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 Top 10 reasons for expats to get a comprehensive health insurance in Thailand
Moving to Thailand offers plenty of excitement and adventure, but the local healthcare system can be complex to navigate as an expat. From unique health risks to high costs at private hospitals, having a comprehensive health insurance plan is essential....
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Gunman surrenders after shooting municipal worker in Nontha Buri
A man involved in a shooting incident with a municipal employee in Sai Ma municipality surrendered to authorities after firing his gun at a municipal employee in his vehicle. Police have filed four charges against him and granted bail. A Sai Ma municipal employee, 42 year old Saranyut reported to the police yesterday after being shot at while driving his…
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Corrupt former DSI chief faces 44 million baht asset seizure
Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) concluded investigations into two cases involving the corrupt former Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), resulting in significant asset seizures totalling over 44 million baht (US$10 million). In the initial case, the court ordered the forfeiture of the former DSI’s Director-General Tharit Pengdit’s assets worth 341.80 million baht to the state. A subsequent…
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Japanese student in agony after falling asleep in bath for 5 hours
A Japanese student shared a startling experience of falling asleep for five and a half hours while taking a bath, waking up to find his fingers in a disturbing state and severe pain. The 20 year old student, who posted about the incident on the former Twitter platform, now X, (@nattsunyan), described returning to his parent’s home and dozing off…
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Thai man with mental health issues leaps from Bangkok BTS station
A Thai man with mental health issues jumped to his death off the Royal Thai Air Force Museum BTS Station in Bangkok on Saturday. Saimai Police Station officers investigated the death of the 25 year old Thai man, Nithi Thipthep, on Pahonyothin Road in the Bang Khen district of Bangkok. Nithi was wearing a dark blue T-shirt, black shorts, and…
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Lawyer arrested for alleged rape and threats against female client
A prominent lawyer and former parliamentary candidate was arrested yesterday for allegedly raping a female client and issuing multiple threats, leading to the victim’s severe emotional distress and a subsequent suicide attempt on a ship. Police Major General Thiti Saengsawang directed the arrest, carried out by Police Major General Teeradet Thamsutee and his team, including officers from various investigative units.…
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Bomb attack injures six security officers in Narathiwat patrol
A bomb attack injured six members of a local security unit in Cho Airong District, Narathiwat Province, while they were on patrol to protect teachers. The assailants fled after a brief exchange of gunfire with the authorities. Reports indicate that the incident occurred when the security team, riding motorcycles, was patrolling to ensure the safety of teachers, only 400 metres…
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Drunk & disorderly: Chinese vandal wreaks havoc in Bangkok hotel
Police arrested a drunk Chinese vandal after he smashed up electronic devices and furniture at a hotel in the Sathorn district of Bangkok. Tungmahamek Police Station officers were alerted by a hotel manager on the Southern Sathorn Road yesterday, May 19, that the 30 year old Chinese man, whose identity remains undisclosed, went on a rampage. Upon arrival, officers found…
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Thailand bans alcohol sales nationwide for Visakha Bucha Day
Immigration and various government offices will be closed at midnight tomorrow as Thailand observes Visakha Bucha Day, a significant Buddhist holiday. As Thailand’s holy occasion, the sale of alcohol is banned nationwide for the entire day. This restriction begins at midnight tomorrow and continues until midnight on Wednesday, May 22, affecting all shops, bars, and restaurants. The only exception is…
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Thai PM shifts gears: Thailand aims to race onto F1 calendar
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin seized the opportunity to explore the potential for Thailand to host a Formula One race in 2027 or 2028 during his official visit to Italy from May 17 to 21. Visiting the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari circuit in Imola, near Bologna for the Emilio-Romagna Grand Prix this past weekend, he engaged in discussions with the F1 Group…
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Thailand’s future depends on nurturing innovative talent
Thailand’s future hinges on becoming a dynamic centre of innovative talent and progress. The pivotal element in realising this vision lies in securing the right talent—those who bring ideas to life and spearhead transformative change. Throughout a lengthy career, it has been evident that exceptional talents do not merely meet expectations, they redefine them. Good performers play their roles well,…
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Health risks associated with getting a tattoo
Tattoos have transitioned from ancient cultural rites to mainstream expressions of individuality. Their popularity spans continents and demographics, yet this surge in acceptance has not been without its concerns. As more individuals opt to decorate their bodies with intricate designs and meaningful symbols, an essential question arises: Are tattoos safe? Recent studies and medical reports suggest that while tattoos can…
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Thai industries launch initiatives to boost SMEs post-pandemic
New initiatives by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) aim to bolster local entrepreneurs, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) still grappling with the effects of the pandemic. The FTI is focusing on critical sectors such as agribusiness and the auto parts industry to foster resilience and growth. Efforts are being made to help SMEs become more competitive through the…
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Gamecaster Fat Cat takes own life after spending 2.6 million baht
A famous 21 year old gamecaster, known as Fat Cat, tragically ended his life after spending over 2.6 million baht on his girlfriend, only to be betrayed. His sister revealed the heart-wrenching details, prompting widespread online criticism. The police have officially announced the results of their investigation into the suicide of the gamecaster known as Fat Cat. This announcement has…
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Iranian president, foreign minister killed in tragic helicopter crash
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister were tragically killed in a helicopter crash amidst mountainous terrain and icy weather, as reported by state media. The wreckage was located in East Azerbaijan province after search teams mobilized. State TV initially provided no immediate cause for yesterday’s crash in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province. Among the casualties was 60 year old…
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MNEs taxed to curb profit sharing, 12 billion baht revenue expected
The Revenue Department anticipates the implementation of draft legislation aimed at taxing multinational enterprises (MNEs) to curb profit shifting to low-tax jurisdictions by 2025. This move is expected to enhance tax revenue by 12 billion baht annually. Director-General Kulaya Tantitemit revealed that the draft legislation incorporates the Top-up Tax Act, which aligns with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s…
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Thailand govt to auction decade-old stash after safety check
Thailand’s government will move forward with plans to auction off rice from Yingluck Shinawatra’s pledging scheme, stored in two Surin warehouses for a decade, following a laboratory test confirming its safety for consumption. Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, currently in Italy, announced that a private laboratory’s tests on samples from the Surin warehouses revealed no aflatoxins or…
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Thai ladyboy loses cash and phone after one-night stand
A Thai ladyboy lost 2,000 baht in cash and a mobile phone after a one-night stand with a Thai man at a resort in Pattaya. A friend of the transgender victim took to social media to seek help, posting a picture of the thief’s car and urging netizens to help identify the suspect. “Please help. My friend went to a resort…
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Study validates that plant-based diets reduces risk of heart issues and cancer
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and cancer are the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, making the search for effective preventive measures a high priority. A growing body of research suggests that plant-based diets, which exclude or minimise animal products, may offer significant health benefits, particularly in reducing the risks associated with these diseases. This article delves into a comprehensive umbrella…
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Pattaya’s electric scooter debate sparks charged safety talks
Electric scooters have become a hot topic in Pattaya, sparking discussions among various agencies and officials about their legality and safety. The legal status of these scooters is not straightforward in Thailand, with regulations varying by region. In cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, the rules can differ significantly. The primary concern lies in the absence of firm national rules…
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Iranian president’s helicopter drama: Hard landing sparks alarm
Iranian state media reported a tragic incident involving a helicopter transporting President Ebrahim Raisi, detailing a hard landing on Sunday. The aircraft, reportedly carrying Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian as well, encountered challenging weather conditions, hampering rescue efforts, as conveyed by the Interior Minister. The status of those aboard the helicopter remains uncertain, with no contact established as of now.…
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Thailand Video News | Beloved Brit found mysteriously dead in hotel room, Rising sea levels lead to considerations to move capital from Bangkok
In this Thailand video news, Alex and Jay cover the stories from across the country. Beginning with the tragedy, Simon Brown, a 47-year-old from South Wales, was found dead in his hotel room, leaving his family and friends in shock as they face the arduous process of repatriating his body. Meanwhile, in Patong, the accidental death of five-year-old Nbaa Bahnasi…
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Pakistani and Thai wife arrested for murder of Indian in Songkhla
Police arrested a Pakistani man and his Thai wife for the murder of an Indian man in the southern province of Songkhla. The motive is suspected to be a business conflict. The dead body of a foreign man was found on the roadside in Songkhla on May 15 with two stab wounds and a gunshot wound. Police later identified the…
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Thailand faces cannabis reclassification deadline
The Government of Thailand faces a rapidly approaching reclassification deadline set by cannabis advocacy groups. Cannabis Future Network, a prominent pro-cannabis group, stated last week that whether the Public Health Ministry intends to fully or partially reclassify cannabis, the decision must be backed by scientific evidence. The group has given the government 15 days to substantiate its stance. Reclassifying cannabis…
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Bangkok official arrested for 9 million baht bribe in road plan scam
A senior Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) official has been arrested for allegedly accepting a 9 million baht bribe to alter road construction plans to avoid a golf course, seizing luxury cars and Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the process. At 6am today, Brigadier General Prasong Chelimpun, head of the Anti-Corruption Division, led a team of officers in the Anti-Corruption Commission Division 2,…
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Thailand hosts first-ever ‘Cops Combat’ martial arts contest
Thailand is set to host its first-ever mixed martial arts event for police officers only, targetted for May 28 at Rajadamnern Stadium, the appropriately titles Cops Combat event will see police officers from various parts of the country competing in a combat sports tournament. The competition is open to both male and female officers of all ranks and ages, divided…
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Policewoman arrested for role in kidnapping of Indonesian man
Police arrested a policewoman on May 19 for her alleged involvement in the kidnapping and ransom of an Indonesian man in the southern province of Phatthalung on May 11. The 29 year old Indonesian victim, Syawana, was rescued from a house in Phatthalung province on May 15 by officers from the Mueang Phatthalung Police Station after he was kidnapped and…
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Brief bandit: thief strips down to underwear, swipes stash of briefs
An underwear thief, dressed only in his undies, drove to a house and stole a collection of underwear, later claiming it was the result of a dare. The incident took place on the morning of May 18 in Ban Pa Tueng Ngam, Pa O Don Chai sub-district, Mueng district, Chiang Rai. The homeowner, 44 year old Somphop shared CCTV footage…
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Ten-year-old rice auction resumes after safety tests
Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, announced the continuation of the 10-year-old rice auction after private lab tests showed no contamination. The Public Warehouse Organisation (PWO) has been instructed to expedite the process meticulously. Phumtham yesterday shared that private tests conducted by a leading company found no carcinogens or residue from fumigation in the rice. This follows…
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Bangkok cops uncover ketamine and cocaine in drug bust
Police officers from Thonglor Police Station uncovered a stash of illicit drugs, including ketamine and cocaine-laced e-cigarette pods, at a condominium in Khlong Toei in a drug bust following a loud argument between a couple. Police officers from Thonglor Police Station responded to a disturbance report in the late hours of yesterday at a condominium in Khlong Toei. Upon arrival,…
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Police arrest man for selling psilocybin mushrooms in Bangkok
Police apprehended a 27 year old man in the Bang Chan Subdistrict, Khlong Sam Wa District, Bangkok, on charges of illegal possession and attempted distribution of psilocybin mushrooms, a Category 5 narcotic. Police seized 11 items as evidence. The arrest followed a tip-off from an informant who reported that Chitsanupong was cultivating and selling psilocybin mushrooms online and delivering them…
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