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 Thinking of retiring in Thailand long-term? Here’s your health checklist before the move
Thinking of retiring in Thailand long-term? Thailand is a popular choice for retirees because of its beautiful landscapes, warm climate, and affordable living. Cities like Chiang Mai and coastal areas offer a relaxed lifestyle with friendly communities. The country also...
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Thailand and Maldives seal health boost pact in Geneva
Thailand and the Maldives have sealed a landmark deal to boost public health collaboration, with bold plans to strengthen the Maldives’ primary healthcare and regulatory systems — all signed and sealed during a high-profile global summit in Switzerland. The agreement was inked today, May 21, at the World Health Assembly in Geneva. Thailand’s Deputy Minister of Public Health, Dej-is Khaothong,…
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Nuns’ beach trip raises questions about discipline and donations
Nuns from a temple in the central province of Samut Sakhon admitted to wearing wigs and going on a beach trip, following an online scandal. However, they insisted that they received permission from the National Office of Buddhism. The Facebook page CSI LA shared photos yesterday, May 20, showing the nuns dressed up, wearing wigs, and enjoying themselves at the beach…
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Trio busted for 700k baht hotel booking fraud in Pattaya
What was meant to be a dream getaway to Pattaya turned into a financial nightmare for dozens of unsuspecting tourists after falling victim to a slick Facebook hotel booking scam, and now the suspects are behind bars. Yesterday, May 20, police arrested three suspects accused of running a fraudulent operation that used fake Facebook pages to pose as reputable hotels in…
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Shell-ebration time: Korat Zoo hatches giant tortoises
Thailand has something to shell-ebrate — Korat Zoo has made history by successfully hatching 11 Aldabra giant tortoise babies, becoming the first zoo in the country to breed the rare species. The hatchlings emerged on Sunday, May 18, much to the delight of zookeepers and conservationists. Zoo director Thanachon Kensingh announced today, May 21, that all 11 newborns are healthy…
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Parade featuring naked boy as baby Buddha sparks backlash
An online backlash erupted after pictures and videos emerged showing a naked boy playing the role of the baby Buddha during a parade celebrating Atthami Bucha Day in the central province of Nakhon Pathom. Wat Mai Sukhontharam, a temple in Nakhon Chai Si district of Nakhon Pathom, held its annual ceremony, the 132nd Atthami Bucha, between May 17 and 19…
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Officials capture 94 iguanas wreaking havoc on Thai crops
They’re not native, they’re not welcome — and they’re not slowing down. A swarm of invasive iguanas is causing chaos in central Thailand, and wildlife officials have launched a full-scale capture mission before the situation spirals further out of control. Over five days last week, from May 13 to 17, Thai wildlife officials captured 94 free-roaming iguanas on Khao Phraya…
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Former village headman survives shooting in Nonthaburi
In Nonthaburi, a former village headman and prospective candidate for the Bang Rak Noi subdistrict administrative organisation chief, narrowly escaped harm when unknown assailants fired shots at his car. The incident occurred at 9pm yesterday, April 20, when 61 year old Suchart Kaewpradit was driving a white Toyota Yaris, with registration number 5 กท 6007 Bangkok, back from a funeral…
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New Thai apps take on delivery giants with just 5-baht fees
Thailand’s motorcycle taxi drivers and street food vendors are getting a long-overdue digital lifeline, thanks to two new low-cost platforms designed to beat big tech at its own game. On Monday, May 19, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) and Chulalongkorn University’s Asia Research Cluster for Social Solidarity and Inclusive Economy unveiled two groundbreaking platforms: “Nong Khoei Ma Thao Rai?” (“Have…
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Pattaya’s diners crisis boils over as costs soar
Pattaya’s vibrant dining scene, once a culinary magnet for locals and tourists alike, is now being battered by a wave of soaring costs, and some restaurant owners say 2025 is shaping up to be even worse than the Covid-19 era. A toxic mix of rising gas prices, skyrocketing raw ingredient costs, labour shortages, and sluggish consumer spending is turning up…
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Woman arrested for selling illegal fashion braces in Phitsanulok
A 25 year old woman was apprehended for offering unlicensed online fashion braces, primarily targeting students, without a professional dental license. The arrest of the woman, referred to as A, followed an anti-crime initiative commanded by Police Lieutenant General Saksira Phueka-am, the Tourist Police Commissioner, between May 15 and May 22. Police Major General Ekkaphop Intawiwat and Colonel Yutthasit Boonklam directed…
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Scam city: Bangkok tops list for tourist fraud
Planning a holiday in Thailand? You’d better watch your wallet. Bangkok has just been named one of the world’s top hotspots for tourist fraud, with nearly half of all reported scams involving dodgy taxi and car rental deals, according to a new report by the Mastercard Economics Institute. Released this week and highlighted by CNBC, the report reveals a disturbing…
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Thai nurse found dead in underwear in Koh Samui welfare room
Police are hunting for a killer after a Thai nurse was found dead in welfare accommodation on Koh Samui, an island in the southern province of Surat Thani.. Colleagues of the 36 year old nurse, Aunchuree Wongmueang, were unable to contact her and went to check on her at her room today, May 21, in the Green Park Village, located…
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Father and son arrested with 50kg crystal meth in drug bust
A father and son were apprehended at a police checkpoint for transporting crystal methamphetamine. Police seized over 50 kilogrammes of the drug. The father admitted to receiving 45,000 baht per trip for the task, while the son claimed he was deceived by his father into participating. Yesterday, May 20, Police Major General Kongkrit Lertsitthikul, commander of the Highway Police Division,…
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Prawit takes a tumble at Bangkok’s Wat Pho (video)
General Prawit Wongsuwan, better known as “Big Pom,” took a dramatic tumble down the stairs at Wat Pho, one of Bangkok’s most iconic temples, during a royal blessing ceremony on Monday evening. But despite the fall, party officials insist the political heavyweight is in fighting form. The incident occurred on Monday, May 19, just after 7pm, as General Prawit, leader…
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Elderly man in Kamphaeng Phet critically injured in youth attack
A 77 year old man from Kamphaeng Phet was severely assaulted by a local youth, leaving him in a critical condition. The incident, which occurred yesterday, May 20, involved the assailant attacking the elderly man, who collects bottles to make a living, in front of a grocery store in the Na Bo Kham subdistrict. The attack took place around 11am,…
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Grab wars: Bangkok taxi drivers threaten airport chaos
Fuming taxi drivers vowed to bring chaos to Bangkok’s skies and streets, threatening to blockade Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Government House if the PM doesn’t scrap Grab’s airport access. Tempers flared at Government House today, May 21, as more than 50 furious cabbies rallied outside Gate 5, demanding an end to what they call “unfair favouritism” towards Grab drivers at…
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Robinhood takes over as Foodpanda bows out of Thailand
Thailand’s food delivery game just got a major shake-up — and it’s Robinhood taking the wheel. Yesterday, May 20, Thai-born delivery platform Robinhood announced a strategic redirection agreement with Foodpanda Thailand, as the international giant prepares to exit the country after 13 years of operations. The move, effective immediately, allows Foodpanda customers, restaurant partners, and delivery riders to transition smoothly…
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Motorcyclist driving wrong way in Phuket kills woman
A heavily intoxicated 32 year old man drove his motorcycle against the flow of traffic, resulting in a tragic accident that claimed the life of a woman. Police confirmed the suspect had high blood alcohol level in his system after he admitted to consuming alcohol before the incident. Police Colonel Yutthaphon Wathaseth, an investigating officer from the Thalang District Police Station,…
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MGM Resorts urges Thailand to adopt competitive casino tax rate
MGM Resorts International suggests Thailand should adopt a casino tax rate competitive with Singapore and permit a significant number of locals to visit casino complexes to foster tourism and economic growth. The company is exploring a potential investment of US$3-5 billion in a casino facility in Bangkok. Ed Bowers, President of Global Development at MGM Resorts, stated that emerging markets…
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Thai police intercept 100kg of crystal meth at border
The Border Patrol Police Unit 327 intercepted a drug trafficking operation based on intelligence reports, uncovering 100 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine (ice) hidden in a modified vehicle crossing the border. Yesterday, May 20, at approximately 9am, Police Major Ananwat Rattanawichai, commander of Unit 327, along with Police Lieutenant Colonel Somchai Soisaeng, deputy commander, and Police Lieutenant Colonel Parin Worachokkunakorn, commander…
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Man found dead on hammock in Chai Nat province
A 49 year old man was found dead on a hammock yesterday at the Kiatisak Rice Seed Store in Chai Nat province. The police, along with a doctor from Chai Nat Hospital and Ruamkatanyu Foundation volunteers, attended the scene. The deceased, Wasan, was discovered lying on his back with foam at his mouth and vomit on the ground beneath him.…
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Visa villains nabbed in Phuket immigration crackdown
Phuket’s Immigration officers are cracking down hard on visa overstays, hauling in four foreign nationals in a high-profile sweep as part of a nationwide effort to stamp out illegal immigration. In an operation launched on Monday, May 19, Phuket Immigration, in coordination with local agencies, arrested four men who had overstayed their legal permission to remain in Thailand. The arrests…
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Lightning strike kills man seeking shelter in Buriram field
A lightning strike tragically claimed the life of a 34 year old man while he sought shelter from the rain in a field hut in the Khok Khao Phatthana village, Buriram province, on May 20. Police were alerted to the incident by locals and proceeded to the scene, accompanied by investigators and a rescue team. The hut, located approximately 2…
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Monorail mania: Thailand’s Pink Line to operate free trial run
Bangkok commuters have a new reason to celebrate — the long-awaited Pink Line monorail extension to Muang Thong Thani officially opened yesterday, May 20, promising to ease traffic headaches and ramp up convenience for eventgoers. Even better? It’s completely free to ride until June 16. The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), which owns the project, along with operator…
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Ex-British air hostess claims she’s been ‘suitcased’ in drug bust
A former British air hostess claims she’s been stitched up in a £1.5 million (66.5 million baht) drug bust in Sri Lanka, insisting she had no clue 46 kilogrammes of cannabis was stuffed in her suitcase. Charlotte May Lee is facing years behind bars in a notorious Sri Lankan prison after being arrested in Colombo with a suitcase stuffed with…
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Thailand video news | UK teen faces life in Georgian prison over cannabis smuggling, Cambodia marks 50 years since Khmer Rouge’s rise
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jay report on a series of gripping and impactful stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia. Headlines include a missing UK teen found in a Georgian prison on drug smuggling charges, a former British air hostess caught with £1.5 million worth of cannabis in Sri Lanka, and an Australian man arrested in Bangkok…
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Buriram man caught stealing motorcycle with pickup truck
A 36 year old man was apprehended by police in Buriram province for stealing a motorcycle using his four-door pickup truck. He admitted to the crime, stating that although his family is not poor, he found the unattended motorcycle with keys left in the ignition tempting. Yesterday, May 20, Police Colonel Adisak Chansorn, the superintendent of Nong Hong Police Station,…
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Sink or spend? Thailand nears decision on submarine deal
Thailand’s long-delayed and controversy-laden submarine deal is finally approaching crunch time — and it’s sink or spend for the Defence Ministry. Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed that a final decision on the 13.5 billion baht submarine procurement project could be made by the end of this month or in early June. The high-stakes verdict follows consultations with the Royal Thai…
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Thailand rolls out new payout rules for flight delays
Travellers in Thailand can now breathe a sigh of relief — airlines are officially on the hook if they mess up your travel plans. New regulations designed to protect airline passengers from the misery of flight delays and cancellations came into force yesterday, May 20. Under the sweeping changes introduced by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), passengers now…
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Missing durian vendor reappears safely, declines to go home
A Thai female durian vendor from the southern province of Surat Thani, who was reported missing on Saturday, May 17, appeared at a police station to confirm her safety and revealed that she simply needed a peaceful getaway. The 43 year old vendor, Sujittra, also known as Jay Kaew, was last seen around 8pm on Saturday, after finishing work at…
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