Thailand News
Discover the most recent and relevant news from across Thailand on The Thaiger’s National News page. Covering a wide range of topics, including politics, business, crime, and lifestyle, our dedicated team brings you breaking news, in-depth analysis, and exclusive stories from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond.
Stay informed about the latest developments in Thai society, economy, and culture, as well as updates on travel, tourism, and expat life. With The Thaiger, you’ll never miss out on the essential news that matters to you.
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Man’s drug-induced hallucinations terrorise local community
Residents in a local community are living in fear due to a man experiencing severe drug-induced hallucinations, who has been causing disturbances and property damage. Despite repeated police interventions, the issue remains unresolved as hospitals refuse to admit him. Footage captured by a security camera on the morning of July 7 shows a thin man shouting and causing a commotion.…
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Cyber police raid in Songkhla uncovers illegal firearms stash
Cyber police raided a house in Songkhla’s Chana district and arrested a man for possessing numerous illegal firearms, including a machine gun and a shotgun, some of which he claimed belonged to his sister. Today, July 8, the Commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), Worawat Watnakornbancha, directed a team to execute a search warrant issued by the Songkhla…
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Laotian police arrest Thai man in 3.3 million baht theft
Laotian police yesterday arrested a Thai man in the Khammouane province of Laos for conspiring with another thief to steal 3.3 million baht from a victim in the car park of a supermarket in Bangkok. The two thieves stole 3.3 million baht in cash from the 44 year old victim, Yanai Taechathanabut, on July 3 after he had just withdrawn…
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Pair of soda swindlers arrested for home robbery and drug use
Investigators from Sutthisan Police Station yesterday apprehended two men accused of a home robbery to steal soft drinks and lemons, which they then sold at low prices, claiming they were clearance items. The superintendent of Sutthisan Police Station, Police Colonel Porntep Chaloemkiat, directed an investigative team for the arrest of 27 year old Pawarut, and Thotsapon, also 27 years old.…
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Kalasin monk exposed by activist for possession of drugs and guns
Renowned Thai social activist, in collaboration with the Kalasin police and local administration, intervened to help a young man allegedly threatened by a monk. During the investigation, police discovered firearms, methamphetamine, and marijuana in the monk’s quarters. At 2pm yesterday, July 7, at Khao Wong Police Station in Kalasin province, social activist Kanthas Phongphaiboonwetch, also known as Gun Jompalang, coordinated…
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Thailand targets top 20 ranking for Suvarnabhumi Airport by 2029
The Ministry of Transport is aiming to elevate Suvarnabhumi International Airport into the world’s top 20 airports by 2029, aligning with the government’s ambition to make Thailand a global aviation hub, according to government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke yesterday. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit set the target following Suvarnabhumi Airport’s ranking of 58th on the 2024 World’s Best…
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Repeat offender rearrested in Bangkok five minutes after release
A repeat offender found himself back behind bars just five minutes after he had been released from prison for theft in Chon Buri. The suspect stole money from numerous donation boxes. Initially from Udon Thani province, 21 year old Saharat Sananthai was apprehended by Banglamung police as he exited Min Buri Central Prison in Bangkok yesterday, July 8. Saharat had finished…
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Thai man missing in national park in northern Thailand
A Thai man went missing four days ago while trekking in Phu Soi Dao National Park in the northern province of Uttaradit. A search mission continues for 27 year old Thanwarit Mateema, who disappeared while walking up to the camping area on Phu Soi Dao Mountain. Thanwarit was the last person to register to stay at the national park office’s…
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Reforming Thailand’s creative sector to boost economy globally
Thailand’s creative industry requires a comprehensive reform to foster growth both domestically and internationally, as emphasised by the soft power development subcommittee. The government has identified the creative sector as a crucial driver for economic enhancement and international recognition, leveraging Thailand’s soft power. The 5F approach, encompassing Thai food, films and videos, fabric and fashion design, martial arts, and traditional…
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Outgoing Senate to fulfil duties until new members endorsed by EC
Senate Speaker Pornpetch Wichitcholchai affirmed that the outgoing Senate will continue its duties until the Election Commission (EC) officially endorses the 200 new senators. This statement comes amid questions from political analysts and senators-elect regarding the outgoing Senate’s role in reviewing the budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year. Concerns have been raised about why the outgoing senators, whose terms…
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Chinese couple remains at large after public sex show in Thailand
Police are searching for a Chinese couple after they were caught having sex in public in a university car park in the city centre of the northern province of Chiang Mai. Photos of the naked Chinese couple were shared in a local Facebook group in Chiang Mai yesterday, July 7. The photos showed two Thai police officers intervening in the…
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Thai student races ahead: Wins design comp for Red Bull F1 car
A Thai student has gained international recognition by winning a design competition for the Red Bull Racing Formula One car to be used in the British Grand Prix. The Public Relations Department Region 3 in Chiang Mai posted on Facebook celebrating the achievement of Chonlath Suwannik, a 16 year old student from The Prince Royal’s College in Chiang Mai. Chonlath,…
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Tax relief planned for businesses after minimum wage hike
The Finance Ministry is poised to introduce measures to support businesses impacted by the recent increase in the minimum wage. The ministry confirmed that the wage hike must be paired with tax measures to lessen the burden on businesses, following precedents set by past wage increases. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat stated that the goal of the minimum wage increase…
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Salaween River reroute raises fishy fears: Ecological impact alarm
Concerns are mounting over the potential ecological impact of diverting water from the Salween River to the Ping River, with experts warning of a possible decline in fish stocks due to invasive species and genetic contamination. Fisheries biologist Apinan Suwannarak from Maejo University revealed that the Nam Yuam Dam project, which aims to redirect up to 1.8 billion cubic metres…
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Russian DJ arrested in Koh Pha Ngan for last year’s hit-and-run
Police arrested a Russian DJ at a rented room in Koh Pha Ngan, an island in the southern province of Surat Thani, for crashing an SUV into a motorcyclist last year. A Thai motorcyclist, whose identity was not disclosed, was severely injured in an accident on Koh Pha Ngan on July 30 of last year. A white Toyota Fortuner SUV…
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Severe thunderstorms and heavy rain forecast for 45 provinces
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning for severe weather, predicting thunderstorms and heavy rain across 45 provinces, with Bangkok expected to be significantly impacted. Citizens are advised to take precautions against the potential dangers of severe rain and flooding. Today, July 8, the TMD forecasts that the southwest monsoon will cover the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the…
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Foreign man escapes hospital, steals van, and crashes in Phuket
A foreign man escaped from a hospital at the weekend, stole a van parked at a petrol station, and crashed it into another vehicle on Khao Patong Road in Phuket. Officers from Patong Police Station were alerted to an accident on Baramee-Khao Patong Road in the Kathu district of Phuket on Saturday, July 6. Police then requested the Kusoldharm Phuket…
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Minibus crash in Surat Thani injures ten foreign tourists
A minibus carrying foreign tourists overturned yesterday, injuring ten passengers. The accident occurred around 6.30am, yesterday, July 7, on Phunphin-Mueang Road in the Tha Lon sub-district, Phunphin district, Surat Thani province. Police and rescue workers promptly arrived at the scene where they found the minibus overturned on the roadside. The ten foreign tourists, who sustained minor injuries, were swiftly transported…
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Bangkok brawl leaves two teens dead, one injured in soi showdown
Two teenagers were found dead yesterday and another 16 year old was severely injured following a fatal brawl involving several teenagers in Soi Udomsuk 26, Bang Na in Bangkok. Bangkok police received a report at 11.30pm, Sunday, July 7, regarding the killing and injuries. Upon arrival, officers and rescuers discovered the bodies of the two victims, one 14 and the…
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Road rage incident in Chiang Mai sparks online debate (video)
A recent incident involving a road rage altercation in Chiang Mai drew significant attention online. The dispute began when a woman driving slowly in the right lane was confronted by an irate driver, who accused her of using her mobile phone while driving. The incident, which occurred yesterday, involved 28 year old Aem, who was driving on Samphoch 700 Pi…
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Bangkok police arrest woman for 5 million baht fraud scheme
Police in Bangkok have apprehended, a 44 year old woman, a key figure in a large-scale fraud case. She is accused of luring victims into a high-interest investment scheme, resulting in losses exceeding 5 million baht. Pimpapatsorn, a prominent recruiter in the scheme, enticed numerous individuals with promises of high returns and special perks, including international travel. Victims were threatened…
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Teen brawl in Bangna leaves two dead and several injured
A tragic altercation among teenagers in Bangna escalated, resulting in two deaths and multiple injuries. The confrontation, involving youths aged 14 to 16 years old, led to the arrest of seven individuals. The incident occurred late at night outside a residence in the Udomsuk 26 alley. Police responded to a report of a violent brawl involving a group of teenagers,…
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Tourists rescued after speedboat sinks off Surat Thani coast
A speedboat carrying tourists on a fishing trip was hit by large waves, causing it to take on water and eventually sink. Five people were left stranded in the sea before being rescued by local fishing boats and the marine police. At 12.20am today, the marine police received a distress call from relatives of the speedboat’s driver, alerting them that…
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Fatal crash at notorious Panthong bend leaves one dead, several injured
A severe accident occurred at a notorious bend in Panthong, Chon Buri, resulting in the death of one individual and serious injuries to several others. The collision involved an Isuzu SUV and a Toyota pickup truck. At 4.30am today, Kittikul Amatatrakul, Deputy Inspector of Investigation at Panthong Police Station, Chon Buri, received a report of a crash at the Christian…
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Fire in Bangkok’s Chinatown injures 30, damages hotel
A fire that ravaged the Trok Pho community in Yaowarat, Bangkok’s Chinatown, was brought under control late last night after igniting around 9pm. The blaze left approximately 30 people injured. Firefighters received reports of the fire beginning at 8.42pm in the Trok Pho area along Yaowarat Road in the Samphanthawong district. The fire quickly spread through the 3,200-square-metre community, which…
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Chon Buri police raid villa party, seize drugs and arrest man
Police in Chon Buri raided a pool villa party in Najomtien, seizing drugs and arresting a 29 year old man. The police acted on a tip-off regarding loud music and suspicious activities at the property. At around 3.30pm yesterday, officers led by Police Colonel Wattanachai Saengrith, along with Deputy Superintendent Arut Saphanont and an investigation team, stormed the villa located…
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Tourist chaos in Phuket: van theft and crash disrupt traffic
A foreign tourist caused a chaotic scene in Phuket by assaulting a Myanmar worker, escaping from the hospital, stealing a van, and crashing it into another van on Patong Hill, leading to severe traffic congestion. Yesterday, law enforcement officers from Patong Police Station responded to an accident involving two vans near the Por Sue Shrine on Phra Barami Road, Patong…
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Thailand to reclassify cannabis as narcotic from 2025
The Ministry of Public Health has announced a proposal to classify cannabis and hemp as illegal narcotics under Thai law. This decision follows a meeting of the Narcotics Control Board, where the majority agreed on the medical and research benefits of cannabis but opposed its recreational use. A minority expressed concerns that strict regulations might cause public inconvenience. The draft…
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Thailand-China flights surge 213% after visa exemption deal
Flights between Thailand and China have surged to 55,000 in the past eight months, following the signing of a mutual visa exemption agreement, according to the Ministry of Transport. Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote reported that the 55,433 flights from October last year to May marked a 213% increase compared to the same period the previous year. He projected that…
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Thailand aims for 8 million Chinese tourists if airlines boost capacity
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has stated that the goal of attracting 8 million Chinese tourists this year is attainable, provided airlines can increase seat capacity to over 80% of pre-pandemic levels. Chinese tourists had surpassed visitors from other countries by June 30, with 3.5 million arrivals out of a total of 17.5 million foreign visitors to Thailand. The…
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