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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Thinking of retiring in Thailand long-term? Thailand is a popular choice for retirees because of its beautiful landscapes, warm climate, and affordable living. Cities like Chiang Mai and coastal areas offer a relaxed lifestyle with friendly communities. The country also...
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Koh Pha Ngan police accused of ignoring foreign cannabis thieves
A Thai cannabis shop owner accused police officers on Koh Pha Ngan island, in the southern province of Surat Thani, of inaction after they allegedly ignored a cannabis theft committed by two foreigners on February 26. Jariya Kamonrat, the owner of the cannabis shop, Monkey’s Dispensary, posted in a Facebook group for business operators on Koh Pha Ngan to seek…
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Thailand heat wave is no joke, 40°C and stormy tempers ahead
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) today forecasted that Thailand’s upper regions would experience hot weather, with some areas reaching extreme temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius. Some 26 provinces were warned to prepare for potential thunderstorms from Thursday, and strong winds. The heat in the northern, northeastern, and central regions is due to low atmospheric pressure covering upper Thailand.…
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Fortune turns sour: Fengshui master’s gambling scandal exposed
Royal Thai Police (RTP) rounded up an unlucky 13 alleged masterminds behind a lucrative gambling website, reportedly raking in a staggering 1.6 billion baht annually. Assets amounting to 20 million baht have been seized in connection with the arrested gang. The case unravels the tangled web of 43 year old fengshui guru Thanawan Jiracharoenwes, infamously known as “Tili.” The smooth…
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Boom to bust: Chinese investment in Thai property hits rock bottom
Once a beacon of opportunity, Thailand’s vibrant condo market for Chinese investors is now dimming, as economic clouds gather over China’s middle class. Stephen Yao, a former Chinese investments broker in Bangkok, and Pattaya, has seen his formerly bustling schedule dwindle. In 2017 and 2018, he made a staggering 32 trips from China’s Guangdong province to Thailand. But recent years…
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Thai man blames social security delay for brother’s death
A Thai man blamed delayed treatment under the Social Security Office (SSO) for his brother’s death while others came forward to express their disappointment over the poor quality of medical care provided under the SSO. Facebook user Chatpat Chuthichok shared the story of his brother yesterday, March 2. His brother died in hospital on February 28 after a lengthy wait…
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Bangkok and Ratchaburi drug raids lead to two arrests
The Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) conducted raids in Bangkok and Ratchaburi, arresting two men allegedly selling drugs online with blatant disregard for the law. Yesterday, March 2, Police Major General Athip Phongsivapai directed the operation, which led to the arrest of 37 year old Peerawut and 24 year old Suphapat. The suspects were apprehended under separate charges. Peerawut was…
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Quad tragedy: Scottish man’s high-speed horror plunge in Thailand
A Scottish man’s life met a sudden end after his quad bike smashed into a concrete barrier after skidding on a treacherous road in Thailand, sending shockwaves through the local community. The unnamed 62 year old, believed to have been living in Thailand for over a decade, was catapulted from his vehicle and plunged 30 feet to his death after…
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Thailand tightens foreign business laws to curb nominee practices
Thailand has several laws regulating the entry and activities of foreigners, as detailed by Auramon Supthaweethum, Director General of the Department of Business Development (DBD). The Immigration Law permits temporary residence, and the Alien Employment Act allows temporary employment, subject to permits and exceptions for banned occupations. The Foreign Business Act of 1999 restricts certain businesses to protect Thai interests,…
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Myanmar vessel caught in Thai waters, suspected of illegal activities
A Myanmar fishing vessel was apprehended by the Third Naval Area Command yesterday after it was discovered violating Thai waters near Koh Chang, Ranong. The vessel was towed for inspection, revealing several suspicious elements suggestive of illegal activities. Vice Admiral Suwat Donsakul, Commander of the Third Naval Area Command and Director of the Third Maritime National Interest Protection Command Centre,…
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Drunk Thai photocopy shop owner allegedly tries to rape customer
A Thai teacher narrowly escaped an attempted rape by a drunk photocopy shop owner in the Isaan province of Udon Thani after he locked her inside while she was using the service. The victim, Nachanok Intasang, shared a video on Facebook revealing her terrifying experience on Saturday, March 1. She posted a video alongside a picture of the photocopy shop…
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Brake failure leads to fatal crash in Nakhon Ratchasima
A tragic accident occurred today in Nakhon Ratchasima, where a truck carrying cassava experienced brake failure and collided with other vehicles. The incident, today, March 3, at 7.19am, resulted in the death of a 55 year old pickup driver and injuries to three others. The accident took place on Route 24, Chokchai-Det Udom Road, in Nong Bunnak subdistrict. The truck,…
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Thai shippers warn of slow govt response to Trump’s trade policies
The Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) has raised concerns over the government’s sluggish response to potential trade penalties under the policy of U.S. President Donald Trump, warning that delays could result in heavy tariffs on Thai exports. TNSC Chairman Chaichan Charoensuk stated that the government has made little progress in preparing for the so-called Trump 2.0 trade measures. Trump previously…
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Thai MotoGP bid runs out of track as Thailand hits the brakes
Chang International Circuit chairman Newin Chidchob expressed his disappointment on Facebook that the Thai government has decided not to extend the MotoGP contract in 2027. Newin took to his Facebook account, ลุงเนวิน (meaning Uncle Newin), to inform Thai MotoGP fans that the event would be held at Chang International Circuit for the last time in 2026 unless the Ministry of Tourism…
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Man arrested in Phetchaburi for rock attack on pickup truck
A 34 year old man was stopped by police after allegedly throwing a rock at a woman’s pickup truck while it was stopped at a red light in Phetchaburi province. The incident, which occurred near a police checkpoint, caused significant damage to the vehicle’s window and alarmed nearby residents. The event took place yesterday, March 2, with footage quickly spreading…
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Pier pressure: Pattaya mayor answers abandoned condo concerns
Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet has addressed growing concerns surrounding the controversial abandoned waterfront condo at Bali Hai Pier in South Pattaya, following multiple public inquiries. The fate of the structure remains uncertain as legal complications continue to unfold. The National Anti-Corruption Commission of the Second Region recently informed Pattaya City that the Certificate of Utilisation, which formed the basis for…
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Mae Sot gold shop robbed by delivery rider in daring heist
A gold shop in Mae Sot district, Tak province, was robbed by a man disguised as a delivery rider yesterday, March 2. The robber brandished a firearm and swiftly escaped with approximately 102 baht of gold, valued at about 4.7 million baht (US$137,175), in under a minute. Police Lieutenant Colonel Sarayut Khongthong, Deputy Superintendent (Investigation) of Mae Sot Police Station,…
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Two women detained at Nong Khai with millions in Thai banknotes
Two women from North Thailand were detained at Nong Khai checkpoint after attempting to bring millions of baht into the country. They confessed to being hired and were unsure of the destination province. The money was seized yesterday, March 2, at the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge checkpoint in Mueang Nong Khai district. The operation was part of a crackdown led by…
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Love triangle leads to knife attack in Samut Prakan rented room
A messy love triangle driven by jealousy led to a knife attack yesterday in a rented room in Samut Prakan province near Bangkok. The suspect also boasted about his past crimes involving drugs and attempted murder after being arrested. A worker at a barbecue restaurant in the Bangpu Mai sub-district, Mueang district, Samut Prakan, called Ruam Katanyu Foundation rescuers, yesterday,…
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Chon Buri woman sexually assaulted by male masseur in Bangkok
A 33 year old woman in Chon Buri reported being sexually assaulted by a male masseur at a renowned health massage parlour in Bangkok’s Bang Kapi district. Upon her complaint, the establishment promptly terminated the employee involved. Yesterday, March 2, a TikTok user posted a warning video after visiting a well-rated massage parlour in Bang Kapi, Bangkok, where she was…
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Koh Samui hotel rates surge 40% after The White Lotus airs
Luxury hotel room rates on Koh Samui have increased by up to 50% following the airing of season three of The White Lotus two weeks ago. Despite this, rates have not yet matched the peak levels seen in Phuket and Bangkok. Rathawat Kuvijitrsuwan, Senior Vice-President of Advisory and Asset Management for Asia at JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group, noted that…
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Thai man with depression falls to his death near Chatuchak Market
A Thai man suffering from depression yesterday fell to his death from the car park of a shopping mall near Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok. The 47 year old man, Wanna, fell from the fourth floor of the car park, yesterday, March 2. He sustained a deep cut on his right hand, a broken left arm, and severe internal injuries…
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Thailand video news | Phuket tightens immigration controls amid crime wave, Cambodia deports 119 Thai call centre workers
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jay bring updates on key developments across Thailand and Southeast Asia. In Pattaya, a Danish tourist declined hospital treatment after a stabbing incident, hindering police investigations. Meanwhile, Phuket tightens immigration controls amid a rise in crime, and Thailand faces global backlash over the controversial deportation of Uyghur detainees. Other headlines include the arrest…
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Eagle talk to bogey walk: England putt Schmeichel’s hopes to rest
Team World vice-captain Peter Schmeichel said his Team England counterparts “talked a good game” before the tournament teed off, adding that the Reignwood Icons of Football trophy would not be “Coming Home” at the weekend. Unfortunately, the former Manchester United legend was left in the rough and forced to eat his words as Team England shattered the Dane’s bunkered dreams…
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Thai casino entry rule demands 50 million baht deposit for citizens
Thai nationals wishing to enter the proposed casino-entertainment complex must have held at least 50 million baht in a fixed deposit account for a minimum of six months, according to a government source. This stipulation is part of Section 65 of the Entertainment Complex Bill, which has been examined by the Council of State and will be reviewed by the…
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Phuket monkey steals French tourist’s phone, takes selfie (video)
A French tourist shared a hilarious TikTok video of a monkey in Phuket snatching her mobile phone and taking a selfie video. Fortunately, some Thai locals successfully helped them retrieve the phone. The French TikTok user @justinefortemps shared the video on Friday, February 28, with the caption “Monkey Hill Attack.” The footage showed a monkey, believed to be a young…
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Thailand sees record 1.13 trillion baht foreign investment boost
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed optimism about Thailand’s economic prospects, highlighting significant foreign investment, which reached over 1.13 trillion baht last year, the highest in a decade. In a monthly Empowering Thais TV segment aired by the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand, the premier shares her optimism in regards to economic trajectory, despite last year’s 2.5% growth. “We will work…
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Teen injured in Phatthalung pickup truck shooting incident
A 16 year old was injured when a pickup truck pulled alongside his sedan and opened fire, with a bullet piercing his cheek. Police were alerted to this incident today, March 3, at 2.20am and rushed to the scene in Mueang district, Phatthalung province, along with the investigative team. Upon arrival, officers found an MG sedan parked along the roadside,…
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Bangkok buses now accepts QR code and e-wallet payments
Thai Smile Bus, operating primarily in Bangkok, has expanded its payment options, now allowing passengers to pay using QR codes via PromptPay across all routes. Additionally, the service will also support Digital E-Wallet payments, such as True Money Wallet, which came into effect on March 1. Kulpornphat Wongmacharapinya, Chief Executive Officer of Thai Smile Bus Company Limited, announced the expansion…
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2 foreign couples exposed for dine and dash at Phuket restaurants
Two Thai restaurant owners took to social media to expose two foreign couples for committing dine and dash offences at their establishments in Phuket last week. A female Thai restaurant owner, Narissara O OOp, shared a post on her Facebook account on February 28 condemning two foreigners for their fraudulent act and warning other restaurants to be cautious of the…
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China defends Uyghur deportation amid international criticism
The Chinese embassy in Thailand stated that the recent deportation of 40 Uyghurs from Thailand is a standard procedure of Sino-Thai cooperation on addressing illegal immigration. The move has been met with criticism from certain countries, which the embassy accuses of applying a double standard. In response to international criticism regarding the treatment of this ethnic minority, the embassy clarified…
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