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.

  • Community mourns sudden death of journalist Nattawut Ponglanka | Thaiger

    Community mourns sudden death of journalist Nattawut Ponglanka

    The sudden passing of well-known journalist and news anchor, Nattawut Ponglanka, has left the community in shock. Ice Sarawat, a prominent news presenter who had recently co-hosted Phutta Talk with Nattawut, expressed deep sorrow over the loss. In a heartfelt social media post, Ice shared his condolences, emphasising the unexpected nature of the tragedy. Nattawut Ponglanka, 35 years old, was…

  • British tourist drowns at Phuket’s Freedom Beach | Thaiger

    British tourist drowns at Phuket’s Freedom Beach

    A 37 year old British tourist tragically drowned while swimming at Freedom Beach in Phuket late yesterday morning, November 29, as confirmed by Patong Police. The incident was reported at approximately 12.30pm, after beach guards were unable to revive the victim, identified as Jason Mark Lambert. Lambert had been visiting Phuket on holiday with his family since November 19 and…

  • Thai police arrest six over scam falsely claiming Trump’s backing | Thaiger

    Thai police arrest six over scam falsely claiming Trump’s backing

    Thai police have taken into custody six individuals accused of orchestrating an elaborate investment scam that falsely claimed to be endorsed by US President Donald Trump. The scheme promised extraordinarily high returns, advertising payouts of up to 20 times the original amount invested, which drew in several victims who believed the operation carried legitimate backing. Police Major General Thatphum Jarupat,…

  • Suspect arrested with over 200,000 meth pills in Thailand | Thaiger

    Suspect arrested with over 200,000 meth pills in Thailand

    The Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) Unit 24 has apprehended a suspect in connection with the possession of over 200,000 methamphetamine pills. The arrest followed the discovery of a suspicious bag abandoned at a road sign. The suspect later confessed to plans of transporting the drugs to inner regions. Yesterday, on November 29, the Thai Army, through the 2nd Army Region…

  • Thai King donates 100 million baht for flood relief efforts | Thaiger

    Thai King donates 100 million baht for flood relief efforts

    The King of Thailand has shown significant concern for those impacted by severe flooding in the southern region by granting 100 million baht to Hatyai Hospital. This funding is intended to aid rehabilitation efforts and facilitate the acquisition of necessary medical equipment. In a royal message directed to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, the King extended his condolences to the families…

  • Power semiconductor demand for EVs: manufacturing opportunities | Thaiger

    Power semiconductor demand for EVs: manufacturing opportunities

    The electric vehicle revolution depends fundamentally on power semiconductor technology that enables efficient energy conversion and management. Silicon carbide and gallium nitride semiconductors have emerged as critical components in EV powertrains, as they offer superior performance compared to traditional silicon-based devices. These materials allow electric vehicles to achieve longer range, faster charging times, and improved efficiency through reduced energy losses.…

  • Hat Yai mayor apologises over flood response, outlines recovery plans | Thaiger

    Hat Yai mayor apologises over flood response, outlines recovery plans

    Hat Yai Mayor Narongporn Na Phatthalung has issued a public apology over the city’s handling of the recent floods, acknowledging misjudgments in crisis management and outlining ongoing recovery efforts. Speaking on the “Kammakorn Khao” programme on Friday, November 28, the mayor admitted that city officials underestimated the scale and speed of the disaster. One of the main issues, he explained,…

  • Four dismissed in Bangkok prison scandal as probe widens | Thaiger

    Four dismissed in Bangkok prison scandal as probe widens

    Four senior officials at Bangkok Remand Prison have been dismissed for serious disciplinary violations linked to a widening scandal over preferential treatment given to certain inmates. Justice Minister Pol. Lt. Gen. Rutthapon Naowarat confirmed the dismissals, adding that 14 others remain under investigation. Among those removed are the former director of inmate supervision and three other officers who were aware…

  • Doi Inthanon frost dips to -4.9°C, temps continue to fall | Thaiger

    Doi Inthanon frost dips to -4.9°C, temps continue to fall

    Tourists continued to visit Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai yesterday, November 28, as temperatures on Thailand’s highest peak dropped further, with grass frost recorded at -4.9 degrees Celsius (°C), the lowest temperature observed there so far this season. Frost, known locally as moei khab, appeared at the summit ranger station for the fifth consecutive day, with a noticeably thicker layer…

  • Monitor lizard leads to discovery of infant’s body in Samut Prakan | Thaiger

    Monitor lizard leads to discovery of infant’s body in Samut Prakan

    A 19 year old woman has been questioned by police after the body of a newborn infant was discovered beneath a house in Phra Samut Chedi district, Samut Prakan province. The incident came to light yesterday, November 28, when residents of Moo 10, Nai Khlong Bang Pla Kot subdistrict, noticed a monitor lizard dragging a bag containing human remains near…

  • Hatyai toy shop looted during floods, owner loses 3m baht in collectibles | Thaiger

    Hatyai toy shop looted during floods, owner loses 3m baht in collectibles

    A Bangkok-based collector who invested in opening a high-end toy and collectables shop in Hatyai reported that his entire inventory, worth an estimated 3 million baht, was stolen before the shop even had a chance to open. The incident came to light after the Toys Gallery Hatyai Facebook page posted photos showing the aftermath of a break-in at the store, located…

  • Corrections Department defends Thaksin family photo in prison visit | Thaiger

    Corrections Department defends Thaksin family photo in prison visit

    The Corrections Department has defended its policy allowing family photographs of inmates after a photo of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra during a prison visit sparked criticism from a former senator over security protocols. The image, which circulated widely online on Thursday, November 27, showed Thaksin posing with his children and extended family. According to the department, the picture was…

  • Air France launches direct Paris to Phuket flights | Thaiger

    Air France launches direct Paris to Phuket flights

    Air France has launched a new direct route from Paris to Phuket, with its first flight arriving at Phuket International Airport yesterday morning, November 28, marking the return of seasonal service between France and Thailand’s southern tourist hub. Flight AF156, operated by a Boeing 777-200, landed at 9.25am after departing Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport the previous evening. The route…

  • November 29: Thailand faces cold front, storms in deep South | Thaiger

    November 29: Thailand faces cold front, storms in deep South

    Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a 24-hour forecast, detailing colder conditions sweeping across upper Thailand and parts of the South, as a high-pressure system strengthens its hold over the region. As of today, November 29, the cold air mass covering upper Thailand and the upper south is causing temperatures to dip further, accompanied by strong winds. The north and…

  • Foreign woman collapses on Bangla Road after consuming cannabis edible | Thaiger

    Foreign woman collapses on Bangla Road after consuming cannabis edible

    A foreign woman collapsed on Bangla Road in Phuket last night, November 27, allegedly after consuming a cannabis-infused snack. Her boyfriend allegedly refused assistance from rescue workers. A business operator on Bangla Road contacted the Patong Development Foundation after seeing the woman collapse and lose consciousness. Rescue officials arrived to find the woman lying on the ground while Thai and foreign bystanders…

  • 3 foreign motorcyclists fined for running red light in Phuket after viral video | Thaiger

    3 foreign motorcyclists fined for running red light in Phuket after viral video

    Phuket police fined three foreign motorcyclists for running a red light at Si Kor Intersection in the Kathu district on Tuesday, November 26. A Thai motorist recorded the moment the three foreigners violated the traffic signal and later shared the footage with the Newshawk Phuket Facebook page. The page then published the video to highlight their behaviour. In the clip,…

  • Heartbreaking video turns joyful as Thai man finds dogs left behind in floods | Thaiger

    Heartbreaking video turns joyful as Thai man finds dogs left behind in floods

    A Thai man reunited with his two pet dogs after a viral video showed him crying when he was forced to leave them behind during the severe floods in Hat Yai district, Songkhla. The video, widely shared across Thai social media, showed the man, believed to be between 65 and 70 years old, sobbing on a rescue boat. According to…

  • Debate after Hat Yai flood victims seen taking items from flooded 7-Eleven | Thaiger

    Debate after Hat Yai flood victims seen taking items from flooded 7-Eleven

    Residents in Hat Yai district, Songkhla province, were seen collecting items from a damaged 7-Eleven store following severe flooding, prompting discussion online over whether the act was acceptable given the circumstances. TikTok user, @naruponnut, yesterday, November 27, posted videos showing the interior of a flooded 7-Eleven with its front window shattered. People were observed placing snacks and drinks into bags…

  • Thailand video news | Severe flooding in the South, Bangkok unveils proposed F1 street circuit | Thaiger

    Thailand video news | Severe flooding in the South, Bangkok unveils proposed F1 street circuit

    In today’s Thailand video news, Jay covers major stories from across the country, including severe flooding in the South, cooler weather brought by Typhoon Koto, and Bangkok’s unveiling of a proposed F1 street circuit. Severe Flooding in the South The Emergency Flood Crisis Operations Centre reported 33 deaths from flooding in southern Thailand, but police later said forensic teams found…

  • Body of 4 year old girl found after rescue boat accident in Hat Yai | Thaiger

    Body of 4 year old girl found after rescue boat accident in Hat Yai

    The body of a four year old girl was found yesterday, November 27, two days after she went missing in floodwaters following a rescue boat accident in Hat Yai district, Songkhla. The girl, Amidala “Padme” Arayawat, disappeared after falling from a rescue boat on Tuesday night, November 25, near Bangkok Hospital Hat Yai. Her family took to social media to…

  • Government confirms 55 flood deaths; police found over 100 bodies | Thaiger

    Government confirms 55 flood deaths; police found over 100 bodies

    The Emergency Flood Crisis Operation Centre reported yesterday, November 27, that the death toll from the severe flooding in Songkhla province has risen to 55. However, updates from the Royal Thai Police (RTP) and several rescue teams suggest the number of bodies found may exceed 100. The centre’s spokesperson, Siripong Angkasakulkiat, offered condolences to all affected families and provided a…

  • 5 Vietnamese nationals arrested after hidden heroin parcels uncovered | Thaiger

    5 Vietnamese nationals arrested after hidden heroin parcels uncovered

    Officers from the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) and the Airport Interdiction Task Force (AITF) joined forces to dismantle a drug trafficking network operating in Thailand, leading to the arrest of five Vietnamese suspects involved in sending heroin to Australia. AITF officers inspected outbound parcels destined for Australia at the Suvarnabhumi Airport Free Zone when they detected irregularities…

  • 3 British nationals illegally run bar on Koh Samui using Thai nominees | Thaiger

    3 British nationals illegally run bar on Koh Samui using Thai nominees

    Three British nationals linked to the illegal operation of an entertainment venue on Koh Samui, an island in Surat Thani province, with two Thai women acting as nominees. Surat Thani Immigration officers yesterday, November 26, filed a complaint at Bo Phut Police Station against 60 year old British woman Maxine Lisa Schwander and two Thai women, Ladda and Jirichuda. Schwander…

  • 2 Japanese men arrested in Bangkok over Yakuza-linked drug trafficking | Thaiger

    2 Japanese men arrested in Bangkok over Yakuza-linked drug trafficking

    Officers from the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) arrested two Japanese men involved in a transnational drug trafficking network and seized more than 2 million baht in assets. A South Korean suspect linked to the group remains at large. The arrests were part of an international operation between Thailand, Japan and South Korea to dismantle a major organised…

  • Witnesses chase fleeing Pakistani man who kills old Thai woman on zebra crossing | Thaiger

    Witnesses chase fleeing Pakistani man who kills old Thai woman on zebra crossing

    A Pakistani motorcyclist fatally struck an elderly Thai woman on a zebra crossing in the Rat Burana district of Bangkok yesterday, November 26, and tried to flee but was chased down by witnesses. Rat Burana Police Station officers and rescuers from the Ruam Katanyu Foundation rushed to the zebra crossing on Pracha Uthit Road, near Soi Pracha Uthit 4, after…

  • Typhoon Koto to miss Thailand but brings strong winds and colder weather | Thaiger

    Typhoon Koto to miss Thailand but brings strong winds and colder weather

    The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) confirmed that Typhoon Koto will not move into the country but warned the public of a significant drop in temperatures across upper Thailand and possible heavy rainfall in eight southern provinces. According to the announcement released yesterday, November 26, and today, November 27, Typhoon Koto was located over the central South China Sea and moving…

  • Malaysian woman searches for missing husband amid Hat Yai floods | Thaiger

    Malaysian woman searches for missing husband amid Hat Yai floods

    A Malaysian woman is searching for her husband, who went missing during the severe flooding in Hat Yai district, Songkhla province. She said she has been unable to contact him since Sunday, November 23. The woman, Cherie Kim, gave an interview to Channel 8, sharing her husband’s photo with the media in hopes of finding clues to his whereabouts. The…

  • Family seeks urgent help as rescued man tries to stab them in Hat Yai | Thaiger

    Family seeks urgent help as rescued man tries to stab them in Hat Yai

    Flood victims in Hat Yai district, Songkhla province, are pleading for help after a man they rescued from floodwaters allegedly attempted to stab them inside their home. Facebook user, Poonphisa Kaewin, posted an urgent plea yesterday, November 26, asking authorities and rescuers to assist a family living in a three-storey house in Area 8 of Hat Yai. She wrote… “Urgent!…

  • Rescue teams face gunfire and threats while assisting Hat Yai flood victims | Thaiger

    Rescue teams face gunfire and threats while assisting Hat Yai flood victims

    Rescue teams from other provinces reported threats and gunfire while assisting flood victims in “Area 8” in Hat Yai district, Songkhla province, which remains heavily flooded. Rescue teams from across Thailand travelled to the South, especially Songkhla, to support local responders in helping residents affected by the severe floods. Many people have been without food and clean drinking water since…

  • Malaysian rescue leader breaks down in livestream amid Hat Yai flood crisis | Thaiger

    Malaysian rescue leader breaks down in livestream amid Hat Yai flood crisis

    A Malaysian rescue team leader broke down in tears during a livestream yesterday, November 25, after witnessing the desperate situation caused by severe flooding in Hat Yai district, Songkhla province. The team leader, Raymond Leong, streamed the video on his Facebook account, saying he could hardly sleep because the voices of people screaming for help were still echoing in his…