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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Twelve Chiang Mai officials arrested for selling fake Thai ID cards to foreigners
Police arrested 12 out of 28 wanted local government officials and civilians in Chiang Mai province for illegally issuing Thai identification cards to foreigners, particularly Chinese nationals. A local journalist, JDTendirections, reported yesterday, November 20, that officials in the Wiang Haeng sub-district of Chiang Mai illegally issued at least 20,000 ID cards to Chinese nationals living in Thailand without legal…
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Thief snatches Pattaya vendor’s gas cylinders in luxury car
A Pattaya street vendor reported a theft to police after a man in a luxury vehicle stole her gas tanks while she was preparing to open her stall. A Thai woman who makes a living selling omelettes over rice faced a major setback when a thief in a high-end sedan stole her only two gas cylinders, worth more than 5,000…
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Cathay Pacific sees Thailand rebound after rocky first half
Cathay Pacific confirmed it is seeing a strong rebound in Thailand route performance, after earlier struggles caused by safety concerns and political instability. Hong Kong’s flagship carrier confirmed that its Thailand routes are bouncing back in the second half of the year, following earlier setbacks tied to safety concerns and political instability. Despite a soft performance earlier in 2025, the…
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Wanted fraud suspect arrested on Bangkok–Phuket bus
Police arrested a wanted fraud suspect after tracking him to a Bangkok–Phuket bus, where the man was travelling under multiple outstanding warrants. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) confirmed the arrest of a 27 year old man identified only as Patinya, who was wanted for multiple charges, including online fraud, computer crime offences, and assault. Marine Police Division officers tracked him down…
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Bangkok prison scandal under Justice Ministry review
The Justice Ministry confirmed an ongoing investigation into Bangkok Remand Prison after reports surfaced of misconduct involving favours for foreign inmates. Justice Minister Police Lieutenant General Ruttapol Naowarat has acknowledged reports that Bangkok Remand Prison allowed special treatment for certain foreign inmates, including Chinese nationals. These privileges allegedly included hidden rooms, access to young women, and the distribution of condoms…
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Ratchaburi vendors shun co-pay scheme over scam fears
Several vendors in Ratchaburi, central Thailand, are refusing to join the government’s co-payment scheme, citing registration issues and scam concerns as key reasons for opting out. At Wat Tha Luang Phon in Photharam district, many small business owners are opting out of the government’s co-payment initiative, citing confusing registration procedures and concerns over fraudulent transactions. Running from October 29 to…
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Elephant electrocuted near Phetchaburi national park
A young wild elephant was electrocuted while foraging on farmland near Phetchaburi’s Kaeng Krachan National Park, prompting a full investigation. The incident occurred in the Pa Deng subdistrict of Phetchaburi’s Kaeng Krachan district, where a farmer had installed illegal electric fencing to protect his crops. The elephant, estimated to be between eight and 10 years old and weighing around 2…
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Drunk Russian man injured in Walking Street attack, flips off rescuer
A Russian man was found with a serious head injury on Pattaya’s Walking Street in the early hours of yesterday, November 20, after reportedly being assaulted by a group of unidentified individuals. Emergency responders from the Sawang Boriboon Dhammastan Foundation arrived at the scene around 3.36am and found the 27 year old Russian national sitting on the pavement, bleeding heavily…
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Thailand video news | Thailand crowned world’s top food destination for 2025 survey, Bhumjaithai unveils trio of PM candidates amid political shuffle
In Thailand video news, Alex and Jay bring you the latest stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia. Today’s highlights include major shifts in Thai politics, foreign DJs and bloggers landing in trouble, and Thailand’s impressive ranking among the world’s top food destinations. Bhumjaithai Unveils Trio of Prime Minister Candidates Amid Political Shuffle The Bhumjaithai Party introduced three new prime…
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Thai man armed with M16 rifle kills neighbour, wounds another in Chumphon
A Thai man, allegedly high on drugs and armed with an M16 rifle, killed a neighbour and injured another in Chumphon province yesterday, November 20, before police subdued him with tear gas. The suspect, 40 year old Natruethep Rintawong, was reported to be under the influence of narcotics when he took the car belonging to his 27 year old neighbour,…
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Miss Mexico takes the crown after Miss Universe controversy
Miss Mexico was crowned the new Miss Universe after a dramatic final held in Bangkok, following weeks of controversy and heated exchanges. After a drama-filled competition, Mexico’s Fátima Bosch was crowned Miss Universe 2025 during the coronation show at Impact Challenger Hall in Nonthaburi today, November 21. She beat 119 contestants, including favourites from the Philippines, Venezuela and Thailand, to…
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Thai govt to hike VAT to 10% by 2030 in budget rescue plan
The government plans to gradually raise VAT to 10% to address rising deficits, as revealed by the finance minister during a major economic event in Bangkok. Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas revealed plans to gradually increase VAT, starting with a 1.5% rise to 8.5% by 2028. The announcement was made during his address at the Money Expo 2025 Bangkok Year-End, where…
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Miss Jamaica tumbles off stage at Miss Universe Bangkok show (video)
A Miss Universe contestant fell off the stage during the evening gown round in Bangkok, prompting a hospital visit and concern from organisers and fans. Gabrielle Henry, Miss Universe Jamaica 2025, fell during the evening gown round of the Miss Universe preliminary competition on Wednesday, November 19, shocking onlookers and halting the event. The accident occurred as Henry was making…
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Pattaya pushes passport upgrade to help tourists and locals
Pattaya officials met with the acting head of the local passport office to discuss improving services for residents and tourists during peak travel periods. Yesterday, November 20, Pattaya City Hall played host to a key meeting aimed at streamlining passport services for the city’s booming population of locals, expats and international visitors. Mayor Poramet Ngampichet and his secretary, Phumiphat Kamolnath,…
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Bangkok prison chief, guards accused of giving Chinese inmates VIP treatment
The director of Bangkok Remand Prison (BRP) and several prison guards are under investigation for allegedly giving VIP treatment to Chinese inmates, allowing access to electric appliances and bringing Chinese sex workers into the facility. Thai prisoners reportedly filed a complaint to the Department of Corrections, claiming certain Chinese inmates lived far more comfortably than others and held influence inside…
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Bangkok fire in commercial building injures familly of 4
A fire broke out at a commercial building in Bangkok this morning, prompting emergency crews to rescue a trapped family of four and battle the spreading flames. The fire broke out at around 5.50am today, November 21, on Chakkraphet Road in the Wang Burapha Phirom subdistrict of Phra Nakhon district. Crews from Phu Khao Thong Fire Station rushed to the…
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Phuket shop caught selling hookahs and booze near school
A food and drink shop in Kathu was raided after it was found illegally selling hookahs and alcohol near a school, prompting action from provincial officials. The food and beverage shop, operating near an unnamed educational institution in Kathu, was shut down during a surprise raid shortly after 8pm on Wednesday, November 19. The operation was led by Phuket Provincial…
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Cold blast chills Thailand as southern storms roll in
Thailand is gripped by chilly winds in the north as fierce storms lash the south, triggering weather alerts across the country. According to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), a strong high-pressure system is sweeping the upper south, bringing chilly mornings and strong winds across northern, northeastern, central and eastern Thailand. Residents are urged to stay warm, with dry, windy conditions…
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2 Thai actresses deny involvement in 400 million baht fraud scandal
Two Thai actresses have denied any involvement in a rumoured financial scam reportedly orchestrated by a prominent celebrity, which allegedly defrauded friends and colleagues in the Thai entertainment industry out of more than 400 million baht. The controversy erupted yesterday, November 19, when Facebook page ท่านเปา claimed that major Thai media outlets were preparing to report on a high-profile actress…
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Bhumjaithai names 3 PM hopefuls in leadership shakeup
Bhumjaithai Party announced three prime ministerial candidates during a press event, aiming to expand its leadership ahead of the upcoming election. Speaking at Government House, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced that Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, along with Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun, will join him on the official candidate list. Their nominations are expected to be submitted…
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Thailand ‘Fast Pass’ to unlock stalled investment billions
Finance officials plan to present a new scheme to the economic Cabinet to fast-track approved investment projects and boost Thailand’s stalled capital flow. Thailand’s Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas will pitch the ambitious Thailand Fast Pass initiative to the economic Cabinet on Monday, November 24, aiming to cut red tape and expedite major domestic investment projects. The new scheme targets businesses…
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Fake police officer threatens woman with fabricated explicit videos
A Thai man posed as a police officer to extort a woman in the southern province of Satun, claiming he possessed explicit videos of her and threatening to publish them. The victim, Yaowarate Madtrakate, filed a complaint with officers at La-ngu Police Station and later shared details of the case with Channel 7 today, November 20. The woman is reported to…
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South Korean DJ caught spinning without permit in Chiang Mai
A South Korean national was arrested in Chiang Mai by immigration officers after being found working illegally as a DJ at a local venue without a permit. The suspect, whose identity has not been released, was detained yesterday, November 19, after immigration officials received a tip-off regarding foreign nationals working without permits in the Mueang district. The operation took place…
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Thaksin joins Dhamma rehab as Paetongtarn exits spotlight
Thaksin Shinawatra has entered a dhamma-based rehab programme at Klong Prem Prison, as his daughter Paetongtarn steps away from politics. Ex-PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra revealed her father, Thaksin, is currently participating in the Dhammanavawang rehabilitation programme at Klong Prem Central Prison. Speaking after a visit to the Bangkok prison, Paetongtarn said Thaksin’s physical condition remained stable despite changing weather, but hinted…
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British man attacks French tourist in Samui love spat
A 44 year old British man was arrested on Koh Samui after allegedly assaulting a French tourist and his Thai girlfriend during a hotel altercation over suspected jealousy. The incident occurred around noon yesterday, November 19, at a hotel in Bo Phut, Surat Thani Province. Officers from Bo Phut Police Station responded to reports of a violent altercation and arrived…
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2 Miss Universe judges resign amid scandal ahead of Bangkok final
Two judges resigned from the Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, citing concerns over transparency just days before the winner was set to be crowned. Omar Harfouch, a Lebanese-French composer, shocked fans on Tuesday, November 18, when he announced via Instagram that he was stepping down from the judging panel of this year’s competition, accusing the organisers of running a “charade”…
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Former shipping company worker arrested for selling client data to scammers
Police in Phuket arrested a former shipping company employee yesterday, November 19, for allegedly stealing customer data and providing it to a scam operator involved in fraudulent parcel deliveries. Officers from Mueang Phuket Police Station raided a warehouse in the Ratsada sub-district on November 16 and arrested a 31 year old suspect, Khanapa “Mook” Mengsan, for her suspected involvement in…
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Anutin teases early House dissolution amid censure threat
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signalled he may dissolve the House early if the opposition files a no-confidence motion, warning he won’t play into political traps. Speaking at Government House yesterday, November 19, Anutin said his minority government is ready for scrutiny but warned that a formal no-confidence debate under Section 151 would likely lead him to dissolve the House before…
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Thai twins make history with life-saving liver transplant
A young man’s life has been saved by his identical twin in a medical first for Thailand, thanks to a groundbreaking liver transplant in Chiang Mai. Doctors at Chiang Mai University confirmed the successful operation, marking a turning point in Thailand’s transplant history. The patient, Suphawit Songngern, was born with biliary atresia, a rare condition that blocks the bile ducts…
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Foreign man caught stealing shoes and umbrella outside Phuket salon
A foreign man was caught on CCTV footage stealing shoes and an umbrella left outside a salon in Phuket yesterday, November 19. The owner of a salon in the Ratsada sub-district of Phuket shared the security camera footage of the theft with the Newshawk Phuket Facebook page. The salon owner had temporarily closed the shop to run a personal errand…
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