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 New in July: Save 10% for life on family health plans in Thailand
Cigna has a special offer this July for families in Thailand. When you sign up three or more people on a family health plan, you will save 10% on your premiums for life. This deal helps you get affordable, high-quality...
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Spitting mad: Russian tourist’s traffic light tantrum in Phuket
A Russian man spat on a Thai woman and tried to slap her at Wat Naka Intersection in Phuket on May 29 in anger over a traffic light misunderstanding. The 46 year old Thai woman, Phatchareeya Rattanatorrakarn, accompanied by her husband, Boonyong Burirak, filed a complaint against the Russian at Vichit Police Station at 2pm on May 29. Phatchareeya said…
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Thailand trades up: Digital efforts land 32nd spot on global index
Thailand climbed to the 32nd position out of 65 countries on the Global Trade Modernisation Index (GTMI) 2024, highlighting its moderate performance in digital trade. The Kingdom of Thailand ranked 3rd among ASEAN nations and showed a significant improvement in readiness for digital trade. Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Montri Mahaplerkpong announced yesterday, June 9, that growth…
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Local governments digging deep into land tax challenges
Local governments face a significant challenge in evaluating underutilised land plots to determine the appropriate tax burden under the land and building tax, according to finance permanent secretary Lavaron Sangsnit. Lavaron noted that the tax law, effective for five years, is currently under review for potential amendments. A key issue under scrutiny is the enforcement and interpretation of land utilisation.…
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Over 80 patients flee Krabi drug rehab centre over alleged abuses
More than 80 patients escaped from a drug rehabilitation centre on Koh Sriboya, an island in the southern province of Krabi, over alleged abuses by the Thai authorities. A community leader on Sriboya Island reached out to officers from Khlong Kanan Police Station for assistance, as residents grew concerned about approximately 80 patients who had absconded from a drug rehabilitation…
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Nightclub raid near university leads to police reassignment
Police in Pathum Thani reassigned five officers from the Pak Khlong Rangsit Police Station following a raid on an unlicensed nightclub near a prominent university highlighting the lack of action surrounding the issue called for a more thorough and transparent investigation. The crackdown occurred yesterday when central investigation police searched a nightclub in Rangsit at around 1.15am, officers found a…
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Thailand boosts food safety, bans harmful agrochemicals
Thailand’s food safety protocols are on the rise following successful efforts to ban harmful herbicides and pesticides such as paraquat and chlorpyrifos, alongside triumphant attempts to limit glyphosate use, as discussed at a recent seminar. A recent seminar titled A Decade for Driving to Food Safety highlighted that fewer individuals are now receiving treatment for symptoms related to the use…
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Teen fatally shot by grandfather after constant disruptive gatherings
A tragic incident unfolded yesterday in Nong Bua Lamphu, where an argument over noise and disruptive behaviour ended in the fatal shooting of a teenager. The incident occurred at a small house in Hua Na District, where a man fired bullets into a room after repeated disturbances from his grandson and friends. Police received the call at around 9pm, where…
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Police officer confesses to fatally shooting Burmese man in hospital
A police sergeant confessed to fatally shooting a Burmese man at Khon Kaen Hospital in Isaan on June 6. He accused the deceased of bothering his father, who was a patient in the bed next to the victim. The deceased, 29 year old Kyaw Swar Aong, was shot dead in his hospital bed at around 11pm on June 6. His…
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Deaf shoeshiner in Pattaya inspires with dedication and skill
A deaf shoeshiner in Pattaya has captured the admiration of netizens for his perseverance and dedication. Known as Kai, his story surfaced online after a local journalist saw him cleaning a tourist’s shoes on Pattaya Beach. Kai earns his living by offering shoe cleaning services to tourists. Despite being deaf and mute, he communicates with customers using a sign that…
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Police arrest debt collector with firearms and drugs in Bangkok
Police apprehended a debt collector and seized two firearms along with quantities of ketamine and methamphetamine. Following an undercover operation, police arrested Somchai, also known as Am, and charged him with multiple offences. Officers from Romklao Police Police Station, led by Kiattikul Sonthinen, yesterday collaborated with Somphot Thongmun and Kornwararat Promsawan to arrest the 39 year old Somchai. The arrest took…
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Man arrested for online BB gun scam in Thailand
Police apprehended a man for selling BB guns online, deceiving customers into transferring money, and then blocking them on Facebook to avoid contact. The arrested individual claimed to only take orders, not handle deliveries. Today, June 9, Police Lieutenant General Thiti Saengsawang, along with a team including Police Major General Nopasilp Poolsawat and Police Major General Teeradej Thammasuthee, arrested 53…
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Two bikers killed in tragic Phetchaburi accident
A tragic accident involving a group of big bike riders on a trip to Phetchaburi resulted in the deaths of two people. The incident occurred when a young woman, riding a pillion, fell off the motorcycle, and a subsequent attempt to avoid her by another bike led to a fatal collision with a truck. The accident took place at 8.10am…
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Severe monsoon warning issued for 40 Thai provinces including Bangkok
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning about severe monsoon conditions affecting 40 provinces across Thailand, including Bangkok. Heavy rainfall is expected in 60% of the areas, with potential flash floods and sudden water surges. The TMD today forecasts that a monsoon trough will traverse Thailand’s upper northern and upper northeastern regions. Additionally, the southwest monsoon covering the upper…
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Chinese woman found safe after 25-million-baht scam in Bangkok
Police located a 27 year old Chinese woman, previously believed to be kidnapped for a 25-million-baht ransom, at a shopping mall in Bang Na district yesterday evening. The police found Lu Xinlei at HomePro Bangna. She was then taken to Phra Khanong Police Station, where she reunited with her mother and elder sister, who had recently arrived from China following…
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Thaksin Shinawatra to face monarchy insult charges in Thailand
Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, announced his readiness to confront charges of insulting the monarchy. The announcement came yesterday, with Thaksin expressing confidence about facing the allegations head-on. The former Thai PM confirmed his intention to meet with prosecutors tomorrow and stated to reporters that he was prepared to fight the case. “It’s nothing. The case is…
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Thailand and Laos to launch Bangkok-Vientiane railway this month
Thailand and Laos are poised to inaugurate a new railway network connecting Bangkok and Vientiane, with a trial run scheduled for later this month, as announced by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). The initiative is set to improve connectivity for travellers and facilitate the movement of goods between the two nations, positioning Thailand as a key logistics hub in…
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Police raid unlicensed Rangsit nightclub, find 65 underage patrons
Police raided an unlicensed nightclub popular among Rangsit’s youth, discovering 65 underage patrons. The venue had never applied for a permit and was known for admitting minors and serving them alcohol. Police blocked all exits to prevent escape. Yesterday, June 8, officers led by Saruti Kwangsopa, commander of the Anti-Human Trafficking Division, executed a raid on a nightclub in Lak…
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Monk dies in Nonthaburi after mobile roof frame collapses
A tragic incident occurred yesterday at a temple in Nonthaburi’s Sai Noi district, where a monk was fatally injured by a collapsing mobile roof frame. The accident happened around 6.30pm when three monks were moving the large structure. Police Lieutenant Rung Liemkhoksoong, who responded to the scene, confirmed the details of the incident. A mobile roof frame with wheels, measuring…
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Factory shuttle bus tyre explosion injures 16 near Ayutthaya
A factory shuttle bus suffered a left front tyre explosion, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and injure 16 people. The incident occurred at 6.30pm yesterday near the Ayutthaya Interchange. The accident was reported to the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Police Station by Deputy Inspector Wutthiphat Chuaykhit. Authorities, including officers from the Phutthaisawan Foundation and Ruamkatanyu Foundation, promptly…
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Father’s heartbreak as son drowns at dangerous overflow dam
A father is devastated after learning that his 15 year old son drowned at an overflow dam, despite having warned him in the morning not to go out and play. Friends recounted the tragic moment, noting that the boy, who was not a strong swimmer, slipped on algae-covered concrete near the bank. At 5.30pm yesterday, Kasem Senaprakon, an officer from…
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Chiang Mai to become digital startup hub with new visa scheme
Chiang Mai is poised to become a digital startup hub in Southeast Asia, with the government pledging support to achieve this goal, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced during a visit to the northern province yesterday. PM Srettha highlighted Chiang Mai City as an established haven for digital nomads and one of the world’s leading creative cities. “Late last year, Tim…
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APEC tourism summit: Thailand to revamp Asia-Pacific tourism
Thailand has unveiled its ambitious plans for the 12th Tourism Ministerial Meeting (TMM12) of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, set to take place in the Republic of Peru from June 5 to 9. Deputy Government Spokesperson Radklao Inthawong Suwankiri announced that this crucial summit will focus on acknowledging and endorsing the progress made under the APEC Tourism Working Group…
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Motorcyclist dies after falling from Bangkok overpass
A motorcyclist tragically lost his life after losing control and falling from an overpass onto a road near Phran Nok-Phutthamonthon Sai 2 Park. The incident occurred around 6pm yesterday. Despite extensive CPR efforts by rescue personnel, the man could not be revived. Police Lieutenant Detchawat Sadinchan, Deputy Inspector at Sala Daeng Police Station, received a report of the accident and…
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Fisherman electrocuted while repairing boat near Chanthaburi pier
A fisherman died after being electrocuted while attempting to repair his leaking boat. The incident took place yesterday near an old pier under the Somdet Phra Taksin Bridge in Laem Sing, Chanthaburi. Police Lieutenant Colonel Surapong Prongngam from Laem Sing Police Station received a report from the Sawang Katanyu Dharma Association’s rescue centre about the fatal accident. Upon arrival at…
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Thailand investigates boat crash injuring four Chinese tourists
A probe has been ordered by Thailand’s Transport Ministry into a boat crash that injured four Chinese tourists near Tha Tien pier yesterday afternoon. The incident occurred around 4pm on the Chao Phraya River in Phra Nakhon district when a long-tailed tour boat collided with a Royal Thai Navy (RTN) ferry. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri reported that the crash…
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Thai condo market faces turbulence with Myanmar buyers blocked
The Thai condominium market is bracing for a storm as Myanmar’s crackdown on property purchases by its citizens threatens to halt a major influx of foreign investment. According to the Thai Condominium Association, the clampdown could significantly impact condo transfers during the second and third quarters of this year. Prasert Taedullayasatit, president of the association, revealed that Thai condo units…
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Thailand’s Pacific-to-Indian Ocean Land Bridge project
Thailand’s anticipated land bridge project, aiming to connect the Pacific and Indian Oceans, is set to become reality, with bidding anticipated by late next year, the Transport Ministry confirmed. The colossal 1-trillion-baht project will construct deep-sea ports in Chumphon on the Gulf of Thailand and Ranong on the Andaman coast, linked by a state-of-the-art transport route. This ambitious infrastructure aims…
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Austrian Airlines to operate more flights to Bangkok
Austrian Airlines, boasting a modern fleet of Airbus A320s, Boeing 767s, and Boeing 777s, has increased its weekly flights from Vienna to Bangkok to 13 flights. Brendan Shashoua, Lufthansa Group Senior Director Sales – Southeast Asia and the Pacific made the announcement. “Since 1988, Austrian Airlines has connected Vienna with the vibrant Thai capital of Bangkok. With Thailand being a…
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Thailand eyes MICE supremacy in Southeast Asia
Thailand is pulling out all the stops to become the epicentre of MICE tourism in Southeast Asia, with Vietnam emerging as a potential powerhouse partner. This ambitious vision, spearheaded by Puripan Bunnag, Senior Vice President of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), aims to harness the post-pandemic resurgence in the MICE sector to bolster Thailand’s economy. “The MICE segment…
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Pheu Thai rethinks lese majeste inclusion in amnesty bill
Pheu Thai Party has reconsidered its earlier statement regarding the inclusion of Section 112, or the lese majeste law, in the amnesty bill. Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stated that the matter is complex and requires public consensus to prevent future disorder. Phumtham, the deputy leader of Pheu Thai, mentioned that the party has not reached a…
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