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 How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
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Sattahip police crackdown on noisy bikers, seize over 100 illegal motorcycles
Scores of motorcyclists were arrested and hundreds of illegally modified motorcycles impounded by Sattahip police following resident complaints about noise and public disturbances during a long holiday weekend. The bikers had assembled from various regions at Nang Ram Beach in Chon Buri province, prompting a swift police response. At 11am yesterday, June 1, Police Colonel Komsan Kamtunkaew, the chief of…
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Bangkok’s new city plan expected by 2027 amid zoning changes
Bangkok’s updated city plan is anticipated to be implemented in 2027, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). Initially drafted in 2013 and set for enforcement in 2019, the plan was postponed by the Ministry of Interior for further reviews on water and environmental zoning. Deputy Bangkok governor Wisanu Subsompon stated that the fourth revision of the city plan is…
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Illegal hazardous waste exporter caught running toxic trade operation
A key suspect involved in the illegal hazardous waste trade has been apprehended, operating three companies engaged in the processing and export of toxic industrial dust, contravening multiple laws, according to the Ministry of Industry. Industry Minister Akanat Promphan assigned Thitipas Choddaechachainun to lead a special task force investigating 11 steel factories utilising induction furnace (IF) technology in Rayong. This…
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Heavy rain forecast for 28 Thai provinces, Bangkok affected
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has forecast heavy rain for 28 provinces across Thailand, particularly affecting Bangkok, which may experience rain in 60% of its area. Residents are advised to exercise caution yesterday, June 1. Over the next 24 hours, northern and northeastern Thailand will see significant rainfall in some areas, while southern regions will experience thunderstorms. This is due…
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Opal Suchata Chuangsri makes history as Thailand’s First Miss World 2025
Yesterday, May 31, Opal Suchata Chuangsri, a 22 year old woman from Phuket, Thailand, made history by becoming Thailand’s first-ever winner of the Miss World pageant. The grand finale, held at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad, India, featured 108 contestants from around the world, with Opal emerging victorious and captivating hearts globally. Born on March 20, 2003, Opal was…
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Bangkok Pride 2025 to make global history with record-breaking parade
Bangkok Pride 2025 is set to break records and expand its reach beyond the Thai capital, with more than 40 provinces across Thailand joining the festivities. In Bangkok, the main events will take place from 30 May to 1 June at Siam Paragon, Siam Centre, Siam Square One, and Lido Connect under the theme Born This Way, a powerful celebration…
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Woman gives birth in rescue vehicle as public eyes registration number
A 22 year old woman gave birth to a baby boy on a rescue vehicle after experiencing severe labour pains. Both mother and child are safe. The incident has sparked interest in the rescue vehicle’s registration number among those seeking good fortune. The woman shared her experience on Facebook, announcing the birth of her son today, June 1, at 3.48am.…
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Five criminals steal e-cigarettes, kill security guard in Bangkok
Five criminals used a van to steal electronic cigarettes from a container at Khlong Toei Port, leading to a tragic incident where a security guard was killed. Police have identified the suspects. At 1.40am today, June 1, the Thung Maha Mek Police Station received a report of a van crashing into a motorcycle, resulting in a death near the Port…
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Thai army denies imminent closure of border with Cambodia
The Royal Thai Army has denied claims circulating on social media about the imminent closure of 16 border checkpoints with Cambodia. Such measures would only be considered if security concerns, particularly those involving long-range weapons, were to escalate. Major General Winthai Suvaree, the army spokesperson, addressed the issue yesterday, May 31, dispelling rumours that closures had been ordered following a…
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Bangkok taxi driver caught without licence demands fixed fare (video)
A Bangkok resident experienced a surprising encounter when a taxi driver, who initially agreed to use the meter, later demanded a fixed fare of 200 baht. It was subsequently revealed that the driver lacked both a driving licence and a taxi ID. This incident, which spread rapidly on social media, has brought renewed attention to the issue of taxi regulation…
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Ukrainian tourist dies after rooftop fall in Phuket
A Ukrainian tourist, 28 year old woman, tragically died after falling from a rooftop at a villa in Chalong, Phuket, in the early hours of yesterday, May 31. She succumbed to her injuries at Chalong Hospital. Police were alerted at 5am about the incident. Officers from Chalong Police Station, led by Police Lieutenant Kriangkrai Daokrajai, visited the villa estate on…
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Fire damages homes in Khlong Toei community, extinguished swiftly
A fire broke out in the Khlong Toei community, producing a significant amount of smoke. Firefighters quickly arrived at the scene to extinguish the flames. Initial reports indicate damage to several homes. According to Fire & Rescue Thailand, the emergency hotline 199 received a report of a fire at 5.59am today, June 1. The blaze occurred in the Khlong Toei…
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Tragic drowning of three young girls in Sisaket pond
Three young girls tragically drowned in a pond in Sisaket province, leaving their relatives devastated. The incident occurred yesterday, May 31, at 4pm, when the Srisaket Charity Foundation received a report of three children missing in a pond near Ban Don Muang, Rasai Sila district. Rescue teams were dispatched to the location, approximately 1 kilometre from the village, where residents…
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28 provinces brace for heavy rain as Bangkok faces severe storms
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather forecast for June 1, identifying 28 provinces across two regions that are expected to face heavy rain, with Bangkok predicted to experience the most severe conditions. Citizens are advised to be cautious due to moderate monsoon conditions affecting the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. The weather forecast for…
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Abandoned macaques found in Thai forest, suspected for illegal sale
Over 20 young long-tailed macaques were discovered abandoned in bags in a forested area, leading locals to initially mistake the cries for an abandoned baby. After following the sounds, the residents contacted officials, prompting a search for those responsible. It is suspected that the location was used as a temporary holding spot for selling the animals yesterday, May 31. Sirikhun…
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Hostage crisis resolved in Phitsanulok; man detained after standoff
A tense hostage situation unfolded in Mueang Phitsanulok district, when a man armed with a knife took his wife hostage in a rented room yesterday, May 31. Police, alongside rescue teams and a local foundation, responded promptly to the scene near the entrance to Naresuan Camp on Phra Ruang Road. Officers, equipped with protective gear, surrounded room 3 of the…
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Chinese man injured in Chon Buri shooting incident
Yesterday, May 31, a shooting incident occurred in Chon Buri’s Bang Lamung district, where a Chinese man was injured and dragged into a house. Police have apprehended the suspect, and the injured man, 26 year old Yang, has been hospitalised with a gunshot wound to his right ankle. Police Colonel Mintrathit Thongsai from the Huai Yai Police Station responded to…
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A historic win: Opal becomes Thailand’s first Miss World
Thailand has made pageant history after 25 year old Suchata Chuangsri, known as Opal, was crowned Miss World 2025—the first Thai woman to win the global title in 74 years. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss World (@missworld) The 72nd Miss World grand finale was held on May 31 at the HITEX Convention Centre…
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Rawai restaurant owner fumes after tourist poos outside
A Rawai restaurant owner is fed up with cleaning up faeces after catching tourists using his property as an open toilet—now he’s demanding action from local authorities. The owner of a popular floating restaurant in Rawai, Phuket, has called on local authorities to install more public toilets for tourists after a shocking incident involving a foreign visitor defecating outside his…
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Phuket immigration boss hits back at UK drug claims
A British tourist’s mother claims he was set up by Phuket airport officials with drugs planted in his passport—but Thailand’s immigration chief says her story doesn’t add up. Phuket Airport Immigration Chief Police Colonel Rasarin Thiraphatthanakun has strongly denied explosive claims made in the British press that her officers planted cocaine on a British tourist arriving in Thailand. The allegations,…
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Nestlé sues ex-partners over Nescafé trademark breach
Nestlé has initiated legal action against former business partners over the alleged infringement of the Nescafé trademark. The company is seeking 577 million baht in damages from Prayudh Mahagitsiri and Chalermchai Mahagitsiri, as stated in a company release dated May 30 (yesterday). The claim pertains to losses caused by an eight-day suspension of Nescafé sales after the Minburi Civil Court…
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Tiger selfie turns savage: Indian tourist mauled in Phuket (video)
A dream holiday snap turned into a nightmare for one tourist in Phuket after a tiger lashed out during a selfie stunt—leaving social media stunned and raising serious questions about animal welfare at popular tourist attractions. An Indian tourist suffered minor injuries after being attacked by a tiger at Tiger Kingdom in Phuket. The man, whose identity has not been…
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Krungsri forecast for Thailand economic growth cut to 2.1%
Research by Krungsri has revised Thailand’s economic growth forecast for 2025 to 2.1%, down from an earlier estimate of 2.7%. This adjustment comes amid layered risks, including US trade policy uncertainties and domestic pressures. The government is advised to exercise caution in policy-making while responding effectively to rapidly evolving situations. Pimnara Hirankasi, head of economic research and executive researcher at…
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Pita Limjaroenrat’s political return sparks hope for ‘Orange Camp’
Pita Limjaroenrat’s brief reappearance in the political arena has reignited optimism among supporters of the “Orange Camp,” following his reaffirmed ambition to become Thailand’s prime minister in nine years. His involvement in politics was curtailed due to the dissolution of the Move Forward Party (MFP). In August 2024, the Constitutional Court found the party and its executives, including Pita, guilty…
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Activist demands court ruling over energy minister appointment
Thailand’s newest prime minister is already under legal fire, with a political activist demanding the Constitutional Court weigh in on her first big Cabinet move. Political activist Sonthiya Sawasdee has called on the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) to seek a Constitutional Court ruling over Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s appointment of Pirapan Salirathavibhaga as deputy prime minister and energy…
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TCC flags legal red flags in 13 Bangkok high-rises
Thirteen flashy high-rises across Bangkok are under fire after watchdogs revealed they may be breaking the law—by blocking fire trucks and fudging approved plans. The Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) has blown the whistle on 13 high-rise building projects across Bangkok, raising alarm over alleged legal violations and dangerous design shortcuts that could put residents at risk. Led by secretary-general Saree…
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Chon Buri hospital declares war on big tobacco and e-cigs
A Chon Buri hospital has gone full throttle in the fight against smoking, blasting Big Tobacco and vaping in a fiery World No Tobacco Day event. Somdet Phra Boromma Ratchathewi Hospital in Sriracha joined the global war on smoking yesterday, May 30, hosting a dynamic event for World No Tobacco Day at the Sri Sawarinthira Nusorn 150 Years Building. Leading…
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Wanted Swiss expat dodges jail in shocking legal blunder
A Swiss man sentenced to jail for assaulting a Thai doctor has vanished without a trace – and officials are refusing to say what went wrong. Phuket authorities are facing mounting criticism after Swiss national Urs Fehr, dubbed “Swiss David” by local media, fled Thailand following a court-ordered jail sentence – and no one seems to know where he is.…
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Paetongtarn rolls out 5 fixes to save Thai tourism
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has issued a rallying cry to save the country’s ailing tourism sector, issuing five urgent orders that aim to transform the Land of Smiles into a global travel magnet. The 38 year old Pheu Thai leader has ordered five emergency measures to turbocharge Thailand’s tourism industry, making it a national priority under the government’s massive…
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Thailand faces heavy deluge as rain batters 39 provinces
Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) predicts widespread heavy rainfall across Thailand, with 39 provinces, including Bangkok, expecting severe weather conditions. Residents are advised to be cautious of potential flash floods and landslides due to accumulated rainfall yesterday. The forecast indicates that the southwest monsoon, combined with a low-pressure area over Hainan Island, will result in significant rainfall in upper Thailand. This…
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