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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  • Fire engulfs Phetchaburi warehouse, 15 fire trucks deployed

    Fire engulfs Phetchaburi warehouse, 15 fire trucks deployed

    A massive fire engulfed a plastic and chemical storage warehouse in Phetchaburi, prompting authorities to deploy 15 fire trucks in an attempt to control the blaze, the cause is believed to have been an electrical short circuit. Head of Khao Yoi Police Station in Phetchaburi, Police Colonel Thip Khengkhoom, led the response to the fire at Universal Flexible Packaging Co.,…

  • Bangkok police arrest four at luxury hotel for drug investigation

    Bangkok police arrest four at luxury hotel for drug investigation

    Police arrested four individuals at a luxury hotel in central Bangkok yesterday, including relatives of a prominent politician, and are preparing to conduct drug tests on them. The suspects, who were detained at 11.30am, are cooperating with the investigation. The four suspects, Naraset Thaises, Gitcha, Valis, and Anchaleeporn, are currently being processed at Makkasan Police Station, where officers are recording…

  • Smell Nakhon Ratchasima’s durian festival excitement

    Smell Nakhon Ratchasima’s durian festival excitement

    Nakhon Ratchasima officially kicked off its durian festival, featuring 38 varieties of Wang Nam Khiao durians. Desserts stores will be welcoming tourists from tomorrow with the grand opening on July 5. Ploenchit Durian Orchard, situated in Ban Khlong Sai, Wang Nam Khiao, Nakhon Ratchasima, the owner, Satit Tritarak, revealed the orchard cultivates over 40 varieties of mixed durians. With 360…

  • Lottery enthusiasts search for lucky numbers for this Sunday’s draw

    Lottery enthusiasts search for lucky numbers for this Sunday’s draw

    Lottery enthusiasts eagerly await the numbers for the upcoming draw this Sunday, June 16, with several intriguing sources contributing potential winning digits. Fans of Thai actress Hai Aphaporn are keenly observing her latest lottery predictions after her recent spiritual ceremony. “It’s close now. What is that on the ground? The spirit has told me again. Because I just paid my…

  • Tourism industry demands action amid 300-baht fee controversy

    Tourism industry demands action amid 300-baht fee controversy

    Thailand’s private sector is urging the government to address the supply side of tourism after Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the suspension of a proposed 300-baht fee for foreign tourists. This fee was intended to establish a tourism development fund. Chamnan Srisawat, President of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) stated that The government’s performance over the past eight months…

  • RTA continues investigation into general in police station altercation

    RTA continues investigation into general in police station altercation

    The Royal Thai Army (RTA) is investigating an incident involving a high-ranking officer allegedly behaving aggressively towards a woman and officials at a police station. The incident came to light yesterday when a video clip surfaced on social media showing the confrontation at the Din Daeng Metropolitan Police Station. Colonel Ritcha Suksuwan, RTA deputy spokesperson, confirmed that the individual in…

  • Storm havoc: Jomtien Beach eroded and unsafe

    Storm havoc: Jomtien Beach eroded and unsafe

    Jomtien Beach was battered by fierce winds and waves yesterday, causing devastating erosion across a 1,000-metre stretch opposite the Pu Pen Restaurant. Ekkarach Kantharo, Director of the Pattaya Regional Marine Department Office, confirmed the damage was a result of monsoon conditions that have unleashed storms and towering waves on the Gulf of Thailand. The reinforced sand on Jomtien Beach, extending…

  • Phayao police seize 7.6 million meth pills in drug bust

    Phayao police seize 7.6 million meth pills in drug bust

    Police in Phusang, Phayao, intercepted a vehicle suspected of drug trafficking and discovered 31 sacks containing 7.6 million methamphetamine pills, the driver managed to escape. Authorities are intensifying surveillance and investigation efforts to apprehend those involved. Police, led by Tikhawut Bunditchusakul, Chief of Phusang Police Station, a team of investigators and the Provincial Narcotics Suppression Unit, yesterday received intelligence about…

  • Jealousy incites teen to stab Pattaya convenience store worker

    Jealousy incites teen to stab Pattaya convenience store worker

    A 16 year old boy stabbed a Pattaya convenience store employee with a knife after suspecting he was secretly talking to his girlfriend. Police were alerted to the stabbing yesterday at 12.36am. Chonlawit Athisansee, a Deputy Inspector at Pattaya City Police Station, received a report of the stabbing at a convenience store in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri…

  • Thailand scraps controversial tourist tax scheme

    Thailand scraps controversial tourist tax scheme

    In a dramatic U-turn, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the cancellation of the highly debated tourist tax. Initially proposed as a post-pandemic measure, the 300 baht tax at airports and 150 baht tax by land or sea, caused a storm of opposition from the travel industry due to its ambiguity and potential for confusion. The National Tourism Policy Committee…

  • Modern-day Lazarus: Thai man rises from dead, runs 3km home

    Modern-day Lazarus: Thai man rises from dead, runs 3km home

    In an almost Biblical tale, a 59 year old Thai man in the Isaan province of Surin came back from the dead. A medical team managed to administer CPR to bring the dead man back to life. Remarkably, the modern-day Lazarus refused further treatment, climbed out of the ambulance and ran more than 3 kilometres back home. A 33 year…

  • Snake in the tank: Slithery surprise at Lom Sak petrol station

    Snake in the tank: Slithery surprise at Lom Sak petrol station

    A small snake caused a commotion at a petrol station in Lom Sak, Phetchabun, when it was discovered curled up by the fuel cap of a motorbike. The owner, who had stopped to refuel, was shocked by the unexpected visitor, prompting a call for rescue services. At around 12.15am today, the Sawang Mongkol Sathit Rescue Unit in Lom Sak received…

  • Jetstar Asia launches new route from Singapore to Krabi

    Jetstar Asia launches new route from Singapore to Krabi

    Jetstar Asia is soaring high with its latest addition to its flight network. Last Friday, the airline launched a new route from Singapore to the stunning resort destination of Krabi in southern Thailand, adding over 60,000 seats annually. The inaugural flight, 3K573, took off from Singapore Changi Airport at 7.32am local time (6.32am Thailand time) and landed in Krabi at…

  • Two Burmese nationals arrested for illegal kebab shop in Krabi

    Two Burmese nationals arrested for illegal kebab shop in Krabi

    Immigration officers in Krabi detained two Burmese nationals for illegally operating a kebab shop at Ao Nang Beach. The pair were caught in the act and failed to produce valid work permits or passports when asked by authorities. Head of Immigration Division 6, Police Major General Songprod Sirisukha led a team to conduct a series of inspections in an operation…

  • Mother and child rescued from domestic abuse in Pathum Thani

    Mother and child rescued from domestic abuse in Pathum Thani

    The Thai authorities, led by an influencer rescued a 23 year old mother and her two year old child from a domestic abuse situation by the child’s 22 year old father in Pathum Thani. The father claimed he could not remember his actions. Influencer Kan Jompalang, with Khlong Luang Police Station officers, Police Colonel Kiattisak Mitprasat, Police Lieutenant Colonel Chalad Homngern,…

  • Missing American in Phuket beach found dead

    Missing American in Phuket beach found dead

    An American man who was swept away by a giant wave in front of his three year old son and Thai wife has been found dead on Nai Harn Beach, Phuket. The incident occurred on June 9 as the family was enjoying their time at the beach. His wife, 49 year old Siriamorn, and their young son were at Nai…

  • Fake police officer collared in Bang Kapi for ‘uniform’ crime

    Fake police officer collared in Bang Kapi for ‘uniform’ crime

    A man was arrested in Bang Kapi yesterday for impersonating a police officer and using his fake status to steal a mobile phone. The suspect claimed he did it because he liked the uniform. The Thai police managed to track him down and make an arrest after a former colleague reported the crime. Police officials apprehended 45 year old Sanae…

  • Thai man swindled out of 550,000 baht by online investment scam

    Thai man swindled out of 550,000 baht by online investment scam

    A man from Nong Han district in Udon Thani has been driven to suicidal thoughts after being swindled out of 550,000 baht by an online scammer posing as an investment advisor. The scammer continues to taunt him daily, asking if he wants to invest more. The 42 year old victim, identified by the pseudonym Krob, had worked for 10 years…

  • Bangkok probes corruption in exercise equipment procurement

    Bangkok probes corruption in exercise equipment procurement

    The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is intensifying its investigation into allegations of corruption related to the procurement of exercise equipment for public parks in Bangkok. Evidence pointing toward potential irregularities has emerged during an initial probe, prompting a more extensive inquiry. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt and BMA Deputy Permanent Secretary Nathapong Disayabutra revealed the expansion plans following a board meeting.…

  • Thailand weather alert: Heavy rain and flash floods expected

    Thailand weather alert: Heavy rain and flash floods expected

    Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a heavy rainfall warning across the country, advising the public to be cautious of potential flash floods and forest runoff. Additionally, waves up to 2 metres high are expected in the surrounding seas. The weather forecast for the next 24 hours indicates that a monsoon trough is passing through northern and upper northeastern Thailand and…

  • Bangkok police raid leads to high-profile drug and fireman arrest

    Bangkok police raid leads to high-profile drug and fireman arrest

    A police raid on a prominent Bangkok hotel yesterday ended in the apprehension of Naraset Thaiset and associates after seizing crystal methamphetamine and a firearm. Investigators from Metropolitan Police Division 1 executed the raid on June 10 at approximately 10.20pm following reports of drug activities in a hotel room located in Bang Kapi, Huai Khwang District, Bangkok. Naraset Thaiset, who…

  • Thai crew saved from sinking cargo ship in Cambodian waters

    Thai crew saved from sinking cargo ship in Cambodian waters

    Ten Thai crew members were rescued from a sinking cargo ship off the coast of Cambodia on Sunday. The harrowing ordeal unfolded on June 8 between Vang and Manas islands in Koh Ko Cang province. The Thai cargo vessel, en route to Cambodia, mysteriously sank, plunging its crew into peril. The cause of the sinking remains a mystery but preliminary…

  • Sneaky senators: Hired votes spotted in upcoming election

    Sneaky senators: Hired votes spotted in upcoming election

    As the upcoming Senate election round approaches, caretaker senator Somchai Swangkarn anticipates the revelation that certain individuals have been recruited solely to vote for candidates endorsed by specific political parties or interest groups. Somchai, who has consistently pointed out attempts to manipulate the Senate election outcomes, stated that a review of Sunday’s district-level voting results showed many applicants receiving no…

  • Thai girl in critical condition after 1,000 baht drinking challenge

    Thai girl in critical condition after 1,000 baht drinking challenge

    A 13 year old Thai girl remains in critical condition in an intensive care unit after being challenged to drink alcohol to win 1,000 baht at an ordination ceremony at a temple in the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima. The girl’s grandmother, 72 year old Aui, filed a complaint against a Thai man who tricked her granddaughter, A, into drinking…

  • 7-Eleven restroom use in Thailand depends on branch discretion

    7-Eleven restroom use in Thailand depends on branch discretion

    Customers wondering whether they can use the restroom in the popular convenience store 7-Eleven during an emergency now have an answer. While in some countries customers can freely access store restrooms, the policy in Thailand is less straightforward. A query was recently posted on the website pantip.com, where a user asked, “Can we ask to use the restroom at 7-Eleven?”…

  • 25 percent of the human population has a hole in the heart

    25 percent of the human population has a hole in the heart

    Imagine if you had a hole in your heart and didn’t even know it. Surprisingly, this is the reality for 25% of the population. This condition, known as patent foramen ovale (PFO), usually causes no symptoms and is often harmless. However, in some cases, it can lead to serious health problems. Here, we explore what PFO is, why it matters,…

  • Minister brushes off cannabis protests, high on reclassification

    Minister brushes off cannabis protests, high on reclassification

    Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin downplayed the significance of protestors gathering outside of Government House to oppose the relisting of cannabis as a narcotic drug. Led by Prasitthichai Nunual of the People’s Network for Cannabis Legalisation in Thailand, approximately 300 pro-cannabis protesters started rallying yesterday. Somsak acknowledged the protesters were exercising their constitutional rights and making their voices heard by…

  • PM orders probe into police gambling ring bribery claims

    PM orders probe into police gambling ring bribery claims

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin instructed the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) to investigate a controversial comment made in a Line group chat by the Phasi Charoen police superintendent, who accused his superior of allowing a gambling ring to set up slot machines in his jurisdiction. The 62 year old prime minister emphasised that any allegations of police bribery would be thoroughly…

  • Domestic violence makes up 70% of recent cases in Thailand

    Domestic violence makes up 70% of recent cases in Thailand

    Social Development and Human Security Minister Varawut Silpa-archa intensified efforts to curb domestic violence, highlighting the issue as a major concern in recent months. Domestic violence constituted almost 70% of all reported violence cases in the past two months. Varawut announced yesterday, June 10, following a meeting with senior ministry officials, that the Human Security Emergency Management Centre is ramping…

  • Thailand takes flight with airlines to boost tourism in 2024

    Thailand takes flight with airlines to boost tourism in 2024

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is soaring to new heights, actively courting partnerships with a sky-high count of 11 international airlines to elevate both burgeoning and established markets in the latter part of this year. With the long-haul market expected to fly in at least 770 billion baht from a soaring flock of 10.8 million foreign visitors in 2024,…