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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Anutin confirms Cabinet ready, vows swift action on economy
Thailand’s new Cabinet lineup has been finalised and is awaiting royal approval, after which the government will present its policy and begin official duties. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has confirmed that Thailand’s new Cabinet list is now complete and awaiting royal endorsement, expected later this week. Once approved, the government will deliver its policy statement to Parliament and begin its…
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Phuket shines a light on Islamic roots with weekend festival
A cultural event in Phuket celebrated Islamic heritage, bringing residents and officials together to promote unity, awareness, and community engagement. The Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) hosted a vibrant two-day event aimed at celebrating the island’s Islamic roots and promoting unity across communities. Titled Retracing the History of Islam in Phuket Province, the event took place on Saturday and Sunday,…
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Bangkok gran blasts cops for blocking 5 million baht transfer
An elderly woman nearly handed over 5 million baht to scammers, then turned on the real police who tried to stop her, claiming they were the fraudsters. The 83 year old granny had fallen victim to a sophisticated scam, believing she was following instructions from a suppsed high-ranking officer. When real police showed up at her Bangkok home to stop…
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Ginger cat ‘Som Bangchak’ brings lottery buzz to Pattaya (video)
A stray cat at a Pattaya petrol station has become a local sensation, drawing crowds with a lottery-themed display that blends fun, charm, and social media fame. As lottery fever grips Thailand, a furry local in South Pattaya is bringing smiles, selfies, and a touch of superstition to a Bangchak petrol station. Som Bangchak, a charming ginger stray cat, has…
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Battered by the storm: 44 Thai provinces face flash flood threat
Heavy rain is forecast across Thailand as dozens of provinces brace for flash floods and landslides caused by intense weather sweeping through the country. Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued warnings for flash floods and landslides, particularly in central and southern regions, including the capital. A powerful low-pressure system hovering over the South China Sea is driving the current weather…
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AI surveillance helps bust truck with 3.7m meth pills in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai police have seized over 3.7 million methamphetamine pills and 100 kilograms of crystal meth hidden in a cabbage truck, following a high-speed chase aided by artificial intelligence (AI) surveillance. The suspect, 24 year old Anusorn “Sanook” Masuk from Ratchaburi, was arrested early yesterday morning, September 14, in Chiang Mai’s San Sai district. Police tracked him using an AI-powered…
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Drunk ex-officer jailed for crash that killed cop and 4 year old boy
A former provincial agriculture officer has been sentenced to two years in prison without suspension after a drunk driving crash that killed a police officer and a kindergarten student in Nakhon Ratchasima in December 2024. The Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Court handed down the ruling today, September 15, in a case involving 75 year old Somsak Asaraijao, who was found guilty…
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Ministry sets up ‘war room’ to tackle frozen bank account issues
Thailand’s Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry has launched a dedicated “war room” to handle complaints from people whose bank accounts were suddenly frozen over suspected links to mule account scams. The move follows a surge in cases involving online sellers and everyday users finding their accounts suspended temporarily, while authorities investigate possible fraud links. The measure was agreed on…
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Green pit viper on car sparks lottery frenzy in Phetchabun
A green pit viper wrapped around the front of a parked car in Phetchabun has stirred excitement among lottery hopefuls, who believe the incident may bring luck ahead of the upcoming draw. The snake was discovered yesterday, September 14, in front of a convenience store near a U-turn by the shrine in Si Thep district. Rescue workers from Kok Sai…
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Thaksin not seeking special prison transfer, says lawyer
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is not currently seeking detention outside prison, according to his lawyer, who said any such request would only be made in line with Department of Corrections criteria. Winyat Chartmontree, the former premier’s legal counsel, gave the update after visiting Thaksin at Klong Prem Central Prison on Ngamwongwan Road today, September 15. It was the first…
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Thailand raises compensation for flight delays and cancellations
Passengers flying in Thailand will soon receive higher flight compensation for long delays and cancellations, under new regulations issued by the Civil Aviation Committee. Regulation No. 101, which outlines measures to protect passenger rights on both domestic and international scheduled flights, will take effect on November 20, 2025. For domestic flights, passengers affected by delays of more than five hours…
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Uncertainty over new alcohol act leaves Thai operators in limbo
Uncertainty looms over how Thailand’s revised Alcoholic Beverage Control Act will be enforced, as businesses await further details on new advertising restrictions set to take effect later this year. The Alcoholic Beverage Control Act (No. 2) of 2025 is scheduled for enactment on November 8, according to the Department of Disease Control under the Public Health Ministry. However, operators in…
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Thailand video news | BoT to overhaul account freezing rules, Three boats engulfed in flames on the Chao Phraya river
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jay cover key stories from across the country. These include confusion over bank account freezes and alcohol sales rules, a fire that destroyed boats on the Chao Phraya River, and, later, a look at how one British retiree is inspiring others to spend their golden years in Thailand. BoT to Overhaul Account Freezing…
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IKEA Thailand cuts prices, targets hotels and SMEs
IKEA Thailand, part of the Swedish home furnishing company, is addressing economic difficulties by reducing prices and launching the IKEA for Business programme. This initiative targets growing demand from hotels, offices, property developers, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Leonie Hoskin, retail manager for IKEA Thailand and Vietnam, noted that fiscal 2025 (September 2024 to August 2025) was challenging due…
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Phatthalung work camp attacked in midnight shooting
A construction camp in Phatthalung province was attacked earlier today, with gunmen opening fire using what appeared to be military-grade weapons. The incident occurred at around 1am on September 15, leaving workers shaken but unharmed. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Thaiger (@thethaigerofficial) Police Colonel Suphat Khunnui from Mueang Phatthalung Police Station arrived at…
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Pheu Thai faces election setback after Shinawatra controversies
Pheu Thai list-MP and spokesperson, Danuporn Punnakanta, acknowledged yesterday, September 14, the criticism suggesting the party might secure fewer than 100 seats in the upcoming general election. This follows significant developments involving former prime ministers Thaksin and Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Danuporn stated that the party would refrain from responding to criticism regarding its waning popularity, which has led to predictions from…
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Nearly 100 Myanmar migrants arrested in Kanchanaburi orchard
Nearly 100 undocumented Myanmar workers were apprehended by police in Kanchanaburi province, hiding in a pomelo orchard after crossing the Thai border. They reportedly intended to travel to inner provinces for work. Today, September 14, at 12.30am, Athisan Intra, the governor of Kanchanaburi, Major General Atsadawut Panyarachun, commander of the 9th Infantry Division, and other relevant officials, received a tip-off…
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Cambodian drones spotted near Thailand border, signals disrupted
Yesterday, 13 September, the Second Army Region summarised the daily situation along the Thailand-Cambodia border. They noted 12 Cambodian drones flying near the border area. Additionally, signals were successfully disrupted for six of these drones. The summary, released by their operations centre, provides an update as of 2pm. The overall situation revealed movements from the Cambodian side in certain areas.…
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Vendor expelled for selling pork as beef in Ayutthaya market
A vendor in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya was found to be selling pork and labelling it as beef by applying cow blood to the meat. The market owner discovered the mislabeling during an inspection, and after confirming the deception, the vendor was removed from the market. Chatchai Kittichai, also known as “Chatchai Talad Thai,” who runs a market business, shared…
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Temple denies funds missing as 40 million baht dispute arises
The Luang Por Ngern Wat Bang Klan Foundation and a former temple committee member have clarified that no funds have gone missing, disputing claims that between 30 and 40 million baht have disappeared. Yesterday, September 13, Porn Panpeng, the foundation’s secretary and former committee member of Wat Hirunyaram or Wat Bang Klan in Pho Thale district, Phichit province, addressed the…
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Factory worker drowns in Bangkok pond after swim challenge
A 27 year old factory worker drowned after challenging friends to swim across a pond, ignoring their pleas to stop. This drowning incident occurred near a restaurant in Lat Krabang, Bangkok. Rescue officials were notified to search for the body, which was later sent for an autopsy. Police Lieutenant Pichaya Chujit, a deputy inspector at Chalong Krung Police Station, responded…
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Manhunt underway after fatal stabbing in Lop Buri
A man, frustrated in his search for his wife, whom he suspected others were concealing, attacked and fatally stabbed his wife’s friend. The incident took place at 8.30pm yesterday, on September 13, in Lop Buri province. Following the attack, the suspect fled into the nearby forest, prompting a police manhunt. The assault occurred at a rented room in Mueang district,…
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Bank of Thailand tackles mule account freeze impact
The Bank of Thailand has acknowledged that the suspension of mule accounts could impact a significant number of people. Discussions with the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) and commercial banks are underway to devise a way to unlock legitimate accounts not linked to mule activities. Yesterday, on September 13, Daranee Saeju, assistant governor of the Bank of Thailand, responsible for…
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Nonthaburi upskirt suspect dies after dangerous mall plunge
The young man who leapt from a Nonthaburi shopping mall after being caught filming under a woman’s skirt has died from his injuries, police confirmed. Police in Nonthaburi have confirmed that the 21 year old university student who jumped from the fourth floor of Central Westgate mall has died, following a desperate attempt to evade arrest yesterday evening, September 12.…
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SCB cuts branches and staff as AI reshapes Thai banking
Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) is restructuring its retail operations in response to rising household debt and the growing dominance of artificial intelligence (AI) in the financial sector. Since May, SCB has reorganised its retail segment into a new consumer banking division, covering branches, retail services, and employees. Chief Executive Kris Chantanotoke said the shift reflects customer preferences and the steady…
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Thai Airways axes first class in bold premium revamp
Thai Airways has confirmed that it will retire its first class cabins, a product once hailed as the pinnacle of luxury but now confined to just three Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The decision closes a chapter in the airline’s history, with first class having once graced its flagship Airbus A380s, Boeing 747s and Airbus A340s. These exclusive cabins, occasionally used for…
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Pattaya officials warn after elephant seen strolling outside mall
An elephant was spotted outside a Pattaya shopping mall with its mahout, drawing crowds and prompting city officials to step in over safety concerns. Shoppers at Terminal 21 Pattaya witnessed a highly unusual scene this week when an elephant, guided by its mahout, was seen wandering near the mall selling sugarcane to tourists. The sight drew crowds of curious onlookers…
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Thai-China rail delays pile up as minister faces tough test
Thailand’s high-speed rail project is facing fresh delays as the new transport minister takes charge of stalled contracts and unresolved heritage concerns. Thailand’s long-awaited China-backed high-speed rail project is once again facing delays, forcing the new Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn to step in as pressure mounts to push the scheme forward. The project, first launched with a groundbreaking ceremony at…
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Housing row settled after Nong Prue home cleared as legal
Officials in Nong Prue inspected a housing project after residents complained a property may have breached building laws, confirming it complied with regulations. At around 2pm yesterday, September 12, deputy mayor Wanchai Saenngam led a team of municipal engineering officers to inspect a property in the Rattanakorn 15 project following anonymous reports that a house was being built taller than…
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Decomposed body of elderly woman found in Chiang Mai river
Locals in Chiang Mai discovered the body of an elderly woman floating in the Ping River, prompting police to launch an investigation into her death. Police in Chiang Mai’s Doi Tao district are investigating the discovery of a decomposed body, believed to be that of an elderly woman, found floating in the Ping River. The grim discovery was made yesterday,…
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