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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Chinese investment boosts amulet trade in Bangkok’s Pantip Plaza
The amulet business in Bangkok’s Pantip Plaza is booming, with foreign investors, especially from China, driving the trade of Thai Buddhist amulets and sacred objects. The market, once dominated by Thai collectors, has transformed into a major hub for Chinese investors, who have set up shop in the mall to cater to their fellow countrymen. Despite a slight downturn in…
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Man arrested for selling drugs to Koh Pha Ngan tourists
A 22 year old man was arrested for persistently offering drugs to tourists for beach parties on Koh Pha Ngan. The incident occurred at 4pm yesterday, June 24, when Police Lieutenant Vinij Boonchit, Tourism Police Section 5, Division 2, with his investigative team, apprehended Sarayuth with 73.82 grammes of crystal methamphetamine and 150 methamphetamine pills. The arrest took place near…
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Sabotage suspected after 3 locals injured by exploding electrical appliances
Three residents in the central province of Lop Buri sustained injuries in explosions after using electrical appliances retrieved from a landfill. Police now suspect the incidents were deliberate rather than accidental. Officers from Ban Mi Police Station were alerted to an explosion at a house in the Chon Mueang sub-district on Monday night, June 23. Two people were injured, including…
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Cambodian man dies in storm drain fishing tragedy
A Cambodian man’s tragic death in a storm drain has prompted a warning against fishing in such locations. The 33 year old, identified as Chuean Ra, also known as Yao, was found dead yesterday, June 24, after being trapped for 72 hours in a drain at a water treatment station in Nakhon Ratchasima. On June 22, rescue services received a…
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Teenagers arrested for bombing outside Chai Wan Hospital
Thirteen unruly teenagers were apprehended following an incident where they threw homemade bombs outside Chai Wan Hospital in Udon Thani. The explosions, eight in total, alarmed patients and medical staff. The group, who were later caught by the police, claimed they had learnt to create the bombs via the popular YouTube channel. Police Colonel Ratphonchai Pensongkhram from Chai Wan Police…
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China and Thailand strengthen ties on 50th diplomatic anniversary
In a bold reaffirmation of its commitment to strengthening relations with Thailand, China’s Foreign Ministry has pledged to enhance cooperation on law enforcement and mutual growth. This comes as a nine-member Thai delegation, led by Tej Bunnag, Secretary General of the Thai Red Cross Society and former foreign minister, visits Beijing to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between…
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Thai jeweller sues lawyer over vulgar outburst in car park dispute
A Thai jewellery store owner filed a lawsuit against a lawyer for provoking a dispute and using vulgar language in the car park of a restaurant in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok. Aticha Thangklang, owner of KK Luxury Gems, posted a video of the confrontation on his Facebook page on Monday, June 23. The incident occurred in the car park of…
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Drunken Turkish teenager gets slapped by Thai woman in Bangkok
A drunken Turkish teenager kicked off on Bangkok’s backpacker strip after losing his passport and ended up slapped, tackled, and cuffed after lashing out at a Thai woman near Khao San Road. The 18 year old was arrested in the early hours of yesterday, morning, June 24, after a booze-fuelled meltdown that turned violent, leaving bystanders shocked and police dragging…
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5 caught crossing Thai-Cambodian border, paid 4,000 baht each
Thai police apprehended five people attempting to unlawfully cross the Thai-Cambodian border. The incident occurred at 7am, today, June 25, when a team from the Burapha Force, along with the Aranyaprathet Task Force and the 12th Ranger Mobile Unit, detained one man and four women. They were caught in a sedan during a scheduled pick-up at the border area of…
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Jurassic World: Rebirth to boost Thai tourism (video)
Thailand prepares to see a significant tourism boost thanks to the global release of Jurassic World: Rebirth, a major Hollywood blockbuster that chose the kingdom’s stunning landscapes as its backdrop. The film, which had its world premiere in London and New York, was primarily shot in Thailand, featuring breathtaking locations in Krabi, Phang Nga, and Trang. Not only will Jurassic World:…
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Grandmother flees to temple to escape loan sharks in Chon Buri
A grandmother, burdened with caring for her four grandchildren, sought refuge in a temple in Chon Buri province after being pursued by loan sharks. Unable to repay the money borrowed for her grilled catfish business, she faced threats and harassment, forcing her to live in hiding. Her grandchildren, all boys, range from 4 to 12 years old. The family’s plight…
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AirAsia celebrates 16 years of success with exclusive trip to Krabi
AirAsia is celebrating its 16th consecutive title as the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline, and they did it in style with a special trip to Krabi. In partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the airline hosted over 120 key opinion leaders (KOLs) and media representatives from across Asia, aiming to promote Green Season travel and showcase Krabi as a…
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Family finds rare two-headed snake in Chiang Mai home
A family in Phayao, returning to their home in Chiang Mai, discovered a two-headed snake while cleaning their house. The unusual find yesterday, June 24, was made at house number 40/2 in Mueang Don Luang, Nong Tong subdistrict, Hang Dong district. While cleaning a wardrobe, the family found the snake, approximately 40 centimetres in length, with yellow and black colouring…
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Cambodia assures SEA games go ahead despite border tensions
Despite growing political tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, the kingdom’s athletes are pushing forward with their preparations for the upcoming 33rd SEA Games, set to take place in Bangkok this December. Vath Chamroeun, Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC), reassured the public that the ongoing border dispute will not interfere with the prestigious sporting event. Speaking…
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Neigh-sayers: Thai boy trots to school stardom
A Thai boy in the central province of Ang Thong has gone viral on social media for riding a horse to school. The school director supported the idea, saying it is part of the school’s soft power initiative. The 16 year old boy, Teeraphat “Ten” Ransawaranon, drew attention from Thai media for his unique way of commuting to Wiset Chai…
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Burglar caught in Bangkok with stolen Buddha statues and amulets
Bang Khen police officers apprehended a burglar who targeted homes in the Ram Inthra area, stealing Buddha statues and amulets to sell to collectors for online gambling funds. At 4pm yesterday, June 24, Police Colonel Anan Warasat from Bang Khen Police Station, along with Deputy Police Colonel Sunpich Sirisoonthorn, Police Lieutenant Adul Phothakan, Police Lieutenant Suwapich Insingh, and the Bang…
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Tragic fire claims life of 78 year old woman in Chon Buri
A tragic fire engulfed a luxury home in Chon Buri, resulting in the death of a 78 year old bedridden woman. The incident occurred at 4am today, June 25, when local police and firefighters were alerted to a blaze at a residence in Soi Baan Piyawat 2/2, village 3, Samed subdistrict, Mueang district. Emergency services promptly arrived at the two-storey…
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Thai military may close Surin temple amid border tensions
Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stated yesterday that local military commanders may advise the closure of Ta Muen Thom Temple in Surin province if tensions at the Thai-Cambodian border escalate. The temple, along with the nearby Prasat Ta Kwai, has become a focal point in the ongoing border disagreement. Recently, there were complaints from Thai citizens regarding inappropriate behaviour by Cambodian…
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Rev it up: Tax breaks drive Thai pickup market into high gear
Thailand’s struggling pickup market is getting a turbo boost from a government scheme that lets drivers swap their clapped-out motors for shiny new rides, with tax breaks thrown in to sweeten the deal. The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is banking on a state-backed trade-in scheme to kickstart domestic pickup sales, which have taken a sharp nosedive this year. Sales…
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Bangkok expressway turns into treasure hunt after cash falls from vehicle
Chaos erupted on the Sirat Expressway after motorists stopped to collect cash that was dropped on the road. While some handed the money to the police to return it to the rightful owner, others disappeared with the unexpected windfall. Police Senior Sergeant Major Phatsakorn Pramuansin of Highway Police Station 1 told Channel 7 yesterday, June 24, that he was driving…
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Police probe death of unidentified man in Ayutthaya canal
Ayutthaya police are investigating the death of an unidentified man found in the Raphiphat Canal in Phachi district yesterday. The inquiry is focusing on migrant worker communities in the vicinity. The deceased, estimated to be between 40 and 60 years old, had grey hair and was approximately 160 to 170 centimetres tall. A floral-patterned cloth was wrapped around his torso,…
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Totes tragic: Luxury handbag hire scene left holding the purse
Thailand’s luxury handbag hire scene has lost its sparkle, thanks to tighter wallets, fewer holidays and a growing trend for subtle spending over flashy splurges. Siam Borrow Bag Co Ltd, once riding high on the rise of rented luxury, is now facing a serious slump. Founder and owner Chadasa Panomyant says the high-end accessory rental business has struggled to bounce…
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Thai man arrested minutes after stealing 1.3 million baht gold from Songkhla mall
A security guard and patrol police officers swiftly arrested a Thai man who stole five gold necklaces worth approximately 1.3 million baht from a shop inside a shopping mall in Hat Yai district in the southern province of Songkhla yesterday, June 24. The security guard pursued the thief from the mall on Phetchakasem Road to Soi Phetchakasem 41, around 300…
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Phuket cracks down on illegal migrant labour, 48 workers arrested
To tackle illegal employment, Phuket is tightening its grip on the island’s massive migrant workforce, which now includes around 126,980 workers from Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Provincial officials are stepping up their efforts to ensure foreign workers comply with regulations, with a new focus on monitoring businesses and ensuring fairness in employment practices. On Monday, June 23, Thanapong Oncharoen,…
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Rain and shine: Thailand braced for torrential takeover
Get your brollies out, folks, the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) is sounding the alarm today, predicting relentless downpours across 29 provinces. Yes, that includes Bangkok! Brace yourselves, as about 40% of the city could face a serious soaking. Residents are advised to be cautious of potential flash floods, forest runoffs, and landslides, especially in mountainous regions and low-lying areas. The…
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Heartfelt project: Thai photographer offers portraits and snacks to border soldiers
A Thai photographer offered free portraits and snacks to soldiers stationed at Prasat Ta Muean Thom, a tourist attraction located near the Thailand-Cambodia border and associated with territorial tensions, as a gesture of encouragement and appreciation for their hard work. The photographer, Jirasak “G” Charoenwong, shared a video on his TikTok account, @photoharvest_g_lee, on Sunday, June 22. The caption read: “The…
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Vietnamese passport dreams are made of this, leaving Thailand behind
Vietnam has torn up the red tape for foreigners with local family, making it easier than ever to bag a Vietnamese passport, no lingo, no money, and no five-year wait required, leaving Thailand behind. Foreigners married to Vietnamese citizens, or with family roots in the country, can now apply for citizenship without needing to speak the language, prove they can…
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Half-price holidays: Thailand’s 1.75 billion baht tourism boost
Thailand is rolling out an exciting new campaign to encourage domestic tourism, with a generous budget of 1.75 billion baht set aside to fuel the Half-Half Thailand Travel initiative. Announced by Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong today, June 24, the programme is designed to stimulate travel during the low season, aiming to bolster the country’s tourism industry and help…
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UN urges Thailand to tackle cross-border trafficking linked to scams
The United Nations issued a stark letter to the Thai government, demanding answers on its role in combating cross-border human trafficking connected to online scam operations across Southeast Asia. The communication, sent on March 10, calls for urgent clarification on 10 critical points, highlighting serious concerns over human trafficking and forced labour in scam centres, which are reportedly operating in…
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Pattaya to fine businesses blocking roads and footpaths
Pattaya City officials have launched a crackdown on hotels and businesses that continue to block public roads and footpaths with signs, barriers, or parked vehicles. In a bold move aimed at restoring accessibility for locals and tourists, officials warned of fines and enforcement actions for those who obstruct public spaces. The crackdown comes as frustration grows among residents and visitors,…
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