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 Moving with family? Here’s how to cut health costs in Thailand
Relocating to Thailand with your family brings exciting new opportunities, but it also comes with the challenge of managing healthcare costs in a new system. Thailand has both public and private healthcare options, each offering different prices and quality of...
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Deadly inmate brawl disrupts new year at Pattani Prison
Chaos erupted at Pattani Prison as a brawl among inmates left one dead and 12 injured. The altercation, involving sharp metal weapons, followed a heated dispute during an internal football match yesterday. Pattani’s police force quickly responded to the incident that marred the new year celebrations. Upon receiving reports of a violent clash at the central prison in Pattani, police…
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Road danger: Thailand’s new year accidents claim 215 lives
Over the new year holiday in Thailand, traffic accidents resulted in the tragic loss of 215 lives and injured 1,354 people. This data, covering the period from December 27 to 31, highlights the dangers of road travel during festive seasons. Somsak Thepsutin, Thailand’s Public Health Minister, reported that these casualties stemmed from 1,398 accidents over the five days. Both Bangkok…
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Thailand faces freezing north and stormy south weather conditions
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) reports that the country is experiencing varied weather conditions, with freezing temperatures and frost in mountainous areas, while the southern regions face monsoons and high sea waves exceeding 2 metres. The forecast for the next 24 hours indicates that the high-pressure system or moderate cold air mass covering upper Thailand and the upper southern region…
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New beginnings: Millions in Thailand join new year prayers
More than 12 million people across Thailand engaged in new year transition prayers, as reported by Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol. The ceremonies, marking the start of 2025, were organised by 24,835 establishments nationwide, under the initiative of the Religious Affairs Department. A significant turnout was seen online and in person, with over 10,000 individuals gathering at Sanam Luang in Bangkok.…
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Young man’s mysterious death after new year promise in Samut Songkhram
A tragic incident unfolded when a young man was discovered dead after promising his mother he would return home to celebrate the new year. His body was found at a friend’s house in Samut Songkhram, with police now investigating the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death. This morning, January 1, local police received a report of a deceased individual at a…
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Tourist halted from releasing sky lantern in Chiang Mai (video)
A Japanese tourist caused a commotion after being stopped from releasing a sky lantern in Chiang Mai. The incident, which occurred yesterday, December 31, at 9.40am, saw the tourist grabbing the collar of a police officer after being prevented from releasing the lantern during new year celebrations. Despite the altercation, the officer, a member of Chiang Mai’s patrol unit, remained…
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Phuket family returns home to theft of 1 million baht safe
A family in Phuket faced an unexpected start to the new year when they returned home from celebrations to discover their house had been burglarised. A safe containing 1 million baht, gold bars, gold necklaces, and passports had been stolen. Police are actively pursuing the case, aiming to recover the stolen items and apprehend the culprits. The incident was reported…
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Man missing after falling into Bang Pakong River on New Year’s
A 50 year old man disappeared after slipping into the Bang Pakong River while celebrating the new year with friends in Chachoengsao. Despite an extensive search using drones and boats, the man remains missing. Police Lieutenant Colonel Wanchai Prathom received a report of a man falling into the river near the clock tower on Maruphong Riverside Road, in the Na…
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Two children drown at Laem Son Beach on New Year’s Eve
Tragedy struck on the final day of the year as two young children drowned at Laem Son Beach in Prachuap Khiri Khan. Despite efforts from family and onlookers, the children succumbed to the sea’s strong waves and later died in hospital. Around 7pm yesterday, December 31, police were alerted to the drowning incident at Laem Son Beach, Pak Phraek subdistrict,…
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Military officer killed in Narathiwat shooting and vehicle fire
A shocking and violent incident unfolded yesterday, December 31 in Narathiwat, when armed assailants opened fire on a military officer’s pickup truck, resulting in a tragic loss of life. The incident took place within a palm plantation in the Paluru subdistrict of Su-ngai Padi, leaving the vehicle engulfed in flames. The attack occurred at 6pm when individuals armed with firearms…
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Teenagers arrested for throwing bombs at hospital in Thailand
Two teenagers have been apprehended after they threw ping pong bombs at Khuan Khanun Hospital, causing panic among staff and patients. They admitted to the act, stating it was done on a whim after purchasing the explosives on their way to a friend’s house. The incident occurred at 12.15am yesterday, December 31, when the teenagers, riding a Honda Scoopy i motorcycle,…
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Teenager fatally stabbed in Bangkok new year’s tragedy
A tragic incident marred the New Year’s Eve celebrations when a 17 year old man was fatally stabbed by a group of teenagers. The young victim succumbed to his injuries on the stairs of an apartment building in the Charansanitwong 45 area, while four of his friends were injured. Police are actively reviewing CCTV footage to identify the perpetrators. The…
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Caretaker killed in brutal Pattaya rent dispute
A shocking incident unfolded yesterday as a violent altercation led to the tragic death of a caretaker at an apartment complex in Pattaya. The conflict erupted after a woman, upset over being asked to pay her rent, allegedly summoned a group of over 10 men who attacked the caretaker, resulting in his death. At 12:10am yesterday, December 31 last year,…
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Fireworks spark devastating blaze at Bang Saen Beach restaurant
Tourists experienced a terrifying countdown escape as fireworks ignited a blaze at a popular restaurant on Bang Saen Beach. Debris from the fireworks landed on the restaurant’s roof, causing a fire that destroyed the establishment in the early hours of today, January 1. Police from Saen Suk Station, Chon Buri province, received a report of a fire at a restaurant…
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Farmers guard crops from wild elephants near Thap Lan Park
Farmers near Thap Lan National Park in Nakhon Ratchasima are facing a challenging new year as they work tirelessly to protect their crops from wild elephants. As the rest of the nation celebrates, around 40 farmers in tambon Lampiek, Khon Buri district, are taking turns to guard their fields against the rampaging elephants. A recent incident saw elephants damaging 40…
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Korean tourist drowns after ferry capsizes off Koh Phangan coast
The body of a Korean national who tragically drowned when a long-tail ferry boat capsized was discovered floating off the coast of Koh Phangan around noon yesterday, December 31 last year. The distressing incident unfolded when a long-tail boat, carrying tourists, overturned amid high waves. A boat captain reported the grim finding to the missing persons centre on Koh Phangan…
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Pregnant woman found dead in Chon Buri amid drug mystery
A tragic discovery unfolded when a 20 year old woman, seven months pregnant, was found lifeless in her accommodation under mysterious circumstances. Scattered drug packets were found in the room. The caretaker revealed that the woman’s mother had called earlier, unable to reach her daughter, prompting an investigation. Police from Chon Buri’s Mueang Chon Buri Police Station were alerted to…
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Pattaya countdown 2025 carnival draws thousands to Central Beach
The Pattaya Countdown 2025: Carnival of Happiness kicked off with great enthusiasm, attracting thousands of visitors to Central Pattaya Beach. The event, which marks the beginning of a three-day celebration, captivated attendees with a vibrant array of entertainment and activities, setting the stage for an exciting start to the new year. Crowds gathered as the festivities unfolded, creating a lively…
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Gold shop owner stabbed during heist in Phra Pradaeng Market
A daring heist unfolded today, December 31, at a gold shop within Phra Pradaeng Market, Samut Prakan, when a suspect armed with a fake gun executed a robbery, stabbing the shop owner amid morning shoppers. Police are now in pursuit of the culprit. Early today, an alarming incident took place in a gold shop located within the bustling Phra Pradaeng…
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Thailand gold prices rise by 50 baht as year ends
Gold prices in Thailand have risen as the year comes to an end, setting the stage for the new year. On the last day of the year, December 31, the Gold Traders Association announced an increase in gold prices by 50 baht compared to yesterday. Today, ornamental gold is being sold at 42,800 baht per baht weight. According to the…
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Domestic violence video sparks outrage and calls for justice
A troubling incident of domestic violence has surfaced, capturing widespread attention after a woman bravely shared a video of her husband aggressively assaulting her. The video, which depicts a man mercilessly beating his wife, has sent shockwaves through social media, prompting calls for justice. In the video, the husband can be seen physically attacking his wife with punches, kicks, and…
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Motorcyclist killed in Chachoengsao collision with Toyota Fortuner
A tragic accident occurred early today, December 31, when a 30 year old man driving a black Toyota Fortuner collided with a motorcycle at a busy intersection in Chachoengsao, resulting in the death of a female vendor. The incident unfolded around 4.30am when local police received reports of the collision at the red-light intersection near the 11th Infantry Division. Immediate…
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Thailand plans elephant contraception to curb human-wildlife conflict
Thailand’s Natural Resources and Environment Ministry has announced a plan to use contraceptive injections on wild elephants to manage their population and reduce human-elephant conflicts. Chalermchai Sri-on, the minister, has directed the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP), along with other relevant agencies, to implement this strategy as part of the ministry’s efforts to control the wild…
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Thailand’s submarine project to finish in six months amid delays
Thailand‘s Defence Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, has announced that the navy’s submarine procurement project, which has faced multiple delays, is expected to be completed within six months. This project had been stalled due to complications arising from changes in the engine specifications. Phumtham acknowledged pressure to expedite the completion, but he stressed the importance of careful oversight, refusing to hasten the…
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Bangkok handbag thief caught after motorcycle crash
A dramatic incident unfolded yesterday, December 30, in Bangkok’s Bang Khen district, when a 25 year old man was apprehended after a botched handbag snatching. The suspect collided with a civilian’s motorcycle during his escape, resulting in a head injury. The arrest was made near the entrance of Soi Phahonyothin 61. At approximately 1.14pm, police received a report from the…
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Prachinburi plantation owner killed in brutal attack
A tragic incident unfolded late yesterday, December 30, at a rubber plantation in Prachinburi province, as a plantation owner was brutally killed and his legs bound with a t-shirt, while an employee sustained serious injuries in the attack. The local villagers reported that a group of four to five individuals drove up to the area, leading to a confrontation that…
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Thailand braces for cold wave with thunderstorms in the south
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has forecasted a significant drop in temperature across northern and upper southern Thailand due to a cold air mass, with thunderstorms expected in several provinces in the south. Today’s weather forecast highlights that a moderate cold air mass is covering the upper part of Thailand and the upper southern regions, resulting in cold to chilly…
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Thailand to boost growth with new European trade deals
The Commerce Ministry is gearing up to enhance Thailand’s economic landscape by actively pursuing more free trade agreements (FTAs) next year, aiming for a 3% economic growth rate. This strategic move was detailed by Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan following a crucial meeting with ministry officials and Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) executives, including FTI chairman Kriengkrai Thiennukul. Prime Minister Paetongtarn…
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1 million baht to compensate families of Khao San Road hotel fire victims
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports plans to compensate the families of those who died in a fire at a hotel near Khao San Road in Bangkok with 1 million baht each. Injured victims are expected to receive 500,000 baht each. Three deaths and seven injuries were reported in the fire, which broke out at The Ember Hotel in the…
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Social media pressure leads to arrest of minibus driver in rape case
A Thai minibus driver, who was arrested today, December 30, after he raped a passenger on a trip from Bangkok to the Isaan province of Surin, claimed that the 19 year old victim consented to sexual intercourse. The victim’s mother filed a complaint at Phanom Dong Rak Police Station in Surin after her 19 year old daughter was sexually assaulted by…
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