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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Sponsored 8 Pneumonia prevention tips for expat families in Thailand
With World Pneumonia Day on November 9, it’s the perfect time to consider how you can protect your family from this serious illness, especially in Thailand, where unique climate and seasonal factors come into play. Pneumonia can be especially dangerous...
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Tourism boost: Bangkok Airways’ SAMUI SAVOR campaign
Bangkok Airways joined BDMS in the SAMUI SAVOR campaign to stimulate local food tourism. The airline is offering a discount at 42 leading restaurants on Koh Samui with a single boarding pass. There is also a chance to win prizes for flights, with 20 available in Thailand. Ploenphit Kosonyuthasan, Director of Tourism and Alliance Marketing Promotion, Bangkok Airways Public Company…
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Fruity fury: Durian dispute turns into armed showdown
A heated confrontation at a durian stall led to a dramatic arrest in Samut Prakan when a disgruntled man drew a gun in a threat of violence. The incident, which was captured on CCTV, occurred around 7.10pm on Wednesday, when the man, identified only as Tao, approached the stall after arguing with a woman across the street. He was later…
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Massive drug bust: Heroin seized in river smuggling operation
Local officers from Na Ngiew Police Station and border patrol police swooped down on Phukhao Thong village in Ban Mueang subdistrict, uncovering a labyrinthine web of drug smuggling. Nestled in the Sangkhom district of Nong Khai province, this clandestine operation bordered Laos. Upon arrival, the officers stumbled upon four shadowy figures ferrying cardboard boxes into a nondescript house. Police Lieutenant…
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Fuelling fury: Employee’s 3-province chase ends in petrol theft bust
A fuel station employee embarked on a high-speed chase spanning over three provinces, ending 160 kilometres away after a 500 baht petrol theft by a 53 year old man, who promptly fled without paying after receiving a quick splash. The incident began in Samut Songkhram province when the man, hailing from Khon Kaen, drove his Toyota Vios into a local…
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Lampang motorcycle accident kills teen, injures passenger
A tragic motorcycle accident claimed the life of an 18 year old woman and left a 16 year old passenger injured in the heart of Lampang City. The incident occurred yesterday at 2.50am, today, May 10, on Phaholyothin Road in Tambon Chomphu, Amphoe Mueang Lampang. Emergency services were alerted to the scene where they found a black scooter lying next…
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Godzilla the macaque succumbs to weight-related illnesses (video)
Godzilla, the once-overweight macaque sensation, captured hearts worldwide as his plight against obesity unfolded. But despite efforts to save him, the beloved primate tragically met his demise, leaving a community in mourning. Godzilla, the crab-eating macaque, met his untimely end at the Crystal Pet Hospital in Bangkok on Monday, May 6, succumbing to a plethora of weight-related ailments. At just…
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Rolling the dice: Thai sting nabs duo in high-stakes gambling bust
The Thai authorities apprehended a 34 year old man and a 19 year old woman in a sophisticated sting operation targeting an illegal online gambling ring that reportedly saw monthly transactions averaging 50 million baht per month. Kittinan The coordinated search led by Major General Warawut Wattanakornbancha, head of the Special Branch Police, along with his team, spanned four locations…
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British man nabbed for souring Phuket eatery’s reputation
Officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) arrested a British man for allegedly defaming an Italian restaurant in Phuket with negative reviews on Google after a two-year long conflict with the restaurant owner. The restaurant owner filed a complaint with the Sakhu Police Station officers after noticing a sudden drop in their Google Maps rating, from 4.9 stars to 3.1…
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Thai police dismantle kidnapping ring, arrest gang members
The Thai police force delivered a decisive blow to a notorious kidnapping ring and murder gang with the recent arrest of three key suspects. The operation took place at 9.30am today and was announced by the head of the Crime Suppression Division, along with his deputies and other officers. The individuals apprehended include 44 year old Thanawit, 38 year old…
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Pattaya’s elevator overhaul restores lifeline for the disabled
In front of the Phra Mahatai Centre, known as the Pattaya Redemptorist Technological College for People with Disabilities, an elevator once abandoned has been resurrected, poised to redefine accessibility along Sukhumvit Road. “The elevator’s revival heralds a new era of inclusivity, offering safe passage for those navigating the bustling thoroughfare.” The repaired elevator serves as more than just a mechanism…
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Chiang Rai police bust online gambling ring worth 200 million baht
A clandestine online gambling ring operating out of Chiang Rai was dismantled by Thai police, revealing a sophisticated operation led by a group of young locals who had rapidly amassed wealth. A police operation today, May 10, resulted in the arrest of 33 year old Kittipong and his 36 year old wife Marisa along with their associates and a dozen…
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New Covid-19 sub-variants strike Thailand
Thailand has uncovered 13 cases of the KP.2 and KP.3 or FLiRT sub-variants of the Omicron JN.1 Covid-19 variant. Dr Yongyot Thummavudhi, the Director-General of the Medical Sciences Department, issued a stern warning, revealing that the severity of these new strains remains a mystery due to insufficient data. “Omicron JN1 and its offshoots continue to loom large over Thailand. JN.1,…
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Anti-social Austrian man arrested for overstaying visa in Isaan
Police arrested an anti-social Austrian man for overstaying his visa by more than two years in the Isaan province of Buriram on May 8 after locals complained that the foreigner repeatedly harassed locals and behaved erratically. Thai people in the Non Din Daeng district and nearby districts of Buriram filed a police report that the foreign man, later identified as…
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Maya Bay ranks 5th in world’s best beaches for 2024 (video)
Maya Bay, located on the idyllic Phi Phi Islands in Krabi province, has been named the 5th-best beach in the world for 2024 by Beach Atlas, a website based in the United Kingdom. This prestigious recognition places Maya Bay at the top of the list not only in Thailand but also as the number one beach across the ASEAN region.…
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Myriad of drug raids in Phuket yields over 4,000 meth pills
Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul arrived in Phuket yesterday to news that the local police declared a series of detentions in recent anti-drug operations, with raids leading to the capture of over 4,000 methamphetamine pills, also known as Yaba. One such operation by the Phuket City Police dismantled a significant drug network leading to the arrest of nine individuals. Among these,…
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Hat Yai man ranks fourth in police exams after seven-year struggle
A young man’s relentless pursuit of his dream to become a police officer has paid off after seven years of steadfast determination, culminating in his high-ranking success in the police entrance examination. A department store employee’s unwavering dedication to achieving his dream has finally borne fruit after a gruelling seven-year journey. The young man, who hails from Hat Yai in…
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Foreigner narrowly escapes death after Pattaya bus hits him (video)
A reckless coach bus driver fled the scene after hitting a foreign cyclist riding along Pattaya Sai 2 Road on May 8. The foreign man was left prostrate on the road with a severe wound to his right arm. A Facebook user, Prak Pheaktra, shared a video of the incident today, May 10, with a caption that read, “Foreigner was…
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Greater Bay Airlines halts Hong Kong-Singapore flights
Hong Kong-based carrier Greater Bay Airlines (GBA) announced the suspension of its daily service between Hong Kong and Singapore, effective from June 1. The decision, attributed to commercial considerations, comes hot on the heels of its recent rivalry with budget giants Scoot and AirAsia, as well as premium players Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific. Launched with much fanfare on April…
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Thailand to host first Southeast Asian WUWM conference
Thailand made a significant stride in the global agricultural sector as it was chosen to host the World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM) annual conference for the first time in Southeast Asia. The event, scheduled for May 15-17, 2024, at The Athenee Hotel in Bangkok, will showcase Thailand’s status as a leading agricultural hub with an extensive tour of Talad…
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Air India Express cabin crew shortage due to sudden sick leave
To tackle the turbulence caused by an unexpected sick call from a portion of its cabin crew, Air India Express has launched proactive initiatives, ensuring minimal disruption for affected passengers. Last night’s operational hiccup led the airline to swiftly rearrange flight schedules and explore diverse solutions, all aimed at easing the inconvenience experienced by its travellers. In a statement today,…
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Minimum wage increase pledge sparks hotel industry crisis
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s promise to boost the minimum wage to 400 baht by October 1 has set off alarms in the private sector, particularly among hoteliers. Concerns abound as businesses foresee a hefty 15 to 20% surge in costs across goods and services, presenting a formidable hurdle for the hospitality sector. The impending wage revision marks the third adjustment…
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Thai-Saudi collaboration set to boost health and wellness tourism
Health and wellness tourism in Saudi Arabia is set to receive a boost as the Thai Public Health Ministry sets its sights on fostering collaborations in the sector. Simultaneously, the Labour Ministry is eyeing the opportunity to dispatch a greater number of skilled Thai workers to the Middle East nation. Saudi Commerce Minister Majid bin Abdullah al-Kassabi was welcomed to…
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Corrupt former DSI chief’s 44.6 million baht assets seized
An alleged corrupt former Department of Special Investigation (DSI) chief experienced a significant blow as the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases sanctioned the confiscation of his assets worth 44.6 million baht. This development, announced yesterday by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation into Tarit Pengdit’s unaccounted wealth. NACC Secretary General Niwatchai Kasemmongkol…
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Parking the problem: Thai national parks close to revive coral reefs
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) implemented indefinite closures at marine attractions in 12 national parks in Thailand to allow coral reefs to recover from bleaching. DNP Director Auttaphon Jaroenchansa told the media yesterday, May 9, that the director in each national park closely monitors the coral bleaching situation to determine the cause and identify recovery…
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Free electric buses spark hope in Phuket’s traffic chaos
In the heart of Phuket’s Old Town, where tourists flock to soak in the community’s charm, a groundbreaking project has taken flight to combat congestion and pollution. Led by local businesses, the Phuket Smart Bus EV initiative promises a greener, smoother journey for all. To tackle the notorious traffic gridlock plaguing Phuket’s picturesque Old Town, a group of local businesses…
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Thailand aims to host 2025 InterPride World Conference
Thailand is setting its sights on becoming the inaugural Asian host of the InterPride World Conference in 2025. This intention was announced by the Director of the Mega Events and Festival Department under the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Harisuda Boonyawat. The InterPride World Conference is a yearly congregation of Pride organisers worldwide. It serves as a platform for…
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Vice versus virtue: Cyber police seize naughty knick-knacks
In a significant crackdown on illegal pharmaceuticals and sex toys, Thai Cyber Police arrested a 43 year old vendor, seizing a large haul of contraband. This operation took place today at a second-hand car tent in Yala province following an undercover purchase that led to the discovery of the storage location. The directive for the operation came from the head…
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Red Bull’s global charge: TCP Group aims high
TCP Group, the firm behind the manufacture and distribution of Krating Daeng, also known as Red Bull, has set its sights on international markets due to their high growth potential. The management is also keeping an eye on escalating costs. Spearheaded by TCP Group’s CEO Saravoot Yoovidhya, the company observed a growth of merely 4-5% in the energy drink market…
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Thailand Video News | Man arrested for smuggling cannabis from Bangkok to Sri Lanka, Ex-narcotics chief advises on evading arrest, calling for violence against comedian
In this video, Alex covers the news stories from across the country. Beginning with a man has been apprehended for his involvement in smuggling cannabis from Bangkok to Sri Lanka, highlighting the ongoing battle against drug trafficking. Meanwhile, former narcotics chief offers advice on avoiding arrest, sparking concern with his call for violence against a comedian. In a lighter turn…
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Car crash in Chiang Mai kills 5, including pregnant woman
A car accident between a pickup and a hospital ambulance on the Chiang Mai-Phrao Road in the northern province of Chiang Mai injured six people and killed five others, including a pregnant woman and her unborn child. The Chiang Mai Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office received notification of the accident at around 5.20pm yesterday, May 9. The Thai authorities…
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