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 to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
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Thai woman’s depression cure bid ends in father’s sexual assault
A 20 year old Thai woman, hoping to cure her depression, moved to live with her biological father in the central province of Samut Prakan but ended up being sexually assaulted by him. The victim filed a complaint against her 42 year old father, Somkuan, at Mueang Samut Prakan Police Station on Monday, May 26 and provided a voice recording…
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British holidaymaker dies after snorting killer cocktail in Bangkok
A fun-loving British holidaymaker died in a Bangkok hotel room after snorting what she thought was cocaine, only for it to be a deadly cocktail of heroin, tranquillisers and sleeping pills, an inquest has heard. Rebecca Turner, had been travelling in Thailand with her partner when the pair took a line of white powder, unaware it was a lethal blend…
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Si Racha arson attempt foiled after drug-fuelled attack
A drug-fuelled rampage nearly ended in disaster in Bo Win, Si Racha district, yesterday when a man smashed household items and tried to set fire to a relative’s home — but quick action from local officials stopped the chaos in its tracks. At around 1pm, yesterday, May 27, police apprehended 30 year old Saharat Nuangjamnong after reports surfaced of a…
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Thai Defence Ministry appoints first ever female spokesperson
The Thai Defence Ministry has appointed its first female spokesperson, marking a major milestone in the traditionally male-dominated military sector. The historic appointment signals a fresh, progressive direction for the ministry’s communications and public engagement efforts. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai approved the appointment yesterday, May 27, making Colonel Dr Dangjai Souvannakitti the first woman to hold…
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Aussie brothers banged up after brawl in Sin City, Pattaya (video)
Two Aussie brothers have turned themselves in after a boozy bar brawl in Thailand’s party capital left one tourist bloodied and battered, the latest drama in a string of shocking incidents involving Australians in Pattaya. Carlos Anthony Madafferi, and his 20 year old younger brother Isaac Biagio Madafferi, walked into a local police station on Monday, May 26, after footage…
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Malaysian man robs Chinese influencer to fund Chiang Mai holiday
A 34 year old Malaysian man robbed a Chinese influencer and university student of 135,000 baht in the northern province of Chiang Mai, claiming he needed the money to fund his holiday. Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station officers held a press conference yesterday, May 27, to reveal details of the case. The suspect, identified as Eng Chee Hon, allegedly committed…
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PM Paetongtarn champions green economy at Malaysia summit
Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra made waves yesterday at the 2nd ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit in Malaysia, unveiling a three-pronged strategy aimed at boosting economic prosperity, protecting human resources, and preserving the environment. Speaking at the high-profile gathering, the 38 year old Thai premier urged deeper collaboration between ASEAN and Gulf countries to tackle pressing challenges while seizing new…
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Bitcoin hit! Crypto king eyes US$130k in grown-up glow-up
Bitcoin is not just for the tech bros and crypto cowboys anymore, it’s all grown up, flashing serious financial muscle as analysts tip it to smash through the US$130,000 barrier by year’s end. Following a high of US$111,000 last Thursday, financial analysts now peg bitcoin’s next major resistance at US$130,000, as the world’s top digital currency shakes off its wild-child…
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Indian thief performs wai before fleeing with 93,000 baht
An Indian man robbed nearly 100,000 baht from a currency exchange shop in the Bangrak district of Bangkok on Monday and performed a wai before fleeing the scene. He was ultimately arrested yesterday, May 27. Officers from Bangrak Police Station received complaints from two currency exchange shops in the area: X-ONE Currency Exchange Centre on Surawong Road and WISE Exchange…
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Takin’ the mic! Thaksin pops up to preach on drugs
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has emerged from the shadows once again, this time turning up at the country’s top anti-narcotics office to lecture on drugs, all while dodging fresh rumours he’s planning another great escape. The former Thai premier rocked up at the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) in Bangkok yesterday, May 27, brushing aside speculation…
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Rainy wreck: Wild crash smashes noodle shop in Chon Buri
What started as a rainy afternoon bowl of noodles turned into a high-speed horror show when a sedan slammed into a roadside shop in Chon Buri, sending bowls, broth, and chairs flying in every direction. The chaos unfolded at around 3pm yesterday, May 27, on Highway 331 in Khao Mai Kaew, heading towards Bowin. Officers from Huay Yai Police Station…
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Pom-pom pow! Big Pom swings at reporter in ‘strength test’ stunt
Controversial Thai MP “Big Pom” stirred up fresh outrage after pretending to punch a female reporter during a bizarre exchange at party HQ, all while dodging serious questions on political rifts and budget bust-ups. General Prawit Wongsuwan, leader of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), was back in front of the press yesterday, May 27, for the first time since taking…
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Thailand braces for more rainfall, TMD warns of flash floods
Weather conditions in Thailand are set to bring heavy rainfall across 48 provinces, including the north, northeast, Bangkok, and eastern Thailand. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warns of potential flash floods in some areas due to a 70-80% chance of rain. Residents in these regions should be cautious of heavy rainfall and accumulated precipitation, which may lead to flash floods,…
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Phuket transwoman arrested for pickpocketing Turkish tourist
Police arrested a Thai transwoman for pickpocketing a Turkish tourist in the Patong neighbourhood of Phuket in the early hours of this morning. Stolen cash amounting to 4,000 baht was recovered. The 38 year old Turkish tourist filed a complaint with officers at Patong Police Station at 4am today, May 27. He suspected a transwoman of stealing 4,000 baht in cash…
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Mexican actress battles brutal heat filming in Bangkok
A Mexican actress has opened up about the punishing heat she endured while filming the new action movie Fountain of Youth in Bangkok, calling it one of the toughest challenges on set. In a recent Zoom interview with The Star, actress Eiza González revealed how the scorching Thai weather made her shoot physically gruelling. “When we watch movies, we rarely think about the…
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Elephants find freedom and healing at Thailand’s Samui sanctuary
In the lush greenery of Koh Samui’s Bo Phut district, two elephants have discovered the ultimate way to beat the sizzling May heat: cooling off in a pool and rolling in mud at the Samui Elephant Sanctuary. Kaew Ta and Kham Phean, both in their mid-60s, enjoy this peaceful retirement after years of harsh labour in logging and tourism. The…
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False alarm: No volcano threat in Isaan’s Buriram
A mysterious rumbling heard by mushroom pickers near a long-dormant volcano outside Buriram city sparked local fears of an eruption, but officials have now confirmed it was merely the sound of underground water. Last Thursday, May 22, villagers collecting wild mushrooms at the base of Khao Kradong in Mueang district recorded eerie rumbling noises on their phones. One man shared…
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Phuket anti-corruption chief slams dropped appeal in graft case
Phuket’s top anti-corruption official has sharply criticised the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) for declining to appeal the overturned conviction of MaAnn Samran, a former local official convicted of corruption but later acquitted on appeal. MaAnn, once the powerful Chief of the Cherng Talay Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor) overseeing Phuket’s prized beach areas, including Bang Tao, was sentenced in…
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Udon Thani motorist fined for repainting no-parking kerb
A well-intentioned motorist’s attempt to boost business at a local food stall backfired spectacularly after he was caught painting over a red-and-white no-parking kerb in Udon Thani. The 45 year old auto mechanic, who is not connected to the eatery, took matters into his own hands on Saturday, May 24. Spotting an empty stretch outside the food outlet, he decided…
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Phetchabun homeowner bets on car number after snake omen
A recent event has captured the attention of locals in Phetchabun who believe in lucky numbers. A homeowner, whose house number 309 won in the last lottery draw, is now betting on their car’s registration number for the upcoming draw. A video was posted on Facebook showing a long green snake attempting to swallow a sparrow on the carport roof,…
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Bangkok condo raid uncovers 6,596 illegal e-cigarettes
A man and a woman employed to sell e-cigarettes were apprehended in a Bang Kapi district condominium, with police seizing over 6,596 pieces of disposable e-cigarettes. The operation occurred yesterday, May 26, when officers from the Special Tools and News Analysis Division, under the Metropolitan Police Bureau, executed a search warrant at a condo in Bangkok. Anan, a 40 year…
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Bangkok taxi crackdown nets 76 drivers for cheating and refusals
Bangkok’s tourist police are cracking down hard on taxi drivers who cheat tourists by refusing rides, avoiding meters, or blocking traffic. In a major enforcement sweep, 76 drivers were arrested for violating the law in the city’s busy tourist areas. Today, May 27, Police Lieutenant General Saksira Pueak-am, Commander-in-Chief of the Tourist Police Bureau, ordered strict action to ensure taxi…
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Female university students fall victim to secret sexually harassing chat group
Students at Thammasat University are calling for action to be taken against an instructor, male students, and alumni involved in a secret group chat used to share images of female students accompanied by sexually harassing comments. Rumours circulated within an online community of Thammasat students and alumni about the existence of a private chat group where male members allegedly exchanged…
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Police officer dismissed over 7,000 baht extortion in Chiang Mai
A police officer has been dismissed after allegedly extorting 7,000 baht from a 21 year old man who was urinating by the roadside, claiming it was a fee to clear a drunk driving charge. The incident took place on the Hod-Doi Tao Road in Chiang Mai province. The accused, posing as a police officer, reportedly intimidated the victim with a…
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Fatal collision in Suphan Buri claims two lives
A tragic accident occurred yesterday, May 26, when a car collided with a motorcycle, resulting in the deaths of two people. The incident took place at a U-turn in front of Sam Chuk Temple, on Highway 340 heading towards Suphan Buri, in Sam Chuk district, Suphan Buri province. The Samerkan Rescue Foundation reported the incident, prompting coordination with Sam Chuk…
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3 dead, dog electrocuted in storm-hit garage in Ayutthaya
In Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, three people and a dog were found dead, believed to have been electrocuted during a storm this morning. The victims were discovered in a garage of a home in Samphao Lom district around 6.30am. Police Captain Samart Raksasak, a sub-inspector, revealed that the bodies were found lying near two parked cars inside a metal-framed lean-to…
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Pedestrian killed in Pathum Thani accident due to poor lighting
A 25 year old man driving a car in Pathum Thani, Thailand, struck and killed a 41 year old pedestrian due to inadequate street lighting. The accident occurred on Chiang Rak-Bang Khan Road near a dormitory in Khlong Luang district. Police Lieutenant Thanapuvapass Si Suai from Khlong Luang Police Station was informed of the fatal accident. Emergency services, including traffic…
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Thai billionaire passes empire torch to next generation
Thailand’s second-richest man, Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, is handing over the reins of his sprawling business empire to his five children as he steps back from day-to-day management. The 81 year old billionaire has transferred ownership of two major listed companies to his offspring, signalling a major shift in the country’s corporate landscape. According to filings made late yesterday, May 26, by…
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House collapses over 4 construction workers during demolition
A house in Samut Prakan province near Bangkok collapsed on top of four construction workers while they were demolishing it today, May 27. Fortunately, all four victims were rescued safely. The collapse occurred in the morning at a residence in Soi Thepharak 70 in the Mueang Samut Prakan district. The house had a concrete ground floor and a wooden upper…
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Thailand’s helmet crackdown kicks off June 1 with hefty fines
Thailand’s police are ramping up efforts to curb traffic accidents with a nationwide Road Safety Project launching on this Sunday, June 1, targeting drivers and passengers who refuse to wear helmets. The crackdown comes with hefty penalties: fines of up to 2,000 baht, doubled if a motorcyclist’s passenger isn’t helmeted. Today, May 27, Police Lieutenant General Nitithorn Jintakanon, Commander of…
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