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 Is private health insurance in Thailand worth it? Real costs vs risks explained
Thailand has a strong healthcare system with both public and private options. Public hospitals offer affordable care, but many people, including expats, choose private health insurance for faster service, modern facilities, and more treatment choices. To decide if private health...
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Teenager fatally stabbed in Bangkok new year’s tragedy
A tragic incident marred the New Year’s Eve celebrations when a 17 year old man was fatally stabbed by a group of teenagers. The young victim succumbed to his injuries on the stairs of an apartment building in the Charansanitwong 45 area, while four of his friends were injured. Police are actively reviewing CCTV footage to identify the perpetrators. The…
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Cold weather grips Thailand, thunderstorms hit the south
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather advisory indicating that a cold air mass has enveloped upper Thailand, resulting in very cold conditions in mountainous areas. Meanwhile, the southern region is experiencing thunderstorms due to monsoons, with sea waves exceeding 2 metres. Upper Thailand, including the northeastern and northern regions, is experiencing cold to very cold weather due…
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Caretaker killed in brutal Pattaya rent dispute
A shocking incident unfolded yesterday as a violent altercation led to the tragic death of a caretaker at an apartment complex in Pattaya. The conflict erupted after a woman, upset over being asked to pay her rent, allegedly summoned a group of over 10 men who attacked the caretaker, resulting in his death. At 12:10am yesterday, December 31 last year,…
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Fireworks spark devastating blaze at Bang Saen Beach restaurant
Tourists experienced a terrifying countdown escape as fireworks ignited a blaze at a popular restaurant on Bang Saen Beach. Debris from the fireworks landed on the restaurant’s roof, causing a fire that destroyed the establishment in the early hours of today, January 1. Police from Saen Suk Station, Chon Buri province, received a report of a fire at a restaurant…
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Korean tourist drowns after ferry capsizes off Koh Phangan coast
The body of a Korean national who tragically drowned when a long-tail ferry boat capsized was discovered floating off the coast of Koh Phangan around noon yesterday, December 31 last year. The distressing incident unfolded when a long-tail boat, carrying tourists, overturned amid high waves. A boat captain reported the grim finding to the missing persons centre on Koh Phangan…
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Swedish tourist bitten by macaque at Thai landmark
A Swedish tourist, Joel Gilbert, experienced an unexpected encounter with wildlife when he was bitten on the neck by a macaque during a visit to Phra Prang Sam Yot, a renowned landmark in Lop Buri province. Rescue workers swiftly transported him to Phra Narai Maharat Hospital for necessary treatment and vaccination. Banjerd Roisaensuk, the caretaker of Phra Prang Sam Yot,…
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Pregnant woman found dead in Chon Buri amid drug mystery
A tragic discovery unfolded when a 20 year old woman, seven months pregnant, was found lifeless in her accommodation under mysterious circumstances. Scattered drug packets were found in the room. The caretaker revealed that the woman’s mother had called earlier, unable to reach her daughter, prompting an investigation. Police from Chon Buri’s Mueang Chon Buri Police Station were alerted to…
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Pattaya countdown 2025 carnival draws thousands to Central Beach
The Pattaya Countdown 2025: Carnival of Happiness kicked off with great enthusiasm, attracting thousands of visitors to Central Pattaya Beach. The event, which marks the beginning of a three-day celebration, captivated attendees with a vibrant array of entertainment and activities, setting the stage for an exciting start to the new year. Crowds gathered as the festivities unfolded, creating a lively…
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Thailand gold prices rise by 50 baht as year ends
Gold prices in Thailand have risen as the year comes to an end, setting the stage for the new year. On the last day of the year, December 31, the Gold Traders Association announced an increase in gold prices by 50 baht compared to yesterday. Today, ornamental gold is being sold at 42,800 baht per baht weight. According to the…
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Tragic Kanchanaburi crash claims three lives, one injured
A tragic accident occurred when a red Toyota sedan collided with a van, veered off the road, and crashed into a tree in Kanchanaburi, resulting in three fatalities and one serious injury. The incident took place near Wat Thung Kanyong. At approximately 4.40pm yesterday, December 30, police officers from Sai Yok Police Station in Kanchanaburi province received reports of a…
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Domestic violence video sparks outrage and calls for justice
A troubling incident of domestic violence has surfaced, capturing widespread attention after a woman bravely shared a video of her husband aggressively assaulting her. The video, which depicts a man mercilessly beating his wife, has sent shockwaves through social media, prompting calls for justice. In the video, the husband can be seen physically attacking his wife with punches, kicks, and…
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Motorcyclist killed in Chachoengsao collision with Toyota Fortuner
A tragic accident occurred early today, December 31, when a 30 year old man driving a black Toyota Fortuner collided with a motorcycle at a busy intersection in Chachoengsao, resulting in the death of a female vendor. The incident unfolded around 4.30am when local police received reports of the collision at the red-light intersection near the 11th Infantry Division. Immediate…
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Thailand’s submarine project to finish in six months amid delays
Thailand‘s Defence Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, has announced that the navy’s submarine procurement project, which has faced multiple delays, is expected to be completed within six months. This project had been stalled due to complications arising from changes in the engine specifications. Phumtham acknowledged pressure to expedite the completion, but he stressed the importance of careful oversight, refusing to hasten the…
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A year in review 2024 – Thaiger’s top stories in Thailand
As 2024 ends, we look back at the top stories on the Thaiger. From the Sukhumvit clash between Thai and Filipina transgender groups to Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s luxury stay in Phuket, this year was filled with headlines that captured the attention of all of you. Highlights also include the Bangkok-to-Beijing railway launch, updated foreign land ownership laws, and…
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Bangkok handbag thief caught after motorcycle crash
A dramatic incident unfolded yesterday, December 30, in Bangkok’s Bang Khen district, when a 25 year old man was apprehended after a botched handbag snatching. The suspect collided with a civilian’s motorcycle during his escape, resulting in a head injury. The arrest was made near the entrance of Soi Phahonyothin 61. At approximately 1.14pm, police received a report from the…
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Prachinburi plantation owner killed in brutal attack
A tragic incident unfolded late yesterday, December 30, at a rubber plantation in Prachinburi province, as a plantation owner was brutally killed and his legs bound with a t-shirt, while an employee sustained serious injuries in the attack. The local villagers reported that a group of four to five individuals drove up to the area, leading to a confrontation that…
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Thailand to boost growth with new European trade deals
The Commerce Ministry is gearing up to enhance Thailand’s economic landscape by actively pursuing more free trade agreements (FTAs) next year, aiming for a 3% economic growth rate. This strategic move was detailed by Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan following a crucial meeting with ministry officials and Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) executives, including FTI chairman Kriengkrai Thiennukul. Prime Minister Paetongtarn…
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Lisa tops Thailand soft power poll, beating Moo Deng and Butter Bear
Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal has taken the lead in 2024 Thailand’s most powerful soft power poll, demonstrating her wide-reaching influence as a global K-pop star. Following closely behind in the poll are the adorable pygmy hippo named Moo Deng and the popular Butter Bear mascot, also known as Nong Mee Noei. Sanit Siriwisitkul, head of the North Bangkok Poll Centre, revealed…
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1 million baht to compensate families of Khao San Road hotel fire victims
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports plans to compensate the families of those who died in a fire at a hotel near Khao San Road in Bangkok with 1 million baht each. Injured victims are expected to receive 500,000 baht each. Three deaths and seven injuries were reported in the fire, which broke out at The Ember Hotel in the…
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Social media pressure leads to arrest of minibus driver in rape case
A Thai minibus driver, who was arrested today, December 30, after he raped a passenger on a trip from Bangkok to the Isaan province of Surin, claimed that the 19 year old victim consented to sexual intercourse. The victim’s mother filed a complaint at Phanom Dong Rak Police Station in Surin after her 19 year old daughter was sexually assaulted by…
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NACC denies lobbying claims in Thaksin hospital case investigation
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) firmly denies any lobbying efforts aimed at altering the commissioner overseeing the investigation into former premier Thaksin Shinawatra’s detention at a police hospital. Sarote Phuengramphan, the NACC secretary-general and spokesperson, refuted claims of lobbying to replace the commissioner. These allegations were brought forth by activist and former red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan during a Facebook live…
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Thailand video news | A flight from Bangkok to Seoul has become the most deadly crash in Korea’s history, Vietnam sentences 27 to death in major drug trafficking case
Alex and Jay deliver a roundup of compelling news stories from Thailand and across Asia in the latest Good Morning Thailand segment. Highlights include Korea’s deadliest aviation disaster involving a Bangkok-Seoul flight, Thailand’s alarming New Year road accident statistics, and a tragic stabbing of a Japanese tourist in Pattaya. Other stories cover a tourist boat capsize near Koh Phangan, Thailand’s…
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Russian man arrested for rampage and knife attack at Phuket hotel
Police arrested a Russian man who went on a violent rampage at a hotel in the Choeng Thale area of Phuket, physically assaulting other hotel guests and Thai police officers. Officers from Choeng Thale Police Station were called to the hotel to contain the situation after the Russian man, identified only as Sharapov, attacked other guests with a knife. Fortunately,…
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Giant king cobra caught in fish trap excites Songkhla locals
A giant king cobra was unexpectedly caught in a fish trap in Songkhla province, sparking a mix of excitement and tension. Residents eagerly gathered, hoping to use the incident as inspiration for the upcoming lottery draw. The event began when 28 year old Phadungsak, from Na Thawi, Songkhla, visited his rubber plantation to check on fish traps he had set.…
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Five killed in Prachinburi factory concrete slab collapse
A tragic incident unfolded in Prachinburi province when a concrete slab collapsed in a factory located in the 304 Industrial Park, resulting in the loss of five lives with no survivors. The collapse occurred today, December 30, causing widespread alarm among workers and residents in the area. Rescue teams and relevant officials swiftly arrived on the scene to assess the…
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Man dies in motorcycle crash with roadside bin, daughter devastated
A heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded when a man died after his motorcycle collided with a roadside bin. The incident, which occurred at 1pm yesterday, December 29, left his daughter devastated. Earlier that morning, he had made a seemingly ominous comment about buying something for her if he survived the day. Police officers from Klong Ha Police Station, led by Police Lieutenant…
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South Korean man missing after boat capsizes near Koh Pha Ngan
A South Korean man remains missing after a long-tail boat capsized at around 3am yesterday, December 29, in the sea near Koh Pha Ngan, an island in the southern province of Surat Thani. A boat driver was tested positive for drugs. The accident occurred on a long-tail boat named Phichitchai, which departed Rin Beach on Koh Pha Ngan and was…
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Young man arrested in Bangkok with modified gun after police chase
A young man found himself in hot water after leading police on a chase, ultimately being apprehended with a firearm in his possession. The incident occurred today, December 30, when officers from Bang Khen Police Station, led by Anan Warasart, apprehended 20 year old Tawan in the Ram Inthra 5 area of Bangkok. Tawan was found with a modified blank…
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3 foreigners killed in fire at Khao San Road hotel in Bangkok
A fire broke out at a hotel on Thani Road near the Khao San Road neighbourhood of Bangkok last night, December 29, resulting in three fatalities and seven injuries. The fire started on the fifth floor of the six-storey Ember Hotel, at around 9.20pm. ThaiRath reported today, December 30, that the blaze originated in room 511, which was completely burned down…
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Endangered animal smuggling ring busted at Chatuchak Market
A clandestine network involved in the smuggling of endangered animals has been exposed at Chatuchak Market, according to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP). Director-General Atthapol Charoenchansa revealed that a millionaire businessman, who collects exotic animals, attempted to import a baby gorilla from Türkiye. Details about the businessman remain undisclosed as investigations continue. Police have initiated…
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