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 one hospital visit in Thailand could cost more than your whole trip
Thailand is a favourite spot for travellers who want to enjoy more while spending less. From cheap street food to low-cost hotels and fun attractions, it’s easy to stretch your budget here. But there’s one thing many people don’t think...
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Rice to the occasion: Thai prices drop as India returns to the market
Thai white rice prices have started to fall after India decided to resume non-basmati white rice exports. Despite this development, this year’s rice export volume remains unaffected, according to Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association. Chookiat stated that on September 28, the Indian government lifted a ban on non-basmati white rice exports that had been in…
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Bangkok cops deliver KO to former Thai boxer after hostage incident
Police today arrested a Thai former boxer who escaped after a theft and held two innocent people hostage in Bangkok last Friday, October 3, in the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima province. Officers from Tao Poon Police Station today, October 7, raided the home of 39 year old Santi Jehali, a former Thai boxer, last Friday to arrest him for…
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Paetongtarn defends iPad use at Qatar summit amid criticism
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra addressed criticisms after a photograph of her reading from an iPad at her first international summit in Qatar circulated on social media. The image, taken last week, raised questions about the 38 year old’s leadership abilities. Responding on Instagram, Paetongtarn addressed a netizen who posted the photos and described them as embarrassing for Thailand. The netizen…
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Pattaya woman locks herself in bathroom as cops rush to flush her out
A woman high on drugs in Pattaya sparked chaos when she locked herself in a hotel bathroom, leading to a dramatic police intervention. Pattaya police yesterday, October 6 received reports about a Thai woman who had barricaded herself inside after her rental period had ended, refusing to vacate the premises. When officers arrived, they spent over 30 minutes trying to…
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Elephant rescue: Monk brings trunkloads of aid to Chiang Mai flood victims
A Thai monk from Chedi Luang Temple in the northern province of Chiang Mai led two elephants to provide food and necessities to flood victims living along Ton Yang Road in Saraphi district. According to a report by ThaiRath this morning, October 7, the floodwater level in Saraphi district, Chiang Mai province, remains high, with some areas still inaccessible. As…
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Car crash in Bangkok topples power poles, drugs and gun found
A dramatic car crash in the Huai Khwang district of Bangkok has caused major disruption in the capital, with a vehicle ploughing into power poles and toppling more than ten, effectively blocking the road. Local officials were forced to temporarily cut power to the area in the aftermath. The driver, 28 year old Asan, was discovered dazed and nursing minor…
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Pattaya heartbreak: Six year old drowns in pond while playing
A heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded near Pattaya yesterday when a six-year-old boy drowned in a water retention pond while playing with friends. At precisely 3.06pm, yesterday, October 6, Huay Yai police received a harrowing call about a child drowning at the large pond, sparking a swift response from local officials and a volunteer rescue team, who raced to the scene accompanied…
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Phuket deluge: It’s a washout for traffic and tides
Catastrophic downpours have wreaked havoc across Phuket today, submerging parts of the island and traffic in complete disarray. Areas like Cherng Talay, Kamala, Thalang, and Kathu were battered by relentless rain starting just before midday, leading to dramatic flooding and a partial landslide that had locals reeling. In a particularly hard-hit spot, Soi Hua Khuan Nuea near the iconic Phuket…
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Soldiers recover gold necklace after Chiang Rai landslide (video)
A house owner in Chiang Rai experienced a landslide that buried their home, prompting a call for military assistance to recover a gold necklace lost in the mud. After six hours of digging, the soldiers’ efforts were rewarded when they found the necklace and returned it to its rightful owner. Heavy flooding in northern Thailand, particularly in Chiang Rai, caused…
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Supercar convoy causes major delays on M6 motorway (video)
A convoy of luxury supercars obstructed traffic on the M6 motorway, causing significant delays. The incident, captured on video and posted online, has sparked heated discussions among netizens. A video posted by the popular page “อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 6” shows a line of luxury supercars, led by Ferraris, cruising along the Bang Pa-in to Nakhon Ratchasima stretch of the M6…
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Bangkok police arrest key member of call scam gang
Police in Bangkok apprehended a key member of a call scam gang that impersonated the Mueang Mukdahan Police Station to defraud victims of over 40,000 baht. Yesterday, October 5, senior officers including Police Lieutenant General Thiti Saengsawang, Police Major General Noppasin Poolsawat, Police Major General Thiradet Thamsuthee, Police Colonel Worapot Rungkachang, and Police Lieutenant Colonel Sarawut Pimsubhaporn collaborated to arrest…
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Student drowns on school trip to Rayong
Tragedy struck when a first-year secondary school student from a well-known private school in Nakhon Ratchasima drowned during a field trip to Rayong. The young girl, known for her talents in music and art, was the only daughter of her family. A Facebook page, เจ๊มอย V+, initially posted the heart-wrenching news. “Again? A private school in Korat took students on…
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Teen suspect dies after escaping police and jumping into canal
A 17 year old suspect died after escaping from custody and jumping into the Saen Saeb Canal while being transported to Min Buri Juvenile Court. Despite a search effort, his body was found drowned. Police Lieutenant Colonel Phichitphon Ratchakom from Min Buri Police Station received a report on October 4 about a 17 year old male juvenile suspect, who had…
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Car crash on Lat Phrao Soi 48 causes major power outage
A car collided with an electric pole on Lat Phrao Soi 48, causing significant power outages and blocking residents from entering or exiting the area. The police are investigating the accident, which occurred early this morning. At around 6am today, a Honda City, white in colour, with the registration number 717 Bangkok, crashed into an electric pole on Lat Phrao…
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Infant found abandoned on Jomtien Beach, investigation underway
A baby, estimated to be three to four months old, was found abandoned on Jomtien Beach, covered in sand. A good Samaritan discovered the infant early yesterday morning and promptly alerted the police. At around 7.30am, yesterday, October 5, Suchart Khunjeng, a Pattaya City Councilman, and Petty Officer 1st Class Sawet Phueamphun, head of the Jomtien District Municipality, responded to…
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Parents seek 1.21 million baht for kids they didn’t raise
Parents of some students who died in the tragic bus fire have attempted to claim 1.21 million baht in compensation each, despite not having raised the children, the Office of Attorney-General (OAG) reported. The provincial prosecution office in Uthai Thani discovered irregularities while contacting the families of the victims, according to Kosolwat Inthuchanyong, head of the office for rights protection…
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Former boxer’s wife charged after Bangkok police standoff
A former boxer’s wife faces multiple charges after a dramatic standoff and police chase in Bangkok. The search for her husband continues. Bang Sue police escorted 42 year old Potjanee Boonlong to the Criminal Court today, October 6, seeking a 12-day detention approval. Charged with illegal possession of a gun, carrying it without permission, carrying it in public without a…
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Two elephants drown amid severe flooding in Chiang Mai park
Two elephants tragically drowned following severe flooding at Chiang Mai’s Elephant Nature Park in the Mae Taeng district. As efforts intensify to rescue animals stranded by rising waters, the park’s 126 elephants face unprecedented challenges. The park confirmed the deaths of two elephants, swept away by the floodwaters. Phang Fah Sai, a female elephant, was discovered near the Sibsan resort…
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Man high on meth terrifies employee at Udon Thani petrol station
A petrol station employee in Udon Thani was left terrified when a man, barefoot and behaving erratically, approached her while she was resting in the office. The man then groped himself and attempted to rush at her, prompting her to flee for help. Police later apprehended him, discovering he was under the influence of methamphetamine (meth). Police officers Udon Suksiri…
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Thai Excise Department ramps up crackdown on illegal goods
Thailand’s Excise Department has intensified its crackdown on illegal goods, reporting 33,359 cases, a 28% increase, with estimated fines exceeding 2.4 billion baht. The Deputy Minister of Finance, Paophum Rojanasakul, announced yesterday, October 4, that the Ministry of Finance, through the Excise Department, has effectively ramped up its nationwide efforts to combat violations of excise laws. The department reported 33,359…
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Fire kills 11 cats and injures five in Bangkok home
Firefighters battled a blaze on the second floor of a house in Bangkok, discovering the tragic scene of 11 cats dead and five severely injured. The owner was in shock, revealing she housed 29 cats there. Officers from Thungkhru Police Station received a report of a fire at 6.40pm yesterday, October 4, at a residential home within Khlong Kao Hong…
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Facebook debate erupts over unclear pricing at Thailand buffet
A Facebook user recently sparked a debate in the Buffet Lovers group by questioning the meaning of the word “net” in restaurant pricing. The user shared their experience at a suki restaurant, where they were surprised to find additional charges for drinks and VAT, despite a sign advertising a 199 baht net price. “Hello everyone, I want to know what…
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Roadworks on Suphan Buri highway to cause weekend delays
The Department of Highways has announced a three-year road improvement project on Highway 340 from Ban Sali to Suphan Buri, with traffic expected to be congested during weekends. Travellers are advised to plan their journeys in advance. The Department of Highways is committed to enhancing the transportation network of the country and is expediting the construction of Highway 340 from…
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Thai shop’s refusal to replace ice cream spoon sparks debate
A mother’s request for a replacement spoon at a popular ice cream parlour sparked a heated debate online after the shop refused to provide one. The incident, which quickly garnered attention on social media, divided netizens into two camps: those supporting the shop’s policy and those sympathising with the mother. The event came to light when a member of the…
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Elephant carcass found in Chiang Mai after severe flooding
A tragic discovery was made yesterday, October 4, when the carcass of an elephant was found washed up near an elephant camp in Chiang Mai following severe flooding. This incident highlights the urgent need for improved animal management during natural disasters. The flooding, which occurred in several areas of Chiang Mai province, particularly impacted the region of Mae Taeng, where…
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Bangkok named fourth friendliest city in the world for 2024
Bangkok has been named the fourth friendliest city in the world in 2024, according to Condé Nast Traveller. The travel magazine, known for its focus on luxury and independent travel, announced its annual Readers’ Choice Awards, highlighting the 10 friendliest cities as voted by travellers worldwide. Singapore topped the list with a score of 94.84. Known for its financial hubs,…
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British man busted in Pattaya after cannabis-fuelled escape attempt
A British man on the run from Thai police had his escape plan go up in smoke—literally. On Thursday, October 3, Chon Buri Immigration officers apprehended a 28 year old British national who was wanted for trespassing and overstaying his visa in Thailand. But in a bizarre twist, the arrest only came after he tried to flee while high on…
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Soldiers in Lopburi camp hospitalised after severe punishment
A military camp in Lopburi has come under scrutiny following reports of two soldiers being subjected to severe punishment late at night, leading to their admission into the intensive care unit (ICU). The soldiers were allegedly ordered to continue working immediately after being discharged from the emergency room. Former candidate for MP in Constituency 10, Chon Buri, for the now-defunct…
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Phuket cracks down on illegal busking during Vegetarian Festival
Police in Phuket have issued a stern warning against begging and busking in key public areas during the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. This comes after several individuals were apprehended at Jui Tui Shrine in Phuket Town on Thursday, October 3. A team of officers, led by officials from the Phuket Provincial Office of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security…
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Chiang Mai Airport operational despite severe Ping River flooding
Chiang Mai Airport remains fully operational despite severe flooding from the Ping River. The airport, unaffected by the rising water levels, confirmed its status by issuing an update at 11am yesterday, October 4. The Ping River’s water level at Nawarat Bridge reached 4.88 metres, significantly exceeding the 3.70-metre crisis threshold, as reported by the Irrigation Department’s warning system. Despite this,…
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