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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Thailand health insurance that covers chronic conditions: What expats need to know
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Thai man caught red-handed sexually assaulting 10 year old niece
A victim’s grandmother caught a Thai man sexually assaulting his 10 year old niece at her home in the central province of Prachin Buri. The 41 year old rapist, Pornsathit, was caught assaulting a young girl in her home on June 22. The girl’s grandmother had left her alone in the house to tend to chores in the backyard. Upon…
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Teen stabbed on Pattaya Beach during altercation
A violent altercation erupted in Pattaya when a local teenager, angered by a perceived slight, stabbed an outsider. The victim was attempting to help a friend when he was attacked. The police are actively pursuing the suspects. At 3.06am today, June 26, Chaowalit Suwanmanee, Deputy Inspector of Pattaya City Police, received a report of a stabbing incident at Pattaya Beach,…
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Thailand needs to step up its fight against human trafficking
Thailand remains in Tier 2 on the US Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, indicating a determined effort to combat human trafficking. The US authority remarked that although Thailand has not met the minimum standards for eradicating trafficking, the government is making significant strides. “The [Thai] government demonstrated overall increasing efforts compared with the previous reporting period. These…
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Fire at Hat Yai hotel sparks chaos, guests evacuated
A fire erupted in the ventilation shaft of a prominent hotel in downtown Hat Yai, leading to chaotic scenes as staff and guests scrambled to evacuate. Officials are investigating the incident, initially suspected to be caused by an electrical short circuit. At 7.30pm yesterday, emergency services were alerted to a fire at a well-known hotel on Sanehanusorn Road, within the…
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Seized drug assets to fund addict rehabilitation in Thailand
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin endorsed initiatives to allocate seized assets from narcotic drug cases towards funding the rehabilitation of drug addicts. Somsak revealed that during his tenure as the Justice Ministry chair, he had amended several narcotic laws, particularly those concerning asset seizures. He noted that the previous laws were too passive, resulting in only 20 million baht annually…
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Teen becomes officer to hunt grandfather’s killer of 16 years
A 15 year old boy, determined to become a police officer after his grandfather was murdered, spent the next 16 years hunting down the killer until he finally succeeded. This real-life story surpasses any drama. On October 26, 2008, 81 year old farmer Phrom Krodkaew was brutally murdered in Phanom, Surat Thani. That day, Phrom and his wife went to…
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Singaporean man drugged, robbed by Thai girlfriend in Bangkok
A Singaporean man filed a complaint against his Thai girlfriend after she allegedly drugged him at a hotel in Bangkok and stole cash and valuables worth over 1 million baht. The Singaporean victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, complained to Huay Kwang Police Station yesterday, June 25. He explained that he met the Thai woman, aged about 30, online and had…
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Government to accelerate Sino-Thai HSR project
The Sino-Thai high-speed rail (HSR) link construction will be a major item on the agenda at next week’s mobile Cabinet meeting in Nakhon Ratchasima, with the government eager to accelerate the project, according to Digital Economy and Society (MDES) Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong. The 250.77-kilometre high-speed rail link between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima is projected to be completed by 2028. Currently,…
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Thailand to adopt offset policy for military procurements
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin emphasised the necessity for the armed forces to adopt an offset policy when procuring weapons and military hardware. This policy aims to secure reciprocal benefits as a precondition for approving new procurement deals. The Thai premier said the policy should include opportunities for Thailand to participate in the development of new defence technology from the country…
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Weak economy and loan restrictions further plummets pickup sales
Domestic car sales are facing significant challenges as pure pickup sales dropped by 40.8% in the first five months of 2024, primarily due to a weak economy and difficulties in accessing loans, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). From January to May, sales of pickup trucks fell by 40.8% year-on-year to 75,510 units. While sales of pickup passenger…
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Minor earthquake in Phang Nga prompts safety inspections
An earthquake with a magnitude of 2.2 struck the Bang Toei area in Phang Nga Province, prompting officials to inspect for potential damage. It was confirmed that an earthquake occurred in Bang Toei, Mueang District, Phang Nga Province. The incident occurred in the early hours of today, June 26, as reported by the Earthquake Surveillance Division of the Thai Meteorological…
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Thai teacher arrested for sexually assaulting schoolboy for 2 years
Police yesterday arrested a male Thai teacher who sexually assaulted a 14 year old schoolboy for almost two years at a school in the Klong Toey neighbourhood of Bangkok. The boy’s mother only found out about the abuse on June 20 after the young victim, Nat, could no longer stand his teacher’s behaviour. According to Nat, his 38 year old…
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Thailand braces for heavy rain and flash floods in 47 provinces
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued an announcement warning of heavy to very heavy rain in 47 provinces, including Bangkok. Residents are advised to be cautious of flash floods and strong winds. The warning remains in effect until tomorrow. TMD’s announcement forecasts significant rainfall across Thailand due to a monsoon trough passing through the northern and upper northeastern regions, combined…
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DLT proposes four new electric bus routes for Rangsit station
The Department of Land Transport (DLT) proposes four new electric bus routes to improve connectivity to the State Railway of Thailand’s (SRT) Red Line Rangsit Station in Pathum Thani province. The plan aims to address the inadequacies in the current feeder system, which were highlighted by a recent Transport Ministry survey. Transport Ministry spokesperson Krichanont Iyapunya stated that the DLT’s…
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Sleep-deprived driver crashes car in torrential rain, injuring two
A sleep-deprived young man driving a car through the rain lost control and crashed into a utility pole at 6am yesterday, resulting in injuries to two women passengers on Suwinthawong Road, Mueang District, Chachoengsao Province. Rescue workers and local police quickly arrived at the scene to assist. The vehicle involved, a Toyota hatchback, was found with significant front-end damage. The…
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Groundbreaking Thai sci-fi flick ‘Uranus2324’ to release in July
In a historic milestone for Thai cinema, Uranus2324, the nation’s first space science fiction film, is set to premiere on July 4. This highly anticipated film has already garnered significant attention, being one of only four films to receive funding under Thailand’s Soft Power initiative and securing global distribution deals. Produced by Velcurve Studio in collaboration with GM Generators Co.,…
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Thai Post launches Euro 2024 contest with 10 million baht in prizes
Thai Post kicked off its Euro 2024 lucky prize contest with a vibrant road show through Phuket Town yesterday, marking the beginning of a nationwide campaign to promote the contest. Assistant Postmaster of Phuket Piyavit Siksamat highlighted Thai Post’s collaboration with Thairath to engage the public in the UEFA Euro 2024 Championship taking place in Germany. This campaign, themed Cheer…
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Warning issued for venomous jellyfish at Phuket’s Racha Yai Island
A warning has been issued about the presence of the highly venomous Portuguese Man o’ War jellyfish in the waters of Lah Bay and Tue Bay at Racha Yai Island, Phuket. Tourists and those engaging in marine activities in the area are advised to exercise extreme caution to avoid contact with these dangerous creatures. The Department of Marine and Coastal…
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Thai couple arrested after woman flees cops with boyfriend’s help
A Thai woman arrested for theft escaped from Sattahip Police Station on Sunday thanks to help from her boyfriend. The couple was later arrested last night, June 24. Sattahip Police Station officers arrested the 20 year old woman, Naranya Areepong, at a shopping centre after she attempted to steal two bottles of imported alcohol at about 10.30am on Sunday, June 23.…
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Bangkok bust: Metal detector detects Thai man’s homemade gun
Police apprehended a suspicious man at Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal after a metal detector revealed he was carrying a homemade gun. The suspect, identified as 43 year old Thanet from Samut Prakan, was found with a .38 calibre gun and six bullets. The incident occurred yesterday when the Superintendent of Bang Sue Police Station, Phuwadon Unphon, along with Deputy Superintendent…
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Police hunt for gunmen in Khon Kaen university dormitory area
Royal Thai Police (RTP) are urgently tracking down the perpetrators who shot at a university student’s car and a nearby dormitory in Khon Kaen Municipality, causing significant damages. Fortunately, no one was harmed by the shooting in a seemingly peaceful community. Investigators from the Khon Kaen City Police Station today, June 25, visited the scene in Mittraphap Road, to examine…
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Singapore foreign minister visits Thailand to discuss bilateral issues
Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan kicked off his official visit to Thailand today, answering the call of his Thai counterpart, Maris Sangiampongsa. Today’s packed agenda includes a working luncheon with Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and a formal welcome dinner hosted by Maris. According to the Thai Foreign Ministry, the two leaders are set to discuss key bilateral issues, fortifying…
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Chilling tragedy: Ice delivery truck crash in Ratchaburi kills three
An ice delivery truck overturned and collided with a streetlight in Ratchaburi province, resulting in the deaths of three people. Police suspect that the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel. Surveillance footage confirmed that no other vehicles were involved. Ritthipol Phonsen, an investigative officer at Thung Luang Police Station in Ratchaburi province, received a report of a six-wheeled…
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Durian festival returns to Pak Chong for 2024 celebration
The third annual Durian GI Festival Pakchong Khao Yai is set to place at the Nong Nam Daeng Subdistrict Administrative Organisation Office in Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima. Nakhon Ratchasima Commerce Officer Jirasak Sriphet announced that the province, in collaboration with the Agricultural District Officer of Pak Chong, Bandit Koetmongkol, and the local durian farmers’ community, will host the festival. The…
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Senators’ showdown: Bangkok hotel hosts candidate meetup
In a bustling gathering at Bangkok’s Amari Don Mueang Airport Hotel, over 500 hopefuls vying for senatorial seats met yesterday, June 24, for an event known as the Meeting of Independent Senate Candidates. This lively assembly saw candidates from across the nation converge, all eager to make their mark on the upcoming election. Sources revealed today that each attendee paid…
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Buriram woman faces home seizure after co-signing a car loan
A woman in Buriram has pleaded for help after receiving a home seizure court order due to unpaid car loan instalments by a close friend she’d been a guarantor for. A general labourer, 32 year old Pacharinporn co-signed for her friend Pu (a pseudonym) to buy a new pickup truck in 2019. Pu’s now-deceased ex-husband was the primary guarantor, with…
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Former prosecutor indicted for smuggling rhino horns
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) indicted that a former deputy prosecutor was involved in the illegal importation of rhinoceros horns valued at 179 million baht through Suvarnabhumi Airport. The case has been sent to the attorney general for prosecution. Secretary-General of the NACC, and spokesperson, Niwatchai Kasemmongkol announced that the commission had found sufficient grounds to proceed with charges against…
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Pothole politics: Khon Kaen villagers pave the way to safer travels
Villagers of Ban Rak Chat in Khon Kaen, have taken matters into their own hands to repair their deteriorating village road, which has become riddled with potholes and hazards, making travel perilous and causing frequent accidents. Several dozen locals banded together to break and drill through the sunken concrete road, which had been eroded over time, impeding safe passage, especially…
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Phuket fraud case crumbles: Dutchman cleared of shopping scam
Phuket Provincial Court dismissed the case against a 40 year old Dutchman accused of operating a fraudulent shopping mall website scam. He was arrested at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok in February of 2021. Several Thai and foreign residents, primarily from Phuket province and Koh Samui island in Surat Thani province, filed a complaint against the Dutchman, accusing him of tricking…
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Thailand’s tourist boom: Portuguese visitors surge by 44% this year
Thailand is basking in a mini tourist boom, with a staggering 44% increase in visitors from Portugal recorded between January and April. Nanthasiri Ronnasiri, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Director for Southern Europe, is on a mission to shatter pre-pandemic records by luring over 52,000 Portuguese tourists this year. Ronnasiri shared her ambitions at the Thailand Festival in Lisbon. “We…
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