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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Former Thai deputy speaker implicated in corruption scandal over educational project
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) declared yesterday that Charoen Jankomol, the previous first deputy House speaker, engaged in corrupt practices related to a parliamentary project’s misappropriation. The former Pheu Thai Party MP served from August 2, 2011, to December 9, 2013. The NACC’s investigation revealed that Charoen, along with six parliamentary officials, were indicted for corruption in the administration of…
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Motorcycle accident claims life of elderly man in busy Pattaya district
A tragic incident unfolded in the bustling Phanat Nikhom district of Chon Buri province, as a 63 year old man lost his life in a motorcycle accident. Another motorcyclist was also injured during the incident. The mishap occurred on Tuesday, September 5, on the heavily frequented Sukprayoon Road within the Ban Serd sub-district. Initiating investigations into the motorcycle accident, local…
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Red Bull heir’s hit-and-run case mishandled by 15 top Thai officials, says NACC
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) declared 15 high-ranking police officials and prosecutors culpable for mismanaging the infamous 2012 hit-and-run case connected to the Red Bull heir. Among the implicated are prominent figures including Somyot Poompanmoung, the former national police chief, and Nate Naksuk, the previous deputy attorney-general who had dismissed the residual charges against him, according to NACC spokesperson Niwatchai…
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Teenager fatally shot in central Thailand crossroads crime, ignites police chase
A teenager was fatally shot while crossing a road in a cross-regional community incident, sparking a swift police hunt for the perpetrator. The incident occurred in the heart of the community on Pa Phai Road, Soi 1, Nakhon Chum, Kamphaeng Phet, with the 19 year old man sustaining a gunshot wound to his temple. A Thai-made gun with one shell…
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Special warfare officer shot dead, deputy commander injured in Nakhon Pathom dispute
A fatal shooting occurred in Nakhon Pathom province, where one man lost his life while another sustained injuries. The incident took place in a spacious yard fronting a house located in Ta Kong Subdistrict, Mueang District. The shooting resulted in the death of Sub-Lieutenant Sivakorn Sai Bua, a staff sergeant from the 1st Special Warfare Command, 2nd Infantry Regiment, and…
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Severe weather warning for 56 Thai provinces as heavy rain and flash floods loom
A severe weather warning has been issued by the Thai Meteorological Department today, warning 56 provinces against heavy thunderstorms. The northeast region, accounting for 80% of the area, is expected to face the brunt of the downpour. Bangkok, too, is under a warning to prepare for potential flash floods and runoff. This alert comes in response to a strong monsoon…
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Thailand’s ruling party seeks consensus amid dispute over House committee leadership
A dispute over who should preside over various House committees in Thailand prompted an invitation for a meeting this week, issued by the whip of the ruling Pheu Thai Party. The aim is to reconcile the differing views. Wisut Chainarun, a Pheu Thai list-MP and party whip, revealed that out of the 35 House committees, multiple parties are vying for…
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Ex-Pattaya mayor faces arrest over decade-old condo scandal
The former Pattaya mayor and culture minister faces an arrest warrant after failing to appear for his arraignment over charges from a decade-old condo development scandal in Pattaya. Itthiphol Kunplome’s current location remains undisclosed. Neither his house nor his political faction’s office in the Bang Lamung district of Chon Buri saw any sign of him yesterday. The properties were markedly…
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Bangkok warehouse fire causes chaos in the Vibhavadi area
A four-storey warehouse, adjacent to a luxury car showroom in Vibhavadi area was engulfed in a rapid fire yesterday. The incident, which led to minor injuries for two fire-fighters, reportedly started with sounds of explosions before the fire spread quickly. The warehouse, located in Soi Vibhavadi 22 Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road, Jompol, Chatuchak District, Bangkok, stores various types of goods, including electric…
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Bangkok gems and jewellery fair targets 3 billion baht in trade value
The 68th Bangkok Gems and jewellery Fair, a global hotspot for buyers, importers, and visitors, kicked off yesterday with an anticipated attendance of over 30,000 international guests. The fair, held at the Plenary Hall of the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) until Sunday, is projected to amass a trade value surpassing 3 billion baht, stated Phusit Ratanakul Sereroengrit, Director-General…
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Fire fury: Inferno engulfs townhouse, burns 2 million baht hole
A townhouse fire erupted in Bang Bua Thong, Nonthaburi, causing damage estimated at over 2 million baht. The inferno broke out at 8am today and quickly spread to two adjacent properties. Ten water trucks were deployed to control the blaze, preventing further spread to neighbouring houses. The fire originated in a two-storey townhouse, rapidly engulfing the lower floor before spreading…
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Royally ripped off: Victims seek justice against police officer’s wife impersonating banker
Thommanant Taengtim, known as Ja Kings Saphan Mai, today led a group of more than 10 victims to the Central Investigation Bureau to file a complaint against the wife of a high-ranking police officer from Phahonyothin Police Station, who pretended to be a bank officer. The wife, named Noi, allegedly promised to help them get loans and even allocate lottery…
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Love con job: Thai romance scammer busted for netting 2.6 million baht
The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) arrested a Thai man operating a romance scam using a fake social media profile of a woman to dupe nearly 2.6 million baht from a victim. The arrest was made following a complaint filed by a victim last year. The victim revealed that the scammer used the profile of an attractive woman to approach…
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Principled leadership: MFP chief Pita stresses substance over style for new Thai Cabinet
Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the Move Forward Party, shared his views on the newly formed Thai Cabinet, asserting that his judgment of individuals will be based on principles rather than appearances. He extended his well wishes to the new Cabinet, expressing hope that they would successfully fulfil the promises made during the election campaign. Pita noted that during the…
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Thai sticky rice steamers turned sun hats by tourists spark online laughter
We’ve all been there – when the summer weather just gets so hot that you’ll use whatever means necessary to cool down and get out of the sun. Using cardboard as a fan, standing in front of the coolers at 7-Eleven, dunking your head in the fountain in the park, anything to beat the heat. Two foreigners went viral yesterday on…
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Singer files complaint against man for unwanted kiss at Pattaya bar
A Thai singer recently filed a formal complaint against a man who reportedly sexually harassed her at an entertainment venue in Pattaya. The victim, Toey, shared a video of the incident from a security camera on Facebook to seek justice and expose the unacceptable behaviour of the alleged perpetrator. The singer revealed in the caption… “I did not slap him…
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Cash con-tractor: Bangkok engineer arrested for alleged extortion
Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) officers arrested a senior engineer at Lat Krabang District Office in Bangkok on a corruption accusation. The official was reportedly accused of extorting 50,000 baht from a construction contractor. The Office of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) received a complaint about corruption from a construction contractor. According to the complainant, the senior engineer in question,…
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Russian the stakes: Phuket locals furious over illegal job grabs and shady businesses
Residents and business owners in Phuket are furious over the increasing number of Russians who have settled on the island, taking jobs, operating businesses illegally, and introducing prostitution exclusively for Eurasians. The surge in Russian arrivals, estimated at around 400,000 between January and July of this year, has stirred resentment among the Thai community, leading to calls for action against…
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Online loan scam drags young Thai woman into 2.6 million baht debt
A 26 year old vendor found herself entangled in an online loan scam after losing her job and seeking funds for investment. Bee, from Nakhon Phanom’s Pla Pak district, expressed her ordeal through media outlets, warning society about the risks of falling prey to online loan scams. She initially borrowed 30,000 baht via an online application but was left with…
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Former Pattaya mayor faces arrest, 10 years in jail for illegal building permit
An arrest warrant was issued yesterday for Itthipol Khunpluem, a former Culture Minister and ex-mayor of Pattaya, by the Corruption and Misconduct Case Court (Region 2) in Rayong. Itthipol is accused of misconduct related to granting a building permit to a company on September 10, 2008, for the Waterfront project near the hill of the royal palace in Pattaya, Chon…
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Bridge of sorrow: Fatal collision claims life in Bangkok
A fatal collision involving a car and a motorbike occurred on the Phra Ruang Bridge on Sukhaphiban 5 Road, Sai Mai, Bangkok, in the early hours of this morning. The accident resulted in one fatality and another person severely injured. Upon arrival at the scene, officers from Kannayao Police Station found a severely damaged Toyota Vios with a registration number of…
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Pouring woe: Thailand braces for heavy rain and rising tides
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) today issued a heavy to very heavy rain warning for most parts of Thailand. The announcement identified areas likely to be affected by sudden floods and flash floods. The southern region faces high sea waves, and citizens are urged to stay vigilant. The weather front, identified as a trough of low pressure, is moving north…
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K9 heroes: Police dogs rescue missing toddler in Chiang Mai
Two K9 dogs successfully located and rescued a two year old boy who had gone missing from his distraught family’s residence in the northern province of Chiang Mai. The family of the child, named Copter, sought help from the Mae Fak Polie Station yesterday, September 5, at 1.30pm, after he disappeared from the family house. The house is located on…
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Canal mystery: Thai folk singer’s eerie demise clutching 17,000 baht in cash
A Thai folk singer mysteriously died in the Isaan province of Roi Et. Her lifeless body was found floating in a canal, clutching a shoulder bag containing 17,000 baht. A concerned local fisherman reported the shocking find to officers at Mueang Roi Et Police Station on September 5. He recounted that while fishing in the canal, he came across an…
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Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort offers stage spectacular seafront events
Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort is not only a dream destination for tropical escapes and family vacations – it has redefined the island’s MICE sector by providing a spectacular setting for beachside business meetings, stylish social gatherings and one-of-a-kind weddings. Situated just steps from the soft sands of Patong Beach on Phuket’s sunset coast, this stylish seafront…
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Tourism safety concerns: Thai Government urged to reassure China
The Thai administration is being prodded to collaborate with Beijing before implementing a visa-exemption scheme for Chinese tourists, as the country’s image suffers due to its portrayal as a transit hub for fraudulent activities in recent Chinese media, hindering tourism safety. A Chinese film titled No More Bets, which revolves around scammer networks in Southeast Asia, grossed a whopping US$505…
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Chinese ambassador backs visa perks to boost tourism
Han Zhiqiang, the Chinese Ambassador to Thailand, expressed support for the impending visa privileges aimed towards Chinese tourists. These measures are being considered by both governments, to bolster Chinese tourism and investment in their respective countries ahead of the approaching peak season. Han voiced his endorsement during an orientation for the 18th Mandarin for Government Officers Workshop. This event was…
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Phuket water management: ONWR takes action on shortages, flooding, and wastewater
Phuket’s enduring issues of water shortages, flooding and inadequate wastewater management are set to be addressed by the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR). Surasri Kidtimonton, the secretary-general of ONWR, recently visited the province to track the progress of the water management plan and forest preservation initiatives around Kathu district’s natural water resources. Although Phuket stands as a crucial…
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Palm oil factory fire in Patthalung causes over 3 million baht in damages
A palm oil factory in Patthalung was engulfed in flames, resulting in losses exceeding 3 million baht. The blaze required assistance from several water trucks to bring it under control. Police Lieutenant Colonel Paradanan Meeboon, the duty inspector of Patthalung’s City Police Station, received a report of a fire at the palm oil factory along the Patthalung-Hat Yai Road in…
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Thai thief’s pale for love: Beauty heist and boozy escapade
Police arrested a Thai man who stole 120 packs of skin-whitening products from a 7-Eleven convenience store in the Isaan province of Surin so his girlfriend would have radiant beauty like a superstar. He also stole vodka from a Lotus’s supermarket to throw parties with friends. The saga began when an eagle-eyed staff member at Lotus’s store caught the 38…
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