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 5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
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Nakhon Phanom man credits lottery win to sacred numbers
A 51 year old man from Nakhon Phanom visited the Ruesi Nen Hermitage in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province to offer a pumpkin to revered Grandfather Ruesi Prommeth after winning a lottery prize. The man credited his success to numbers he saw in a sacred water basin at the hermitage. Yesterday, April 29, a vibrant atmosphere was reported at the…
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Thai Cabinet mulls 10,000 baht handout under pressure
The Thai Cabinet will discuss the third phase of the government’s 10,000 baht handout at its meeting next week, with the rollout planned for May to June. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat confirmed that the schedule remains unchanged. “Everything is well prepared, and no changes have been made.” Approved last month as part of a larger economic stimulus package, this…
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Hungarian man attacked by Pattaya transwoman over unpaid service
A Thai transwoman and her friend attacked a Hungarian man outside a bar in Pattaya in the early hours of today, April 30, after he allegedly failed to pay for entertainment services. Officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station were alerted to a physical assault at 12.16am. The incident occurred outside a bar in Soi Pattaya Beach 12. The assailants had…
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Teenage degenerate caught with his hand in the kiddie trafficking till
In a jaw-dropping scandal, a teenage degenerate has been arrested by the Crime Suppression Division for orchestrating a shocking underage gay sex ring in Bangkok. The debauched 14 year old, referred to as “A,” confessed to gaining a 400 baht profit from his seedy enterprise, which involved exploiting friends of the same age. The saga unfolded on Tuesday night, April…
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Retired police general in Bangkok hit-and-run incident
A retired police general was involved in a hit-and-run accident involving a luxury car and a motorcycle near the entrance of Kluaynamthai Hospital on Rama 4 Road, Phra Khanong, Khlong Toei district, Bangkok. The incident occurred at 11pm on April 27. The driver fled towards Phra Khanong intersection, where vigilant locals managed to stop him. The area falls under the…
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Transport ministry proposes MRT Act changes for 20-baht flat fare
The Ministry of Transport is set to propose changes to the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Act during a special session of the House of Representatives next month. This aligns with the introduction of a 20-baht flat fare for the electric railway system planned for September. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri stated yesterday, April 29, that the ministry is finalising a…
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Foreign man injured after falling on jet ski while parasailing in Phuket
A foreign man sustained a leg injury after falling onto a jet ski during a parasailing activity off Patong Beach in Phuket. The Kusoltam Patong Rescue Foundation was called to assist the man, whose nationality and identity were not disclosed, at 2.19pm, yesterday, April 29, on Patong Beach. The man reportedly fell while parasailing, although the height from which he…
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Late shift on Thailand’s stock market clock as SET goes global
Thailand’s stock market is pulling a night shift, with extended hours letting investors chase Wall Street and European giants well into the wee hours, starting May 6. The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) is throwing open its doors around the clock for global investment, with new trading hours for depositary receipts (DRs) linked to US and European securities launching this…
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Trumped up trouble puts brakes on Thailand’s car industry
Thailand’s car industry is veering off course, with annual production now expected to skid below target thanks to Washington’s punishing tariffs and a domestic market bogged down by debt and rejected loans. Thailand’s automotive engine is spluttering, with the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) warning that this year’s car production is set to fall short of its 1.5 million-unit goal,…
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Thai mother and 2 children killed by drunk driver in Tak
A drunk hatchback driver crashed into a motorcycle carrying a Thai mother and her two children, killing all three of them, on a road in the northern province of Tak. A group of people rushed to assist the woman and her young children after witnessing the grey Honda Jazz hatchback collide with their motorcycle, a blue and white Honda Scoopy,…
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Bhumjaithai loses southern seat in shock Klatham upset
A dramatic political upset has rocked southern Thailand, as the rising Kla Tham Party snatched a crucial seat from the ruling Bhumjaithai Party in Sunday’s by-election. Kongkiat Ketsobat of Kla Tham unofficially clinched victory in Nakhon Si Thammarat’s Constituency 8 with 38,680 votes, knocking out Bhumjaithai’s hopes of holding onto the seat. The poll was triggered by the disqualification of former MP Mukdawan…
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Phuket Airport soars as Russians jet in while China jets off
Phuket Airport is flying high despite a sharp drop in Chinese tourists, with Russian and Turkish travellers stepping in to keep the island’s tourism industry cruising toward a record-breaking 18 million passengers this year. Phuket International Airport is on course to welcome a whopping 18 million passengers in 2025, even as the number of Chinese arrivals nosedives, according to airport…
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Boozed-up Belgian tourist smashes up store in drunken rampage
A boozed-up Belgian tourist turned a Pattaya 7-Eleven into his personal wine-tasting warzone but ended up footing a hefty bill after turning the aisle into a scene straight out of Bottleship Down. Chaos erupted at around 4am on April 27 when a drunken foreigner wreaked havoc inside a convenience store in Pattaya’s Bang Lamung district, smashing at least ten wine…
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Luxury durian afternoon tea launched to boost Thai tourism
Durian lovers, rejoice! Thailand’s King of Fruits is getting a five-star makeover. To boost gastronomy tourism, Thailand is promoting its premium Mon Thong durian with an exclusive Durian Decadent Afternoon Tea campaign, aiming to create unforgettable travel experiences for modern, experience-seeking tourists. Launched during the summer High Season, this campaign highlights innovative culinary experiences featuring Thailand’s prized Mon Thong durian,…
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Thailand’s LGBTQIA+ boom to boost economy by 152 billion baht
Thailand’s LGBTQIA+ community is fast becoming an economic force to be reckoned with, with a new study projecting a 152 billion baht boost to the nation’s GDP this year, fuelled by local spending and a surge in LGBTQIA+ tourism. According to research from Mahidol University’s College of Management (CMMU), more than 5.9 million LGBTQIA+ persons, around 9% of Thailand’s population,…
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BMTA to launch super app for Bangkok commuters in October
Bangkok commuters may soon enjoy a smoother ride, digitally, at least. The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) announced that its much-anticipated “super app” is set to launch this October, promising to simplify payments, provide route updates, and offer a digital platform for feedback and complaints. But while the promise sounds slick, there are still a few speed bumps ahead. Kittikarn…
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M81 motorway free for 10 days to boost Kanchanaburi fair
Motorists heading to Kanchanaburi province for the Samburi Kaset Fair next month are in for a treat—free access to the newly completed M81 motorway. From May 3 to 12, the Department of Highways has announced that travel on the 96-kilometre route will be free of charge to facilitate easy access to the agricultural fair, offering a much-needed break for travellers.…
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Father seeks justice for daughter allegedly murdered in Amnat Charoen
In Amnat Charoen, a man’s daughter was allegedly beaten to death by her husband, a volunteer defence officer. The father, deeply affected by the incident, believes it was intentional murder and disputes claims of infidelity. He is determined to see justice served. Recently, at Wat Si Sombun in Chanuman subdistrict, Amnat Charoen province, the family held a funeral for the…
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Cement block falls onto truck, driver injured on Rama II expressway
A motorist has been injured after a large cement block fell from the construction site of the Rama II elevated expressway, smashing onto his pickup truck as he was driving beneath the ongoing project. The shocking incident occurred on Rama II Road, as the driver was heading towards Samut Sakhon. The unnamed driver told emergency medical technicians (EMTs) that he…
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Up in the air: Thailand to elevate tourism with airport upgrades
The Ministry of Transport in Thailand has allocated funds to upgrade airports in three provinces in northeastern Thailand to boost secondary city tourism. Assistant Transport Minister Manoporn Charoensri announced efforts to transform Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, and Mukdahan into year-round tourist destinations. The initiative aligns with the government’s policy under Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who emphasises secondary city tourism, with…
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Thai woman, 70, arrested for brother’s murder over inheritance row
A 70 year old woman was recently apprehended for the murder of her younger brother, a crime stemming from a land inheritance dispute that had remained unresolved for over a decade. The arrest was made by the police in Rayong province, following a directive from Police Major General Thirachart Thirachartthamrong. The incident dates back to 2012, when the woman, identified…
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Fake news sparks panic over Narathiwat dam collapse
In a recent case of fake news causing unnecessary panic, officials debunked claims circulating on social media that a dam in Narathiwat province is at risk of collapsing due to sea waves triggered by a recent earthquake in the United States. The Thailand Anti-Fake News Centre was quick to clarify that these rumours were false and misleading. They reassured the…
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Thai locals show compassion, aid foreign woman in roadside seizure (video)
A foreign woman experienced a seizure on the roadside, prompting immediate assistance from nearby Thais who showed great compassion. Yesterday, April 28, a TikTok user @guyslumclub posted a video capturing the incident, highlighting the kindness of Thai locals who rushed to help without hesitation. The post humorously encouraged support for the poster’s noodle shop, Ann’s Kuay Teow Khua Gai, Baanthat…
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Bangkok ranks No. 6 among world’s friendliest cities for expats
Bangkok has been named one of the world’s most expat-friendly cities, securing 6th place in the annual survey conducted by InterNations. While Malaga, Spain, clinched the top spot as the most welcoming city for expatriates, Bangkok’s high ranking highlights the city’s growing appeal to foreigners. According to the survey, expats in Bangkok reported feeling very welcomed by locals, with 67%…
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PM Paetongtarn’s health scare disrupts Nakhon Phanom visit
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s official visit to Nakhon Phanom province took an unexpected turn yesterday as she battled a high fever and fatigue, forcing her to cancel several key activities. The premier, who appeared visibly unwell, was seen struggling to stay focused during a briefing about cross-border drug issues along the Mekong River. Despite her efforts to push through, Paetongtarn’s…
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Mae Hong Son manhunt intensifies as suspect remains elusive
An uncle and his nephew were laid to rest after being fatally shot by a 37 year old man, last week. The incident occurred on April 23 in Mae Yom subdistrict, Mae Sariang district, Mae Hong Son province. The victims, 65 year old Dike Sukulkij and 41 year old Kamol Sukulkij, were allegedly killed without any clear motive by Yutthana Jatupornsivalee,…
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Defence minister sets 1 week deadline for southern unrest report
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has given security forces a week to submit a report on their efforts to address the ongoing unrest in Thailand’s southernmost provinces. Yesterday, April 28, Phumtham instructed the Royal Thai Army chief to adopt a more proactive strategy for dealing with security issues in the Deep South. The police and military have…
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Thai transport ministry fast-tracks 20 baht train fare policy
The Ministry of Transport is accelerating efforts to implement the 20 baht flat fare for electric trains policy, targeting completion by September 2025. A new draft of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand Act is slated for Cabinet consideration in May. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri highlighted that the ministry is currently detailing the draft law, aimed at modernising…
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British foodie floored in Phuket road horror crash leaves hospital
A British restaurant boss, recovering in Thailand after being left for dead in a horror road crash just one day after his travel insurance expired, has left hospital. Ricky Eury, a popular figure in Bristol’s food scene, was critically injured while crossing a road in Phuket, Thailand, when he was mown down by a motorbike in a devastating late-night collision. The…
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Tragic car accident in Phayao leaves one dead, three injured
A tragic accident occurred in Phayao, where a car from Bangkok collided with a parked pickup truck, resulting in one fatality and three severe injuries. The incident, which left both vehicles severely damaged and debris scattered across the road, took place in the Mueang Phayao district, northern Thailand. On April 28, Phukamyao police received reports of a car rear-ending a…
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