News
Thailand news, politics, business, crime, lifestyle, and tourism—stay updated with breaking news and in-depth analysis from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond. The Thaiger delivers the latest national news that matters.
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Sponsored How one hospital visit in Thailand could cost more than your whole trip
Thailand is a favourite spot for travellers who want to enjoy more while spending less. From cheap street food to low-cost hotels and fun attractions, it’s easy to stretch your budget here. But there’s one thing many people don’t think...
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Outrage as daycare teacher caught forcing toddler’s head in Chachoengsao (video)
A video circulating online has triggered public outrage after showing a daycare teacher in Chachoengsao province pressing a toddler’s head to make them sleep. Parents are now calling for a thorough investigation into the incident. The video, initially shared on Facebook, captures a teacher at a local childcare centre forcefully pushing down the head of a two and a half…
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Thailand eyes F1 street race to boost tourism and economy
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has indicated promising developments for Thailand as the government continues its pursuit to host a Formula 1 street circuit race in the country. Yesterday, May 24, the PM engaged in discussions with Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula One Group, at the Monaco Grand Prix to assess the possibility of organising an F1 race in Thailand. This…
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Thai government advances peace initiative in deep south
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has concluded the initial stage of the government’s peace initiative, which seeks to balance security, economic, and peace efforts in Thailand’s deep south. Phumtham has conducted several visits, engaging with senior defence and security officials to mediate peace in the region. During these visits, he met frontline workers, including local administrators, police…
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British fugitives arrested in Koh Samui for robbery and fraud
Two British men have been apprehended in Koh Samui, Thailand, on charges of robbery and fraud, having fled from justice in the UK. Investigations reveal they ran businesses through seven nominee companies on the island. Yesterday, May 24, Police Major General Songprod Sirisukha, head of Immigration Division 6, led a team from the Crime Suppression Division and the Immigration Bureau…
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Two arrested in Chachoengsao for hiding Siamese rosewood worth nearly 1 million baht
Two people have been apprehended in Chachoengsao’s Tha Takiab district for hiding two tonnes of protected Siamese rosewood, valued at nearly 1 million baht, in an abandoned house. The suspects implicated a former government official in ordering the concealment, and police also discovered firearms and woodworking tools at the scene. Chinawat Thepawarn, a district security officer, led the operation alongside…
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Monk caught in drug scandal at Don Mueang temple
A monk involved in drug misuse was apprehended at a temple in Don Mueang yesterday, May 24. The arrest of 54 year old Chaiyaret and 47 year old Pichaibuncha occurred in front of a monk’s residence, according to Police Colonel Phuwadon Unphoti, the Don Mueang police station chief. The arrest was ordered by Pol. Col. Phuwadon and executed by Deputy…
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Body of worker retrieved from 19-metre hole in Bangkok
The body of 33 year old Sarawut Chantasont, also known as Dao, has been successfully retrieved after falling into a 19-metre deep pile foundation hole at a construction site of the Orange Line metro project in Bangkok. The incident, which took place on May 19 at the site located between Soi Lan Luang 6 and 8, required an extensive rescue…
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Helicopter crash in Prachuap Khiri Khan kills three police officers
A police helicopter belonging to the National Police Office crashed yesterday, May 24, near Wat Nong Phang Phuey in Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan district, resulting in the deaths of three people. The helicopter, a Bell 212, reportedly lost control after emitting smoke and losing parts. The initial investigation revealed the passengers included three police officers: Police Lieutenant Colonel Prathueng Chulert,…
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Bangkok mall busted for counterfeit luxury goods in crackdown
Yesterday, a major operation targeted a well-known shopping mall in Bangkok, uncovering counterfeit luxury brands, including bags and watches. The Thai government is intensifying its efforts to combat copyright infringement, aiming to remove Thailand from international watch lists for such issues. Government Spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap highlighted the importance placed by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s administration on addressing all forms of…
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Truck brake failure sparks fiery crash on Highway 304
A truck carrying plastic pellets experienced brake failure and a tyre explosion, leading to a collision and subsequent fire on Highway 304. The incident occurred yesterday, with emergency services working quickly to control the blaze. Police Major Kamolphop Hanwet from the Highway Police Division 5, Subdivision 3, reported the accident involving a plastic pellet-laden truck that lost control and crashed…
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Chiang Rai restaurant struggles as tourists flee contamination fears
A riverside restaurant in Chiang Rai is facing financial struggles as tourists have vanished due to contamination concerns in the Kok River. Despite the safety of land-based eateries, customers remain scarce, impacting income and debt repayment. At the riverside eatery in Ban Pang Ngiu, in the Mueang district of Chiang Rai, the once-bustling atmosphere has become eerily quiet. The dining…
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Thailand’s Visa payments slow despite higher visitor spending
Visa Thailand is experiencing slower growth in Visa card payments by inbound tourists, correlating with stagnant foreign tourist arrivals. Despite this, there has been an increase in spending per visitor, attributed to “higher quality travellers,” according to the card company. During April and May, foreign tourist spending in Thailand using Visa cards increased by 10% year-on-year. This is a decrease…
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Chon Buri police arrest suspects in BMW cloning scam
A slick car fraud ring has been smashed by Chon Buri highway police after a victim’s BMW was illegally cloned and used to rack up fines, prompting a high-stakes investigation and arrests. On Wednesday, May 21, officers led by Police Lieutenant General Jirabhop Bhuridej, Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), swooped on suspects involved in a sophisticated car forgery…
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Cement mixer crash sparks chaos on Phuket’s slippery roads
A cement mixer truck overturned on a rainy morning in Phuket, leaving a driver injured and traffic snarled on a busy route. At 9.45am yesterday, May 23, rescue teams at Kusontham Muang Mai Centre were alerted by the Andaman Narendra Centre about the accident. The incident took place on Thep Krasattri Road, just before the Mueang Mai Tunnel’s red light.…
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Pattaya woman arrested in undercover Ice sting
A woman’s attempt to buy crystal meth in Pattaya’s Jomtien area backfired spectacularly when she unknowingly tried to purchase the drug from an undercover police officer during a targeted drug crackdown. Yesterday, May 23, officers from Pattaya City Police’s anti-drug unit, led by Deputy Inspector Prasit Boonprasit, were patrolling Jomtien Sois 2, 3, and 4 as part of a government…
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Bomb threat panic on Phuket flight sparks emergency evacuation
Chaos broke out yesterday at Phuket International Airport when a passenger on an AirAsia flight caused panic by jokingly warning of a bomb in his bag — triggering a full-scale emergency response and a police investigation. At 3.50pm yesterday, May 23, officials were alerted after 62 year old Thanawut Wichaidit reportedly told a flight attendant, “Watch out for the bomb…
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Bangkok police arrest Chinese photo scam ringleaders
A ruthless gang of Chinese and Thai fraudsters has been busted in Bangkok after swindling victims out of millions of baht with a bogus photo promotion scam. Two Chinese nationals, 29 year old Di Tian Shaanxi and 44 year old Li Shengyou, along with three Thai accomplices, were arrested near a shopping mall on Phahon Yothin Road on Thursday, May…
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PM Paetongtarn pushes UK trade and jobs boost in London talks
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra engaged the UK private sector and Thai businesses in London this week to enhance trade, promote a free trade agreement, and boost employment opportunities for Thais. The discussions on Thursday, May 22, centred around increasing the trade value of agricultural and food products and expanding import channels for Thai goods, including lifestyle products. A Thailand-UK Free…
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Frenchman busted on Koh Pha Ngan with drug and weapon haul
A Frenchman known for flashing weapons at a Koh Pha Ngan hotel has been arrested after police uncovered a stash of illicit drugs, while a Russian woman was caught selling banned e-cigarettes on nearby Koh Samui. Tourist police and Koh Pha Ngan officers raided the KPG Suite Dream hotel in Ban Tai around 4pm on Thursday, May 22, after receiving…
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Seasonal downpour to drench Thailand, flooding expected
Weather conditions across Thailand are expected to deteriorate, with increased rainfall predicted for 73 provinces. Heavy to very heavy rain may lead to flash floods, forest runoff, and landslides. Residents are advised to avoid flood-prone areas, especially in Bangkok, where 70% of the area is at risk as of today. Thailand is forecast to experience significant rainfall in the north,…
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Witnesses spooked as ‘haunted truck’ moves on its own after crash
Locals shared eerie accounts of witnessing a “haunted truck“ moving in a circle without a driver in the middle of a road in the Isaan province of Kalasin following a crash at around 7pm yesterday, May 22. Officers from Mueang Kalasin Police Station were called to the Kalasin-Kamalasai Road in Kamalasai district to investigate what residents dubbed a haunted truck. Police…
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Pattaya’s party problem: Festivals fuel chaos, neglect locals
Pattaya’s dazzling festivals and flashy events may light up the city, but not everyone is cheering. Long-term visitor Alan French has fired a stark warning to Pattaya’s mayor, claiming the city is losing its soul by prioritising spectacle over substance. In a blunt letter titled simply “Dear Sir,” French calls out Mayor Poramet Ngampichet for focusing too much on high-profile…
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Wife suspected in husband’s fatal shooting in Chiang Rai
Police suspect a woman of being involved in the death of her husband, who was reportedly shot dead by the roadside in the northern province of Chiang Rai. Officers from Mae Fah Luang Police Station received a report of a fatal shooting at around 7.30am on Tuesday, May 20. The body of a man, later identified as 33 year old Liser,…
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Missing man found dead in Tak mountains after month-long search
A man who had been missing for nearly a month was found dead in a mountainous area in Tak province. The body was discovered in a state of decomposition, with evidence of animal predation. Police were alerted yesterday, May 22, by the man’s relatives about the discovery on Mount Kroot in Mueang Tak district. Police from Wang Chao District Station,…
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Fake diploma scandal at Pattaya’s Nong Prue school resolved
A private school in Nong Prue, Pattaya, has finally resolved a scandal that rocked its reputation after 19 students were caught up in a fake diploma and fraud controversy. Parents and students accused the former deputy director, known only as “J,” of issuing counterfeit diplomas and receipts, and pocketing tuition fees. The explosive allegations triggered a high-profile mediation meeting chaired…
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Bangkok transwoman caught on CCTV stealing neighbours’ parcels
The family of a Thai transwoman who stole her neighbours’ parcels at a condominium in Bangkok attributed her actions to mental illness and pledged to compensate the victims. Residents of a condominium in Thong Lo, Bangkok, took to social media to expose the thefts. Victims claimed that officers, reportedly from Makkasan Police Station, were unable to resolve the matter effectively.…
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Thailand tightens medical cannabis rules: Prescription-only flowers
Thailand’s Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) has announced stricter regulations on cannabis, allowing the sale of cannabis flowers solely for medical use with a valid prescription. The move aims to crack down on recreational misuse while supporting legal medical treatments. DTAM’s director-general, Somruek Chungsaman, revealed the updated Public Health Ministry notification today, May 23, focusing on three…
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Burmese roti vendor arrested for series of sexual assaults in Pattaya
A Burmese roti vendor attempted to bribe police with 15,000 baht after he was arrested for a series of sexual assault cases in Pattaya yesterday, May 22. Two teenage women filed a complaint at Mueang Pattaya Police Station on Wednesday, May 21, stating that the suspect approached them while they were on Pattaya Beach. He tricked them into getting on his…
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Chon Buri abbot saves starving gran and teen with kind act
A touching story of survival has emerged from Chon Buri, where a 70 year old grandmother and her teenage granddaughter were forced to live off boiled rice water after falling into dire poverty. Now, thanks to a compassionate monk and viral video, they’ve finally received a lifeline. At 2.30pm yesterday, May 22, Phra Khru Thawornsatthakhun, abbot of Wat Woraprot Sangkhawat,…
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Udon Thani boy flees home from alleged abuse by father (video)
In Udon Thani, a 12 year old boy ran away to sleep in an abandoned school, taking a photograph of his deceased mother with him. The boy claimed he left due to being physically harmed by his father and unequal treatment from his grandparents. Ata is now under the care of the Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office and…
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