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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US ambassador vows stronger ties with Thailand
In a high-profile diplomatic push, the US ambassador to Thailand, Robert F Godec, has committed to enhancing economic, security, and humanitarian cooperation with Thailand under its new government. This bold pledge came during a meeting yesterday, October 9, with Chusak Sirinil, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, as both nations gear up for the 200th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.…
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Bangkok bust: Cops hang up on Thailand’s largest call centre scam
Crime Suppression Division (CSD) police swooped on four clandestine locations in Bangkok and arrested two Thai and Chinese leaders of the largest call centre scam gang in Thailand. Over 18,000 items of evidence were seized. CSD officers held a press conference yesterday, October 9, at about 4pm, to report on the details of the call centre scam suppression operation, named…
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Dam full: Phuket’s reservoirs overflow as Bang Niew hits 103%
Phuket’s reservoirs are bursting at the seams, with Bang Niew Dam in Srisoonthorn now at a staggering 103% capacity. The island is bracing for more rain and potential flash floods through to Saturday, as the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warns of continued downpours. Bang Niew Dam currently holds a whopping 7.39 million cubic metres of water, surpassing its official capacity…
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Pattani: Border patrol officer killed in dual insurgent attacks
Tensions erupted late last night when insurgents launched coordinated attacks on two security outposts in a southern border province, resulting in the tragic death of a border patrol officer. The assailants, armed with military-grade weapons, carried out the strikes within minutes of each other, leaving authorities scrambling to respond. The first attack occurred at around 11.45pm, yesterday, October 9, when…
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Butterbear fan meet in Thailand criticised for high ticket prices
The fan meets event in Thailand for the popular mascot Butterbear sparked a heated debate due to the high ticket prices, comparable to major Korean artist concerts. The event, titled Butterbear’s 1st Fam Meeting: Adventure Awaits! is scheduled for November 9 to 10 at MGI Hall, Bravo BKK in Huai Kwang district, Bangkok. Tickets are priced from 1,900 baht to…
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Big Buddha Phuket charged with encroachment after deadly landslide
Police have charged the Big Buddha Phuket Phraphutthamingmongkhol Sattha 45 Foundation and its president, Suporn Wanichakul, with forest encroachment and unauthorised construction following a deadly landslide at the site. Karon police announced the charges related to forest destruction and have referred the case to public prosecutors. The landslide, which occurred after heavy rain on August 23, struck Nak Koet Hill,…
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Voted: Top 10 travel influencers in Thailand that you need to follow
For many, Thailand is the traveller’s ultimate dream. It is full of interesting and beautiful sights, delicious food, and some of the nicest people you will meet on Earth. However, there are probably too many things to see and there might be a lot more that you don’t know about Thailand and that’s where the top travel influencers come in.…
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Thai woman logged for selling phantom furniture online
Thai police arrested a 31 year old Thai woman for allegedly defrauding customers through a Facebook page by selling non-existent wooden furniture. She was taken into custody near Wat Tha Kwian in Nonthaburi. The investigation revealed that on June 23, 2022, a victim reported to Mae Chan Police Station that they had been deceived. On June 10 of the same…
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Don’t ban TEMU: Thai experts call for enhanced trade standards
Thailand should embrace trade opportunities with China rather than follow Indonesia’s lead in banning the Chinese e-commerce platform TEMU, say experts. In light of Indonesia’s recent decision to prohibit the TEMU application, the International Institute for Trade and Development (ITD) voiced its opposition to a similar move by Thailand. Wimol Pankong, Deputy Director (Academic) of ITD, urged the Thai government…
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Thailand, Cambodia to revive US$300 billion offshore oil field talks
The Pheu Thai-led coalition government is set to revive talks with Cambodia regarding the exploration of a contentious offshore oil and gas field, estimated to hold at least US$300 billion in reserves. This field has been a point of contention between the two nations since the 1970s. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who assumed office in September following the Constitutional Court’s…
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Thaksin and Pheu Thai Party face constitutional showdown
Independent lawyer Thirayut Suwankesorn, renowned for dismantling the Move Forward Party, has launched a scathing complaint against the ruling Pheu Thai Party and its influential patriarch, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The complaint, submitted to the Constitutional Court at 10.30am today, October 10, accuses them of a serious breach of constitutional protocol, alleging attempts to undermine the country’s constitutional monarchy.…
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Perpetual panty pinching pervert caught red-handed in Chon Buri
Police arrested a Thai pervert who grabbed and sniffed a woman’s underwear in front of her in Chon Buri. It was revealed that he was recently arrested for stealing a mobile phone from a Russian woman in early September. A 25 year old Thai woman filed a complaint against the man, later identified as 21 year old Rung, after she…
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Tragic accident at Surin bus terminal claims young attendant’s life
A tragic accident occurred at Prasat Bus Terminal in Surin when a double-decker bus, en route from Rayong to Mukdahan, ran over and killed a bus attendant. The incident happened around 7pm, yesterday, October 9, as the bus was reversing from its parking spot. Witnesses reported that the bus attendant, 19 year old Suphanai, was behind the bus, possibly checking…
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Former Aussie cop’s epic run across Thailand for tsunami victims
A former forensic cop from Australia is gearing up for his biggest physical challenge yet—a gruelling 1,400-kilometre run across Thailand in December. Dubbed “Run to Remember,” this endurance test marks the 20th anniversary of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, which claimed 230,000 lives worldwide, including 5,400 in Thailand. Starting on December 1, charity Hands Across the Water founder Peter Baines…
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Deaf, mute Grab driver tangled in sexual assault claims after ride goes awry
A deaf, mute Thai Grab driver is seeking justice after a passenger accused him of attempted sexual assault due to a misunderstanding during a trip in Bangkok on Tuesday night. The Grab driver’s 70 year old mother, Thongmuan, visited Huay Kwang Police Station yesterday, October 9, to seek justice for her son. The misunderstanding led to her son being charged with…
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Thailand’s tourism confidence index drops amid floods, economy
Thailand’s tourism confidence index for the third quarter saw a significant drop year-on-year, remaining below the benchmark due to challenges such as factory closures, rising unemployment, increasing non-performing loans, and severe flooding both domestically and internationally, according to the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT). The TCT has scheduled a meeting with the Tourism Authority of Thailand‘s board chairman tomorrow to…
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High stakes: Thailand rolls out stricter cannabis controls
Thailand’s Public Health Ministry is set to tighten control over the production, import, export, sale, and possession of cannabis and hemp extracts through a new ministerial regulation. Police Lieutenant General Phanurat Lukboon, Secretary-General of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), announced that the Cabinet has approved the draft regulation in principle. The draft, proposed by the Public Health…
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Oedipus rex-ed: Doctor caught in toxic plot to kill mum’s partner
In a subverted Oedipus-like tale, a once-respected doctor has admitted to plotting a shocking murder attempt by disguising himself as a community nurse and poisoning his mother’s partner with a fake Covid booster. Hong Kong-born doctor 53 year old Thomas Kwan aimed to kill 72 year old Patrick O’Hara, who was left battling a rare flesh-eating disease after the deadly…
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Thai society’s con man unmasked: Smooth criminal pledges to change his stripes
Officers from the Investigation Division of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (IDMB) arrested a fake Thai Hi-So (high-society) man for deceiving more than 30 victims, mostly women, for money. The suspect promised to change his ways after serving his punishment. The 27 year old suspect, Krittidate, also known as Sia Meen or Meen Vogue, shared his fake luxurious lifestyle on social…
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Thailand triumphs in UN Human Rights council bid
Thailand emerged victorious in its bid to join the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) with an impressive 177 votes—the highest of all candidates—securing a coveted three-year term to champion human rights across the globe. The decision was revealed yesterday, October 9, following a secret ballot by the UN. In a closely watched contest, Cyprus and Qatar each received 167…
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Tidal wave of trouble: Phitsanulok fields flooded as waters overflow
Floodwaters are inundating the Bang Rakam model fields in Phitsanulok province, receiving overflow from Sukhothai and reaching 571 million cubic metres, or 143% of capacity. The water expands, flooding nearby areas and roads, particularly in Phrom Phiram, Mueang, and Bang Rakam districts. Since late September, 304 villages across 50 subdistricts in nine districts of Phitsanulok have been affected by floodwaters…
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Police hunt for gang rape suspects as more victims step forward
In a chilling tale of intimidation and sexual violence, a 19 year old woman from Phetchabun has bravely stepped forward to expose a nightmarish ordeal that saw her and several other young women fall prey to a brutal gang rape. The vicious attack, reportedly carried out by a mob exceeding 10 men, left the victims too terrified to seek justice…
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Businessman pays 7.5 million baht for holiday home, gets pavilion
A businessman lodged a complaint after paying 7.5 million baht for a holiday home, only to receive a structure resembling a temple pavilion. The issue has been taken to legal officials, with plans to pursue the case to its fullest extent. Anantachai Chaidej accompanied 21 year old Pitiya and his mother, Dr Dolly Sui, to file a complaint at Kumpawapi…
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Thai delivery rider arrested for cop assault in road rage bust-up
A delivery rider was finally arrested after he threw a punch at a police officer during a heated confrontation in Nonthaburi last week following an unusual road rage saga that spiralled into a legal mess. The drama unfolded at 4pm on October 3 near the Prachachuen intersection bridge, where 26 year old Sahapap Morawan believed police were unnecessarily blocking the…
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Beauty & the bleak: Cops probe iCon brand in ugly Ponzi scandal
Royal Thai Police (RTP) officers are investigating the renowned beauty product and food supplement company THE iCon Group, along with the famous Thai celebrities associated with it, following the bankruptcy of its selling agents and the tragic suicides of some individuals linked to its alleged Ponzi scheme. THE iCon Group has garnered significant attention in Thailand as numerous investors and…
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Thai cyber police arrest gold scammer in 85 million baht fraud
Cyber police arrested a 31 year old Thai man for allegedly conducting livestreamed scams involving the sale of gold at significantly reduced prices, resulting in over 500 victims and damages exceeding 85 million baht. Police executed a search warrant on a residence in Lam Luk Ka, Pathum Thani, following an investigation. Phromthada, also known as Mae Bainaad, director of Thada…
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Three men arrested for charity scam in Chon Buri
Police arrested three men dressed in Department of Provincial Administration vests, driving around in a pickup truck, falsely claiming to represent a rescue foundation and soliciting money from residents. The incident took place yesterday in Chon Buri. Police Lieutenant Colonel Nathakorn Chanlod of the Nong Prue Police Station, along with Police Lieutenant Surachai Chuaykhun, received a report from locals and…
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Phuket launches 50-baht electric bus service from town to Patong
Phuket Smart Bus (PKSB) yesterday launched a new electric bus service connecting Phuket Town and Patong. The service is priced at just 50 baht per passenger. The launch yesterday, October 9, saw Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat officiating, alongside Atcha Buachan, Chief of the Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO). Also in attendance were Waithat Upatising, Executive Director of Phuket City Development…
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Young Thais increasingly rent homes due to high prices
A recent survey by DDproperty reveals that young people are increasingly opting to rent homes rather than buy them due to high prices and insufficient savings. Concerns about managing financial liquidity in an uncertain economy also play a significant role in this trend. The survey highlights that financial factors are the primary reason why consumers prefer renting. More than half,…
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Police unplug 10 illegal bitcoin mines in Kanchanaburi
Police dismantled 10 illegal Bitcoin mining operations in Tha Muang, Kanchanaburi, uncovering extensive electricity meter tampering that caused state losses exceeding 20 million baht. They found sophisticated electronic devices and modified computers used for the illicit activity. Yesterday, October 9, officers from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Yuthana Praedam, collaborated with officials from the…
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