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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Transgender thief busted by Bolt riders in dramatic Pattaya chase
A gang of Bolt motorcycle drivers turned vigilantes in the early hours of this morning, capturing a transgender woman accused of stealing a teenager’s Vespa in Pattaya. At around 2.30am today, March 28, Police Lieutenant Colonel Sai Jai Khamjulla, the Investigation Chief at Pattaya City Police Station, received an unusual call — a group of Bolt riders had detained a…
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2.1 million Yaba pills, 210kg of crystal meth found in crashed car
Police discovered 2.1 million tablets of methamphetamine, also known as Yaba, and 210 kilogrammes of crystal meth in a car involved in an accident on a road in the southern province of Phatthalung. Four suspects who were in the car successfully fled the scene. A motorist and residents near the accident site called officers from Nakhayat Police Station to investigate…
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Nakhon Pathom cop kills wife amid family fears (video)
A disturbing incident occurred in Nakhon Pathom province, where a police officer, allegedly drunk, fatally shot his wife in front of their 10 year old child and relatives. The police officer was apprehended with his service weapon. The family of the deceased expressed concerns over potential injustice and safety, fearing the officer might be granted bail. The case gained attention…
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Bringing home the bacon: Korat businesses struggle as pork prices soar
Rising pork prices have left business owners in Nakhon Ratchasima facing daily losses, with some considering closure. They urge the government to fulfill economic promises and address the needs of smaller businesses rather than focusing solely on the wealthy. At a gathering at Rabieng Kiang Nam restaurant in Hua Thale subdistrict, Mueang district, representatives from pork stalls and restaurants discussed…
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ATTA boss calls for boost to Chinese tourism market
The newly appointed president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) is urging the government to ramp up support for marketing initiatives and development to revive the lagging Chinese tourism market. Thanapol Cheewarattanaporn, elected for a two-year term, welcomed the Cabinet’s approval of the draft entertainment complex bill but emphasised the need for strict casino regulations and meaningful employment…
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Fuel prices slashed to ease Songkran travel costs
Motorists across Thailand are in for a welcome surprise as fuel prices are set to drop just in time for the Songkran holiday rush. PTT Station announced a 0.50 baht per litre cut in retail prices for both petrol and diesel, effective from 5am today, March 28. The reduction is part of a wider initiative by the Oil Fuel Fund…
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Trade storm brewing: Uyghur deportations threaten EU deal
Thailand’s potential deportation of Uyghurs could throw a spanner into delicate free trade talks with the European Union (EU), sparking fears of an international trade storm. Concerns are mounting over how these actions might jeopardise Thailand’s economic relationships and its bid to join the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). A high-stakes meeting convened by the Committee on Economic…
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Thai police seize assets worth 50 million baht in money laundering bust
Police seized assets worth 50 million baht and arrested Ekachart Miprom, a high-level executive involved in money laundering, along with his wife and mother. The operation took place on March 27 at two locations in Chanthaburi province and one in Rayong province. Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phueapan, Commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, ordered Police Major General Sarayuth Junawath…
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Singaporean man hides in Myanmar after death of Thai girlfriend
The Singaporean man suspected of murdering his Thai girlfriend in a Bangkok condominium reportedly fled Thailand to hide in the Tachileik area o.f Myanmar. The 30 year old Thai woman, Proudphilas Paladon, was found lying lifeless and naked in the bathroom of her accommodation on the 22nd floor of a condominium in Bangkok on Tuesday, March 25. Her body was…
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Phuket crackdown: Officials fish for illegal workers, net nothing
In a rigorous two-day operation, Phuket officials targeted communities and camps housing Myanmar workers, aiming to clamp down on illegal immigration and unlawful activities. Despite the intense scrutiny, not a single infraction was found. Phuket officials, including immigration personnel, focused their efforts on a community in front of the bustling Phuket Fishing Pier on Sri Suthat Road. Situated opposite the…
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Pattaya hotel thief targets expat and transwoman
A brazen thief with a taste for unlocked doors and dating apps is on the run in Pattaya after targeting two victims in separate hotel-room heists — including a 63 year old Swedish tourist and a transgender woman he met online. At around 12.30am today, March 28, a hotel receptionist and a Swedish guest marched into Pattaya City Police Station…
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Thai heatwave on the horizon: It’s a storm in a hot cup
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning for Thailand, predicting hot to very hot weather and cautioning against potential dangers from summer storms, including thunderstorms and strong winds. Residents are advised to avoid outdoor activities and take precautions from today, March 28. A moderate high-pressure system from China is currently affecting southern China and is expected to extend…
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10% Songkran bus fare discount for off-peak travel
Planning to head home for Songkran? You might want to leave early or return late, because the Transport Company is offering a 10% discount for savvy travellers who avoid peak holiday dates. In a bid to ease the notorious congestion at bus terminals during the Thai New Year holiday, the Transport Company is encouraging passengers to travel outside the peak Songkran period.…
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Bangkok’s new archways to boost Charoen Krung’s cultural growth
The Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Associations of Thailand (FBPW), under the Royal Patronage, officially handed over the 72nd Birthday Anniversary Archways to Bangkok, anticipating their contribution to the sustainable economic, cultural, social, and tourism growth in the Charoen Krung area. This grand project was initiated to commemorate the auspicious occasion of the 72nd birthday anniversary of His Majesty…
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Digital money registration opens for those sans smartphones
The latest update on the economic stimulus programme reveals that those without smartphones can register for the 10,000 baht digital money initiative. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavachira stated that the Ministry of Finance is tasked with determining a suitable registration period for these citizens. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat highlighted that the registration process for those without…
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Accident or foul play? Thai woman killed by husband’s pickup
A Thai woman lost her life at her home in Bangkok today after her husband crashed his pickup into her. The husband insisted it was an accident. A 61 year old Thai man, Thianchai, today, March 27, called officers from Bang Sue Police Station and rescue workers to investigate the death of his wife, 61 year old Phummaree, at around…
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Sacred ritual at Wat Thep Sorn Thamaram draws notable crowd
A significant event unfolded at Wat Thep Sorn Thamaram in Pathum Thani yesterday, where revered monk Phra Ratchawatra Thammasophon, also known as Luang Pu Sila Sirichanto, led a sacred ritual. The ceremony, yesterday, March 26, aimed at consecrating revered amulets from Wat Luang Pu Suang, drew a notable crowd, including artists, celebrities, and high-ranking officials. Some 11 renowned monks, alongside…
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Big Brother boost: Pattaya invests 2.1 million baht in CCTV
Pattaya is getting serious about surveillance—with a multi-million-baht tech upgrade designed to keep a closer eye on streets, storms, and suspicious activity. To bolster public safety and modernise city management, the Pattaya City Council has approved a 2.1 million baht budget to enhance its real-time CCTV system. The decision was made during a recent council meeting at Taksin Hall, where…
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Thai labour minister pledges 400 baht wage hike by May 1
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has committed to a 400 baht wage increase by May 1, alongside support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). During a censure debate on March 25, People’s Party MP Sirikanya Tansakul criticised the government for not implementing the 400 baht (US$11) wage policy earlier, as promised by the prime minister. She argued that the promise was…
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ChatGPT update sparks fake Bangkok Bank slip warning
A tech-savvy warning has sent shockwaves through the online financial world: ChatGPT can now fake bank transfer slips with near-flawless accuracy—watermarks and all. In a recent post, technology blogger Kafaak raised the alarm about the powerful capabilities of ChatGPT’s latest update, which reportedly allows users to generate eerily realistic bank transfer receipts. The development has sparked serious fraud concerns, especially for small…
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Fiery inferno: Phuket car audio shop blaze torches vehicles
A car audio shop went up in flames in Phuket this morning, sending thick smoke billowing into the air and reducing several vehicles to charred wrecks in a fiery inferno that brought Thepkrasattri Road to a standstill. The blaze broke out at Sound Technics Sapam, located opposite the Krungsri Bank branch in Ratsada, just after 8.20am today, March 27. Firefighters battled…
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61 billion baht Motorway 8 project to begin in 2027
The initial phase of the Motorway 8 (M8) project, designed to connect Nakhon Pathom to Ratchaburi, is set to start in 2027, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit. This month, the Department of Highways is poised to submit a proposal for the first phase of the M8 project, valued at 61 billion baht (US$1.78 million). This…
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Similan scandal: Park boss booted over dodgy e-ticket scheme
A top official at one of Thailand’s most iconic national parks has been reportedly booted from his post amid a brewing scandal over alleged ticket fraud. Rittikorn Nunloy, head of Mu Ko Similan National Park in Phang Nga province, has been transferred to an inactive position following reports of serious irregularities in the park’s e-ticketing system. The Department of National…
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Rape-accused Bangkok MP denies vote-for-favour claims
Scandal-hit MP Chaiyamparwaan Manpianjit is fighting back against explosive claims that he supported the government in exchange for help with his ongoing rape case. The Thai Progress Party lawmaker, who represents Bangkok’s Bang Khuntien district, insists there was no political deal behind his surprise vote for Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during Wednesday’s no-confidence debate. “This issue [the rape case] has…
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Renowned Thai abbot dies from heatstroke amid soaring temperatures
A renowned abbot from a well-known temple passed away unexpectedly yesterday after suffering from heatstroke in a bathroom. The 66 year old Phra Khru Kampeera Siddhikun, abbot of Wat Burapha Ban Khae and head monk of Phak Phang subdistrict, was discovered by fellow monks and rushed to a hospital. Despite medical efforts, he was pronounced dead at 6.30pm, yesterday, March…
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PM Paetongtarn heads to Phuket to boost sustainable tourism
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is bringing her soft power message to the golden sands of Phuket in a bold bid to reshape the future of Thai tourism. The 38 year old Thai premier is set to jet off to the southern island tomorrow, March 28, as part of her push to position Thailand as a global leader in sustainable travel.…
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Air quality worsens, affecting 56 Thai provinces with high PM2.5
Air quality in the Kingdom of Thailand has deteriorated over the past week, impacting 56 provinces with elevated PM2.5 levels, notably affecting the north and northeast. Projections for the week indicate worsening conditions. As of March 27, the Air Pollution Solution Communication Centre released its air quality report. The report highlights that the PM2.5 levels exceed national standards across several…
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‘You park, we arrest’: Pattaya cracks down for order
Pattaya is on a mission to clean up its act—literally and figuratively. With public spaces overrun by private businesses and traffic jams choking its streets, the city is launching bold new initiatives to restore order and improve quality of life for both residents and tourists. Leading the charge is Pattaya City Mayor Poramet Ngampichet, who has rolled out two key…
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Thailand approves mega entertainment complex bill with casino cap
Thailand is going all-in on entertainment—but not just for gamblers. In a landmark move, the Cabinet has approved the draft Integrated Entertainment Business Act and sent it to the House of Representatives for further consideration. While the inclusion of casinos may raise eyebrows, the government insists they’ll be strictly regulated and capped at just 10% of any entertainment complex. “The…
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Pattaya lifeguards and foreigner rescue man from suicide (video)
Two Thai lifeguards and a foreigner yesterday successfully rescued a man who attempted to commit suicide in the sea off Pattaya. Two Thai lifeguards and a foreign man who witnessed the incident yesterday, March 26, pulled the Thai man, later identified as Pisit, out of the sea. Pisit reportedly choked on seawater and was exhausted, as the sea had very…
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