News
Thailand news, politics, business, crime, lifestyle, and tourism—stay updated with breaking news and in-depth analysis from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond. The Thaiger delivers the latest national news that matters.
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Retiring in Thailand comes with many benefits, like warm weather, affordable living, and a rich culture. However, it also brings challenges. Retirees must deal with visa rules, healthcare costs, language barriers, and cultural differences. Rising medical expenses, required insurance, and...
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Chiang Mai air quality ranks worst globally due to regional fires
Burning activities in Myanmar and Laos have significantly contributed to the poor air quality in Chiang Mai, which has been ranked as having the worst air quality in the world. Today, March 16, 17 provinces in Thailand reported PM2.5 levels exceeding safety standards. Associate Professor Doctor Wisanu Arthawanich from the Faculty of Economics at Kasetsart University highlighted the situation on…
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Boat fire near Koh Tao triggers evacuation by Royal Thai Navy
A fire broke out on a boat carrying 28 tourists for a diving trip near Koh Tao, prompting an evacuation effort by the Royal Thai Navy‘s (RTN) Marine Department in Surat Thani province. The incident occurred at 9.25am, today, March 16, when RTN Captain Natthaphon Sinphunphon, deputy director of the department, received an alert from Koh Tao’s rescue centre about…
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Thailand seeks private investment for Phuket expressway project
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) is seeking private sector involvement in the Phuket Expressway Project to enhance road infrastructure, alleviate traffic congestion, and improve connectivity for both locals and tourists. On March 7, a public hearing took place at the Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit, where private investors were invited to share their views on the project’s feasibility and investment…
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Major e-cigarette distributor arrested in Thailand crackdown
A significant arrest was made involving a major distributor of electronic cigarettes who distributed products to various branches. The 56 year old suspect previously served over 11 years in prison but claimed to be only a coordinator rather than the owner. Today, March 16, Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, Metropolitan Police Commissioner, along with other senior officials from the Metropolitan…
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Drug-influenced man kills one, injures another in Chaiyaphum attack
A 26 year old man, reportedly under the influence of drugs, attacked his neighbours in Chaiyaphum province, resulting in one death and one serious injury. Following the incident, he fled and was later apprehended at a temple, where he confessed his actions. Today, March 16, Police Lieutenant Witoon Phaphong-ngarm from Nong Bua Daeng district Police Station was informed of an…
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South Korean man injured in Pattaya condo altercation
A South Korean man was injured in a confrontation at a Pattaya condominium after his ex-girlfriend discovered him with a Thai woman. The incident occurred on the 16th floor of a building on Thappraya Road, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri. Emergency services were notified, and the injured man was promptly transported to a hospital. The victim, 45 year…
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Tragic accident in Bang Pa Han: Man killed by lawnmower blade
A 58 year old man tragically died after a lawnmower blade broke off and struck his leg while he was working in a field in Bang Pa Han district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. The incident was reported yesterday, March 15. Relatives had planned to celebrate his birthday but instead found themselves organising a funeral. Police Lieutenant Colonel Piyapong Sirichanyatham from…
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South Korean tourist found dead in Phuket luxury spa sauna
A South Korean tourist was found dead in a sauna room at a luxury spa in Phuket. His wife revealed that he had entered the facility before losing consciousness. Attempts to revive him with CPR were unsuccessful. Police are set to investigate the cause of death. Today, March 16, reports emerged that yesterday, March 15 at 6.30pm, Police Captain Yutthaphon…
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Fifteen Thai nationals charged for online gambling in Cambodia
Arrest warrants have been issued for 15 Thai nationals repatriated from Poipet, Cambodia, over allegations of organising online gambling operations. The action follows a crackdown by Cambodian officials on scammers in the border town last month, resulting in the arrest and deportation of 119 Thais for investigation in Thailand, according to Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phiewphan, head of the Cyber…
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Major drug bust in Songkhla uncovers drugs worth 117 million baht
A significant drug bust in Songkhla province has led to the seizure of approximately 200 kilogrammes of heroin and 2.7 million methamphetamine pills, with an estimated total value exceeding 117 million baht. Two people suspected of drug trafficking were apprehended in what is being described as the province’s largest drug seizure to date. A coordinated effort by police, military personnel,…
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Nigerian man arrested for motorcycle theft in Chumphon disturbance
A Nigerian man suspected of motorcycle theft was apprehended after causing a disturbance outside a convenience store in the Muang district of Chumphon yesterday morning, according to police reports. Tourist Police responded to an incident at the Home Fresh store in tambon Na Thung after receiving reports of a foreign tourist creating disorder and damaging property, stated Police Lieutenant Colonel…
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Three missing found after Rama 2 overpass collapse tragedy
Three missing people from the Rama 2 overpass collapse have been located after an extensive search. The incident occurred on the Rama 3 – Dao Khanong – Outer Ring Road construction project, which is situated over the Rama 2 expressway. The collapse resulted in five fatalities and numerous injuries. As of 3.20pm yesterday, March 15, emergency services reported discovering two…
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Thailand tourism surges with visa-free policy, Phuket leads
Following the easing of Covid-19, global tourism has experienced a resurgence, bolstered by the Thai government’s visa-free policy. This has led to a continuous increase in tourists visiting Thailand. Recent data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports revealed that between January and March, the number of tourists reached 7,021,344, marking a 5.91% increase compared to the same period last…
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Rubber plantation worker shot dead in Nakhon Si Thammarat
A 52 year old rubber plantation worker was fatally shot while riding his motorcycle to work in Nakhon Si Thammarat province yesterday, March 14. Police are actively investigating the case to determine the motive and apprehend the gunman. Police Lieutenant Hassan Wongmathong, Deputy Inspector at Chulabhorn Police Station, received a report of the shooting incident near a rubber plantation entrance…
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Uthai Thani locals flock to ancient tree for lottery luck
As the lottery draw approaches, residents in Uthai Thani’s Mueang district have flocked to seek lucky numbers from a century-old Takian tree. It is believed that 12 spirit guardians, known as Mae Takian, reside within the tree, offering fortune to visitors. Located in Ban Huai Rang, Village 2, Rabam subdistrict, the revered Takian tree stands by a busy road, drawing…
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Indian tourists held over alleged assault at Koh Pha Ngan party
Two Indian men have been detained for questioning in connection with the alleged assault of a German woman after CCTV footage implicated them. One suspect gave inconsistent statements, while the other was evasive. Police remain confident in their identification of the suspects. The incident occurred when 24 year old Salah, a German national, reported being assaulted by two men while…
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Ayutthaya hermitage draws crowds for blessings, lucky numbers
The Ruesi Cherne Thatu Phutthakhun hermitage in Ayutthaya is buzzing with visitors seeking spiritual blessings and lucky numbers ahead of the next lottery draw. This sacred site in Bang Sai district has become a magnet for those looking to boost their fortune, drawing tourists and devoted believers alike. Among the hermitage’s revered figures is the nine-faced Thao Wessuwan statue, standing…
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Pattaya shooting range noise reduced, but residents uneasy
Residents expressed relief as Pattaya officials inspected a shooting range adjacent to their village, which has caused persistent noise disturbance. Yesterday, Krisana Boonsawat, Pattaya’s Deputy Mayor, along with officials from the engineering and public health and environment departments, visited the Guns Shooting and Battle range, now renamed 556 Shooting Club, following complaints from residents of Jomtien Park Villa 2 in…
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Ex-finance minister exposes Phuket police extortion
A former finance minister has blown the lid off corrupt police practices in Phuket, exposing a rampant extortion racket targeting tourists. Sommai Phasee took to Facebook to reveal how officers are demanding bribes of 10,000 to 20,000 baht from foreign visitors to avoid being dragged to the police station. “I can’t stand it anymore. Corruption is everywhere in Thailand—it’s a…
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PM Paetongtarn prepares for Bhutan visit to boost trade
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra engaged in discussions with Bhutan’s Ambassador to Thailand yesterday, March 14, focusing on preparations for the forthcoming state visit of the King and Queen to Bhutan. This marks Their Majesties’ initial state visit following an invitation from His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, King of Bhutan. Paetongtarn held talks with Kinzang Dorji, the Bhutanese Ambassador to…
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Phuket leads Thailand’s push for sustainable tourism
Thailand is going green in a big way, with Phuket at the forefront of a bold push to revolutionise sustainable tourism. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) has launched the Green Hotel Plus Phuket Sandbox project, a key initiative to raise hotel sustainability standards to global levels. Minister Chalermchai Sri-on, who chaired the event on Thursday, March 13,…
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Teen stabbed in Pattaya over motorcycle exhaust dispute
A teenager in Pattaya sustained a severe head injury after a knife attack linked to a dispute over a loud motorcycle exhaust. The incident occurred at 1.06am yesterday, March 14, with the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre receiving the report of an assault in Soi Wat Boon Samphan. Coordination between Nong Prue Police Station officers and rescue volunteers was swiftly…
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Horror on Rama II: Bridge collapse kills 5, injures 20
The death toll from a devastating bridge collapse on Rama II Road has climbed to five, with 20 others injured as emergency crews race to find more victims. The tragic incident, which unfolded in the early hours of today, March 15, has thrown Bangkok’s infrastructure safety into question. A loud bang shattered the silence at around 2am, sending a massive…
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‘Mum on the run’ feared dead after shocking Thai prison video
A British woman who fled the UK for a dream life in Thailand has sparked fears for her safety after shocking footage showed her detained in a grim Thai prison alongside her toddler. The woman, 32 year old Ellis Matthews, who once appeared on the reality show Judge Rinder after claiming to have blown through a £6 million (around 261…
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Thai woman rewards honest collector with job after cash return
A Thai woman rewarded a garbage collector with a job at her rubber store in the Isaan province of Udon Thani after he found her lost cash totalling 100,000 baht and returned the entire amount to her. The 28 year old garbage collector, Boonkong “Namfon” Manmueangpak, arrived at Klang Yai Police Station on his bicycle yesterday, March 13, asking officers…
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Thailand begins landmark dengue vaccine trial for children
Thailand is taking a major step in the fight against dengue fever, launching a large-scale clinical trial of a new vaccine for children in Nakhon Phanom province. The trial, set to begin on April 4, will involve 35,000 children aged between seven and 10, regardless of prior dengue infection. Approved by the National Communicable Disease Committee, the study aims to…
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Thailand’s tourism target at risk amid competition, safety fears
Thailand’s ambitious goal of attracting 39 million foreign visitors this year is under threat, with industry experts warning that stiff competition and safety concerns could derail the plan. According to the Association of Thai Travel Agents (TTAA), the country is likely to welcome a maximum of 37 million foreign arrivals in 2025, still an improvement from last year’s 35.54 million.…
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Man arrested in Bangkok after alleged molestation in Phayao
A 32 year old man was apprehended by police for two alleged incidents of molestation involving young women in a single day. The incidents reportedly took place in Phayao province, with the suspect fleeing to Bangkok before being captured. The arrest took place at a hotel near Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bang Sao Thong district, Samut Prakan province, following a…
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Narathiwat Court sentences 7 men for assault on 12 year old girl
The Narathiwat Court sentenced seven men involved in the sexual assault of a 12 year old girl in Grade 6, with sentences ranging from two years to 87 years in prison. Kosolwat Inthuchanyong, Director General of the Office of Rights Protection and Legal Aid for the Public (SCP), yesterday, March 13, revealed progress in the case of 16 men, both…
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Phuket mayor vows clean drinking water for all
Phuket Town residents may soon enjoy safe, drinkable tap water as city officials push forward with a major water quality upgrade. At a public event held at the Phuket City Municipality’s Waterworks Division yesterday, March 13, Mayor Saroj Angkanapilas assured residents that progress is being made in providing clean, potable water across the town. Flanked by key officials—including Deputy Mayor…
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