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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Methamphetamine seizures double in Thailand amid increased smuggling
The second half of last year saw a significant spike in methamphetamine seizures in Thailand, with over 250 million pills intercepted, which is twice the quantity seized during the same period the prior year. This rise in the illegal drug trade is reportedly due to increased smuggling activities across the borders from neighbouring nations, as explained by Prime Minister Srettha…
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Teenage gang’s reign of terror over East Pattaya neighbourhood
A gang of teenagers wreaked havoc in a quiet neighbourhood on Soi Huay Yai 15 in East Pattaya with their disruptive antics lasting three consecutive nights. The gang, captured on CCTV cameras, was seen riding more than 10 motorcycles and unleashing a barrage of disruptive activities, including hurling firecrackers and explosive bottles, creating deafening disturbances that reverberated throughout the area.…
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Thai taxi driver threatens Japanese man for refusing his service
A Thai taxi driver faces four charges for threatening a Japanese man with a knife after the foreigner refused to use his service because he would not use his meter and demanded 150 baht for a destination only 1 kilometre away. On February 5, the Japanese victim took to his Twitter account, @ginn_taro, to share his experience with a Thai…
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Appeal to limit Chinese New Year’s paper burning to curb pollution
A pressing call to the public has been made by the Pollution Control Department (PCD), appealing for a reduction in the burning of paper offerings and incense during the Chinese New Year celebrations. This plea is part of a broader initiative to manage the increasing levels of ultra-fine PM2.5 pollutants during the season. The traditional burning of gold and silver…
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Van plunges into ravine on Chiang Mai-Pai route
A passenger van on the Chiang Mai-Pai route lost control of his vehicle and veered off the road, plummeting approximately 15 metres into a ravine yesterday evening. The vehicle was extensively damaged and all 14 passengers on board were injured. Emergency services, including local police, hospital medical teams, and military units, were dispatched to the scene to provide assistance and…
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Pheu Thai Party dismisses corruption concerns on 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme
The Pheu Thai Party dismissed a warning by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) concerning the government’s proposed 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme. Anusorn Iamsa-ard, a Pheu Thai list-MP, maintained that the government is open to feedback from all quarters and that the NACC’s concerns are premature as the scheme has not been implemented yet. “If the digital wallet scheme is delayed…
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Boy, 12, killed in horrific Ayutthaya Road accident
A tragic incident occurred in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province when a 12 year old boy lost his life in a road accident involving a motorcycle and a truck. The incident happened near a U-turn bridge on the Asia Road, heading towards Bangkok, around the 11-kilometre mark in Bang Pa-in District. At the scene, authorities discovered the body of the…
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Car falls into pit on Bangkok’s Songprapa Road, rescue underway
A car plunged into a construction pit in the Don Mueang district of Bangkok, sparking a flurry of online commentary and concern. The incident occurred on Songprapa Road near the Don Mueang Technical College, close to the Ozone Market One. At approximately 2.55am, the vehicle, identified as a sedan, lost control and fell into an open sewer pit that was…
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Bangkok police seize 10 million meth pills, 60kg crystal meth in major drug bust
Following a two-month-long surveillance operation, the Narcotics Suppression Bureau of Bangkok’s Division 6 successfully dismantled three drug trafficking networks, seizing 10 million methamphetamine pills and 60 kilogrammes of crystal meth. The haul, intended for distribution in local communities, was intercepted at 1pm yesterday, February 8, at the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police Bureau Division 6. Assistant Commissioner of the National…
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The Peninsula Bangkok presents exquisite Cantonese menus by internationally acclaimed guest chef Grace Choy
Xin nian kuai le! Celebrate the Lunar New Year by enjoying authentic Cantonese menus specially curated by the renowned chef Grace Choy at Mei Jiang Restaurant. Known for her extraordinary journey from a self-taught maestro to a globally recognized culinary star, Chef Choy is poised to enchant holiday guests with her exquisite Chinese specialities during her nine-day stint as guest…
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Update: Meet the first female president of the Football Association of Thailand
Nualphan Lamsam clinched a resounding victory to become the new president of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), leaving her competitors in the dust. The former men’s team manager secured an impressive 68 out of 73 votes, marking a significant shift in leadership at the association, as she takes over from Police General Somyot Poompunmuang following his eight-year tenure. The…
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Northern Thailand welcomes famed elephant ‘Indy Jumbo’ (video)
An elephant known as Indy Jumbo has found a new lease on life after a viral video catapulted her to fame. The elephant, affectionately dubbed Indy Jumbo by Thai netizens, shot to stardom after a video of her leisurely beach escapade took social media by storm. The charming clip showcased her unwavering love for nature as she gazed at the…
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13 year old boy falls to his death from 7th floor of school
A 13 year old boy tragically fell to his death from the seventh floor of a school building in the Pak Kret district of Nonthaburi province near Bangkok yesterday, February 7. The boy’s mother, Jiraporn, revealed to Amarin TV that she was notified of the tragic news yesterday, February 7, that her son, Pepe, accidentally fell off the school building.…
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Trunk turmoil: Mother elephant’s rampage leaves owner dead in Surin
A mother elephant from Surin province, led by its owners to beg along a road, became agitated, charging ahead and trampling her owner, resulting in the mahout’s death in a pool of blood. Upon receiving the report, local police officers from Kao Liew Police Station were promptly dispatched to investigate the scene, along with emergency medical personnel and rescue teams.…
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Art extravaganza: Inside the Thailand Biennale Chiang Rai
The Thailand Biennale Chiang Rai (TBC) has taken the artistic community by storm, attracting international artists and prominent visitors. Angkrit Ajchariyasophon, a key figure in Thailand’s artistic realm, has played a pivotal role as co-curator. The TBC, with its diverse range of displays and activities, promises an unparalleled artistic experience in the northern region. On December 9 last year, the…
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Thailand suffers hazardous ultrafine dust levels in 48 provinces
Hazardous levels of ultrafine dust were recorded in 48 of Thailand’s 77 provinces this morning, with the northeast of the country being the most affected. This data was confirmed by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA). GISTDA’s 10am readings revealed that 13 provinces were under the harmful influence of particulate matter 2.5 micrometres and less in diameter (PM2.5).…
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Thai teacher’s ex-boyfriend surrenders after holding students hostage (video)
A Thai gunman surrendered to the police after holding students and his ex-girlfriend, who is a teacher, hostage at a school in the Isaan province of Mahasarakham. Fortunately, all students and teachers emerged unharmed from the incident. The gunman, whose identity remains undisclosed, broke into Ban Kwao Tung School in the Phayakkhaphum Phisai district of Mahasarakham province at about 1.30pm…
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Frozen accolades: Thai ice sculptors carve success at Sapporo Snow Festival
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor praised the Thai ice sculpting team for their outstanding performance at the 48th International Snow Sculpture Contest, held as part of the 74th Sapporo Snow Festival. The Thai ice sculpting team left the world in awe with their breathtaking depiction of the Naga Fireballs at the prestigious 48th International Snow Sculpture Contest, earning…
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73 year old Thai man found dead on way to lover’s home
A 73 year old Thai man died en route to his lover’s home in Samut Prakanr province near Bangkok. His family believed the death resulted from an accident, rather than any jealous motives. A Thai woman, Kwanruethai, contacted officers at Khlong Dan Police Station on February 7 after she discovered the dead body of a 73 year old man named…
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Thai Airways responds to Chiang Mai Airport door incident
Thai Airways addressed a recent incident at Chiang Mai Airport where a Canadian passenger’s attempt to open an aircraft door while waiting for takeoff caused several flights to circle without being able to land. The disruption occurred yesterday (February 7), leading to temporary chaos as flights were unable to touch down at the airport. Chiang Mai Airport experienced significant disruption…
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Taiwan halts group tours to China amid escalating tensions
Travel agents in Taiwan have been ordered to cease organising new group tours to China as tensions between Beijing and Taipei continue to escalate. Despite China reopening its borders to other popular tourist destinations post-pandemic, Taiwan remains excluded from the list of approved destinations for Chinese nationals. Since the end of the pandemic, China has gradually allowed its citizens to…
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Kanchanaburi court decides fate of disputed 30 million baht lottery
In a high-stakes legal battle, the much-anticipated verdict in the 30 million baht lottery case was delivered yesterday at the Kanchanaburi Provincial Court. The plaintiff, retired police officer Charoon Wimol, commonly known as Uncle Charoon, filed a lawsuit against teacher Preecha Kraikruan, and his lawyer, Waryuth Boonwongsai. The dispute centred on a winning lottery ticket from the November 1, 2017…
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Indian short film on transgender issue to be adapted for Thai audiences (video)
Renowned Manipuri actor and filmmaker Priyakanta Laishram’s groundbreaking 2015 short film It’s Not My Choice is set to break new ground as it becomes the first Indian short film to be adapted into Thai. This cultural milestone is set to bridge the gap between Indian and Thai cinema, promising to captivate audiences with its powerful message. In 2015, Manipuri actor…
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Jealous Thai man arrested for killing wife by slitting her throat
Police arrested a Thai man for killing his wife in a jealous rage by slitting her throat in front of her mother near their shared home in the northeastern province of Chaiyaphum. After witnessing the horrifying scene of her 38 year old son-in-law, Auphon, killing her 44 year old daughter, Ladda, on February 6, the victim’s mother, Suwan, contacted Kaset…
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Thai football in turmoil: Race for FAT presidency and financial promises revealed
The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) is set to usher in a new president, marking the conclusion of Police General Somyot Poompunmuang’s eight-year tenure as the nation’s football chief. The battle for the coveted position has seen former national men’s team manager Nualphan Lamsam emerge as the frontrunner, with the election scheduled to take place at FAT headquarters in Bangkok’s…
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German airline Condor to operate direct flights to Bangkok and Phuket
German airline carrier Condor unveiled plans to revitalise travel to Asia by introducing non-stop flights from Frankfurt to Bangkok and Phuket starting in September. Condor is gearing up to spread its wings with a thrilling new route expansion. The airline is set to add seven weekly flights to Thailand. Frankfurt to Bangkok flights will operate four times a week while the…
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China’s warning to students: Beware of foreign spies
China’s Ministry of State Security sounded the alarm amidst an extensive nationwide security initiative, bringing to light a distressing narrative involving a Chinese graduate who fell prey to the intricate web of foreign espionage. In a revelation shared on the ministry’s WeChat platform, an ominous case was detailed, chronicling the exploits of a Chinese student, identified solely by the surname…
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Fare play: Chinese man fakes theft complaint after Phuket taxi fracas
A Chinese man filed a fake theft complaint against a Thai motorbike taxi rider with the police in the Patong area of Phuket because he was angry over the fare he was charged by the rider. The fake Chinese victim, 38 year old Xing Jingwei, asked a local in the area to report an opportunity snatching to Patong Police Station…
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Thai activists call for ban on hazardous PFAS in textile industry
Calls for the prohibition of Per-and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS), perilous chemicals found in the textile industry and other goods, have been made by activists. The campaigners argue that such a ban would generate awareness amongst customers who require environmentally friendly products for their health and the welfare of our planet. Thitikorn Boontongmai, Ecological Alert and Recover-Thailand (Earth) Planning Manager, highlighted…
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Thailand’s economy set for 3.3% growth amid global uncertainties
Thailand’s economy is projected to grow by 3.3% this year, despite vulnerabilities from international politics, foreign wars, and unrest in neighbouring countries. These factors pose risks to the nation’s export sector. Tawee Piyapatana, the Senior Vice President of the Federation of Thai Industries, expressed concerns after representing the chair at a Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB)…
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