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 Top 10 reasons for expats to get a comprehensive health insurance in Thailand
Moving to Thailand offers a prospect full of excitement and adventure, but in the same vein, if any injuries were to occur (and god forbid it does), the local healthcare system can be confusing at first glance for many expats...
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Nature calls: Italian man denies public masturbation in Pattaya, blames UTI
An Italian man denied masturbating in public in Pattaya, claiming that he only took his penis out to urinate because he was suffering from urinary incontinence, a result of a urinary tract infection (UTI). A Channel 8 female journalist sought help from Mueang Pattaya Police Station after she and her friend caught a foreign man masturbating on a beach near the…
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Man dies after falling from Samut Prakan mall car park
A tragic incident occurred in Samut Prakan when a man fell from the fourth floor of a car park at a well-known shopping mall, resulting in his death. The incident, which happened yesterday, March 9, was investigated by local police and other officials. Deputy Inspector Veerapong Boontor and his team from Samrong Nuea Police Station arrived at the scene after…
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Elderly British couple’s Thailand nightmare goes from bad to cell
An elderly British couple face time in a Thailand jail despite being victims of a savage beating, caught on CCTV, in their own back yard. One of the victims described the past year as a “living hell.” The couple, Des and Mary Byrne, from Middlesbrough, in the North-East of England, envisioned a peaceful retirement on the “Thai Riviera,” but their…
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2 German, 1 Turkish assault Russian man over alleged rape attempt
Officers from Patong Police Station arrested two German men and a Turkish man in Phuket for physically assaulting a Russian national on Saturday, after the victim accused them of attempting to rape his Finnish girlfriend. The Phuket Hotnews reported that police were called to investigate the alleged assault by two German men and a Turkish man outside a hotel on Rat…
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Bang Bang Lamung: Thai man shot near Pattaya car shop
A 37 year old Thai man was shot after finding himself in the crosshairs of a rival’s rage in Bang Lamung at the weekend. The shocking scene, unfolded on Saturday, March 8, when a petty feud exploded into chaos at a local auto shop in the typically quiet Khao Mai Kaew area of Chon Buri province. The drama began at…
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Police seize illegal wildlife in Songkhla luxury home raid
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) conducted a raid on a luxurious residence in Mueang district, Songkhla province, to seize illegal wildlife kept on the premises. The operation, led by Police Major General Watcharin Pusit, director of the DNP, along with Police Colonel Atthapol Phonprom and officials from the Songkhla Conservation Area Office 6, followed reports…
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Man arrested after attempted assault on lone motorcyclist in Pattani
A man was arrested after attempting to assault a woman riding a motorcycle alone in Pattani province. The incident, which occurred on March 7 at around 11.30pm on the Yala-Pattani Road, was interrupted when local youths intervened, preventing the suspect from escaping with the victim’s mobile phone. The woman was travelling back home alone to Ban Bue Nae Jue Rae,…
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Protest called against Thai Entertainment Complex Bill and casinos
Former red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan has called for a protest against the Entertainment Complex Bill, which is set to be reviewed by the Cabinet on Tuesday, March 12. Jatuporn urged demonstrators to assemble at the Chamai Maruchet Bridge near Government House, opposing the bill that would allow the development of casinos as well as the legalisation of online gambling. He…
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Loan sharks terrorise Phichit chicken vendor amid debt struggle
In Phichit province, a group of aggressive loan sharks has reportedly intimidated a 59 year old grilled chicken vendor. The gang, who arrived in a car, threatened her with a gun and dared her to report them to the police, claiming they did not fear legal consequences. Pannee Noidouay described the incident, stating that the loan sharks demanded daily repayments…
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Swiss national faces visa revocation after repeated dog attacks
The Bang Saphan district chief in Prachuap Khiri Khan province is set to propose to the provincial governor and immigration police the revocation of a Swiss national’s visa. This follows repeated incidents where his dog attacked tourists on the beach. Yesterday, March 8, district chief Suthin Prasertsak assigned Nattapong Krainara, the district deputy for security, to convene a meeting at…
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Hungarian man arrested for stealing 1.5 million baht in Nonthaburi
In Nonthaburi, police apprehended a 57 year old Hungarian man for allegedly breaking the window of a young businessman’s car and stealing 1.5 million baht from a shopping mall parking lot in Ngamwongwan before fleeing to Pattaya. The arrest was made yesterday, March 8, while Altal Bara was sunbathing by a pool in a hotel in the Bang Lamung district, Chon…
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Phuket crash: 70 year old dies after hitting parked vehicles
A tragic incident occurred in Phuket where a 70 year old man lost control of his Toyota Fortuner, colliding with five parked vehicles and later dying from his injuries. The event was captured on CCTV, and police are investigating the cause. At 5.26am, yesterday, March 8, Police Lieutenant Sunan Phetnu, Deputy Inspector at Saku Police Station, Phuket, received a report…
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Four Samut Sakhon recycling plants shut over pollution concerns
Industry Minister Akanat Promphan has mandated the suspension of operations at four recycling plants in Samut Sakhon due to complaints regarding air pollution and wastewater leakage affecting local salt farms. Akanat acknowledged receiving grievances from residents of tambon Nakhok in Mueang district, adjacent to Bangkok, about pollution from recycling operations. This pollution has reportedly blackened local salt fields, severely impacting…
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Seagrass shortage threatens Thai dugong population
The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) reported that nearly 40% of dugongs stranded last year were underweight, primarily due to a shortage of seagrass, their main food source. In January, the DMCR and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Thailand conducted a survey to assess the dugong crisis along the Andaman coast. The findings indicated a critical state of the…
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Pattaya police arrest suspects in chaotic drug raid at Jomtien Beach
Pattaya City Police conducted an unexpected drug raid at Jomtien Beach yesterday with the assistance of over 50 officers. The operation focused on Soi 2 and Soi 3, causing chaos as dealers and users attempted to flee, some even trying to climb walls to escape. The area was quickly secured by the police, who managed to apprehend all suspects involved,…
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Thai woman drowns off Pattaya Beach after swimming in unsafe area
A tragic incident occurred yesterday near Pattaya Beach, where a 40 year old Thai woman drowned while swimming. The Pattaya City Police were alerted to the situation at 10.06am, yesterday, March 8, at the beach adjacent to Pattaya Walking Street. Responding promptly, rescue divers, police, and news personnel arrived at the scene. It took the rescue divers approximately 30 minutes…
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Thailand braces for final warning on summer storms
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued its final warning regarding a summer storm affecting upper Thailand, forecasting thunderstorms, strong winds, and potential lightning. The warning, issued at 5pm yesterday, March 8, highlights the impact on 33 provinces, including Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, and Phichit. The northern, central, and upper southern regions are expected to experience summer storms, characterised by thunderstorms and…
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Pattaya traffic crackdown: Real reform or just for show?
Pattaya residents are divided over the city’s latest traffic enforcement efforts, questioning whether the recent crackdown by traffic police is a genuine attempt to tackle congestion or just a temporary publicity stunt during major events like the Pattaya Music Festival. While some appreciate the increased police presence, others argue that enforcement is inconsistent, with officers only taking action when the…
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Udon Thani police recover 13 stolen motorcycles, lottery win follows
Police in Udon Thani successfully apprehended a motorcycle thief, recovering 13 stolen motorcycles. Among the owners, one woman expressed her joy by hugging her recovered vehicle, while another expressed gratitude by gifting 10,000 baht to the investigation team and winning the lottery using the vehicle’s registration number. On March 7, Police Major General Suwan Chiaonavinthawat, the Udon Thani Provincial Police…
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Buriram infant’s body found with drugs from breastfeeding mother
In Buriram’s Nang Rong district, a shocking discovery revealed a three month old infant with drugs in his system, likely due to breastfeeding from a mother using illicit substances and vaping. Police are taking urgent action to ensure the child’s safety by prohibiting the mother from breastfeeding until she ceases all drug use. Local administrative officials, police, and village leaders…
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Victims defrauded by fake Canada job scheme lose 12 million baht
A group of victims approached the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women in Lam Phak Kut subdistrict, Thanyaburi district, Pathum Thani province, seeking assistance after being defrauded by a recruitment company. This company had promised them work opportunities in Canada, leading to financial losses of about 150,000 baht each, totaling over 12 million baht for the 86 affected. Natchanit, 40,…
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Pattaya vendors clash with officials amid festival crackdown
Pattaya City officials have launched a crackdown on beachfront vendors during the Pattaya Music Festival aiming to clear footpaths for pedestrians and maintain order. However, the enforcement has sparked heated debate, with some supporting the move while others accuse officials of inconsistencies and unfair treatment. As festival-goers flock to the area, vendors have been forcibly removed from restricted zones, with…
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Phuket’s plan to end traffic chaos with AI and expressway
Phuket’s notorious traffic congestion has long frustrated both locals and tourists, but a major two-part plan aims to finally solve the problem. Governor Sophon Suwannarat has unveiled ambitious strategies to transform the island’s traffic flow, including a new expressway and AI-powered traffic management—a first for Thailand. The Thai government has approved a long-awaited expressway project that will connect Muang Mai…
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Bus and truck collision in Ubon Ratchathani injures 11
A collision occurred yesterday, March 7, between a bus and a pickup truck on the Warin Chamrap-Det Udom road, located approximately 200 metres before Ubon Ratchathani University. The incident left 11 injured, two critically, necessitating nearly 20 emergency vehicles to transport the injured to nearby hospitals. Police Lieutenant Colonel Thanyathida Pariyotai, an investigator at Warin Chamrap Police Station in Ubon…
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Endangered Bryde’s whale found dead off Samut Prakan coast
The remains of a giant Bryde’s whale have been discovered floating off the coast of Samut Prakan, sparking concerns over the threats faced by Thailand’s endangered marine life. Locals in Bang Pu, a coastal area near Bangkok, spotted the massive 8 to 9-metre-long whale carcass around 8.30am yesterday, March 7. The mature female, weighing approximately 8 tonnes, had been dead…
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Ocean Marina Jomtien ranked 6th among world’s top marinas
Thailand’s Ocean Marina Jomtien has sailed into global recognition, securing the sixth spot in a prestigious ranking of the world’s top marinas by the South China Morning Post. Located near Pattaya, this stunning marina is Southeast Asia’s largest, boasting over 450 berths that can accommodate vessels up to 75 metres long. Its state-of-the-art facilities and prime location have made it…
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Casino bill to require 50m baht bank balance for Thai entry
The Entertainment Complex Bill, set for revision, is anticipated to be submitted for Cabinet approval next week, according to PM’s Office Minister Chousak Sirinil. The bill has been prioritised as an urgent policy, following discussions with the Interior Ministry and the Finance Ministry, with aims to expedite its legislative process. The bill includes a condition requiring Thai citizens to maintain…
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Big Joke faces dismissal without pension, says committee
A committee has unanimously recommended the dismissal of Big Joke from the police force without pension benefits. This decision will be presented to the Police Commissioner General for signature. The meeting took place at 2pm yesterday, March 7, at the Royal Thai Police Headquarters. Police General Kraisorn Suwanrat, the most senior deputy commissioner general, chaired the meeting of the disciplinary…
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Thai summer storm alert: 39 provinces brace for severe weather
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has reported an impending summer storm affecting 39 provinces, with significant impact expected in the central and eastern regions, including Bangkok, where hail is forecast. The weather forecast for the next 24 hours predicts thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail in northern, western northeastern, central, eastern, and upper southern Thailand. Residents are advised to exercise caution…
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Bangkok motorist and rider resolve dispute, share ride home (video)
A dispute involving a motorist and a rider in Sathorn, Bangkok ended amicably after both parties resolved a misunderstanding. The incident, captured on social media, initially portrayed a heated exchange between the rider and a silver Honda Jazz driver, leading to a minor collision. Both have since clarified the situation and hold no grudges. Yesterday, March 6, the 43 year…
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