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 9 most common health issues covered by insurance for expats in Thailand
Thailand is a popular destination for expats due to its affordable lifestyle and excellent healthcare system. However, settling in a new country often brings health concerns. To ensure you’re covered for the most common medical needs, understanding what expat health...
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Thailand caps airfares to curb Songkran holiday price hikes
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) announced yesterday, February 3, its plans to address the issue of high airfares during peak travel periods, especially around the Songkran holiday. According to CAAT chief Suttipong Kongpool, the initiative is in response to a directive from Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, aimed at regulating airfares for the benefit of…
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Thailand’s most polluted areas revealed in air quality report
IQAir released a real-time report on air quality in Thailand highlighting the top 10 areas with the highest levels of PM 2.5 pollution, a fine particulate matter known to affect health. As of 8.49am, today, February 4, these areas were identified as having air quality levels that pose health risks, marked in red for their severity. The list of the…
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Thai couple seeks answers after unborn baby vanishes from womb and hospital records
A Thai couple is demanding an explanation from a hospital in Pathum Thani province, near Bangkok, after one of their unborn children went missing from both the woman’s womb and the hospital’s database. The couple, 42 year old Wicharn and 38 year old Rungarun, sought help from non-profit organisation Saimai Survive after the loss of their unborn twins and confusion…
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Bangkok commits to dust-free classrooms amidst pollution concerns
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has committed to increasing the number of dust-free classrooms within its schools by the end of the year. During a community inspection in Watthana district, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt highlighted the need to address public concerns, particularly those related to environmental and public health issues. The 58 year old Bangkok chief confirmed that 744 out…
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3 Thai exchange students accuse Filipina host in Ireland of racism
Three Thai exchange students accused a Filipina host in Ireland of racism, claiming she treated them unfairly and complained about them without reason, despite their weekly payment for accommodation. One of the students took to her TikTok account, @ekongza, to share a video of them moving out of their host’s home in Ireland, with a caption that read… “We are exchange…
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Golden days: Dazzling rise in gold prices spark trading frenzy
In a sparkling turn of events, gold prices have shot up, leaving traders feverishly clasping their hands with glee. Today, February 4 marked a golden morning as the Gold Traders Association (GTA) announced a substantial hike of 250 baht compared to yesterday’s rates, setting the trading floors abuzz with anticipation. As the clock struck 9.05 am, the shimmering reality set…
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Chiang Mai teen arrested for arranging underage prostitution
A 16 year old girl in Chiang Mai has been arrested for allegedly acting as a pimp, arranging sexual services for a 14 year old girl with a fee of 3,500 baht. The arrest, made by police following a sting operation, occurred at a hotel. The suspect admitted to earning a commission of 500 baht per client. Yesterday, February 3,…
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Chiang Mai Night Safari welcomes adorable young hyenas (video)
Chiang Mai Night Safari has introduced two young striped hyenas, a male and a female, following in the footsteps of the much-loved tiger Eva. The hyenas’ debut occurred yesterday, February 3, attracting many visitors charmed by the new arrivals. The young hyenas, born to parents Sonic and Sanya on December 13 last year, represent a significant success in breeding rare…
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Man arrested for setting fire to sugarcane field in Buriram
A 53 year old man has been arrested for setting fire to a sugarcane field in the Mueang district of Buriram province, causing damage to over 30 rai with losses estimated in hundreds of thousands of baht. He claims alcohol and stress from a marital dispute impaired his judgment. Police Colonel Chamras Siriliang, along with other officers, apprehended Sombat yesterday,…
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Family arrested after illegal land occupation in Sattahip
Royal Thai Police (RTP) and naval forces in Sattahip apprehended a family for defying a court order by illegally occupying private land. The family resisted arrest, with one member attempting to flee on horseback, but eventually surrendered after negotiations yesterday, February 3 at 2.10pm. Police Colonel Thanaphon Klinkesaorn, along with Deputy Police Colonel Suwichak Ruennuamdee and an investigative team, arrived…
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Thailand video news | E-cigarette crisis in Thailand becomes a national agenda, Thai sex content creator retires and warns fans of impersonation scam
In today’s Thailand news roundup, Jay covers a mix of serious concerns and intriguing developments from across the country. The rising e-cigarette crisis has prompted civil networks to push for national-level action as youth vaping reaches alarming levels. Meanwhile, police in Nakhon Ratchasima took an unconventional approach to law enforcement, posing as delivery riders to arrest drug smugglers in a…
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China’s high-tech research ship docks in Phuket
In a grand display of diplomatic and scientific collaboration, Phuket welcomed China’s cutting-edge marine research vessel, R.V. Xiang Yang Hong 01, in a ceremony marking 50 years of Thailand-China relations. The reception, held at the Phuket Deep Sea Port yesterday, February 3, was presided over by Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong and attended by senior officials from both nations. Among…
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Former prisoner shot dead at petrol station in Chaiyaphum
A 31 year old former prisoner was fatally shot at a coin-operated petrol station, with initial suspicions pointing towards a drug-related motive. The incident occurred in Chaiyaphum province yesterday, February 3, at 2.11pm, just months after his release from prison. Police Colonel Prasit Premkamol from the Mueang Chaiyaphum Police Station received a report about a shooting at a petrol station…
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Taiwanese ‘Meteor Garden’ star Barbie Hsu dies at 48
The entertainment world is in shock after Taiwanese actress and television host Barbie Hsu, best known for her iconic role in the 2001 hit drama Meteor Garden, died from pneumonia at the age of 48. Hsu, one of the biggest stars in the Mandarin-speaking world, became a household name across Asia, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand, after Meteor Garden was dubbed…
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Thai police seize meth pills worth 14 million baht during elections
Thai police seized 700,000 methamphetamine pills in Amnat Charoen province, arresting four people involved in drug trafficking. The operation occurred as local elections for the provincial administrative organisation chief were underway, providing a distraction for the smugglers. The capture took place on February 1, after officers received a tip-off about suspicious sacks hidden in a cassava plantation along the road…
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Hunter found dead in Khao Yai Park, police investigate
A 58 year old hunter was found dead under mysterious circumstances in Khao Yai National Park. His wife revealed he used ripe jackfruit to lure wild boars and never returned home. Police found spent shotgun shells at the scene. Police Colonel Prasit Phakdi from Nadi Police Station in Prachinburi province received a report about a death near Khao Yai National…
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Pattaya Mayor rushes to aid injured tourist after road crash
Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet turned into a first responder after a tourist was injured in a motorcycle accident on South Pattaya Road yesterday, February 3. The dramatic moment unfolded as the mayor and local council members were conducting a field visit to oversee new parking regulations. Their routine inspection quickly turned into an emergency response when they came across the…
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Government raid dismantles major gambling den in Nakhon Nayok
Government officials dismantled a large gambling den, apprehending over 100 gamblers, many of whom were elderly, in a raid on a building in Nakhon Nayok. The operation, conducted by a special task force from the Department of Administrative Affairs, occurred around 11pm yesterday, February 3. Images and details of the raid were shared via the Thai Police’s Facebook page, accompanied…
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Lufthansa extends A380 service to Bangkok
Lufthansa is giving travellers to Thailand an upgrade, extending its Airbus A380 service on the Munich-Bangkok route due to surging demand during Songkran, Thailand’s biggest festival. Originally set for a limited run, the airline has now confirmed the superjumbo will continue flying until April 25, offering passengers a spacious, top-tier experience. The decision cements Lufthansa’s commitment to premium long-haul service,…
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Foreign couple exposed for repeated taxi fare scams in Phuket
A foreign couple in Phuket allegedly attempted to avoid paying a taxi fare yesterday, February 3, but ultimately paid after the driver threatened them with legal action. The female Thai taxi driver took to social media to warn other drivers to be cautious of the foreign couple. The Phuket Times also shared her story to alert taxi drivers working mainly…
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Turkish man caught packing more than just bags at Phuket Airport
A Turkish man was detained at Phuket International Airport after airport security uncovered ammunition hidden in his luggage. The man, Isa Ates, found himself at the centre of a dramatic scene, insisting he had no idea how the bullets ended up in his suitcase. The incident unfolded yesterday, February 3, when eagle-eyed airport officials, conducting a routine security check, spotted…
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Chiang Rai to become major aircraft repair hub
Thailand is gearing up to challenge China in the lucrative aircraft maintenance industry, with Chiang Rai Airport (CEI) set to become a major Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub. The ambitious project, spearheaded by Airports of Thailand (AOT), is targeting the booming Chinese market. AOT President Kerati Kijmanawat revealed that land preparation is already underway, with the first hangar expected…
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3 foreign men attack Phuket tuk tuk driver over parking dispute
Three foreign men attacked a Thai tuk tuk driver in a gang assault on Sunday, February 2, following a parking dispute on a road in Phuket, leaving the victim with serious injuries. The injured tuk tuk driver, Narin, filed a complaint against the three foreign attackers at Patong Police Station and shared details of the incident with the Facebook news…
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Pregnant Thai woman accuses husband of domestic violence
A 32 year old woman accused her new husband of domestic violence in front of her three year old son. The incident left her unconscious with a broken jaw and nose. The victim, A, who is three months pregnant with her husband, Sommai’s child, expressed a desire to leave the relationship but fears for her safety due to Sommai’s threats to…
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US tariffs could flood Thai market with cheap Chinese goods
Thailand may soon be swamped with an influx of cheap Chinese imports if the United States slaps high tariffs on Chinese goods, warns former Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai. The country must brace itself for economic turbulence, or risk being caught off guard. Speaking at the Chula Thailand Presidents Summit 2025 at Chulalongkorn University, Surakiart cautioned that if the US tightens trade…
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Two arrested for fatal shooting at Chaiyaphum petrol station
Two men have been apprehended for the shooting of a former inmate at a coin-operated petrol station in Mueang district, Chaiyaphum province. The suspects, 30 year old gunman Kan and 27 year old driver Uma Wacharin, confessed to the crime, citing revenge as their motive. The shooting took place at a petrol station in Ban Wang Nam Khiao yesterday, February…
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Cool air from China brings storms and high waves to Thailand
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a weather warning for today, February 4, highlighting a new wave of cool air from China affecting Thailand. This results in decreased temperatures and strong winds, with five provinces experiencing severe storms and seas with waves exceeding 2 metres. The moderate high-pressure system from China has spread to upper northeastern Thailand and the…
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Debt-ridden Thai man snatches bag from Japanese tourist in Chiang Mai
A Thai man snatched a bag off a Japanese woman in the northern province of Chiang Mai on Friday claiming after the arrest that he had to steal to pay off his debts. The Japanese victim, 63 year old Reiko, filed a complaint with Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station after losing her bag in the snatching which occurred at about…
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Smoke out: Phuket cracks down on polluters as air crisis worsens
Phuket is turning up the heat on environmental offenders with a major new campaign aimed at tackling the island’s escalating air pollution crisis. In a bold bid to curb forest fires, haze, and PM2.5 dust pollution, the island’s officials have launched a public awareness drive, kicking off with a grand ceremony at the Phuket Provincial Hall, today, February 3, presided…
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Commerce Ministry acts to remove unsafe products from e-commerce
The Commerce Ministry is collaborating with 16 government agencies and prominent online platforms to tackle the issue of substandard and non-compliant products on e-commerce platforms. Under the notice and takedown policy, products identified as substandard will be promptly removed, according to Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan. This initiative aims to protect consumers from low-quality products in online marketplaces. The collaboration involves…
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