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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Late shift on Thailand’s stock market clock as SET goes global
Thailand’s stock market is pulling a night shift, with extended hours letting investors chase Wall Street and European giants well into the wee hours, starting May 6. The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) is throwing open its doors around the clock for global investment, with new trading hours for depositary receipts (DRs) linked to US and European securities launching this…
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Concrete slab from old overpass kills driver in Bangkok
A concrete slab fell from an older overpass onto a pickup truck, injuring the driver yesterday on the outbound side of Rama 2 Road in Bangkok. The incident, not related to the new bridge construction, prompted immediate action to assist the injured party. The accident occurred around 8am, yesterday, April 29, when concrete debris fell from an old overpass connecting Krathum…
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Trumped up trouble puts brakes on Thailand’s car industry
Thailand’s car industry is veering off course, with annual production now expected to skid below target thanks to Washington’s punishing tariffs and a domestic market bogged down by debt and rejected loans. Thailand’s automotive engine is spluttering, with the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) warning that this year’s car production is set to fall short of its 1.5 million-unit goal,…
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Thai mother and 2 children killed by drunk driver in Tak
A drunk hatchback driver crashed into a motorcycle carrying a Thai mother and her two children, killing all three of them, on a road in the northern province of Tak. A group of people rushed to assist the woman and her young children after witnessing the grey Honda Jazz hatchback collide with their motorcycle, a blue and white Honda Scoopy,…
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Phuket Airport soars as Russians jet in while China jets off
Phuket Airport is flying high despite a sharp drop in Chinese tourists, with Russian and Turkish travellers stepping in to keep the island’s tourism industry cruising toward a record-breaking 18 million passengers this year. Phuket International Airport is on course to welcome a whopping 18 million passengers in 2025, even as the number of Chinese arrivals nosedives, according to airport…
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Thailand braces for summer storms across 36 provinces
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued its 12th warning regarding the severe weather forecast for today, April 30. Thirty-six provinces are expected to experience thunderstorms, strong winds, hail, and lightning. northern Thailand is anticipated to be the most affected region. The weather forecast for the next 24 hours indicates that both the northern and central regions of Thailand will continue to face…
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Boozed-up Belgian tourist smashes up store in drunken rampage
A boozed-up Belgian tourist turned a Pattaya 7-Eleven into his personal wine-tasting warzone but ended up footing a hefty bill after turning the aisle into a scene straight out of Bottleship Down. Chaos erupted at around 4am on April 27 when a drunken foreigner wreaked havoc inside a convenience store in Pattaya’s Bang Lamung district, smashing at least ten wine…
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Luxury durian afternoon tea launched to boost Thai tourism
Durian lovers, rejoice! Thailand’s King of Fruits is getting a five-star makeover. To boost gastronomy tourism, Thailand is promoting its premium Mon Thong durian with an exclusive Durian Decadent Afternoon Tea campaign, aiming to create unforgettable travel experiences for modern, experience-seeking tourists. Launched during the summer High Season, this campaign highlights innovative culinary experiences featuring Thailand’s prized Mon Thong durian,…
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BMTA to launch super app for Bangkok commuters in October
Bangkok commuters may soon enjoy a smoother ride, digitally, at least. The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) announced that its much-anticipated “super app” is set to launch this October, promising to simplify payments, provide route updates, and offer a digital platform for feedback and complaints. But while the promise sounds slick, there are still a few speed bumps ahead. Kittikarn…
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Shocking encounter: Man hides in Thai woman’s Japan hotel room
A solo traveller from Thailand shared a chilling experience in Japan when she discovered a man hiding under her hotel bed. Natalisi Taksisi, who had chosen Japan for its reputation for safety, was horrified to find a stranger in her room despite the hotel’s key card system. The incident, which has since gone viral, has raised concerns about hotel security and…
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M81 motorway free for 10 days to boost Kanchanaburi fair
Motorists heading to Kanchanaburi province for the Samburi Kaset Fair next month are in for a treat—free access to the newly completed M81 motorway. From May 3 to 12, the Department of Highways has announced that travel on the 96-kilometre route will be free of charge to facilitate easy access to the agricultural fair, offering a much-needed break for travellers.…
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Father seeks justice for daughter allegedly murdered in Amnat Charoen
In Amnat Charoen, a man’s daughter was allegedly beaten to death by her husband, a volunteer defence officer. The father, deeply affected by the incident, believes it was intentional murder and disputes claims of infidelity. He is determined to see justice served. Recently, at Wat Si Sombun in Chanuman subdistrict, Amnat Charoen province, the family held a funeral for the…
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Up in the air: Thailand to elevate tourism with airport upgrades
The Ministry of Transport in Thailand has allocated funds to upgrade airports in three provinces in northeastern Thailand to boost secondary city tourism. Assistant Transport Minister Manoporn Charoensri announced efforts to transform Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, and Mukdahan into year-round tourist destinations. The initiative aligns with the government’s policy under Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who emphasises secondary city tourism, with…
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Pattana Pet Run 2025: Dogs and cats race for fun in Chon Buri
Pattana Sports Resort is stepping up its pet-friendly game with an exciting new event that’s sure to make tails wag! The Pattana Pet Run 2025 will take place in Chon Buri this June, offering pet parents a unique opportunity to run alongside their four-legged friends and create lasting memories together. On Thursday, April 24, a press conference for the event…
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Thai woman, 70, arrested for brother’s murder over inheritance row
A 70 year old woman was recently apprehended for the murder of her younger brother, a crime stemming from a land inheritance dispute that had remained unresolved for over a decade. The arrest was made by the police in Rayong province, following a directive from Police Major General Thirachart Thirachartthamrong. The incident dates back to 2012, when the woman, identified…
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Fake news sparks panic over Narathiwat dam collapse
In a recent case of fake news causing unnecessary panic, officials debunked claims circulating on social media that a dam in Narathiwat province is at risk of collapsing due to sea waves triggered by a recent earthquake in the United States. The Thailand Anti-Fake News Centre was quick to clarify that these rumours were false and misleading. They reassured the…
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Bangkok ranks No. 6 among world’s friendliest cities for expats
Bangkok has been named one of the world’s most expat-friendly cities, securing 6th place in the annual survey conducted by InterNations. While Malaga, Spain, clinched the top spot as the most welcoming city for expatriates, Bangkok’s high ranking highlights the city’s growing appeal to foreigners. According to the survey, expats in Bangkok reported feeling very welcomed by locals, with 67%…
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Police halt convoy disguising drug transport as family trip in Chumphon
Police intercepted a convoy attempting to transport 100 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine, disguising the operation as a family trip. Yesterday, April 28, Police Major General Khongkrit Lertsitthikul directed officers to arrest four people in Chumphon province. Those arrested included 40 year old Narongsak, 43 year old Sirisak, 19 year old Pornpen, and a 17 year old referred to as A.…
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PM Paetongtarn’s health scare disrupts Nakhon Phanom visit
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s official visit to Nakhon Phanom province took an unexpected turn yesterday as she battled a high fever and fatigue, forcing her to cancel several key activities. The premier, who appeared visibly unwell, was seen struggling to stay focused during a briefing about cross-border drug issues along the Mekong River. Despite her efforts to push through, Paetongtarn’s…
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Mae Hong Son manhunt intensifies as suspect remains elusive
An uncle and his nephew were laid to rest after being fatally shot by a 37 year old man, last week. The incident occurred on April 23 in Mae Yom subdistrict, Mae Sariang district, Mae Hong Son province. The victims, 65 year old Dike Sukulkij and 41 year old Kamol Sukulkij, were allegedly killed without any clear motive by Yutthana Jatupornsivalee,…
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Thai transport ministry fast-tracks 20 baht train fare policy
The Ministry of Transport is accelerating efforts to implement the 20 baht flat fare for electric trains policy, targeting completion by September 2025. A new draft of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand Act is slated for Cabinet consideration in May. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri highlighted that the ministry is currently detailing the draft law, aimed at modernising…
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Drunk tourist walks naked through Phuket, sparks outrage
A drunk foreign tourist was filmed walking naked through the streets of Phuket Town, prompting locals to voice concerns about the growing problem of unruly visa-free tourists. The Facebook page โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต shared a shocking video of a foreign man stumbling down Rattanakosin 200 Years Road in Talat Nuea subdistrict, Mueang district, completely naked. The man, visibly intoxicated, appeared to…
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British foodie floored in Phuket road horror crash leaves hospital
A British restaurant boss, recovering in Thailand after being left for dead in a horror road crash just one day after his travel insurance expired, has left hospital. Ricky Eury, a popular figure in Bristol’s food scene, was critically injured while crossing a road in Phuket, Thailand, when he was mown down by a motorbike in a devastating late-night collision. The…
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Tragic car accident in Phayao leaves one dead, three injured
A tragic accident occurred in Phayao, where a car from Bangkok collided with a parked pickup truck, resulting in one fatality and three severe injuries. The incident, which left both vehicles severely damaged and debris scattered across the road, took place in the Mueang Phayao district, northern Thailand. On April 28, Phukamyao police received reports of a car rear-ending a…
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Barely legal: Naked antics of Polish couple spark fury in Koh Pha Ngan
Thailand’s image as a tropical paradise took another hit this week after a naked Polish couple were caught hugging in the middle of a road, and later sunbathing starkers on a popular Koh Pha Ngan beach, shocking locals and sparking fresh calls for action against unruly foreign tourists. The Polish holidaymakers stunned passers-by when they were spotted standing completely nude…
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Thai police shut down illegal Myanmar-run complex in Samut Sakhon
Thai police dismantled a Myanmar-run entertainment complex in Mueang district, Samut Sakhon, revealing illegal activities including drug use and the employment of undocumented workers. The operation, conducted by over 200 officers from various agencies, was led by provincial governor Naris Niramaiwong. Working alongside government inspectors and supported by provincial police, the task force targeted a repurposed warehouse allegedly operating as…
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Wheely reckless: Aussie tourist pops stunts on Phuket streets
A thrill-seeking Aussie tourist landed himself in hot water after being caught on camera pulling dangerous wheelies down a busy Phuket road, prompting furious locals to demand action. The 32 year old Australian man has been arrested after a viral clip showed him performing motorcycle stunts along Witsanu Road in Rawai, causing mayhem and putting lives at risk. The reckless…
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Thailand launches e-ticket system in marine parks
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) will officially introduce a fully operational e-ticket system on October 15 across six key marine national parks, marking the beginning of the tourist season. This pilot project aims to boost park revenue by 10% and improve transparency in collecting entrance fees. During a press conference yesterday, April 28, Director-General Attapol…
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Illegal Chinese imports of pig intestines found in Samut Sakhon warehouse
A warehouse in Samut Sakhon was discovered storing salted pig intestines illegally imported from China. The facility, in poor condition with a pervasive foul odour, held products valued at over 10 million baht. The Chinese owner was not present at the site. Yesterday, April 28, Police Major General Thatphum Jaruprach, commander of the Economic Crime Suppression Division, instructed Police Colonel…
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Rights group demands action for detained Uyghurs in Thailand
The People’s Empowerment Foundation raised significant concerns regarding seven Uyghur people currently incarcerated in Thailand. Chalida Tajaroensuk, the chair of the civil society organisation, reported to the Bangkok Post that those detained have been split into two groups. The first group, consisting of five Uyghurs, was detained after allegedly escaping a Mukdahan detention centre in 2020. They are serving six-year…
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