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 What is the 5 year visa for the digital nomad in Thailand?
The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is a great option for digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers who want to stay in Thailand for a long time. This multiple-entry visa is valid for five years, allowing stays of up to 180...
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Thailand hosts first-ever ‘Cops Combat’ martial arts contest
Thailand is set to host its first-ever mixed martial arts event for police officers only, targetted for May 28 at Rajadamnern Stadium, the appropriately titles Cops Combat event will see police officers from various parts of the country competing in a combat sports tournament. The competition is open to both male and female officers of all ranks and ages, divided…
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Policewoman arrested for role in kidnapping of Indonesian man
Police arrested a policewoman on May 19 for her alleged involvement in the kidnapping and ransom of an Indonesian man in the southern province of Phatthalung on May 11. The 29 year old Indonesian victim, Syawana, was rescued from a house in Phatthalung province on May 15 by officers from the Mueang Phatthalung Police Station after he was kidnapped and…
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Brief bandit: thief strips down to underwear, swipes stash of briefs
An underwear thief, dressed only in his undies, drove to a house and stole a collection of underwear, later claiming it was the result of a dare. The incident took place on the morning of May 18 in Ban Pa Tueng Ngam, Pa O Don Chai sub-district, Mueng district, Chiang Rai. The homeowner, 44 year old Somphop shared CCTV footage…
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Ten-year-old rice auction resumes after safety tests
Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, announced the continuation of the 10-year-old rice auction after private lab tests showed no contamination. The Public Warehouse Organisation (PWO) has been instructed to expedite the process meticulously. Phumtham yesterday shared that private tests conducted by a leading company found no carcinogens or residue from fumigation in the rice. This follows…
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Bangkok cops uncover ketamine and cocaine in drug bust
Police officers from Thonglor Police Station uncovered a stash of illicit drugs, including ketamine and cocaine-laced e-cigarette pods, at a condominium in Khlong Toei in a drug bust following a loud argument between a couple. Police officers from Thonglor Police Station responded to a disturbance report in the late hours of yesterday at a condominium in Khlong Toei. Upon arrival,…
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Police arrest man for selling psilocybin mushrooms in Bangkok
Police apprehended a 27 year old man in the Bang Chan Subdistrict, Khlong Sam Wa District, Bangkok, on charges of illegal possession and attempted distribution of psilocybin mushrooms, a Category 5 narcotic. Police seized 11 items as evidence. The arrest followed a tip-off from an informant who reported that Chitsanupong was cultivating and selling psilocybin mushrooms online and delivering them…
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Thais support reclassifying marijuana as illegal, NIDA poll
A recent survey by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) poll reveals that a majority of Thais endorse plans to reclassify marijuana as an illegal drug, although opinions on its benefits remain divided. The NIDA conducted the poll from May 14 to May 15, engaging 1,310 individuals aged 15 and over across various educational backgrounds and occupations. Participants were…
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Phuket cracks down on illegal jet-ski operations in Yamu Bay
Phuket police cracked down on illegal jet-ski operations in Yamu Bay and the neighbouring areas of Ao Por, Koh Rang, Koh Rang Noi, and Naka Island, all situated off the east coast of the island. Natchapong Pranit, Director of the Marine Department Region 5 office (Phuket Marine Office), revealed that the operation was initiated following numerous complaints from locals. They…
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Thailand to ratify enforced disappearance convention by June 13
Thailand is set to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED) by June 13, as announced by the Foreign Affairs Ministry. The ratification marks a significant step in the country’s commitment to human rights. Thailand deposited an Instrument of Ratification for the ICPPED on May 14. The convention will come into effect thirty days…
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PM backs Phu Kradueng cable car project to boost tourism
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed his support for the long-awaited cable car project at Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei. During his official visit to Italy, he met with Leitner, an Italian-based ropeway company, to discuss plans for building electric cable cars. Leitner, which had already contracted with the Thai government for the cable car and ropeway sales, received praise…
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Voluntary exodus leaves 1% of workforce jobless in first quarter
Over 400,000 individuals, representing approximately 1% of the working-age population, were unemployed during the first quarter of the year, with the primary reason being voluntary resignation. Piyanuch Wuttisornon, the Director-General of the National Statistical Office (NSO), announced the findings from a survey on the working-age population. The results indicated a decrease in unemployment numbers for the first quarter compared to…
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Thai PM introduces indigo fabric to top Italian fashion houses
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has introduced Thai indigenous indigo-dyed fabric to leading Italian fashion ateliers as part of the government’s initiative to boost fashion commerce and trade exchanges with Italy. Currently on an official visit to Italy until May 21, the 62 year old prime minister met with fashion heavyweights Zegna and Loro Piana, and engaged in discussions with the…
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NBTC crackdown on online scams: 106 million mobile numbers under scrutiny
Scammers in Thailand use SIM cards registered under other people’s names to call potential victims and lure them into sending money or take control of their phones remotely to steal money with banking apps. The NBTC is working with banks and mobile network operators AIS and True to ensure that connected phone SIM cards and mobile banking accounts are registered…
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Disgraced Khon Kaen school director nabbed for buying sex from student, 12
Authorities in Khon Kaen have launched an investigation into allegations of child sex abuse after the arrest of a school director and a retired teacher accused of purchasing sex from a 12-year-old student. The school director has been reassigned to the local educational services office and will face disciplinary action, according to Thee Pawangkhanan, deputy secretary-general of the Office of…
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Durian: Can The King of Fruits kill you when you drink alcohol?
Durian, the notorious “king of fruits,” is a culinary adventure synonymous with Thailand. Its spiky exterior hides a creamy, custard-like flesh with a flavor that’s been described as anything from sweet caramel to pungent onion. Durian has a devoted following throughout Thailand, where it’s enjoyed in everything from ice cream to savory curries. But what happens when this tropical king…
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Thailand aims for 270 million passengers by 2037
To solidify its position as the aviation powerhouse of the Asia Pacific, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) unveiled a comprehensive three-stage strategy yesterday. This ambitious plan aims to skyrocket the nation’s air traveller capacity to an astounding 270 million passengers annually by 2037, propelling Thailand into the region’s top five countries for air logistics. The initiative, part of…
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Thai influencer deceived by ex-partner over 200,000 baht payment
A Thai influencer tearfully disclosed being deceived by her former lover into losing a substantial amount of advertising money. Unable to contact her ex, she is now seeking legal recourse. The 59 year old influencer Sataporn Phutthakul, known as Aunt Porn, revealed that her ex-partner swindled her out of 200,000 baht, leaving her with only 50,000 baht and subsequently deducting…
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Pattaya raid busts South Korean gambling in coffee shop
Authorities in Pattaya arrested 10 South Korean nationals during a raid on a coffee shop that doubled as a gambling den. The police operation took place yesterday evening on the second floor of Sand Coffee in Bang Lamung district. Bang Lamung district chief Veekit Manarojkiit and Pattaya Police Colonel Navin Thirawit led the raid at 9.26pm. Upon entering, they discovered…
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British family leaves UK for Thailand for cheaper living costs
A young British family has swapped the grey skies of Cheshire for the sunny shores of Thailand, seeking refuge from the UK’s crippling cost of living crisis. Jess, her partner Harry (surnames withheld), and their two year old daughter Cece uprooted their lives in Congleton to start afresh in Southeast Asia. Their decision was driven by surging energy bills that…
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Bangkok beats the heat: A top summer destination
Bangkok clinched a spot among the world’s top 10 summer destinations, according to the latest Mastercard Economics Institute (MEI) report. The MEI’s Travel Trends 2024: Breaking Boundaries reveals that Bangkok is set to see a surge in tourist demand over the next three months, ranking 7th globally. David Mann, Mastercard’s chief economist for Asia Pacific (APAC), highlighted that Thailand’s tourism…
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Indonesia: Airline staff plummets from Airbus A320 (video)
A jaw-dropping video has emerged showing an airline staff member’s terrifying fall from an Airbus A320 after a step ladder was prematurely retracted. The incident, caught on camera and shared by Sanjay Lazar on Twitter, now known as X, quickly went viral, leaving viewers stunned and authorities scrambling for answers. The footage, reportedly taken in Indonesia and involving Transnusa Airlines,…
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Patong: Intoxicated tourist causes chaos on Thaweewong Road
Authorities in Patong had to intervene when a foreign tourist, heavily intoxicated, caused a disturbance on Thaweewong Road early Tuesday morning, May 14. Despite the incident occurring four days prior, details were released today, underscoring that officers adhered to standard police protocols. At approximately 2.30am on Tuesday, Patong Police Station received multiple alerts from concerned citizens and tourists about a…
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E-cigarette drug ring busted in Bangkok: Meth-infused vapes
Thai authorities announced the capture of an international drug ring after a dramatic raid on several Bangkok condominiums on Thursday. The Thai Special Service Division (SSD) and other agencies revealed their findings in a high-profile press conference. According to the SSD, the operation targeted a criminal network distributing modified e-cigarettes laced with methamphetamine and other dangerous substances. The investigation began…
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Southern Thailand: Locals unite to halt Land Bridge project
People’s networks from Ranong and Chumphon provinces rallied yesterday in front of the Lang Suan district office, vehemently opposing the controversial multi-billion baht Land Bridge project planned for their region. Protesters issued a powerful statement demanding the immediate cancellation of the project, arguing it would deplete vital resources better preserved for future generations. “Our children and grandchildren deserve a sustainable…
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Thailand unveils Phuket monorail plan to improve transport
The government unveiled an ambitious plan to enhance Phuket’s transportation infrastructure, featuring a new monorail system linking the airport and Phuket Town. This initiative arises from the island’s robust economic performance, with over 300 billion baht in circulation last year. Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke announced yesterday that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recognised Phuket’s potential, aligning with the government’s strategy to…
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Flash flood warning issued for 26 provinces due to heavy rain
Residents in 26 provinces have been alerted to the risk of flash floods starting today until May 25 as heavy rainfall is anticipated across various regions, prompting the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to intensify efforts to clear the city’s drainage system and install water pumps. Deputy government spokesperson Karom Phonphonklang announced that heavy rain is forecasted for 26 provinces, including…
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Thailand and Italy to strengthen ties in renewable energy
Thailand and Italy will intensify cooperation in renewable energy, sports tourism, medical science, pharmaceuticals, and defence, according to Deputy Government Spokeswoman Radklao Intawong Suwankiri. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni will discuss these topics to bolster bilateral ties during the premier’s official five-day visit to Italy which started yesterday. Celebrating the 156th anniversary of diplomatic relations,…
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The case for legal gambling in Thailand
The gambling industry has seen massive growth internationally in recent years. With iGaming coming to the fore, players worldwide can legally try their luck and enjoy the thrills that gambling is famous for. In some countries, however, the act of gambling is not only frowned upon but wholly illegal. Thailand is one of these places, and it has strict legislation…
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Thai mother-in-law admits to fatal stabbing in Nonthaburi
A mother-in-law confessed to fatally stabbing her son-in-law after a heated argument between him and her daughter over a video call with another woman. The incident occurred in a village in Maha Sawat, Bang Kruai District, Nonthaburi Province. The victim, 38 year old Warakorn, was found dead in his home with stab wounds. Following the incident, the mother in law,…
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Plane pain: Soaring airfares hit turbulence amid shortage struggles
Soaring airfares are expected to persist as airlines grapple with a shortage of planes, labour, and spare parts, making it challenging to meet the surging demand for travel. A recent report by ING Bank NV highlights the myriad issues plaguing the global aviation industry, noting ongoing supply-chain constraints. Air travel demand is anticipated to surpass pre-pandemic levels this year but…
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