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 10 biggest challenges retirees face in Thailand (and how to overcome them)
Retiring in Thailand comes with many benefits, like warm weather, affordable living, and a rich culture. However, it also brings challenges. Retirees must deal with visa rules, healthcare costs, language barriers, and cultural differences. Rising medical expenses, required insurance, and...
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Thailand tourism surges with visa-free policy, Phuket leads
Following the easing of Covid-19, global tourism has experienced a resurgence, bolstered by the Thai government’s visa-free policy. This has led to a continuous increase in tourists visiting Thailand. Recent data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports revealed that between January and March, the number of tourists reached 7,021,344, marking a 5.91% increase compared to the same period last…
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Rubber plantation worker shot dead in Nakhon Si Thammarat
A 52 year old rubber plantation worker was fatally shot while riding his motorcycle to work in Nakhon Si Thammarat province yesterday, March 14. Police are actively investigating the case to determine the motive and apprehend the gunman. Police Lieutenant Hassan Wongmathong, Deputy Inspector at Chulabhorn Police Station, received a report of the shooting incident near a rubber plantation entrance…
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Uthai Thani locals flock to ancient tree for lottery luck
As the lottery draw approaches, residents in Uthai Thani’s Mueang district have flocked to seek lucky numbers from a century-old Takian tree. It is believed that 12 spirit guardians, known as Mae Takian, reside within the tree, offering fortune to visitors. Located in Ban Huai Rang, Village 2, Rabam subdistrict, the revered Takian tree stands by a busy road, drawing…
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Indian tourists held over alleged assault at Koh Phangan party
Two Indian men have been detained for questioning in connection with the alleged assault of a German woman after CCTV footage implicated them. One suspect gave inconsistent statements, while the other was evasive. Police remain confident in their identification of the suspects. The incident occurred when 24 year old Salah, a German national, reported being assaulted by two men while…
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Ayutthaya hermitage draws crowds for blessings, lucky numbers
The Ruesi Cherne Thatu Phutthakhun hermitage in Ayutthaya is buzzing with visitors seeking spiritual blessings and lucky numbers ahead of the next lottery draw. This sacred site in Bang Sai district has become a magnet for those looking to boost their fortune, drawing tourists and devoted believers alike. Among the hermitage’s revered figures is the nine-faced Thao Wessuwan statue, standing…
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Pattaya shooting range noise reduced, but residents uneasy
Residents expressed relief as Pattaya officials inspected a shooting range adjacent to their village, which has caused persistent noise disturbance. Yesterday, Krisana Boonsawat, Pattaya’s Deputy Mayor, along with officials from the engineering and public health and environment departments, visited the Guns Shooting and Battle range, now renamed 556 Shooting Club, following complaints from residents of Jomtien Park Villa 2 in…
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Ex-finance minister exposes Phuket police extortion
A former finance minister has blown the lid off corrupt police practices in Phuket, exposing a rampant extortion racket targeting tourists. Sommai Phasee took to Facebook to reveal how officers are demanding bribes of 10,000 to 20,000 baht from foreign visitors to avoid being dragged to the police station. “I can’t stand it anymore. Corruption is everywhere in Thailand—it’s a…
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PM Paetongtarn prepares for Bhutan visit to boost trade
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra engaged in discussions with Bhutan’s Ambassador to Thailand yesterday, March 14, focusing on preparations for the forthcoming state visit of the King and Queen to Bhutan. This marks Their Majesties’ initial state visit following an invitation from His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, King of Bhutan. Paetongtarn held talks with Kinzang Dorji, the Bhutanese Ambassador to…
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Phuket leads Thailand’s push for sustainable tourism
Thailand is going green in a big way, with Phuket at the forefront of a bold push to revolutionise sustainable tourism. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) has launched the Green Hotel Plus Phuket Sandbox project, a key initiative to raise hotel sustainability standards to global levels. Minister Chalermchai Sri-on, who chaired the event on Thursday, March 13,…
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Teen stabbed in Pattaya over motorcycle exhaust dispute
A teenager in Pattaya sustained a severe head injury after a knife attack linked to a dispute over a loud motorcycle exhaust. The incident occurred at 1.06am yesterday, March 14, with the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre receiving the report of an assault in Soi Wat Boon Samphan. Coordination between Nong Prue Police Station officers and rescue volunteers was swiftly…
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Horror on Rama II: Bridge collapse kills 5, injures 20
The death toll from a devastating bridge collapse on Rama II Road has climbed to five, with 20 others injured as emergency crews race to find more victims. The tragic incident, which unfolded in the early hours of today, March 15, has thrown Bangkok’s infrastructure safety into question. A loud bang shattered the silence at around 2am, sending a massive…
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‘Mum on the run’ feared dead after shocking Thai prison video
A British woman who fled the UK for a dream life in Thailand has sparked fears for her safety after shocking footage showed her detained in a grim Thai prison alongside her toddler. The woman, 32 year old Ellis Matthews, who once appeared on the reality show Judge Rinder after claiming to have blown through a £6 million (around 261…
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Thai woman rewards honest collector with job after cash return
A Thai woman rewarded a garbage collector with a job at her rubber store in the Isaan province of Udon Thani after he found her lost cash totalling 100,000 baht and returned the entire amount to her. The 28 year old garbage collector, Boonkong “Namfon” Manmueangpak, arrived at Klang Yai Police Station on his bicycle yesterday, March 13, asking officers…
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Thailand begins landmark dengue vaccine trial for children
Thailand is taking a major step in the fight against dengue fever, launching a large-scale clinical trial of a new vaccine for children in Nakhon Phanom province. The trial, set to begin on April 4, will involve 35,000 children aged between seven and 10, regardless of prior dengue infection. Approved by the National Communicable Disease Committee, the study aims to…
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Thailand’s tourism target at risk amid competition, safety fears
Thailand’s ambitious goal of attracting 39 million foreign visitors this year is under threat, with industry experts warning that stiff competition and safety concerns could derail the plan. According to the Association of Thai Travel Agents (TTAA), the country is likely to welcome a maximum of 37 million foreign arrivals in 2025, still an improvement from last year’s 35.54 million.…
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Man arrested in Bangkok after alleged molestation in Phayao
A 32 year old man was apprehended by police for two alleged incidents of molestation involving young women in a single day. The incidents reportedly took place in Phayao province, with the suspect fleeing to Bangkok before being captured. The arrest took place at a hotel near Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bang Sao Thong district, Samut Prakan province, following a…
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Narathiwat Court sentences 7 men for assault on 12 year old girl
The Narathiwat Court sentenced seven men involved in the sexual assault of a 12 year old girl in Grade 6, with sentences ranging from two years to 87 years in prison. Kosolwat Inthuchanyong, Director General of the Office of Rights Protection and Legal Aid for the Public (SCP), yesterday, March 13, revealed progress in the case of 16 men, both…
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Phuket mayor vows clean drinking water for all
Phuket Town residents may soon enjoy safe, drinkable tap water as city officials push forward with a major water quality upgrade. At a public event held at the Phuket City Municipality’s Waterworks Division yesterday, March 13, Mayor Saroj Angkanapilas assured residents that progress is being made in providing clean, potable water across the town. Flanked by key officials—including Deputy Mayor…
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Womanising airport director grounded by wife’s adultery complaint
A “womanising” acting director of an airport in the Isaan province of Buriram chose to be with his lover after his wife discovered their secret wedding. The jilted wife subsequently filed an adultery complaint at her husband’s workplace. The 51 year old Thai woman travelled from Bangkok to Buriram to lodge an adultery complaint against her husband with his superior.…
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EU blasts Thailand over Uyghur deportations and lese-majeste
In a scathing rebuke, the European Parliament passed a resolution condemning Thailand for deporting Uyghur refugees to China and urged the European Commission to pressure Bangkok into reforming its lese-majeste law, releasing political prisoners, and improving human rights standards. The vote, held yesterday, March 13, saw overwhelming support, with 482 votes in favour, 57 against, and 68 abstentions. The resolution…
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No freedom at Freedom Beach: Land dispute sparks Phuket showdown
A heated land dispute has erupted over Phuket’s Freedom Beach, with the heirs of a landowner demanding the suspension of its recent designation as a recreational forest. Lawyers representing the family of Panthong Na Ranong petitioned the Phuket branch of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), arguing that unresolved land rights issues must be settled before the area is officially…
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Thai woman dies after reconciling with husband over mistress
A heartbroken Thai woman died from a congenital disease today shortly after making headlines on Thai news outlets for allowing her husband to take a mistress. Police officers were called to the National Housing Authority accommodation in the central province of Chai Nat on Wednesday, March 12, to intervene in a heated argument between the couple: 46 year old Keng…
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Pattaya cracks down on beach chaos and homelessness
Pattaya City officials are stepping up efforts to bring order to the city’s beaches and tackle its growing homelessness problem. A high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Mayor Wutthisak Rermkijakarn at City Hall focused on enforcing stricter regulations for beach umbrellas, deck chairs, and sunbathing areas while addressing mounting concerns over homelessness. Officials discussed the need for designated sunbathing areas, ensuring…
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Frenchman’s magic mushroom mishap trip on Koh Pha Ngan
Tourist Police swooped on a 40 year old Frenchman for his dodgy dealings with magic mushrooms on the sun-soaked paradise of Koh Pha Ngan. The Frenchman, William, who had come to indulge in the tropical party scene, was caught red-handed with 159 grammes of these illicit shrooms, classified as Category 5 narcotics, stashed in plastic bags. The bust was part…
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Phuket mystery: Homeless woman found dead at abandoned hotel
A chilling discovery in the heart of Phuket Town has left residents and tourists in shock after a homeless woman was found dead at an abandoned hotel. Police believe she may have fallen from the third floor but mystery surrounds the circumstances of her death. Phuket City Police were called to the old Imperial Hotel on Phuket Road at around 8pm…
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Drowsy driver crashes tour bus into power pole, injuring 36
A terrifying late-night crash left 36 passengers injured after a tour bus veered off the road and smashed into a high-voltage power pole in Phetchaburi. Nine passengers were reportedly American citizens. The shocking incident, which occurred at 3.54am, today, March 14, was caused by the driver falling asleep at the wheel. Police Colonel Thip Khengkhum, Superintendent of Khao Yoi Police…
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Thai man suspected of drowning baby in Pathum Thani canal
Police are hunting for a Thai man suspected of abandoning and drowning his 10 month old baby in a canal in the central province of Pathum Thani. A local fisherman, Prachak Wangchuechom, cast a fishing net in Song Canal in Soi Phahonyothin 64 in the Lam Luk Ka district of Pathum Thani at about 7am yesterday, March 13, and found…
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Monkey business: Morrisons cuts ties with Thai coconut suppliers
British supermarket giant Morrisons declare it’s time to “make good things happen,” severing ties with Thai coconut producers linked to forced monkey labour. Investigations by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) uncovered shocking abuses in Thailand’s coconut industry, revealing young monkeys chained and forced to climb trees to harvest coconuts. Despite PETA alerting the Thai government officials, no…
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Nonthaburi theft gang arrested after stealing appliances on bike
A theft gang used a single motorcycle to steal various appliances, including a washing machine, refrigerator, air conditioner, and television, from a building in Nonthaburi. Police have apprehended three people, while another suspect managed to evade capture. Yesterday, March 13, at 9pm, Police Colonel Phisut Chantarasuwan, superintendent of Rattanathibet Police Station in Nonthaburi, along with Deputy Superintendent Phasakorn Chaiyawong and…
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2 Thai nationals lose lives in multi-vehicle collision in Lop Buri
Two Thai nationals lost their lives while four others, including an eight year old girl, sustained injuries in a collision involving nine vehicles on a road in the central province of Lop Buri. The multi-vehicle collision on the Friendship Highway in Lop Buri was reported to the rescue team and officers from Muak Lek Police Station yesterday morning, March 13.…
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