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 Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run
Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...
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Monk-inspired amulets fly off the shelves as locals hope for lottery success
Over 2,500 followers and fortune-seekers yesterday thronged Phatthanathammaram temple, also known as Ban Dan Chong Jom temple, in Gab Cheing district, Surin, to get their hands on monk-inspired commemorative amulets. These amulets were being distributed to raise funds for the construction of the largest statue ever made in the likeness of Luang Poo Heng, a famous monk who is deeply…
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From lotto bliss to gambler’s abyss: Heartbroken winner’s TikTok confessions go viral
A former lottery winner poured out her heart in a rather daunting video on TikTok after she lost it all to gambling. Once the lucky recipient of a colossal 12 million baht lottery windfall, she then blew it all in a ruinous cyclone of online gambling. Her fortunes fluctuated so severely that she not only lost her cash, she consequently…
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Severe weather alert: Heavy rainfall predicted across Thailand due to monsoon impact
In the forecast for the next 24 hours, weather conditions across Thailand are expected to turn severe with heavy rains predicted in the northern, and northeastern regions, and a significant 60% of Bangkok areas facing heavy downpours. These conditions are following the impact of a monsoon trough passing over the northern region and upper Laos, which is leading into a…
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Woman crashes car into convenience store after alleged assault by boyfriend in Ranong
An unfortunate car accident occurred near a convenience store close to the exit gate of Ranong Provincial Police Station at around 8.45pm yesterday, according to Ranong police. A middle-aged woman, navigating a bronze-silver Toyota Yaris with plate number กง 737 Ranong, was involved in the mishap. The car flipped, laying upside down, its wheels pointing skyward. The woman managed to…
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Three former rangers arrested in high-profile 500,000 baht Thai kidnapping incident
Today witnessed a significant operation by the Crime Suppression Division (CSD)’s special weapons and tactics unit, resulting in the arrest of three suspected culprits of a kidnapping gang. Spanning two regions in southern Thailand and one in the northeast, the operation began at 6am, with the CSD’s Hanuman unit targeting eight specific locations. Three of these target sites were identified…
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Foreign motorcyclist struck by hit-and-run baht bus driver in Pattaya
A bizarre incident unfolded in the early hours of this morning as a foreign motorcyclist was struck by a vehicle, believed to be a baht bus, which subsequently fled from the incident scene. The collision occurred at 3.30am, in the vicinity of Hard Rock Hotel. Emergency healthcare workers from the Sawang Boriboon Foundation were alerted and quickly reached the scene,…
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Thailand No.1 in ASEAN according to UN’s 2023 Sustainable Development ranking
Thailand‘s recent economic, social, and green development has been reflected in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Report for 2023. In a statement relayed by Trisulee Trisoranakul, the Deputy Government spokesperson, it is reported that Thailand’s Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense, Prayut Chan-o-cha, is pleased. Thailand has now improved its standing to the 43rd position among 166 countries from…
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Two Thais arrested for defrauding Bangkok monk of 500,000 baht in online scam
Thai cyber police yesterday apprehended two key members of a fraudulent call centre operation which orchestrated an elaborate financial scam, defrauding a monk out of almost half a million baht. Named Thitiwatch, aged 38, and 52 year old Ekapetch were arrested in Phaya Thai and Pleonchit districts of Bangkok under arrest warrants 407,408/2023 from Samut Prakan provincial court. The investigation…
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Counterfeit caper in northeast Thailand: Scammer’s fake money fiasco sends a warning to the community
A cautionary tale has emerged from the local community in northeast Thailand involving a scammer using counterfeit money for purchases. The perpetrator paid with a fake 1,000 baht banknote and received 903 baht in change. Around 1pm yesterday, Police Lieutenant Colonel Chedchai Chaisaeng, an acting inquiry officer of Chai Wan Police Station in Udon Thani, was visited by local retailer Prapaphon,…
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Police arrest woman over Japanese job recruitment scam
Udon Thani law enforcement agencies arrested a woman believed to have duped people into seeking work in Japan in a crackdown on fraudulent recruitment agencies. Identified as Sukanya Buasri, alias Ruen, she was apprehended amidst a flurry of complaints concerning her activities. Homing in on alleged unscrupulousness, Bang Dung and Thungfon police jointly detained Buasri. She was subsequently transported to…
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Fatal tragedy strikes as young biker crashes into tree near national research office
A fatal accident occurred in the early hours of this morning, with a young man crashing his motorbike into a tree near the National Research Office. The victim, 25 year old Kamphol, was said to be en route to meet a friend in the Bang Khen area for an outing at Khao San Road. At approximately 3am today, police officer…
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Phuket roads to close for grand Peranakan Festival parade today
Phuket Town’s arterial ways are set to experience a temporary shutdown late this afternoon into the evening due to a grand carnival parade. The procession forms part of the Phuket Peranakan Festival ceremonies and will cover the historical Phuket Old Town region. Thalang Road, Soi Rommanee, and parts of Phang Nga Road, Yaowarat Road, and Thepkrasattri Road will remain inaccessible to…
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RTN investigates alleged corruption in 440 million baht armoured vehicle deal
A thorough investigation has been initiated by the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) after a social media page reported some alleged discrepancies in a recent purchase of armoured vehicles totalling over 440 million baht (US$12,480,000). The public announcement about the investigation came yesterday when Admiral Pokkrong Monthatphalin, the RTN spokesman, stated that the navy commander, Choengchai Chomchoengpaet, had ordered a probe…
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Healing the rumor mill: Bangkok hospital denies ‘rejuvenating DNA’ trials with a dose of truth
King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, alongside Chulalongkorn University (CU), yesterday refuted allegations of conducting “rejuvenating DNA” trials on human subjects following a claim by someone to have undergone such treatment at their facilities. In a joint statement, both institutions clarified that the pioneering rejuvenating DNA, developed by CU’s Faculty of Medicine specialist team under the RED-GEMs (REjuvenating DNA by GEnomic Stability…
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Tham Luang cave rescue heroes honoured on 5th anniversary
The fifth anniversary of the Tham Luang cave rescue will be observed with a merit-making ceremony honouring the deceased – including Nang Nom’s governor, Seaman Sam and Young Dom. The preparations for the ceremony have been initiated at various sacred spots within the park and will include a homage to the Lady of Nang Non. PR.Thailand shared pictures of the…
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Shattered dreams: Disabled man in Bangkok takes his own life
A dismal image of life pressures came to light recently when a disabled man, feeling the weight of his predicament, tragically ended his life. The man, once a car mechanic able to fend for his wife, sadly viewed himself as a burden on her. Found beneath their rented house, his death underscores the stark realities of life pressures and hardship…
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Teenage intern injured in mysterious fall from six-storey building leaves questions unanswered
A 19 year old intern yesterday was found injured in a car park, having mysteriously fallen from a six-storey building. The young man was undressed and bore injuries across his body. Rescuers from the Thamma Ratsamee Maneerat Foundation and a medical team from Chon Buri Hospital found the teenager lying on the bonnet of a damaged Toyota Yaris. His fall…
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Thai-twister alert: Storm swirls promised over next 24 hours
The Meteorological Department forecasts a 24-hour Thailand weather shift starting this morning, caused by a storm passing over northern and northeast Thailand. The low-pressure trough pushing in from northern Vietnam and the Gulf of Tonkin, along with the continual southwest monsoon, have increased rainfall across northern, northeastern, and eastern Thailand, with some areas experiencing heavy downpours. Central and southern Thailand…
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TikTok user documents drunk monk disrupting bus journey
Engaging content emerged on TikTok yesterday capturing a drunk monk disrupting a bus. The TikTok user, @nawapornice, said the monk’s behaviour was inconveniencing other passengers, he stunk of alcohol and displayed a persistent argumentative attitude towards the bus staff. The captured footage highlighted the monk seated near the exit, disrupting the bus staff with loud arguments due to his being seated in…
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Blade of betrayal: Estranged husband’s chilling knife attack rattles kanchanaburi
An estranged husband yesterday turned into a knife-wielding psychopath in an attempt to murder his wife in Kanchanaburi, West Thailand. The 44 year old assailant, Sukrit Jaifuey, remains at large following the chilling assault on his estranged wife, known as ‘A,’ which occurred at her place of work. The shocking scene took place within the bustling bus station where A…
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Love’s fatal crossfire: Jealousy ignites tragic showdown in eastern Thailand
A tragic incident gripped the community of Prajantakam, Prachinburi, in eastern Thailand after an ex-husband confronted his former wife and her new partner. His jealousy led to a violent encounter and ended in a fatal shooting. Witnesses yesterday recalled a heated spat in a rented room along Vorodom Road behind Wat Sri Prajantakam temple. The situation escalated, resulting in gunshots that…
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Wave of disapproval: Krabi residents make waves as foreign men scale tsunami tower in unruly act
Residents in the southern province of Krabi condemned two foreign men for their unruly behaviour after they put their lives in danger to climb a 16-metre tsunami warning tower on Ao Nang Beach. Witnesses speculated that the duo was under the influence of alcohol. A 25 year old Thai woman shared a video of the two foreigners with the Thai news…
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Thai Karaoke bar owner arrested for trafficking and exploitation of minors
The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) recently made a successful raid, apprehending a Thai karaoke bar owner for allegedly exploiting and trafficking girls under 18 years old in the Nakhon Ratchasima province. The operation took place on June 20, following a tip-off about illicit activities at a karaoke bar in the Chok Chai area. The 48 year old bar owner, Sreelamul,…
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Woman seeks media help after ex-husband accuses her of embezzlement
A Thai woman sought help from a Thai news agency after her ex-husband filed a complaint accusing her of embezzlement and demanded 720,000 baht from her. The wife, 36 year old Treeraka, told Channel 3 that she married her husband, a 49 year old Thai man named Nikorn, on May 8 in 2017. Nikorn provided a 200,000-baht cash dowry and…
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Phuket ramps up maritime safety ahead of tourist influx
In an effort to reassure tourists and prevent local boat and ferry accidents, maritime safety and disaster officials in Phuket have initiated an intensified campaign for water transport safety. Recent visits from Phuket marine officials to scrutinise boats for safety compliance suggest a strengthened emphasis on stringent adherence to safety measures. These measures were fleshed out during a meeting presided…
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Marine police seize Vietnamese fishing vessels in Songkhla crackdown
Thailand’s southern Songkhla province witnessed a series of Marine Police actions as two Vietnamese fishing vessels were seized and their crew members detained, according to authorities. These events unfolded yesterday in the waters of the southern regions of Pattani and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Pol. Lt. Col. Nathapong Takaew, the deputy head of the Songkhla-based Marine Police Sub-division 7, reported today…
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Worker fatality sparks investigation at Pathum Thani convenience store
In a shocking incident, a 43 year old convenience store worker was found dead behind the store after an intense day of work. His co-workers, who discovered the body, state he previously complained of being tired due to his dual role as a cashier and delivery driver. The unexpected death occurred in Sam Khok, Pathum Thani, prompting a hurried investigation…
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Phuket undeterred by Expo bid loss, invests in 5.1 billion baht project
Phuket’s development as an International Medical Hub remains steadfast and promising following the unsuccessful bid for the World Specialised Expo 2027/28. Phuket, a top tourist destination, is undeterred and continues with its ambitious government-backed project to carve a niche as an ‘International Medical Hub’. Government Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri showed optimism for Phuket’s development amidst the loss, articulating gratitude on behalf…
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Caught in the act: Police swoop down on illegal immigration, nabbing 23 in southern Thailand sting
A swift police operation on illegal immigration yesterday resulted in the apprehension of 23 individuals in Songkhla, a province in southern Thailand. Four of them were Thai citizens acting as drivers, and the remaining 19 were Bangladeshis, who were identified as unlawful immigrants. Following an informant’s tip-off about chances of illegal immigration, the local law enforcement swung into action, anticipating…
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Viral spectre sensation: Young girl’s chilling ghost encounter haunts the Internet with over 3 million views
A video capturing a young girl’s encounter with a ghost in the midst of the day has taken the Internet by storm, with views exceeding three million. The footage was posted by TikTok user @nnlsenseless and in it, the girl is seen standing on a staircase, claiming she can see a ghost. The caption of the now-viral clip says… “My…
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