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 New in July: Save 10% for life on family health plans in Thailand
Cigna has a special offer this July for families in Thailand. When you sign up three or more people on a family health plan, you will save 10% on your premiums for life. This deal helps you get affordable, high-quality...
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Seven arrested in Yasothon for luring boys into obscene videos
Seven transgender women have been apprehended in Yasothon for their alleged involvement in a scheme to lure boys into participating in obscene video recordings, subsequently selling the content to a private group. This crackdown stems from a police raid on eight locations across the northeastern province, following a tip-off about the group’s illicit activities. Police Colonel Sarawut Chantawong, leading the…
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Tragic electric bus accident in Sakon Nakhon kills one, injures 25
A tragic accident unfolded in Sakon Nakhon when an electric shuttle bus lost control and descended a steep slope, resulting in the death of one individual and injuries to 25 others. The mishap took place near Wat Phra Tha Pek in Phana Nikhom district. The incident occurred around 3pm on November 15 as the shuttle bus navigated the 3-kilometre road…
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Methamphetamine thrown on stage at Kalasin beauty pageant (video)
A surprising incident unfolded during a beauty pageant at a Loy Krathong festival when a young man unexpectedly threw methamphetamine (meth) onto the stage. This disruption occurred at Huai Mano Reservoir, Seri Thai Airport, in Na Khu district, Kalasin province, at 10pm yesterday, November 15. The individual involved, a known psychiatric patient with a history of drug use, had recently…
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TikTok video captures plight of homeless man in Chon Buri (video)
A TikTok video recently highlighted the plight of a homeless man in Chon Buri, sparking sympathy and curiosity among viewers. The clip, posted by user @its.allbackedup, captured the man wandering near a CJ convenience store in the Nong Ri area. His dishevelled appearance, covered in what seemed to be white powder, drew the attention of a young man who, intrigued…
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Restaurant owners in Pattaya warned of food poisoning scam
A cunning scam targeting restaurants in Pattaya City, Chon Buri, has been unravelled. Fraudsters have been falsely claiming food poisoning to extort money. Restaurant owner Singhanat Rulapak discovered the scam when cross-checking a customer’s claim, which led to the identification of a notorious fraudster operating in multiple locations. A renowned restaurant in Pattaya City received a call yesterday, November 15,…
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Girl rescued from water at Loy Krathong festival in West Thailand
A near-tragic incident unfolded during the Loy Krathong Festival in Prachuap Khiri Khan province when a young girl slipped into the water while attempting to collect coins from floating krathongs (lanterns). Fortunately, quick-thinking bystanders managed to prevent a disaster. The festival, held at Wat Khao Noi Lang in Pran Buri district, nearly turned tragic when a girl, under her mother’s…
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Phuket police arrest local man with meth pills and Ice
Phuket police have apprehended a local man following the discovery of a significant cache of drugs in his possession. The 34 year old Thai man was found with over 2,000 methamphetamine (meth) pills and nearly 200 grammes of crystal meth, also known as Ice. The arrest took place in front of a rental room located in Soi Thiam Pracha Uthit,…
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Leopard thrills visitors at Phetchaburi national park (video)
A leopard made a striking appearance at the Ban Krang Helipad in Kaeng Krachan National Park, Phetchaburi province, thrilling visitors. Captured in vivid detail by a tourist, this sighting underscores the park’s thriving ecosystem and effective conservation efforts. A clip and photographs of the leopard, shared by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), have drawn significant…
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Thailand launches QR system to track tobacco products
Thailand’s Finance Ministry has unveiled a new technology aimed at transforming the monitoring of tobacco products. The “QR Cigarette” system, announced by Deputy Finance Minister Paophum Rojanasakul, is a Track & Trace innovation designed to follow tobacco products throughout their lifecycle, from production to purchase. This move is part of a broader effort to enhance tax collection efficiency, boost transparency,…
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Pattaya floods halt traffic amid Loy Krathong Festival preparations
Heavy rainfall swept through Pattaya, causing significant disruptions as traffic came to a standstill due to widespread flooding. As the city prepared for the Loy Krathong Festival, a severe thunderstorm struck at 5.36pm yesterday, November 15, lasting for about an hour. This deluge led to waterlogged streets, particularly in areas notorious for flooding. Khao Talo Road along the railway, Soi…
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2 students killed, 12 injured in Pattani truck collision
Tragedy struck in Pattani’s Sai Buri district when a six-wheel truck collided with a parked pickup truck carrying students, resulting in the deaths of two students and injuries to 12 others. This unfortunate incident occurred on the Pattani-Narathiwat Road at Ban Laharn village, Village 5, and was reported to police at approximately 8.10am yesterday, November 15. Upon arrival, police found…
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Thai elderly to soon receive 10,000 baht cash aid: Finance Ministry
The Ministry of Finance is poised to introduce a one-time cash payment initiative targeting the elderly, as confirmed by Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul. This proposal, amounting to 10,000 baht, will be presented during the upcoming economic stimulus policy committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 19. This new measure specifically excludes state welfare cardholders and disabled individuals who previously received…
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Thief caught after stealing historic sword from Bangkok temple
A notorious thief was apprehended after stealing a revered sword belonging to King Taksin from a renowned temple in Thonburi, Bangkok. The suspect, claiming self-defence intentions, was not believed by police who suspected a different motive. The incident occurred at Wat Intharam Worawihan, situated in Bang Yi Ruea, Thonburi, where the sword went missing on Wednesday, November 13. CCTV footage…
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9 students and 2 teachers injured in Surat Thani van accident
A van carrying 11 passengers, including nine students and two teachers, overturned in Kanchanadit district, Surat Thani province, following a camping trip. The accident occurred yesterday afternoon, November 15, on Highway 44, along the Krabi-Surat Thani route in Thung Rang subdistrict. Police Captain Thaweewit Kaewroy of Khunthale Police Station detailed the incident, which was reported at 2.10pm. Upon arrival, police…
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Pathum Thani police officer with health issue dies in car crash
A car crash involving a police officer who lost control and collided with a shop and utility pole resulted in his death. The incident occurred yesterday, November 14, near a residential area in Pathum Thani province. The tragic accident unfolded when police officer Settapong Songkrod, who held the position of Deputy Inspector, experienced a sudden health issue while in his…
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Tourists in Trang thrilled by rare dugong sighting near Koh Libong
Tourists in Trang were thrilled to encounter a fully grown dugong grazing on seagrass, a sight not witnessed for several months. The boat operator quickly launched a drone to capture the memorable moment, creating a buzz among the visitors. At Ban Phrang Pier in the Koh Libong area of Kantang district, Trang province, Anon Kingkoyao, a tour operator on Koh…
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Pattaya beach turns into unregulated booze and kratom market
Pattaya Beach, a once serene paradise for tourists and locals, is now teetering on the edge of chaos as unlicenced vendors run rampant. Once discreet, these sellers now brazenly set up stalls along the shoreline, peddling kratom-laced cocktails and alcoholic beverages, ignoring the law with apparent ease. Despite frequent police patrols, vendors openly resume business the moment officers leave, leaving…
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Wild elephants raid Nakhon Ratchasima farms, officials intervene
A herd of over 80 wild elephants from the Thap Lan National Park invaded local farmland in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, feasting on crops and prompting a night-long operation by officials and volunteers to drive them back into the forest. Wild elephants have been causing a stir in Nakhon Ratchasima as they forage beyond their natural habitat. Using thermal imaging drones,…
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Dog ‘adopter’ linked to Chiang Rai slaughterhouse shock
In a shocking twist, an alleged animal welfare scandal has erupted in Chiang Rai province, where a man who posed as a compassionate dog adopter is now accused of sending his “rescued” pets to an illegal slaughterhouse. Local animal welfare advocates and the Livestock Department are calling for immediate police action to bring the man, from the Akha ethnic group,…
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‘Keep your krathongs on land,’ says Patong Mayor in eco-plea
As Loy Krathong celebrations light up Patong Beach tonight, Patong Municipality is urging revellers to keep their lanterns (krathongs) out of the sea. Every year, thousands descend on the beach, offering decorated krathongs to the water goddess to cast away bad luck and ask for blessings. Yet, while the gestures float away, the krathongs often come back, with the tide…
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Thailand’s Marriage Equality Bill to boost GDP and tourism
Thailand’s historic decision to legalise same-sex marriage, starting January 2025, is set to supercharge its tourism industry, drawing in millions of visitors and billions in revenue. According to a new study by digital travel platform Agoda, this legislative move is projected to bring in 4 million additional international visitors each year, driving up tourism revenues by an impressive US$2 billion…
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Frenchman faces legal action for unlawful macaque possession in Bangkok
A French national has found himself facing legal action for allegedly keeping four young macaques unlawfully after showcasing them on social media. This incident unfolded when officials from the Natural Resources, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, along with police from the Natural Resources and Environment Crime Division, executed a search at the individual’s residence in Bangkok. Department representative, Naruphon Thipmontha,…
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Feline faux-paw: Empress of Ayodhaya cat drugged by amateur
In a shocking twist worthy of its own drama, fresh revelations have emerged from the set of the Thai historical series, The Empress of Ayodhaya. It’s been discovered that the mysterious black cat, who was anaesthetised during filming, was knocked out by someone with zero veterinarian credentials. The Department of Livestock Development released a bombshell report today, November 15,revealing the…
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High ambitions: Suvarnabhumi aims to triple transit traffic by 2030
Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand’s busiest international gateway, is gearing up for a major transformation to become Southeast Asia’s ultimate transit hub. Airports of Thailand (AOT) plans to raise the airport’s transit flights from a mere 4% to a soaring 20% as part of an ambitious master plan to rank among the world’s top 20 airports by 2030. This bold goal is…
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Chiang Mai’s Doi Inthanon draws tourists with frosty scenic views
Cold temperatures on Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai have attracted tourists eager to experience the chill and witness the stunning frost formations on grass and wildflowers. As of today, the temperature on the summit dropped to 9°C, creating a picturesque scene that drew many visitors to the national park. There is great anticipation for the occurrence of Maei Khap frost,…
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Russian man confirmed dead after fatal fall in Phuket hotel
A tragic incident unfolded in Phuket as police have confirmed the identity of a 37 year old Russian man who is believed to have fatally jumped from a hotel in Soi Paradise, Patong. The event took place on November 13 night, leaving police and locals in shock. Police received a call to the hotel early yesterday, November 14, at approximately…
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Thai singer’s fake goods hit a sour note with socialite
A prominent Thai country singer has been accused of running a fraudulent business scheme and selling counterfeit luxury goods, resulting in a loss of 8 million baht for a well-known socialite. The allegations have sparked widespread interest on social media, with many speculating about the singer’s identity and the extent of their activities. Ken Do, a public figure known for…
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Mitsubishi Pajero crash in Prachinburi leaves one dead, one injured
A tragic accident unfolded when a Mitsubishi Pajero lost control, hitting a utility pole before spinning across lanes and violently colliding with a pink taxi. The crash resulted in a fatality and a serious injury, leaving bystanders and those involved in shock. The incident occurred early today, November 15, at 12.30am, on the 304 Road near the U-turn at Ban…
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Cyber police arrest scammer who defrauded politician’s daughter of 650,000 baht
Cyber police apprehended a key player in a call centre scam that deceived the daughter of a Democrat Party deputy leader out of over 650,000 baht by impersonating officials from the Department of Special Investigation. Police from Technology Crime Suppression Division 5 reported the arrest of 55 year old Suthep near a house in Wang Sala, Tha Muang district, Kanchanaburi.…
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Police in Thailand to receive increased allowances this year
Police officers across Thailand are set to receive increased allowances this year, following a directive signed by Kittirat Phanpetch, the National Police Chief. The directive, dated Tuesday, November 12, emphasises the need for efficient budget management and cautions against any misallocation of funds. Kittirat issued the directive to various police divisions, including the Metropolitan Police Bureau and Provincial Police Regions…
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