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 is a popular destination for expats due to its affordable lifestyle and excellent healthcare system. However, settling in a new country often brings health concerns. To ensure you’re covered for the most common medical needs, understanding what expat health...
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Sergeant Major’s body found in Chao Phraya River, investigation ongoing
The body of a 41 year old Sergeant Major was discovered floating face down in the Chao Phraya River under mysterious circumstances. Police are investigating the cause of death, which is estimated to have occurred over 48 hours prior. Yesterday, August 5, officers from the Pak Khlong San Police Station were alerted to a body found in the river near…
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Madame Wan arrested for trafficking charges in Det Udom
Special operations teams in Det Udom district arrested Madame Wan, accused of luring two 14 year old girls into prostitution. She faces eight serious charges related to human trafficking. The arrest followed a complaint lodged yesterday, August 5, by a concerned guardian. Rayes Rai, head of security in Det Udom district, collaborated with members of the Volunteer Defence Corps of…
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Hippo star Moo Deng raises 300k baht for border aid
Thailand’s favourite pygmy hippo is on a mission – and it’s not just stealing hearts. Moo Deng, the adorable social media star from Khao Kheow Open Zoo, has helped raise a whopping 300,000 baht for border soldiers and struggling families in Surin province. In a heartwarming show of unity and compassion, Khao Kheow Open Zoo teamed up with Leila Toys…
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Man arrested for fatal knife attack in Sisaket
A 54 year old man has been detained after allegedly fatally assaulting a 44 year old friend with a knife in Sisaket province. The incident occurred yesterday, August 5, following a drinking session at the suspect’s home, which ended in a heated argument fuelled by jealousy. Police Lieutenant Colonel Thongchai Torpimai of Nam Kliang Police Station in Sisaket province was…
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Thailand cuts electricity supply to Cambodia amid policy shift
Electricity officials in Sa Kaeo province have disconnected power lines and removed equipment supplying electricity to Cambodia at Ban Khlong Luek’s permanent border checkpoint. By 1pm yesterday, August 5, the lines had been left exposed, preventing further electricity supply to Cambodia. The operation was led by Taweesak Koetsap, manager of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) branch in Aranyaprathet, along with…
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Thailand’s vape ban gets WHO seal of approval
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has endorsed Thailand’s ongoing prohibition on importing and selling e-cigarettes, while the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) has committed to reducing vaping among young people through a “denormalisation” initiative. WHO Thailand senior public health specialist Dr Olivia Nieveras said that Thailand’s e-cigarette ban aligns with empirical evidence on the harm caused by vaping products and…
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Gunman pursued after fatal M16 shooting in Narathiwat
In Narathiwat province, police are pursuing a gunman who fatally shot a 50 year old man with an M16 rifle on August 4. The incident, occurring at 3.35pm, also resulted in another person sustaining injuries. Thirty-two shell casings were found at the scene. Police Colonel Prayong Khotrasa, Deputy Commander of Narathiwat Provincial Police, alongside Police Colonel Suppachart Na Phatthalung, Chief…
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Python crashes through ceiling into Thai cat room
A 5-metre-long python gave a Thai pet owner the fright of her life after crashing through the ceiling into a room full of prized Scottish Fold cats in Nonthaburi. The scaly intruder was discovered yesterday morning, August 5, coiled atop a storage cabinet in a two-storey home undergoing renovation in Thanakorn Village, Bang Mae Nang subdistrict, Bang Yai district. The…
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Historic Saraburi hotel destroyed by fire after 50 years
A historic hotel in Saraburi, which stood for over 50 years, was destroyed by a fire late at night yesterday, August 5. At 10.20pm, Police Lieutenant Colonel Paitoon Pankluaymai, Investigator at Mueang Saraburi District Police Station, was informed of a blaze at the I-Nguan Hotel, located near the railway station in Saraburi province. He relayed the information to his superiors…
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Thailand, Israel launch major cybersecurity collaboration workshop
Thailand and Israel have inaugurated their most extensive government-to-government cybersecurity workshop to date, aiming to enhance bilateral cooperation and strengthen cybersecurity resilience. Beginning yesterday, August 5, the Thailand-Israel Cybersecurity Workshop is organised by Thailand’s National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) alongside the Israeli embassy in Bangkok. This event, spanning three days, takes place at the Carlton Hotel in Bangkok and gathers…
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Army officer found dead in car at Bangkok mall
A 37 year old army officer was found deceased in his car in a shopping mall parking lot in Bangkok’s Bang Khen district. Police discovered the vehicle filled with smoke and a stove beside the driver’s seat. Despite resuscitation efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after. The incident occurred today, August 6, around 1.10am, when patrol officers from Bang Khen…
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Thunderstorms and heavy rain forecast for Thailand regions
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts thunderstorms and strong winds in upper northern and northeastern Thailand on August 6, with heavy rain in several provinces. Residents are advised to be cautious of potential flooding or other weather-related hazards. A low-pressure system over northern Vietnam, coupled with a prevailing southwesterly monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand,…
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Thailand fights back: Border clashes, US tariffs shake nation
Thailand’s acting prime minister has vowed to steer the country through two of its biggest recent challenges—border violence with Cambodia and a US tariff bombshell—while rallying citizens with promises of support, peace, and unity. In a televised address today, August 5, titled Overcoming Two Crises, Moving Forward Together, Deputy Prime Minister and Acting PM Phumtham Wechayachai said the nation had faced…
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Indian man claims ladyboys in Pattaya stole his gold
A late-night stroll turned into a jewellery heist for one Indian man in Pattaya—at least, that’s what he’s telling police. Today, August 5 at 2.36am, 27 year old Indian national and jewellery shop owner Hemanth Kumer filed a theft report with Pattaya City Police, claiming two ladyboys made off with his 150,000-baht gold necklace. According to Kumer, the incident occurred…
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Thailand falls behind Japan and Vietnam in tourism race
Thailand’s once-booming tourist scene has hit a bump in the road. The kingdom welcomed 19.29 million international arrivals between January and July this year—a 6% drop compared to the same period last year, according to data released by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Meanwhile, regional rivals are leaving Thailand in the dust. Japan raked in 21.5 million foreign visitors…
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Thailand slams Hun Sen and Hun Manet assassination plot claims
Thailand has fiercely denied claims from Cambodia that it plotted to assassinate two of the country’s most powerful leaders. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) hit back after Cambodia’s Minister of Information reportedly accused Thailand of conspiring to kill Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet, citing so-called foreign intelligence sources. The allegations surfaced on social media…
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Grab’s AI translator and big discounts woo Thailand’s expats
Grab Thailand is turning its attention to Thailand’s growing expat population — and it’s rolling out smart features and generous perks to win them over. With more than 5.3 million non-Thai residents now living in Thailand—an 8% jump since 2019—the company has seen delivery orders from expats skyrocket by over 50% in the past 12 months, signalling a major shift…
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Gruesome murder mystery unfolds in Trang forest
In the depths of a dense forest in Trang province, a deceased man was found in a gruesome state, with his mouth gagged and his hands and feet bound. Believed to have been dead for four days, the discovery was made yesterday, August 4. The police are now working to unravel the circumstances surrounding this murder. Police from the Rassada…
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Thailand plans tax break on foreign income
The Thai Revenue Department is fast-tracking new legislation to exempt Thai citizens from income tax on earnings sourced from abroad within the current year. Revenue Department Director-General Pinsai Suraswadi stated that the proposed law would exempt Thai citizens from income tax if they bring foreign-sourced income into Thailand within two years of earning it. The details are under discussion at…
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Thai Air Force denies Cambodia’s MK-84 bomb purchase claims
The Royal Thai Air Force has refuted Cambodia’s claims of purchasing MK-84 bombs from Israel, suggesting that a neutral third party should verify the allegations. They emphasised that their operations comply with international laws and humanitarian principles, along with the right to self-defence. Today, August 5, Heng Ratana, director of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), alleged that the MK-84…
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Abbot wounded in temple shooting, suspect flees in Loei
Two abbots were involved in a late-night altercation that escalated into a shooting at a well-known temple in Chiang Khan. A bullet struck one abbot near his left ear, and the gunman fled in a sedan. Police are currently investigating the incident and pursuing the suspect. Today, August 5, police from the Chiang Khan Police Station reported an incident yesterday,…
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Thailand video news | North Korea applauds Thai-Cambodian ceasefire, Phuket launches second phase of drug crackdown
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jay bring you a mix of major developments and unusual moments from across the country. From North Korea praising the Thai-Cambodian ceasefire to Phuket’s intensified drug crackdown, the headlines also include new traffic ticket reforms, a drone ban in Pattaya, and a miraculous forest rescue in Phitsanulok. Meanwhile, Leicester City FC weighs in…
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Vietjet offers Bangkok flights from less than 1 baht
Vietjet Thailand is pulling out all the stops with two brand-new direct routes from India to Bangkok — and headline-grabbing base fares starting from just 1 Indian rupee (0.50 baht). The airline will launch direct flights from Kolkata and Ahmedabad to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, making them its third and fourth connections between the two countries, as it continues to grow…
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Major illegal cigarette smuggling ring busted in Kanchanaburi
A significant illegal cigarette smuggling operation was thwarted by the Ladan Yao Task Force of the Surasi Forces, capturing a man transporting nearly 10 million baht worth of contraband cigarettes. The incident occurred today, August 5, at the 9th Infantry Division headquarters, where Commander Major General Atsadawut Panyarachun, leading the Surasi Forces, coordinated with Athit San Intra, the Governor of…
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Thailand’s booze ad crackdown clears final Senate hurdle
Cheers are being silenced in Thailand — at least on your screens. The Thai Senate has passed controversial new amendments to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, tightening restrictions on how alcohol can be promoted, advertised, and even associated with public events. With 105 votes in favour, 2 against, 12 abstentions and 1 non-vote, the bill sailed through the second and…
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Song Phi Nong drug test leads to dismissal of 5 officials
Yesterday, August 4, at the district office of Song Phi Nong, a surprise drug test was conducted on 202 government officials, ranging from executives to employees, without prior notice. This action was part of the government’s No Drugs No Dealers policy. The test revealed that five municipal employees tested positive for drugs, resulting in their immediate dismissal. ดูโพสต์นี้บน Instagram…
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Thai Airways shares take off again after 5-year pause
After five years of being grounded, Thai Airways (THAI) shares are finally cleared for takeoff. Trading of the national carrier’s stock will resume on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) yesterday, August 4, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s dramatic recovery from one of the biggest corporate meltdowns in Thai history. The move follows THAI’s exit from court-supervised debt…
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Phuket drug bust nets 6,000 pills and ‘Ice queen’ ringleader
Three suspected drug traffickers are behind bars after police seized more than 6,000 methamphetamine (meth) pills and over 300 grammes of crystal meth (Ice) in a major Phuket sting. Thalang Police moved in yesterday, August 4, targeting a known drug network operating in Thepkrasattri. Officers arrested 27 year old Bank, his 24 year old girlfriend Pop, and 29 year old…
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Cambodian workers flock to border to return home
Around 500 Cambodian workers gathered at the Ban Khlong Luek permanent border crossing in Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province, seeking to return to Cambodia. Many were accompanied by children and carried numerous belongings, as they queued to cross the border. The primary reason provided for this mass return was phone calls from family members urging them to come home immediately.…
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Thai government lifts poker ban in shock legal U-turn
Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has signed an order to legalise poker gambling, paving the way for the game to be recognised as an international sport and potentially opening doors for future competitions on Thai soil. Speaking to the media yesterday, August 4, Phumtham confirmed he had signed a ministerial order legalising poker under specific conditions. “It’s a sensitive matter…
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