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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Thai tourism industry supports reintroduction of 300 baht tourist fee
Tourism industry stakeholders in Thailand voiced their support for the reintroduction of a 300 baht fee for incoming tourists, viewing it as crucial for generating funds for tourism development. The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) intends to discuss the project’s necessity with Sermsak Pongpanich, the incoming tourism minister. Surawat Akaraworamat, TCT’s Vice President, said that the Thai Chamber of Commerce…
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American YouTuber swings from fame to shame in Thailand
Police arrested an American YouTuber at his home in Pattaya yesterday after he physically assaulted his Thai girlfriend by hitting her with a golf club. The man claimed the attack was staged for a video on his YouTube channel. The Thai woman, 20 year old Kanittha, and her younger sister sought assistance from a 55 year old maid named Anchulee…
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South Africa and Thailand boosts agricultural ties
The agricultural sector has become a significant beneficiary of the thriving bilateral relationship between Thailand and South Africa, revealed South Africa’s Ambassador to Thailand, Darkey Africa in a recent interview. This conversation was held to commemorate three decades of South African democracy and the bilateral relationship between the two nations including a strengthening of agricultural ties. Africa underscored the positive…
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Northern Thailand braces for severe summer storms
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) announced severe summer storms are set to strike northern Thailand. The storms are expected to impact the region from tomorrow, May 3 to May 7, bringing heavy rains, hail in some areas, and strong gusts of wind. Residents are urged to be cautious and avoid open spaces, large trees, weak structures, and billboards that may…
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Influenza outbreak in Thailand prison infects over 3,000 inmates
A devastating influenza outbreak at Nakhon Si Thammarat prison in Thailand has infected almost 3,500 inmates, leading to two fatalities, as reported by public health officials. The prison in Phra Phom district was inspected by a team led by Dr Kittisak Aksornwong, the Deputy Permanent Secretary for Public Health, who confirmed the outbreak. From April 19 to April 28, 3,442…
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Phuket tourism industry hit by escalating water shortage
Phuket‘s tourism sector is grappling with an escalating water shortage crisis, as hotel operators face rising costs due to the scarcity. Thanet Tantipiriyakit, the Phuket Tourist Association President, yesterday, May 1, called on the government for a sustainable solution to the annual water deficits. He cited that the primary reservoirs, Bang Wad, Klong Kata, and Bang Neow Dum, are currently…
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Khon Kaen school deputy caught for soliciting mid-term bribes
A school deputy director in Khon Kaen has been apprehended by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) on the grounds of soliciting tea money from parents for mid-term admissions. The arrest was a result of a parent’s complaint against the deputy director. The school director, according to the complaint, is associated with a school under the Khon Kaen Primary Educational Service…
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Impersonator accused of extorting 15,000 baht from migrants
An alleged highway police impersonator in Chon Buri has been accused of extorting 15,000 baht from three migrant workers for not carrying their passports. The incident, which was captured in a video clip and shared on Facebook, reveals a man dressed like a police officer demanding the sum from the workers, threatening legal action that could result in a fine…
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Chon Buri manhunt for suspects in sexual assault of two sisters
Two men have been accused of a heinous crime involving a sexual assault on two underage sisters, aged 14 and 16, in Chon Buri province, as reported yesterday, May 1. The 35 year old mother of the victims, identified by the pseudonym A, has lodged a formal complaint with the police, alleging that her daughters were lured and subsequently assaulted…
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Ex-executive kicks police officer’s face during DUI arrest in Thailand
In a highly publicised incident, an intoxicated former female executive was arrested for driving under the influence and assaulting a deputy police commander during her apprehension. This confrontation, involving high-profile individuals and captured on video, has sparked a media frenzy and intense public debate over issues of conduct and law enforcement in Thailand. The former executive, known as Khun Meow,…
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Cabin crew reveals top three seats to avoid in economy class
In recent guidance, an airline cabin crew member has identified the three worst seats in the economy class and advised passengers to avoid them if possible. When booking flights, especially in economy class, passengers often seek the best available comfort within the constraints of their budget. The advice from the cabin crew member aims to enhance passenger comfort by steering…
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Beach peace patrol: Police unite to silence the noise after shooting
In a collaborative effort to maintain peace and tranquillity, officials from Banglamung and Pattaya police conducted an inspection of Jomtien Beach in the early hours of today. Responding to the residents’ complaints about noise and fireworks, this initiative was also a reaction to a shooting incident that took place on the night of April 25, which stirred panic among tourists.…
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Family seeks truth over Thai woman’s mysterious death in Malaysia
The tragic death of a 26 year old Thai woman in Malaysia has galvanised a family to seek justice amidst mysterious circumstances. The 25 year old deceased’s husband and her 49 year old mother have come forward with concerns over the unclear causes of her untimely demise. On a recent afternoon at the Paweena Hongsakul Foundation for Children and Women…
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Thailand shuts down illegal Bitcoin mine worth 70 million baht
A major illegal Bitcoin mining operation was dismantled yesterday when police and the Provincial Electricity Authority raided an abandoned ice factory in Samut Sakhon, Thailand, seizing equipment worth over 70 million baht. A Myanmar national was found guarding the facility, which is believed to have caused the state a loss of 10 million baht per month in electricity. At 11am…
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Female boxer arrested for assaulting teen in Buriram jealousy
A former female boxer was arrested after assaulting a 15 year old girl whom she suspected of showing interest in her ex-partner during the Songkran festival celebrations. Following a bout of heavy drinking, the 26 year old former boxer unleashed a series of Muay Thai moves on the teenager, leaving her severely injured. The incident occurred on May 1, when…
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Ex-Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao receives four-month sentence
The former CEO of Binance and once a dominant figure in the cryptocurrency industry, Changpeng Zhao, was given a four-month prison sentence yesterday after admitting to violating anti-money laundering laws in the United States. The sentencing of Changpeng, commonly known as CZ, marks a landmark moment in the crypto industry, with two major figures now having been imprisoned. The sentence,…
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Actress Aom Sakaojai files police complaint against cyberbully
Renowned Thai actress Aom Sakaojai reported a case of severe online harassment to the police, triggered by explicit and threatening comments on one of her Facebook posts. Today, May 1, at 10am, Aom approached Deputy Inspector Chalerm Noppakarn of RomKlao Police Station to take legal action against the cyberbully identified by the Facebook name Nui Yabot. The incident began on…
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Bangkok police bust couple for covert online ammo sales
In a major crackdown on the illegal arms trade, the Thai police arrested a couple for selling ammunition online. Yesterday, April 30, law enforcement officers apprehended 29 year old Sarawut, and his 19 year old girlfriend Nariporn, for their involvement in an illicit online ammunition business. Operating under the guise of selling film cameras, they cleverly masked their trade on…
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Qantas apologises for app glitch revealing user travel details
An apology was issued by Qantas, the Australian airline, due to a technology issue with its mobile application, which resulted in the exposure of users’ travel details such as their names, flights, and points. The apology followed media reports hinting at a data breach in the app used by frequent flyers, which inadvertently gave users access to other passenger’s travel…
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Thai lottery hopefuls dissect past May 2 draws for winning edge
Aspiring fortune-seekers keenly analyse historical lottery results, anticipating patterns that may predict future winnings. This analysis hones in on the statistics of the Thai Government Lottery, particularly for the upcoming draw, which is of significant interest as players strategize their next move in the hope of hitting the jackpot. Over the past ten years, the lottery numbers drawn on May…
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Thai police dismantle major illegal online gambling rings
Thai police delivered a significant blow to the online gambling industry with the dismantling of two major illegal betting websites. The operation, dubbed ZERO BET, saw the seizure of nearly 10 million baht (US$270,000) in cash and luxury assets, including high-end vehicles like Lamborghinis and BMWs, totalling over 60 million baht (US$1.6 million) in value. The investigation revealed an annual…
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Thammasat University appoints new rector
One of Thailand’s most prestigious educational institutions, Thammasat University, has announced the appointment of Professor Supasawad Chardchawarn as its new rector. He replaces Associate Professor Gasinee Witoonchart, who has held the role since 2018. This significant development was revealed yesterday at 9am during the University Council’s final selection round, as reported by the Thammasat University Student Union (TUSU) on their…
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Thai government preps digital wallet scheme for 50 million citizens
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) is getting ready to support the government’s digital wallet scheme, aimed at benefiting 50 million Thai citizens. Under the direction of Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) will monitor the security of the 500-billion-baht (US$13.4 million) digital initiative. Simultaneously, the Digital Government Agency (DGA) will take charge of digital…
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Nakhon Phanom pub bust reveals drugs, minors and indecent acts
Police in Nakhon Phanom arrested the operators of a well-known pub for a series of legal infractions, including allowing minors on the premises and indecent performances, amid revelations of drug use among patrons. The establishment, known as AEC Nakhon Phanom, was also found to be operating beyond legally allowed hours, causing disturbances to nearby residents. The crackdown, led by Nakhon…
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Laotian tourist’s 80,000 baht gold necklace stolen in Pattaya
Emerging from the nocturnal charm of Pattaya, an intriguing tale of a Laotian tourist and a vanished 80,000 baht (US$2,150) gold necklace has surfaced. The unfortunate incident unfolded early this morning, May 1, along the bustling Sukhumvit Road in the Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, Chon Buri province. The victim, Detnakhon Inthakoummane, a 37 year old Laotian national, recounted his ordeal…
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Kasikornbank and SUN group fund Thai solar startup Ion Energy
Kasikornbank’s subsidiary Beacon Venture Capital has collaborated with Indonesia’s Solar United Network (SUN) Group to complete a Series A funding round for Ion Energy, a solar energy startup based in Thailand. The funding round closed at US$3 million. Ion Energy offers affordable, clean energy solutions to both residential and commercial sectors within Thailand. Beacon Venture Capital Managing Director Thanapong Na…
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Family suffers burns as fire razes home in Samut Songkhram
A Samut Songkhram family’s home was engulfed in flames early today, leading to three people sustaining burn injuries. The inferno, which broke out around 5am today, May 1, is believed to have been caused by an electrical short circuit due to the melting of wire insulation amid the sweltering heat. The property, a single-story wooden house, was completely destroyed, and…
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British tourist detained in Phuket for assaulting tuk tuk driver
Police in Phuket have detained a British national following an altercation involving a tuk tuk driver, where the foreigner was accused of physically assaulting the driver over a fare dispute. The incident, which was captured on CCTV footage, garnered significant attention on social media, leading to a swift police response. The confrontation took place on the evening of April 26,…
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AoT plans to boost Suvarnabhumi Airport into world’s top 50
Airports of Thailand (AoT) disclosed plans to elevate Suvarnabhumi International Airport into the league of the world’s top 50 airports within a year and subsequently to the top 20 by 2028. This announcement was made by AoT Director Kirati Kijmanawat. The director shared that Suvarnabhumi International Airport currently ranks 58th in Skytrax’s World’s Best Airport Rankings for 2024, a significant…
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Thai labour ministry initiates farm worker scheme with South Korea
The Department of Employment (DoE) under Thailand’s Labour Ministry initiated a programme to deploy Thai workers to South Korea as seasonal farm labour. This scheme is the outcome of a meeting last month between Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, the Labour Minister of Thailand, and his South Korean counterpart, Lee Jung-Sik. During Pipat’s official visit to South Korea, he met with Kim Dong-yeon,…
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