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 Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run
Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...
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Bangkok Pride 2025 to make global history with record-breaking parade
Bangkok Pride 2025 is set to break records and expand its reach beyond the Thai capital, with more than 40 provinces across Thailand joining the festivities. In Bangkok, the main events will take place from 30 May to 1 June at Siam Paragon, Siam Centre, Siam Square One, and Lido Connect under the theme Born This Way, a powerful celebration…
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Woman gives birth in rescue vehicle as public eyes registration number
A 22 year old woman gave birth to a baby boy on a rescue vehicle after experiencing severe labour pains. Both mother and child are safe. The incident has sparked interest in the rescue vehicle’s registration number among those seeking good fortune. The woman shared her experience on Facebook, announcing the birth of her son today, June 1, at 3.48am.…
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Five criminals steal e-cigarettes, kill security guard in Bangkok
Five criminals used a van to steal electronic cigarettes from a container at Khlong Toei Port, leading to a tragic incident where a security guard was killed. Police have identified the suspects. At 1.40am today, June 1, the Thung Maha Mek Police Station received a report of a van crashing into a motorcycle, resulting in a death near the Port…
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Thailand’s smoking rate drops 48% in 33 years, economic strain remains
Thailand has successfully decreased its smoking rate by 48% over the past 33 years, yet tobacco use continues to impose a significant economic burden on low-income households. This was highlighted by the Action on Smoking and Health Foundation (ASH) during World No-Tobacco Day yesterday, May 31. Chairman Doctor Prakit Vathesatogkit, referencing data from tobacco consumption surveys between 1991 and 2024,…
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Bangkok taxi driver caught without licence demands fixed fare (video)
A Bangkok resident experienced a surprising encounter when a taxi driver, who initially agreed to use the meter, later demanded a fixed fare of 200 baht. It was subsequently revealed that the driver lacked both a driving licence and a taxi ID. This incident, which spread rapidly on social media, has brought renewed attention to the issue of taxi regulation…
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Ukrainian tourist dies after rooftop fall in Phuket
A Ukrainian tourist, 28 year old woman, tragically died after falling from a rooftop at a villa in Chalong, Phuket, in the early hours of yesterday, May 31. She succumbed to her injuries at Chalong Hospital. Police were alerted at 5am about the incident. Officers from Chalong Police Station, led by Police Lieutenant Kriangkrai Daokrajai, visited the villa estate on…
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Fire damages homes in Khlong Toei community, extinguished swiftly
A fire broke out in the Khlong Toei community, producing a significant amount of smoke. Firefighters quickly arrived at the scene to extinguish the flames. Initial reports indicate damage to several homes. According to Fire & Rescue Thailand, the emergency hotline 199 received a report of a fire at 5.59am today, June 1. The blaze occurred in the Khlong Toei…
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Tragic road accident claims life on Highway 331 in Chachoengsao
In Chachoengsao, a 40 year old employee of a car company tragically lost his life in a road accident. As he was returning home in his Isuzu pickup truck, the vehicle skidded off the road and collided with a tree, resulting in his death at the scene. The incident occurred yesterday, May 31, when Police Lieutenant Teera Senthong from the…
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28 provinces brace for heavy rain as Bangkok faces severe storms
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather forecast for June 1, identifying 28 provinces across two regions that are expected to face heavy rain, with Bangkok predicted to experience the most severe conditions. Citizens are advised to be cautious due to moderate monsoon conditions affecting the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. The weather forecast for…
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Abandoned macaques found in Thai forest, suspected for illegal sale
Over 20 young long-tailed macaques were discovered abandoned in bags in a forested area, leading locals to initially mistake the cries for an abandoned baby. After following the sounds, the residents contacted officials, prompting a search for those responsible. It is suspected that the location was used as a temporary holding spot for selling the animals yesterday, May 31. Sirikhun…
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Hostage crisis resolved in Phitsanulok; man detained after standoff
A tense hostage situation unfolded in Mueang Phitsanulok district, when a man armed with a knife took his wife hostage in a rented room yesterday, May 31. Police, alongside rescue teams and a local foundation, responded promptly to the scene near the entrance to Naresuan Camp on Phra Ruang Road. Officers, equipped with protective gear, surrounded room 3 of the…
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Buriram tyre technician arrested for selling meth to youths
In Buriram, narcotics suppression units collaborated with related agencies to arrest a 53 year old man, a tyre repair technician, for distributing methamphetamine to local youths. He also admitted to using the drug himself to alleviate back pain and body aches. Police had been investigating Somkit, who worked at a tyre repair shop in Huai Rat district, after receiving information…
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A historic win: Opal becomes Thailand’s first Miss World
Thailand has made pageant history after 25 year old Suchata Chuangsri, known as Opal, was crowned Miss World 2025—the first Thai woman to win the global title in 74 years. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss World (@missworld) The 72nd Miss World grand finale was held on May 31 at the HITEX Convention Centre…
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Rawai restaurant owner fumes after tourist poos outside
A Rawai restaurant owner is fed up with cleaning up faeces after catching tourists using his property as an open toilet—now he’s demanding action from local authorities. The owner of a popular floating restaurant in Rawai, Phuket, has called on local authorities to install more public toilets for tourists after a shocking incident involving a foreign visitor defecating outside his…
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Phuket immigration boss hits back at UK drug claims
A British tourist’s mother claims he was set up by Phuket airport officials with drugs planted in his passport—but Thailand’s immigration chief says her story doesn’t add up. Phuket Airport Immigration Chief Police Colonel Rasarin Thiraphatthanakun has strongly denied explosive claims made in the British press that her officers planted cocaine on a British tourist arriving in Thailand. The allegations,…
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Dugong baby boom? Rare sea creatures spotted off Krabi coast
Krabi’s crystal waters have just delivered a marine miracle—two rare dugongs and a gang of green turtles have been spotted gliding through the waves, sparking hopes of a biodiversity comeback in the Andaman Sea. Park officials in Krabi are celebrating a major boost in marine biodiversity after spotting two new dugongs and a group of green turtles near Ao Nammao…
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Tiger selfie turns savage: Indian tourist mauled in Phuket (video)
A dream holiday snap turned into a nightmare for one tourist in Phuket after a tiger lashed out during a selfie stunt—leaving social media stunned and raising serious questions about animal welfare at popular tourist attractions. An Indian tourist suffered minor injuries after being attacked by a tiger at Tiger Kingdom in Phuket. The man, whose identity has not been…
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Krungsri forecast for Thailand economic growth cut to 2.1%
Research by Krungsri has revised Thailand’s economic growth forecast for 2025 to 2.1%, down from an earlier estimate of 2.7%. This adjustment comes amid layered risks, including US trade policy uncertainties and domestic pressures. The government is advised to exercise caution in policy-making while responding effectively to rapidly evolving situations. Pimnara Hirankasi, head of economic research and executive researcher at…
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Pita Limjaroenrat’s political return sparks hope for ‘Orange Camp’
Pita Limjaroenrat’s brief reappearance in the political arena has reignited optimism among supporters of the “Orange Camp,” following his reaffirmed ambition to become Thailand’s prime minister in nine years. His involvement in politics was curtailed due to the dissolution of the Move Forward Party (MFP). In August 2024, the Constitutional Court found the party and its executives, including Pita, guilty…
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Pattaya firm hits back at ‘grey Chinese’ money claims
Baidi International (Pattaya) Real Estate Asset Management Co., Ltd. has firmly denied any links to illegal Chinese capital, following swirling allegations and a government inspection that cast a shadow over the firm’s operations. At a press conference held at its office on Soi Department of Lands, Village 10, company director Kham Sae Yang, flanked by company lawyer Theerathorn Morakotjinda and…
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TCC flags legal red flags in 13 Bangkok high-rises
Thirteen flashy high-rises across Bangkok are under fire after watchdogs revealed they may be breaking the law—by blocking fire trucks and fudging approved plans. The Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) has blown the whistle on 13 high-rise building projects across Bangkok, raising alarm over alleged legal violations and dangerous design shortcuts that could put residents at risk. Led by secretary-general Saree…
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Chon Buri hospital declares war on big tobacco and e-cigs
A Chon Buri hospital has gone full throttle in the fight against smoking, blasting Big Tobacco and vaping in a fiery World No Tobacco Day event. Somdet Phra Boromma Ratchathewi Hospital in Sriracha joined the global war on smoking yesterday, May 30, hosting a dynamic event for World No Tobacco Day at the Sri Sawarinthira Nusorn 150 Years Building. Leading…
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Wanted Swiss expat dodges jail in shocking legal blunder
A Swiss man sentenced to jail for assaulting a Thai doctor has vanished without a trace – and officials are refusing to say what went wrong. Phuket authorities are facing mounting criticism after Swiss national Urs Fehr, dubbed “Swiss David” by local media, fled Thailand following a court-ordered jail sentence – and no one seems to know where he is.…
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People’s Party MP slams 26.5 billion baht budget for inequality
People’s Party MP Pukkamon Nunarnan criticised the government’s 26.5 billion baht provincial budget yesterday, arguing that it perpetuates inequality and fails to meet local communities’ needs. During the third day of the debate on the 2026 fiscal budget bill, Pukkamon, also known as “Lisa,” targeted the Interior Ministry’s budget. She asserted that the allocation model demonstrates a lack of power…
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Thailand faces heavy deluge as rain batters 39 provinces
Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) predicts widespread heavy rainfall across Thailand, with 39 provinces, including Bangkok, expecting severe weather conditions. Residents are advised to be cautious of potential flash floods and landslides due to accumulated rainfall yesterday. The forecast indicates that the southwest monsoon, combined with a low-pressure area over Hainan Island, will result in significant rainfall in upper Thailand. This…
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Air Cambodia relaunches Bangkok-Sihanoukville flights
Air Cambodia has restarted its connection between Sihanoukville and Bangkok, resuming twice-weekly flights on May 22. The airline now operates this route every Thursday and Sunday using an Airbus A320 with 180 seats, providing much-needed convenience for travellers heading to Cambodia’s southern coast and its idyllic islands. While Air Cambodia already offers daily services between Phnom Penh and Bangkok, it…
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Charity turns violent: homeless man punches food donor in Nakhon Sawan
A Thai man’s act of kindness took an unexpected turn when he was punched in the face by a homeless man while handing out food in the northern province of Nakhon Sawan. The incident came to light after the Facebook news page Jmoi V+ (เจ๊มอย v+) shared a video of the incident yesterday, May 29. In the caption, the page…
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Phuket youths arrested for reckless beach gunfire (video)
Phuket’s pristine beaches were rocked by outrage after a video showing youths recklessly firing guns at Surin Beach went viral, stirring fears over tourist safety and law enforcement lapses on the island. The explosive 21-second clip, shared by the Facebook page Phuket Exposed (แฉยับ ภูเก็ต) yesterday, May 29 just after midnight under the hashtag #ThisIsPhuket, showed several young men discharging…
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Bangkok’s Grand Palace shuts down for royal birthday
Bangkok’s iconic Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (or Temple of the Emerald Buddha) will close their gates completely on Tuesday, June 3, as the nation honours the royal birthday of Her Majesty Queen Suthida. The Bureau of the Royal Household announced the closure yesterday, May 29, urging visitors and tourists to plan accordingly. Ahead of the full closure, a…
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Thaksin holds firm as Pheu Thai plans Cabinet shake-up
June is shaping up to be a stormy month in Thai politics, with tensions boiling over amid protests and courtroom drama targeting Pheu Thai’s spiritual leader, Thaksin Shinawatra. Despite rumoured flight and political chaos, Thaksin made a rare public appearance on Tuesday, May 27, dismissing speculation that he had fled the country. His keynote speech at a narcotics control event…
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