Thailand News
Discover the most recent and relevant news from across Thailand on The Thaiger’s National News page. Covering a wide range of topics, including politics, business, crime, and lifestyle, our dedicated team brings you breaking news, in-depth analysis, and exclusive stories from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond.
Stay informed about the latest developments in Thai society, economy, and culture, as well as updates on travel, tourism, and expat life. With The Thaiger, you’ll never miss out on the essential news that matters to you.
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Sponsored Is tap water in Thailand safe to consume?
Wondering if you can drink the tap water in Thailand? From brushing your teeth to filling up a bottle, it’s helpful to understand a few basics. Tap water safety in Thailand varies by location, and while some people use it...
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Man high on meth terrifies employee at Udon Thani petrol station
A petrol station employee in Udon Thani was left terrified when a man, barefoot and behaving erratically, approached her while she was resting in the office. The man then groped himself and attempted to rush at her, prompting her to flee for help. Police later apprehended him, discovering he was under the influence of methamphetamine (meth). Police officers Udon Suksiri…
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Thai Excise Department ramps up crackdown on illegal goods
Thailand’s Excise Department has intensified its crackdown on illegal goods, reporting 33,359 cases, a 28% increase, with estimated fines exceeding 2.4 billion baht. The Deputy Minister of Finance, Paophum Rojanasakul, announced yesterday, October 4, that the Ministry of Finance, through the Excise Department, has effectively ramped up its nationwide efforts to combat violations of excise laws. The department reported 33,359…
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Thai police arrest key figure in dating app scam gang
Thai police have apprehended a key member of a hybrid scam gang targeting victims on dating apps and tricking them into investing in digital currency, resulting in losses exceeding 500,000 baht. Officers arrested 35 year old Yupaporn in front of her residence in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung, Chon Buri. The arrest followed a warrant issued by the Taling Chan Criminal…
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Fire kills 11 cats and injures five in Bangkok home
Firefighters battled a blaze on the second floor of a house in Bangkok, discovering the tragic scene of 11 cats dead and five severely injured. The owner was in shock, revealing she housed 29 cats there. Officers from Thungkhru Police Station received a report of a fire at 6.40pm yesterday, October 4, at a residential home within Khlong Kao Hong…
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Roadworks on Suphan Buri highway to cause weekend delays
The Department of Highways has announced a three-year road improvement project on Highway 340 from Ban Sali to Suphan Buri, with traffic expected to be congested during weekends. Travellers are advised to plan their journeys in advance. The Department of Highways is committed to enhancing the transportation network of the country and is expediting the construction of Highway 340 from…
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Thai shop’s refusal to replace ice cream spoon sparks debate
A mother’s request for a replacement spoon at a popular ice cream parlour sparked a heated debate online after the shop refused to provide one. The incident, which quickly garnered attention on social media, divided netizens into two camps: those supporting the shop’s policy and those sympathising with the mother. The event came to light when a member of the…
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Boat in Chiang Mai flood narrowly escapes disaster (video)
A boat narrowly avoided disaster after being swept away by floodwaters in Chiang Mai, crashing into a bridge before passing safely underneath. The incident, captured on TikTok by user @malaim274, occurred during severe flooding in the area. “Chiang Mai’s second round of flooding brought fast and powerful water currents. This boat got swept away but luckily didn’t sink.” The video…
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Elephant carcass found in Chiang Mai after severe flooding
A tragic discovery was made yesterday, October 4, when the carcass of an elephant was found washed up near an elephant camp in Chiang Mai following severe flooding. This incident highlights the urgent need for improved animal management during natural disasters. The flooding, which occurred in several areas of Chiang Mai province, particularly impacted the region of Mae Taeng, where…
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British man busted in Pattaya after cannabis-fuelled escape attempt
A British man on the run from Thai police had his escape plan go up in smoke—literally. On Thursday, October 3, Chon Buri Immigration officers apprehended a 28 year old British national who was wanted for trespassing and overstaying his visa in Thailand. But in a bizarre twist, the arrest only came after he tried to flee while high on…
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Soldiers in Lopburi camp hospitalised after severe punishment
A military camp in Lopburi has come under scrutiny following reports of two soldiers being subjected to severe punishment late at night, leading to their admission into the intensive care unit (ICU). The soldiers were allegedly ordered to continue working immediately after being discharged from the emergency room. Former candidate for MP in Constituency 10, Chon Buri, for the now-defunct…
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Foreign tourist’s gold necklace stolen in Patong alley
Patong Police are currently investigating the theft of a gold necklace from a foreign tourist in Soi Sea Dragon, off Bangla Road, which took place early yesterday morning, October 4. The incident, which occurred around 12.20am in front of a bar, was reported by the victim, Guilherme Rodrigues e Almeida Fernandes, to the police. Fernandes, whose nationality was not disclosed,…
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Phuket cracks down on illegal busking during Vegetarian Festival
Police in Phuket have issued a stern warning against begging and busking in key public areas during the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. This comes after several individuals were apprehended at Jui Tui Shrine in Phuket Town on Thursday, October 3. A team of officers, led by officials from the Phuket Provincial Office of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security…
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Blind elephant left behind as Chiang Mai floods ravage sanctuary (video)
Dramatic footage from the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai shows the heartwarming moment when four elephants waded through rising floodwaters, escaping a sanctuary inundated by severe flooding. The park’s staff scrambled to lead the animals to safety as relentless downpours from Typhoon Yagi, Asia’s most powerful storm this year, battered the region. Among the group, one elephant moved noticeably…
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Turtle-saving tech: Thai students invent beach lamp
Thailand’s sea turtles are getting a lifeline, thanks to a bright idea from students at Chulalongkorn University. Enter COCOLAMP—a clever light-diverting bulb shade designed to protect baby turtles from disorienting beach lights, ensuring they can safely crawl to the sea. With sea turtles at risk of extinction, this innovation could make all the difference. Lights from beachfront hotels, resorts, and…
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Eye for an eye: Thai rider’s stare-down leads to road rage stabbing
A Thai man confessed to stabbing another man on a road in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, in a fit of anger after the victim allegedly stared at him while they were riding motorcycles near each other. The victim’s girlfriend and brother filed a complaint with Pak Kret Police Station on the morning of Wednesday, October 2, after the victim, 26…
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Thai crackdown on activists ignites fresh tensions in Deep South
Five activists in Thailand’s insurgency-plagued Deep South are facing the heat after hosting a mock referendum on self-determination. Yesterday, October 3, police charged two activists and three students for organising the event in June last year, sparking renewed debates about free speech in the volatile, heavily militarised border region. The group, which includes members of The Pattani political movement and…
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Crystal clear bust: South Korean drug kingpin nabbed in Thailand
A dramatic international manhunt has ended with the arrest of a South Korean man accused of trafficking crystal methamphetamine from Thailand to South Korea. Thai narcotics police, working closely with their South Korean counterparts, swooped in on 44 year old Seo Jung Num in Chon Buri province. Police Lieutenant General Panurat Lakboon, Secretary-General of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board…
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DSI fast-tracks fraud case against celebrity retailer Kornkanok
Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong authorised the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to expedite the high-profile fraud case against celebrity online retailer Kornkanok “Mae Tuck” Suwannabut. The case has been designated a special case to ensure a swift resolution. Kornkanok and her husband, Kanpon Rueang-aram, were arrested on September 30 in Bangkok, facing multiple charges. They are accused of public fraud,…
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Thai beauty queen tricked into paying 800,000 baht for victory
A Thai beauty queen demanded justice after a beauty pageant manager deceived her into paying 800,000 baht to secure a crown. The 27 year old beauty queen, Panicha, also known as Lemon, sought help from non-profit organisation Saimai Survive after she was allegedly duped by the manager of a renowned beauty pageant in the central province of Suphan Buri. Lemon…
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Thailand climbs the global ranks: 28th best country in the world
Thailand secured its spot as one of the world’s best places to live, work, and explore, leaping up one place to 28th in the US News & World Report’s 2024 Best Countries in the World ranking. This comes as the country continues to shine globally for its rich heritage, booming industries, and irresistible tourism appeal. The list, compiled in collaboration…
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Thailand’s LGBTQI+ discrimination costs the economy big time
Thailand’s economy is losing billions, and discrimination is the culprit. A new report by Open for Business reveals that LGBTQI+ exclusion is costing the nation a staggering 51.8 to 121.8 billion baht annually. This shocking figure comes from a mix of lost wages, healthcare costs, and missed economic opportunities, all linked to ongoing discrimination against the LGBTQI+ community. The report,…
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Armed men arrested after storming Udon Thani childcare centre
Two young men armed with a knife and a baseball bat were apprehended after storming into a childcare centre, admitting to using drugs and engaging in a dispute over drug debts. They claimed they did not realise they had entered a childcare centre during their chase. Yesterday, October 3, around midday, a group of teenagers armed with a baseball bat…
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Thai woman suffers broken legs in hit-and-run on zebra crossing
A Thai woman is seeking justice after a hit-and-run on a zebra crossing in the central province of Pathum Thani on October 1 left her with two broken legs. The victim, 50 year old Rattana, took to social media to search for the pickup driver who crashed into her at around 5am on October 1. Rattana shared CCTV footage of…
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LINE MAN Wongnai expands food delivery across Thailand
LINE MAN Wongnai is significantly expanding in Thailand’s food delivery market, with over 10 million users monthly and more than 100,000 riders servicing all 77 provinces. Yod Chinsupakul, CEO of LINE MAN Wongnai, highlighted the continuous growth of the food delivery market in Thailand. The platform now caters to over 10 million users each month and has a rider network…
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Thailand races to attract 10 million more tourists before year-end
Thailand is pulling out all the stops to reclaim its crown as a world-class tourism destination. In a high-profile meeting yesterday, October 3, at the Dusit Thani Bangkok, the Tourism and Sports Ministry, along with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), unveiled their ambitious plans to attract more tourists to the Land of Smiles. With representatives from TAT’s 74 domestic…
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Fake Thai monk’s gamble goes bust in Bangkok mall
Police arrested a fake Thai monk at a bank within a shopping mall in the Chatuchak district of Bangkok yesterday, October 3, for scamming money from Buddhists to clear his gambling debts. Ironically named “Duangdee,” which translates to “good fortune” in Thai, this bogus monk’s luck ran out as he was apprehended outside Krungthai Bank in Central Lat Phrao shopping…
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Paetongtarn’s diplomatic debut: Thailand’s PM faces global stage
Thailand’s youngest prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, kicked off her international leadership journey with a high-stakes appearance at the 3rd Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Leaders’ Summit in Doha, Qatar. This trip, running between October 2 to 4, marks her first official overseas engagement since taking office just a month ago. The ACD holds special significance for PM Paetongtarn, as it was…
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Arrest warrants issued in Kamnan Nok meth gang shooting case
The court issued arrest warrants for the leader of the Kamnan Nok gang and his associate, who are accused of firing 30 shots into a Toyota Camry over a dispute involving 600,000 methamphetamine pills. Police are expanding their investigation to apprehend all involved parties. Yesterday, October 3, the investigation, supervised by Praphat Mangkhang, Deputy Commander of Samut Prakan Provincial Police,…
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Corruption scandal hits the brakes: Thailand’s bus industry whistleblows dirty dealings
A shocking revelation has swept through the coach bus industry of Thailand as several anonymous companies have blown the whistle on rampant corruption within the Land Transport Department‘s vehicle inspection process. A sneaky bribe of 3,000 to 4,000 baht is all it takes to fast-track an inspection, making life suspiciously easy for some. This disgraceful practice was put under the…
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Phang Nga governor pushes for Phuket rail link
Plans for a game-changing rail link to Phuket are gathering steam—but officials are staying tight-lipped. Phang Nga Governor Supoj Rotreuang Na Nongkhai has just held a high-level meeting to review the ambitious project connecting Tha Noon in Takua Thung district to Phuket International Airport. The proposed 18-kilometre railway, expected to feature four stations—Khok Kloi, Tha Noon, Mai Khao, and Phuket…
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