Petch Petpailin

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 NewsThai Model, Ticha Kanticha, promotes sex-ed and positivity in Thai society

    Thai Model, Ticha Kanticha, promotes sex-ed and positivity in Thai society

    Kanticha Chumma, also known as Ticha Kanticha, has become a prominent figure in Thailand due to her impressive win as the best model in the reality show, The Face Thailand Season 2. However, her influence extends beyond the modelling industry, and she has become an advocate for sex education and challenged social norms in Thailand. The 28 year old model,…

  • World NewsPhilippines airport officers steal 5,100 baht from Thai tourist

    Philippines airport officers steal 5,100 baht from Thai tourist

    Two customs officers at Manila Airport in the Philippines were caught on video stealing 5,100 baht from a Thai tourist at a baggage check counter. The video of the two customs officers stealing money was posted on Facebook by Piyawat Gunlayaprasit on February 22. Piyawat reported that he heard another Thai tourist, identified as Kitja Tbabtim, shouting that his money…

  • Thailand NewsLion cub escapes Chinese man’s house in Pattaya

    Lion cub escapes Chinese man’s house in Pattaya

    Residents of a luxury village in Pattaya called on the authorities to investigate the home of a Chinese man after they witnessed a white lion cub roaming around the community. The 39 year old Chinese man named Shen Tai contacted Pattaya authorities on Tuesday night that his three month old female white lion cub had gone missing. Later, he informed…

  • Thailand NewsUK YouTuber’s video on Thai boy racers praised by netizens

    UK YouTuber’s video on Thai boy racers praised by netizens

    Thai netizens hailed UK YouTuber JimmyTheGiant for his documentary-style video “Thailand’s Most Hated Subculture,” which sheds light on the persistent issue of boy racers in the kingdom. Many have called on Thai authorities to take the issue seriously and sort it out. The term “Dek Waen” is used to describe teenage boy racers who ride motorcycles or drive cars, very fast. However,…

  • Thailand News2 men arrested for animal trafficking, over 100 carcasses seized

    2 men arrested for animal trafficking, over 100 carcasses seized

    Two men were arrested yesterday in the central province of Suphan Buri for trafficking protected animals. The authorities seized over 100 carcasses of monitor lizards and turtles, making the largest number on record. Authorities from the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division, or Greencop, and U-Thong Police Station were notified that a house owner, later identified as 73 year old…

  • Thailand NewsGrab driver caught on tracking app stealing passenger’s phone

    Grab driver caught on tracking app stealing passenger’s phone

    A group of friends turned detective to successfully track down a lost mobile phone using a tracking application after it had been stolen by their Grab driver. They cancelled pre-booked flights and a vacation trip worth over 10,000 baht and set out to track down the thief. The incident was captured on video by one of the victim’s friends, 26…

  • Northern Thailand NewsDrunk lawyer tries to flee after causing 9 vehicle crash

    Drunk lawyer tries to flee after causing 9 vehicle crash

    A drunken lawyer attempted to flee the scene of a crime in his damaged car after he crashed his Isuzu MU-7 SUV into nine cars on the road in the Isaan province of Udon Thani. The blood alcohol content in the alleged drunk registered at a staggering 219 milligrammes. This is significantly higher than the legal limit of 50 milligrammes, indicating…

  • Northern Thailand NewsMan robbed at gunpoint by prostitute’s husband in Isaan

    Man robbed at gunpoint by prostitute’s husband in Isaan

    A man highlighted the dangers of booking a prostitute after he was robbed at gunpoint by the sex worker’s husband in the Isaan province of Khon Kaen. The criminal couple was arrested on Monday, which also led to the arrest of ten other prostitutes, but because the victim did not file a complaint with the police the couple got off…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok gambling den bust sees five police officers transferred

    Bangkok gambling den bust sees five police officers transferred

    The Metropolitan Police Bureau Division 5 transferred five police officers from the Khlong Tan Police Station to work at the metro police headquarters after 48 gamblers were arrested on Sunday at a gambling den in their area of supervision in Bangkok, Thailand. The officers from the Metropolitan Police Bureau raided a gambling den in Soi Pattanakarn 54 in the Suan…

  • Thailand NewsThailand to resume cockfights and other animal sports, gambling allowed

    Thailand to resume cockfights and other animal sports, gambling allowed

    Thailand is resuming cockfighting and other animal fights, with gambling allowed under strict conditions, the Ministry of Interior announced on Friday. Secretary of the Ministry of Interior Suttipong Junjaroen officially announced that cockfighting, horse racing, Siamese fighting fish battles, bullfighting and cow racing may all resume now that the pandemic has subsided. Betting will be permitted under strict conditions, so long as…

  • Thailand NewsThai teacher in US accused of sexual relations with 16 year old student

    Thai teacher in US accused of sexual relations with 16 year old student

    A Thai teacher at a high school in Seattle in the state of Washington was accused of having sex with his 16 year old student. He was arrested at the school on February 17 and released on bail the next day for US$100,000 or 3.5 million baht. The Seattle Times reported yesterday that a Thai man, 32 year old Pawares…

  • Thailand NewsThailand is home to the most motorcyclists in the world

    Thailand is home to the most motorcyclists in the world

    The Pew Research Centre reported that Thailand has the most motorcyclists in the world. Similarly, most victims of road accidents in the country are riding motorcycles. If you’ve ever visited Vietnam, you might have noticed the abundance of motorbikes on the road, especially in Ho Chi Minh City. It may lead you to believe that Vietnam has the highest number…

  • Phuket NewsRussians own 40% of foreign-owned condos in Phuket

    Russians own 40% of foreign-owned condos in Phuket

    Thailand’s Real Estate Information Centre (REIC) reported that Russian citizens own nearly 40% of foreign-owned condominiums in Phuket, worth a collective 880 million baht (US$25). In Phuket, Russians have overtaken the Chinese as the No.1 condo buyer. Since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 last year, Thailand has become a refuge for Russian citizens, as reported by Al Jazeera. The…

  • Thailand NewsPolice arrest 2 men, 1 woman for overpass threesome in Thailand

    Police arrest 2 men, 1 woman for overpass threesome in Thailand

    Police in Phitsanulok province arrested two Thai men and one Thai woman for engaging in public sex on an overpass in broad daylight after a local media outlet exposed them on Facebook yesterday. Local news Facebook page named Esor News 2 posted a picture yesterday of what appears to be a couple having sex on a bridge with the caption… “Young…

  • Thailand NewsElectrical short circuit closes runway at Krabi Airport, Thailand

    Electrical short circuit closes runway at Krabi Airport, Thailand

    Thai and foreign passengers were left stranded at Krabi International Airport in southern Thailand yesterday evening after the runway was closed due to an electrical short circuit, causing disruption to several flights. Facebook page Krabi Provincial Public Relations Department announced at 8.30pm that the airport sent out a Notice to Airmen (NOTEM) announcing the temporary closure of the airport from…

  • Thailand NewsThai army punishes 5 soldiers and their commanders for gunfight in Bangkok

    Thai army punishes 5 soldiers and their commanders for gunfight in Bangkok

    The Royal Thai Army (RTA) punished five non-commissioned officers and their commanders after residents living near the premises in Bangkok complained about a gunfight and loud party at night. Locals living near an army premise in the Chaeng Watthana district of Bangkok have recently released a video of soldiers engaging in violent behaviour. The caption said… “The gunfight on February…

  • Thailand NewsVideo of foreign children playing with dangerous tokay gecko shocks Thai netizens

    Video of foreign children playing with dangerous tokay gecko shocks Thai netizens

    Netizens in Thailand are baffled by a clip posted by a Thai TikToker of three foreign children playing with a tokay gecko, an aggressive lizard feared most by Thais. Tokay geckos are not venomous but are known for being aggressive, territorial and inflicting strong, nasty bites that draw blood and get infected easily. Once a tokay gecko bites, it locks…

  • Crime NewsFour suspects arrested over murder of 4 men in southern Thailand

    Four suspects arrested over murder of 4 men in southern Thailand

    Police arrested four suspects in connection with the murder of four men whose bodies were found in Juerae Lake and the Kolok River in the southern province of Narathiwat two days ago. Residents found three dead bodies with gunshot wounds in a sedan truck submerged in Juerae Lake. Then another lifeless body who was also shot dead was found in…

  • Thailand NewsDriving instructor intentionally crashes into and kills Thai police officer (video)

    Driving instructor intentionally crashes into and kills Thai police officer (video)

    A driving instructor crashed his sedan into the motorbike of a highway police officer in Pathum Thani province in central Thailand yesterday, instantly killing him. The crash was captured clearly by the camera attached to the highway police officer’s helmet. After inspecting the footage, police believe the crash was intentional. At 4.30pm, the Highway Police received notification of an accident…

  • Thailand NewsElderly couple attacked by over 10,000 wild bees in northern Thailand

    Elderly couple attacked by over 10,000 wild bees in northern Thailand

    An elderly couple in the northern province of Tak suffered a terrifying attack by a swarm of over ten thousand wild bees. The couple, both around 70 years old, was sitting in front of their house near the Ping River in the Baan Tak district when the bees descended upon them without warning. The couple endured multiple stings all over…

  • Thailand NewsThai tea ranked 7th in the world’s best non-alcohol drinks’ list

    Thai tea ranked 7th in the world’s best non-alcohol drinks’ list

    TasteAtlas ranked Thai tea in seventh place in the travel guide platform’s top 100 Best Rated Non-alcoholic Beverages in the World. TasteAtlas website is an online food atlas or food guide that provides information on traditional and authentic dishes from all over the world. Users can search for interesting dishes by region, country, or ingredient, and users can suggest dishes…

  • Thailand News3 Thais arrested for smuggling of 14 Chinese citizens

    3 Thais arrested for smuggling of 14 Chinese citizens

    Police yesterday arrested two Thai men and a Thai woman on Phahonyothin Road in the central province of Nakhon Sawan for people trafficking. The group were spotted using three vehicles to smuggle 14 Chinese citizens without passports from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Traffic officers from Mueang Nakhon Sawan Police Station stopped three sedans for a random alcohol test at 4am…

  • Thailand NewsMan accidently shot and killed cousin and injured 2 year old niece

    Man accidently shot and killed cousin and injured 2 year old niece

    In a tragic incident, a man accidentally shot his cousin and her two year old daughter, mistaking them for intruders. The shooting resulted in the death of the woman, while the child was critically injured and is currently receiving treatment in intensive care. The shooting incident occurred last night at 9.30pm in a longan plantation in the central province of…

  • Thailand NewsTubing in northern Thailand bustling with foreign tourists

    Tubing in northern Thailand bustling with foreign tourists

    A Thai TikToker recently shared a video of foreign tourists enjoying a tubing adventure along the Pai River in Mae Hong Son, a northern province of Thailand. Thai netizens were overwhelmed by the video, saying it was a sign the kingdom is well on the way to economic recovery and tourism is booming once more. @roritarkratair posted the video yesterday…

  • Thailand NewsGrab taxi driver accused of stealing 50,000 baht cash bouquet

    Grab taxi driver accused of stealing 50,000 baht cash bouquet

    A Grab taxi driver has been accused of stealing a valuable cash flower bouquet by a woman who hired him to deliver the gift to her boyfriend. The bouquet was reportedly worth 50,000 baht, a significant sum of money. The driver, whose identity has not been disclosed, vehemently denies the allegations and insists that he delivered the bouquet to its…

  • Thailand News4 bodies with gunshot wounds found in southern Thailand

    4 bodies with gunshot wounds found in southern Thailand

    Residents in the southern province of Narathiwas found the lifeless bodies of three people with gunshot wounds in a sedan truck submerged in the Juerae Lake yesterday. This morning, another dead body was found near the scene. The authorities have reason to believe that the two incidents are interconnected. Buketa Police Station received distressing reports from residents who had discovered…

  • Thailand NewsSouth Korean human trafficking leader arrested in Pattaya

    South Korean human trafficking leader arrested in Pattaya

    A leader in the human trafficking trade from South Korea was arrested yesterday at a luxury condominium in Pattaya. He was charged with operating an illicit massage parlour in Busan and luring Thai women into sex work. The South Korean criminal boss, identified as 50 year old Cho, was arrested at a luxury condominium on Pattaya Sai Sam Road yesterday…

  • Bangkok NewsMore than 30 manhole covers in Bangkok stolen

    More than 30 manhole covers in Bangkok stolen

    Police launched an investigation into the disappearance of more than 30 manhole covers in the Thawi Watthana district of Bangkok. Officers conducted raids on a number of scrap dealer shops in the capital to recover the stolen items to no avail. The Director of Thawi Watthana district, Dicha Kongsi, filed a complaint with Thammasara Police Station after receiving reports of…

  • Thailand NewsPolice officer beheaded after crashing sedan into traffic barrier

    Police officer beheaded after crashing sedan into traffic barrier

    An officer from the Chainart Provincial Police Office was beheaded last night after he crashed his sedan into a traffic barrier. The stationary barrier ripped into his car and took his head off. The dead police officer was reported to be 30 year old Naphatrapee Worawongwaylarath. He was killed by the 10-metre traffic barrier. His damaged black Honda Civic sedan…

  • Thailand NewsWoman accused of being a witch and sacrificing neighbourhood cats

    Woman accused of being a witch and sacrificing neighbourhood cats

    A woman is in police custody after residents in the southern province of Songkhla accused her of being a witch and sacrificing neighbourhood cats. Yaowaluck Boonchum was accused by a cat owner of being into the occult after killing her five-month-old Persian cat as a sacrifice. The 44 year old woman denied the allegations, saying she is a cat lover,…