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 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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Thai school director accused of raping colleague in car
A Thai woman accused the director of a school in the central province of Prachin Buri of raping her in his car on December 23 last year in Nakhon Nayok. She claims to have the suspect’s semen as evidence. The 29 year old victim, who works as administrative staff at a primary school in Nakhon Nayok, shared her story with news…
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Thai embassies gear up for global same-sex marriage registration
Thai embassies and consulates around the world are prepared to kick off same-sex marriage registrations on Thursday, following the Marriage Equality Act’s enactment tomorrow, January 22. From Thursday, January 23, same-sex couples will have the opportunity to register their marriages at any district office across Thailand and Thai embassies and consulates abroad. Karom Ponpornklang, deputy government spokesperson, announced yesterday, January…
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Fiery destruction in Phuket leaves 29 homeless: Safety warning
A fire in Phuket’s Mueang district destroyed six rental homes and left 29 residents in urgent need of temporary shelter. The fire, which broke out yesterday, January 20, prompted the provincial governor to call for increased vigilance during the Chinese New Year festivities. Emergency services, including the Phuket Municipality’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, responded swiftly to the fire…
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Thailand urges release of hostages amid Israel-Hamas ceasefire
Thailand is urging the release of Thai hostages from the Gaza Strip following the initiation of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire on January 19. Yesterday, January 20, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) issued a statement concerning the agreement. The statement called for the release of hostages allegedly captured by Hamas during the conflict in southern Israel which kicked off on October…
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Rising PM2.5 pollution forces Bangkok schools to close
Schools throughout the capital city were compelled to close due to rising PM2.5 pollutant levels reaching unhealthy thresholds yesterday, January 20. Nong Khaem district experienced particularly high concentrations, measuring 77.8 microgrammes per cubic metre at 12.30pm, significantly surpassing the Pollution Control Department’s 24-hour safe exposure limit of 37.5µg/m³. Consequently, two schools in the district were instructed to close, as stated…
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Thai tea brand launches bird’s nest drink for Chinese tourists
Napit Sasiwimolkul, the marketing director of Suntory Beverage & Food (Thailand) Co., Ltd., highlighted the continued focus on health among consumers. According to Eastern beliefs, particularly in China, bird’s nest is considered to have cooling properties. With Thailand’s tourism sector showing signs of recovery, data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports reveals that 35,545,714 international tourists visited the country…
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Foreign motorcycle rider crashes on dangerous curve in Phuket
A foreign motorcycle rider lost control of the vehicle last night at a curve along Kalim Beach in Phuket, cutting off a Thai man’s car before crashing into a barrier and parked motorcycles. A Thai motorist shared a dash cam video of the accident yesterday, January 20, on Facebook account Mai All Star, with a caption that read… “A foreigner…
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Thai Armed Forces Day cannon explosion injures two soldiers (video)
A video capturing the moment a cannon exploded, and severely injuring two soldiers during a Thai Armed Forces Day salute, has been released. The explosion occurred on Saturday, January 18 at Surasi Camp, where the 9th Infantry Division was firing a ceremonial 21-gun salute using 105mm artillery. As the 17th round was fired, the cannon’s breech exploded, causing significant injuries to…
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Fire at Phichit biomass plant burns 1,000 tonnes of fuel
A fire broke out at a biomass power plant in Taphan Hin district, Phichit province, engulfing over 1,000 tonnes of compressed fuel. Emergency services, including 15 fire trucks, responded to the incident. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and no injuries have been reported. The facility, operated by Thip Phichit Hybrid Energy Company, started operations on December 24, 2022.…
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Udon Thani man electrocuted during failed cable theft attempt
An attempted theft of high-voltage power cables ended tragically in Udon Thani when a man, believed to be aged between 30 and 40 years old, was electrocuted, causing him to fall from approximately 10 metres. The incident sparked a fire in the nearby grass, which emergency services promptly extinguished. The event occurred near an old petrol station on Nitthayo Road,…
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Thai durians cleared for export to China after contamination checks
Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Itthi Sirilattayakorn recently inspected the export of durians free from Basic Yellow 2 and cadmium contamination at the Nakhon Phanom border checkpoint. Itthi discussed export strategies to China with the Department of Agriculture and relevant agencies. Following Agriculture Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat’s urgent policy on safe, high-quality fruit for domestic consumption and export, efforts to address…
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Dealers dealt a blow: 13 nabbed in Bangkok Nana drug bust
Thirteen drug dealers found themselves in handcuffs in Bangkok’s bustling Phra Khanong district as Royal Thai Police (RTP) swooped on illegal narcotic deals over the weekend. The suspects, accused of peddling illegal drugs to unsuspecting tourists along the infamous Sukhumvit Road, mark a significant win for RTP officers determined to clean up the city’s inner areas. Commissioner of the Narcotics…
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Thailand to rethink visa-free policy for Chinese citizens: Senate
The Senate has urged the Government of Thailand to reconsider its visa-free policy for Chinese citizens, expressing concerns that Thailand may become a centre for criminal activities. Senator Wanchai Ekpornpichit raised these issues during a recent Senate meeting led by Speaker Mongkol Surasajja. Wanchai pointed out that the policy, initially designed to boost tourism, has been misused by criminal groups.…
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Preschool teacher in Sisaket accused of husband’s murder
A tragic incident occurred in Kanthararom district, Sisaket province, where a 53 year old preschool teacher, Somjit, allegedly killed her husband, 58 year old Prasit, while he was asleep. The incident took place on January 19 at their rural home in Ban Khlor. Prasit, also known as Changsit, was found with a neck wound. Somjit, who suffers from mental health…
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Thailand video news | British tourist exposes harsh Thai detention conditions, Cambodian police arrest 300 in anti-gambling raid
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jay deliver an array of compelling stories from Thailand and across Asia. Highlights include the dramatic arrest of a Canadian in Phuket after a chaotic car chase, a “fake hug” scam targeting an Indian tourist in Pattaya, and a British tourist’s exposé on harsh Thai detention conditions. They also explore Thailand’s ambitious casino…
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Police arrest six over thefts in Udon Thani communities
Police Colonel Phatthanaphon Chanphon, along with Deputy Superintendent of Investigation Police Lieutenant Colonel Nitit Roraklongtan and Investigation Officers Police Lieutenant Colonel Banjong Phakot and Police Lieutenant Colonel Pichet Pakkethati, announced the arrest of six men suspected of theft at Mueang Udon Thani Police Station yesterday, January 20. The group included 30 year old Khemanat Upakot, who allegedly stole from the…
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Thai transwoman and boyfriend steal 3 million baht in cash and gold
Police arrested a Thai transwoman and her boyfriend for stealing a safe containing 3 million baht in cash and gold from a house in the Isaan province of Loei on Sunday. A homeowner filed a complaint with officers at Phu Ruea Police Station after the 50-kilogramme safe was stolen at approximately 11.23am on Sunday, January 19. The safe contained nearly 400,000…
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15 minor earthquakes shake Pai district in Mae Hong Son
A series of 15 minor earthquakes impacted the Pai district in Mae Hong Son province from Sunday evening, January 19 through yesterday afternoon. The Earthquake Observation Division of the Meteorological Department of Thailand reported these events took place in Wiang Nuea subdistrict, Pai district, between 9.56pm on Sunday and 3.46pm yesterday, January 20. The earthquakes registered magnitudes between 1.7 and…
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3 foreigners arrested for drugs at Phuket EDC music festival
Police arrested three foreigners, a Japanese man, a Malaysian man, and a Burmese man, at the Electric Daisy Carnival Thailand 2025 (EDC Thailand 2025) in Phuket for possessing illegal drugs. The three-day music festival, EDC Thailand 2025, was held at the Boat Avenue Lakefront in the Choeng Thale district of Phuket, concluding on Sunday. While many partygoers and locals praised…
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Pitbull mauls monk to death in gruesome Nonthaburi temple attack
A temple in Nonthaburi became the site of unimaginable horror when a pitbull viciously attacked and killed a monk. The tragic incident unfolded in the early hours of today, January 21, leaving the temple community in shock and mourning. At 1am, officers from Bang Sri Mueang Police Station were alerted to the horrific event: a pitbull had mauled a monk…
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Airport arrest: Chinese fraud suspect extradited from Thailand
A Chinese national accused of public fraud has been extradited from Thailand to China in relation to a case involving over 112 million yuan (approximately US$15.3 million or 540 million baht). Yan Tianxi was transferred to Shanghai Economic Police at Suvarnabhumi International Airport and subsequently boarded a flight to China on Thursday, January 16, confirmed Thitiwadee Sintawanarong, a public prosecutor…
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Thailand weather: Rising temperatures as cold air mass weakens
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasted that the moderate cold air mass covering upper Thailand is weakening, leading to rising temperatures. Rain is expected in the south on January 20. The current high-pressure system over upper Thailand and the South China Sea is diminishing, resulting in higher temperatures and morning fog. Northern and northeastern regions will experience cold to very…
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2 Canadian men run police checkpoint, claim assault triggers escape
Two Canadian men ran a police checkpoint in the Patong to Karon area of Phuket on Sunday, January 19, claiming they were fleeing from attackers. Officers from Patong Police Station sought assistance from Karon Police Station to intercept the black Ford Raptor pickup truck, which sped through the checkpoint in Patong. A high-speed chase ensued, with police pursuing the Ford…
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Thaksin blames Prawit for political turmoil amid coup fallout
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra responded to complaints from Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader General Prawit Wongsuwon about political victimisation, attributing the current political turmoil to the general’s actions. Thaksin questioned the necessity of the coup that initially disrupted the political landscape. General Prawit was a key figure in the government led by Prayut Chan-o-cha, established by the National Council…
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Unemployed Thai man claims he sleeps in billboard for safety, not theft
Police arrested a Thai man who hid inside a shopping mall billboard in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok, during an alleged attempted theft. The suspect, however, denied the allegations, claiming he was merely seeking a place to stay due to his unemployment. A security guard at the shopping mall noticed a suspicious motorcycle parked near the billboard at about 1.30am yesterday,…
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Trumping expectations: Bitcoin set to soar under US president
Bitcoin’s price is set to soar during the first three months of Donald Trump’s presidency, while a groundbreaking crypto sandbox in Phuket promises to double Thailand’s digital adoption rate of 12%, according to Binance’s Thai division, the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange. Ahead of Trump’s swearing-in as the 47th president of the United States, bitcoin reached a staggering new peak at…
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High stakes: Pattaya officials flatten illegal structures in Soi Jomtien 3
In a bold crackdown on rampant drug activity, local government officials in Pattaya have launched a massive operation to flatten illegal structures in Soi Jomtien 3. With over 900 officers from 23 police stations leading the charge, officials are determined to root out all forms of criminal activity in the notorious Jomtien area, spanning Soi 2, 3, and 4. Following…
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Banged up: Thai prison nightmare exposed by British tourist
A British tourist revealed the grim conditions banged up in a Thai prison and issued a chilling warning to fellow travellers about the reality of being detained abroad. The 29 year old former soldier, who wished to remain anonymous, endured a 15-day ordeal in two police cells and a Bangkok deportation centre after overstaying his visa, a blunder he deeply…
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Alien panic in paradise: ET find turns out to be deep-sea giant
In a scene reminiscent of a sci-fi thriller, a group of Thai villagers were sent running for the hills after stumbling upon what they believed to be the lifeless remains of a dead alien. But once nerves had settled, they returned to the site, only to discover the so-called alien was actually a rare marine creature washed ashore from the…
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Wheel mystery: Dead taxi driver’s tragic end shocks Pathum Thani
In a shocking discovery that sent ripples through Pathum Thani, a seemingly idle taxi turned out to hold a grim secret – a dead taxi driver. Vendors grew suspicious when the taxi sat motionless by the roadside for hours, with passengers hopping in yet never driving away, only to find, upon opening the door, that the driver was dead. At…
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