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 Is tap water in Thailand safe to consume?
Wondering if you can drink the tap water in Thailand? From brushing your teeth to filling up a bottle, it’s helpful to understand a few basics. Tap water safety in Thailand varies by location, and while some people use it...
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Phuket beautician shot by van driver after DNA test dispute
A grey van driver in Phuket shot a slingshot at a beautician, causing her to bleed, due to anger over his wife refusing a DNA test for their child. Social Hunter 2022 posted an image and a warning, alerting Phuket residents about a grey van with the licence plate number 30-9306 Phuket. The van nearly collided with a motorbike, driven…
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Nervous thief’s gold heist foiled at Ratchaburi department store
A young man attempted a solo gold heist at a prominent department store in Ratchaburi, but his nerves got the better of him. He escaped with a single gold necklace, only to be caught later. Police Lieutenant Pramarn Plathong, an investigator at Mueang Ratchaburi Police Station, received a report at 6pm yesterday about a robbery at a gold shop in…
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Phuket Airport to invest 6 billion baht in new international terminal
Phuket Airport plans to invest 6 billion baht to construct a new terminal dedicated to international flights, aiming to boost its passenger handling capacity from 12.5 million annually to 18 million. The airport’s director, Monchai Tanod, highlighted the urgent need for expansion. Last month, the airport saw an influx of around 16,000 domestic passengers daily, hitting 90% of its pre-Covid-19…
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Thai film industry to exceed 3.8 billion baht at Cannes festival
The 77th Cannes Film Festival has presented significant opportunities for the Thai government, local filmmakers, and production companies to secure lucrative business deals. The festival, which ran from May 14 to 25, is expected to generate more than the 3.8 billion baht grossed from last year’s event. Companies participating in the Thai booth, which showcased local films and promoted tourism,…
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Thai CBD market faces 10bn Baht losses
The Hemp and Cannabis Industry Association in Thailand has sounded alarm bells over the possible relisting of cannabis and hemp as narcotic plants. The controversial decision by the government could lead to industry operators incurring losses upwards of 10 billion baht in combined investments. CBD, or cannabidiol, a medically beneficial compound found in both cannabis and hemp, has skyrocketed in…
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Global hacking group dismantled in Thai-US joint operation
In an unprecedented global crackdown, a leading cybercrime organisation, described as the world’s most sophisticated hacking group, has been successfully dismantled. This victory comes as a result of a tireless combined operation between Thai and US security services. The operation orchestrated by the FBI and Thailand’s Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD), resulted in the arrest of three top-ranking members of…
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Stepfather arrested after six years of child abuse in Bangkok
A twelve-year-old girl‘s brave revelation led to the arrest of her stepfather, Amnuay Dongtan, 60, accused of sexually abusing her for six years. Despite the girl’s pleas, her biological mother chose not to believe her and even tried to derail the police investigation. This underage victim suffered continuous abuse, which began when she was only six years old. This true…
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Chadchart signs MOU on renewable energy projects in Bangkok
Bangkok has taken a significant step towards becoming a smart city, with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt and Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) Governor Wilas Chaloeysat. The agreement, formalised yesterday, aims to advance smart city development and renewable energy projects in Thailand’s bustling capital. Chadchart stressed the importance of sustainable energy and efficiency,…
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Car bursts into flames in Ratchaburi, no injuries reported
A woman driving to her mother’s home in Ratchaburi parked her car by the roadside, only to see it engulfed in flames moments later. Witnesses described seeing smoke before the fire erupted, leading to a dramatic scene that required emergency intervention. Authorities received a report at around 6.30pm yesterday of a car fire just past the entrance of Wat Chok,…
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Man found dead at Bangkok petrol station
A man was found dead next to a Toyota C-HR car at a petrol station in Bangkok’s Phra Khanong area, while the woman who was with him has gone missing. Police are investigating and searching for the woman for questioning. Police Lieutenant Sumit Klangdi, Deputy Inspector of Phra Khanong Police Station, reported that at 11.40pm yesterday, a male body was…
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Lottery fever: Chai Nat buzzes with potential winning numbers
Today’s lottery draw is generating significant buzz in Chai Nat Province, with enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the next round of potential winning numbers. The Government Lottery Office (GLO) will conduct the draw at the Learning and Tourism Development Centre at Chao Phraya Dam in Sapphaya District, heightening the anticipation among lottery hopefuls. The excitement surrounding the lottery is palpable, with various…
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Thai eCommerce rivalry set to surge
Thailand has recently plunged into the eCommerce market, spurring job creation and economic fortification. The country has a predicted eCommerce growth rate of between 5 and 7% between 2025 and 2027. What does the Thai eCommerce surge mean for US businesses? The eCommerce world is changing, and US businesses must adopt the latest tools and technologies to stay ahead of…
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Pride Month kicks off with Rainbow Runway in Bangkok (video)
Pride Month celebrations kicked off with grandeur on the 80-metre Rainbow Runway at the centralwOrld Rhythm of Pride 2024 event held at CentralWorld in Bangkok. The event underscored diversity and equality for the LGBTQ+ community, marking a significant celebration in the heart of Bangkok. The highlight of the event was Metinee Kingpayome, a prominent figure in the LGBTQIAN+ community, who…
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Russian nominee business bust exposes 1.5 billion baht scandal
In a dramatic crackdown on illegal businesses in Phuket, 231 suspects, including 98 foreign nationals, mostly Russians, have been arrested, revealing a scandal worth over 1.5 billion baht. The Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECSD), under the directive of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) commissioner Police General Jirabhop Bhuridej, raided several accounting and real estate firms on the island. The operation…
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Woman arrested for theft from tourists in Bangkok for the 12th time
Authorities at Phra Ratchawang Police Station have apprehended a Thai woman for stealing from foreign tourists in Bangkok. This marks the 12th time she has been caught, with her latest release from jail occurring only a few months ago. Officers led by Phawat Watsupat, commander of the Phra Ratchawang Police Station, and Paisan Detkalaya, deputy commander of investigation, along with…
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Two shot dead while gathering intelligence in Songkhla
Two people were shot dead while gathering information in Thepa, Songkhla yesterday. Ponnchai Kwanpanya, the head of Huai Pling Police Station in Songkhla, received a report of a shooting incident yesterday at 5.30pm. The attack occurred on a road in Ban Huai Pling, Moo 2, Tham Wang Subdistrict, Thepa District, Songkhla Province. Authorities, including military forces from Songkhla Special Task…
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Russian ruse: Massive Thai visa scam exposed
Thai police dismantled a sprawling network that illegally enabled foreigners, predominantly Russians, to secure long-term stays in Thailand through deceptive company setups. This elaborate scheme, orchestrated by a 45 year old Russian woman and her Thai accomplice, has rocked the idyllic province of Phuket. Police revealed that the Russian mastermind arrived in Thailand in 2012 and, alongside a Thai woman,…
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Thailand urged to support major theme parks
Thailand should offer robust support, including investment incentives and infrastructure development, to attract major theme park brands like Disney, according to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). IAAPA Board Chairman Wuthichai Luangamornlert emphasised that investors are inclined to develop attractions in destinations providing substantial support. China’s rail transport system was completed a year before the opening of…
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Thailand cracks down on illegal e-cigarettes to protect children
Authorities in Thailand are set to take decisive action against the illegal use of e-cigarettes, emphasising the need to protect children from the health risks associated with vaping. Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul declared that the country has ignored the issue for too long, during an event commemorating World No Tobacco Day yesterday. “The authorities must begin solving the problem right…
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Heavy rainfall warning issued for 46 provinces including Bangkok
The Meteorological Department has issued a severe weather warning, forecasting heavy rainfall in 46 provinces, including Bangkok, with 70% of the area expected to be affected. Residents are advised to take precautions against potential flash floods and forest runoff. Moderate southwesterly monsoon winds are covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, coupled with a low-pressure area over…
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Thailand doubles visa-free stay for 93 nations to boost tourism
Thailand has extended the visa-free exemption period for visitors from 30 to 60 days .This is great news for tourists and business travelers alike, as it will allow them to stay in Thailand for longer periods of time. The visa exemption applies to nationals of 93 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan. Visitors from…
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MFP minister faces tough questions on foreign policy
Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Chulapong Yukate demanded that Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa reveal his vision for Thailand’s foreign policy. The call came during a House Committee on Foreign Affairs meeting, leaving the nation eager for answers. Chulapong, who serves as the deputy chairperson of the committee stated that the public wants to know in which direction the foreign minister…
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British granny’s pension nightmare in Thailand
An 87 year old British woman regrets her move to Thailand to be closer to family, as she struggles to survive on a frozen UK state pension of just £300 (approximately 14,000 baht) a month. Christine Gloria Fox, who lives near Pattaya on Thailand’s east coast, laments her decision to relocate to what she describes as an expensive area where…
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Kazakhstan’s first direct flight lands in Surat Thani
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Scat Airlines today celebrated the inaugural direct flight from Almaty, Kazakhstan to Surat Thani. The flight carrying 212 passengers, landed at Surat Thani International Airport this morning at 7.30am. The Thai Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Chatchawan Sakornsinsuwan, accompanied the flight, along with Kazakhstani travel operators and media, receiving a warm welcome from local officials.…
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Cambodian man shot in violent clash with Thai youths in Chon Buri
A confrontation between Cambodian and Thai youths escalated into violence, resulting in a 20 year old Cambodian man being shot and injured. The incident occurred yesterday, May 30 in Banglamung District, Chon Buri Province, prompting a police investigation. The violence erupted around 10.30pm yesterday. Officers from Nong Prue Police Station, led by Jaroon Duangwiangkham, received a report from Banglamung Hospital…
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Barking mad: Real estate giant faces online backlash over free pet
A renowned real estate company suffered an online backlash after launching a campaign offering a free pet with the purchase of a luxury home. The campaign, which allows buyers to choose from five different breeds of dogs or cats, sparked widespread criticism. A Facebook user publicly addressed the company in an open letter, expressing concerns over the potential negative impacts…
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Motorbike mayhem: Pattaya’s underpass crackdown sparks debate
In a recent traffic enforcement blitz, the Pattaya City Peacekeeping Division, alongside the Pattaya City Police Traffic Division, brought the contentious issue of motorbikes using the underpass into the limelight. The crackdown, resulting in numerous prosecutions, has ignited a fiery debate among residents. Many locals have thrown their weight behind the operation. “Good deeds should be appreciated. This should be done…
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Udder chaos: Frenzied cow injures man in Chon Buri
A frenzied cow in Sattahip, Chon Buri province, injured its caretaker by ramming him against a wall, causing severe injuries and triggering a chaotic rescue attempt. Locals and rescue workers struggled to retrieve the injured man as the agitated cow continued to charge at them, forcing them to flee. The Sattahip Sawang Rojanathammasathan Rescue Foundation’s radio centre received a report…
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Newborn girl found abandoned in black bag in Pathum Thani
A newborn baby girl was found abandoned in a black bag next to a garbage bin in Pathum Thani. Locals promptly alerted emergency services, who rushed the infant to the hospital. Police are now reviewing CCTV footage to identify the person responsible. Chumphon Songngam, an investigator at Khlong Luang Police Station in Pathum Thani, received a report yesterday that a…
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Fugitive suspect arrested for killing boyfriend in Nonthaburi condo
Police today arrested a fugitive suspected of killing his boyfriend at a condominium in Nonthaburi province before fleeing to the southern province of Chumphon. Local police officers in Chumphon arrested the 27 year old Thai man, Phurinat, at a house in the Mueang district of the province at about 1pm today, May 31. He is the prime suspect in the…
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