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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Bangkok man arrested for drug sales from rental room
Police in Chokchai district apprehended a 29 year old man for operating a daily rental room used for selling e-cigarettes and illegal substances, including ketamine pods and methamphetamine. Police discovered financial transactions totalling 1 million baht (US$29,985) over six months. The suspect, , Wanakaset “Film” Wattanakaset, faces four serious charges. Today, April 21, police officials, including Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom,…
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Early morning fire destroys bus on Rojana Road in Ayutthaya
A fire engulfed a white bus parked on Rojana Road, outbound towards the entrance of Wat Khan Ham, in Khan Ham subdistrict, Uthai district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. The incident was reported to the 191 Ayutthaya Provincial Police Radio Centre at approximately 5.30am today, April 21, prompting a coordinated response from Khan Ham subdistrict’s fire brigade and the Phutthai…
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Ratchaburi soldier surrenders after allegedly shooting wife
In Ratchaburi province, a soldier turned himself in to the police after allegedly shooting his 28 year old wife at their home in Mueang subdistrict, Photharam district. The incident reportedly took place during the night, following which the soldier, Thawisak, fled the scene. Thawisak, a sergeant major, arranged through family members to surrender to police. He was picked up by…
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Drug-fuelled gay man arrested after stabbing and setting monk on fire
Police arrested a gay man for attacking a monk with a Stanley knife and setting him on fire at a temple in the northeastern province of Buriram. The monk remains in critical condition. Officers from Huayrat Police Station were called to assist the severely injured monk, 70 year old Suppatin Taewonrum, at Ta Sao Temple in Huayrat district, Buriram, on…
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Udon Thani train station security guard accused of sexual assault
An 18 year old Thai woman accused a security guard at a train station in the northeastern province of Udon Thani of sexually assaulting her. The guard denied the allegation. The young woman called officers from Mueang Udon Police Station to Udon Thani Railway Station at 3.30am on Saturday, April 19, reporting that the 53 year old security guard, identified…
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Class dismissed! Foreign teacher busted for illegal online lessons
A foreign language teacher with a huge online following has been hauled in by Thai immigration cops, after teaching Thai without a licence from her living room turned classroom. The female online foreign teacher found herself at the centre of a classroom controversy after being arrested in Samut Sakhon for illegally offering online Thai lessons, despite not holding a valid…
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City Hall pledges extra funds for earthquake repair after criticism
City Hall has responded to criticism regarding the inadequacy of compensation offered for home repairs to earthquake victims, stating that additional funds may be allocated in exceptional circumstances. The compensation issue was addressed during a press conference on earthquake relief, led by Deputy Bangkok Governor Tavida Kamolvej, after a public outcry was triggered by a complaint posted on Facebook by…
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Canadian caught riding illegal scooter rental graft in Koh Pha Ngan
A Canadian man’s tropical dream has come skidding to a halt after he was busted running an illegal electric scooter rental business on the paradise island of Koh Pha Ngan, all while on a tourist visa. Thai police arrested the 34 year old Canadian, known only as Mr A, after discovering he was illegally operating a lucrative scooter rental business…
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Multiple locals injured in shooting during dinner in Narathiwat
An unidentified number of gunmen opened fire on a group of locals dining outdoors in Thailand’s southern province of Narathiwat yesterday, leaving several people injured. Officers from Waeng Police Station were alerted to the shooting at a house in Waeng district at around 7.15pm, yesterday, on April 20. Police responded to the scene along with an emergency team from Waeng…
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Boob job and Thailand: Kerry Katona’s big move unveiled (video)
Former Atomic Kitten star Kerry Katona vowed to quit England for Thailand and to get her boobs done after naming the Land of Smiles as her “happy place.” The ex-singer, reality TV star, and OnlyFans creator, shared an emotional video in which she spoke about her desire to move her five children to Asia, swap catfights for cannabis retreats and…
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Cabinet reshuffle expected by July, economic affairs focus
A Cabinet reshuffle is anticipated before July, with political analysts predicting changes within the economic affairs ministerial positions. Despite anticipated adjustments, the Bhumjaithai Party is expected to remain in the ruling coalition, which is vital for the government’s stability. Yutthaporn Issarachai, a political science lecturer at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, indicated to the Bangkok Post that this reshuffle would likely…
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Teenager surrenders after fatal stabbing in Phuket
A 19 year old man has turned himself in to the police following the fatal stabbing of a 59 year old man in Phuket. The stabbing victim, identified as Chatuchok, was found unconscious with a knife wound to his abdomen near a grocery store in Soi Hon Saithong, Mueang district. Emergency services transported him to the hospital, but he later…
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Thunderstorms set to rock Thailand, 28 provinces warned
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a stormy forecast for today, April 21, predicting sizzling heat, thunderous storms, and fierce winds across upper Thailand. A whopping 28 provinces are set to feel the full force of Mother Nature’s wrath! Locals are urged to batten down the hatches and brace themselves for wild weather. With the mercury soaring, it’s crucial to…
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Songkran sham: Pattaya slashers rob tourists in beach bag blag
What was meant to be a splash-tastic celebration turned into a soggy Songkran nightmare for dozens of tourists in Pattaya, after crafty crooks dipped their fingers into more than just water buckets. Over 20 foreign tourists were left high and dry after falling victim to a wave of pickpockets and bag slashers during the wild Songkran water festivities along Central…
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Monk severely injured in Buriram over fictitious debt
A 70 year old monk was severely injured after being attacked in his quarters in Buriram province. The attacker is suspected of having assaulted the monk over a fictitious debt of 2 million baht. The father of the alleged 34 year old attacker claims mental instability, stating his son has been talking to himself for about a year. At 7.30am today,…
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Intoxicated Pattaya driver causes injures 7 in Songkran crash
A car accident involving multiple vehicles and seven injured bystanders occurred on Thepprasit Road in Pattaya, during the Songkran celebrations yesterday, April 19. The driver, a foreign national around 50 years old, appeared intoxicated and was taken to the hospital following the crash. The incident involved a black Honda which overturned on the roadside following the accident. In addition to…
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Thailand pushes for streamlined durian export process to China
Thailand aims to enhance durian exports to China, its largest market, with the Commerce Ministry urging Chinese officials to ease chemical screening procedures for Thai durians. Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan met with Wu Zhiwu, Consul-General of China, and Zhang Xiaoxiao, Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy’s Economic and Commercial Office, in a bid to facilitate this process. During the meeting, Pichai…
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Police arrest motorcycle theft gang in Samut Prakan
Police have apprehended a motorcycle theft gang in Samut Prakan, seizing vehicles and parts intended for resale. One victim, who had purchased their motorcycle just four months ago, was left distressed after discovering only the vehicle’s frame remained. Yesterday, April 19, at Bang Phli Police Station, Police Colonel Phairoj Petchploy and an investigative team announced the arrest of 22 year…
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Man shot dead after argument with tattoo artist in Samut Sakhon
A man was fatally shot after a dispute with his tattoo artist yesterday, April 19, at 9pm. The incident occurred on a road in Mueang Samut Sakhon district, Samut Sakhon province, after which the suspect fled the scene on a motorcycle. Police Lieutenant Samart Tingwang, deputy inspector at Mueang Samut Sakhon Police Station, was alerted to the shooting and coordinated…
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Bhumjaithai denies rift with Pheu Thai amid reshuffle rumours
Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, has refuted rumours of discord with Pheu Thai, affirming strong relations and ongoing collaboration with the ruling party. Legal expert Paisal Puechmongkol shared on Facebook that Anutin, who holds the positions of interior minister and deputy prime minister, had invited him for lunch at the Interior Ministry office. Paisal mentioned Anutin assured him…
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Fire devastates Ayutthaya home, numerous pets lost
A fire engulfed a single-storey house in Mueang Lam Ta Sao, Wang Noi district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province yesterday, April 19, resulting in extensive damage and the deaths of numerous pets. The owner attempted to rescue his animals but was restrained by emergency services. The incident was reported at 10.31pm yesterday, Police Lieutenant Phuriwat Pansrikaeng from Wang Noi Police…
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Rescue elephants aid storm recovery in Chiang Mai
Two specially trained rescue elephants, Plai Valentine and Plai Saenchamp, have been deployed to assist officials in clearing areas devastated by a summer storm in Mae Rim district, Chiang Mai province. The storm caused significant damage, toppling century-old trees onto shops and homes, obstructing routes, and posing dangers to several subdistrict communities. Yesterday, April 19, a combined team of rescue…
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Thai cyber police bust gambling ring fronting as farm firm
The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) has detained six Thai individuals accused of establishing a fictitious agricultural trading company as a front for a significant gambling ring website, which had over 3.2 billion baht in circulation. During operations in Bangkok and Songkhla, five men and one woman were apprehended in connection with the operation, according to CCIB Chief, Police Lieutenant…
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Chinese executive detained over Bangkok tower collapse fatalities
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has detained a Chinese executive from a construction company involved in the State Audit Office tower project in Bangkok, where numerous fatalities occurred following its collapse during the earthquake on March 28. Zhang Chuanling was apprehended at a hotel in the Ratchadaphisek area of Bangkok yesterday, April 19, as confirmed by the DSI. He…
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Bangkok to receive 500 electric buses in clean energy transition
The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) plans to replace its natural gas-powered (NGV) buses with an all-new lineup of electric-powered (EV) air-conditioned buses, beginning with a delivery of 500 EV buses this year. BMTA Director Kittikan Chomdoung Charuworapolkul provided an update on the agency’s progress in leasing electric buses, marking a transition from NGV buses to cleaner energy alternatives. The…
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Thailand weather: Heavy rain and storms hit 42 provinces
The Meteorological Department of Thailand issued a warning for severe weather conditions today, April 20. The forecast indicates heavy rains and thunderstorms in 42 provinces, including Bangkok. Residents are advised to be cautious of strong winds and thunderstorms, as well as potential health impacts from the heat. In the upper regions of Thailand, hot weather is prevalent, with some areas experiencing…
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Escalators in Thailand to follow new earthquake safety standards
The Office of Industrial Product Standards is set to classify escalators and moving walkways as controlled products, ensuring they meet safety standards, including earthquake resistance. This new regulation is expected to take effect in October 2025, with non-compliance resulting in legal consequences. Escalators and moving walkways, commonly found in public spaces such as shopping malls, airports, and train stations, are…
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Paramilitary volunteer arrested for fatal Songkran stabbing
A Songkran celebration turned deadly in the southern province of Trang after a violent clash led to the fatal stabbing of a teenager — and now a 22 year old paramilitary volunteer is behind bars. Benjaphong, a paramilitary volunteer, was arrested today, April 19, following a dramatic police operation after being accused of fatally stabbing a teenager during a brawl…
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Officials probe illegal land grabs in Phuket wildlife zone
Phuket’s lush green hills are fast becoming battlegrounds in a land war fuelled by booming tourism, high-end development, and shady deals — and now, investigators are closing in. Officials launched a fresh investigation into suspected illegal land grabs within a protected wildlife reserve in Wichit, Phuket, raising alarm over how the island’s natural beauty is being sacrificed for profit. “Phuket’s…
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Tourist egged in Hua Hin taxi turf war but still loves Thailand
A dream getaway turned into a gooey nightmare for one Mauritian tourist after she was pelted with eggs in Hua Hin — all for using a ride-hailing app. Banita Gopal Periah, a visitor from Mauritius, shared her shocking experience yesterday, April 18, in a popular Hua Hin Facebook group used by expats and travellers to discuss local tips and advice.…
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