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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Why 8 Atelier Residence is poised for growth: Phuket’s investment hotspot in the making
Phuket’s residential real estate market is no longer defined only by beachfront villas and short-stay resort condominiums. The island is now seeing sustained interest from international investors targeting long-term yields, capital stability, and access to full-scale lifestyle infrastructure. Looking at...
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Forest fires cut Thailand tourism revenue by 400 million baht
Forest fires in Thailand have severely impacted the economy, with annual tourism revenue dropping from 2 billion baht to 1.6 billion baht. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) is urgently implementing prevention plans to address these issues. Director of the National Park Office at the DNP, Chaiwat Limlikit-aksorn revealed that most forest fires are human-induced, resulting…
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Thailand sobers up: Slams brakes on extended alcohol sales hours
The Government of Thailand dashed hopes of extended alcohol sales hours, citing alarming statistics on road casualties and accidents. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin announced the decision following a tense panel meeting at the ministry on Tuesday, asserting that public safety must take precedence. “The ministry’s alcoholic beverage control committee reviewed road accident statistics and related legal implications, recognising the…
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Brief encounter: Cobra sneaks into man’s boxers in Rayong (video)
Snake Rescue Rayong officials safely removed a cobra that slithered into the boxer shorts of a Thai man while he slept. A rescuer and an exotic pet lover shared a video and some words of the rescue operation on his Facebook account, Ner KhwaiTai, on June 8. “A little cobra with big venom. It seeks warmth in human’s boxer shorts.…
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Buriram bust-up: Minibus driver assaults woman over school run
A heated altercation occurred in Buriram yesterday when a local minibus driver assaulted a woman, who was picking up village children for school, the driver was angered by the encroachment into his minibus territory. The incident, which occurred around 7am yesterday on a village road in Prakhon Chai District, Buriram, was witnessed by several parents and schoolchildren who were left…
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Police bust cross-border vehicle theft gang in Ubon Ratchathani
Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) officers, along with Ubon Ratchathani Highway Police, apprehended a gang involved in stealing and selling vehicles across borders. The suspects admitted to stealing three motorcycles in a single day, earning 14,000 baht for their efforts. Today, June 20, Kirati Hoemsrichat, Police Lieutenant Colonel of Highway Police Division 4, led the operation with the CIB. The officers…
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Don Mueang tollway tolls to rise by up to 10 baht
Don Mueang Tollway, the operator of the elevated Uttraphimuk Tollway, announced a toll increase of 5 to 10 baht, bringing the maximum toll fee to 170 baht, effective December 22. The announcement was made today by Don Mueang Tollway Public Company Limited, informing users about the upcoming change in toll rates based on the concession contract amendment agreement 3/2550 dated…
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Phuket lifeguards raise red flags as surf conditions turn deadly
Lifeguards today have raised red no swimming flags along Patong Beach, urging all residents and tourists to avoid entering the water. This follows a notice issued yesterday by Phuket Vice Governor Sattha Thongkham, acting on behalf of the governor of Phuket. The red flags indicate areas deemed too dangerous for swimming due to heavy surf conditions. Despite these warnings, some…
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Buriram teen tragically dies in motorcycle crash with parked truck
A high school student tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident when he collided with a parked 10-wheeler truck while on his way to school. The incident occurred at 7.30am today, June 20, on the Nang Rong-Pakham road, near the entrance to Sub Phra Ya Subdistrict, Nang Rong District, Buriram Province. Police Lieutenant Weerawut Ratprakhon, Deputy Inspector of Nong…
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American tourist and Thai girlfriend drown in Phuket
An American tourist and his Thai girlfriend drowned after allegedly ignoring a red flag weather warning at Mai Khao Beach in Phuket. The bodies of 45 year old James Edmond Newman from New York, and 48 year old Waranya Chanphai from Surin province, were discovered on Monday morning, June 17. Police Major Ronnapoom Permpoon of the Thachatchai Police Station stated…
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Phuket police seize drugs and pen gun in major Chalong bust
Phuket Provincial Police arrested a 28 year old man in Chalong for possession of over 4,800 methamphetamine pills, also known as Yaba, more than 22 grammes of crystal meth and a homemade pen gun. Led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Phichit Thongto, Chief of the Crime Suppression Division at Phuket Provincial Police, officers apprehended Surawut Ratanaliam at a rented room off…
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Isaan hospital probe urged after alleged misdiagnoses lead to deaths
Non-profit organisation Be One is demanding an investigation into Phra Thong Kham Hospital in the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima following reports of more than 10 patient deaths due to alleged misdiagnoses. The issue came to light after the death of 15 year old Natdanai, who sustained serious head injuries in a motorcycle accident and was admitted to Phra Thong…
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Cargo plane chaos shuts down Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong’s quest to reclaim its status as a premier international aviation hub hit turbulence this week when a cargo plane incident brought Hong Kong International Airport to a standstill. Cathay Pacific Airways’ gradual resumption of services to pre-pandemic levels has been overshadowed by the chaos caused by a runway shutdown. A runway closure following a cargo plane emergency forced…
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Sky-high opportunities: Vietjet Thailand holds recruitment event
Vietjet Thailand took off with its largest recruitment event in six years on June 15, transforming the Paragon Cineplex in Siam Paragon into a bustling hub of aviation career opportunities. This year’s Sky Career Festival, an annual extravaganza since 2018, saw the launch of Vietjet Thailand’s groundbreaking Major Cadet Pilot Training Programme. Over 10,000 eager attendees flocked to explore diverse…
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Thailand eyes cleaner energy with new power plan for 2024 to 2037
Thailand’s revised power development plan (PDP) is set to be submitted for approval after a week-long public hearing concluded yesterday, the implementation of the plan by year’s end, will steer the country towards cleaner energy. Central to Thailand’s commitment to reducing carbon dioxide emissions, the PDP is expected to provide a clearer path for the nation. Thailand announced its commitment…
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Health tourism: Phuket’s new wellness haven
To bolster health tourism, BDMS Wellness Clinic teamed up with Bangkok Hospital Phuket and Laguna Phuket to unveil the BDMS Wellness Clinic Laguna Phuket. This new branch aims to solidify BDMS Wellness Clinic’s dominance in creating a wellness economic corridor in the Andaman region. The government’s 2022 announcement of the Andaman Wellness Economic Corridor project set the stage for this…
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Teenage gang arrested for impersonating officials and extortion
A teenage gang in Bueng Kan has been arrested for impersonating officials, carrying firearms, and extorting money from individuals. The victims were lured into giving money through threats and intimidation but an undercover police operation led to their capture. Provincial Governor Sompop Samitasiri and police officials yesterday held a press conference announcing the arrest of three suspects, which were as…
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Chiang Mai man’s foul play: Dog shot and grilled in grisly twist
In the northern province of Chiang Mai, a Burmese man fatally shot a dog, claiming the animal had eaten his chickens, before allegedly grilling and eating it. The Save Elephant Foundation in Chiang Mai contacted the Watchdog Thailand Foundation (WDT) and Mae Taeng Police Station to seek justice for the female dog named Daeng. The foundation revealed that the Burmese…
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Nonthaburi police chief warns of identity fraud loan scam
Police Chief Jaturon Anurakbandit reported a case against a scammer who used his name and rank to deceive a woman into transferring money, threatening her with a lawsuit if she failed to comply. The scammer demanded 50,000 baht from the victim, who had initially sought an online loan. Police Chief Jaturon of Nonthaburi City Police Station complained after discovering that…
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Beauty salon owner devastated after niece steals 72,000 baht
A beauty salon owner has been left devastated after her niece stole nearly 100,000 baht and disappeared. Anyone with information that leads to the niece’s whereabouts will receive a 10,000 baht reward. At 7.16pm yesterday, a beauty shop owner, 30 year old Ann shared her story with the media to serve as both a warning and a plea for help.…
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Lamps out: Lampang horse-drawn carriage rides face unbridled end
The famed horse-drawn carriage rides in Lampang may soon become a relic of the past, as dwindling tourism revenue fails to attract new generations to sustain the business, according to the Tourism Council of Lampang. Lampang registered 559,892 visitors in the first four months of this year, a 0.52% decline year-on-year, with only 35,131 foreign travellers. Despite the drop in…
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Thai monk arrested for drug and sex at Samut Prakarn temple
Police arrested a decadent 35 year old Thai monk at a temple in Samut Prakan province near Bangkok after he was found using and selling drugs. The miscreant monk also had sex with men at the temple. Condoms, poppers, lubricating gel, and women’s dresses were found as evidence. Officers from the Patrol and Special Operations Division of the Metropolitan Police…
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Nongprue mayor waxes lyrical over Buddhist Lent Candle Parade
In East Pattaya, Mayor Winai Inpitak of Nongprue Municipality is gearing up for the much-anticipated Buddhist Lent Candle Parade Festival 2024. Set to dazzle spectators on Friday, July 19, at the municipality’s football field, this annual celebration promises to be a feast for the senses, honouring Buddhist Lent Day and celebrating local culture. The Buddhist Lent Candle Parade Festival is…
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Bangkok monk faces backlash for flaunting lavish lifestyle
A prominent Facebook page shared a post featuring a well-known Bangkok monk flaunting a luxurious lifestyle, using two high-end mobile phones and purchasing a diamond bracelet worth 185,000 baht. Just another day and another story of a monk in Thailand subverting the simple Buddhist teachings of discipline, simplicity, and mindfulness. The post, shared yesterday, highlights the extravagant behaviours of the…
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Deputy PM defends mammoth borrowing to jump start growth
In a heated parliamentary session yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira staunchly defended the government’s proposal to borrow a staggering 865 billion baht to mitigate the fiscal 2025 budget deficit. Pichai argued that this bold move is essential to rejuvenate Thailand’s languishing economy and achieve targeted GDP growth. He assured lawmakers that the loan would adhere strictly…
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Honouring heroes: Yacht club hosts D-Day anniversary
In a moving tribute against the backdrop of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club in Pattaya, a ceremony commemorated the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. The Royal British Legion Thailand orchestrated the event, held with the gracious permission of the Yacht Club’s Commodore and staff, and generously supported by various sponsors. Father David Price delivered a poignant sermon on the…
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Thai man blackmailed after woman calls with phone sex offer
A Thai man in the Isaan province of Udon Thani is seeking help from police after a woman called offering phone sex and later blackmailed him with his explicit picture for 50,000 baht. The victim, 48 year old Ek, told officers from Mueang Udon Thani Police Station and Channel 3 that the scammer contacted him through a LINE application and…
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Phetchaburi village headman shoots chaos-causing addict
A community in Phetchaburi was left in turmoil after a drug-addicted young man created chaos, leading the village headman to shoot him. The incident occurred yesterday evening when the young man, recently released from rehab, threatened violence. Police Lieutenant Nattathun Poonseesang of Ban Lat Police Station disclosed that at 8pm yesterday, a shooting incident was reported in front of the…
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Warning at Jomtien Beach: Erosion creates dangerous slope
Jomtien Municipality placed warning signs around Jomtien Beach, alerting tourists to a hazardous slope formed by erosion. The signs advise visitors to steer clear of the affected area for their safety. A significant portion of the beach, stretching approximately 1 kilometre, has experienced severe erosion due to monsoon waves and strong winds. This natural process has resulted in a steep…
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Drunk Thai taxi driver found dead in car outside ex-wife’s apartment
A drunk Thai taxi driver was found dead in his car parked outside his ex-wife’s apartment in the Bang Bon district of Bangkok on Tuesday night. Officers from Bang Khun Thian Police Station were alerted to the man’s death by 43 year old Thai woman Surumpa, at around 10pm, on June 18. She discovered the lifeless body of her ex-husband,…
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Tourists’ Phuket beach fun turns into life-or-death drama
Eight foreign tourists narrowly escaped drowning in Phuket’s treacherous seas yesterday after ignoring warning signs on the beaches. In the first harrowing incident, two Indian couples defied the red flag flying on Karon Beach and ventured into the turbulent waters. Witnesses reported the tourists quickly found themselves overwhelmed by the powerful waves and wind, unable to swim back to shore.…
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