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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Education director reassigned amid Sa Kaeo exam scandal
In a dramatic twist, Prayong Saraphum, the Director of Sa Kaeo’s Secondary Education Service Area Office, has been yanked from his post and reassigned to the Office of Basic Education Commission (OBEC) headquarters while an investigation heats up. The probe centres on Prayong’s alleged involvement in the shocking removal of a woman from the list of top candidates for a…
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Pakistani tourist duped in US$900 Pattaya Beach heist (video)
A Pakistani tourist’s dream holiday in Pattaya took a sour turn when two crafty pickpockets allegedly swiped US$900 (nearly 30,000 baht) right under his nose during a stroll on Jomtien Beach. Farrukh U, a 33 year old tailor from Pakistan, had only just arrived in Pattaya for the first time when his holiday turned into a nightmare. He rushed to…
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Nong Bua Lamphu residents win 30 million baht lottery
Two residents from Nong Bua Lamphu province have won first prize in the latest government lottery draw, collectively taking home 30 million baht. One couple celebrated their 18 million baht win, while another winner, who received 12 million baht, remained silent and did not give interviews. After the government lottery results were announced yesterday, September 16, reporters flocked to Nong…
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Thailand’s new visa rules: Game-changer or red-tape?
Thailand’s Interior Ministry just dropped a bombshell with fresh guidelines for the much-hyped Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), now granting visa-exempt tourists a 60-day stay instead of the previous 30 days. The DTV has been heralded as a game-changer for remote workers, allowing them to work for overseas companies without the hassle of obtaining a local work permit. However, the ministry…
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Green Day announces first Thailand concert in 14 years
Green Day fans are in for a treat as the legendary post-punk rock band announced a concert in Thailand after a 14-year hiatus. Scheduled for February 12, 2025, the event will take place at Impact Arena, Mueang Thong Thani, and is organised by Live Nation Tero. The announcement, made yesterday, September 16, has thrilled rock enthusiasts across the country. Green…
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Train smash tragedy: Two dead, child miraculously survives
Tragedy struck in Chumphon today when a pickup truck was obliterated by a speeding train at a railway crossing, killing the two adults inside but miraculously sparing a child found alive amidst the wreckage. The horrifying collision occurred around 10.30am, today, September 17, when Special Express train No.40, travelling from Surat Thani to Bangkok, smashed into the vehicle just 30…
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RTAF deploys helicopter to survey Mekong River floods
Floods in two northeastern provinces, Udon Thani and Nong Khai, prompted the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) to deploy an EC-725 helicopter to survey the situation and assist affected residents. The water level in the Mekong River has been steadily rising, necessitating close monitoring in provinces along its banks. RTAF Commander, Air Chief Marshal Phanpakdi Phatthanakun, yesterday, September 16, ordered…
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Nong Khai floods: Shop owner sacrifices wall to save neighbours (video)
A shop owner in Nong Khai sacrificed his home’s wall to allow Mekong River floodwaters to pass through, reducing the impact on neighbouring houses. His property suffered significant damage but he prioritised the community’s safety. Nong Khai province faced severe flooding yesterday, impacting six districts. The Mekong River’s water level, measured at the Nong Khai Hydrology Division, stood at 13.46…
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City in chaos: Typhoon Bebinca slams Shanghai
Typhoon Bebinca, the most powerful storm to strike Shanghai since 1949, has left the city paralysed, as flights were cancelled, and major attractions, including Disneyland, shut their doors. The storm, which made landfall on Monday, brought China’s financial hub to a grinding halt during the country’s three-day Mid-Autumn Festival holiday. Chaos began on Sunday evening when all flights out of…
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Two Bangkok districts to become pedestrian paradise
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is shaking things up with a plan to transform the eastern districts of Phra Khanong and Bang Na into a pedestrian’s dream. In a move that will have locals leaving their cars at home, the new zones will encourage walking, running, and biking as part of a healthier, greener lifestyle. Deputy Bangkok Governor Tavida Kamolvej…
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Thai couple could face firing squad for Indonesia drug bust
Two Thai nationals face execution for drug trafficking charges in Indonesia. Rachanon Jongseeha and his girlfriend Woranawan Wongsuwan were among six people arrested in Bali last week on drug charges by Indonesian police. Four could face execution under the country’s strict drug laws. The 33 year old Rachanon and his 31 year old girlfriend were arrested upon arrival at Bali’s…
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Mentally unstable Thai woman causes stir at Sisaket university
A mentally unstable woman caused a commotion at a university sports field, claiming she needed to catch a flight to assist with flood relief in Chiang Rai. Police were called to the scene, and she was taken to a hospital for further care. Police in Mueang Sisaket received a report on Sunday, September 15 about a woman, believed to be…
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Wired up: Jobless man arrested for stealing 208 metres of copper in Bangkok
Police arrested a man suspected of stealing copper wire totalling over 208 metres from the Ong Ang canal in Bangkok, valued at more than 180,000 baht. The suspect claimed he resorted to theft after losing his job. Police Major General Samart Promchat, Deputy Police Major General Narit Pratthanaporn, and Police Colonel Pawat Watsupattra from the Phra Ratchawang Police Station yesterday,…
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Jet fuel boom: Thailand’s aviation set for sky-high growth
Thailand’s aviation sector is ready to soar, fuelled by a surge in air travel and jet fuel demand, according to Bangkok Aviation Fuel Services Plc (BAFS). The refuelling giant, which serves Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, is seeing a bright future as the aviation industry bounces back from the pandemic slump. BAFS President ML Nathasit Diskul revealed the company’s expected…
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Tying the not: Wat Ratchabophit bans wedding snaps
In a striking move to maintain its sacred aura, the Wat Ratchabophit temple declared that wedding ceremonies and pre-wedding photoshoots are now strictly off-limits within its idyllic grounds. Social media had been buzzing with misleading chatter, but the temple has made it crystal clear: it’s a no-go for nuptial celebrations. On September 15, Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram made a sweeping statement,…
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Thai woman caught lying on baggage conveyor at Krabi Airport
A video of a Thai woman lying on a baggage conveyor belt at Krabi Airport has gone viral, drawing heavy criticism on social media. The incident, which occurred yesterday, September 16, was shared by the account @RedSkullxxx with the caption, “Can you lie down like this? I saw it on Instagram, it seems to be a Thai at Krabi Airport.”…
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Chiang Rai man offers free filtered water amid flood crisis
A generous man in Chiang Rai is offering free, high-quality filtered water 24 hours a day to anyone in need due to the recent floods. Those without access to tap water can contact him directly, and a hose over 50 metres long ensures easy access to their vehicles. Widespread flooding in Chiang Rai caused significant damage yesterday, disrupting daily life…
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Minimum wage decision delayed after employer reps’ no-show
The Wage Committee’s scheduled meeting was abruptly cancelled due to the absence of employer representatives, postponing the decision to raise the minimum wage to 400 baht set to take effect on October 1. Government and employee committee members were left waiting at the Ministry of Labour yesterday. Pairote Chotikasathien, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Chairman of the…
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Watermelon carving of Thai hippo Moo Deng captivates the nation
Baby pygmy hippo Moo Deng isn’t the only sensation to hit Thailand’s social media this week. A watermelon carved to resemble the adorable hippo by a Thai food vendor has also caused a social media storm in the Land of Smiles. Yesterday, September 16, Visanu Somjaiwong shared images on Facebook of an intricately carved miniature hippo from a whole watermelon, impressing…
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Thailand and Myanmar to expand catchment areas amid flood crisis
Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa is negotiating with Myanmar officials to find collaborative solutions to the regional flood crisis. Discussions focus on expanding catchment areas to alleviate the flooding impact. Myanmar faces severe flooding due to storms and water flowing from the highlands into the Salween River. The Thai embassy in Myanmar is facilitating discussions between agencies from both nations…
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Police quickly nab suspects in Bang Phli market burglary
Police in Bang Phli swiftly arrested two suspects less than 24 hours after a late-night burglary at a local market office. The suspects, 18 year old Anuwat, and 42 year old Natthapimon, were apprehended with stolen gold and cash worth nearly 1 million baht. Today, September 17, Police Colonel Pairoj Phetploy and Investigation Chief Santirat Ngernmun, along with a team…
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Muay Thai instructor dies after Si Racha canal motorcycle plunge
A Muay Thai instructor from Pattaya met a tragic end after his motorcycle accidentally plunged into a canal in the Si Racha district. Nong Kham police were alerted yesterday, September 16, to the discovery of a body in a public canal along Highway 331, in front of the Caltex gas station in the Nong Kham subdistrict of Si Racha, Chon…
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Boat with four people vanishes en route to Sukorn Island
A passenger boat named Pornthavee, carrying four individuals, including the driver, disappeared amidst a storm while en route to Sukorn Island. Despite extensive search efforts, the boat remains missing. The boat, captained by Supit Khaodee, who is also known as Bang Poo, departed from Khlong Palian in Trang province heading towards Sukorn Island. Alongside Supit were three passengers: Fak Khaodee,…
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Police raid Jomtien bar for illegal laughing gas balloon sales
Pattaya police executed a raid on a Jomtien bar yesterday for the illegal sale of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) balloons. Officers targeted See You Beach Bar on Jomtien Soi 11, Nong Prue subdistrict in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province at 3.36am yesterday, September 16. During the operation, police confiscated two nitrous oxide tanks, three balloons filled with nitrous oxide…
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Anti-money laundering complaint filed against Prawit Wongsuwon
A fresh anti-money laundering complaint has been lodged against former Thailand Deputy Prime Minister, and Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader, Prawit Wongsuwon, following the release of one of four controversial audio recordings. The complaint was submitted by Prompong Nopparit, former spokesman of the Pheu Thai Party, to the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) yesterday, September 16. The audio recordings were aired…
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Lopburi police conduct drug tests on public transport drivers
Lopburi’s Tourist Police, along with other relevant agencies, conducted drug tests on public transport drivers yesterday. The operation, led by Saksila Phueak-am and other senior officers, aimed to ensure road safety for tourists and commuters. Police and health officials from Lopburi, along with transport and municipal officers, collaborated to test the physical fitness of public transport drivers in the area.…
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Ukrainian woman reports motorcycle rental scam in Pattaya
A Ukrainian woman and her friend have reported a motorcycle rental scam in Pattaya after discovering that their rental bikes were stolen and taken across Thailand’s border. Kateryna, a Ukrainian national, and her unidentified friend presented surveillance camera footage from their motorbike rental shop and filed a complaint with Pattaya police. The duo claimed that customers who rented their motorcycles…
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Digital wallet scheme falls short of 45 million target, saves 100 billion baht
Online registrations for the government’s digital wallet handout scheme have recently closed, with only 36 million people signing up, falling short of the 45 million target. The Finance Ministry reported that this shortfall has resulted in a saving of 100 billion baht (US$3 billion) from the project’s budget. When asked whether the lower registration numbers indicated a lack of public…
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Village celebrates as woman wins 12 million baht lottery
A village erupted in celebration as an unnamed local woman became a millionaire after winning the first prize in the latest lottery draw. The lucky winner received a total of 12 million baht (US$360,650), sparking widespread joy and congratulations from the community. The Government Lottery Office announced the results of the draw for today, revealing that the first prize-winning number…
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Squid fishing boat sinks near Koh Chun near Pattaya, two rescued
Two men survived a perilous experience at sea after their boat sank during a squid fishing trip near Koh Chun in Na Kluea, Pattaya. The incident unfolded in the evening, with a distress call received at 10.06pm on Sunday, September 15, reporting tourists adrift. Marine rescue teams, including the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Pattaya Rescue Team and Pattaya Special Affairs Officers,…
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