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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Mentally ill novice forced to quit monkhood after masturbating in bus and police station
Police yesterday forced a mentally ill Thai novice to leave the monkhood and continue treatment after he was caught masturbating on a bus and at a police station in the Isaan province of Udon Thani. A security guard at Udon Thani Bus Terminal 1 reported the indecent act by a 23 year old novice named Sakda to Mueang Udon Thani…
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Thai man arrested for rape and murder of 75 year old woman in Isaan
Police arrested a local man yesterday for the brutal rape and murder of a 75 year old Thai woman in the Isaan province of Sa Kaeo. The victim’s grandson, 27 year old Sittichai, discovered the dead body of his grandmother, 75 year old Boonnam Cherngkhao, in a sugar cane field near an abandoned car showroom in the Sa Kaeo province…
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Fatal high-speed motorcycle crash in Bang Khen district
A fatal accident occurred in the Bang Khen district when a high-speed motorcyclist lost control and crashed into a steel barrier. The 28 year old motorcyclist, identified as Subhasin, an army officer, was found dead at the scene. The accident took place on Thepharak Road, heading towards the Big C intersection, in the early hours of the day. At the…
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Stabbing to death in Phra Khanong convenience store shocks local community
A fatal stabbing occurred in a convenience store in the Phra Khanong area, following a heated argument between two homeless men. The incident, which took place at around 1am yesterday, was swiftly responded to by local police, accompanied by forensic doctors from Chulalongkorn Hospital and volunteers from the Pu Teak Tueng Foundation. The 60 year old deceased, Somchai, was found…
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Elderly Thai duo’s homemade kaffir lime shampoo gains online attention (video)
Social media users are intrigued by a pair of elderly women who are handcrafting and selling their kaffir lime shampoo. The duo’s distinctive labelling of their product has caught the attention of netizens, suggesting a counterfeit if the sticker is aligned properly. On January 7, TikTok user @kanthikanuch shared a clip of the two old ladies making the herbal shampoo…
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Thai national parks report record revenues and visitors in 2023
The Thai Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation disclosed on January 4, the rankings of the top 10 highest-earning and most-visited national parks from the pool of 133 parks for the previous year. Based on revenue from January to December 2023, the top 10 Thai national parks accumulated a whopping total income of 1,651,868,101 baht (US$47 million). Hat…
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Activists challenge Thaksin’s hospital treatment, demand transparency
A recent post by former Election Commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn on January 3 questioned the alleged preferential treatment for Thaksin Shinawatra, former Thai PM, a high-profile prisoner receiving medical care at the Police General Hospital. In response, the Thai Department of Corrections addressed the matter on January 6, clarifying their stance and procedures concerning long-term treatments exceeding 120 days for inmates…
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Body of Thai toddler found in fridge: Choked on sticky rice, reveals autopsy
The lifeless body of a two year old boy, Theerapong Duangngam, also known as Nong Nai, was discovered inside a refrigerator in the bedroom of his adoptive parents, Hannarong, also known as Bank Praiphnom, and Marisa, also known as Koi, yesterday. Theerapong ‘s autopsy report was released today. The report, disclosed to the media by Police Lieutenant Phruet Jamroonsart, head…
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Pedestrian bridge collapses onto dump truck on Northbound Highway 32
A pedestrian bridge in Ang Thong‘s Mueang district came crashing down onto a dump truck, causing a significant obstruction on the main northbound highway, Highway 32. The incident unfolded around 7am today when the dump truck, with its body unintentionally raised, collided with the footbridge. The Department of Highways reported that the truck was en route north on Highway 32,…
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Volunteer soldier arrested on Bangkok Skytrain with Commando brand shotgun
A 40 year old volunteer soldier was arrested at a BTS Skytrain station in Phra Khanong, Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok. The suspect was found carrying an 8.6-inch shotgun of the Commando brand. The police also seized one shotgun shell of the Royal Thai Army brand, 10 of 12 red shells, 9 of 12 white shells, and 50 9mm bullets, all packed…
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German President Steinmeier’s visit to Thailand to boost bilateral ties
Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the President of Germany, is set to embark on a three-day visit to Thailand, starting on January 24. The visit is at the invitation of Thai Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin. This announcement marks the first international state leader visit since PM Srettha’s government came into power and the first by a German President since Johannes Rau’s visit in…
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Online scams surge in Thailand warns Central Investigation Bureau
A surge in online scams, driven by the significant increase in internet-based activities, is anticipated to continue throughout this year, warned Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) commissioner Jirabhop Bhuridej. The CIB’s analysis of cybercrime, as reported by the Royal Thai Police (RTP), indicated that over 400,000 cases were logged between March 1 and November 30 of last year. Misleading operations involving…
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Illegal teen hotspot Heaven Rangsit raided, hundreds of underage patrons found
Authorities have raided the notorious teen hotspot, Heaven Rangsit, for operating without a permit and allowing almost 500 underage individuals to patronise the establishment. The bust occurred at around 12.30am today. Officials, including Ronnarong Tipsiri, Inspector General of the Department of Local Administration and Wilun Sitthiwong, Director of the Investigation and Legal Affairs of the Department of Local Administration, led…
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Chilly air mass blankets northern Thailand with heavy rainfall warnings for the south
Today’s weather forecast in Thailand saw a chilly air mass sprawling across the upper part of the country, with temperatures dipping to a frigid 7 degrees Celsius at the peak of the mountain ranges. The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning for heavy rainfall in some areas of the southern region. A high-pressure system or cold air mass…
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Thai army chief refutes claims of cultural persecution in southern provinces
The Chief of the Fourth Army Region, Santi Sakuntanak, refuted accusations that the Thai army has been legally pursuing youths from the provinces of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat for merely donning traditional Malay attire at a fair celebrating Malay culture. The 54 year old clarified that those summoned to court were implicated in separatist activities and prominently exhibited the emblem…
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Chiang Rai drug traffickers clash with officials: Two fatalities reported
A violent confrontation erupted in Chiang Rai when a drug trafficking caravan refused to halt at the command of officials. The traffickers, armed and dangerous, fired shots at the officers. The clash ended with two traffickers dead, following the officials’ retaliatory gunfire. The incident occurred around 8.30pm yesterday. Manop Senakul, the Police Lieutenant Colonel and head of Chiang Rai Provincial…
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Hong Kong actor’s extravagant French-inspired penthouse in Bangkok
In the heart of Bangkok, an anonymous Hong Kong actor has unveiled his secret sanctuary — a lavish 5,000-square foot penthouse offering a jaw-dropping 270-degree panoramic view of the city. This celeb hideaway, designed by the renowned Soil Studios, combines sleek modernity with the warm allure of a French holiday home, creating an opulent retreat fit for a star. The…
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Body of two year old found in fridge in Nonthaburi province
The body of a two year old boy was found concealed and stuffed into a refrigerator in Nonthaburi province today, January 6. Police initially arrested a 25 year old woman who was the caretaker and friend of the child’s mother for questioning after seeing the child for the last time. Officers from Bang Bua Thong Police Station, Ruamkatanyu Foundation officials,…
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Pattaya: Pothole excavations cause frustration for locals
Since the start of roadworks at the Chaiyapruek intersection on January 4, bewildered Pattaya residents have been scratching their heads over the necessity and planning behind this disruptive project. City authorities claim the construction work is an attempt to rectify uneven road surfaces, but the public is not buying it and many are taking to social media to air their…
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10,000 flock to Chiang Rai for monk’s 60th anniversary
The grand celebration of the 60th birthday of the revered Buddhist monk, Phra Khuva Boonchum, which takes place today, January 6, also commemorates his four remarkable decades in monkhood. Worshippers gather for a religious celebration in Wat Phra That Doi Wiang Kaew, Chiang Rai province, marking the 60th birthday of the esteemed Buddhist monk, Phra Khuba Boonchum, also known as…
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Transgender arrested for theft of gold necklace worth 300,000 baht
A 29 year old transgender woman made her escape via South Pattaya Road after snatching a 300,000 baht gold necklace from a Chinese tourist on Christmas Day last year. Yu Chao, a 36 year old Chinese tourist, was left stunned. In the early hours of December 25, near Wat Chai, he encountered a transgender woman offering companionship. Little did he…
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West Thailand: Teenage Myanmar girl dies in pickup crash near factory
A road accident took place in the early hours of today, January 6, near the Tipco Pineapple Factory on Phetkasem road, in the Mueang district of Prachuap Khiri Khan province. A Burmese teenager lost her life when the pickup she was travelling in lost control and crashed into a tree. The Prachuap Khiri Khan City Police Station received a distress…
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Thailand’s bid to become ASEAN halal haven
Thailand‘s Industry Ministry, under the dynamic leadership of Minister Pimpattra Wichaikul, is set to revolutionise the nation into an ASEAN Halal hub. The minister is gearing up for a high-stakes meeting with Saudi Arabian officials, the powerhouse behind the world’s colossal halal markets. Scheduled to confer with the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), Pimpattra is on a mission…
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Government plans to transform military bases into drug rehab centres
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin revealed a strategic initiative to repurpose military facilities as sanctuaries for treating and stabilising drug addicts. The visionary plan, aimed at curbing the societal fallout from illicit drugs, comes after discussions with Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang and army chief General Charoenchai Hinthao. The Thai PM made an announcement on social media. “Drug problems have negative impacts…
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Chon Buri: Essilor Thailand opens job applications with daily wage of 361 baht
Essilor Optical Laboratory (Thailand) Co., Ltd, located in the Amata Nakorn Industrial Estate, Chon Buri, announced openings for new employees. The announcement, posted on the Factory News page, describes the job as comfortable, with a good income, excellent benefits, excellent bonuses, and continuous overtime opportunities. The direct application process offers a wage of 361 baht per day, a shift allowance…
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Thai mother-in-law fatally stabs abusive daughter-in-law in Pathum Thani
A mother-in-law fatally stabbed her daughter-in-law after allegedly enduring verbal abuse on a daily basis. The incident occurred at an unnamed apartment building in the Soi Nakhon Chai 1, Khlong Luang district, Pathum Thani province at 6pm yesterday, January 5. At the crime scene – a five-storey apartment building – authorities discovered the body of 30 year old woman named…
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Pattaya taxi operator finds and returns 64,800 Thai baht left on street
A taxi service operator in Pattaya found a bag containing a substantial amount of money at around 8.30pm yesterday, January 5. The operator, 58 year old Wilailak Pimnoy discovered a clear plastic bag filled with US$1,500 (approximately 54,000 Thai baht) and an additional 10,800 Thai baht. The found money, totalling 64,800 Thai baht, was on the street in front of…
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Nakhon Pathom: Special Forces seize 69 tonnes of illegal pork
The Special Forces unit of Phraya Nakhon Ratchasima seized 69 tonnes of illegal pork yesterday, January 5, and more than half of the transportation permits were found to be counterfeit. Thanadol Suwannarath, the deputy commander of the unit, disclosed that the raid took place in a cold storage facility in Nakhon Pathom province following a tip-off. The Ministry of Agriculture…
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Thai student suffers brutal punishment for playing game in computer lab
A 12 year old Thai student in Lam Plai Mat, Buriram Province, was reportedly beaten by a 40 year old mathematics teacher for playing a game called Takraw in the computer room. The boy, identified as A (name changed), returned home crying with a swollen forehead and multiple injuries on his neck and back. His grandfather, 70 year old Sompan,…
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Thai influencer Sebow faces charges for promoting online gambling
The Thai Police Technology Crime Suppression Division 2 (TCSD), based in Thong Thani, questioned a popular 24 year old social media influencer, who confessed to promoting online gambling sites. Today the influencer, Sebow, who has more than 400,000 followers on her Facebook page, reported to Lieutenant Colonel Nipon Boonkeert, the head of TCSD 2, to provide testimony and acknowledge the…
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