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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PM Anutin sets 14-day recovery deadline for Hat Yai flood aftermath
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has established a 14-day timeframe to complete clean-up and rehabilitation in Hat Yai following recent floods, aiming to return the city to normalcy. During a visit to Hat Yai in Songkhla province on Saturday, Anutin, also serving as interior minister, expressed appreciation to the rescuers who have been active since the onset of the disaster. He…
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Thai Navy boosts Vietnam ties, denies frigate deal claims
The Royal Thai Navy has reaffirmed its close military cooperation with Vietnam and provided an update on the status of its planned frigate procurement, stating the process remains in its early stages and is being handled with transparency and care. Today, December 6, Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiyapan, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Navy, said the naval relationship between Thailand and…
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Cyanide confirmed in Channel 8 reporter’s body, investigation ongoing
Thai authorities are investigating the death of Channel 8 reporter Natthawut Ponglanka after forensic tests confirmed the presence of cyanide in his system. Natthawut, also known as Nutpong, was found dead at his home in Nonthaburi’s Bang Kruai district on the morning of November 30. Initial findings suggested abnormal heart rhythm as the cause of death, but further examination by…
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Thailand urges UN to act on Cambodian border landmines
Thailand has called on the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) to address the spread of landmines along the Thai–Cambodian border, warning the situation could affect the credibility of the UN body and the international landmine ban. Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow raised the issue during talks with Carolyne-Melanie Regimbal, head of UNODA in Geneva, on Thursday, December 4. “The…
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Hip-hop star Way accused of fake stock scheme after wife’s 195m baht scandal
Thai rapper Prinya “Way” Intachai, a member of hip-hop group Thaitanium, has been accused of swindling an investor out of over 50 million baht through a fake stock trading scheme, just days after his actress wife was arrested in a separate high-profile fraud case. A complaint filed with the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) includes bank transfer receipts and chat logs…
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Opposition leader slams flood response committee as headline-making move
Opposition leader and People’s Party MP Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut has criticised the government’s decision to establish a flood response review committee, calling the move unnecessary and performative. In an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and released on December 4, Natthaphong questioned the rationale behind forming yet another committee, arguing that Thailand has already endured numerous disasters and accumulated…
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Vehicle registration rules relaxed for flood-hit southern motorists
Thailand’s Transport Ministry has instructed the Department of Land Transport (DLT) to relax documentation requirements for motorists in the south who lost or damaged their licence plates or vehicle registration documents due to recent flooding. Affected individuals will not need to present the original registration book or ID card to request replacements. The announcement was made yesterday, December 5, by…
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December 6 weather: Stormy south, foggy north, and light rain in Bangkok
Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a weather alert today, December 6, warning of increased rainfall in the south and dropping temperatures in the north and northeast. Bangkok and nearby provinces are also expected to see light rain and moderate dust levels. From now until tomorrow morning, scattered heavy rain is expected in parts of the south, particularly in Chumphon, Surat…
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Sek Loso withdraws from prison duties after family visit dispute
Thai rock star Sek Loso, also known as Seksan Sukpimai, has announced his decision to withdraw from all work assignments outside the prison, following a public incident involving family at the Central Women’s Correctional Institution on December 3. The incident began when Sek’s wife, Wiphakorn “Karn” Sukpimai, took their daughter to the facility to celebrate the girl’s birthday and watch…
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People’s Party demands deputy PM’s removal over alleged crime ties
The opposition People’s Party has renewed its call for the dismissal of Deputy Prime Minister Thamanat Prompow, citing concerns that his continued role in the Cabinet may affect ongoing investigations into a transnational crime and money laundering network. The remarks were made by Rangsiman Rome, Deputy Leader of the People’s Party, following the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO)’s seizure of assets…
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Samut Prakan police rescue student from call centre scam
Bang Phli police have rescued a 20 year old university student who was deceived by a call centre scam gang into believing he was involved in a money laundering case. The student was tricked into transferring money and locking himself in a rented room to stage a fake arrest, as the gang attempted to extract further money from his family.…
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Actress Nana Intachai granted bail in 195 million baht fraud case
Actress Rybena “Nana” Intachai has been released on 1 million baht bail after being charged with defrauding friends and associates of nearly 195 million baht through alleged Ponzi-style schemes. The Criminal Court granted her temporary release yesterday, December 4, prohibiting her from leaving the country without court approval. A psychologist has also been assigned to counsel the 44 year old…
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Mother stabs daughter in Udon Thani after dispute over boyfriend
Police in Udon Thani launched an investigation after a 36 year old woman was found dead in a bathroom, allegedly stabbed by her mother during an argument over the daughter’s relationship with a man involved in drug dealing. At 11.30am yesterday, December 4, officers from Nong Saeng Police Station responded to a call reporting a fatal stabbing at a home…
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Anutin admits SEA Games budget woes predate his term
Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul admitted he was aware of the financial challenges surrounding the 33rd SEA Games even before assuming his current role. Addressing reporters’ concerns about the budget, Anutin clarified that the issue was longstanding. “I knew there was an issue, so I asked [Captain Thamanat Prompow] to work at full speed; everyone’s heads are spinning.”…
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December 5 weather: Bangkok, south hit by downpours, haze persists
Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning today, December 5, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall across 24 provinces, with Bangkok and the upper southern region among the hardest hit. Meanwhile, upper Thailand continues to face chilly morning temperatures. From now until tomorrow evening, people in southern provinces should brace for torrential downpours, especially in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat…
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Foreign tourist allegedly gropes woman on Pattaya speedboat
A half-Thai, half-Laotian man condemned a foreign tourist for sexually assaulting his girlfriend by groping her on a speedboat in Pattaya. The boyfriend, identified as Leo, shared a video of the incident on Facebook on Tuesday, December 2, with the caption, “I never expected this foreigner to do this. #Travel #Warning.” The accused foreign man, wearing a red T-shirt and…
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Minister denies hiring designer amid SEA Games ceremony controversy
The Sports and Tourism Minister responded to the controversy over the cancelled SEA Games ceremony design, insisting that no hiring contract was ever made with the designer or his team. The drama began after Thai visual and lighting designer Rueangrith “Ton” Suntisuk shared on December 2 that he and his team had been working on the opening and closing ceremony…
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Thai netizens call out Cambodia’s Miss Charm video
Thai netizens are accusing Miss Charm Cambodia 2025 of using Thailand’s iconic tourism slogan and traditional-style attire. The recently released video on Miss Charm’s Facebook page, titled “Miss Charm Cambodia 2025 | Introduction Video”, features this year’s Miss Charm Cambodia contestant, Det Sreyneat, narrating the kingdom’s cultural wonders, historic temples, and natural beauty. But what caught the attention of many Thai…
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South Korean man allegedly pours hot water over Thai girlfriend out of jealousy
A jealous South Korean man allegedly poured hot water over his Thai girlfriend in an attempt to disfigure her so she would be unable to date other men. The Thai woman took to a Facebook group of Thai people in South Korea yesterday, December 3, seeking a free interpreting service after she was assaulted by her South Korean boyfriend. She…
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Chon Buri spa denies responsibility on client loses gold worth 300,000 baht
A Thai woman lost more than 300,000 baht worth of gold jewellery yesterday, December 3, after keeping her valuables in a locker at a spa in the Sriracha area of Chon Buri province. The 38 year old woman, Suwadee Fadchin, filed a complaint with Sriracha Police Station after discovering that several gold accessories had vanished from her locker. She told police…
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AOT to hike airport tax in 2026, eyes 10 billion baht revenue boost
Passengers flying internationally from Thailand will soon face higher airport taxes, after the Civil Aviation Board approved a 53% hike in the Passenger Service Charge (PSC) at six major airports. Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, who chaired the board’s meeting yesterday, December 3, confirmed the PSC for international departures will rise from 730 baht to 1,120 baht per person. The increase…
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Asiatique introduces scenic mode and cuts hours after SkyFlyers noise complaints
Asiatique The Riverfront responded to noise complaints over loud screaming from riders on its SkyFlyers attraction by introducing a scenic ride mode and limiting its operating hours. In recent days, residents living near the popular open-air mall took to social media to complain about the disturbance caused by the newly launched SkyFlyers ride. They said the noise did not come…
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Thailand unveils six eco-friendly tax measures for 2027
Thailand’s Excise Department plans to roll out six new tax initiatives to promote environmental sustainability and improve public health. Director-General Pornchai Thiraveja said these policies aim to align with shifting global trade standards, which now place more emphasis on climate action and public health. The measures also support upcoming carbon-related regulations. Bangkok Post reported that the first measure expands the tax…
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Thailand video news | Thailand loosens alcohol sale rules starting 3 December, Former homeless man in Chiang Mai wins lottery jackpot
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jay cover key stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia — from the official rollout of relaxed alcohol sales regulations to cases involving gambling, drugs, and defamation among foreign visitors, plus a heartwarming story of a man’s journey from rags to riches. Thailand Loosens Alcohol Sale Rules Starting 3 December Thailand has approved…
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Trat woman collapses after 10 months on diet pills
A 22 year old woman collapsed at her workplace in Trat and was rushed to the hospital late last night, December 3, after reportedly taking weight loss pills for over 10 months. Investigators suspect the pills, which she bought from an online shop, contain sibutramine, a banned substance linked to severe health risks. At around 10.30pm yesterday, reporters visited Trat…
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Dashcam exposes false account after Thai driver kills British woman in Nonthaburi
A Thai driver fatally struck a British national who was crossing a road in Nonthaburi province yesterday, December 3, before claiming the victim suddenly stopped walking in the middle of the road. Dashcam footage later circulated online contradicted her account. Sai Noi Police Station officers were alerted to the fatal accident at around 1pm and rushed to the Bang Kruai-Sai…
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Nonthaburi driver attempts suicide over 35,000 baht repair cost
A 61 year old driver from Nonthaburi attempted suicide yesterday, December 3, due to stress over financial strain. Police responded to a report of a man seriously injured at his home in Bang Phut subdistrict, Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi province. At the scene, police found Anurat lying in the garage of his home, wearing only shorts. There was a knife…
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Thai actress denies fraud as police seize 10 million baht in assets
Thai actress Rybena “Nana” Intachai remains in police custody today, December 4, over a fraud scandal, but continues to deny all allegations. Police said they have substantial evidence against her and seized assets worth around 10 million baht from her home in Bangkok’s Phra Khanong area. Yesterday, December 3, officers arrested Nana at her home and searched the property before…
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Dumbhead dispute: Miss Universe 2025 winner faces defamation complaint from Thai organiser
A Thai beauty pageant organiser filed a defamation complaint against the newly crowned Miss Universe 2025, Fatima Bosch, after she publicly claimed he called her a “dumbhead”. The dispute between the president of the Miss Universe 2025 organising committee, Nawat Itsaragrisil, and the Mexican beauty queen, Bosch, began on November 4 during a pre-pageant event in Bangkok. The conflict first…
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Thai illegal worker in South Korea seeks help after losing fingers while working
A Thai illegal worker in South Korea sought help from a migrant support centre after losing two fingers in a workplace accident, but is still receiving no compensation. Farida “Aum” Ma, a volunteer who provides assistance to Thai workers in South Korea, shared the man’s case on Facebook yesterday, December 2, posting photos showing that his middle and ring fingers were…
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