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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How much travel insurance should cost you in Thailand (By trip length)
When planning a trip to Thailand, travel insurance is a smart investment that can save you from unexpected costs. Whether it’s medical expenses, lost luggage, or trip cancellations, the right coverage can provide peace of mind and financial protection against...
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Thailand cracks down on e-cigarette sales with mass URL purge
Thailand’s war on illegal vapes has gone digital, with government officials shutting down over 9,500 online links linked to the sale and smuggling of e-cigarettes. Deputy government spokesperson Sasikarn Wattanachan revealed that between March 2024 and March 19, 2025, the Digital Economy and Society Ministry took down 9,515 URLs involved in the illicit vape trade. “We are using every tool…
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Bangkok care centre exposed for covering up abuse of old Alzheimer’s man
A caretaker at an elderly care centre in the Bang Kapi area of Bangkok physically abused an old man with Alzheimer’s, prompting his daughter to share the story with the media in her quest for justice. The 59 year old woman, Tayanat Kajornnapapong, brought the abuse to public attention because the care centre and Lat Phrao Police Station failed to…
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Fuelling the festivities: Petrol and diesel prices cut for Songkran
Motorists are getting a Songkran surprise as Thailand’s Oil Fund slashes petrol and diesel prices by 1 baht per litre—just in time for the holiday travel rush. Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, who also chairs the Oil Fuel Fund Management Committee, announced that the price cut will be rolled out in two phases. The first reduction of…
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Sour deal: China squeezes out 19 Thai products over safety fears
China has slammed the brakes on 19 Thai products, including sweetened condensed milk, citing safety concerns and labelling issues. The move, part of a broader crackdown that saw 357 shipments from 38 countries rejected in January this year, has sent shockwaves through Thailand’s export sector. According to the Ministry of Commerce, the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) released…
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Bangkok choking: PM2.5 toxic dust clouds capital in pollution panic
Bangkok and a staggering 57 out of 76 provinces across Thailand found themselves gasping for breath today, as hazardous PM2.5 dust levels enveloped the nation. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) sounded the alarm, highlighting the north, northeast, central plain, and east regions with red-level warnings, while the south enjoyed clearer skies. GISTDA deem PM2.5 levels below 37.5…
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Thailand warns vaping could lead to 5 years in prison
Following the Government of Thailand’s recent decisive action on e-cigarettes or vapes, anyone caught with the illegal items could face up to five years in prison and a hefty fine. Residents are also encouraged to report vape users or vendors through an official mobile application. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has now taken a firm stance against vaping, despite having previously supported…
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Phuket cops bag major methamphetamine suspect in Thalang bust
Phuket police collared a major drug suspect in Thalang, seizing a staggering stash of methamphetamine. The dramatic operation, spearheaded by Thalang Police Chief, Police Colonel Nikorn Chuathong, unfolded on Friday, March 21. Leading the charge was Police Lieutenant Colonel Suchart Luecha and his team of investigators from Thalang Police Station. Their target? Prasan “Him” Nopparat, a 45 year old alleged…
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Fake cash chaos: Phuket cops probe tourists over dodgy dollars
Phuket police are on high alert after two foreign women allegedly tried to exchange fake US dollars at a local currency exchange. Officers were called to the exchange near a major Cape Panwa hotel on Saturday, March 22, after staff became suspicious of six US$50 bills. The women, whose nationalities remain undisclosed, handed over the notes in exchange for 9,750…
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Pattaya police beef up patrols to tackle crime surge
In response to a recent spike in criminal activities, Pattaya police rolled out a robust initiative to keep the city’s streets safe. Officers today, assembled at Pattaya City Police Station to deploy newly trained patrol units dedicated to maintaining order and preventing crime. This move comes after a series of unsettling incidents. Notably, a 71 year old British tourist was…
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Speeding driver causes major crash, minor injuries reported
A major collision occurred between an employee bus and a speeding pickup truck driver when the bus attempted a U-turn on Phan Thong-Ban Kao Road in Phan Thong district, Chon Buri, at 5.30am this morning, March 24. The pickup truck, unable to stop in time, crashed into the rear of the bus. Police are reviewing CCTV footage for further investigation.…
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Thai motorcycle taxi rider loses nearly 30,000 baht in fake dollar scam
A Thai motorcycle taxi rider lost nearly 30,000 baht after a scammer tricked him into exchanging fake dollar banknotes at a bank in Samut Prakan province near Bangkok. The motorcycle taxi rider, 43 year old Saksan Phungphat, carried his baby boy to seek help from Channel 3 after police allowed the scammer to remain at large despite his loss of…
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Two homes gutted, Pattaya residents burned in frantic fire escape
A raging fire tore through a residential area in Pattaya, leaving two homes in ruins and two people injured as they desperately tried to save their belongings. The blaze erupted at 1pm, yesterday, March 23, in Soi Thung Klom-Tanman 15, prompting a rapid response from Nongprue police, firefighters, and Sawang Boriboon rescue teams. Three fire engines rushed to the scene,…
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Truck-stop terror: Motorcyclist smashes into lorry near Pattaya
A 21 year old Cambodian motorcyclist was left seriously injured after colliding with a parked 18-wheeler on Sukhumvit Road, Bang Lamung, near Pattaya. Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre was alerted to the crash at 2.06am, yesterday, March 23, near the Krating Lai Bridge, heading towards Bangkok in Chon Buri province. Rescue volunteers and medical teams rushed to the scene. A…
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United Nations urges Thailand to collaborate for sustainable future
A United Nations official called on the Government of Thailand, private sector, and communities to collaborate for the nation’s sustainable future. Kanni Wignaraja, Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at the United Nations Development Programme, highlighted the need for inclusivity in these efforts. During her recent visit to Thailand for the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development 2025, held from…
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Thailand video news | Thailand delays decision on cutting visa-free stay to 30 days, Philippines adds buses, trains amid transport strike
In Thailand video news, Alex and Jay cover key updates, including Thailand’s delayed decision on reducing visa-free stays and a dramatic BMW crash in Phuket. A German man linked to dentist attacks was found dead in Korat, while a violent brawl at MBK Center has sparked calls for tighter mall security. A British tourist alleges mistreatment in a Thai jail,…
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Thai woman shot dead in cemetery over 50 million baht inheritance dispute
A Thai woman yesterday surrendered to police for shooting dead her sister-in-law at a cemetery in Chon Buri following a dispute over an inheritance of 50 million baht. The 52 year old Thai woman, Kantana-on Ditprasert, was found dead at a cemetery in the Si Racha district of Chon Buri at around 6pm on Saturday, March 22. Kantana-on worked as…
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Pattaya motorbike thief crashes student’s birthday bash
A Pattaya motorbike thief become a party pooper in the early hours of this morning, ruining a student’s birthday party celebrations, as revealed by a social media post that’s gone viral. CCTV footage from yesterday, March 23, at 8pm revealed a daring theft unfolding in Soi Buakhao. The clip captured a thief effortlessly making off with a black Honda PCX—license plate…
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Thailand urged to review new co-payment health insurance rule
The Thailand Consumer Council (TCC) urged the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) to reevaluate the new co-payment health insurance rule, calling it unjust for consumers and ineffective in addressing fundamental issues. Implemented on March 20, the rule requires policyholders to cover up to 50% of medical expenses, replacing the previous comprehensive coverage plan. Post-Covid-19 pandemic, rising healthcare costs and an…
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Blazing bandit: Foreign thief tunnels into Phuket weed shop
A foreign man remains at large after drilling through the wall of a cannabis store in Phuket to steal products worth 30,000 baht and 2,000 baht in cash on Saturday, March 22. The owner of the cannabis store, Saen Sook Smoke Weed, 24 year old Kwan, filed a theft complaint with officers at Patong Police Station on Saturday afternoon, March…
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Ex-police officer shoots sister-in-law in Bangkok property dispute
A former officer from Samrae Police Station fatally shot his sister-in-law and critically injured his sister during a heated argument over property rights at their home. The incident occurred at 1.04pm yesterday, March 23, in Bang Mod, Chom Thong district, Bangkok. Police Lieutenant Thanathat Ratsameepupa, Deputy Inspector from Tha Kham Police Station, received the call and arrived at the scene…
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Storm warning: Thai provinces brace for a real reign of terror
The Meteorological Department of Thailand has forecasted severe weather conditions for today, March 24, predicting heavy rain in nine provinces, affecting 20% of the areas. Northern Thailand is expected to face extreme heat, with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celcius (°C). A low-pressure system due to heat is covering northern Thailand, while a weakening high-pressure system or cool air mass…
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Toddler takes the wheel: SUV crash kills two children in Buriram
A female SUV driver crashed and killed two children, aged nine and 13, on a motorcycle in the Isaan province of Buriram on Saturday, March 22. The SUV driver’s two year old child reportedly sat on her lap and grabbed the steering wheel, leading to the crash. The fatal accident was reported to officers at Satuek Police Station and the…
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Thai delegation aims for 7.3 billion baht rice deal in South Africa
The Commerce Ministry of Thailand has dispatched a delegation to South Africa to promote Thai rice, aiming to finalise a major export deal valued at approximately 7.3 billion baht. Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan assigned Worawong Ramangkura, Assistant Minister of Commerce, to lead a delegation from March 24 to March 30, including representatives from the Thai Rice Exporters Association, General Mill…
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Bear’ly survived: Thai fisherman’s face torn off in horror mauling
A Thai fisherman miraculously survived after a ferocious bear attack left him horrifically disfigured, ripping off most of his face, nose, and upper lip in a single devastating swipe. The 60 year old victim was also mauled on the neck and stomach by what experts believe was an Asiatic black bear, a species known to attack humans when threatened. It…
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Massage gets a rub down: Thailand cracks whip on shady parlours
The Thai government is cracking down on dodgy massage parlours that are tarnishing the reputation of nuad Thai, as the industry faces a shortage of 50,000 skilled practitioners. The Ministry of Public Health is stepping in to restore the craft’s credibility, amid concerns that inconsistent standards and seedy businesses have led to Thai massage being wrongly linked to brothels. Adviser…
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House of cards tumbles: Cops bust Hua Hin gambling ring
Six suspects have been rounded up in a dramatic police raid on an illegal online gambling empire operating out of Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan. The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) swooped in on LAVAMAX1688, a shadowy betting network that had raked in over 8 million baht in just eight months. With arrest warrants issued for seven people, officers stormed…
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PPRP’s Prawit to challenge PM Paetongtarn in censure debate
Attention has focused on the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader, Prawit Wongsuwon, amid speculation regarding his recruitment of Pheu Thai Party MP, Police Captain Chalerm Yubamrung, for the upcoming censure debate against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. They are anticipated to present serious allegations against the government. PPRP Secretary-General, Paiboon Nititawan, confirmed that Prawit will speak following the opening remarks by…
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Illegal nightclub raid in Nakhon Pathom uncovers drug use
In Nakhon Pathom‘s Samphran district, administrative officials conducted a raid at 3am this morning, March 23, at an unlicensed nightclub, discovering 81 patrons with traces of illegal drugs. The Department of Provincial Administration led the raid operation at a local nightclub called Neon Pub following reports of narcotics being available on the premises. During the raid, officials secured the exits…
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Forest fire officer in Phayao dies during patrol efforts
A forest fire officer in Phayao tragically passed away after collapsing during patrol efforts to prevent and control forest fires. Yesterday, March 22, it was reported that the forest fire situation in Phayao province had eased following artificial rain, which extinguished fires in three district areas. Government officials, local leaders, volunteers, and forest fire patrol teams continue to work to…
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Chinese detained in Bangkok hotel for 11 billion baht fraud
Immigration officers in Bangkok have detained a Chinese man at a luxury hotel in Ratchaprasong, who was evading fraud charges for embezzling billions of baht. The suspect had changed his identity and acquired Vanuatu nationality on March 22. Officers of the Immigration Bureau have directed their units to enhance crime prevention efforts, particularly targeting illegal immigration and foreign nationals involved in…
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