floods in Narathiwat remain severe, with the districts of Tak Bai and Sungai Kolok in critical condition as the Kolok River overflows. Long-distance water pumps have been requested from Prachinburi’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation due to concerns about further rainfall. The recent weather in Narathiwat has shown signs of improvement with sunshine covering all 13 districts, and rainfall…
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UNESCO experts to assess Ayutthaya rail project impact
UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee will send experts to review the high-speed rail track construction project in Ayutthaya next month. The visit aims to discuss the Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) with the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and provide technical recommendations for preserving the integrity of the world heritage site. These experts, while offering guidance, do not have the power to…
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Tragic Pattaya incident: Daughter finds mother drowned in basin
A tragic incident unfolded yesterday when an 18 year old girl returned home from work to find her mother dead, face down in a washing basin. Despite immediate efforts to save her, the mother could not be revived, leaving the family heartbroken. The distressing event occurred late at night when the Sawang Boriboon Rescue Radio Centre in Pattaya was informed…
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Cobra causes hiss-teria at Kata Beach in Phuket (video)
Tourists at Kata Beach in Phuket were startled when a cobra was spotted swimming near the shore, leading to a chaotic yet successful capture. The incident, which occurred yesterday, December 3, was captured on video and quickly spread across social media, causing quite a stir. The video shows tourists at Kata Beach, located on the western side of Phuket Island,…
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Family seeks justice after woman’s suicide linked to girlfriend’s fraud
A Thai woman tragically committed suicide in her car in Chon Buri province after losing over 3 million baht to her unfaithful girlfriend. The victim’s family attempted to pursue legal action against the girlfriend but were unable to gather sufficient evidence. The death of the 33 year old woman, identified as Suthathip, was reported to Panthong Police Station on November…
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PM: Ex-minister’s parole release unrelated to Yingluck’s return
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra firmly dismissed any links between the parole release of former commerce minister Boonsong Teriyapirom and the speculated return of ex-premier Yingluck Shinawatra. Addressing the media yesterday, PM Paetongtarn clarified that Boonsong’s release was strictly in accordance with the Department of Corrections (DoC) regulations and had no connection to her aunt, Yingluck. “It is about the DoC’s…
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Monk injured in temple assault by abbot over sound system dispute
A shocking incident at a temple in Nakhon Si Thammarat’s Phrom Khiri district has left a monk severely injured after being assaulted by the abbot. The attack, allegedly over a broken sound system, resulted in the monk’s left arm being fractured, prompting police involvement and potential severe charges against the abbot. The incident occurred at a local temple where the…
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Thai boy with special needs falls to his death from Ayutthaya mall
A 12 year old Thai boy fell to his death from the rooftop of a five-storey shopping mall in the central province of Ayutthaya on Monday. Police are investigating whether the incident was an accident or a suicide. The tragic event occurred at around 6.30pm, December 2, at a well-known shopping mall on Rojjana Road in the Uthai district of…
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Thailand faces worsening air quality crisis, health warnings issued
Thailand’s air quality has significantly deteriorated, with 20 provinces reporting pollution levels exceeding health standards. The most severe pollution is found in Pak Kret, with Bangkok also experiencing widespread poor air quality. The air quality is expected to worsen between tomorrow and December 7, prompting health advisories for residents to limit outdoor activities and wear masks. The Air Pollution Solution…
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Female high school student physically assaulted in Sisaket (video)
A video has surfaced on social media showing a disturbing incident involving a female student at a secondary school in Sisaket province. The footage captures the student being violently assaulted by her classmates in a classroom, with the aggressors recording the event and appearing to enjoy the act. The assault took place just six days after the victim began attending…
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High drama in Isaan: Man’s police assault claims don’t hold up
A Thai man accused police officers in the Isaan province of Chaiyaphum of physically assaulting him during a visit to the police station to provide information about a drug suspect. The police, however, refuted the allegations, asserting their innocence and presenting clear evidence to support their defence. The complainant, identified as Wiroj, filed a formal complaint on November 29 against…
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Songkhla flood relief scare debunked amid robbery claims
The chief of Songkhla’s Thepha district has swiftly denied shocking allegations that villagers from the Tha Muang district robbed a team of volunteers delivering flood relief on Sunday, December 1. The accusations, made in a now-deleted social media post, caused widespread panic but officials insisted it was a misunderstanding. Traisulee Taisaranakul, the spokesperson for the Interior Ministry, revealed today that…
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Thailand grants citizenship to 72 stateless individuals in Chiang Rai
A historic moment unfolded in Chiang Rai as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra presented Thai citizenship cards to 72 individuals from ethnic minority groups, marking a monumental step towards addressing statelessness in the country. The ceremony, held at the GMS International Convention and Exhibition Centre on Sunday, December 1, highlighted Thailand’s commitment to inclusivity and human rights, with key officials and…
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Phuket rolls out electric buses in bold push for greener island
Phuket has just taken a major leap towards modernising its public transport with the launch of electric buses, marking the beginning of a cleaner, more sustainable future for the island. The historic moment occurred yesterday, December 2 at the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), where a ceremony was held to unveil the first trial buses. Governor Sophon Suwannarat and PPAO…
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Cannabis store HR officer slaps worker amid alleged embezzlement
Former employees of a cannabis retail chain accused managers and a human resources (HR) officer of falsely accusing them of embezzlement and extorting money. The HR officer also reportedly physically assaulted one of the workers. Two Thai men, who previously worked for the cannabis company, shared CCTV footage with the Facebook news page Social Hunter 2022. The footage shows a…
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Thailand’s PM champions disability rights on International Day
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra delivered a heartfelt message on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, reaffirming her government’s commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities for all. Celebrated annually on December 3, the day marks a significant call to action for societies to dismantle barriers and ensure the dignity and rights of individuals with disabilities are respected. Equal opportunities was…
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Nonthaburi shop owners seek driver after 50,000 baht accident
Two shop owners are seeking the whereabouts of a driver who caused extensive damage to their businesses in a late-night car crash, promising to compensate before becoming unreachable after one day of contact. The incident occurred at approximately 3.40am on December 1, when a Toyota Wish sedan, driven by a 38 year old man identified as Charnwut (surname withheld), lost…
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