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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Husband’s sign warns thief after wife’s undergarments stolen twice
A husband has resorted to putting up a sign to deter an intruder who has twice stolen his wife’s undergarments. The thief was captured on CCTV, clearly showing the perpetrator in action. This incident was reported by a local Facebook page, which shared footage of the thief taking underwear from a clothesline. The CCTV footage shows the culprit, a man…
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UNICEF sounds alarm on Thailand’s rising child obesity
Thailand once made huge strides in improving children’s nutrition but now a new health crisis is growing — and it’s expanding waistlines. UNICEF Thailand has launched a powerful new campaign called Kin Rai Dee (What’s Good to Eat) in response to rising childhood obesity rates and stagnant progress on tackling undernutrition in parts of the country, particularly the southern border provinces,…
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Train wreck! Biker’s reckless dash leaves wife floored by railway barrier
A Thai motorcyclist ignored a railway barrier and recklessly rode through it, causing the barrier to strike his wife on the head and knock her to the ground in Bangkok. A Facebook user, Peet Love, shared footage of the incident on Tuesday, April 22, with a caption that read, “The incident occurred this morning. The train was coming, and you…
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Chinese steel fails second safety test in Thai collapse probe
The steel scandal behind the collapse of Thailand’s State Audit Office (SAO) building has deepened after fresh test results revealed another failure by Chinese manufacturer Xin Ke Yuan Steel — marking the second time its materials have failed to meet Thai industrial standards. Yesterday, April 23, Industry Minister Akanat Promphan confirmed the findings, citing results from the Iron and Steel…
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Russian tour guides busted in Phuket crackdown
Thailand’s sun-soaked tourist trails turned tense this week as Phuket Tourist Police swooped in on illegal tour guide operations, arresting two Russian nationals and fining two tour companies in a coordinated sting targeting unlicensed tourism activity. The crackdown, conducted yesterday, April 23, was spearheaded by Police Lieutenant Colonel Ekkachai Siri and involved officers from multiple police units and the Southern…
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Suspect arrested after attempted gold shop robbery in Yasothon
A suspect identified has been arrested following an attempted robbery at a gold shop in Mueang district, Yasothon province. The incident occurred on April 21 when the suspect, 29 year old Yotthana, also known as Sam Hongthong, disguised with a helmet and face covering, used an object resembling a firearm to threaten the shop owner. However, the owner resisted, preventing…
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Trang woman claims uncut hair has supernatural powers (video)
A 52 year old woman from Trang province has maintained her hair uncut for over a decade, measuring at 1.17 metres in length. Known locally as “Pom Pee Chor” or “ghost hair,” attempts to cut it have been unsuccessful, reportedly causing illness to those who tried. Journalists visited Nutcha’s home in Wangwon subdistrict, Kantang district, Trang. Her hair, which appears…
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Teenage boy at large after filming Thai woman in condo bathroom
A Thai woman called for a swifter investigation by police after a teenage boy filmed her in a condominium bathroom in Bangkok. The case has made no progress after eight months. The victim, identified only as Jane, contacted news agencies in a plea for justice after her complaint remained unresolved for over eight months. The incident occurred at a luxury condominium…
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Man arrested in Bangkok for child pornography ring
The Combating Human Trafficking Division arrested a 22 year old man accused of producing and distributing child pornography and enticing minors into inappropriate behaviour. The arrest of the suspect, Nakharin, took place yesterday, April 23, in the Pravet district of Bangkok. Police were alerted by an account named S0PIDA_Nam with over 44,000 followers, which was posting advertisements for more than 100…
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Phuket to stage tsunami drill at Kamala Beach
Sun, surf… and sirens? Tourists and locals on Phuket’s Kamala Beach are set to witness a full-scale tsunami emergency drill as Thailand prepares for the worst with one of its biggest disaster response simulations to date. From June 24 to 27, the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM Phuket) will take part in the Crisis Management Exercise: C-MEX…
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White lines, don’t do it! British man nabbed in drugs & visa overstay
A British man’s island joyride ended in handcuffs in Koh Samui after he reportedly tried to dodge a police stop, only to be caught with drugs in his bag and an expired visa in his passport. What started as a routine patrol turned into a high-speed chase through the streets of Koh Samui after a British man gave police the…
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Samut Sakhon man arrested after Songkran shooting incident
A 20 year old man from Samut Sakhon has been arrested following a shooting incident during the Songkran festival. He claims to have been provoked by the victim, who allegedly rode a motorcycle to cut in front of him. The suspect, recently released from prison for a theft conviction, was taken into custody yesterday, April 23. Police Major General Khomsit…
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Thai university professor blames AI for nude pre-dick-ament
A Thai university professor blamed an artificial intelligence (AI) photo editor for a nude image of himself that circulated on social media platforms. The Facebook news page Big Kren recently reported on a group, known as OutdoorHDY, who are allegedly involved in outdoor sexual activities and produced pornographic videos at several public locations in the southern province of Songkhla. The group…
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Busted! Pakistani man lived ‘life after death’ with dead Thai’s ID
A crafty Pakistani conman has been cuffed after living in Thailand for over a decade, using the stolen identity of a dead man to travel in and out of the country more than 100 times. The 41 year old Pakistan national has been arrested in Bangkok for living a double life, quite literally, after police uncovered a jaw-dropping identity scam…
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Pattaya’s new parking rules spark confusion and complaints
Motorists in Pattaya may want to double-check where they park from now on, or risk fines, towing, and a whole lot of frustration. In a bid to unclog its traffic-choked streets, Pattaya City has rolled out new parking regulations on Pattaya South Road and Thepprasit Road, hoping to ease congestion and restore some order to the city’s notoriously chaotic roads.…
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Massive fire devastates Phanom Sarakham market, destroying 12 homes
A fire broke out at the old market in Phanom Sarakham, Chachoengsao province requiring 30 fire trucks to contain the blaze. The fire yesterday, April 23, at 11.30pm, resulted in the destruction of 12 homes, but no injuries or fatalities have been reported. Rescue teams in Phanom Sarakham were alerted by locals about the fire, which occurred on Sukhaphiban 5…
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Foreign man causes scene at Bangkok hotel over deposit dispute
A foreign man caused a commotion at a hotel in Bangkok, accusing the Thai staff of cheating him and his family by charging them extra. The bedlam was caused after the staff requested a deposit for the rooms they had booked. The TikTok user Stantheman705 shared a video of the foreign family arguing with Thai hotel staff on Sunday, April…
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Chinese tourist’s joyride ends in horror crash on Pattaya street
A Chinese tourist’s midnight thrill ride turned into a nightmare after he slammed his high-powered motorcycle into a utility pole in Pattaya, leaving him fighting for his life. The horrific crash occurred at 5.16am yesterday, April 23, in Soi Chaloem Phrakiat 3. Emergency responders from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre rushed to the scene, joined by Police Lieutenant Anand…
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Royal Thai Navy captures illegal Indonesian fishing vessel near Koh Lipe
The Royal Thai Navy’s Region 3 Command apprehended an Indonesian fishing vessel illegally fishing in Thai waters near Koh Lipe. Five crew members were detained yesterday, April 23. The operation was led by the director of the Maritime National Interest Protection Command Centre, Region 3, Vice Admiral Suwat Donsakul. Vice Admiral Suwat instructed Commander Saenthai Buaniam, the deputy director of…
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Search is on for Thailand’s next global goodwill heroes
Think you, or someone you know, has what it takes to put Thailand on the global map? The search is on for the next generation of Thailand’s goodwill ambassadors, as nominations open for the fourth annual Thailand Public Diplomacy Awards. Launched by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Thailand Foundation, the prestigious awards recognise individuals, groups, and organisations whose efforts have…
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Thailand’s war on cyber fraud gets a major upgrade
Thailand is beefing up its fight against online scams in a big way — and it’s coming for the fraudsters faster than ever. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) is set to transform its Anti-Online Scam Operation Centre into a fully-fledged department, following the implementation of a powerful new emergency decree that came into effect on April 13.…
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Homeless man arrested for filming volunteer in Bangkok toilet
A homeless man was apprehended after secretly filming a female volunteer bathing in a portable toilet near the site of a collapsed building in Bangkok. The incident occurred early today, April 24, when the victim reported the invasion of privacy to the police at 12.30am. Somchai Chomchat, a committee member of the Sai Mai District Civil Protection Volunteer Centre, recounted…
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8,000 runners set for biggest Phuket marathon yet
Lace up those trainers and pack your sunblock — the Laguna Phuket Marathon 2025 is set to be the biggest yet, drawing more than 8,000 runners from 50 countries for an unforgettable weekend of sweat, speed, and stunning scenery. Phuket Governor Sopon Suwannarat and Laguna Phuket’s Managing Director Paul Wilson officially launched the event at a press conference in Bangkok yesterday, April…
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Thai woman’s devotion to Buriram cult blamed for husband’s death
A strong belief in a cult by a Thai woman in the Isaan province of Buriram allegedly led to the death of her husband, who suffered from tuberculosis (TB) and severe malnutrition. A photograph of the home of the 59 year old woman, Boonrian, was shared on social media, eliciting sympathy from the public. The house is without walls or…
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Bomb attack in Pattani leaves seven injured in volunteer vehicle (video)
A bomb attack targeted a vehicle belonging to a volunteer defence force in Thung Yang Daeng district, Pattani province, injuring seven personnel. The incident occurred yesterday, April 23, at 3.16pm when the armoured pickup truck was crossing the Pakuh Bridge towards the Khomis market. The perpetrators and their numbers remain unknown, as the explosive detonated along the highway. The injured…
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Siriraj Hospital urges use of advanced radiology technology
Siriraj Hospital is advocating for the use of advanced technology in interventional radiology, a minimally invasive procedure that targets specific medical treatments. The hospital emphasised that investing in this technology could save more lives and has called on the government to consider its importance. Doctor Yongyut Sirivatanauksorn, director of Siriraj Hospital, highlighted the establishment of the Siriraj Centre of Interventional…
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Gambling site link to academic scandal uncovered in Bangkok
Evidence, consisting of secret chat logs and money transfer slips, has emerged linking a notorious gambling website operator to an academic scandal involving a police general. Yesterday, April 23, at the Technology Crime Suppression Division 1, Police Major General Siriwat Deephor, head of the division, announced the arrest of 53 year old Kanittha. She was apprehended at her residence in…
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Chinese tourists favour Vietnam over Thailand amid rising costs
Thailand has fallen behind Vietnam as the most-visited Southeast Asian destination for Chinese tourists in the first quarter. The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) subsequently urged the government to lower travel costs, which are currently 30% higher than Vietnam’s, and enhance Thailand’s appeal with new attractions. The Tourism and Sports Ministry recorded 1.3 million Chinese visitors to Thailand during…
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Commerce Ministry targets foreign nominees in 6 sectors
The Commerce Ministry has updated its nominee inspection strategy, focusing on six high-risk sectors. Auramon Supthaweethum, Director General of the Department of Business Development (DBD), stated that the agency is intensifying investigations into businesses suspected of using Thai nationals as nominees to conceal foreign ownership. This initiative aims to address the issue of foreign-operated nominee businesses that affect investor confidence…
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Police seize cannabis in secret bread tin operation in Samut Prakan
Officers from Bang Kaeo Police Station apprehended a group involved in the illegal sale of cannabis flowers, which were being discreetly packed in bread tins and sold online. Police seized over 500 kilogrammes of cannabis, valued at more than 5 million baht 5 (US$149,020), during a raid conducted at 2pm, yesterday, April 23. Police Colonel Adirek Thongkamkaew, along with deputy…
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