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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Tsunami alert: Phuket braces for large-scale emergency drill
Sirens, search dogs, and simulated chaos—Phuket is gearing up for the biggest tsunami disaster drill in years. Local officials announced the CMEX 25 national crisis response exercise, set to hit six Andaman coastal provinces from June 24 to 26, with Phuket taking centre stage. The simulation aims to prepare government agencies, rescue teams, schools, and residents for a worst-case tsunami…
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Bangkok woman arrested for mule account scam involvement
A significant arrest was made by the Metropolitan Police Bureau 3, who apprehended a 28 year old woman for her involvement in a mule account scam. Phannipa Phienamkot or Nong Paeng confessed to knowing she would eventually be caught, as multiple arrest warrants were issued against her, one of which was displayed prominently at her residence. Phannipa was captured at…
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Thailand’s bold ‘3 Cuts’ plan cripples border call centres
Criminal call centres in Myanmar are running out of juice thanks to Thailand’s tough new crackdown strategy. Three months after launching its “3 Cuts” campaign, the Thai government claims a major victory against cybercrime networks exploiting the border. The operation began on February 5 and aimed to sever the power supply, fuel delivery, and Internet access to five notorious scam…
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Bangkok motorcycle repairman shot dead over pawn dispute
A motorcycle repairman was fatally shot in the early hours of today, May 9, in his shop on Soi Phatthanakan 32, Suan Luang district, Bangkok. The attack, which also left another person injured, stemmed from a dispute over a motorcycle pawn agreement. Police Lieutenant Phuwadej Wanichyobol, an investigator from Khlong Tan Police Station, was alerted to the incident at 1am.…
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Polish tourist drowns in Phuket after morning swim
A dream holiday turned to tragedy for a 36 year old Polish tourist who was found dead after a solo morning swim at Kamala Beach. The man was pulled from the water, unresponsive, after lifeguards spotted him floating face down near the Kamala Shrine yesterday morning, May 8. Despite frantic CPR attempts on the beach and en route to the…
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Security guard shot dead at Bangkok waste centre, suspect sought
A security guard was shot dead at the maintenance office of a waste disposal centre in Pravet district, Bangkok, in the early hours of today, May 9. His wife revealed a mysterious warning he had given before the incident, providing clues about potential suspects. At 1am, Police Captain Worawit Meekham, an investigator from Pravet Police Station, received a report about…
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Teen arrested in Bangkok with firearm for self-defence
A 17 year old was apprehended by police after exhibiting suspicious behaviour and found in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The teenager claimed the items were taken from a rival for self-defence. Legal proceedings ensued promptly. At 4am today, May 9, Police Colonel Anan Warasart, the superintendent of Bang Khen Police Station, directed investigation deputy superintendent, Police Colonel Sanpich…
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Nowhere to hide: ‘Digital Crime Clock’ targets Pattaya’s criminals
In a high-tech twist straight out of a crime thriller, Pattaya police have rolled out a mobile crime-tracking system that could change the game for criminals lurking in the shadows. Dubbed the “Digital Crime Clock,” this innovative platform is the first of its kind in Thailand’s Provincial Police Region 2 and offers real-time crime data at officers’ fingertips. The system…
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Doctors disciplined over Thaksin’s hospital stay amid ethics probe
Three doctors involved in former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s controversial stay on the 14th floor of the Police General Hospital have been disciplined by the Medical Council of Thailand. The disciplinary actions stem from the findings of an investigation into Thaksin’s treatment, which has raised ethical concerns about the standard of care provided. Today, May 8, Professor Doctor Prasit Watanapa,…
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North Thailand home invaders arrested with 20 guns and ammo
Four men, wanted for a violent attempted murder and home invasion in Uttaradit province last December, have been arrested in a series of dramatic police raids across Bangkok and two central provinces. Along with their capture, a cache of 20 firearms and over 4,000 rounds of ammunition was seized, sparking concern over illegal weapon distribution. The Crime Suppression Division (CSD)…
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Chumphon chief faces backlash over monitor lizard cooking (video)
Locals in the southern province of Chumphon are demanding legal action against a community leader who shared a video of himself cooking and eating a monitor lizard, a protected species in Thailand. Residents in the Pathio district of Chumphon came across a Facebook post by the male community leader and shared it with various news agencies, calling for legal action…
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Bangkok SWAT busts online gun dealers selling modified weapons
Two suspects were arrested in Bangkok for allegedly modifying and selling guns online, sparking fears of a growing black market for weapons. The SWAT team swooped into a house in Suan Luang district, where they detained the duo, identified as 29 year old Natthakiat, also known as “New,” and 31 year old Suppasit, aka “Peach.” The arrests follow a series…
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15 busted in Phuket drug crackdown near Nai Yang Beach
A late-night drug bust in Phuket has led to 15 people testing positive for illegal substances during a surprise operation near Nai Yang Beach. The two-hour checkpoint, aimed at tackling rising drug activity in the area, took place on Tuesday, May 6, and was led by Thalang District Chief Siwat Rawangkun, also the Director of the Thalang Narcotics Suppression Centre.…
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2 Thai attackers assault and try to urinate on victim in game dispute
Police arrested two attackers who physically assaulted a victim and attempted to urinate on his face outside a convenience store in Bangkok’s Bang Khen district, following a dispute related to an online game. A video of the assault was shared on the Facebook page “อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 6” and received significant attention. More than 2,200 users reacted to the video,…
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Thai ministry discusses agricultural product labelling for safety
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Itti Sirilattayakarn chaired a meeting to discuss plans for agricultural product labelling. The meeting, held in meeting room 134 at the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, involved representatives from key departments such as the National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards (ACFS), the Department of Fisheries, the Department of Livestock Development, the Rice…
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Phuket to enforce 30-hour alcohol ban for Buddhist holiday
Phuket residents are in for a weekend of sobriety as two significant events, a municipal election and the Buddhist holiday Visakha Bucha Day, trigger a major alcohol sales ban. From Saturday evening, May 10 to Sunday evening, May 11, Phuket will see a 30-hour alcohol ban in areas with municipal elections, while a separate 24-hour ban will also be enforced…
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Anutin slams media over ‘false’ ISOC blacklist claims
Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul fired back at persistent media claims that he’s been blacklisted by the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) for exploiting the monarchy for political gain. Speaking out on Tuesday, May 6, Anutin, who also serves as deputy prime minister and leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, slammed the allegations as “false” and called on the media to stop…
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Men arrested in Bang Khen over gaming dispute assault
Police in Bang Khen arrested two 21 year old men for allegedly assaulting a younger man following a gaming-related dispute. The arrest of the suspects, Kittinai also known as Frame, and Supawit, also known as Arm, ordered by Police Colonel Anant Warasart, took place after a viral social media post described the incident, which occurred at 3am on April 29…
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Thai woman at large after swindling money from taxi riders
A Thai woman remains at large after swindling money from at least three motorcycle taxi riders in Bangkok. The most recent victim lost 2,300 baht to the suspect. Natthida, the owner of a salon near Victory Monument, took to Facebook to warn motorcycle taxi riders in the area and nearby locations after a scammer posed as the owner of her…
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Bangkok woman arrested for selling meth to aid bedridden father
Police apprehended a 43 year old woman suspected of selling methamphetamine, to support her bedridden father. The arrest of the woman, Yui, today, May 7, in the Min Buri district, Bangkok, uncovered five bags containing 121 pills and other evidence, following a tip-off from an informant. The operation was part of the government’s anti-drug policy and led by several high-ranking police officers.…
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Teenagers caught at drug-fuelled party in Chai Nat resort
More than 20 teenagers were apprehended during a drug-fuelled birthday party for a woman known as Jan at a resort in Mueang Chai Nat district. The raid, conducted yesterday, May 7, uncovered a variety of substances, including ecstasy, ketamine, love drug, and methamphetamine. The police and district investigators from Mueang Chai Nat, in collaboration with the district administration, had been…
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Phuket Airport expansion set to handle 18 million passengers
Phuket is set to soar to new heights as Airports of Thailand (AOT) pushes forward with Phase 2 of its ambitious Phuket Airport Development Project. The expansion will increase the airport’s capacity to accommodate a whopping 18 million passengers annually, positioning Thailand as a key player in regional aviation. Yesterday, May 7, AOT hosted the first public seminar for the…
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Fire at Sa Kaeo warehouse sends smoke across city
A significant fire broke out at a second-hand goods shop and warehouse in Mueang Sa Kaeo district, Sa Kaeo province, covering the city with smoke visible from over 10 kilometres away. The blaze started at 3pm yesterday, May 7. Police Lieutenant Saroj Buppha from Sa Kaeo Police Station was informed of the fire at a location on the 359 Highway,…
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Thai officials brace for rocket risks at Bun Bang Fai festival
Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri has directed the Department of Airports (DoA) to work closely with communities to ensure compliance with aviation safety protocols during the forthcoming Bun Bang Fai festival. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has established guidelines to mitigate risks, as festival rockets may ascend to altitudes that could endanger aircraft. Approaching festival dates have prompted…
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23 year old dies in big bike crash on Nonthaburi bridge
A tragic accident occurred when a 23 year old man, riding an 800cc big bike, lost control on a curve and crashed into a concrete barrier on the outbound side of the Maha Chesadabodindranusorn Bridge in Nonthaburi province, resulting in his death. The incident took place at 4.30pm yesterday, May 7. Despite wearing a helmet, the rider succumbed to his…
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Krabi locals team up to tackle marine waste in coastal cleanup
A stunning community effort in Krabi has seen volunteers from across the region band together to tackle the growing problem of marine waste along the Ao Ching Chang coastline. The clean-up, which took place yesterday, May 7, focused on removing harmful debris and preserving the area’s fragile marine environment. Led by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) and…
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Surat Thani police hunt suspect in 3 million baht ticket scam
Police in Surat Thani intensified efforts to apprehend a woman accused of defrauding over 50 people by selling unusable airline tickets, resulting in damages exceeding 3 million baht. A warrant for her arrest was issued yesterday, May 7. Police Major General Sermpan Sirikhong, commander of Surat Thani provincial police, disclosed that Kaewta Chookhao deceived victims by claiming she could secure discounted…
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Thai Airways warns of delays as airspace dispute disrupts flights
Travel chaos looms for passengers heading to South Asia and Europe as Thai Airways International issues a crucial warning about potential delays due to the ongoing airspace closure between Pakistan and India. Last night, May 7, the Thai flag carrier urged passengers flying to India, Pakistan, and European destinations to double-check their flight details. While flights between Thailand and India…
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Ancient seashells from Jurassic era uncovered in Surat Thani
In a stunning discovery that has put Surat Thani in the spotlight, a bunch of ancient seashell fossils have been unearthed in the south of Thailand, offering a rare glimpse into the distant past. Experts believe these fossilised treasures are over 145 million years old, dating back to the Jurassic period. The fossils were found across four distinct sites, including…
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Thai mother physically assaults daughter in Khon Kaen restaurant
Government officials rescued a three year old girl after a horrifying viral video showed her mother physically assaulting the child and pouring water over her head at a barbecue restaurant in the Isaan province of Khon Kaen province. CCTV footage from the restaurant captured the moment of physical and verbal abuse, which occurred on the night of Tuesday, May 6.…
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