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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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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Phuket faces water crisis as reservoirs run dry
Warning bells are ringing in Phuket as reservoir levels plunge and fears of severe drought grip the island. Officials scramble to prevent a looming water crisis before the taps run dry. Phuket chief Sophon Suwannarat and top provincial officials joined a high-level video conference on April 8 to strategise urgent drought mitigation measures. The session, chaired by Minister of Interior…
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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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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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Air India in hot water again after Bangkok in-flight pee incident
Business class on an Air India flight to Bangkok turned into a piddle palace after a sozzled passenger allegedly whipped it out to pee on a fellow traveller mid-flight, despite the loos being in full working order. The Air India high-flyer is now being probed by police after taking the pee, literally, on a fellow business class passenger just before…
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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 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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Phuket launches gateway project to boost tourism and conservation
Phuket unveiled a new initiative designed to boost local tourism, support community businesses, and protect the island’s environment. The Phuket Gateway project, launched by the Governor of Phuket, aims to connect tourists with authentic local experiences while focusing on ecological sustainability. Naraphat Plodthong, the Governor of Phuket, presided over the official launch of the Phuket Gateway ceremony, marking the beginning…
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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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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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American lecturer’s Thai visa revoked over lese majeste charge
The American lecturer facing up to 15 years behind bars if convicted for defaming the Thai royal family, today had his visa revoked. Paul Chambers, an academic based at Naresuan University’s ASEAN Community Studies Institute, was officially arrested yesterday, April 8 at Phitsanulok City Police Station. Accompanied by officials from the US Embassy in Thailand, interpreters, and lawyers from the…
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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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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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Newborn abandoned in pickup truck in Phuket, rescued
A chilling discovery in Phuket has left locals shaken after a newborn baby was found abandoned in the back of a pickup truck. The infant, still with the umbilical cord attached, was miraculously alive and is now in hospital receiving care. Today, April 9 at 10.30am, Police Lieutenant Colonel Khajornkiat Khamwichairat, Deputy Inspector of Investigation at Cherng Talay Police Station,…
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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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Bets off: Phuket residents roll the dice against casino plan
A group of Phuket locals has rallied against the controversial casino bill, urging the government to halt its progress. Dressed in white shirts, they gathered at Phuket Provincial Hall to submit a petition that firmly rejects the push for casinos in the popular tourist destination. A group of concerned residents, entrepreneurs, and members of the Phuket State Enterprise Labor Relations Confederation…
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Burmese woman finds husband’s mistress after building collapse
A heartbroken Burmese woman walked for four days from Myanmar to Bangkok in a desperate search for her missing husband and son, following the collapse of a government building, only to discover her husband’s secret relationship with a Thai mistress. Locals said the woman was left “stunned and speechless” after discovering her husband had secretly started a new life behind…
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Widow loses 620,000 baht to call centre scam in Thailand
A widow with twin daughters sought help from the Pavena Foundation, claiming she was deceived into transferring over 620,000 baht by the Poipet Company. She had intended to save her late husband’s life insurance money for her daughters’ education. Yesterday, April 8, at the Pavena Foundation in Thanyaburi district, Pathum Thani province, a 44 year old woman, referred to as…
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It was a glitch: AirAsia explains price hike on Songkran flights
AirAsia has addressed the recent uproar over skyrocketing ticket prices on flights from Don International Mueang to Sakon Nakhon during the Songkran festival. AirAsia responded to concerns over unusually high ticket prices on its Don Mueang-Sakon Nakhon route during the Songkran period, explaining that the issue was caused by a temporary glitch in its ticket booking system. The airline has…
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Phuket drug bust: 6 arrested with heroin
A major drug crackdown in Wichit, Phuket, led to the arrest of six suspects, including a man caught with over 79 grammes of heroin. The coordinated raids, carried out yesterday, April 8, have sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in the region. Six suspects were arrested in a well-executed drug operation led by…
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Udon Thani worker found dead amid extreme heat
In Udon Thani, amidst extreme heat, a 27 year old construction worker was found dead at a worker’s camp near a water factory. Lying beside electrical wires wrapped around him, police suspect dehydration and heatstroke, leading to heart failure. Police Lieutenant Kittikawin Umathitipong received reports of a dead worker at a construction camp in Mueang district, Udon Thani province. Upon…
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Pattaya mayor tackles water shortages with major projects
Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet is taking bold steps to tackle the city’s water supply issues. With 12 major projects underway, residents can expect improved water distribution and transparency in the coming months. Mayor Poramet has ordered relevant agencies to gather detailed information on 12 ongoing water supply extension projects within Pattaya. The goal is to submit the information to the…
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Ale’s well that ends well: Drunk foreigner trips up in Phuket scuffle
An allegedly drunk foreigner chased a Thai man and attempted to attack him in Phuket. The victim fortunately escaped unharmed when the foreign man stumbled to the ground. The Thai victim shared videos of the incident with the Phuket Times, today, April 9. The incident reportedly took place on the road leading to Rang Hill, a popular viewpoint in Phuket,…
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Brother fights to free US academic jailed in Thailand
A Dallas man is fighting to free his brother, a respected American academic in Thailand, after he was jailed on charges of insulting the monarchy—something his family insists he didn’t do. Paul Chambers, an American scholar and college professor based in Thailand for over 30 years, was arrested last week after Thai military authorities served him with an arrest warrant.…
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Drunk police officer kills mother and child in Narathiwat crash
A police officer driving under the influence collided with a motorcycle carrying a family of three, resulting in the deaths of a mother and her child, while the father was injured. The officer’s blood alcohol content was found to be 177 milligrammes per cent, significantly above the legal limit. Yesterday, April 8, Police Colonel Suphachai Yiwangkon, the superintendent of Rangae…
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