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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Search is on for Thailand’s next global goodwill heroes
Think you, or someone you know, has what it takes to put Thailand on the global map? The search is on for the next generation of Thailand’s goodwill ambassadors, as nominations open for the fourth annual Thailand Public Diplomacy Awards. Launched by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Thailand Foundation, the prestigious awards recognise individuals, groups, and organisations whose efforts have…
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Suspect arrested in Songkhla monk shooting
Police have apprehended a suspect in the shooting of a novice monk collecting alms in Saba Yoi district, Songkhla province. The weapon used in the crime was reportedly stolen from a police officer in Na Pradu Police Station. The suspect, identified as Nasri (surname withheld), was captured at his residence following tips from residents and evidence from CCTV footage and…
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Thailand’s war on cyber fraud gets a major upgrade
Thailand is beefing up its fight against online scams in a big way — and it’s coming for the fraudsters faster than ever. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) is set to transform its Anti-Online Scam Operation Centre into a fully-fledged department, following the implementation of a powerful new emergency decree that came into effect on April 13.…
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Homeless man arrested for filming volunteer in Bangkok toilet
A homeless man was apprehended after secretly filming a female volunteer bathing in a portable toilet near the site of a collapsed building in Bangkok. The incident occurred early today, April 24, when the victim reported the invasion of privacy to the police at 12.30am. Somchai Chomchat, a committee member of the Sai Mai District Civil Protection Volunteer Centre, recounted…
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Thai woman’s devotion to Buriram cult blamed for husband’s death
A strong belief in a cult by a Thai woman in the Isaan province of Buriram allegedly led to the death of her husband, who suffered from tuberculosis (TB) and severe malnutrition. A photograph of the home of the 59 year old woman, Boonrian, was shared on social media, eliciting sympathy from the public. The house is without walls or…
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Panic button: Thailand to blast phones with emergency alert tests
Don’t panic if your phone suddenly screams at you in May — it’s not the end of the world, just a test. Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has announced a nationwide test of its emergency Cell Broadcast alert system, with thousands of phones set to blare warnings across selected locations. The staged tests are scheduled for May…
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Bomb attack in Pattani leaves seven injured in volunteer vehicle (video)
A bomb attack targeted a vehicle belonging to a volunteer defence force in Thung Yang Daeng district, Pattani province, injuring seven personnel. The incident occurred yesterday, April 23, at 3.16pm when the armoured pickup truck was crossing the Pakuh Bridge towards the Khomis market. The perpetrators and their numbers remain unknown, as the explosive detonated along the highway. The injured…
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Siriraj Hospital urges use of advanced radiology technology
Siriraj Hospital is advocating for the use of advanced technology in interventional radiology, a minimally invasive procedure that targets specific medical treatments. The hospital emphasised that investing in this technology could save more lives and has called on the government to consider its importance. Doctor Yongyut Sirivatanauksorn, director of Siriraj Hospital, highlighted the establishment of the Siriraj Centre of Interventional…
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Chinese tourists favour Vietnam over Thailand amid rising costs
Thailand has fallen behind Vietnam as the most-visited Southeast Asian destination for Chinese tourists in the first quarter. The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) subsequently urged the government to lower travel costs, which are currently 30% higher than Vietnam’s, and enhance Thailand’s appeal with new attractions. The Tourism and Sports Ministry recorded 1.3 million Chinese visitors to Thailand during…
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Jealous Thai teen confesses to fatal abuse of 4 year old adopted brother
Police arrested an 18 year old Thai teen in the central province of Prachin Buri for the fatal abuse of a four year old boy, whom his father had adopted. The suspect reportedly admitted to harming the child out of jealousy. The 52 year old man, Rattana Saengsuwimon, reported the death of his adopted son, Kao, to officers at Rabopai…
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Commerce Ministry targets foreign nominees in 6 sectors
The Commerce Ministry has updated its nominee inspection strategy, focusing on six high-risk sectors. Auramon Supthaweethum, Director General of the Department of Business Development (DBD), stated that the agency is intensifying investigations into businesses suspected of using Thai nationals as nominees to conceal foreign ownership. This initiative aims to address the issue of foreign-operated nominee businesses that affect investor confidence…
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Police seize cannabis in secret bread tin operation in Samut Prakan
Officers from Bang Kaeo Police Station apprehended a group involved in the illegal sale of cannabis flowers, which were being discreetly packed in bread tins and sold online. Police seized over 500 kilogrammes of cannabis, valued at more than 5 million baht 5 (US$149,020), during a raid conducted at 2pm, yesterday, April 23. Police Colonel Adirek Thongkamkaew, along with deputy…
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Bangkok man arrested after deadly dispute over motorcycle noise
A 29 year old man was apprehended at the emergency room of Bhumibol Hospital in Bangkok after fatally stabbing his 64 year old neighbour. The incident stemmed from a heated argument over motorcycle noise. The suspect, Jeerapat also known as Beer, claimed the engine was stalling, necessitating constant revving. Yesterday, April 23, around 8pm, police received reports of a violent…
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Phumtham denies visa scandal derailed US trade talks
Rumours are swirling about US visa sanctions throwing a spanner in Thailand’s trade negotiations but Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai says it’s all smoke and no fire. In a press briefing yesterday, April 23, Phumtham hit back at claims that visa bans, imposed over Thailand’s controversial deportation of Uyghur refugees to China in February, had sidelined key Thai negotiators from upcoming…
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South Korean man injured in restaurant bill dispute with Pattaya women
A South Korean man sustained a cut wound to his hand after attempting to wrest a knife from a Thai woman during a dispute over a restaurant bill in Pattaya. Rescuers from the Sawang Borriboon Dhammasathan Foundation were dispatched to a small alley near Pattaya Walking Street at around 9am, yesterday, April 23, to provide first aid to the 32…
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Brother fatally shot after knife attack attempt in Phayao
A man was fatally shot in the head by his brother following a knife attack attempt. The incident occurred yesterday, April 23, at 10.30am in Mueang Phayao district, where the older brother awaited police to surrender after the shooting. Police Colonel Wirote Krokamp, deputy inspector at Chun Police Station, received a report from Huai Yang Kham subdistrict patrol about a…
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Love-sick monk shoots foreigner’s wife then kills himself in Thailand
A love-sick monk disrobed to go in search of a Norwegian man’s wife but when she rejected him he shot her before turning the gun on himself in a grisly murder–suicide attempt in southern Thailand. Officers in Nakhon Si Thammarat were called to a luxury two-storey home in Village 12, Klai Subdistrict, at around 4am, today, April 24, after neighbours…
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Thai coral recovery: over 60% of bleached reefs saved
The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) has successfully rescued over 60% of the coral affected by bleaching since last year. Pinsak Suraswadi, Director General of the DMCR, reported that since April last year, approximately 60-80% of coral in Thailand’s waters experienced bleaching. Of these, 60% have been successfully revived, while the remainder perished. The bleaching was attributed to…
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Thai pharmacist praised for offering free medicine to struggling family
A Thai father and his daughter returned to a pharmacy in the central province of Samut Sakhon to express their gratitude after free medicine from the shop helped the girl recover from an illness. The owner and pharmacist of the Baan Look Moo Drug Store in Samut Sakhon, Aoffy, shared the heartwarming story via a video on her TikTok account,…
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Severe heat and storms to impact 34 provinces in Thailand
Weather conditions in Thailand are expected to be extremely hot with sudden rain and strong winds affecting 34 provinces, including Bangkok. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has forecast thunderstorms in 20% of the area today, with a hot storm approaching today, April 24. Over the next 24 hours, Thailand will generally experience hot weather, with severe heat in certain areas…
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Miss Universe strips Thai beauty pageant of title after controversy
Thailand’s beauty pageant scene has been rocked by a shocking decision from the Miss Universe Organisation, which has officially stripped Suchata “Opal” Chuangsri of her third runner-up title following her participation in the Miss World Thailand event. The controversy began when Opal appeared at a business announcement for the Miss World 2025 competition, violating her contract by participating in another…
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Thailand scraps mandatory scout uniforms, ease parents’ burden
Parents across Thailand are breathing a collective sigh of relief as the Ministry of Education announces a major change in school regulations. The compulsory wearing of full scout uniforms will be scrapped, offering much-needed financial respite to families as the new school term approaches. Deputy Education Minister Surasak Phancharoenworrakul made the announcement during a meeting with senior officials today, April…
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Thailand’s 3.78 trillion baht budget faces US tariff concerns
The Thai Parliament will hold a special session next month to debate the government’s proposed 3.78-trillion-baht budget for the 2026 fiscal year, as concerns over a potential trade war with the United States loom large. With Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s government seeking to minimise the economic impact of looming US tariffs, the upcoming session promises to be a pivotal moment…
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Thai PM urged by Human Rights Watch on Cambodia repression
As Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra prepares for her visit to Phnom Penh today, April 23, and tomorrow, April 24, Human Rights Watch is calling on her to raise pressing human rights concerns with Cambodian leaders. The visit, which marks the 75th anniversary of Thai-Cambodian diplomatic relations, will see the 38 year old PM meet with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun…
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Fire destroys Thai museum warehouse, millions in sculptures lost
A devastating fire ravaged the three-storey warehouse of the Thai Human Imagery Museum in Nakhon Chaisri district, Nakhon Pathom province, causing substantial damage estimated at over 10 million baht. The fire, which broke out today, April 23, destroyed the warehouse, although the museum’s exhibition space, featuring lifelike sculptures of Buddhist monks, former kings, and scenes from Thailand’s past, remained unharmed.…
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Phayao park renovation abandoned, 9.6 million baht project in disarray
In Phayao province, a public park renovation project valued at 9.6 million baht remains unfinished as the contractor has abandoned the work. The project site is now deteriorating, with building materials damaged, overgrown grass, and sunken roads. Officials assure that they are actively addressing the issue. Yesterday, April 22, a journalist from the Phayao province examined the Chalerm Phra Kiat…
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Thaksin’s hospitalisation defended amid ombudsman review
Justice Minister Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong has downplayed concerns surrounding the Ombudsman’s review of Thaksin Shinawatra’s hospitalisation, calling it legally justified. The former prime minister’s six-month stay at Police General Hospital (PGH) sparked controversy, with critics questioning whether it constituted privileged treatment. However, the justice minister remains unfazed, stating the arrangement complied with legal standards. In a statement yesterday, April…
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Man caught stealing from Buddhist donation tree in Phuket
A man has been captured on CCTV stealing money from a Kathin offerings tree at a shop on Bangkok Road in Phuket Town, inciting anger among residents. The footage, shared online, depicts a grey-haired man in an orange motorcycle taxi vest entering the shop and lingering near the counter. Once confident no one was watching, he approached the Kathin offerings…
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Finance Ministry confirms 10,000 baht digital currency distribution
The Finance Ministry has confirmed the distribution of 10,000 baht in digital currency for phase three during the second quarter. The application is ready, with only integration with banks remaining. The release date for phase four has also been announced. Deputy Finance Minister Chulapan Amornvivat yesterday, April 22, stated that the ministry remains committed to its schedule for the economic…
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Bangkok’s new law: Register and microchip pets by January 2026
From January 10 next year, Bangkok residents will be required to register and microchip their cats and dogs under a new city law aimed at tackling the growing problem of stray animals. The bold new regulation, announced by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), will impose strict requirements on pet ownership, including limits on the number of pets allowed in certain living…
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