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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10.4 kilos of heroin seized. Four arrested in Chumpon.
Police have arrested four residents of southern border provinces for allegedly trying to smuggle 10.4 kilograms of heroin from Chiang Rai to Narathiwat and then to Malaysia. The four suspects were arrested at a road checkpoint in Chumphon’s Pathiu district at 7am on Friday. The arrest was announced by Provincial Police Bureau 8 commissioner Pol Lt-General Surasak Yenprem on Saturday.…
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Bling, bling. Why don’t you give us a call?
The national Anti-Corruption Commission will summon four unnamed individuals for questioning next week in connection with the watch scandal involving Deputy PM Prawit Wongsuwan. NACC secretary-general Worawit Sukboon said yesterday the NACC might as well conduct inquiries with all four people and would complete that part of the probe by March. If it finds links to other people, they would…
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Foundation seeking leniency for blind Yala woman jailed for lese majeste
PHOTO: The Muslim Attorney Centre chief Adilan Ali-ishok (courtesy of Facebook page Wartini) A legal aid foundation in Yala is planning to appeal a court verdict on behalf of a blind woman who was sentenced on Thursday to one-and-a- half years in prison for lese majeste. The Muslim Attorney Centre, in the Muslim-majority southern border province, was asked by the…
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THAIGER TODAY Friday, January 5
Prayut lashes out at media | Gentlemen can get their ‘bits’ lasered | Phuket Immigration website in ‘Thai’ language only | Tourists leave record amounts of garbage | Police nab drug ‘king-pins’ in Mai Khao | Malaysians arrested in BKK for phone scams.
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Tourists leave. Garbage problem stays.
Tourists left behind more garbage at New Year holiday destinations this year, report tourism operators around Khao Lak and Hua Hin. Garbage was left behind in major tourist destinations as tourists returned home after New Year long holidays. Popular seaside retreats at Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan and Khao Lak in Phang Nga have reported that the amount of…
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THAIGER TODAY Thursday, January 4
‘Somtam Index’ shows Krabi most expensive | Deluge of new year drink-driving prosecutions causing paperwork nightmare | Tourist pest from Jungceylon was at it again the afternoon before | Thai auto industry doing well | Official stats after six days of ‘seven day’ reporting period | BKK cracking down on noisy vehicles.
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‘Election all go for November’, according to the Thai Embassy in Finland
PHOTO: Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai surprised by the Thai Embassy in Finland mis-speaking about possible elections this year. Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai yesterday ordered an investigation into a Facebook post from the Thai Embassy in Finland giving advice about preparation for an election tentatively to be held in November. Don said he never ordered the embassy to do so. “I’m not…
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THAIGER TODAY Wednesday, January 3
Changes to universal healthcare system | Super Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan | Latest death toll from Seven Dangerous Days | DSI uncovered 9 billion baht of unpaid taxes on imported cars | Governor visits Rassada Pier | Idiot arrested over random gunfire on NYE.
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Two suspects in custody over Trang murder case
Two suspects allegedly involved in the murder of Trang-based salon owner Phakin Sornnarai are in police custody. Phakin’s body was found on Monday in his car parked at a sports stadium in Muang Trang. He’d been missing since December 29. Police believe robbery was the motive because more than 160,000 baht worth of gold accessories, 80,000 baht in cash and…
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Corruption, graft, misconduct. And watches.
By Wasamon Audjarint While the junta continued to claim that fighting corruption was on its agenda over the past year, the state-centric approach brought into question whether junta leaders were truly serious about dealing with graft – or were instead using the issue for their own benefit or to attack particular parties, an anti-graft watchdog has said. “This especially creates…
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Heading into 2018 with a BANG.
Bullets fired into the air during New Year’s celebrations damaged many people’s property late Sunday night, although no injuries were reported as of on Monday, as the dangerous activity continued despite a campaign against the irresponsible discharging of guns during holidays. To celebrate the arrival of the New Year, many people set off fireworks while others fired guns into the…
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DAY FOUR. Nearly 60 people dying each day during the Seven Dangerous Days.
After four days, the official death toll for the ‘Seven Dangerous Days’ reporting period is 239 with 2,500 injuries. The statistics are compiled by the Road Safety Centre. On Sunday, new year’s eve, 65 people were killed and 714 were injured in 678 separate traffic incidents. Drink driving remains the scourge of Thailand’s roads causing most of fatal accidents. This…
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Prawit’s watches. They are from a ‘third party’.
Deputy PM General Prawit Wongsuwan has submitted a letter explaining his possession of luxurious watches and a diamond ring, which he failed to include in his assets declaration, to the anti-graft agency. The letter named a third party who would be called upon to testify in the case, according to the anti-graft agency, the National Anti-Corruption Commission yesterday. A meeting…
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DAY ONE – Seven days of danger. Road toll down.
As Thai holidaymakers journeyed to their hometowns for the annual New Year Festival with accompanying high traffic volumes on highways and crowded transport hubs, the Road Safety Operation Centre on Friday reported a slight decrease in accidents, deaths and injuries on the first of the seven-day road safety promotion period ending January 3. Thursday saw 41 deaths and 500 injuries…
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Who’s coming and what are they spending? Tourist numbers for 2017.
The figures for foreign tourists arrivals in the Kingdom during 2017 are going to reach 35 million visitors, according to statistics from the TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand). There are a few surprises in the top ten list, including Laotian visitors at #4. China is still the number one source of foreign tourists with 9.92 million visits over the past…
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THAIGER TODAY Friday, December 29
Another roadside bomb in Narathiwat | Smart Visa arrives mid January | Top overseas tourist arrivals for 2017 | Krabi Airport install new explosives detectors | Super Moon next Tuesday | Toon heading back to BKK, in a passenger van.
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16 year old Thai taking aim at an F1 career
Story from PaulPoole.co.th A young man from Pattaya is on track to becoming Thailand’s first Formula One driver. Born and raised in Pattaya, Kane Shepherd started racing at the age of 10, competing in various Thai championships and winning national titles every year. He won his first Asian championship in 2014 and again in 2015. His obvious talent qualified him…
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Smart Visa available from mid-January
PHOTO: world nomads.com Are you smart? Earning a high-salary? Firstly, congratulations! Secondly, you might be eligible for the new four year professional visa, known as the ‘smart visa’ from the middle of January, 2018. According to Lt. Col. Thanarak Boonyaratkarin of the Immigration Bureau, the new Smart Visa will provide more benefits and privileges than any other visa. He says, “you’ll…
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Paramilitary soldier dies following yesterday’s Narathiwat attacks
One of two paramilitary soldiers wounded during series of attacks in Narathiwat’s Sisakhon district yesterday (Tuesday) has succumbed to his injuries at Naradhiwat Rajanagarindra Hospital. The deceased, 35 year old Kamjorn Tanma, a native of Chiang Mai province, was scheduled to wed his girlfriend tomorrow. A bathing ceremony for Kamjorn was held at Bangnara Temple in Narathiwat’s Muang district, presided…
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19 students injured in Chiang Rai van accident
A van carrying students overturned on a road in Chiang Rai province on Wednesday morning, injuring everyone on board. The accident took place on Paholyothin Road in the Mae Chan district at about 6.40am. Most students sustained minor injuries and were allowed to return home following treatment, but some remained hospitalised as of press time. The van had collision insurance…
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The ‘silly season’ is upon us
New year’s celebrations will soon begin with millions of people hitting the road and revellers gathering at festive venues. But before the celebrations begin, authorities came forward yesterday to advise the public about permitted and prohibited activities. “We will be lenient with the ban on passengers in pickup beds but drivers must be very careful, especially when applying the brakes,”…
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THAIGER TODAY Tuesday, December 26
Toon crosses the finish line | Overpass links the two Central Festival buildings | 60 year old British man drowns at Similans | Free helmets being handed out to kids in Phuket Town | Tropical depression heading our way for the weekend.
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Toon crosses the finish line, exceeding the fund-raising targets and becoming a national hero
Thailand’s national hero Artiwara Kongmalai, better known as Toon Bodyslam, has completed his epic mission to raise funds for state hospitals via a run from the country’s southernmost corner to its northernmost tip. It is a job well done, exceeding targets in many aspects. Artiwara’s charity run has managed to attract more than 1.1 billion baht in donations, far above…
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Toon to cross the finish line tonight
Rock star runner, turned national hero, Artiwara “Toon” Kongmalai will reach his destination at the northernmost tip of Thailand night in Mae Sai district near Chiang Rai (December 25). Toon and his support team are expected to arrive at around 9pm at the border crossing at the end of Phahon Yothin Road in Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district, more than…
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Toon ploughs on in 8 degree temperatures
Charity-run hero Artiwara “Toon” Kongmalai continued his run in Chiang Rai amid thick morning fog in chilly 8 degrees Celsius weather, determined to cover the final 60 kilometres stretch on Sunday to reach the finish line by December 25 as planned. So far, Toon – who has been voted in a Bangkok Poll survey as the most admirable person of…
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Is Phra Dhammachayo living abroad?
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has found a clue that Phra Dhammachayo, the ex-abbot of Pathum Thani’s Dhammakaya Temple, wanted for a high-profile money-laundering case and separate land encroachments, was hiding abroad. (Read earlier story HERE) The agency is checking the credibility of the clue before doing anything that might waste the state budget, DSI deputy chief Pol Major…
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THAIGER TODAY Friday, December 22
Prayut pushes ahead with high-speed train project | Bangkok police start a 100% helmet campaign | Laypang Beach 70% cleared | Thai tour guides protest against illegal guides, again | Pattaya tiger zoo under fire for ‘poking’ video | Less than 200 Km to go for Toon | Missing Koh Lanta boat found.
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THAIGER TODAY Thursday, December 21
New Drink Drive Death campaign | Laypang finds her new home | Police still investigating pick-up fatality | EU demands release of journalists | Toon gets some celebrity encouragement.
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Tiger-poking at a Pattaya Zoo sparks social media outrage
A Thai zoo in Pattaya is sparking outrage after a video of staff repeatedly prodding a tiger to elicit roars for tourist photos went viral, renewing criticism of Thailand’s notorious animal tourism industry. https://www.facebook.com/edwin.wiek/videos/10154902077257443/ Video by Edwin Wiek, the founder of Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand The clip, which has garnered more than one million views since it was posted on…
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40 year old kiteboarder dies off Hua Hun beach
An Irish tourist has drowned in the sea at Prachuap Khiri Khan’s Hua Hin District after a kiteboarding accident during rough seas. Pol Captain Jaruak Khongkarien, Hua Hin Police Station investigative officer, said on Wednesday that police received a report of a drowning in the sea near the beach at Soi Hua Hin 77. When they arrived, they found that…
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