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 12Go introduces Japan Rail Passes to enhance travel accessibility for international travellers
For those who have travelled throughout Thailand, 12Go is a well-known provider of various trips, though the platform itself has a much wider reach. Ranging from buses to planes, 12Go is undoubtedly a leading booking platform for travel throughout the...
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Man arrested in Tak for smuggling tech gear to Myanmar
A 54 year old man has been apprehended in Tak province for attempting to smuggle computer equipment and surveillance cameras across the border to a call centre gang in Myawaddy, Myanmar. The operation, conducted yesterday, February 4, was led by Police Lieutenant General Kittisak Durongkiboon and involved various enforcement teams. The man, identified as Anusak Wongnoi from Mae Sot district,…
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Cold air from China brings cool weather and rain to Thailand
A cold air mass from China is affecting the north, northeast, central regions, the east, and Bangkok, causing a temperature drop of 1 to 4 degrees Celsius. Rain is expected in some areas, according to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecast for the next 24 hours. A new wave of moderate high-pressure or cold air mass from China is covering…
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Missing British man found dead in Bangkok
The family of a missing British man paid tribute after he was found dead in Thailand. Essex-born James Sangwine has died after going missing in Thailand for days. Thai police have yet to release details around the circumstances of the Londoner’s death. The father of one’s family has launched a fundraiser to help bring the 33 year old man’s body…
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Chinese gambling trio busted in Bangkok luxury condo raid
Three Chinese men have been arrested in Bangkok for allegedly running an illegal online gambling network with over 200,000 members and a daily turnover exceeding 2 million baht. Tourist Police raided a luxury condominium in Huai Khwang today, February 4, apprehending 41 year old Wen Chong, 24 year old Peng Cheng, and 31 year old Po Hong. The suspects were…
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Ex-boxer knocked out by law after drug-fuelled crime spree
A former well-known boxer from Udon Thani was arrested for theft and drug use and causing a disturbance in a police holding cell. The incident occurred on January 29, when the ex-boxer stole 600 baht from a grocery store in Nong Phai, Mueang district, Udon Thani. Police Colonel Udomchok Singhakulsiri from the Non Sung subdistrict police station reported that CCTV captured…
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Thailand tourists surge by 21% despite safety fears
Despite a recent high-profile trafficking case involving a Chinese actor, Thailand's tourism is booming. Foreign visitors are undeterred by safety concerns and arriving in record numbers.
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Chinese-American arrested for antisocial behaviour with fireworks
Police arrested a Chinese-born American citizen in Chon Buri for antisocial behaviour in the community by setting off fireworks, despite repeated pleas and warnings from his neighbours. A resident of a luxury housing estate in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri, recorded a video of the fireworks and shared it with the media to seek police intervention. The footage showed a Chinese…
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Bangkok man arrested for setting fire to relative’s pickup
A 52 year old man was arrested for allegedly setting fire to a relative’s pickup in Bangkok’s Nong Chok district. The incident followed a dispute over a motorcycle accident and occurred on Saturday, February 1, when a Ford Ranger was found burned beside a house in Bangkok. Upon investigation, police discovered security camera angles had been altered, obscuring the identity…
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Thai father shoots friend dead for repeated assaults on his daughter
A Thai father shot dead his close friend yesterday for repeated assaults on his 11 year old daughter at her school in the Isaan province of Chaiyaphum. Officers from Mueang Chaiyaphum Police Station investigated the murder of 31 year old Kittiwet at a petrol vending machine in the Mueang district of Chaiyaphum province at around 2pm, February 3. Kittiwet had sustained…
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Man arrested with 3.2 million meth pills in Mukdahan after car crash
A 32 year old man was arrested after crashing his car into an electricity pole during a police chase in Mukdahan province. Officers discovered 3.2 million methamphetamine (meth) pills in the vehicle, with an accomplice escaping in another car. Police from Region 4, in collaboration with various drug suppression units and the Mukdahan police, apprehended Setthachoke near Modcharoensap Garage in…
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Pharmacist in Buriram narrowly escapes attack by six American Bullies
A pharmacist in Buriram narrowly avoided an attack from six American Bullies that invaded her pharmacy and injured her disabled dog. The owner of the dogs requested the shop be closed so the dogs could run freely. However, the dog’s owner claims the pharmacist’s dog instigated the incident. Yesterday, February 3, Piyanat Munha, a 48 year old pharmacist and owner…
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Fire in Trang car paint shop causes millions in damage
A fire broke out at a car paint shop in Trang province, destroying seven vehicles and causing extensive damage estimated at several million baht. The blaze erupted yesterday, February 3 at 9pm, prompting emergency services to rush to the scene and battle the flames for nearly two hours. Police Lieutenant Colonel Vechayan Hiranyasuwan, an investigator at Mueang Trang Police Station,…
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Thai teen saved from drowning in Chao Phraya River
A 24 year old rider and volunteer from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation jumped into the Chao Phraya River to rescue a 16 year old girl who had fallen in. The incident took place yesterday, February 3 at 3.30pm, and the girl was subsequently taken to Ang Thong Hospital for treatment. Police from Mueang Ang Thong Police Station had been informed…
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Wildfires in Tak worsen air quality, efforts to contain blaze continue
Wildfires have engulfed Doi Nam Dip in Tak province for three consecutive days and nights, showing no signs of abating. The fires have exacerbated air pollution in the area, with PM2.5 levels blanketing the province. Officials are intensifying efforts to extinguish the blaze. The wildfires raging in Tak have intensified, causing hazardous smoke to cover the entire province. Today, February…
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NHSO adds six medications to national health insurance scheme
The National Health Security Office (NHSO) board approved the addition of six medications to the national health insurance system yesterday, February 3. This initiative aims to ensure patients have comprehensive access to essential treatments, particularly for tuberculosis, nephritis, and lymphoma. The decision follows approval from various subcommittees and aligns with recommendations from the World Health Organisation on tuberculosis treatment. The…
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Five Myanmar nationals caught crossing into Thailand illegally
Five Myanmar nationals were apprehended by the Ratchamanu Special Task Force for illegally crossing into Thailand near the Moei River today. The team, led by the Naresuan Mobile Unit, was patrolling the area of Don Chai village in Mae Tao subdistrict, Mae Sot district, Tak province, today, February 4 at 1.30am, when they noticed suspicious movement in the grasslands by…
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4 from over 100 Thai women rescued from illegal surrogacy in Georgia
The Paveena Foundation for Children and Women rescued four women from a group of over 100 Thai women who were deceived into travelling to Georgia for illegal surrogacy operations run by Chinese nationals. One of the victims, Na, paid 70,000 baht for her freedom and returned to Thailand to seek help from the foundation to rescue other Thai women still…
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British tourist’s bribery tale jailed as ‘untrue’ by Pattaya police chief
A British tourist’s claims of bribing his way out of a Pattaya jail have been denounced as “largely untrue” by a Pattaya police chief. However, in a bid for transparency, the Pattaya police chief promises a thorough review of the evidence. Police Colonel Nawin Theerawit, head of the Pattaya Police Station in Chon Buri province, issued a strong denial yesterday,…
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Thailand’s 34 billion baht railway plan to boost trade and tourism
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is pushing for an 80-million-baht budget to conduct a feasibility study for a new double-track railway linking Hat Yai in Songkhla to Sungai Kolok in Narathiwat. The massive 34.59 billion baht project aligns with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s policy to enhance railway efficiency, improve connectivity between Thailand and neighbouring countries, and stimulate border trade,…
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Blaze at Trang car repair shop causes 10 million baht damage
A severe fire broke out at a major car repair shop in Mueang district, Trang province, affecting over 30 vehicles being serviced. At least seven cars were destroyed, with damages exceeding 10 million baht, as firefighters worked for 90 minutes to control the blaze. Nattapong Niamsom, Mayor of Nataluang subdistrict, mobilised fire engines and coordinated with local administrative organisations for…
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Thailand caps airfares to curb Songkran holiday price hikes
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) announced yesterday, February 3, its plans to address the issue of high airfares during peak travel periods, especially around the Songkran holiday. According to CAAT chief Suttipong Kongpool, the initiative is in response to a directive from Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, aimed at regulating airfares for the benefit of…
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Thailand’s most polluted areas revealed in air quality report
IQAir released a real-time report on air quality in Thailand highlighting the top 10 areas with the highest levels of PM 2.5 pollution, a fine particulate matter known to affect health. As of 8.49am, today, February 4, these areas were identified as having air quality levels that pose health risks, marked in red for their severity. The list of the…
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Thai couple seeks answers after unborn baby vanishes from womb and hospital records
A Thai couple is demanding an explanation from a hospital in Pathum Thani province, near Bangkok, after one of their unborn children went missing from both the woman’s womb and the hospital’s database. The couple, 42 year old Wicharn and 38 year old Rungarun, sought help from non-profit organisation Saimai Survive after the loss of their unborn twins and confusion…
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Bangkok commits to dust-free classrooms amidst pollution concerns
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has committed to increasing the number of dust-free classrooms within its schools by the end of the year. During a community inspection in Watthana district, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt highlighted the need to address public concerns, particularly those related to environmental and public health issues. The 58 year old Bangkok chief confirmed that 744 out…
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3 Thai exchange students accuse Filipina host in Ireland of racism
Three Thai exchange students accused a Filipina host in Ireland of racism, claiming she treated them unfairly and complained about them without reason, despite their weekly payment for accommodation. One of the students took to her TikTok account, @ekongza, to share a video of them moving out of their host’s home in Ireland, with a caption that read… “We are exchange…
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Golden days: Dazzling rise in gold prices spark trading frenzy
In a sparkling turn of events, gold prices have shot up, leaving traders feverishly clasping their hands with glee. Today, February 4 marked a golden morning as the Gold Traders Association (GTA) announced a substantial hike of 250 baht compared to yesterday’s rates, setting the trading floors abuzz with anticipation. As the clock struck 9.05 am, the shimmering reality set…
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Chiang Mai teen arrested for arranging underage prostitution
A 16 year old girl in Chiang Mai has been arrested for allegedly acting as a pimp, arranging sexual services for a 14 year old girl with a fee of 3,500 baht. The arrest, made by police following a sting operation, occurred at a hotel. The suspect admitted to earning a commission of 500 baht per client. Yesterday, February 3,…
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Chiang Mai Night Safari welcomes adorable young hyenas (video)
Chiang Mai Night Safari has introduced two young striped hyenas, a male and a female, following in the footsteps of the much-loved tiger Eva. The hyenas’ debut occurred yesterday, February 3, attracting many visitors charmed by the new arrivals. The young hyenas, born to parents Sonic and Sanya on December 13 last year, represent a significant success in breeding rare…
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Man arrested for setting fire to sugarcane field in Buriram
A 53 year old man has been arrested for setting fire to a sugarcane field in the Mueang district of Buriram province, causing damage to over 30 rai with losses estimated in hundreds of thousands of baht. He claims alcohol and stress from a marital dispute impaired his judgment. Police Colonel Chamras Siriliang, along with other officers, apprehended Sombat yesterday,…
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Family arrested after illegal land occupation in Sattahip
Royal Thai Police (RTP) and naval forces in Sattahip apprehended a family for defying a court order by illegally occupying private land. The family resisted arrest, with one member attempting to flee on horseback, but eventually surrendered after negotiations yesterday, February 3 at 2.10pm. Police Colonel Thanaphon Klinkesaorn, along with Deputy Police Colonel Suwichak Ruennuamdee and an investigative team, arrived…
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