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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Dutch national arrested in Bangkok for US$55,000 gold scam
Thailand’s Immigration Bureau announced on Tuesday, January 14, the arrest of a 43 year old Dutch national for allegedly organising a gold scam in Bangkok. The suspect, named Ndille, is accused of deceiving customers by selling counterfeit gold pellets, claiming they were smuggled tax-free from Africa and offering them at below-market prices. Investigations uncovered that the suspect employed a sophisticated…
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Fake doctor and lawyer swindle 2.75 million baht from Thai nurse
A Thai nurse from the Isaan province of Udon Thani lost 2.75 million baht in two separate investment scams, leaving her unable to afford the care of her bedridden mother and daughter. The victim, 48 year old Bee, filed a complaint with the Provincial Police Region 4 and shared her experience with news agencies to warn others about falling victim…
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Former English footballer caught in drug smuggling own goal
A former footballer from Liverpool confessed he deeply regrets smuggling drugs from Thailand after quitting the professional game to allegedly look after his cancer-stricken grandparents. The former Tranmere Rovers footballer was arrested by immigration police while transferring through customs at Manchester Airport. Jamie Kilcourse, returning from a holiday in Bangkok with friends, was stopped by Border Force officers upon arrival…
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Firefighters battle forest fire near monastery in Chon Buri (video)
A forest fire broke out at 9.30pm yesterday, January 15 along a mountain range in Village 4, Pong subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri. The extensive spread of the fire poses a threat to a nearby monastery, leading to immediate action from local officials and residents. The fire’s rapid progression has raised concerns for the safety of the monastery, which…
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Thai patrol seize over one million meth pills in Mekong bust
Thai border patrol officers seized over one million methamphetamine pills packed in three sacks after a drug smuggling operation was interrupted along the Mekong River. The suspects opened fire and fled in a boat back to Laos yesterday, January 15 in Bueng Kan province. Bueng Kan’s provincial governor, Worapot Wannachatsiri, assigned Worapan Chamniyan, the province’s deputy governor, along with military…
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Passenger refuses to pay full fare in Ayutthaya taxi dispute (video)
A taxi driver encountered an unusual situation when a passenger refused to pay the full fare after being driven from Suvarnabhumi international Airport to Ayutthaya, claiming the taxi meter was rigged. The incident occurred yesterday, January 15 in a residential area of Mueang district, Ayutthaya province. Local police received a report from the driver, 43 year old Achitsaphong Dokput, regarding…
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Phuket under siege: Tidal wave of trash threatens tropical paradise
The once-idyllic waters and landscapes of Phuket is in danger of being flooded in a rising tidal wave of trash is threatening to overwhelm this renowned tourist haven. Plastic bottles and empty beer cans now clutter the ocean floor while the island itself groans under the weight of mounting rubbish, casting a shadow over its famed beaches. Behind the scenes,…
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Banana plant in Phayao sparks lottery frenzy with unique bud
A unique phenomenon in Phayao province has attracted attention as a banana plant, seemingly cut down, has produced a bud resembling a lotus flower from its trunk. Residents are flocking to the site with hopes of finding lucky lottery numbers, believing a local spirit, known as the Goddess Tanee, is offering protection. Locals informed the media yesterday, January 15, about…
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Couple scammed in 80,000 baht eucalyptus plantation deal
A couple from Lad Yao district in Nakhon Sawan province has fallen victim to a scam involving the sale of a eucalyptus plantation. Supakorn Tamatalong and his wife, Somporn Kamtalong, discovered their 20-rai eucalyptus plantation had been completely cleared. They agreed to sell the land for 80,000 baht (US$2,314), at a rate of 4,000 baht (US$115) per rai, to a…
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Phuket cracks down on parasailing risks following accident
Officials in Karon announced a sweeping crackdown on water sports safety protocols following the death of a parasailing staff member earlier this month. The high-profile meeting, held on Tuesday, January 14 at Karon Municipality, aimed to bolster safety for tourists and operators. Chaired by Karon Police Chief Police Colonel Khundet Na Nongkhai and Phuket Marine Office Chief Natchapong Pranit, the…
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Relatives surrender in 20 million baht Australian job scam
Parents, grandparents, and relatives surrendered to police in connection with a scam promising Australian jobs to 250 victims, resulting in losses of 20 million baht. The main suspect remains at large, prompting another summons scheduled for later this month. The investigation in Buriram province revealed that 28 year old Thamonwan, also known as Oi, allegedly posed as an Australian Embassy…
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Thai PM faces petition over jailed activist adviser appointment
Activist Sonthiya Sawasdee has lodged a petition against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra concerning the appointment of a former jailed activist as her adviser. Sonthiya requested that the Office of the Attorney-General forward his complaint to the Constitutional Court regarding the appointment of Nattawut Saikuar, a significant figure in the red shirt movement, on October 4 last year. Sonthiya claims that…
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Chiang Mai woman claims bank loan fraud, 300,000 baht debt
A 57 year old hill tribe woman, unable to read, claims she was tricked into signing a bank loan document, resulting in a debt of nearly 300,000 baht. The newly appointed district chief of Samoeng, Siripong Nampha, is investigating the matter to ensure justice for all parties involved. Yesterday, January 15, Siripong Nampha, along with several local officials, visited the…
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Thailand video news | Thailand’s new tax rules raise concerns for expats, Trump’s Greenland comments ignite Chinese Taiwan debate
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex delves into pressing issues from Thailand and neighbouring countries. Featured stories include Thailand’s new tax rules raising concerns among expats, a shocking hit-and-run in Pattaya, and public outrage over cannabis vaping on Bangkok’s BTS trains. Additional coverage explores a voyeur scandal in Nakhon Si Thammarat, risks of money laundering tied to Thailand’s casino…
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Korat calls for urgent donations amid major blood shortage
Residents across northeastern Thailand are being encouraged to donate blood to address a significant shortage, as highlighted by officials at Regional Blood Centre V. Hospitals in regions such as Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, Buriram, and Surin are currently receiving only 30 to 40% of their required blood supply, according to Sirilak Piakkhunthod, head of the blood centre. Sirilak noted that 39…
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Chiang Rai drug bust: 456 kilogrammes crystal meth seized
Military and police forces intercepted a drug smuggling operation in Chiang Rai, seizing approximately 456 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine. The operation followed a local tip-off about a Mitsubishi pickup truck involved in a collision and subsequent escape. Yesterday, January 15, soldiers from the Phaden Base, Task Force Chao Taak, and the Pha Mueang Force, in collaboration with Mae Fa Luang…
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Thai man drives wife and friend into Rayong sea in jealousy spat
A Thai man attempted to drive his wife and her friend into the sea in the eastern province of Rayong yesterday, January 15, due to a heated argument over jealousy and infidelity but failed when his hatchback became stuck in the sand. The Sawang Phon Kuson Rayong Rescue Foundation and officers from Mueang Rayong Police Station were called to Laem…
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Flipping brilliant! Blackpink’s Lisa tosses coin in London derby
Blackpink’s Lalisa “Lisa” Manoban took centre stage at the Emirates Stadium last night, dazzling fans as she flipped the coin in the legendary North London Derby. The electrifying clash between fierce rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur was given an extra sprinkle of stardust thanks to the K-pop queen’s pitch-side performance in collaboration with Guinness. Guinness Korea teased fans with a…
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Motorcycle-car crash on Khlong Khlung Bridge leaves one dead
A tragic accident occurred yesterday when a motorcycle collided with a car on the Khlong Khlung Bridge over the Ping River in Kamphaeng Phet province, resulting in one death and two severe injuries. The incident prompted a response from the police and rescue services. Police Lieutenant Chatchanon Sanitmak, attached to Khlong Khlung Police Station, yesterday, January 15, reported the accident…
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Thai FDA warns against deadly vape liquid mixed with ketamine
The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about the dangers of Pot K, a vape liquid mixed with ketamine, which can be fatal. Selling this substance can lead to a prison sentence of up to 15 years and a fine of 1.5 million baht. This illegal product has become prevalent among nightlife enthusiasts. Dr Witit Srisuriyachayakul, Deputy…
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Man found dead in Chanthaburi abandoned house after disappearance
A Thai mother’s worst fears were realised when her 42 year old missing son was found dead in an abandoned house in Chanthaburi province. Police and emergency services discovered the body following a GPS trace that led them to the location. Financial stress and personal issues were cited as potential reasons for the suspected suicide. Police Colonel Jirannon Thongsroi of the…
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Chinese national’s ‘border-line’ escape foils trafficking plot
Police in Sa Kaeo province today apprehended a Chinese national in a daring border sting. He claimed he was escaping being trafficked to Cambodia Ji Hongli was picked up today, January 16, in an operation led by Police Colonel Naphatphong Supaporn, Superintendent of the Immigration Bureau, alongside Pol. Col. Anothai Chindamani of Khlong Luek Police Station and Col. Methee Khamtem…
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Thai cinema reels in the big bucks, outshining Hollywood
Eight Thai films surpassed 100 million baht in revenue in 2024, capturing a 54% share of the domestic market, surpassing Hollywood films. Surachet Asavarueng-Anan, Chief Executive Officer of M STUDIO, a film production and distribution company in Thailand and abroad, announced yesterday, January 15, that the Thai film industry achieved significant success last year. The industry’s market share exceeded that…
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CCTV captures Thai teens slapping foreigners’ heads in Pattaya (video)
CCTV footage outside a hotel in Pattaya captured teenage motorcyclists slapping foreign pedestrians on the head before speeding away. The Facebook page อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 6 (translated as “tell me if you want to be famous, return part 6”) shared the video of these physical assaults on foreign tourists yesterday, January 15, accompanied by a caption that read… “Ruining the…
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Thailand weather takes a chill pill as storms brew in the south
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) forecasts a cold air mass to cover the region, causing temperatures to drop by 2°C. Heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected in the south, particularly affecting the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. Yesterday, January 15, a new high-pressure system from China reached northern Vietnam and Laos and is expected to spread…
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Thai lottery draw history hints at potential winners
The next Thai lottery draw is scheduled for tomorrow, January 17 and historical data reveals that certain numbers tend to recur on Fridays. Here is the history of the past 10 Friday draws, providing insights into potential winning numbers, according to Sanook. For the two-digit (2-digit lower) numbers, the number 65 has been drawn three times. Numbers drawn twice include…
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Irish diver’s fate revealed on Thailand’s ‘Death Island’ (video)
In a heartbreaking twist that has sent shockwaves through a small Irish village, the tragic fate of a young Irish diver discovered lifeless on a Thai island has been made public. The body of Robert “Robby” Kinlan was found on January 9 in Koh Tao, ominously dubbed “Death Island” due to a chilling pattern of tourist fatalities. Initial post-mortem examinations…
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Thai tax tangle: Expats warned of new rules on overseas income
A packed meeting of the Pattaya City Expat Club turned into a lively debate as members received crucial updates on Thailand’s controversial new tax policy regarding overseas income transfers. Hosted by Thomas Carden, director of American International Tax Advisers, and tax attorney Patcha Inkudanonda, the session offered clarity, and raised fresh concerns, about the Thai Revenue Department’s evolving guidelines. Patcha…
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Thai man brutally assaults woman in Rayong, citing transwoman confusion
Police arrested a Thai man for brutally assaulting a Thai woman on a road in the eastern province of Rayong. The man claimed he mistook the victim for a transwoman. The victim, Arisa, shared details of the brutal assault with the Facebook news page เหยี่ยวข่าว ตะวันออก (Heyiyw Khaw Tawan Xxk) following the incident, which occurred on Monday, January 13. The…
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Infineon builds state-of-the-art semiconductor plant in Thailand
Infineon Technologies has begun the construction of a state-of-the-art backend semiconductor plant in Samut Prakan, just south of Bangkok, marking a significant milestone for Thailand’s role in the global tech industry. The highly automated facility, set to begin operations in early 2026, will focus on producing power modules essential for industrial applications and renewable energy systems. Supported by the Thailand…
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