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 NewsCorruption scandal hits the brakes: Thailand’s bus industry whistleblows dirty dealings

    Corruption scandal hits the brakes: Thailand’s bus industry whistleblows dirty dealings

    A shocking revelation has swept through the coach bus industry of Thailand as several anonymous companies have blown the whistle on rampant corruption within the Land Transport Department‘s vehicle inspection process. A sneaky bribe of 3,000 to 4,000 baht is all it takes to fast-track an inspection, making life suspiciously easy for some. This disgraceful practice was put under the…

  • Thailand NewsPurr-fect rescue: Team revives cat that took an electrifying tumble

    Purr-fect rescue: Team revives cat that took an electrifying tumble

    A rescue team in Samut Prakan province near Bangkok performed CPR on a stray cat whose heart stopped beating after it fell from an electricity pole when a transformer exploded. A member of the Samut Prakan Rescue Foundation, Nattapong, revealed to Channel 3 that he and his team were called to save the cat, which was stuck at the top…

  • Phuket NewsFirecracker folly: Phuket driver’s explosive secret sparks car blaze

    Firecracker folly: Phuket driver’s explosive secret sparks car blaze

    A Thai driver yesterday admitted to storing an assortment of firecrackers in his car, which led to a blaze that engulfed his vehicle and another nearby in Phuket. A witness lodged a complaint with Mueang Phuket Police Station around 8.30pm, Yesterday, October 3, reporting the fire that erupted on two vehicles in Soi Shopping, right in the heart of Phuket…

  • Thailand NewsTide turns: Chinese man in hot water over risky Ping River plunge

    Tide turns: Chinese man in hot water over risky Ping River plunge

    A Chinese man faces a fine of up to 5,000 baht for swimming in the Ping River in Chiang Mai province during a strong current and flooding. A video of the man floating and relaxing in the Ping River during heavy flooding in Chiang Mai was first shared last month. The video drew widespread criticism, with many expressing concern that…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok on the ropes: Ex-boxer dodges arrest and takes hostages

    Bangkok on the ropes: Ex-boxer dodges arrest and takes hostages

    A former Thai boxer remains at large after evading arrest for theft. The fugitive then went on a rampage in Bangkok’s Phrayathai district, taking two innocent people hostage in the process. The 39 year old theft suspect, Santi Jehali, began his disturbing behaviour after officers from Tao Poon Police Station raided his home to arrest him yesterday, October 3, at around…

  • Bangkok NewsCabbie chaos: Thai app rider punches cop in Bangkok (video)

    Cabbie chaos: Thai app rider punches cop in Bangkok (video)

    A Thai app-based taxi rider physically assaulted a police officer and damaged his car, claiming the cop was responsible for an earlier road accident in Bangkok. The footage of the physical assault on 30 year old Police Corporal Wirodom Najaiboon, from the Protection and Crowd Control Division, went viral on Thai social media and was shared by many news outlets.…

  • Thailand NewsBets off: Jilted Thai man gambles on lawsuit after wedding deception

    Bets off: Jilted Thai man gambles on lawsuit after wedding deception

    A Thai man is taking legal action against his ex-girlfriend, who tricked him into transferring 500,000 baht to fund her gambling, claiming the money was for their dream wedding. The victim, 38 year old Jaruwat, filed a complaint against his ex-girlfriend at the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB)‘s complaint centre today, October 3. Jaruwat said he was the victim of a…

  • Thailand NewsPosition impossible: Director’s promotion sparks drama in Surin

    Position impossible: Director’s promotion sparks drama in Surin

    Drama erupted among education professionals after an education centre director in the Isaan province of Surin was transferred to a better position, despite allegations of dereliction of duty. The alleged misuse of power and inappropriate behaviour of a female education centre director, Nittaya Phupanna, came to light after the Facebook page, Watchdog Anti-corruption Organisation of Thailand, shared a picture and…

  • Thailand NewsThai woman dies after car plunges into river during driving practice

    Thai woman dies after car plunges into river during driving practice

    A Thai woman lost her life after her car careened into a river while she was practising her driving skills in the southern province of Trang. Officers from Nong Trut Police Station, along with rescuers and volunteer divers, rushed to a road along the Trang River in the Nong Trut sub-district, Mueang district, Trang province, after receiving a report that…

  • Crime NewsMoo-ving in on trouble: SAO official nabbed for stealing 50 cows

    Moo-ving in on trouble: SAO official nabbed for stealing 50 cows

    Police arrested a member of the Sub-district Administrative Office (SAO) in the northern province of Mae Hong Son for stealing 50 cows and buffaloes from locals and selling them at a slaughterhouse. More than 10 residents in the Mae Sariang district of Mae Hong Son province sought help from officers at Mae Sariang Police Station after their livestock was stolen.…

  • Thailand NewsThai woman wanted for tricking victim into delivering drugs to South Korea

    Thai woman wanted for tricking victim into delivering drugs to South Korea

    Police are searching for a Thai woman who tricked an innocent man in the Isaan province of Udon Thani into delivering drugs to South Korea. The victim, 20 year old Auan, was hired for 500 baht by a woman, named Eye, to deliver a parcel for her on two occasions. Auan became suspicious about the contents and suspected they might…

  • Thailand NewsThai man murders business partner before committing suicide

    Thai man murders business partner before committing suicide

    A housing estate owner shot and murdered his female business partner before taking his own life in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, allegedly due to financial issues. The shooting at the sales office of a housing estate in Nonthaburi province was reported to Sainoi Police Station at around 6.10pm yesterday, October 2. Officers investigated the scene and found two bodies in…

  • Thailand NewsBus-ted: Driver in bus blaze tragedy jailed, previous accidents shared

    Bus-ted: Driver in bus blaze tragedy jailed, previous accidents shared

    Police denied a bail request from the driver involved in the bus blaze tragedy that claimed the lives of 23 people in Pathum Thani. He was detained at Thanyaburi Provincial Court. A school director and student from the central province of Uthai Thani came forward to share details of previous accidents involving the same bus company. The driver, 48 year old Saman…

  • Bangkok NewsCat’s out of the bag: Tomboy’s stolen car ride ends in Bangkok arrest (video)

    Cat’s out of the bag: Tomboy’s stolen car ride ends in Bangkok arrest (video)

    Police swooped in yesterday to arrest a Thai tomboy struggling with mental health issues in a car park at an apartment in the Lat Phrao district of Bangkok after she stole a car, complete with a pet cat inside, from a shopping mall in the Ratchada area. Footage of security guards desperately trying to stop the black Honda HRV from speeding out of…

  • Thailand NewsThai sex workers rally at Parliament for protection act

    Thai sex workers rally at Parliament for protection act

    Thai sex workers protested outside Parliament today, October 2, to follow up on a protection act proposal in Thailand. This marked the third protest on the matter. Workers from entertainment venues, massage parlours, karaoke venues, go-go bars, as well as freelance sex workers and members of the Empower Foundation, hosted the event called “I come to demand my laws. Sex…

  • Thailand NewsThai’s the limit: Thailand nabs third spot in Asia’s foodie rankings

    Thai’s the limit: Thailand nabs third spot in Asia’s foodie rankings

    Travel booking platform Agoda ranked Thailand third among the most popular destinations in Asia for foodies around the globe. Agoda launched a campaign inviting more than 4,000 users from ten countries worldwide to respond to the platform’s survey about the top destinations for food lovers. Participants were asked to complete the survey after finishing their bookings. The platform released the results…

  • Thailand NewsAncient bus and outdated gas tanks blamed in deadly bus blaze

    Ancient bus and outdated gas tanks blamed in deadly bus blaze

    An investigation into the bus blaze that claimed the lives of 23 people in Pathum Thani yesterday revealed that the vehicle was first registered 54 years ago and its NGV gas tanks were 15 years old. A further investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing. The tragic incident, which claimed the lives of 23 students and teachers from…

  • Thailand NewsFiller fiasco: Fake doc’s botched injections leave dentist’s family disfigured

    Filler fiasco: Fake doc’s botched injections leave dentist’s family disfigured

    A Thai dentist and her family members are seeking compensation from an illegal beauty clinic in Bangkok, owned by a fake doctor, after suffering disfigurement from filler injections. The unnamed dentist visited the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) office yesterday, October 1, together with her sister and mother, to file a complaint against the fake doctor who illegally operated a beauty…

  • Pattaya NewsPattaya mafia bully brutally assaults teen, rapes innocent woman

    Pattaya mafia bully brutally assaults teen, rapes innocent woman

    A ruthless Thai mafia enforcer unleashed a brutal assault on a 15 year old boy and raped a 20 year old woman in his rented Pattaya room, accusing them of helping his wife escape from him. Yesterday, October 1, the boy’s 32 year old mother accompanied her son, Tang, to Bang Lamung Police Station to file a complaint against the…

  • Thailand NewsBig Pom-ise: Prawit vows to return salary and attend Parliament

    Big Pom-ise: Prawit vows to return salary and attend Parliament

    The party-list MP and leader of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), Prawit Wongsuwan, announced yesterday, October 1, that he intends to return his salary and related allowances to the Secretariat of the House of Representatives, and promised to attend parliamentary meetings more frequently. The Secretary-general of the PPRP, Paibun Nititawan, revealed at a press conference yesterday that the party leader,…

  • Thailand NewsThai bus blaze driver turns himself in after fiery escape

    Thai bus blaze driver turns himself in after fiery escape

    The driver behind the wheel in yesterday’s tragic bus blaze in Pathum Thani province turned himself in after initially fleeing from the devastating fire. He sought refuge at a relative’s home. A survival teacher defended the bus driver saying he made efforts to save all the victims before fleeing in a panic. The tragic incident occurred at around 12pm yesterday, October…

  • Crime NewsThai woman injured after protecting daughter from mistress’ abuse

    Thai woman injured after protecting daughter from mistress’ abuse

    A Thai mother in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok is seeking justice after her son-in-law physically assaulted her when she tried to protect her daughter from abuse by his mistress. The daughter did not support her injured mother. The 43 year old victim, Aoonruen Tochomboon, shared her distressing story with the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive on September 30. She said that…

  • Thailand NewsFrom star to scam: Former actress accused of designer deceit

    From star to scam: Former actress accused of designer deceit

    A former Thai actress and ex-candidate for the Bangkok Metropolitan Council allegedly swindled more than 10 million baht from multiple victims in a designer brand scam. Some of the victims visited the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB)’s Complaint Centre on September 30, to report the scam to officials. The former actor and president of the Santi Prachatham Foundation, Taenkhun Jit-itsara, accompanied…

  • Thailand NewsThai students brutally abused by soldiers in behaviour modification camp

    Thai students brutally abused by soldiers in behaviour modification camp

    Parents and guardians of students in Samut Prakan province near Bangkok are seeking justice after soldiers brutally abused students during a behaviour modification camp on military premises in Chon Buri province. Bangpleeratbamrung School in Samut Prakan sent 130 students to the behaviour modification camp after they violated school rules by smoking, fighting, engaging in altercations over romantic matters, arriving late…

  • Thailand NewsDeath toll in bus blaze tragedy rises to 25, 22 students, 3 teachers

    Death toll in bus blaze tragedy rises to 25, 22 students, 3 teachers

    The death toll from a devastating bus blaze tragedy today on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road in Pathum Thani province near Bangkok has soared to 25. Among the victims were 22 young students and three teachers. According to a grim update by KhaoSod, the ill-fated coach was packed with 44 students, aged between three and nine, along with their devoted teachers from…

  • Thailand NewsBREAKING: 10 Thai kindergarten students killed in bus blaze

    BREAKING: 10 Thai kindergarten students killed in bus blaze

    Ten kindergarten students tragically lost their lives, and many others were injured, after a fire broke out on a coach during a school field trip outside Zeer Rangsit mall on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road in Pathum Thani province, near Bangkok. The blaze, which erupted on the coach at around 12.20pm today, October 1, was reported by the Facebook page Fire &…

  • Thailand NewsThai man assaults wife over digital wallet failure in Udon Thani

    Thai man assaults wife over digital wallet failure in Udon Thani

    A Thai man in the Isaan province of Udon Thani physically assaulted his wife yesterday out of frustration after failing to receive 10,000 baht from the digital wallet scheme. The wife sustained a bloody wound to her head. Officers from Mueang Udon Thani Police Station, and rescuers from the Song Serm Dhamma Satarn Foundation, yesterday, September 30, rushed to a…

  • Bangkok NewsThai deputy superintendent commits suicide at Bangkok police station

    Thai deputy superintendent commits suicide at Bangkok police station

    A deputy superintendent tragically committed suicide yesterday at Udomsuk Police Station, in Bangkok. The senior officer’s heartbreaking decision is believed to be driven by a valiant struggle with depression and debilitating congenital diseases. Police officers on duty heard a gunshot from the second floor of the police station yesterday, September 30, and rushed to investigate. In the office of the…

  • Thailand NewsGoogle to invest 35 billion baht in Thailand, creating 14,000 jobs

    Google to invest 35 billion baht in Thailand, creating 14,000 jobs

    Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer of Alphabet and Google, has unveiled an eye-watering 35 billion baht investment plan in Thailand. This massive cash injection is set to give the nation’s economy a turbo boost, with expectations to create a staggering 14,000 job positions. Porat met with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra yesterday, September 30, to discuss the investment project…

  • Thailand NewsThai woman criticised for crashing car into schoolboy, blames victim (video)

    Thai woman criticised for crashing car into schoolboy, blames victim (video)

    Police officers in the northern province of Chiang Mai are on the hunt for a female driver who crashed her sedan into a 10 year old schoolboy, subsequently blamed the young victim, and shirked all responsibility for his injuries. The 30 year old Thai woman, A, came forward to seek justice for the 10 year old schoolboy by sharing CCTV…