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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Sponsored What is the 5 year visa for the digital nomad in Thailand?
The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is a great option for digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers who want to stay in Thailand for a long time. This multiple-entry visa is valid for five years, allowing stays of up to 180...
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Woman searches for Cambodian worker’s daughter in Rayong
A 51 year old woman from the Nongtapang community in Ban Khai district, Rayong, expressed deep concern after discovering that a Cambodian worker, whom she had employed for two years, had taken her (the worker’s) four and a half year old daughter and disappeared. The Cambodian worker, who lived with her husband and young daughter in a rented room 600…
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Tour bus rage: Driver slams into SUV over parking row in Pattaya
A jaw-dropping video from Pattaya has gone viral, showing a tour bus intentionally smashing into an orange SUV during a heated parking dispute. The dramatic incident unfolded on Monday, December 30 near a hotel on North Pattaya Road, Naklua, leaving onlookers stunned. The chaos began when 35 year old O, a ride-hailing driver for Bolt and Grab, briefly parked his…
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Tattoo shop owner arrested for shotgun standoff on Koh Phangan
A tattoo shop owner turned new year celebrations into a nightmare on Koh Phangan, as shocking footage reveals him brandishing a shotgun and terrorising tourists in the early hours of New Year’s Day. The perpetrator, 49 year old Denchai from Phatthalung province, was caught on security cameras at 2.56am yesterday, January 1, outside a massage shop in Krung Thai Soi,…
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Out of luck: Lottery scammer busted at Phuket fair
A brazen fraudster tried her luck at scamming thousands of revellers at Phuket’s new year fair—only to find herself caught red-handed by police in the early hours of the morning today, January 2. Phuket City Police swooped in on 45 year old Kritporn Butlo near the central stage of the Saphan Hin Good Things fair around 12.30am. The suspect was…
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Thailand expands 30-baht healthcare scheme nationwide
Thailand has extended its Treatment Anywhere 30-baht universal healthcare scheme to cover the entire nation, with the initiative now active in the remaining 31 provinces. This marks the completion of the scheme’s fourth and final phase since being introduced by the National Health Security Office (NHSO). According to Athaporn Limpanylers, deputy secretary-general of the NHSO, the initiative now encompasses all…
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Move over, Alpha: Generation Beta is here to shake things up
A seismic generational shift has just unfolded, ringing in 2025 with the farewell of Generation Alpha and the arrival of the highly anticipated Generation Beta. Generation Alpha, comprising those born between 2010 and 2024, grew up in a whirlwind of technological innovation and societal upheaval. From the global Covid-19 pandemic to the rise of artificial intelligence, this mini-millennial cohort has…
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5 dead and 33 injured in Surat Thani coach bus accident
A coach bus driver crashed into a tree along the Asian Highway 41 in the southern province of Surat Thani, resulting in the deaths of five passengers and injuries to 33 others. Three of the injured are reported to be in critical condition. The accident occurred in Chaiya district at approximately 7.30pm yesterday, January 1. The severely damaged green coach…
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Bullet fired in celebration narrowly misses woman in Sri Banphot
A shocking incident unfolded when a bullet fired into the sky during new year celebrations came crashing through the roof, narrowly missing a woman’s head in Sri Banphot, Phatthalung. A 36 year old woman reported the incident to the Sri Banphot Police Station, presenting the bullet as evidence. The event occurred just minutes after midnight, during the new year countdown,…
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Phuket ushers in new year with traditional almsgiving ceremony
Phuket officials marked the new year with a traditional almsgiving ceremony, drawing prominent figures and residents from across the province. The event took place yesterday morning outside the Government Savings Bank on Phang Nga Road in Phuket Town, setting the tone for a year filled with aspirations for unity and prosperity. The ceremony began at 6am, featuring offerings of food…
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Thailand contains cholera outbreak, minimal new cases reported
A recent cholera outbreak in Thailand has been effectively managed, with a minimal number of patients from both Myanmar and Thailand diagnosed and subsequently cured. Public health and security officials confirmed this progress yesterday, January 1. In Myanmar’s town of Shwe Kokko, the number of cholera patients is also on the decline. Despite Mae Sot and four other districts in…
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Toddler injured by firecracker during new year celebrations in Trang
A one year old toddler named Sky suffered severe injuries after being struck by a firecracker thrown by teenagers during New Year’s Eve celebrations at Pak Meng Beach, Sikao district, Trang province. The incident, which left the child with serious wounds requiring seven stitches and a bruised lung, led to his transfer to Trang Hospital for further treatment. His 25…
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Disturbed man allegedly butchers dog for sale in Udon Thani
A shocking incident unfolded yesterday in Udon Thani’s Ban Dung district when a disturbed individual allegedly killed a dog and displayed its butchered remains for sale. The dog, believed to have fled in panic due to new year fireworks, fell victim to the man’s disturbed behaviour. Upon receiving reports from concerned residents, Werapol, the administrator of the Bandung Update Facebook page,…
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Thai-foreign couple lose 3 million baht in Phuket home robbery
A Thai woman and her foreign husband in Phuket sought help from the police after losing 3 million baht in cash and gold during a home robbery on New Year’s Eve, December 31. The local news Facebook page Phuket Hotnews reported the robbery yesterday, January 1. The theft reportedly occurred in a village on Soi Nayai in the Chalong sub-district,…
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Phuket horror: Tourist bludgeoned by rider over route dispute (video)
A Norwegian tourist’s dream holiday turned into a nightmare when he was viciously attacked by a ride-hailing driver in Phuket. The shocking incident, which occurred in the early hours of December 30, left the tourist battered and bruised, sparking a heated debate about passenger safety. A Thai woman, 44 year old Thanatphon Khongcharoen, accompanied her friend, 57 year old…
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Monk in Buriram caught using drugs after tip-off
A monk was apprehended for drug use and allegedly deceiving a young boy at a temple in Buriram, following a tip-off from a concerned citizen. The citizen presented video evidence of the monk’s drug use, prompting police to investigate further. The incident occurred yesterday, January 1, when law enforcement, led by Visanu Arpornpong, Chief of Prakhon Chai Police Station, coordinated…
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ICONSIAM captivates the world at the Amazing Thailand Countdown 2025
ICONSIAM, a global landmark along the Chao Phraya River, has set a new global standard with the Amazing Thailand Countdown 2025, hailed as one of the most extraordinary new year’s celebrations in the world. The event captivated viewers across the globe, with an unforgettable performance by Lisa “Lalisa” Manobal, a world-renowned rapper, singer, dancer and style icon, who inspired people…
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South Korean man causes chaos, steals pickup, and crashes it in Chon Buri
Police arrested a South Korean man who went on a rampage along the Bypass Road in Chon Buri province yesterday, January 1. The man reportedly damaged several vehicles, stole a Thai man’s car, and subsequently crashed it. The Sawang Borribun Dhammastan Rescue Foundation was alerted to a car accident and fire on Highway 36, also known as the Chon Buri-Rayong…
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Bangkok gridlock: Holidaymakers return with dried goods
The roads leading back to Bangkok have become increasingly crowded as northeastern Thai residents return after celebrating new year festivities with their families in the provinces. Traffic reporters noted heavy congestion throughout the day on the Friendship Highway, which saw a steady stream of cars heading towards the capital. Although some sections of the road experienced smoother traffic flow, minor…
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Six dead in Surat Thani pickup truck collision
Tragedy struck when a pickup truck lost control and collided with a tree, leaving six people dead, including four children, on a highway in Surat Thani. The incident occurred today at 7.11am. Police were notified of a pickup truck crash on Asia Highway 41, near kilometre marker 124/500, opposite the Chaiya Transport Office in the Pa We sub-district of Chaiya…
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Thailand video news | Bangkok hotel fire claims lives of three foreign nationals, Russia’s secret plans target Japan and South Korea
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jay bring you the latest updates from Thailand and Asia. Highlights include the tragic toll of New Year road accidents in Thailand, a deadly hotel fire in Bangkok, and a Norwegian tourist assault in Phuket. Other stories cover fireworks sparking a blaze at a Bang Saen Beach restaurant, a sky lantern safety incident…
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Pattaya horror: Foreigner’s body found wedged in drainpipe
Pattaya police faced a puzzling situation when they were alerted to the discovery of a foreigner’s body near a Naklua resort on December 30. The body was found in an unusual and alarming position, folded and wedged into a drainpipe measuring 50 by 50 centimetres, with the legs pointing upward, sparking immediate concern. Officers quickly secured the area to conduct…
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Thailand tourism earns 1.66 trillion baht from 35 million visitors
Thailand welcomed over 35 million travellers in 2024, with visitors contributing more than 1.6 trillion baht (US$46.8 billion) to the economy, reported the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Tourism Minister Sorawong Thienthong announced that from January 1 to December 29, a total of 35.32 million people visited the country, spending 1.66 trillion baht (US$48.5 billion). Chinese tourists led the influx…
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Kamphaeng Phet villagers seek lucky numbers from revered spirit
Villagers gathered at the shrine of the revered spirit, Jao Mae Takhian Nong Haew, in the hopes of obtaining lucky numbers for the new year. The ceremony took place yesterday, New Year’s Day, in the Wang Sai subdistrict, Khlong Khlung district, Kamphaeng Phet province. Participants brought offerings of savoury and sweet foods, fruits, and traditional items to honour the spirit,…
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Fireworks mishap sparks panic among Patong tourists (video)
A dramatic New Year’s Eve incident unfolded in Patong, Phuket, when fireworks unexpectedly veered into a crowd of tourists. Footage shared on the Newshawk Phuket Facebook page captured the moment during the countdown celebration in Kathu district. As the clock struck midnight, fireworks were being launched to usher in the new year, but suddenly, one fell dangerously close to where…
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Thai woman’s Chinese boyfriend assaulted by Pattaya guards
A Thai woman has come forward with allegations regarding an incident involving her boyfriend at a nightclub on Pattaya’s Walking Street. In the early hours of December 31, she reported that her Chinese boyfriend was allegedly assaulted by security guards at the venue. The incident reportedly took place on December 27. The woman, 27 year old Bee, provided media outlets…
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Driver dies as emergency vehicle overturns in Prachuap Khiri Khan
An emergency response vehicle from Pak Phraek Subdistrict Administrative Organisation overturned after losing control on a curve, resulting in the tragic death of the driver. The incident occurred early yesterday morning following New Year’s Eve celebrations. The accident took place around 5am on a road in Bang Saphan Noi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, near kilometre marker 9, in front of Bhan…
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Deadly inmate brawl disrupts new year at Pattani Prison
Chaos erupted at Pattani Prison as a brawl among inmates left one dead and 12 injured. The altercation, involving sharp metal weapons, followed a heated dispute during an internal football match yesterday. Pattani’s police force quickly responded to the incident that marred the new year celebrations. Upon receiving reports of a violent clash at the central prison in Pattani, police…
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Road danger: Thailand’s new year accidents claim 215 lives
Over the new year holiday in Thailand, traffic accidents resulted in the tragic loss of 215 lives and injured 1,354 people. This data, covering the period from December 27 to 31, highlights the dangers of road travel during festive seasons. Somsak Thepsutin, Thailand’s Public Health Minister, reported that these casualties stemmed from 1,398 accidents over the five days. Both Bangkok…
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New beginnings: Millions in Thailand join new year prayers
More than 12 million people across Thailand engaged in new year transition prayers, as reported by Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol. The ceremonies, marking the start of 2025, were organised by 24,835 establishments nationwide, under the initiative of the Religious Affairs Department. A significant turnout was seen online and in person, with over 10,000 individuals gathering at Sanam Luang in Bangkok.…
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Stray bullet injures woman during New Year’s Eve in Ang Thong
A New Year’s Eve celebration turned harrowing for a woman in Ang Thong province when a stray bullet pierced her home’s roof and struck her in the stomach. The incident happened as she lay sleeping, trying to calm her frightened cats amidst the noise of fireworks. Yesterday, January 1, local journalists reported that on the night of December 31, a…
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