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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Fiery destruction in Phuket leaves 29 homeless: Safety warning
A fire in Phuket’s Mueang district destroyed six rental homes and left 29 residents in urgent need of temporary shelter. The fire, which broke out yesterday, January 20, prompted the provincial governor to call for increased vigilance during the Chinese New Year festivities. Emergency services, including the Phuket Municipality’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, responded swiftly to the fire…
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Thailand urges release of hostages amid Israel-Hamas ceasefire
Thailand is urging the release of Thai hostages from the Gaza Strip following the initiation of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire on January 19. Yesterday, January 20, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) issued a statement concerning the agreement. The statement called for the release of hostages allegedly captured by Hamas during the conflict in southern Israel which kicked off on October…
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Buriram stray cat survives dart attack, raises 10,000 baht for care
A stray cat was found severely injured with a dart embedded in its head in Buriram province. Concerned residents notified rescue services to assist the animal and the public has since raised funds for its medical treatment. Rescue personnel from the Buriram Highway Police were alerted by villagers in Kradueang village, Thanon Hak subdistrict, Nang Rong district, about a stray…
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Rising PM2.5 pollution forces Bangkok schools to close
Schools throughout the capital city were compelled to close due to rising PM2.5 pollutant levels reaching unhealthy thresholds yesterday, January 20. Nong Khaem district experienced particularly high concentrations, measuring 77.8 microgrammes per cubic metre at 12.30pm, significantly surpassing the Pollution Control Department’s 24-hour safe exposure limit of 37.5µg/m³. Consequently, two schools in the district were instructed to close, as stated…
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Foreign motorcycle rider crashes on dangerous curve in Phuket
A foreign motorcycle rider lost control of the vehicle last night at a curve along Kalim Beach in Phuket, cutting off a Thai man’s car before crashing into a barrier and parked motorcycles. A Thai motorist shared a dash cam video of the accident yesterday, January 20, on Facebook account Mai All Star, with a caption that read… “A foreigner…
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Thai Armed Forces Day cannon explosion injures two soldiers (video)
A video capturing the moment a cannon exploded, and severely injuring two soldiers during a Thai Armed Forces Day salute, has been released. The explosion occurred on Saturday, January 18 at Surasi Camp, where the 9th Infantry Division was firing a ceremonial 21-gun salute using 105mm artillery. As the 17th round was fired, the cannon’s breech exploded, causing significant injuries to…
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Motorcyclist dies in Chon Buri collision with parked truck
A tragic accident occurred in Chon Buri when a 36 year old woman collided with a parked pickup truck while riding her motorcycle. The accident, which took place on a dimly lit road near the Sattahip Naval Base, resulted in her death at the scene. Rescue volunteers from the Sawang Rojanathammasathan Foundation attempted CPR on the victim, Somboon Chomsiri, but…
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Fire at Phichit biomass plant burns 1,000 tonnes of fuel
A fire broke out at a biomass power plant in Taphan Hin district, Phichit province, engulfing over 1,000 tonnes of compressed fuel. Emergency services, including 15 fire trucks, responded to the incident. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and no injuries have been reported. The facility, operated by Thip Phichit Hybrid Energy Company, started operations on December 24, 2022.…
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Thai durians cleared for export to China after contamination checks
Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Itthi Sirilattayakorn recently inspected the export of durians free from Basic Yellow 2 and cadmium contamination at the Nakhon Phanom border checkpoint. Itthi discussed export strategies to China with the Department of Agriculture and relevant agencies. Following Agriculture Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat’s urgent policy on safe, high-quality fruit for domestic consumption and export, efforts to address…
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Dealers dealt a blow: 13 nabbed in Bangkok Nana drug bust
Thirteen drug dealers found themselves in handcuffs in Bangkok’s bustling Phra Khanong district as Royal Thai Police (RTP) swooped on illegal narcotic deals over the weekend. The suspects, accused of peddling illegal drugs to unsuspecting tourists along the infamous Sukhumvit Road, mark a significant win for RTP officers determined to clean up the city’s inner areas. Commissioner of the Narcotics…
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Boozy alibi: Thai cop blames fatigue after drink driving crash
A Thai police officer in the southern province of Narathiwat, who crashed his car into two motorcycles and claimed exhaustion from work as the cause, had an alcohol level of 213 milligrammes per cent in his system. The accident occurred on the Chanae-Du Song Yo Road in the Chanae district of Narathiwat at around 5.12am on Saturday, January 18. Security…
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Thailand to rethink visa-free policy for Chinese citizens: Senate
The Senate has urged the Government of Thailand to reconsider its visa-free policy for Chinese citizens, expressing concerns that Thailand may become a centre for criminal activities. Senator Wanchai Ekpornpichit raised these issues during a recent Senate meeting led by Speaker Mongkol Surasajja. Wanchai pointed out that the policy, initially designed to boost tourism, has been misused by criminal groups.…
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Thailand video news | British tourist exposes harsh Thai detention conditions, Cambodian police arrest 300 in anti-gambling raid
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jay deliver an array of compelling stories from Thailand and across Asia. Highlights include the dramatic arrest of a Canadian in Phuket after a chaotic car chase, a “fake hug” scam targeting an Indian tourist in Pattaya, and a British tourist’s exposé on harsh Thai detention conditions. They also explore Thailand’s ambitious casino…
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Police arrest six over thefts in Udon Thani communities
Police Colonel Phatthanaphon Chanphon, along with Deputy Superintendent of Investigation Police Lieutenant Colonel Nitit Roraklongtan and Investigation Officers Police Lieutenant Colonel Banjong Phakot and Police Lieutenant Colonel Pichet Pakkethati, announced the arrest of six men suspected of theft at Mueang Udon Thani Police Station yesterday, January 20. The group included 30 year old Khemanat Upakot, who allegedly stole from the…
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More jobs: Thaksin defends casino complex in Maha Sarakham
In Maha Sarakham province, former premier Thaksin Shinawatra criticised opponents of the government’s proposed casino entertainment complex, accusing them of misrepresenting the project as merely a casino. Thaksin defended the plan, stating that less than 10% of the complex’s activities would involve gaming, with the majority dedicated to other attractions. The 75 year old former prime minister highlighted that each…
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Thai transwoman and boyfriend steal 3 million baht in cash and gold
Police arrested a Thai transwoman and her boyfriend for stealing a safe containing 3 million baht in cash and gold from a house in the Isaan province of Loei on Sunday. A homeowner filed a complaint with officers at Phu Ruea Police Station after the 50-kilogramme safe was stolen at approximately 11.23am on Sunday, January 19. The safe contained nearly 400,000…
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3 foreigners arrested for drugs at Phuket EDC music festival
Police arrested three foreigners, a Japanese man, a Malaysian man, and a Burmese man, at the Electric Daisy Carnival Thailand 2025 (EDC Thailand 2025) in Phuket for possessing illegal drugs. The three-day music festival, EDC Thailand 2025, was held at the Boat Avenue Lakefront in the Choeng Thale district of Phuket, concluding on Sunday. While many partygoers and locals praised…
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Pitbull mauls monk to death in gruesome Nonthaburi temple attack
A temple in Nonthaburi became the site of unimaginable horror when a pitbull viciously attacked and killed a monk. The tragic incident unfolded in the early hours of today, January 21, leaving the temple community in shock and mourning. At 1am, officers from Bang Sri Mueang Police Station were alerted to the horrific event: a pitbull had mauled a monk…
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Chachoengsao man killed by wild elephant near cassava field
A 55 year old man from Chachoengsao province was fatally attacked by a wild elephant while walking home. The elephant, believed to have strayed from its habitat in search of food, attacked the man in a cassava field. Yesterday, January 20, Saptawee Kulsaree, head of the Tambon Administrative Organisation in Tha Kradan, received a report from residents about a fatal…
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Airport arrest: Chinese fraud suspect extradited from Thailand
A Chinese national accused of public fraud has been extradited from Thailand to China in relation to a case involving over 112 million yuan (approximately US$15.3 million or 540 million baht). Yan Tianxi was transferred to Shanghai Economic Police at Suvarnabhumi International Airport and subsequently boarded a flight to China on Thursday, January 16, confirmed Thitiwadee Sintawanarong, a public prosecutor…
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2 Canadian men run police checkpoint, claim assault triggers escape
Two Canadian men ran a police checkpoint in the Patong to Karon area of Phuket on Sunday, January 19, claiming they were fleeing from attackers. Officers from Patong Police Station sought assistance from Karon Police Station to intercept the black Ford Raptor pickup truck, which sped through the checkpoint in Patong. A high-speed chase ensued, with police pursuing the Ford…
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Thaksin blames Prawit for political turmoil amid coup fallout
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra responded to complaints from Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader General Prawit Wongsuwon about political victimisation, attributing the current political turmoil to the general’s actions. Thaksin questioned the necessity of the coup that initially disrupted the political landscape. General Prawit was a key figure in the government led by Prayut Chan-o-cha, established by the National Council…
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Lecturer accused of assaulting deputy during karaoke in Ubon Ratchathani (video)
A viral incident in Ubon Ratchathani involving a technical college lecturer allegedly assaulting a district deputy while singing in a restaurant has captured social media attention. The incident also saw a highway section chief attempting to use a chair as a weapon before being stopped. The incident reportedly occurred on January 9, as captured by a CCTV camera in a…
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Unemployed Thai man claims he sleeps in billboard for safety, not theft
Police arrested a Thai man who hid inside a shopping mall billboard in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok, during an alleged attempted theft. The suspect, however, denied the allegations, claiming he was merely seeking a place to stay due to his unemployment. A security guard at the shopping mall noticed a suspicious motorcycle parked near the billboard at about 1.30am yesterday,…
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High stakes: Pattaya officials flatten illegal structures in Soi Jomtien 3
In a bold crackdown on rampant drug activity, local government officials in Pattaya have launched a massive operation to flatten illegal structures in Soi Jomtien 3. With over 900 officers from 23 police stations leading the charge, officials are determined to root out all forms of criminal activity in the notorious Jomtien area, spanning Soi 2, 3, and 4. Following…
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Banged up: Thai prison nightmare exposed by British tourist
A British tourist revealed the grim conditions banged up in a Thai prison and issued a chilling warning to fellow travellers about the reality of being detained abroad. The 29 year old former soldier, who wished to remain anonymous, endured a 15-day ordeal in two police cells and a Bangkok deportation centre after overstaying his visa, a blunder he deeply…
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Fake hug scam strikes again: Indian man loses gold necklace to 3 ladyboys
Three Thai ladyboys offered an Indian man a seemingly friendly hug before stealing his gold necklace, worth about 132,000 baht, from him on Pattaya Beach in the early hours of today. The 42 year old Indian businessman, Pravin Manik Tavada, filed a theft complaint with officers at Mueang Pattaya Police Station at around 12.20am, today, January 20. Tavada reported that he…
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Alien panic in paradise: ET find turns out to be deep-sea giant
In a scene reminiscent of a sci-fi thriller, a group of Thai villagers were sent running for the hills after stumbling upon what they believed to be the lifeless remains of a dead alien. But once nerves had settled, they returned to the site, only to discover the so-called alien was actually a rare marine creature washed ashore from the…
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Thailand bets big on casino boom under entertainment banner
In a daring move set to shake up the Land of Smiles, the Government of Thailand is pushing forward with a controversial plan to legalise casinos, sneakily packaged as entertainment complexes. This bold move comes hot on the heels of outspoken former premier Thaksin Shinawatra’s call to legalise online gambling, promising a windfall of tax revenue. Now, the Digital Economy…
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Jealous Thai man attacks wife and mother-in-law with pestle
A Thai man consumed by a jealous rage surrendered to the police after brutally attacking his wife and mother-in-law with a pestle. The source of his anger and jealously? His wife always dressed nicely for work. The 32 year old Sujittra escaped her abusive husband, Thanakrit, by travelling in her neighbour’s truck from the southern province of Chumphon to seek…
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