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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Thailand pawn giant cashes in on gold boom, loans soar
Thailand’s leading pawn shop chain, Easy Money, is expecting its highest loan growth in two decades, fuelled by surging gold prices and a wave of young entrepreneurs seeking short-term financing. “Loan demand is booming like we haven’t seen in 20 years,” said Easy Money Group chairperson Sittiwit Tangthanakiat. The company reported outstanding loans of 27 billion baht for the first…
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People’s Party mulls Bangkok comeback with new contender
The People’s Party, which holds more than 140 MPs, is reportedly preparing for a potential early election by laying groundwork in Bangkok’s political scene. Party insiders indicate that former MP Sita Divari, also known as “Captain Pun,” is being considered as a candidate for the upcoming Bangkok gubernatorial race. Sita, a former Thai Sang Thai candidate, re-entered politics in 2022…
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Teen seeks help after police delay in Bolt driver attempted rape case
A 19 year old woman has turned to a social media influencer for help after allegedly surviving an attempted rape by a Bolt driver, fearing the case would be delayed for months due to police inaction. The victim, Arisara Mitkhuntod, contacted influencer Chot-anan Lertritphuwadol after Bang Kruai Police Station allegedly asked her to wait two to three months for medical…
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Twelve Chiang Mai officials arrested for selling fake Thai ID cards to foreigners
Police arrested 12 out of 28 wanted local government officials and civilians in Chiang Mai province for illegally issuing Thai identification cards to foreigners, particularly Chinese nationals. A local journalist, JDTendirections, reported yesterday, November 20, that officials in the Wiang Haeng sub-district of Chiang Mai illegally issued at least 20,000 ID cards to Chinese nationals living in Thailand without legal…
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Cathay Pacific sees Thailand rebound after rocky first half
Cathay Pacific confirmed it is seeing a strong rebound in Thailand route performance, after earlier struggles caused by safety concerns and political instability. Hong Kong’s flagship carrier confirmed that its Thailand routes are bouncing back in the second half of the year, following earlier setbacks tied to safety concerns and political instability. Despite a soft performance earlier in 2025, the…
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Wanted fraud suspect arrested on Bangkok–Phuket bus
Police arrested a wanted fraud suspect after tracking him to a Bangkok–Phuket bus, where the man was travelling under multiple outstanding warrants. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) confirmed the arrest of a 27 year old man identified only as Patinya, who was wanted for multiple charges, including online fraud, computer crime offences, and assault. Marine Police Division officers tracked him down…
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TikTok pulls award from Thai doctor amid clothing brand drama, voting scandal
TikTok Thailand withdrew the Rising Creator of the Year Award 2025 from a Thai doctor following a dispute involving a well-known clothing brand and allegations of unethical voting practices. In a statement released yesterday, November 20, TikTok Thailand announced that the award had been revoked due to violations of the TikTok Awards’ rules and conditions. The award had originally been…
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Bangkok prison scandal under Justice Ministry review
The Justice Ministry confirmed an ongoing investigation into Bangkok Remand Prison after reports surfaced of misconduct involving favours for foreign inmates. Justice Minister Police Lieutenant General Ruttapol Naowarat has acknowledged reports that Bangkok Remand Prison allowed special treatment for certain foreign inmates, including Chinese nationals. These privileges allegedly included hidden rooms, access to young women, and the distribution of condoms…
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Elephant electrocuted near Phetchaburi national park
A young wild elephant was electrocuted while foraging on farmland near Phetchaburi’s Kaeng Krachan National Park, prompting a full investigation. The incident occurred in the Pa Deng subdistrict of Phetchaburi’s Kaeng Krachan district, where a farmer had installed illegal electric fencing to protect his crops. The elephant, estimated to be between eight and 10 years old and weighing around 2…
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Drunk Russian man injured in Walking Street attack, flips off rescuer
A Russian man was found with a serious head injury on Pattaya’s Walking Street in the early hours of yesterday, November 20, after reportedly being assaulted by a group of unidentified individuals. Emergency responders from the Sawang Boriboon Dhammastan Foundation arrived at the scene around 3.36am and found the 27 year old Russian national sitting on the pavement, bleeding heavily…
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Tourist attacked on Bangla Road just metres from police box (video)
A tourist was assaulted near the beach end of Bangla Road in Patong, prompting police to arrest a Thai man who had been disturbing passersby in the area. The incident occurred around 5.10am today, November 21, near the beach end of Bangla Road, a bustling nightlife hotspot in Patong. Patong Police later confirmed the arrest of a Thai man accused…
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Thailand video news | Thailand crowned world’s top food destination for 2025 survey, Bhumjaithai unveils trio of PM candidates amid political shuffle
In Thailand video news, Alex and Jay bring you the latest stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia. Today’s highlights include major shifts in Thai politics, foreign DJs and bloggers landing in trouble, and Thailand’s impressive ranking among the world’s top food destinations. Bhumjaithai Unveils Trio of Prime Minister Candidates Amid Political Shuffle The Bhumjaithai Party introduced three new prime…
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Miss Mexico takes the crown after Miss Universe controversy
Miss Mexico was crowned the new Miss Universe after a dramatic final held in Bangkok, following weeks of controversy and heated exchanges. After a drama-filled competition, Mexico’s Fátima Bosch was crowned Miss Universe 2025 during the coronation show at Impact Challenger Hall in Nonthaburi today, November 21. She beat 119 contestants, including favourites from the Philippines, Venezuela and Thailand, to…
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Thai govt to hike VAT to 10% by 2030 in budget rescue plan
The government plans to gradually raise VAT to 10% to address rising deficits, as revealed by the finance minister during a major economic event in Bangkok. Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas revealed plans to gradually increase VAT, starting with a 1.5% rise to 8.5% by 2028. The announcement was made during his address at the Money Expo 2025 Bangkok Year-End, where…
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Blacklisted South Korean busted for meth, porn in Pattaya condo
Police raided a Pattaya condominium near Jomtien Beach yesterday, November 20, and arrested a South Korean man allegedly hosting drug parties. Officers found him watching porn and gambling online when they entered the unit. The operation was part of a larger effort by the Chon Buri Provincial Immigration Office targeting illegal foreigners during the high tourism season. Officers said the…
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Miss Jamaica tumbles off stage at Miss Universe Bangkok show (video)
A Miss Universe contestant fell off the stage during the evening gown round in Bangkok, prompting a hospital visit and concern from organisers and fans. Gabrielle Henry, Miss Universe Jamaica 2025, fell during the evening gown round of the Miss Universe preliminary competition on Wednesday, November 19, shocking onlookers and halting the event. The accident occurred as Henry was making…
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Bangkok prison chief, guards accused of giving Chinese inmates VIP treatment
The director of Bangkok Remand Prison (BRP) and several prison guards are under investigation for allegedly giving VIP treatment to Chinese inmates, allowing access to electric appliances and bringing Chinese sex workers into the facility. Thai prisoners reportedly filed a complaint to the Department of Corrections, claiming certain Chinese inmates lived far more comfortably than others and held influence inside…
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Bangkok fire in commercial building injures familly of 4
A fire broke out at a commercial building in Bangkok this morning, prompting emergency crews to rescue a trapped family of four and battle the spreading flames. The fire broke out at around 5.50am today, November 21, on Chakkraphet Road in the Wang Burapha Phirom subdistrict of Phra Nakhon district. Crews from Phu Khao Thong Fire Station rushed to the…
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Motorcyclist dies after collapsing mid-ride on Pattaya street
A motorcyclist died on a Pattaya road after collapsing while riding, prompting an emergency response from police and rescue teams at the scene. The incident unfolded on North Pattaya Road yesterday morning, November 20, when 58 year old Phanomphon So-ngoen reportedly suffered a sudden medical emergency while riding. According to witnesses, he lost consciousness and fell from his blue Yamaha…
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Phuket shop caught selling hookahs and booze near school
A food and drink shop in Kathu was raided after it was found illegally selling hookahs and alcohol near a school, prompting action from provincial officials. The food and beverage shop, operating near an unnamed educational institution in Kathu, was shut down during a surprise raid shortly after 8pm on Wednesday, November 19. The operation was led by Phuket Provincial…
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2 Thai actresses deny involvement in 400 million baht fraud scandal
Two Thai actresses have denied any involvement in a rumoured financial scam reportedly orchestrated by a prominent celebrity, which allegedly defrauded friends and colleagues in the Thai entertainment industry out of more than 400 million baht. The controversy erupted yesterday, November 19, when Facebook page ท่านเปา claimed that major Thai media outlets were preparing to report on a high-profile actress…
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Bhumjaithai names 3 PM hopefuls in leadership shakeup
Bhumjaithai Party announced three prime ministerial candidates during a press event, aiming to expand its leadership ahead of the upcoming election. Speaking at Government House, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced that Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, along with Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun, will join him on the official candidate list. Their nominations are expected to be submitted…
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Insect larva removed from patient in Bangkok, expert says no threat to locals
A Thai science communicator addressed public concern after a hospital worker in Bangkok shared images of an insect larva removed from a foreign patient’s skin. The patient had recently returned from Brazil and sought treatment at a hospital in the capital. The medical worker posted pictures of the creature on the well-known Facebook group นี่ตัวอะไร (“What is this animal?”) yesterday,…
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Thailand ‘Fast Pass’ to unlock stalled investment billions
Finance officials plan to present a new scheme to the economic Cabinet to fast-track approved investment projects and boost Thailand’s stalled capital flow. Thailand’s Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas will pitch the ambitious Thailand Fast Pass initiative to the economic Cabinet on Monday, November 24, aiming to cut red tape and expedite major domestic investment projects. The new scheme targets businesses…
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South Korean DJ caught spinning without permit in Chiang Mai
A South Korean national was arrested in Chiang Mai by immigration officers after being found working illegally as a DJ at a local venue without a permit. The suspect, whose identity has not been released, was detained yesterday, November 19, after immigration officials received a tip-off regarding foreign nationals working without permits in the Mueang district. The operation took place…
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Thaksin joins Dhamma rehab as Paetongtarn exits spotlight
Thaksin Shinawatra has entered a dhamma-based rehab programme at Klong Prem Prison, as his daughter Paetongtarn steps away from politics. Ex-PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra revealed her father, Thaksin, is currently participating in the Dhammanavawang rehabilitation programme at Klong Prem Central Prison. Speaking after a visit to the Bangkok prison, Paetongtarn said Thaksin’s physical condition remained stable despite changing weather, but hinted…
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Indian blogger apologises for accusing Krabi hospital of scamming foreigners
An Indian travel blogger issued a public apology after accusing hospitals in Krabi of scamming foreign tourists by overcharging them for medical treatment following adverse reactions to cannabis gummies. The blogger, Monica Gupta, posted a reel on her Instagram account, @travelwithshades, on Sunday, November 16, alleging she and her friend were victims of a “Thai hospital scam”. In the caption of…
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British man attacks French tourist in Samui love spat
A 44 year old British man was arrested on Koh Samui after allegedly assaulting a French tourist and his Thai girlfriend during a hotel altercation over suspected jealousy. The incident occurred around noon yesterday, November 19, at a hotel in Bo Phut, Surat Thani Province. Officers from Bo Phut Police Station responded to reports of a violent altercation and arrived…
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Former shipping company worker arrested for selling client data to scammers
Police in Phuket arrested a former shipping company employee yesterday, November 19, for allegedly stealing customer data and providing it to a scam operator involved in fraudulent parcel deliveries. Officers from Mueang Phuket Police Station raided a warehouse in the Ratsada sub-district on November 16 and arrested a 31 year old suspect, Khanapa “Mook” Mengsan, for her suspected involvement in…
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Anutin teases early House dissolution amid censure threat
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signalled he may dissolve the House early if the opposition files a no-confidence motion, warning he won’t play into political traps. Speaking at Government House yesterday, November 19, Anutin said his minority government is ready for scrutiny but warned that a formal no-confidence debate under Section 151 would likely lead him to dissolve the House before…
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