Petch Petpailin

Petpailin, or Petch, is a Thai translator and writer for The Thaiger who focuses on translating breakingThai news stories into English. With a background in field journalism, Petch brings several years of experience to the English News desk at The Thaiger. Before joining The Thaiger, Petch worked as a content writer for several known blogging sites in Bangkok, including Happio and The Smart Local. Her articles have been syndicated by many big publishers in Thailand and internationally, including the Daily Mail, The Sun and the Bangkok Post. She is a news writer who stops reading news on the weekends to spend more time cafe hopping and petting dwarf shrimp! But during office hours, you can find Petch on LinkedIn and you can reach her by email at petch@thethaiger.com.
  • Bangkok NewsPrivate detained for raping girl in public bathroom near Khao San Road | Thaiger

    Private detained for raping girl in public bathroom near Khao San Road

    The First Army Area detained a private who raped a girl in a public bathroom near Khao San Road during Songkran celebrations. The brother of the 15 year old victim took her to Chana Songkram Police Station at 1am on April 14 to file a complaint. The family alleged that police refused to take legal action at first and instead…

  • South Thailand NewsBritish man apologises after drifting car near Songkran event | Thaiger

    British man apologises after drifting car near Songkran event

    Police are seeking to revoke the driving licence of a British man who was caught drifting a car during Songkran celebrations in Hat Yai district of Songkhla province on April 12. Viral footage shared on Thai social media showed a red vehicle drifting on a concrete area near the Songkran event site close to Black Bridge in Hat Yai district.…

  • Bangkok NewsBangkok tuk tuk driver tries to overcharge influencer during Songkran, faces legal action | Thaiger

    Bangkok tuk tuk driver tries to overcharge influencer during Songkran, faces legal action

    A Bangkok tuk tuk driver is facing possible legal action after he allegedly tried to overcharge a beauty blogger 2,000 baht for a journey of about 700 metres, in a trip that took around three minutes in total. The influencer, Chatsak Mahata, better known as Eclair Juepak, posted a video on social media on Tuesday, April 14, describing the incident.…

  • Central Thailand NewsChinese woman stages her own kidnapping to extort money from father | Thaiger

    Chinese woman stages her own kidnapping to extort money from father

    Thai police arrested four Chinese nationals in Samut Prakan after a Chinese woman staged her own kidnapping with her boyfriend and two other men to extort money from her father. The case came to light after the woman’s father filed a complaint with police in China, saying his daughter, identified only as Tong, was kidnapped in Cambodia. He was told…

  • Pattaya News4 Pattaya taxi riders and bar guards arrested for attacking 2 foreigners | Thaiger

    4 Pattaya taxi riders and bar guards arrested for attacking 2 foreigners

    Four Thai men, including motorcycle taxi riders and bar security guards, were arrested after a viral video showed them attacking two foreigners during Songkran celebrations in Pattaya. The video was shared by the SiamChon News Facebook page on April 13 with a caption claiming that Pattaya motorcycle taxi riders attacked a foreign tourist in Soi Pattaya 6 after he sprayed…

  • Phuket News2 Frenchmen arrested for assault on Thai motorcyclist in Phuket Songkran celebrations | Thaiger

    2 Frenchmen arrested for assault on Thai motorcyclist in Phuket Songkran celebrations

    A Thai man suffered serious injuries after he was attacked by Frenchmen in Phuket on April 13 after refusing to join a Songkran water fight. The victim’s girlfriend, 27 year old Maytinee Sila, went to Patong Police Station on the day of the incident to report the assault on her 29 year old boyfriend, Kunanya Phokham. The incident took place at…

  • Thailand NewsPhichit man reports sexual assault by women and transwomen during Songkran | Thaiger

    Phichit man reports sexual assault by women and transwomen during Songkran

    A man filed a police complaint after a group of women and transwomen sexually assaulted him during Songkran celebrations in Phichit province, leaving a hickey on his neck. The victim, identified only as Chitsanupong, shared photos of marks on his neck on Facebook yesterday, April 15. Based on the tagged location in the post, the sexual assault took place at…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket locals call for tougher action on foreigners with disruptive behaviour during Songkran | Thaiger

    Phuket locals call for tougher action on foreigners with disruptive behaviour during Songkran

    A group of foreigners in Phuket is facing public criticism after reports of aggressive behaviour during Songkran Festival, including blocking roads, harassing motorists and inappropriate conduct towards women. Officers from Patong Police Station arrested the group on April 14 after a viral video showed them forcing open a van door and throwing water at the driver and inside the vehicle.…

  • Bangkok NewsThai ex-manager confesses to hacking Nonthaburi mall system in revenge | Thaiger

    Thai ex-manager confesses to hacking Nonthaburi mall system in revenge

    A former network manager of a shopping mall in Nonthaburi confessed to hacking his former employer’s computer system after being dismissed, saying he acted out of anger but did not expect the attack to cause more than 10 million baht in damage. A representative of the shopping mall filed a complaint with Cyber Police in January, reporting that the company’s…

  • Bangkok News2 Chinese sex creators arrested in Bangkok with drugs, sex toys, and pornography | Thaiger

    2 Chinese sex creators arrested in Bangkok with drugs, sex toys, and pornography

    Two Chinese sex creators were arrested at a condominium in Bangkok today, April 10, after residents filed complaints about public disturbances. Police seized drugs, pornography and sex toys during the operation. Officers from the Metropolitan Police Bureau raided a unit in Thung Maha Mek subdistrict, Sathon district, following multiple complaints from residents at the property. Residents reported that two Chinese…

  • Phuket NewsFrenchman wanted for drugs and money laundering arrested in Phuket | Thaiger

    Frenchman wanted for drugs and money laundering arrested in Phuket

    A Frenchman wanted for more than 30 offences in his home country was arrested in Phuket yesterday, April 9, after fleeing to Thailand to avoid prosecution. Royal Thai Police instructed Phuket Provincial Immigration Office to locate the Frenchman, later identified as 50 year old Ani. French police were seeking his arrest over more than 30 offences linked to drug trafficking…

  • Thailand NewsChinese-born suspect behind 239 gambling websites arrested in Pattaya | Thaiger

    Chinese-born suspect behind 239 gambling websites arrested in Pattaya

    A Chinese-born man holding Saint Kitts and Nevis nationality was arrested at a pool villa in Pattaya on Wednesday, April 8, for operating 239 gambling websites with more than 2.7 billion yuan, or about 13 billion baht, in circulation. The arrest followed coordination between the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), and the Immigration…

  • Phuket NewsInterpol-wanted Swedish mafia arrested in Phuket condominium | Thaiger

    Interpol-wanted Swedish mafia arrested in Phuket condominium

    A Swedish national wanted under an Interpol Red Notice was arrested in Phuket yesterday, April 9, for involvement in murder, illegal weapons offences, and drug trafficking in Sweden. Phuket Provincial Police carried out the operation as part of a wider crackdown on foreign nationals involved in crime, including suspects who fled their home countries or used Thailand as a base for…

  • Business NewsOil firms deny plans to sue government over diesel price controls | Thaiger

    Oil firms deny plans to sue government over diesel price controls

    Two oil refineries denied legal action against the Thai government after the Ministry of Energy ordered a reduction in the diesel refining fee to lower retail prices during the ongoing energy crisis. Energy Minister Akanat Promphan announced on April 7 that the refining margin for diesel types B7 and B20 would be cut by 2 baht. He added that retail…

  • Thailand NewsMiss Grand Thailand contestant secures global attention with hip hop dance | Thaiger

    Miss Grand Thailand contestant secures global attention with hip hop dance

    A contestant from Kalasin province gained international attention after a viral hip hop dance moves during the Miss Grand Thailand 2026 competition in Bangkok on March 28. The final of Miss Grand Thailand 2026 was held at MGI Hall Bravo BKK, with Pattama “Ning” Jitsawat from Chon Buri crowned the winner. However, Darathorn “Dada” Yoothong, representing Kalasin, drew widespread attention…

  • Central Thailand NewsThai stepfather kills toddler, tries to revive him with electric shock | Thaiger

    Thai stepfather kills toddler, tries to revive him with electric shock

    A Thai stepfather confessed to fatally abusing a one year old boy and shocking the child with an electric fishing device in an attempt to revive him. Officers from Khao Din Police Station in Ratchaburi questioned the child’s mother, 30 year old Saowarot, and stepfather, 38 year old Surasak, after the boy, identified as Khai, died under suspicious circumstances on…

  • Phuket NewsIsraeli national arrested for nominee-run travel agency in Phuket | Thaiger

    Israeli national arrested for nominee-run travel agency in Phuket

    Police arrested an Israeli national in Phuket yesterday, April 8, for operating a travel agency illegally through a Thai nominee. Officers from the Department of Tourism and Tourist Police investigated illegal travel agencies in Phuket and found two companies in breach of the law. The first company, Gmat Hospitality, was found to be operating through a Thai nominee. Investigators said…

  • Thailand NewsPak Chong petrol station fined 2.5 million baht for smuggled diesel | Thaiger

    Pak Chong petrol station fined 2.5 million baht for smuggled diesel

    A petrol station in Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima, faced a fine of more than 2.5 million baht for distributing 24,000 litres of smuggled diesel. The Excise Department Region 3 set up a special team to monitor and suppress fuel-related offences during Thailand’s energy crisis. Officers later identified suspicious activity at a petrol station on the Friendship Highway in Pak…

  • Pattaya NewsForeign man in Pattaya accused of forcing monkey to drink alcohol and smoke | Thaiger

    Foreign man in Pattaya accused of forcing monkey to drink alcohol and smoke

    A foreign man in Pattaya is facing criticism for abusing a monkey by allegedly forcing the animal to drink alcohol and smoke a cigarette. The incident came to light after a video of foreigners arguing outside the venue circulated online. The clip drew attention because one of the foreign men was seen carrying a small monkey and swinging it back…

  • Pattaya NewsAmerican rider dies after collision with cement truck in Pattaya | Thaiger

    American rider dies after collision with cement truck in Pattaya

    A cement truck crash killed an American motorcyclist on Sukhumvit Road in Bang Lamung, Pattaya, yesterday, April 8, with investigations regarding the cause of the collision still ongoing. Rescue workers from the Sawang Borriboon Dhammasatan Pattaya Foundation responded to the incident in the afternoon at Thep Prasit Intersection. At the scene, a Yamaha Fino motorcycle was found overturned in the middle lane…

  • Politics NewsThailand diesel price drops 2.14 baht from April 9 | Thaiger

    Thailand diesel price drops 2.14 baht from April 9

    Thailand will cut diesel price by 2.14 baht per litre from tomorrow, April 9, marking a historic first-time reduction in fuel prices. Energy Minister Akanat Promphan, who also chairs the Fuel Fund Management Committee, said refinery prices for both B7 and B20 diesel would be reduced by 2 baht from tomorrow. The move will lower retail prices at petrol stations nationwide…

  • Thailand NewsFormer hospital worker arrested for embezzling 23 million baht | Thaiger

    Former hospital worker arrested for embezzling 23 million baht

    A former finance and accounting worker at a hospital in Uttaradit confessed to embezzling more than 23 million baht to support her gambling addiction. Officers from Mueang Uttaradit Police Station arrested 48 year old Or at a commercial building in the city centre on Monday, April 6. She previously worked at Udon Thani Cancer Hospital and had allegedly fled before…

  • Central Thailand NewsSamut Songkhram officials launch crackdown on fake coconut water | Thaiger

    Samut Songkhram officials launch crackdown on fake coconut water

    Police raided two production facilities in Samut Songkhram yesterday, April 7, over fake coconut water made from water and flavourings, which officers say was harming local farmers, consumers and the reputation of Thai coconut products. Local coconut farmers sought government action after coconut prices fell and exports to China, one of the sector’s biggest markets, declined. They said the problems…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s most wanted drug suspect arrested in South Korea after attempted fake death | Thaiger

    Thailand’s most wanted drug suspect arrested in South Korea after attempted fake death

    One of Thailand’s most wanted drug suspects was extradited from South Korea yesterday, April 7, after spending more than 14 years hiding overseas and attempting to fake his own death to avoid arrest. The suspect, 43 year old Thapanan, also known as Noo Chan, arrived at Suvarnabhumi International Airport yesterday after his arrest in South Korea. According to the Office of…

  • Transport NewsKoh Chang ferry operators raise fares as diesel climbs | Thaiger

    Koh Chang ferry operators raise fares as diesel climbs

    Koh Chang ferry fares will increase from April 10 after operators secured approval for the first price rise in 10 years, citing the ongoing energy crisis. Trat Governor Piriya Chatadilok met ferry operators serving routes from the mainland to Koh Chang, Koh Mak, and Koh Kood to discuss rising operating costs. According to the latest fuel price update today, April…

  • Phuket NewsThai man arrested for shooting colleague at Phuket warehouse | Thaiger

    Thai man arrested for shooting colleague at Phuket warehouse

    A gunman who shot his colleague at a warehouse in Ratsada, Phuket, was arrested at a hotel yesterday evening, April 7, following a police search. The suspect, 50 year old Prakit Pannarai, opened fire on his colleague, 40 year old Wirat Nawadate, at a retail store warehouse on April 6. Prakit fired three shots, striking Wirat in the body and…

  • Bangkok NewsDrug over dose suspected in death of 2 foreigners in Khao San Road hotel | Thaiger

    Drug over dose suspected in death of 2 foreigners in Khao San Road hotel

    Two foreign men, a South African and a Latvian national, were found dead in a hotel on Khao San Road in Bangkok yesterday, April 7, with police suspecting a drug overdose after white powder was discovered at the scene. A 31 year old Burmese worker alerted emergency services from Vajira and Siriraj Hospitals after finding the two men unconscious on…

  • Aviation NewsThai airlines announce route suspensions after fuel price surge | Thaiger

    Thai airlines announce route suspensions after fuel price surge

    Thai Lion Air, Nok Air and Thai AirAsia suspended several domestic and international routes amid rising fuel costs linked to escalating conflict in the Middle East. The three airlines announced that the route changes made this week were prompted by higher operating costs following a sharp increase in fuel prices. Thai Lion Air suspended its route from Don Mueang International…

  • Thailand NewsUdon Thani police suspended after demanding fuel fee for theft investigation | Thaiger

    Udon Thani police suspended after demanding fuel fee for theft investigation

    Royal Thai Police (RTP) temporarily suspended an officer in Udon Thani province from his duties after he demanded a fuel fee from a theft victim, saying he would not process any investigation without the money. The TikTok user, identified only as Moofern, posted a video on her account, @moofern_moomob, on Sunday, April 5, criticising the police’s inappropriate conduct. In the…

  • Politics NewsDSI investigates into 57 million litres of fuel missing in Surat Thani | Thaiger

    DSI investigates into 57 million litres of fuel missing in Surat Thani

    Thailand’s Justice Ministry launched a probe into suspected fuel stockpiling during the energy crisis and found that 57 million litres of fuel went missing during tanker deliveries to Surat Thani. The Justice Ministry, Royal Thai Police and provincial administrative offices nationwide inspected fuel storage following concerns over shortages and rising prices. The operation aimed to prevent major energy companies from…