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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2026 SAFF Futsal Championship to debut in Bangkok as South Asia launches new tournament
The South Asian Football Federation will stage the first-ever SAFF Futsal Championship in Bangkok, Thailand, from 13 to 26 January 2026, marking a major step in the development of futsal across South Asia. The biennial men’s national team tournament will feature all seven SAFF member associations, each making their debut in the competition. The participating teams are Bangladesh, Bhutan, India,…
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Royal Thai Navy detains 67 Cambodian migrants attempting illegal border crossing into Thailand
The Royal Thai Navy has detained 67 Cambodian migrant workers who attempted to illegally cross the Thai border in Chanthaburi province, authorities confirmed on January 3, 2026. The group included men, women, and children who officials said were fleeing severe economic hardship, unemployment, and food insecurity in their home communities. Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiyapan, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Navy,…
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2nd Army Area raids scammer hideout, uncovers scripted fraud operations targeting multiple countries
The 2nd Army Area has raided a large scammer hideout in the Chong Chom border area of Surin province, uncovering an organized fraud operation that used detailed scripts, manuals, and national symbols to deceive victims in multiple countries. Authorities say the findings highlight the growing sophistication of transnational scam networks operating near Thailand’s borders. At 11.38am on January 3, 2026,…
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Second Army Area releases footage alleging Cambodian military activity near Preah Vihear
The Second Army Area on Saturday released video footage it claims shows Cambodian forces using areas near the Preah Vihear temple complex as an active military position, raising fresh security concerns along the Thai–Cambodian border. The footage was made public on January 3, 2026, at around 3.10pm, as Thai authorities continued close monitoring of border conditions. According to the Second…
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Thailand’s new year holiday 2026 sees over eight million travelers, fewer accidents and smooth nationwide transport
Thailand’s New Year holiday 2026 concluded with more than eight million people traveling across the country, while road accidents and transport disruptions declined compared with the previous year, according to the Ministry of Transport. From December 30 2025 to January 1 2026, a total of more than 8.2 million passengers used public transport nationwide. Although this figure represents a 3.9…
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Fire destroys monk’s living quarters at Nimit Mai temple, investigation underway
A fire completely destroyed a monk’s living quarters at a well-known temple in the Nimit Mai area of Bangkok on the morning of January 3, 2026, prompting an urgent response from firefighters and an ongoing investigation into the cause of the blaze. The incident was reported at 8.27am through the 199 emergency hotline. Firefighters from the Bang Chan Fire and…
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Fire erupts in condo, woman hospitalized for smoke inhalation
A fire broke out inside a condominium unit in Bangkok’s Ladprao area on Thursday, sending thick smoke through the building and leaving a young woman hospitalized with smoke inhalation injuries. Authorities said the fire was quickly brought under control and is believed to have been caused by an electrical short circuit in an air-conditioning unit. At around 12.15pm on January…
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Van carrying passenger crashes after tire blowout, one killed and eight injured
A fatal road accident in Udon Thani province left one person dead and eight others injured after a passenger van carrying pilgrims suffered a tire blowout and slammed into a roadside tree on Wednesday afternoon, authorities said. The incident occurred at about 1.50pm on January 2, 2026, on the Nong Han–Phibun Rak road between Ban Nai Yom and Ban Don…
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Thai maid detained live on TV after allegedly poisoning toddler with disinfectant
Police detained a Thai housemaid during a live television interview today, December 30, after she was accused of attempting to poison her employer’s young child by mixing disinfectant into his milk. The case came to light after a Thai mother issued a warning to the online community, saying her two year old Thai son Kirin narrowly escaped serious harm. She…
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Tourists head to koh chang for new year as ferry traffic jams stretch 1km
The New Year Festival atmosphere in Trat province has returned to full vibrancy. Reports from the Laem Ngop Ferry Terminal today, on December 30, 2025, indicate a surge of tourists heading to the islands, resulting in significant traffic congestion. Meanwhile, operators and tourists confirm that Koh Kood and Koh Mak remain safe destinations despite border concerns. Both Thai and international…
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Naval officer rapes woman and allegedly leaves her naked on back of car
A naval officer paid 180,000 baht to a Thai woman after he raped her and allegedly left her naked on the trunk of his mini bus while driving her home along a road in Chon Buri. The 23 year old Thai woman filed a complaint with Sattahip Police Station today, December 30. She told police that she was sexually assaulted…
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New year 2026: BTS-MRT last train schedule & free parking locations revealed
As the countdown to New Year 2026 approaches, revellers planning to celebrate at Bangkok’s major landmarks can enjoy a smoother New Year commute and travel with peace of mind. The Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with mass transit operators, is gifting the public extended service hours under the ‘H.N.Y 2569’ campaign to ensure safe and convenient journeys home. All Trains…
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FDA raids illegal factory reviving banned ‘old man forgets walking stick’ tonic
The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) raided an illegal manufacturing facility today, December 30, after consumers reported the resurgence of a banned herbal tonic known as ‘Old Man Forgets Walking Stick’ (Kon Tao Leum Mai Tao). Officials warned that the counterfeit product contains dangerous chemicals and undeclared modern drugs, posing a severe health risk to consumers. The investigation began…
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Thai PM candidate defends sea prison plan amid ‘Azkaban’ mockery
A prime ministerial candidate from the United Thai Nation Party (UTN) insisted that the party’s proposal to build a sea prison for influential criminals is not a fantasy, after online users mocked the idea and compared it to Azkaban prison from the Harry Potter series. Following the dissolution of parliament on December 11, Thailand is now heading towards a General…
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CIB raids illegal factory in hua hin, seizes over 13,000 items including expired milk sold online
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), led by the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPB), has dismantled an illegal food production operation disguised as a residential home in Hua Hin. The raid uncovered a scheme involving the alteration of expiration dates on expired branded milk, the production of unregulated instant coffee, and the repacking of MSG for sale on online platforms. Officers…
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Thailand video news | Thai and Cambodian envoys hold talks in China, British bystander stops necklace snatch attempt on Bangkok street
In Thailand video news, Alex and Jay cover news stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia. The stories include Thailand and Cambodia’s latest rounds of peace talks and nearly immediate violations, the People’s Party’s latest hopefuls found in familiar faces, one last round of wacky stories from around the Kingdom to send you off into your New Year’s Celebration, as…
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New Thai law tightens sex crime and bullying penalties
The Royal Gazette recently published the Act Amending the Criminal Code (No. 30), B.E. 2568 (2025). This amendment significantly modernizes the definitions of sexual offenses to align with current social behaviors, covering abuse of power in professional relationships and online actions. Here is what you need to know about the changes effective immediately: New Definition of Rape The law clarifies…
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Boat taxi from Phuket Airport to Patong tested again in congestion relief plan
Phuket launched another trial run of a boat taxi service linking Phuket International Airport and Patong Beach yesterday, December 29, as part of efforts to ease traffic congestion across the province. The boat taxi project has been discussed by Phuket officials for years. Officials believe the service could significantly reduce travel time between the airport and Patong Beach, cutting journeys…
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Mother files police report after housekeeper spikes toddler’s milk with antiseptic
A 35 year old university professor has filed a formal police complaint against a newly hired housekeeper who allegedly mixed antiseptic liquid (Dettol) into a milk bottle intended for her two year old son. Metropolitan Police are currently gathering evidence to apprehend the suspect. Today, on December 30, Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam Boonsom, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, alongside…
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New year exodus brings heavy traffic to isan on highway 304
The annual journey home for the New Year festival has commenced, resulting in heavy traffic volume on routes heading to the Northeast. Highway Police issued an urgent warning regarding Highway 348 at Khao Chong Tako, advising travelers to avoid the route due to safety concerns near the Thai-Cambodian border. Reporters observed heavy traffic congestion on Suwinthawong Road (Highway 304) towards…
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Another Chinese suspect arrested in Pattaya bar stabbing that injures 3 guards
Police arrested another Chinese suspect who stabbed three security guards at a bar in Pattaya on Sunday night, December 28. Officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station, along with rescuers from the Sawang Borriboon Dhammasatan Foundation, rushed to 168 Garden Bar on South Pattaya Road at around 11.36pm after receiving reports of a knife attack. Three bar security guards were injured…
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Thai man breaks down recounting alleged police assault in Pattaya
A Thai man broke down in tears while speaking to journalists as he recounted what he described as an unfair incident in which a police officer in Pattaya allegedly assaulted him, but he was later detained overnight instead. The 31 year old Thai man Arnon contacted several news agencies and urged journalists to publicise his case in the hope of…
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Pattaya lifeguards save Dutch woman from drowning at Jomtien Beach
Thai lifeguards at Jomtien Beach in Pattaya successfully saved a Dutch woman from drowning after performing CPR until her pulse returned. At around 1pm yesterday, December 28, rescue workers from the Sawang Borriboon Dhammasatan Foundation were notified that a foreign tourist was drowning in the sea off Jomtien Beach. The incident occurred near the Dongtan Police Post in Bang Lamung…
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CCTV exposes Thai housemaid pouring disinfectant into baby’s bottle
A Thai mother took to social media on Friday, December 26, to warn other parents after a housemaid allegedly poured disinfectant into the milk bottle of her young son. The woman shared the disturbing incident on her Facebook account, Yokey R. She explained that her household normally employs two housemaids: one responsible for general housework and another assigned to care…
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Thai woman dies after falling 200-metre cliff in Tak
A Thai woman died after falling from a mountain cliff in Tak province on Thursday, December 25, with rescuers recovering her body the following day. Officers from Tha Song Yang Police Station received a report of the incident on Thursday evening from the victim’s boyfriend. He told police that his 22 year old girlfriend Sarocha Wijitpanya fell from a cliff…
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Thawiphop returns to restore public trust as People’s Party faces candidate crisis
Former People’s Party MP Thawiphop Limjittrakorn has announced his decision to return to frontline politics, volunteering to stand as a parliamentary candidate in a bid to restore public trust following a major crisis involving the party’s candidate selection. The announcement comes in the wake of a large-scale police operation targeting the “Black Mirror TKP” drug trafficking network, which authorities say…
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Indian man attacked by Pattaya transwomen allegedly over unpaid sex service
A group of Thai transwomen attacked an Indian man on Pattaya Walking Street early Saturday morning, December 27, allegedly over an unpaid sex service fee. Rescue workers from the Sawang Borriboon Dhammastan Foundation received a report at around 5.30am that a foreign tourist had been assaulted near the entrance to Walking Street. After receiving the alert, rescuers rushed to the…
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Chinese man arrested in Pattaya knife attack that leaves 3 bar guards injured
Police arrested one of Chinese suspects after three Thai security guards were stabbed at a bar in Pattaya late last night, December 28, leaving one victim in critical condition. Officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station were notified of the stabbing at around 11.36pm. The incident occurred at 168 Garden Bar on South Pattaya Road in Bang Lamung district. Rescuers from…
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People’s Party MP candidate arrested in drug money laundering probe, denies involvement
A parliamentary candidate from the People’s Party was arrested on Monday morning in connection with an ongoing investigation into a large-scale drug trafficking and money laundering network, according to officials from the Narcotics Suppression Bureau. At approximately 10:45 a.m. on December 29, 2025, officers from the Narcotics Suppression Bureau detained Mr. Boonrit Raorungroj, also known as Bank, at his residence…
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Thailand video news | Cambodian suspect detained in Bangkok with weaponry and bomb materials, New bank rules require reporting of large foreign fund inflows
In Thailand video news, Alex and Jay cover news stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia. The stories include the current political climate affecting holiday tourism revenue, a new warning of rising air pollution over the new year, and a proposal to get rid of 500 and 1000 baht banknotes from circulation. Cambodian Suspect Detained in Bangkok with Weaponry and…
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