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Thailand news, politics, business, crime, lifestyle, and tourism—stay updated with breaking news and in-depth analysis from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond.
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The Thaiger key takeaways The most common medical emergencies for expats in Thailand include motorcycle accidents, tropical diseases, and food or water-borne illnesses. Air pollution and heat-related conditions like heatstroke also pose serious seasonal health risks, especially in northern and...
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Phuket Port to transform into cruise and cargo hub
The Deputy Minister of Finance, Phaophum Rojanasakul, visited the Phuket Port Improvement Project in Wichit subdistrict, Mueang district, Phuket province, yesterday, May 2. The project aims to enhance the port’s capacity to accommodate large cruise ships and stimulate tourism in the Andaman region. The Treasury Department is overseeing the transformation of the Phuket Port into a tourism and cargo hub.…
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Pattaya motorbike taxi drivers slam ‘unfair’ 2,000 baht helmet fine
Motorbike taxi drivers in Pattaya are pushing back against a new 2,000 baht fine for riding without a helmet, calling it unaffordable and a threat to their already fragile incomes. Starting June 1, the Royal Thai Police began strict enforcement of Section 122 of the Land Traffic Act. The law requires both riders and passengers on motorcycles to wear helmets,…
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Thai Air Force tests gun-mounted drone amid border tensions
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has tested a drone armed with an M4 carbine, aiming to boost surveillance and reduce troop risk along the Thai-Cambodian border. The test flight took place today, June 3, and was part of a joint development between the RTAF and the Defence Technology Institute. The drone is designed to assist ground patrol units during…
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Tourists attacked in Patong after assaulting local woman (video)
Two tourists were rendered unconscious following an altercation with a group of Thai men in Patong, Phuket. The incident reportedly followed an alleged assault on a local woman by the intoxicated tourists. The altercation, which was captured on video and widely circulated on social media yesterday night, June 2, took place on Bangla Road, a well-known nightlife district in Patong,…
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Patong police probe suspicious foreign car with hidden plates
Police in Patong are currently investigating a suspicious vehicle left by a foreign national near Paradise Beach, with its license plates intentionally hidden. The situation came to light around 9am today, June 3, when members of the Patong Crime-Free Community Project LINE group reported the incident. They informed the police that a foreign man had parked a sedan opposite an…
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R12, newly proposed route to boost Thailand-Vietnam trade
Plans are underway for the construction of Route R12, a new trade corridor in Laos, which will connect Thailand, Vietnam, and China. Perames Vudthitornetiraks, President of the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA), stated that the route will begin in Thakhek, Khammouane province, Laos, 17 kilometres from Thailand’s Nakhon Phanom border checkpoint. The route will link the towns of…
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Udon Thani couple resolve engagement dispute with 100,000 baht agreement
A dispute over a postponed engagement ceremony in Udon Thani has been resolved, with both parties agreeing not to pursue financial claims further. The couple will continue residing in the family home, and the bride’s side has agreed not to make additional demands. The incident, involving 43 year old Saengduan, the groom’s mother, and a woman, A, unfolded at Saengduan’s…
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Thailand targets 4.5 billion baht from pride month tourism
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) aims to position Thailand as a top destination for the LGBTQ+ community, with expectations for the pride month celebrations to generate up to 4.5 billion baht in economic activity. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, the Governor of TAT, highlighted that June is celebrated globally as pride month. Thailand continues to hold grand celebrations for the LGBTQ+ community,…
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Icomos experts to assess Wat Phra Mahathat for World Heritage status
Experts from the International Council on Monuments and Sites (Icomos) are set to visit Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in Nakhon Si Thammarat province this week. They will assess the site for potential recognition as a World Heritage Site. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment recently received a report from Chayanan Pakdeejit, secretary-general of the Office of Natural Resources and…
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Motorbike clash in Pattaya leads to serious assault
Two women on a motorcycle allegedly exited a side street, leading to an altercation that resulted in a serious assault. The incident, which involved a man being attacked with a bottle, occurred in the early hours of June 3. Emergency services from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan in Pattaya and police from the Nong Prue station responded to the scene in Soi…
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State Audit Office scandal: 25.8m baht contract under scrutiny
Renewed attention has focused on the collapsed State Audit Office (SAO) building after a recent report highlighted ongoing irregularities in its construction beginning in 2009. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) found evidence last year supporting allegations against former Auditor-General Khunying Jaruvan Maintaka and others, concerning a 25.8 million baht design contract related to the project. The building was originally intended…
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Ten injured as bus of Indian students crashes in Bangkok
At least 10 passengers sustained injuries when a tour bus carrying Indian exchange students crashed into a roadside power pole on Phahon Yothin Road near Kor Por Aor Intersection in Bangkok. The accident occurred yesterday, June 2, at 11am on the outbound side of the road in Sai Mai district. Rescuers from Bangkhen Fire and Rescue responded swiftly to the…
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Cambodia to escalate Thai border dispute to World Court
Cambodia plans to escalate its border dispute with Thailand to the World Court after a recent exchange of gunfire between the countries’ soldiers. As reported by the Khmer Times, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet informed the National Assembly that the government intends to file a complaint with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to address the persistent issue. “Cambodia would…
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Tourists overpay 22,000 baht for coffee, cafe resolves issue (video)
Two foreign tourists inadvertently paid over 22,000 baht for two coffees at a café in Nakhon Ratchasima province, but the situation was amicably resolved. A still image from the Mount Wind Tree Cafe’s Facebook page shows a foreign cyclist unintentionally overpaying by nearly 22,000 baht. This incident took place on May 31 at the Mount Wind Tree Cafe, located in…
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Drug conspiracy arrest: aspiring Ratchaburi village headman detained
A 41 year old man, aspiring to be the village headman in Bang Phae district, Ratchaburi province, was arrested at his residence. On June 1 at 3pm, police apprehended Sunan under a warrant issued by Ratchaburi Provincial Court, dated May 15, for his involvement in a drug-related conspiracy. The arrest operation was led by Police Major General Wachiraphong Amornapitak, Ratchaburi…
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Tourism council urges PM to boost sector’s global competitiveness
The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) is set to submit a letter to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra this week, advocating for enhancements in the tourism sector to elevate Thailand’s competitiveness on a global scale. Chai Arunanondchai, President of the TCT, emphasised the need for Thailand to evolve into a sustainable and high-quality tourism destination. According to Chai, the sector, responsible…
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Fire at Chanthaburi resort damages fitness building and equipment
A fire broke out at a renowned resort hotel in Chanthaburi, damaging fitness equipment and a fitness building after a golf cart caught fire. The incident occurred at 9.30pm yesterday, June 2, in Mueang district, Chanthaburi province. Police coordinated with the Phatthavee subdistrict municipal fire department and rescue teams to extinguish the blaze. Upon arrival, the fire was rapidly consuming…
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Motorcyclist dies in tragic crash on Chon Buri U-turn bridge
A 25 year old man tragically died after his motorcycle collided with a bridge railing on a U-turn bridge in Mueang district, Chon Buri. The accident, which occurred yesterday, June 2, resulted in fatal injuries, including a skull fracture and broken neck. Police Lieutenant Chinawat Thisala from Mueang Chon Buri Police Station responded to the incident on Sukhumvit Road, inbound…
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Thai Airways and Turkish Airlines sign joint business agreement
Thai Airways and Turkish Airlines have signed a Joint Business Agreement (JBA) to enhance flight services between Bangkok and Istanbul. The collaboration was formalised during the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting in New Delhi, India, marking a significant step in strengthening relations between Thailand’s flagship carrier and Turkey’s national airline. The agreement builds upon Thai Airways’ successful launch of a…
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Police address ceiling collapse at Immigration Bureau
Today, June 3, at the Royal Thai Police headquarters, Police General Kittirat Punpech addressed the collapse of the ceiling at the Immigration Bureau’s training centre. The incident was attributed to a leaking air conditioning system, not structural issues, and a thorough inspection is underway. The ceiling in the third-floor meeting room collapsed due to water accumulation from a condenser leak,…
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4.5 magnitude quake hits Chiang Mai, no damage reported
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) reported a 4.5 magnitude earthquake centred in Mae Pang subdistrict, Chiang Mai province, prompting the director-general, Phasakorn Boonyalak, to instruct four provinces to monitor the situation closely. The DDPM swiftly initiated damage assessments in the affected areas, utilising the Cell Broadcachinst alert system. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) promptly sent out the…
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Man found dead in Surat Thani hot springs pool
A 55 year old man was discovered deceased in a hot springs pool in the Phunphin district of Surat Thani early today, June 2. Police indicated that the man had a pre-existing medical condition which might have led to a loss of consciousness, resulting in drowning. Media reports identified the deceased only as Wichan from Nakhon Si Thammarat. He was…
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Man in Khon Kaen confesses to grandmother’s murder after argument
A 49 year old man has confessed to killing his 87 year old grandmother, whom he had been caring for, following an argument. The incident occurred in Khon Kaen province, where the victim had recently adopted him as her son and left him all her property. Today, June 2, Police Colonel Chalit Morakotsriwan, along with his team and Deputy Police…
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Body found in haunted Udon Thani well near railway station
In Udon Thani, the body of a middle-aged man was discovered in an abandoned well near the railway station, believed by some locals to be haunted. A homeless person residing at the railway station reported the sighting, sparking eerie tales of ghostly apparitions at night. Upon receiving the report today, June 2, emergency services coordinated with Police Lieutenant Colonel Wattanapong…
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Suspect detained after deadly container warehouse theft in Bangkok
A suspect involved in a group theft at a container warehouse under the Port Authority of Thailand has been detained. The incident saw a group of four to five people steal confiscated electronic cigarettes, stored in containers by customs officials. The theft occurred at a stadium warehouse but was interrupted by security guards. In their escape attempt, the thieves’ van…
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American tourist dies in Phuket motorbike accident after heart attack
A 56 year old American tourist passed away in Patong on May 31, following a suspected heart-related medical emergency while riding a motorbike. The incident occurred on 50 Pi Rd in the evening, and the deceased was identified as Larry Dean Chupp Jr from Georgia. Police and rescue services arrived at the scene at approximately 7pm. Investigation officer Police Lieutenant…
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Cattle farmer shot dead near ordination event in Phetchaburi
A 32 year old cattle farmer, Sakditat, was fatally shot nine times near a religious ordination celebration in Phetchaburi. Police have identified a suspect and are investigating a personal conflict as a possible motive. The incident occurred yesterday, June 1, along the Nong Bo–Bo Huai road in Don Yang subdistrict, Mueang district, Phetchaburi province. Police Lieutenant Prakit Tonmaithong from the…
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Drivers held for transporting 1,434 boxes of illegal cigarettes
Two delivery drivers employed by a parcel company have been apprehended for allegedly transporting 1,434 boxes of illegal cigarettes. The drivers claimed they were unaware of the contents, as they were simply fulfilling their duties. Police stated that tracking down the perpetrators should not be difficult due to complete sender and recipient documentation. Yesterday, June 1, Police Colonel Parinya Khraikruan,…
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Man tragically shot in Phetchabun mall car park
Surveillance footage captured a tragic shooting incident outside a shopping mall that left a man dead while waiting to pick up his girlfriend from her last day of part-time work. The event, which occurred yesterday, June 1 at 7pm in Phetchabun province’s Bueng Sam Phan district, caused panic among shoppers. Police from Bueng Sam Phan Police Station, along with a…
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Algerians gang arrested for theft at Suvarnabhumi Airport
A gang known as the Algerians was apprehended at Suvarnabhumi Airport, accused of pickpocketing tourists and using stolen credit cards to purchase luxury goods. The suspects were reportedly targeting crowded locations like train stations and airports. The suspects, identified as 59 year old Kej Omer and 58 year old Hammouda Ahmad, both of Algerian nationality, were arrested under warrants issued…
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