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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Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
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Intoxicated driver crashes into Chon Buri restaurant, causes damage
A 51 year old driver crashed an off-road Toyota pickup into a power pole before colliding with a roadside restaurant in Si Racha district, Chon Buri province. The incident occurred around 12.30am today, January 29, near the entrance to Wat Khao Din Wanaram in Nong Kham subdistrict, resulting in significant damage to the restaurant and its property. Police Lieutenant Colonel Nopadon…
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Bangkok residents frustrated by Chinese New Year fireworks chaos (video)
Residents in Bangkok are voicing their dissatisfaction over Chinese people setting off fireworks to celebrate the Chinese New Year, with little regard for police intervention. The fireworks have sparked fires in nearby grasslands, causing chaos for fire services, and have left pets in distress. Social media users have reported complaints from multiple areas across the city, including Huai Khwang, Rama…
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Foreigners arrested in illegal daycare raid on Koh Pha Ngan
A special operations unit conducted a raid on Koh Pha Ngan, apprehending a group of foreigners from Russia, Ukraine, and Myanmar involved in operating an illegal childcare centre. The arrests were made yesterday, January 28, with Police Colonel Charoenchai Boonklieng and the special operations unit of the Surat Thani Provincial Police, in collaboration with the Koh Phangan Immigration Police, Koh…
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Thailand’s Destination Visa loophole that could cost you
The much-hyped Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is proving to be more of a bureaucratic headache than a dream ticket. While Bangkok Immigration (Division 1) has published criteria for extending the visa by six months, these guidelines aren’t binding on provincial offices, leaving holders navigating a minefield of uncertainty. The biggest revelation? It’s far easier to leave the country every 180 days than to fight through…
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Chon Buri stray dog adopted by American man after firecracker scare
An American man calmed a stray dog that was frightened by firecrackers during a Chinese New Year celebration in Chon Buri and ended up adopting the animal. ThaiRath reported yesterday that chaos broke out at a convenience store in the Sattahip district of Chon Buri, but the incident surprisingly had a happy ending. According to the media, a white and…
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Pattaya’s Walking Street swarmed by cops in CNY crackdown
Tourists on Pattaya’s infamous Walking Street got more than just neon lights and nightlife this Chinese New Year—law enforcement was out in full force. In a high-profile safety operation, Pattaya Tourist Police, backed by local police and the US Navy Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), launched a crackdown to ensure tourist safety during the festive season. Leading the charge was Police…
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Trio arrested for stealing highway cables in Surat Thani
Three men have been arrested for stealing highway street lighting cables in Surat Thani province. The suspects were caught in the act by local highway officials and police. A subsequent search of their residence revealed more stolen items. Yesterday, January 28, Kritsada Khongplot, head of the Khian Sa highway department, received a tip-off about suspicious activity on Highway 44, at…
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Drug courier shot in police chase, 800,000 meth pills seized
In Sai Noi district, Nonthaburi, a drug courier was shot and injured during a police chase that resulted in the seizure of 800,000 methamphetamine pills early yesterday morning, January 28. Police, led by Police Major General Khomsit Rangsai, chief of Metropolitan Police Division 9, positioned themselves discreetly along a road in tambon Khunsri around 3am. They were acting on information…
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Illegal foreign workers busted in Bangkok salon raid
A beauty salon in Bangkok catering to Chinese tourists was raided, leading to the arrest of six hairdressers from China and Myanmar. The Chinese owner fled the scene. Police General Kittirat Phanpet, the national police chief, yesterday ordered measures to address the issue of foreigners breaking the law and to prepare for the High Season. Police Lieutenant General Saksira Phueka-am,…
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Thailand pledges continued refugee healthcare despite US aid halt
Thailand’s government will maintain healthcare services for refugees following US President Donald Trump’s directive for a 90-day halt on foreign aid, which affects the financial support for refugee healthcare in the country. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin stated yesterday, January 28, that approximately 100,000 refugees reside in nine camps along the Thai-Myanmar border. He noted that international organisations assist in…
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Vietnamese national arrested for illegal cannabis farm in Bangkok
A Vietnamese national was arrested for illegal cannabis cultivation in a building in Bangkok, following complaints about noise and odours. The suspect claimed to have been hired by a Thai person for 20,000 baht a month. Yesterday, January 28, Police Major General Prasart Kemmaprasit, Commander of Immigration Division 1, alongside officers including Police Colonel Rapeepat Utsaha, Deputy Commander and Acting…
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Japan and China remain top spots for Thai tourists
Japan and China are anticipated to continue being the leading destinations for Thai tourists this year, with at least 2.5 million people expected to visit due to visa exemptions, weaker currencies, and a variety of tourism options. Charoen Wangananont, president of the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), noted that these countries were the most popular at the Thai International Travel…
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Over 700 stray dogs face starvation in Chachoengsao landfill
A concerning situation has emerged in Chachoengsao province, where over 700 stray dogs are reportedly starving at a local landfill, raising worries about potential rabies outbreaks as the hot season approaches. Residents are urging government intervention to address the pressing issue. Yesterday, January 28, reporters were alerted to the condition of these stray dogs at a landfill in Mueang Hua…
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Thai woman killed and her close friend injured in apartment fall
Two Thai women mysteriously fell from an apartment in the central province of Samut Sakhon yesterday, 28 January, resulting in one death and one serious injury. Officers from Krathum Baen Police Station were alerted to the incident at an apartment in Soi Khlong Maduea 1/1, in the Krathum Baen district of Samut Sakhon, at around 5pm yesterday. They rushed to…
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Inmate escapes from Thai prison, father urges surrender
A 37 year old inmate escaped from Khao Phra Prison in Nakhon Ratchasima province on January 27, just three months before his scheduled release in April. His father is urging him to surrender, concerned that his son might be harmed while on the run. Somporn Promha, who was serving a sentence for drug-related offences, fled while participating in a community…
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Thai taxi rider arrested for snatching Burmese woman’s gold necklace
Police arrested a Thai motorcycle taxi rider for snatching a gold necklace from a Burmese victim as she was walking on a footpath in Bangkok on Sunday, January. 26 The Burmese woman, Moe Moe Win, lodged a complaint with Phetchakasem Police Station at around 9.40am on Sunday following the theft. The incident occurred outside the Nanyang shoe factory in Soi…
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Air quality to stay good until tomorrow, PM2.5 rises in February
The health ministry predicts that air quality will remain good until tomorrow, with PM2.5 levels expected to return by early February. Residents are advised to prepare for potential pollution, particularly when engaging in outdoor activities and should monitor air quality levels regularly. Yesterday, January 28, at the Ministry of Public Health’s Health Information Centre, Doctor Warat Chotipitayasunont, the government spokesperson…
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Pattaya’s tourism takes a hit after Chinese abduction (video)
Thailand’s tourism industry has been rocked by the recent abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing, leaving popular hotspots like Pattaya eerily quiet. The star was allegedly lured to Thailand under false pretences before being trafficked across the border and held captive in Myawaddy, Myanmar. While Thai police scrambled to rescue the actor, the fallout was swift. News of the terrifying…
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Fires linked to Chinese New Year incense in Samut Songkhram
A fire engulfed three houses during Chinese New Year celebrations in Samut Songkhram province when incense and candles were left unattended. In a separate incident in Nakhon Pathom, a similar fire destroyed a house entirely. Yesterday, January 28, Police Lieutenant Pisin Nupinit, deputy inspector of Bang Khonthi police station, received a report of a fire in Moo 5, Bang Krabue…
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Mother of newborn twins falls to her death in hospital tragedy
A tragic incident occurred at Pathum Thani Hospital when a 31 year old mother of newborn twins fell to her death from the 18th floor. The hospital has issued a heartfelt statement, expressing deep condolences to the family and pledging full cooperation with police investigations. The woman, known as Bee for anonymity, had given birth to premature twins on January…
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Children find headless body in Samut Sakhon canal
Children playing football near the riverbank made a startling discovery when they went to retrieve their ball yesterday, January 28. They found a floating body, missing its head and arms, in a canal in Om Noi, Krathum Baen district, Samut Sakhon province. Police Lieutenant Colonel Atsadawut Eadkeaw, an investigation deputy at Krathum Baen police station, reported receiving the notification around…
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Thailand braces for final cold weather alert with strong winds
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a final warning about cold weather, heavy rain, and strong winds affecting Thailand. Forecasts indicate a further temperature drop, with thunderstorm warnings for select provinces yesterday, January 28. A high-pressure system is expected to maintain cold conditions in upper Thailand. Residents in the affected areas are advised to take care of their health…
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Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi leads Southeast Asia aviation industry
Southeast Asia’s aviation industry is taking off this year, with major airports and emerging destinations recording impressive growth in seat capacity. Fuelled by surging travel demand, expanded airline networks, and strategic connectivity upgrades, the region is cementing its position as a global aviation powerhouse. Leading the charge is Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, adding a staggering 407,000 seats in January—a 16% increase…
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Bangkok prison scrutinised for bribes and Chinese inmate privilege
A Thai political activist and former inmate accused officials at Bangkok Remand Prison of accepting bribes from a Chinese inmate and granting them privileges. The activist, Ekkachai Hongkangwan, took to Facebook on Tuesday, January 21, to share his experiences in Bangkok Remand Prison between 2022 and 2023. His post highlighted the comfortable lives of Chinese call centre scam suspects and alleged…
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Russian couple accused of dining and dashing at many Phuket restaurants
A Russian couple reportedly dined and dashed at multiple restaurants in Phuket, sparking an online debate over the visa-free scheme, which some online users claim attracts low-quality foreign visitors. A restaurant owner in Patong, Phuket, shared his experience with the foreign couple, believed to be Russian nationals, via the news Facebook page Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ today, January 28. He warned…
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No promises on 400 baht minumum wage: Labour chief
The long-awaited nationwide implementation of the 400-baht daily minimum wage remains uncertain, according to Labour Permanent Secretary Boonsong Thapchaiyuth. While some major tourism provinces like Phuket and Chon Buri began offering the increased rate from January 1, Boonsong admitted there is no guarantee the wage hike will extend to all provinces anytime soon. Speaking during the first meeting of the…
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Drowsy truck driver crashes into parked pickup, injuring woman and killing dog
A drowsy truck driver crashed into a parked pickup outside a tyre shop in the Isaan province of Roi Et, injuring a Thai woman standing near the pickup and killing her dog. The 20 year old victim, Siriporn, shared CCTV footage of the accident on her TikTok account, @siriporn_mos, last week. In the caption, she wrote… “A lesson learned. Even if…
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Chiang Mai to join UNESCO’s World Heritage list
Chiang Mai, the jewel of northern Thailand and the former capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, is inching closer to becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Officials from the Culture Ministry, the Fine Arts Department, and Chiang Mai Province are finalising a nomination dossier to submit to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre in Paris—a move that could cement the city’s…
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China exposes 36 scam gangs targeting victims with 100k callers
Chinese police have revealed the shocking scale of international call scam operations, with 36 major gangs employing over 100,000 callers to swindle victims out of their money. The revelation came during a high-profile meeting between Chinese Assistant Minister of Public Security Liu Zhongyi and Thailand’s Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) in Nonthaburi yesterday. Leading a Chinese delegation, Liu sought Thailand’s…
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Bangkok taxi driver denies raping victim despite her fleeing in underwear
A Thai taxi driver denied raping his intoxicated passenger this past Sunday, January 26, despite the victim fleeing his home in Bangkok wearing only underwear to seek help. The victim filed a complaint with officers at Taling Chan Police Station on Sunday. The 60 year old taxi driver, Thanawat, turned himself in but denied all allegations. However, he could not…
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