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.
  • Thailand NewsVietnam protests after Thailand shows wrong flag again at SEA Games | Thaiger

    Vietnam protests after Thailand shows wrong flag again at SEA Games

    Vietnam reportedly lodged a formal complaint today, December 11, after Thailand once again displayed the wrong national flag during a 2025 SEA Games event, marking the third flag error since the competition began. The first mistake surfaced when the official SEA Games Facebook page posted graphics for football and futsal fixtures, showing Laos’ flag in place of Indonesia’s and Vietnam’s…

  • Phuket NewsIndian brothers arrested in Phuket over Goa nightclub fire that kills 25 | Thaiger

    Indian brothers arrested in Phuket over Goa nightclub fire that kills 25

    Two Indian brothers who fled their home country after a deadly nightclub fire in Goa, India, were arrested in Thailand after days on the run. The fire, which broke out at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub on Saturday, December 6, claimed the lives of 25 people, most of whom were employees. Five tourists were also among the victims, though…

  • Thailand NewsProstitution crackdown: Thai masseuse arrested for offering ‘special massage’ | Thaiger

    Prostitution crackdown: Thai masseuse arrested for offering ‘special massage’

    Police arrested a masseuse in Nakhon Ratchasima yesterday, December 10, for offering sex services inside a massage shop, though the suspect insisted the shop owner and other staff had no involvement. Officers from the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) received a tip-off about prostitution taking place at a massage shop in the Non Sung district. To verify the information, police…

  • Phuket NewsThai netizens demand probe after Chinese tourist catches fish in Phuket for fun | Thaiger

    Thai netizens demand probe after Chinese tourist catches fish in Phuket for fun

    Thai netizens are questioning authorities after a viral video showed a Chinese tourist catching vibrant fish in the Phuket sea for fun, with many voicing concerns over animal abuse and suspicions that she may have travelled with an illegal Chinese-run tour operator. A Thai woman spotted the video on Douyin and forwarded it to well-known blogger Luijeen, who shared screenshots…

  • Thailand NewsThai man killed by falling rock after entering stone mill zone for video content | Thaiger

    Thai man killed by falling rock after entering stone mill zone for video content

    A falling rock from a stone mill operation killed a Thai man who had climbed a mountain in Phatthalung with a friend to film social media content on Tuesday, December 9. The victim, 29 year old Ritthikiat, suffered a severe head injury after rocks rained down during a routine explosion at the Run Mountain stone mill site in the Khuan…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket on high alert for floods, landslides and strong waves | Thaiger

    Phuket on high alert for floods, landslides and strong waves

    Phuket issued a warning for flash floods and landslides as heavy to very heavy rain is forecast across southern Thailand from December 11 to 16. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) announced that intense rainfall is expected throughout the South, prompting Phuket to order all relevant agencies to remain on full alert for floods, flash floods, landslides, and…

  • Crime News2 more Thai soldiers killed in border clashes, Sa Kaeo imposes curfew | Thaiger

    2 more Thai soldiers killed in border clashes, Sa Kaeo imposes curfew

    Two more Thai soldiers lost their lives in the escalating border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia yesterday, December 10, bringing the total number of Thai casualties to seven. Sa Kaeo province imposes a nighttime curfew for public safety. The renewed fighting since Sunday, December 7, has spread across four border provinces, Buriram, Si Saket, Surin, and Ubon Ratchathani, with fatalities…

  • Phuket NewsRussian man arrested in Phuket with hundreds of illegal hookah products | Thaiger

    Russian man arrested in Phuket with hundreds of illegal hookah products

    Phuket police arrested a Russian man for possessing a large quantity of hookah products, known locally as baraku, during a raid in the Cherng Talay area yesterday, December 9. Officers from the Region 8 Special Operations Unit conducted the operation at a rented room in Soi Hua Tiew in the Choeng Thale sub-district of Thalang district. The suspect, identified as…

  • Thailand NewsReward posted as tourist who feeds wristband to sea turtle remains at large | Thaiger

    Reward posted as tourist who feeds wristband to sea turtle remains at large

    Marine officials expect a sea turtle that swallowed a tourist’s wristband to pass the object naturally within 30 to 40 days, while the suspect responsible remains at large. A video showing an unidentified tourist feeding a yellow wristband to a sea turtle went viral last month. The incident reportedly took place during a diving trip in Mu Ko Similan National…

  • Politics NewsCambodia withdraws from SEA Games over safety concerns amid border clashes | Thaiger

    Cambodia withdraws from SEA Games over safety concerns amid border clashes

    Cambodia announced its withdrawal from the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand today, December 10, citing safety concerns from parents and guardians of athletes following the escalating clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border. A small group of Cambodian athletes attended the opening ceremony at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok yesterday, December 9. Cambodia had earlier confirmed it would send athletes to…

  • Thailand NewsThai government studies Disneyland project instead of casino complex | Thaiger

    Thai government studies Disneyland project instead of casino complex

    Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn revealed a new plan to bring Disneyland to Thailand, replacing the previously proposed entertainment complex. The earlier proposal introduced by the Pheu Thai Party aimed to create a large entertainment complex to boost tourism and the national economy. The project was expected to include theme parks, water parks, sports stadiums, concert…

  • Thailand NewsJamaican beauty queen in critical condition after stage fall in Thailand | Thaiger

    Jamaican beauty queen in critical condition after stage fall in Thailand

    The Miss Universe contestant from Jamaica is reportedly in critical condition after falling off the stage during the final round of the competition in Thailand last month. Gabrielle Henry, an ophthalmologist and Jamaica’s representative at Miss Universe 2025, suffered the fall while presenting her evening gown at the Impact Challenger Hall in Nonthaburi during the finals in November. A viral…

  • Thailand NewsWrong flag, incorrect medal tally, and lip-sync error disrupt SEA Games opener | Thaiger

    Wrong flag, incorrect medal tally, and lip-sync error disrupt SEA Games opener

    The opening ceremony of the 2025 SEA Games at Bangkok’s Rajamangala National Stadium last night, December 9, sparked widespread criticism after a series of errors, including a wrong national flag, incorrect medal numbers, and a lip-sync mishap. Public scrutiny over this year’s SEA Games, Thailand’s seventh time hosting, began long before the ceremony. Thai visual and lighting designer Rueangrith “Ton”…

  • Thailand News5 Thai soldiers killed amid escalating clashes with Cambodia | Thaiger

    5 Thai soldiers killed amid escalating clashes with Cambodia

    Five Thai soldiers have been killed in ongoing border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, with fresh confrontations reported this morning, December 10, the fourth consecutive day of fighting since hostilities resumed. The clashes reignited on Sunday, December 7, despite both countries signing a peace declaration in October, witnessed by US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister (PM) Anwar Ibrahim.…

  • Pattaya NewsDrunk driver escapes tragedy after driving onto Pattaya railway track | Thaiger

    Drunk driver escapes tragedy after driving onto Pattaya railway track

    A Thai man narrowly escaped tragedy after accidentally driving along a railway track in Pattaya while under the influence of alcohol late last night, December 8. Rescuers from the Sawang Borriboon Dhammasathan Pattaya Foundation were alerted to the incident on the railway track in the Nong Prue sub-district, Bang Lamung district, Pattaya, at around 12.30am. When they arrived, they found…

  • Thailand NewsThai man raises alarm after finding blood smeared on arm during MRT ride | Thaiger

    Thai man raises alarm after finding blood smeared on arm during MRT ride

    A Thai man voiced fear of intentional disease spreading after an unidentified passenger allegedly smeared blood on his arm while travelling on an MRT train yesterday, December 8. The 37 year old man, identified only as Bank, shared his account and concerns in the Facebook group Bangkok Train at 8.57am. He said the incident happened between 7.32am and 7.35am while…

  • Thailand NewsThai man murders LGBTQIA+ couple, saying victims try to sexually assault him | Thaiger

    Thai man murders LGBTQIA+ couple, saying victims try to sexually assault him

    A Thai man who murdered an LGBTQIA+ couple in Loei province claimed he acted in self-defence because the victims allegedly attempted to sexually assault him. Officers from Phu Kradueng Police Station were called to a house in Huai Som sub-district, Phu Kradueng, at about 9.30am on Saturday, December 6, after neighbours discovered the bodies of 69 year old Pranom and…

  • Thailand NewsThai foreign minister says ‘nothing to negotiate’ until Cambodia ready for talks | Thaiger

    Thai foreign minister says ‘nothing to negotiate’ until Cambodia ready for talks

    Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Minister insisted the country did not initiate the renewed border clash with Cambodia and responded to calls from the United Nations (UN) for negotiations, saying there is “nothing to negotiate if Cambodia is not ready.” Clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces resumed on Sunday, December 7, despite both countries signing a peace declaration in October witnessed by…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket businessman accuses Pakistani national of illegally running businesses on his land | Thaiger

    Phuket businessman accuses Pakistani national of illegally running businesses on his land

    A Thai businessman filed a police complaint accusing a Pakistani national of using Thai nominees to illegally run a hotel and restaurant on a property he legally purchased through a public auction in Phuket. Nitipon Ditthawiset, an executive of ASAF Holding Company, travelled to Patong Police Station on Friday, December 5, with his lawyer to request an investigation into the…

  • Phuket NewsMisunderstanding sparks fight between Thai and foreign women on Bangla Road | Thaiger

    Misunderstanding sparks fight between Thai and foreign women on Bangla Road

    A physical altercation broke out between Thai and foreign women on Bangla Road in Phuket on Sunday, December 7, reportedly sparked by a misunderstanding. The Facebook page Phuket Times shared a screenshot from a video of the incident on Sunday morning, captioned, “Fighting between Thai and foreign women. The Thai women involved did not know each other but joined the…

  • Phuket NewsThai man and Norwegian woman arrested in drug raid at Phuket luxury villa | Thaiger

    Thai man and Norwegian woman arrested in drug raid at Phuket luxury villa

    Police arrested a Thai man and a Norwegian woman at a luxury villa in Phuket’s Cape Panwa area for drug dealing. Officers seized heroin, crystal meth, and methamphetamine (known locally as Yaba) during the raid. Wichit Police Station officers told the media that their ongoing crackdown on drug users and small-scale dealers led them to the pair, 54 year old…

  • Thailand NewsRocket fire and armed exchanges continue along Thai–Cambodian border | Thaiger

    Rocket fire and armed exchanges continue along Thai–Cambodian border

    Clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border have continued for a third consecutive day since December 7, with further exchanges taking place this morning, December 9. No new casualties have been confirmed. ThaiRath reported yesterday, December 8, that Cambodian military activity was detected across several provinces bordering Cambodia, including Ubon Ratchathani, Buriram, Si Saket, and Sa Kaeo. In Buriram’s Ban Kruad district,…

  • Pattaya NewsForeign tourist allegedly gropes woman on Pattaya speedboat | Thaiger

    Foreign tourist allegedly gropes woman on Pattaya speedboat

    A half-Thai, half-Laotian man condemned a foreign tourist for sexually assaulting his girlfriend by groping her on a speedboat in Pattaya. The boyfriend, identified as Leo, shared a video of the incident on Facebook on Tuesday, December 2, with the caption, “I never expected this foreigner to do this. #Travel #Warning.” The accused foreign man, wearing a red T-shirt and…

  • Thailand NewsMinister denies hiring designer amid SEA Games ceremony controversy | Thaiger

    Minister denies hiring designer amid SEA Games ceremony controversy

    The Sports and Tourism Minister responded to the controversy over the cancelled SEA Games ceremony design, insisting that no hiring contract was ever made with the designer or his team. The drama began after Thai visual and lighting designer Rueangrith “Ton” Suntisuk shared on December 2 that he and his team had been working on the opening and closing ceremony…

  • Thailand NewsChon Buri spa denies responsibility on client loses gold worth 300,000 baht | Thaiger

    Chon Buri spa denies responsibility on client loses gold worth 300,000 baht

    A Thai woman lost more than 300,000 baht worth of gold jewellery yesterday, December 3, after keeping her valuables in a locker at a spa in the Sriracha area of Chon Buri province. The 38 year old woman, Suwadee Fadchin, filed a complaint with Sriracha Police Station after discovering that several gold accessories had vanished from her locker. She told police…

  • Eastern Thailand NewsDanish tourist erupts at Trat bus terminal after missing final airport bus | Thaiger

    Danish tourist erupts at Trat bus terminal after missing final airport bus

    Police intervened after a Danish man caused a disturbance at the Trat Bus Terminal on Tuesday, December 2, after he missed the last bus to Suvarnabhumi International Airport for his midnight flight. Staff at the terminal called officers from Mueang Trat Police Station at around 6pm after the foreign tourist began shouting and causing chaos. The man, a Danish national,…

  • Bangkok NewsAsiatique introduces scenic mode and cuts hours after SkyFlyers noise complaints | Thaiger

    Asiatique introduces scenic mode and cuts hours after SkyFlyers noise complaints

    Asiatique The Riverfront responded to noise complaints over loud screaming from riders on its SkyFlyers attraction by introducing a scenic ride mode and limiting its operating hours. In recent days, residents living near the popular open-air mall took to social media to complain about the disturbance caused by the newly launched SkyFlyers ride. They said the noise did not come…

  • Phuket NewsForeign suspect flees after stabbing British man outside Phuket nightclub | Thaiger

    Foreign suspect flees after stabbing British man outside Phuket nightclub

    A “large” foreign man is on the run after stabbing a British national outside a nightclub in the Choeng Talay area of Phuket in the early hours of yesterday, December 3. Choeng Talay Police Station officers and rescue workers were called to the road outside the entertainment venue at around 12.20am to investigate the stabbing and assist the victim, later…

  • Bangkok NewsThai actress denies fraud as police seize 10 million baht in assets | Thaiger

    Thai actress denies fraud as police seize 10 million baht in assets

    Thai actress Rybena “Nana” Intachai remains in police custody today, December 4, over a fraud scandal, but continues to deny all allegations. Police said they have substantial evidence against her and seized assets worth around 10 million baht from her home in Bangkok’s Phra Khanong area. Yesterday, December 3, officers arrested Nana at her home and searched the property before…

  • Thailand NewsDumbhead dispute: Miss Universe 2025 winner faces defamation complaint from Thai organiser | Thaiger

    Dumbhead dispute: Miss Universe 2025 winner faces defamation complaint from Thai organiser

    A Thai beauty pageant organiser filed a defamation complaint against the newly crowned Miss Universe 2025, Fatima Bosch, after she publicly claimed he called her a “dumbhead”. The dispute between the president of the Miss Universe 2025 organising committee, Nawat Itsaragrisil, and the Mexican beauty queen, Bosch, began on November 4 during a pre-pageant event in Bangkok. The conflict first…