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 5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
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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Motorcycle and car collision in Ayutthaya claims life
A collision between a motorcycle and a car resulted in one fatality. The incident occurred at 7.30pm, yesterday, April 9, on Asia Road heading towards Bangkok in Bang Pa-in district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. The dead man was identified as 32 year old Laotian, Rattanaporn, whose bag contained several methamphetamine pills. At the scene, a black Honda Wave motorcycle…
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Laotian pair nabbed for Mekong meth smuggling
Two Laotian men were apprehended while attempting to smuggle methamphetamine concealed in oxygen tanks across the Mekong River. The police detected the drug due to its strong odour emanating from the tanks, which contained over 300,000 tablets. Yesterday, April 9, security agencies in Pak Chom district, Loei province, comprising the 2109th Ranger Company, Pak Chom Police Station, Immigration Bureau, and…
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Poacher arrested near Bhumibol Dam for illegal wildlife hunting
A task force comprising park rangers and military personnel apprehended a poacher suspected of using forest fires to drive wildlife into water before hunting them. The arrest took place near Bhumibol Dam, in Mae Ping National Park, Tak province. On Tuesday, April 8, district chief Chaiwat Pradaphet and Prayut Waiwong, director of the 14th Conservation Area Office, conducted an investigation…
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Thai ex-inmate snatches bag of Belgian tourist while cycling
A former inmate, released from prison only a month ago, yesterday snatched a bag from a Belgian tourist while she was cycling along a road in Samut Prakan province. The 54 year old Belgian woman filed a complaint with officers at Phra Pradaeng Police Station after her bag was stolen by a Thai thief while she was cycling yesterday, on…
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Thailand video news | British man critical after Russian roulette incident in Pattaya, Philippine volcano erupts, sends ash 2.5 miles into sky
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jay report on major stories from Thailand and across Southeast Asia. Headlines include a British man critically injured in a Russian roulette incident in Pattaya, a drunken foreigner causing chaos in Phuket, and Bangkok closing unsafe buildings after recent earthquake checks. The episode also covers the arrest of an ex-Israeli commando on Koh…
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Major drug bust in Buriram: 24 year old man arrested with meth
A significant drug bust in Buriram province led to the arrest of a 24 year old man, known as Tam, immediately after a ritual intended to ward off bad luck. Police seized 66,214 methamphetamine tablets, two firearms with 11 bullets, six electronic cigarettes, and a vehicle yesterday, April 9. This operation was part of the government’s urgent anti-drug strategy, Seal…
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Thai police seize 1.9 billion baht in e-cigarette crackdown
In the past six months, a money-laundering crackdown has resulted in the seizure of over 1.9 billion baht and the arrest of more than 2,300 people involved in offences related to e-cigarettes and laughing gas. This information comes from the Royal Thai Police. Deputy national police chief Prachuap Wongsuk, who serves as the director of the Anti-Money Laundering Centre, recently…
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Security camera dispute leads to shooting in Phetchabun
A dispute over security cameras led to a shooting incident in Phetchabun province, where a man shot his neighbour and a police officer, leaving both injured. Despite negotiations, the suspect remains at large. Yesterday, April 9, the communication centre of Chon Daen Police Station in Phetchabun received a report of a shooting incident in Ban Khlong Kon Huad, Mueang Chon…
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Fizzy drink giants face sugar tax squeeze as sweet crackdown kicks in
Thailand’s fizzy favourites are feeling the pinch as a new sugar tax kicks in, forcing beverage makers to cut the sweet stuff or cough up more cash. Beverage chiefs and sweet drink producers have been slapped with a sour surprise as the Finance Ministry rolls out the latest phase of Thailand’s sugar tax crackdown, pushing firms to trim the sugar…
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Horny Chinese couple arrested for filming public sex in Pattaya
Police yesterday arrested a horny Chinese couple for engaging in public sex and filming pornographic content on a footpath near Pattaya Walking Street. The Chinese exhibitionists claimed to have done this in several other countries previously. A security guard sought assistance from Mueang Pattaya Police Station after witnessing the lascivious foreign couple having sex on the footpath in southern Pattaya.…
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Ex-police officer arrested for indecent acts with child in Krabi
A 70 year old former police officer has been arrested for allegedly luring a seven year old girl to buy toys before committing indecent acts. The man was previously dismissed from service for similar offences. Yesterday, April 9, Police Major General Wichaya Sriprasertphap directed Police Colonel Phatarawut Onchuay and Police Lieutenant Colonel Kittibodin Kimsea to apprehend Thongdee (surname withheld) under a…
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Malaysians motor ahead as Chinese tourism hits a speed bump
Thailand’s tourism chiefs are shifting gears after a drop in Chinese arrivals put the brakes on what was expected to be a bumper Songkran season while Malaysians continue to flood in. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) revealed a surprise twist in the tourist traffic, with Chinese visitor numbers dipping just as their southern neighbours from Malaysia come roaring in.…
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Malaysian armed robber arrested in Bangkok after gold heist
A notorious on-the-run Malaysian armed robber who stole gold accessories worth over 6.9 million baht from a shop in the southern province of Songkhla was arrested at a Bangkok bus terminal. The Malaysian national, 61 year old Yee Boon Long, stole 57 gold items from the Thai Udom Gold store on Montri 1 Road in Hat Yai district, Songkhla province,…
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US academic granted bail but remains behind bars
An American academic accused of royal defamation remains locked up despite a court granting him bail, as Thai Immigration drags its feet on his release. Dr Paul Chambers, a lecturer at Naresuan University’s ASEAN Community Studies Institute, was granted bail by the Court of Appeals Region 6. But the saga is far from over. His lawyer must convince the Immigration…
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Pattaya pensioner cheats death after motorbike skids under lorry
There was a near miss of nightmare proportions in Bang Lamung this week, after a Pattaya pensioner lost control of his motorbike and almost ended up under the wheels of an articulated lorry. The heart-stopping incident unfolded at around 10am, yesterday, April 9, when Sawang Boriboon Rescue Centre received an emergency call reporting a motorcycle crash on Highway 331, near…
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Decomposed dugong found in Phuket likely died of natural causes
Marine officials reported that a dugong found ashore at Ban Ko En in Mai Khao, Phuket likely succumbed to natural causes linked to a chronic illness. The exact cause remains uncertain due to the advanced decomposition of the carcass. The female dugong, measuring 251 centimetres and weighing around 130 kilogrammes, was discovered on April 8, as confirmed by the Andaman…
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Brace for a wild Thai-m: Storms set to reign over 45 provinces
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued its first warning of summer storm forecast, predicting thunderstorms and strong winds affecting 45 provinces, including Bangkok. The weather conditions are expected to intensify from April 12 to April 14. Over the next 24 hours, upper Thailand will experience hot weather, with particularly high temperatures in the north and central regions. Thunderstorms and gusty winds…
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PM Paetongtarn defends entertainment complex bill amid casino claims
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has hit back at critics who claim the Entertainment Complex Bill is a thinly veiled attempt to turn Thailand into a casino destination. She’s made it clear: the bill isn’t about casinos, but about creating economic opportunities and boosting tourism. The 38 year old PM addressed the growing controversy surrounding the Entertainment Complex Bill, dismissing claims…
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Thai commuters must register for 20-baht electric rail fare in August
Big news for Bangkok commuters! Starting September 30, Thai residents will be able to travel on the electric rail system for just 20 baht per trip. But don’t expect to pay cash or get the discount if you’re a tourist—here’s what you need to know. Thai commuters in Bangkok and surrounding provinces will soon be able to enjoy a massive…
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Thai woman denies abusing mentally ill man despite visible wounds
A Thai woman in the central province of Ratchaburi denied physically abusing a man with a mental illness after a video of him with serious wounds and bruises across his face and body went viral on Thai social media. Nawee Ittisangwron met the injured man, identified as Noom, outside a convenience store in Ratchaburi and decided to share a video…
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Miss Universe and Miss Grand to star in Pattaya’s Wan Lai Festival (video)
Pattaya is all set to celebrate its vibrant Wan Lai tradition with an exciting lineup of events, including star-studded parades and sacred ceremonies. Three major cable TV stations have teamed up to promote the festivities, ensuring that locals and tourists can enjoy a safe and spectacular celebration. Today, April 9, at Pattaya City Hall, representatives from three major cable TV…
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Soaked and secure: Phuket gears up for a safe splash this Songkran
With Songkran just around the corner, Phuket is ramping up its efforts to ensure safety during the festival. A major new operation centre has been launched to prevent road and marine accidents, as the island prepares for an influx of tourists and local festivities. Today, April 9, at 9.30am, Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat officially opened the Road and Marine Accident…
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Woman found unconscious in Pattaya with gold and cash
A glamorous night out took a worrying turn in Pattaya when a well-dressed woman was found unconscious and heavily intoxicated at a restaurant, surrounded by valuables. Police had to step in to protect her, and her jewellery, from potential danger. Police Lieutenant Colonel Suchart Dusadee, Inspector at Pattaya City Police Station, told reporters that he received a call from a…
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Don Mueang Airport sees 10% rise in Songkran passenger numbers
Don Mueang International Airport is anticipating around 700,000 passengers during the Songkran holiday, marking a 10% increase compared to the previous year. Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) President Kerati Kijmanawat confirmed today, April 9, that Don Mueang Airport is prepared to accommodate the expected surge in travellers. Wichit Kaewsaitiam, the director of Don Mueang Airport, noted that April 11 is…
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Earthquake assessment reveals 60 buildings closed in Bangkok
Over the past 12 days, the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning assessed 7,649 buildings affected by the recent earthquake that hit Bangkok. Of these, 7,200 are safe for use, 389 have moderate damage, and 60 have been closed due to significant structural issues. Today, April 9, the Department’s Damage Assessment Centre, in conjunction with engineering organisations and…
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Pattaya construction site sees arrest of illegal Chinese worker
In a crackdown on illegal foreign workers, Na Jomtien Police arrested a 50 year old Chinese national who was caught overseeing a construction site without a valid work permit. The arrest comes as officials continue to tighten regulations on foreign workers in Thailand. Na Jomtien Police, in collaboration with Immigration Division 3, arrested Chen Gaofeng, a 50 year old Chinese…
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Teen found dead in Chiang Mai after swallowing ping pong bomb
A tragic incident occurred today at a residence in Mae Chaem district, Chiang Mai province, when a 17 year old boy was found dead after swallowing a ping pong bomb. The victim, who suffered from depression and was known for spending long hours in his room, was discovered following a reported explosion at 3.19am today, April 9. Police Lieutenant Sumerng…
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Lovesick Thai man fabricates shooting on tanker to meet girlfriend
A Thai man fabricated a shooting and injuries on an oil tanker floating in the sea off Chon Buri on Monday, causing chaos for police officers, simply because he wanted to return home to see his girlfriend. More than 20 officers from Laem Chabang Police Station, Sri Racha Marine Police, and the Sawang Prateep Sri Racha Rescue Foundation rushed to…
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Elderly man arrested for alleged assault of granddaughter in Phatthalung
An 83 year old man has been arrested at his home in Pa Phayom district, Phatthalung province, following allegations of repeatedly assaulting his 15 year old granddaughter. The arrest of the old man, Somsuk, was executed by the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATP), acting on a warrant issued by the Phatthalung Provincial Court dated April 3. The investigation began after the…
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Pattaya contractor fined after cement spill causes hazard
A contractor has been slapped with a 10,000 baht fine after cement spilled onto the busy streets of Pattaya, causing a major hazard for both pedestrians and motorists. The incident sparked a wave of public outrage, with many demanding stricter enforcement and accountability for construction trucks. The contractor was recently fined 10,000 baht after loose cement spilled from a truck…
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