Ryan Turner

Ryan is a journalist graduate from Mahidol University with a passion for writing all kinds of content from news to lifestyle articles. Outside of work, Ryan loves everything to do with history, reading, and sports.
  • Thailand TravelNew international flight routes to Thailand in 2025 | Thaiger

    New international flight routes to Thailand in 2025

    The Thaiger’s key takeaways New flights from Europe and the U.S., including the first U.S. airline route to Bangkok in decades. Regional growth in Asia as airlines are expanding direct routes from countries like India and Indonesia. Bangkok, as a key hub, is attracting Middle Eastern airlines that are increasing flight capacity and using Bangkok as a central point to connect to…

  • Aviation NewsThailand’s ageing F-16s, what’s the next move? | Thaiger

    Thailand’s ageing F-16s, what’s the next move?

    Thailand’s Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is facing an important challenge: how to replace its ageing fleet of F-16 fighter jets while keeping pace with regional security demands and budget realities. For decades, the F-16 has been the backbone of Thailand’s air defence. But with many of these jets approaching their retirement age, the RTAF has now shifted gears, looking…

  • Thailand NewsThailand struggles to revive Chinese tourism as arrivals drop 34% | Thaiger

    Thailand struggles to revive Chinese tourism as arrivals drop 34%

    Thailand’s tourism sector is grappling with a sharp decline in Chinese arrivals, forcing tourism agencies to lower expectations and step up efforts to attract more visitors. In the first half of 2025, Chinese tourist numbers fell by 34% compared to last year, with only 2,265,556 arrivals recorded. This downturn has pushed China into second place behind Malaysia, which saw 2,299,897…

  • Thailand NewsRescuer catches giant king cobra in Trang durian orchard | Thaiger

    Rescuer catches giant king cobra in Trang durian orchard

    A large king cobra was captured in a Trang durian orchard after repeated sightings during harvest season. Orchard owner, 73 year old Jarun Sae-Iew, today, July 7, called for help after spotting the snake again on his orchard in Ban Thung Yao, Palian district. He contacted 21 year old Suphat Eadchata, known locally as Benz the Snake Wrangler, a rescue…

  • Thailand NewsThailand warns travellers of Japan’s new power bank rules | Thaiger

    Thailand warns travellers of Japan’s new power bank rules

    The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has issued a notice reminding travellers of new regulations on carrying power banks when flying to Japan. Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism announced the updated rules, which will take effect tomorrow, July 8. Under the new guidelines, passengers may carry and use power banks during the flight, but the devices…

  • Thailand NewsDrunk man pulls gun, attacks guests at Buriram housewarming party | Thaiger

    Drunk man pulls gun, attacks guests at Buriram housewarming party

    A drunk man armed with a gun caused a disturbance at a housewarming ceremony in Buriram yesterday, July 6, injuring one person and threatening local security officers. The incident took place at around 3pm in Ban Jan village, Nong Teng subdistrict, Krasang district. Witnesses said the man arrived uninvited, fired a shot into the air, and later assaulted several people.…

  • Pattaya NewsPattaya rider threatened by gunman during late-night pickup | Thaiger

    Pattaya rider threatened by gunman during late-night pickup

    A ride-hailing driver in Pattaya has filed a police report after a gunman threatened him during a late-night pickup earlier today, July 7, at 2am in Soi Arunothai 1, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri. The driver, 31 year old Arnon, told officers at Chon Buri Police Station he was nearly caught in the middle of the confrontation while…

  • Thailand NewsSenate panel summons PM Paetongtarn over border issues | Thaiger

    Senate panel summons PM Paetongtarn over border issues

    Thailand’s Senate Committee on Military and National Security has invited suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to explain the government’s approach to mounting security concerns along the Thai-Cambodian border. Senator Chaiyong Maneerungsakul, the committee’s secretary and spokesperson, said the decision was prompted by disputes affecting Thailand’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interests under the constitution. He added that Cambodia’s actions were…

  • Business NewsThailand races to avert steep US tariffs with trade deal | Thaiger

    Thailand races to avert steep US tariffs with trade deal

    Thailand has submitted its latest trade proposal to the United States in a last-minute effort to avoid steep tariffs on its exports, as confirmed by Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira. The move comes ahead of a July 9 deadline when a 90-day suspension capping tariffs at 10% for most nations is set to expire. If no agreement is reached, Washington plans…

  • Thailand NewsFDA plans new standards for bottled water | Thaiger

    FDA plans new standards for bottled water

    The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plans to propose a draft announcement to the health minister to raise the quality standards of bottled water and ice to international levels. Doctor Surachoke Tangwiwat, Secretary General of the FDA, said the proposal aims to benefit manufacturers, consumers, and the environment. A recent meeting was held to present the draft regulations, which…

  • Thailand NewsArsenic contamination in Mekong River near Thai border | Thaiger

    Arsenic contamination in Mekong River near Thai border

    The Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat issued a warning about the detection of heavy metal contamination in the Mekong River, which is suspected to have originated from poorly regulated mining operations in Myanmar. The situation has been classified as “moderately serious.” Recent water quality assessments conducted by the MRC have revealed elevated levels of arsenic in several locations along the…

  • Thailand NewsThailand sets out stance on cyberspace laws | Thaiger

    Thailand sets out stance on cyberspace laws

    Thailand has released its national position on the Application of International Law in Cyberspace, confirming that human rights laws are applicable in cyberspace under international norms, according to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on its Facebook page. The document is a result of national consultations involving several key agencies such as the Office of the Attorney General,…

  • Pattaya NewsElderly fisherman falls into Pattaya car park elevator shaft | Thaiger

    Elderly fisherman falls into Pattaya car park elevator shaft

    An elderly fisherman yesterday morning fell into an automatic car park elevator shaft in Pattaya, suffering serious injuries. The man cited his impaired vision from recent surgery as the reason for not seeing the shaft opening. At 7.06am yesterday, July 6, the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Unit responded to an emergency call at the automatic car park of Bali Hai Pier.…

  • Thailand NewsThailand weather: Rainfall alert for 39 provinces, floods possible | Thaiger

    Thailand weather: Rainfall alert for 39 provinces, floods possible

    The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather advisory for today, July 7, warning 39 provinces of severe rainfall affecting 70% of these areas, particularly in northern, northeastern, eastern, and southern Thailand. These regions are expected to experience heavy rain due to a low-pressure area over northern Vietnam and a moderate southwest monsoon affecting maritime regions of the Andaman…

  • GuidesThe colours of Thai taxis, what do they mean? | Thaiger

    The colours of Thai taxis, what do they mean?

    If you’ve spent any time in Bangkok, chances are that you’ve noticed a fleet of Thai taxis, each marked by its own distinctive colours, whether it be hot pink, green-yellow, electric blue, or any shade in between. But what do they mean? At first glance, it may seem like a marketing ploy to make their vehicles stand out more, but…

  • Cannabis NewsThai cannabis prescriptions standardised, symptoms list clarified | Thaiger

    Thai cannabis prescriptions standardised, symptoms list clarified

    Thailand’s Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine has confirmed that the new cannabis prescription form, known as PorThor 33, will proceed without the previously listed 15 medical symptoms, following concerns about overlapping authority among professional groups. Somruk Chungsaman, Director-General of the department, said yesterday, June 30, that the decision aims to allow each of the seven recognised professions to…

  • Thailand NewsRoyal Irrigation Department mobilises for nationwide flash flood threat | Thaiger

    Royal Irrigation Department mobilises for nationwide flash flood threat

    Flood preparations are underway across Thailand as meteorologists forecast several days of intense rainfall from July 1 to 5. The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) confirmed it is mobilising personnel, machinery, and equipment to high-risk areas following an alert from the National Water Resources Office (NWRO). The NWRO has warned of flash floods, stagnant water, and potential mudslides in several provinces…

  • Thailand NewsDistrict official arrested for extorting migrant work permit fees in Chiang Mai | Thaiger

    District official arrested for extorting migrant work permit fees in Chiang Mai

    A senior district official in Chiang Mai was arrested for allegedly extorting millions of baht from brokers handling migrant worker registrations. Officials from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), and police units apprehended a man named Boonyarit, who is the chief registrar of the Region 5 Registration Centre and district chief of San Sai, at…

  • Thailand NewsKaren refugee suspected in brutal murder of Thai employer | Thaiger

    Karen refugee suspected in brutal murder of Thai employer

    A Karen refugee from Myanmar was suspected of the murder of his Thai employer in Chiang Mai’s Mae Chaem district before fleeing to a refugee centre in Mae Hong Son province. The incident took place on June 27 when police were alerted to a murder in a mountain orchard in Ban Mae Satop Tai, Mae Suek subdistrict. Officers from Mae…

  • Pattaya NewsMan detained in Pattaya for attempted gold shop robbery | Thaiger

    Man detained in Pattaya for attempted gold shop robbery

    A man was arrested in Pattaya after he allegedly planned a gold shop robbery to cover debts from stock trading losses, but he hesitated to act upon his plans, which led to his arrest. Police detained the suspect, identified as 31 year old Phermphol, at 6.36pm yesterday, June 29, at a department store in North Pattaya, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung…

  • Thailand NewsPheu Thai delays casino bill debate for further review | Thaiger

    Pheu Thai delays casino bill debate for further review

    The Pheu Thai Party has announced a delay in the debate over the proposed casino-entertainment complex bill, initially scheduled for July 3. The postponement, which extends the timeline by about a month, is attributed to the need for further review rather than political discord. Danuporn Punnakanta, a Pheu Thai Party MP and spokesperson, confirmed the delay and emphasised that the…

  • Thai Law NewsThailand eases citizenship rules for children of long-term migrants | Thaiger

    Thailand eases citizenship rules for children of long-term migrants

    Thailand’s Ministry of Interior has announced new citizenship regulations aimed at resolving decades-long issues of statelessness among children born to long-term migrants. The order, signed by Deputy Interior Minister Teerarat Samretwanich, was published in the Royal Gazette today, June 30. will take effect immediately and will remain valid for one year, unless extended by the Cabinet. Under the new criteria,…

  • Thailand NewsThailand, France to strengthen defence and trade links | Thaiger

    Thailand, France to strengthen defence and trade links

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said yesterday, June 29, she felt honoured to speak by phone with French President Emmanuel Macron, announcing Thailand and France’s commitment to deepen bilateral ties across multiple sectors, particularly space technology, defence and clean energy. In a statement posted on social media today, Paetongtarn said the discussion aimed to elevate Thai-French relations to a strategic partnership…

  • Thailand NewsProtesters demand PM Paetongtarn resignation, deny coup support | Thaiger

    Protesters demand PM Paetongtarn resignation, deny coup support

    Anti-government protesters have intensified demands for the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, while also denying claims from the Pheu Thai Party and the People’s Party that they support a military coup. The United Power of the Land to Protect Sovereignty group, which organised a large rally at the Victory Monument on Saturday, June 28, is pressuring PM Paetongtarn to…

  • Food5 of our favourite lasagna restaurants in Bangkok | Thaiger

    5 of our favourite lasagna restaurants in Bangkok

    You can never go wrong with a bit of Italian when dining out in Bangkok. As one of the most beloved cuisines globally, from the classics of pizzas, spaghetti, and lasagna to deserts such as tiramisu or panna cotta for those with a sweet tooth, its cuisine holds the distinctive title of being beloved as comfort food, while also fitting…

  • Cannabis NewsThailand’s cannabis recriminalisation: What’s the damage? | Thaiger

    Thailand’s cannabis recriminalisation: What’s the damage?

    Thailand has recently reversed its decision to decriminalise cannabis, with the Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin signing an order on June 23, preventing stores from selling cannabis without a prescription. The new regulations restrict cannabis use solely to medical purposes, essentially reclassifying the plant as a controlled herb. The move also marks the end of the country’s three-year experiment with recreational…

  • Thailand NewsWildlife officials to prosecute gunman of injured Khao Yai elephant | Thaiger

    Wildlife officials to prosecute gunman of injured Khao Yai elephant

    Thailand’s Department of National Parks (DNP) is preparing legal action against a man suspected of shooting a wild elephant known as “Plai Biang Lek” (also called “Wong Thong”) in Khao Yai National Park. Wildlife officials believe the suspect may be related to a local politician. Previously on June 19, around 5pm, wildlife rangers and volunteers were pushing a wild elephant…

  • Phuket NewsFour arrested in Phuket for assault on massage worker | Thaiger

    Four arrested in Phuket for assault on massage worker

    Police in Phuket have apprehended four young men concerning the assault of a massage shop worker in Phuket Town on June 19. The incident took place at approximately 10.15pm, as reported by the Phuket City Police on June 22. The four individuals attacked 41 year old Suriya Namsak in front of a local noodle shop. The suspects alleged that Suriya…

  • Thailand NewsThai-Cambodian border checkpoint closures amid protest tensions | Thaiger

    Thai-Cambodian border checkpoint closures amid protest tensions

    The Thai-Cambodian border checkpoint at Chong Sai Taku in Ban Kruat district, Buriram, has been closed by the military following a protest involving Cambodian visitors at Ta Kwai temple in Phanom Dong Rak district, Surin, on June 21. This temple is a point of contention between Thailand and Cambodia. A group of 30 Cambodian visitors staged a protest at the…

  • Thailand NewsThai ex-police chief targets Hun Sen in legal complaint | Thaiger

    Thai ex-police chief targets Hun Sen in legal complaint

    Former Thai Police Chief and Seri Ruam Thai Party leader, Police General Seripisut Temiyavet, filed a legal complaint today, June 23, against Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen at the Royal Thai Police headquarters in Bangkok. Seripisut accuses Hun Sen, Cambodia’s former prime minister, of violating Thai law by allegedly ordering the assassination of political dissident Lim Kimya on Thai soil.…