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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Chon Buri locals flock to collect free toys from waste site
Residents in Chon Buri were intrigued by a large pile of children’s toys discarded behind Wat Mausukha in the Nong Ri Mueang Chon Buri area. The toys, still new and unpacked, attracted locals who arrived with large bags to collect them. Images of the toys were widely shared on social media, with posts mentioning that anyone interested could collect toys…
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Teen’s tragic overdose linked to heart medication in Phatthalung
A 14 year old girl was discovered deceased in her bedroom after reportedly overdosing on medication. Her father shared his sorrow, recounting how he had gone to wake her to wash her school uniform, only to tragically find her lifeless. At 12.45pm yesterday, May 25, police from Khao Chaison district station in Phatthalung province were informed about the mysterious death…
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Mushroom forager dies after cliff fall in Lampang forest
A villager searching for mushrooms tragically fell from a cliff and sustained severe injuries after hitting his head on rocks in a stream. Despite being rushed to Sobprab Hospital for treatment, he later succumbed to his injuries. Yesterday, May 25, the head of Wiang Kosai National Park, Prawit Jaikam, shared images and a message on social media addressing the incident.…
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Thailand braces for heavy rain and potential floods
The Meteorological Department has issued a weather warning across Thailand for Today, May 26, predicting heavy rain across nearly all provinces. This could lead to flash floods, forest run-off, and landslides. The forecast for the next 24 hours indicates heavy rainfall in the north, northeast, central regions, including Bangkok and its surrounding areas, the east, and the west coast of southern…
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Mystery surrounds death of woman in Kanchanaburi
An investigation is underway following the mysterious death of a 28 year old woman, Phattaraphon Khongklan, known as Looktan, found deceased in her bedroom in Phanom Thuan district, Kanchanaburi province. Police are determining whether this incident might be a concealed murder and are seeking the last man she was seen with for questioning. At 12.30pm yesterday, May 24, Police Lieutenant…
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Phuket violence: teens clash with guns and explosives
In Phuket, an altercation between rival groups of young people escalated into a violent incident involving firearms and explosives. Today, May 25, at 12.35am, Police Lieutenant Sumet Phetruenthong received reports of teenagers using vehicles to pursue and shoot at each other, including throwing large firecrackers, along a road near Chamcha Market in the Talat Nuea subdistrict. Upon arriving at the…
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Thai monsoon forecast: Heavy rain and flood risks ahead
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has forecasted significant rainfall over a 15-day period, with intense monsoon conditions affecting various areas. Between May 25 and May 27, there is a heightened risk of heavy rain, flash floods, and landslides across the country. According to the updated daily rainfall predictions and wind analysis from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, the…
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Vietnamese crypto scammer Madam Ngo arrested in Bangkok
A Vietnamese woman sought by Interpol for her involvement in cryptocurrency and forex investment scams that defrauded over 2,000 Vietnamese people of approximately US$300 million has been apprehended in Bangkok, alongside two bodyguards. The Crime Suppression Division (CSD) police detained Ngo Thi Theu, known as Madam Ngo, a 30 year old woman, at a hotel in the Klong Tan Nuea…
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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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