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 Thinking of retiring in Thailand long-term? Here’s your health checklist before the move
Thinking of retiring in Thailand long-term? Thailand is a popular choice for retirees because of its beautiful landscapes, warm climate, and affordable living. Cities like Chiang Mai and coastal areas offer a relaxed lifestyle with friendly communities. The country also...
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No sex on the beach: Cops go nuts for ‘coconut tree’ sex workers
More than 50 alleged sex workers were rounded up along Pattaya Beach last night in a dramatic police sweep, just over a week after furious residents branded previous crackdowns a “PR stunt.” Officers stormed the beachfront at 9.06pm, yesterday, May 21, in a coordinated operation aimed at flushing out the illegal trade tarnishing the city’s tourist image. The move came…
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Ranger surrenders after shooting colleague in Pattani
A ranger has surrendered after shooting a colleague from the 4215th Ranger Company, part of the 42nd Ranger Task Force, in Panare district, Pattani province. The incident occurred around 10pm yesterday, May 21, when a water pump malfunction prompted the soldiers to inspect it outside their base. Before leaving the base to inspect the pump, Pongdet Nananuksuk and Sarawut Kaewjanarit…
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Thailand’s Pride Celebration 2025 boosts rainbow tourism economy
Central Pattana Plc (CPN), part of Central Group and operator of Central shopping centres, is reinforcing its dedication to diversity and equality with the launch of Thailand’s Pride Celebration 2025: Pride For All. Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana, CPN’s chief marketing officer, highlighted that the campaign celebrates Pride Month as a recognition of human rights and a strategic element for economic expansion. Thailand’s…
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Foreign tourist flees angry mob after violating Krabi national park rules
A viral video has emerged showing a foreign tourist fleeing from angry Thai men after he violated rules at a national park in the southern province of Krabi. It is also alleged the foreigner behaved disrespectfully towards park rangers. The Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park Facebook page issued a statement addressing the incident after a video of the…
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Thailand mandates medical certificates for cannabis use
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin announced that cannabis users in Thailand will soon need medical certificates to ensure the plant is used for medical purposes only. This decision marks another step in the ongoing process of regulating cannabis use since its decriminalisation nearly three years ago. Somsak stated his intention to refine cannabis regulations in Thailand, highlighting that both foreign…
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Thailand education fund aims to return 55,000 dropouts to school
The Equitable Education Fund (EEF) is intensifying its efforts to reintegrate at least 55,000 school dropouts back into the educational system through flexible learning models by the 2025 academic year. EEF assistant manager Pattanapong Sukmadan explained that the initiative seeks to make education accessible “anywhere, with income and accreditation,” offering customised learning experiences tailored to individual needs and local contexts.…
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Man arrested in Bangkok for 8 million baht fraud scheme
A 46 year old man has been arrested for fraud, impersonation, and deceiving victims into investing over 8 million baht. Before his arrest yesterday, May 21, Vorathep, known for his polished appearance, had been duping people by presenting himself as a doctor or executive. Police Major General Witthaya Sriprasertpab, along with Police Colonel Ekkasit Pansithao and Police Lieutenant Jeerattawat Kitrungruengdet…
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New endangered tree species discovered in South Thailand
A rare tree species has been discovered deep in the wetlands of South Thailand, yet it’s already fighting for survival. Thai researchers have uncovered a brand-new species of tree in Surat Thani province, in what’s being hailed as a major botanical breakthrough. Dubbed “Tharathum,” a poetic blend of the Thai words for water (thara) and tree (tham), the plant was discovered growing…
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Shocked! Cambodian man’s fishing trip ends with charged farewell
A Cambodian man died from electrocution while fishing, with attempts by friends to revive him using sand proving fruitless. The incident occurred at 10.30pm on May 21 near Wat Laem Pradu in Phanat Nikhom district, Chon Buri province. Rescue services and medical personnel from Phanat Nikhom Hospital, along with local police, responded to the scene. Upon arrival, they found 32…
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Thai bank workers in baht-tle: Dodgy staff ‘cashed in’ on scam
Three Thai bank workers have been cuffed after allegedly helping a Chinese-run scam gang launder a jaw-dropping 2.2 billion baht, through a web of fake accounts. The dodgy trio, who worked at a branch in Pattaya, are accused of turning a blind eye while 15 Chinese nationals, all posing as tourists, opened bank accounts and swiftly drained millions in cash…
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Bangkok job fair to offer over 600k opportunities next month
The Ministry of Labour will be hosting a significant job fair in Bangkok next month, presenting over 600,000 opportunities across various age groups to enhance national employment and prepare the workforce for future demands. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn announced that Job Expo Thailand 2025 will take place June 6-8 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. The event will feature…
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Dopey striker’s 27 million baht own goal in cannabis smuggle sting
A former Arsenal wonderkid has admitted his part in a plot to smuggle £600,000 (26.4 million baht) worth of cannabis from Thailand to Britain, after luring his girlfriend and her pal into playing unwitting drug mules. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, was nicked after 60 kilogrammes of cannabis was found stuffed inside four suitcases that had just landed at London Stansted Airport from…
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Thailand and Maldives seal health boost pact in Geneva
Thailand and the Maldives have sealed a landmark deal to boost public health collaboration, with bold plans to strengthen the Maldives’ primary healthcare and regulatory systems — all signed and sealed during a high-profile global summit in Switzerland. The agreement was inked today, May 21, at the World Health Assembly in Geneva. Thailand’s Deputy Minister of Public Health, Dej-is Khaothong,…
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Nuns’ beach trip raises questions about discipline and donations
Nuns from a temple in the central province of Samut Sakhon admitted to wearing wigs and going on a beach trip, following an online scandal. However, they insisted that they received permission from the National Office of Buddhism. The Facebook page CSI LA shared photos yesterday, May 20, showing the nuns dressed up, wearing wigs, and enjoying themselves at the beach…
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Trio busted for 700k baht hotel booking fraud in Pattaya
What was meant to be a dream getaway to Pattaya turned into a financial nightmare for dozens of unsuspecting tourists after falling victim to a slick Facebook hotel booking scam, and now the suspects are behind bars. Yesterday, May 20, police arrested three suspects accused of running a fraudulent operation that used fake Facebook pages to pose as reputable hotels in…
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Shell-ebration time: Korat Zoo hatches giant tortoises
Thailand has something to shell-ebrate — Korat Zoo has made history by successfully hatching 11 Aldabra giant tortoise babies, becoming the first zoo in the country to breed the rare species. The hatchlings emerged on Sunday, May 18, much to the delight of zookeepers and conservationists. Zoo director Thanachon Kensingh announced today, May 21, that all 11 newborns are healthy…
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Parade featuring naked boy as baby Buddha sparks backlash
An online backlash erupted after pictures and videos emerged showing a naked boy playing the role of the baby Buddha during a parade celebrating Atthami Bucha Day in the central province of Nakhon Pathom. Wat Mai Sukhontharam, a temple in Nakhon Chai Si district of Nakhon Pathom, held its annual ceremony, the 132nd Atthami Bucha, between May 17 and 19…
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Officials capture 94 iguanas wreaking havoc on Thai crops
They’re not native, they’re not welcome — and they’re not slowing down. A swarm of invasive iguanas is causing chaos in central Thailand, and wildlife officials have launched a full-scale capture mission before the situation spirals further out of control. Over five days last week, from May 13 to 17, Thai wildlife officials captured 94 free-roaming iguanas on Khao Phraya…
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Former village headman survives shooting in Nonthaburi
In Nonthaburi, a former village headman and prospective candidate for the Bang Rak Noi subdistrict administrative organisation chief, narrowly escaped harm when unknown assailants fired shots at his car. The incident occurred at 9pm yesterday, April 20, when 61 year old Suchart Kaewpradit was driving a white Toyota Yaris, with registration number 5 กท 6007 Bangkok, back from a funeral…
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New Thai apps take on delivery giants with just 5-baht fees
Thailand’s motorcycle taxi drivers and street food vendors are getting a long-overdue digital lifeline, thanks to two new low-cost platforms designed to beat big tech at its own game. On Monday, May 19, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) and Chulalongkorn University’s Asia Research Cluster for Social Solidarity and Inclusive Economy unveiled two groundbreaking platforms: “Nong Khoei Ma Thao Rai?” (“Have…
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Pattaya’s diners crisis boils over as costs soar
Pattaya’s vibrant dining scene, once a culinary magnet for locals and tourists alike, is now being battered by a wave of soaring costs, and some restaurant owners say 2025 is shaping up to be even worse than the Covid-19 era. A toxic mix of rising gas prices, skyrocketing raw ingredient costs, labour shortages, and sluggish consumer spending is turning up…
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Woman arrested for selling illegal fashion braces in Phitsanulok
A 25 year old woman was apprehended for offering unlicensed online fashion braces, primarily targeting students, without a professional dental license. The arrest of the woman, referred to as A, followed an anti-crime initiative commanded by Police Lieutenant General Saksira Phueka-am, the Tourist Police Commissioner, between May 15 and May 22. Police Major General Ekkaphop Intawiwat and Colonel Yutthasit Boonklam directed…
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Scam city: Bangkok tops list for tourist fraud
Planning a holiday in Thailand? You’d better watch your wallet. Bangkok has just been named one of the world’s top hotspots for tourist fraud, with nearly half of all reported scams involving dodgy taxi and car rental deals, according to a new report by the Mastercard Economics Institute. Released this week and highlighted by CNBC, the report reveals a disturbing…
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Thai nurse found dead in underwear in Koh Samui welfare room
Police are hunting for a killer after a Thai nurse was found dead in welfare accommodation on Koh Samui, an island in the southern province of Surat Thani.. Colleagues of the 36 year old nurse, Aunchuree Wongmueang, were unable to contact her and went to check on her at her room today, May 21, in the Green Park Village, located…
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Father and son arrested with 50kg crystal meth in drug bust
A father and son were apprehended at a police checkpoint for transporting crystal methamphetamine. Police seized over 50 kilogrammes of the drug. The father admitted to receiving 45,000 baht per trip for the task, while the son claimed he was deceived by his father into participating. Yesterday, May 20, Police Major General Kongkrit Lertsitthikul, commander of the Highway Police Division,…
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Prawit takes a tumble at Bangkok’s Wat Pho (video)
General Prawit Wongsuwan, better known as “Big Pom,” took a dramatic tumble down the stairs at Wat Pho, one of Bangkok’s most iconic temples, during a royal blessing ceremony on Monday evening. But despite the fall, party officials insist the political heavyweight is in fighting form. The incident occurred on Monday, May 19, just after 7pm, as General Prawit, leader…
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Elderly man in Kamphaeng Phet critically injured in youth attack
A 77 year old man from Kamphaeng Phet was severely assaulted by a local youth, leaving him in a critical condition. The incident, which occurred yesterday, May 20, involved the assailant attacking the elderly man, who collects bottles to make a living, in front of a grocery store in the Na Bo Kham subdistrict. The attack took place around 11am,…
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Grab wars: Bangkok taxi drivers threaten airport chaos
Fuming taxi drivers vowed to bring chaos to Bangkok’s skies and streets, threatening to blockade Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Government House if the PM doesn’t scrap Grab’s airport access. Tempers flared at Government House today, May 21, as more than 50 furious cabbies rallied outside Gate 5, demanding an end to what they call “unfair favouritism” towards Grab drivers at…
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Robinhood takes over as Foodpanda bows out of Thailand
Thailand’s food delivery game just got a major shake-up — and it’s Robinhood taking the wheel. Yesterday, May 20, Thai-born delivery platform Robinhood announced a strategic redirection agreement with Foodpanda Thailand, as the international giant prepares to exit the country after 13 years of operations. The move, effective immediately, allows Foodpanda customers, restaurant partners, and delivery riders to transition smoothly…
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Motorcyclist driving wrong way in Phuket kills woman
A heavily intoxicated 32 year old man drove his motorcycle against the flow of traffic, resulting in a tragic accident that claimed the life of a woman. Police confirmed the suspect had high blood alcohol level in his system after he admitted to consuming alcohol before the incident. Police Colonel Yutthaphon Wathaseth, an investigating officer from the Thalang District Police Station,…
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