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 What do you need before moving from the US to Thailand?
The Thaiger key takeaways The most common medical emergencies for expats in Thailand include motorcycle accidents, tropical diseases, and food or water-borne illnesses. Air pollution and heat-related conditions like heatstroke also pose serious seasonal health risks, especially in northern and...
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Anutin hits back at scam claims, calls rumours baseless
Thailand’s prime minister denied involvement in scam networks following international reports, reaffirming government efforts to crack down on cybercrime. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has hit back at allegations linking him to scam operations in Thailand, dismissing the claims as unfounded and politically motivated. The remarks follow a New York Times report naming Thailand as a hotspot for scam activity, sparking…
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Rain can’t stop Phuket Vegetarian Festival’s wildest parade
Thousands gathered in Phuket Town to witness sacred processions, where spirit mediums braved rain and rituals during the Vegetarian Festival. Thousands of devotees, spirit mediums, and curious onlookers lined the streets of Phuket Town today, October 25, to witness the powerful Iw Keng processions from the Tha Ruea and Jeng Ong shrines, two of the most revered events in the…
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Thai govt denies event ban, urges respect for Queen Sirikit
Thai officials have clarified that no ban has been imposed on private events, urging organisers to adjust activities respectfully during the mourning period for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother. The government has clarified that no official ban has been imposed on private entertainment events during the national mourning period for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, urging only that activities…
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New Norse Air routes boost Bangkok and Phuket winter arrivals
Thailand will welcome more European visitors this winter as a low-cost airline launches five new direct routes to Bangkok and Phuket from the UK and Scandinavia. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is celebrating the launch of five new direct flights by Norse Atlantic Airways, strengthening long-haul connectivity from Europe to Bangkok and Phuket for the 2025/2026 winter season. The…
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PM Anutin delays summit trip to lead Queen Mother funeral plans
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has delayed his planned trip to Malaysia to lead an urgent Cabinet meeting regarding the royal funeral arrangements for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother. The Queen Mother passed away at 9.21pm yesterday, October 24, at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, as announced by the Bureau of the Royal Household. In response, the Thai national flag…
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‘Shogun’-linked loan shark gang busted in Chon Buri raid
Police in Chon Buri have arrested two men connected to a notorious illegal loan shark operation believed to be part of the infamous Shogun network, seizing evidence including loan documents, mobile devices, and an unlicensed firearm. The operation was led by Police Colonel Thienchai Lertmaneethawisap, Superintendent of the Region 2 Crime Suppression Division, under the direction of Major General Kiattisak Srathongoi.…
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Phuket raids target foreigners in illegal business crackdown
Phuket Immigration officers launched a coordinated crackdown on five businesses in Patong, targeting alleged illegal foreign operations as part of a nationwide campaign to tighten control over foreign nationals working or investing unlawfully in Thailand. The raids, carried out on Thursday, October 23, followed a directive from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, instructing officials to step up efforts to monitor foreign…
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Lampang teen found dead near socket in suspected electrocution
A 14 year old boy was found dead beside an electrical socket at his home in Nikhom Phatthana, Lampang, northern Thailand, prompting an investigation into the cause of his sudden death. The incident occurred yesterday morning, October 24, when the boy’s mother tried to wake him for school. After receiving no response, she entered his room and made the heartbreaking…
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Boozy brawl ends in deadly stabbing in Chon Buri hillside home
A man was fatally stabbed during a booze-fuelled fight in Chon Buri’s Sri Racha district on Thursday night, following a heated argument among friends. The incident occurred around 10.30pm on October 23 behind Somdej Phra Boromarajadevi Hospital where police found the lifeless body of 40 year old Prasert Iamsaard with three stab wounds to his abdomen. Officers from Sri Racha…
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Queen Mother Sirikit passes peacefully at 93 in Bangkok
Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, has passed away peacefully at the age of 93. Her Majesty Queen Sirikit passed away at 9.21pm yesterday, October 24, at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, according to a statement released by the Bureau of the Royal Household. The announcement revealed that Her Majesty had been under medical care since September 7, 2019, for various illnesses…
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Storm batters southern Thailand as cooler north warms up
Heavy rains are sweeping across southern Thailand as storms hit, while the northern region warms up. Officials warn of flooding risks as weather shifts nationwide. A strong monsoon trough over the lower South, combined with a moderate northeast monsoon, is bringing heavy rain to southern Thailand. Residents are being warned of flash floods, especially in low-lying and foothill areas. Offshore,…
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Intoxicated tourist returned to hotel after collapse on Pattaya street
Pattaya officials found a Chinese tourist who collapsed from intoxication near Walking Street in the early morning, prompting safety concerns. In the early hours of Wednesday, October 22, Pattaya municipal officers rushed to assist a heavily intoxicated Chinese visitor found unconscious near the entrance of the city’s infamous nightlife strip. The incident, which occurred at around 5am, drew concern from…
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Miss Panama takes wrong spot in Miss Grand Bangkok blunder (video)
During an international beauty pageant in Bangkok, a contestant mistakenly stepped forward after mishearing the announcement of the Top 20 finalists. The glitzy event, held in Thailand’s capital on October 18, took an unexpected turn when Isamar Herrera, Miss Grand Panama, mistakenly stepped forward after believing her name had been called for the Top 20 finalists. In fact, it was…
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Former RTP chief and 200 officers found guilty of taking bribes from gambling sites
After more than seven months of investigation, the Police Complaint Review Committee reported that the former Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police (RTP) and 200 officers were found guilty of accepting bribes from online gambling websites. Renowned lawyer Sitta Biabangkerd first brought the allegations to light, accusing former RTP Commissioner Torsak “Big Tor” Sukvimol and hundreds of police officers of…
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Julapun poised to lead Pheu Thai reboot after Paetongtarn’s exit
The Pheu Thai Party is undergoing a major leadership shakeup after Paetongtarn Shinawatra resigned, paving the way for a new figure to guide the party through political headwinds. The shakeup has positioned Julapun Amornvivat as the leading candidate to take the reins, with a formal decision expected at the party’s general assembly on October 31. Julapun, known for his moderate…
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4 foreigners arrested in Phuket for operating restricted businesses
Phuket Immigration officers arrested four foreigners for illegally operating businesses in Patong, including a motorcycle rental shop, a travel agency, a barber shop, and restaurants. Immigration officials launched raids on five businesses along Phra Baramee Road and Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Road in Patong sub-district, Kathu district, following complaints from residents. During the inspection, officers found an Israeli man, whose name…
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SRT ramps up legal fight over land grabs in Buriram plots
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has launched fresh legal action to evict those occupying its land in Buriram, aiming to reclaim 15 plots through the courts. The SRT is intensifying its efforts to reclaim state land in Buriram, filing fresh lawsuits to evict alleged trespassers from 15 plots in the Khao Kradong area. The move follows earlier legal action…
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Southern Thailand man caught mailing grenades via courier
A man has been arrested in southern Thailand after a private courier discovered grenades in a suspicious parcel, prompting a full military-led investigation. Police arrested a man linked to the illegal shipping of M79 grenades after a private courier company discovered live rounds hidden in a parcel. Yesterday, October 23, Colonel Ekwarit Chobchupol, deputy spokesperson for the Internal Security Operations…
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Thai woman duped out of 1 million baht by fake police call centre scam
A Thai woman lost more than 1 million baht to a call centre scammer who posed as a police officer and issued a fake legal charge against her. She said she had been saving the money since she was 15 through various part-time jobs. The 25 year old recent graduate, Ploy, filed a complaint with Huai Khwang Police Station yesterday,…
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Thailand, Cambodia to sign peace path deal with US backing
Thailand and Cambodia will sign a joint declaration this Sunday, witnessed by the US and Malaysia, outlining steps to ease border tensions and boost cooperation. Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeaw revealed the development during an interview today, October 24, ahead of the 47th ASEAN Summit, noting the declaration, to be signed on October 26, outlines mutual steps towards de-escalation and cooperation.…
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Thai police probe report of 11 Koreans kidnapped in Thailand
Thai police are investigating claims from South Korean media that 11 Korean nationals were kidnapped while visiting Thailand, sparking international concern. Police Major General Chaturaphat Piromkaew, Commander of the Foreign Affairs Division and Deputy Police Spokesperson of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), addressed the report today, October 24, stating that the claims are currently under review. He emphasised that, at…
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Thai teen stabs Laotian colleague after being tricked into drinking urine
A Thai teenager stabbed his Laotian colleague at a car care centre in Bang Na, Bangkok, yesterday, October 23, after the victim allegedly tricked him into drinking urine. Officers from Bang Na Police Station investigated the stabbing at a car care centre located within a petrol station on Soi Bang Na-Trat 20 at around 8.40am. Upon arrival, officers found the…
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Divers missing off Koh Racha found clinging to seaside rocks
Two tourists went missing during a dive near Koh Racha Noi and were rescued hours later after a coordinated search by Thai naval and rescue teams. The alarm was raised around 3pm yesterday, October 23, when staff at The Racha Hotel on nearby Koh Racha Yai reported that two tourists, a Thai national and a German, had failed to return…
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Top lawyer questions Thai activist’s charity over shady finances (video)
A prominent lawyer has called on the Interior Ministry to investigate a foundation linked to a well-known activist, raising concerns over its finances. Prominent Thai lawyer Decha Kittivittayanan is calling for a full investigation into the Gun Jompalang Chuai Su Foundation, questioning whether it truly serves a charitable purpose or operates as a financial front. The foundation, which is associated…
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Thailand video news | Thailand set to loosen alcohol laws and extend nightlife hours, Exploring Thailand’s ghostly landmarks
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jay cover the latest stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia — including Prime Minister Anutin’s plans to relax alcohol laws and extend nightlife hours, allegations that Prince Andrew misused Thai trade trips for personal leisure, and a look at some of Thailand’s most haunted landmarks to explore this spooky season. Thailand set…
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Thailand told to aim bigger as tourism rivals surge ahead
Thailand has been urged to set its sights higher, with tourism giant Galaxy Resorts Thailand encouraging the kingdom to target 45 to 60 million international visitors annually between 2030 and 2035. Kevin Clayton, chief brand officer of Galaxy Resorts, said that while Thailand remains a regional favourite, it risks falling behind unless it adapts to fast-changing global tourism trends. “With…
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Foreign man goes viral for swimming in floodwater on Bangla Road, Phuket
A foreign man went viral on Thai social media after a video showed him sitting on a rubber ring and enjoying the floodwater on Bangla Road in Phuket. A Thai man filmed the foreigner floating in the middle of the flooded road and shared the video on his Facebook account yesterday, October 23, with a caption reading, “#NewSwimmingPoolNearMe #Happiness #BanglaPatong.”…
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Illegal gambling ring arrested by undercover cops in Chon Buri
Thirteen people were arrested during a sting operation at a Chon Buri fishing pond, where undercover officers caught them gambling on high-low games. The raid was led by Bang Lamung District Chief Patcharapat Sritanyanon at 8.06pm yesterday, October 23. Acting on complaints from locals about frequent gambling gatherings, officials devised a covert plan to infiltrate the site. Undercover officers, disguised…
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Thai man throws rock at girlfriend’s employer after fight over 50 baht
A Thai man threw a rock at his girlfriend’s employer at a restaurant in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok after becoming angry when the woman borrowed 50 baht from him. The victim, 30 year old Nattapong, the owner of a restaurant in the Talad Khwan sub-district of Nonthaburi, filed a complaint against 30 year old Thai man Thossaphon following a physical…
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Young couple slams into ice cream cart in Sri Racha smash
A motorcycle crash in Sri Racha, Chon Buri, injured two people when a young couple collided with an ice cream vendor, as captured on CCTV yesterday afternoon. The incident took place around 3.45pm yesterday, October 23, on the Sri Racha-Nong Yai Bu Road, just outside the Tid Man Moo Kratha restaurant. CCTV footage shows a white Honda Scoopy i motorcycle…
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