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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Man dies after falling from Samut Prakan mall car park
A tragic incident occurred in Samut Prakan when a man fell from the fourth floor of a car park at a well-known shopping mall, resulting in his death. The incident, which happened yesterday, March 9, was investigated by local police and other officials. Deputy Inspector Veerapong Boontor and his team from Samrong Nuea Police Station arrived at the scene after…
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Elderly British couple’s Thailand nightmare goes from bad to cell
An elderly British couple face time in a Thailand jail despite being victims of a savage beating, caught on CCTV, in their own back yard. One of the victims described the past year as a “living hell.” The couple, Des and Mary Byrne, from Middlesbrough, in the North-East of England, envisioned a peaceful retirement on the “Thai Riviera,” but their…
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2 German, 1 Turkish assault Russian man over alleged rape attempt
Officers from Patong Police Station arrested two German men and a Turkish man in Phuket for physically assaulting a Russian national on Saturday, after the victim accused them of attempting to rape his Finnish girlfriend. The Phuket Hotnews reported that police were called to investigate the alleged assault by two German men and a Turkish man outside a hotel on Rat…
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Storm warning: Thailand skies set for storm of trouble
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) today, forecasts changes in weather across Thailand, including thunderstorms in 15 provinces with heavy rain expected in 40% of the areas. Northern Thailand will experience a rise in temperatures with light rain in some parts. The northeast and the South China Sea are under the influence of a weakening high-pressure system, causing a decrease in…
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Police seize illegal wildlife in Songkhla luxury home raid
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) conducted a raid on a luxurious residence in Mueang district, Songkhla province, to seize illegal wildlife kept on the premises. The operation, led by Police Major General Watcharin Pusit, director of the DNP, along with Police Colonel Atthapol Phonprom and officials from the Songkhla Conservation Area Office 6, followed reports…
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Man arrested after attempted assault on lone motorcyclist in Pattani
A man was arrested after attempting to assault a woman riding a motorcycle alone in Pattani province. The incident, which occurred on March 7 at around 11.30pm on the Yala-Pattani Road, was interrupted when local youths intervened, preventing the suspect from escaping with the victim’s mobile phone. The woman was travelling back home alone to Ban Bue Nae Jue Rae,…
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Protest called against Thai Entertainment Complex Bill and casinos
Former red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan has called for a protest against the Entertainment Complex Bill, which is set to be reviewed by the Cabinet on Tuesday, March 12. Jatuporn urged demonstrators to assemble at the Chamai Maruchet Bridge near Government House, opposing the bill that would allow the development of casinos as well as the legalisation of online gambling. He…
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Thai police intercept 1,500 kg crystal meth in Chiang Rai bust
Thai police intercepted a major drug trafficking operation in Chiang Rai, discovering 1,500 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine concealed in modified vehicles. The confrontation resulted in two injuries. Police later arrested four additional suspects involved in the operation. The operation, conducted yesterday, March 8, involved officers from the Police Region 5 Investigation Division, the Pha Muang Task Force, and the Narcotics…
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Swiss national faces visa revocation after repeated dog attacks
The Bang Saphan district chief in Prachuap Khiri Khan province is set to propose to the provincial governor and immigration police the revocation of a Swiss national’s visa. This follows repeated incidents where his dog attacked tourists on the beach. Yesterday, March 8, district chief Suthin Prasertsak assigned Nattapong Krainara, the district deputy for security, to convene a meeting at…
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Hungarian man arrested for stealing 1.5 million baht in Nonthaburi
In Nonthaburi, police apprehended a 57 year old Hungarian man for allegedly breaking the window of a young businessman’s car and stealing 1.5 million baht from a shopping mall parking lot in Ngamwongwan before fleeing to Pattaya. The arrest was made yesterday, March 8, while Altal Bara was sunbathing by a pool in a hotel in the Bang Lamung district, Chon…
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Phuket crash: 70 year old dies after hitting parked vehicles
A tragic incident occurred in Phuket where a 70 year old man lost control of his Toyota Fortuner, colliding with five parked vehicles and later dying from his injuries. The event was captured on CCTV, and police are investigating the cause. At 5.26am, yesterday, March 8, Police Lieutenant Sunan Phetnu, Deputy Inspector at Saku Police Station, Phuket, received a report…
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Nighttime explosion in Pattani claims three lives, investigation underway (video)
A nighttime explosion in the Sai Buri district, Pattani province, resulted in the immediate deaths of three officials. The incident occurred yesterday, March 8 at approximately 11.20pm, prompting police to await daylight for further investigation due to concerns about additional explosive devices. Residents are urged to report any suspicious person or objects to the police promptly. At around 11.20pm, the…
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Seagrass shortage threatens Thai dugong population
The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) reported that nearly 40% of dugongs stranded last year were underweight, primarily due to a shortage of seagrass, their main food source. In January, the DMCR and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Thailand conducted a survey to assess the dugong crisis along the Andaman coast. The findings indicated a critical state of the…
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Pattaya police arrest suspects in chaotic drug raid at Jomtien Beach
Pattaya City Police conducted an unexpected drug raid at Jomtien Beach yesterday with the assistance of over 50 officers. The operation focused on Soi 2 and Soi 3, causing chaos as dealers and users attempted to flee, some even trying to climb walls to escape. The area was quickly secured by the police, who managed to apprehend all suspects involved,…
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Thai woman drowns off Pattaya Beach after swimming in unsafe area
A tragic incident occurred yesterday near Pattaya Beach, where a 40 year old Thai woman drowned while swimming. The Pattaya City Police were alerted to the situation at 10.06am, yesterday, March 8, at the beach adjacent to Pattaya Walking Street. Responding promptly, rescue divers, police, and news personnel arrived at the scene. It took the rescue divers approximately 30 minutes…
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Mongolian arrested for stealing goods worth 26,000 baht in Pattaya
A Mongolian man was detained by Pattaya City Police after allegedly stealing brand-name items from a mall near Pattaya Beach. The incident was reported by a security guard and a representative from the shopping centre. The 52 year old Mongolian national, Byamba, was found with 12 brand-name shirts and two bags, totalling 26,000 baht (US$770) in value. The security guard,…
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Pattaya traffic crackdown: Real reform or just for show?
Pattaya residents are divided over the city’s latest traffic enforcement efforts, questioning whether the recent crackdown by traffic police is a genuine attempt to tackle congestion or just a temporary publicity stunt during major events like the Pattaya Music Festival. While some appreciate the increased police presence, others argue that enforcement is inconsistent, with officers only taking action when the…
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Udon Thani police recover 13 stolen motorcycles, lottery win follows
Police in Udon Thani successfully apprehended a motorcycle thief, recovering 13 stolen motorcycles. Among the owners, one woman expressed her joy by hugging her recovered vehicle, while another expressed gratitude by gifting 10,000 baht to the investigation team and winning the lottery using the vehicle’s registration number. On March 7, Police Major General Suwan Chiaonavinthawat, the Udon Thani Provincial Police…
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Buriram infant’s body found with drugs from breastfeeding mother
In Buriram’s Nang Rong district, a shocking discovery revealed a three month old infant with drugs in his system, likely due to breastfeeding from a mother using illicit substances and vaping. Police are taking urgent action to ensure the child’s safety by prohibiting the mother from breastfeeding until she ceases all drug use. Local administrative officials, police, and village leaders…
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EXAT teams up with private firms for Phuket expressway by 2030
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) is collaborating with private entities to invest in two Phuket expressways, spanning 34.6 kilometres, with a budget of 27 billion baht. The project is expected to be operational by 2030, with toll fees ranging from 15 to 125 baht. Surachet Laophulsuk, the governor of EXAT, announced the opening of an opinion hearing for private…
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Pattaya vendors clash with officials amid festival crackdown
Pattaya City officials have launched a crackdown on beachfront vendors during the Pattaya Music Festival aiming to clear footpaths for pedestrians and maintain order. However, the enforcement has sparked heated debate, with some supporting the move while others accuse officials of inconsistencies and unfair treatment. As festival-goers flock to the area, vendors have been forcibly removed from restricted zones, with…
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Phuket’s plan to end traffic chaos with AI and expressway
Phuket’s notorious traffic congestion has long frustrated both locals and tourists, but a major two-part plan aims to finally solve the problem. Governor Sophon Suwannarat has unveiled ambitious strategies to transform the island’s traffic flow, including a new expressway and AI-powered traffic management—a first for Thailand. The Thai government has approved a long-awaited expressway project that will connect Muang Mai…
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Bus and truck collision in Ubon Ratchathani injures 11
A collision occurred yesterday, March 7, between a bus and a pickup truck on the Warin Chamrap-Det Udom road, located approximately 200 metres before Ubon Ratchathani University. The incident left 11 injured, two critically, necessitating nearly 20 emergency vehicles to transport the injured to nearby hospitals. Police Lieutenant Colonel Thanyathida Pariyotai, an investigator at Warin Chamrap Police Station in Ubon…
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Foreigners rush to buy Phuket villas on long-term leases
Thailand’s property market is witnessing a real estate revolution, as foreigners snap up houses on long-term leases instead of just condominiums. This trend, particularly in tourist hotspots like Phuket, Chon Buri, and Surat Thani, has been booming since Thailand reopened its borders in 2021. According to Dr Wichai Wiratkaphan, an independent scholar in urban development and housing, the leasehold market…
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Ocean Marina Jomtien ranked 6th among world’s top marinas
Thailand’s Ocean Marina Jomtien has sailed into global recognition, securing the sixth spot in a prestigious ranking of the world’s top marinas by the South China Morning Post. Located near Pattaya, this stunning marina is Southeast Asia’s largest, boasting over 450 berths that can accommodate vessels up to 75 metres long. Its state-of-the-art facilities and prime location have made it…
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Casino bill to require 50m baht bank balance for Thai entry
The Entertainment Complex Bill, set for revision, is anticipated to be submitted for Cabinet approval next week, according to PM’s Office Minister Chousak Sirinil. The bill has been prioritised as an urgent policy, following discussions with the Interior Ministry and the Finance Ministry, with aims to expedite its legislative process. The bill includes a condition requiring Thai citizens to maintain…
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Big Joke faces dismissal without pension, says committee
A committee has unanimously recommended the dismissal of Big Joke from the police force without pension benefits. This decision will be presented to the Police Commissioner General for signature. The meeting took place at 2pm yesterday, March 7, at the Royal Thai Police Headquarters. Police General Kraisorn Suwanrat, the most senior deputy commissioner general, chaired the meeting of the disciplinary…
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‘Black Bag Cop’ found dead in Thai prison, suspected suicide (video)
Disgraced former Police Colonel Thitisak Uthanaphon, infamously known as “Director Joe,” or Joe Ferrari, has been found dead in his prison cell at Klong Prem Central Prison in Bangkok. The 43 year old, who was serving a life sentence for the torture and killing of a drug suspect, reportedly took his own life – but suspicions linger over the circumstances…
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Bangkok motorist and rider resolve dispute, share ride home (video)
A dispute involving a motorist and a rider in Sathorn, Bangkok ended amicably after both parties resolved a misunderstanding. The incident, captured on social media, initially portrayed a heated exchange between the rider and a silver Honda Jazz driver, leading to a minor collision. Both have since clarified the situation and hold no grudges. Yesterday, March 6, the 43 year…
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Forest fire arsonist jailed and hit with 133 million baht fine
A man responsible for a devastating forest fire that destroyed over 2,166 rai (346 hectares) of protected land in Phitsanulok’s Khao Noi-Khao Pradu Wildlife Sanctuary has been sentenced to four years in prison and fined 133.23 million baht, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) announced today. The suspect was arrested on May 6 last year after…
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