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Thailand hot news, breaking stories, crime, politics, tourism, and business—stay updated with in-depth reports and exclusive interviews on the latest events across the country. Get the latest from The Thaiger, your trusted Thailand news source.

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    See the best of Northern Thailand this winter on a budget

    The Thaiger key takeaways Peak season brings higher prices, but smart planning and local know-how can help you experience Northern Thailand affordably. Chiang Mai, Pai, and Chiang Rai offer plenty of free or low-cost attractions, from temples and canyons to...

  • American man arrested over alleged rape of massuese, attack of young girl | Thaiger

    American man arrested over alleged rape of massuese, attack of young girl

    A 37 year old man was taken into custody, accused of brutally beating and raping a masseuse as well as assaulting and attempting to rape a 12 year old girl in an attack shortly after. The man, who was originally suspected to be Australian, has now been identified only as an American named ‘Robert’. He was arrested today on Soi…

  • Thai baht to continue dropping against the USD | Thaiger

    Thai baht to continue dropping against the USD

    The Thai baht is forecast to droop to a 4-year low over the next trading week, and its largest monthly currency drop for over 20 years. The Baht’s challenges shadow US dollar gains over concerns about the US Fed’s (US Federal Reserve) ‘tapering’ plans as it reins in enthusiastic stimulus of the US economy. Thailand’s baht has been the region’s…

  • Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival kicks off this week | Thaiger

    Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival kicks off this week

    Get out your protective eye-wear and ear muffs. It’s THAT time of the year on Thailand’s southern island. Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival kicks off next week, but under the remaining Covid restrictions that limit the size of crowds, etc, etc on the island. The Vegetarian Festival, aka. Nine Emperor Gods Festival, is an annual commemoration inviting ancient Chinese spirits to come…

  • Phuket Sandbox revised to 7 days, more excursion freedom | Thaiger

    Phuket Sandbox revised to 7 days, more excursion freedom

    As restrictions are widely eased for entry into Thailand and the various Sandbox programs, the Phuket Sandbox has simplified, shortened, and streamlined as well. Beginning yesterday, Phuket Sandbox travellers arriving internationally will only be required to stay 7 days before being allowed to travel on to the rest of Thailand. An RT-PCR test will be given upon arrival and a…

  • Koh Samui Plus simplified: 7 days on Samui, Phangan or Tao | Thaiger

    Koh Samui Plus simplified: 7 days on Samui, Phangan or Tao

    As part of the widely expanded Sandbox programmes launched or revised yesterday, the Samui Plus Sandbox has simplified and diversified its rules as well. While previously the entry to Koh Samui and the nearby islands was a 14-day programme with the first few days in full quarantine and the first week staying only on Koh Samui, the new rules allow…

  • Police search for foreigner for rape of Khon Kaen masseuse | Thaiger

    Police search for foreigner for rape of Khon Kaen masseuse

    A manhunt is on for a foreigner accused of the assault and rape of a masseuse in a massage parlour in the Muang District of Khon Kaen. The man was described as wearing trousers and a pink T-shirt and driving a red motocross bike without license plates. He is suspected to be the same person who was aggressive and profane…

  • 11 million baht online scams see Thai woman, Nigerian man arrested | Thaiger

    11 million baht online scams see Thai woman, Nigerian man arrested

    Police in Phuket have arrested a Thai woman and a Nigerian man accused of bilking victims out of at least 11 million baht in online romance scams. The pair were taken into custody by officers from the Immigration Bureau and the Cherng Talay Police at a rented room located in Srisoonthorn, Thalang. Police only made public the arrest yesterday though…

  • Nonthaburi protesters threw fermented fish at PM Prayut’s van | Thaiger

    Nonthaburi protesters threw fermented fish at PM Prayut’s van

    Yesterday’s visit to Nonthaburi may not have gone exactly as planned for PM Prayut Chan-o-cha as he was met by a horde of disapproving local residents including some protesters that threw smelly fermented fish at his van. The Prime Minister was greeted by both supporters and opponents as he came to inspect the flood wall along the Chao Phraya River.…

  • Mute man nabbed for child porn, solicited nudes from 8 year old | Thaiger

    Mute man nabbed for child porn, solicited nudes from 8 year old

    A 37 year old man has been arrested in Chumphon for allegedly convincing an 8 year old girl to send nude photos to him. The Technology Crime Suppression police arrested the man on child porn charges. The man, whose name was not publicly released, was arrested by police in front of his house in Muang District. Police reported after taking…

  • Australian travel abroad coming soon with 7-day home quarantine | Thaiger

    Australian travel abroad coming soon with 7-day home quarantine

    A news release issued today says Australian citizens will soon be able to travel and return home with just a 7-day quarantine period. The Australian Consul-General for Phuket says this is great news for Australia and for Thailand. He notes that Australians can now travel abroad knowing that they will be able to return home again and vows to Phuket…

  • Thailand sees slump during peak travel period, Chinese stay home for Golden Week | Thaiger

    Thailand sees slump during peak travel period, Chinese stay home for Golden Week

    One of Thailand’s peak travel periods, with an influx of Chinese visitors, looks like it will be quiet for another year. The 7-day holiday in China, known as Golden Week, which starts today, used to draw in hundreds of thousands of Chinese tourists, many flocking to Pattaya’s Sohotown and crowding shopping centres, floating markets, and restaurants catering to the holiday,…

  • Pattaya beach vendors see domestic tourist business increasing | Thaiger

    Pattaya beach vendors see domestic tourist business increasing

    Beach vendors along Pattaya beaches say that they are starting to see earnings increase due to domestic travellers in recent weeks. Their revenue is still far below the levels they were before Covid-19, but they are seeing an uptick of weekend and holiday travellers. Vendors selling food, massage, beach umbrellas and more are slowly seeing improvement, with each weekend seeming…

  • Officials expect tens of billions of baht in Phuket tourism revenue in next 6 months | Thaiger

    Officials expect tens of billions of baht in Phuket tourism revenue in next 6 months

    The governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand expects Phuket to welcome 1 million foreign visitors in the next 6 months. Yuthasak Supasorn says this will generate around 60 billion baht in tourism revenue, as a result of some travel restrictions being relaxed. “We expect the number of visitors will significantly increase in the final quarter factoring in the quarantine…

  • Chao Phraya River in Bangkok still below flood levels | Thaiger

    Chao Phraya River in Bangkok still below flood levels

    While officials have been warning of floods and overflows downstream from dams, in Bangkok, the Chao Phraya River is fortunately still flowing below the embankment levels with no risk of flooding just yet. The river that runs through Bangkok has not overflowed into any areas along its banks as the water has not yet reached the flood embankment levels as…

  • Police arrest man believed to have shot teenager at protest | Thaiger

    Police arrest man believed to have shot teenager at protest

    In Kanchanaburi province, police have arrested a suspect that they believe may have shot a 15 year old boy during protests in front of the Din Daeng Police Station in August. The shooting caused huge controversy with many accusing the police of using live ammunition and firing into the crowd of protesters. Police have always maintained that they used only…

  • Updated regulations on Thailand’s quarantine period for international arrivals | Thaiger

    Updated regulations on Thailand’s quarantine period for international arrivals

    Starting tomorrow, the mandatory quarantine period for vaccinated travellers entering Thailand will be reduced from 14 days to seven. Those who are either unvaccinated, or who cannot show proof of their vaccination status, face a longer quarantine period of between 10 to 14 days. The mandatory isolation period is waived for vaccinated travellers entering Thailand through the pilot reopening projects…

  • Prayut visits flooding Nonthaburi today, Chaiyaphum yesterday | Thaiger

    Prayut visits flooding Nonthaburi today, Chaiyaphum yesterday

    PM Prayut Chan-o-cha is scheduled to visit the flooding in areas of Nonthaburi province this afternoon according to a government spokesperson. The prime minister is visiting along with his delegation to survey the damage and inspect the situation on the ground. The group will start at the pier of the Pak Kret municipal office and board a boat to navigate…

  • “Sandbox” period in Phuket shortened to 7 days for vaccinated travellers | Thaiger

    “Sandbox” period in Phuket shortened to 7 days for vaccinated travellers

    With the recently relaxed rules on the quarantine period for overseas arrivals, those who enter Thailand under the “Phuket Sandbox” will only be required to stay in the province for seven days instead of the previous 14. The “Sandbox” pilot reopening project allows vaccinated travellers from abroad to roam freely on the island rather than isolate in a hotel. The…

  • Opposition accused of misinterpreting how long PM has left in office | Thaiger

    Opposition accused of misinterpreting how long PM has left in office

    A spokesperson from the PM’s Secretariat Office has slammed opposition parties for trying to end the PM’s term prematurely. Thippanan Sirichana accuses opposition MPs of trying to damage Prayut Chan-o-cha’s reputation because they’re concerned he might score a second term in office. According to a Bangkok Post report, the confrontation is the result of a difference of opinion as to…

  • Plans for digital or crypto assets – the TAT Coin – to grow tourism | Thaiger

    Plans for digital or crypto assets – the TAT Coin – to grow tourism

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand is considering jumping into the world of digital assets by launching its own tourism-based utility token called the TAT Coin. Crypto is often looked at as the way of the future, and traders are considered high-value, big-spending tourists, especially those that work as digital nomads and stay long-term. Discussions are underway with the Securities and…

  • Paramotor pilot flies supplies to flooded Sukhothai residents | Thaiger

    Paramotor pilot flies supplies to flooded Sukhothai residents

    A paramotor – similar to a paraglider with a fan-like propellor on the back – has been soaring above Sukhothai delivering essentials to flood victims in need. Like Santa in his sleigh, 38 year old Vichai Tiyasan glides above the rain drench flood plains swooping down to drop gift care packages to the stranded people below. The adventurous paramotor pilot…

  • Court rules for Health Ministry, calls dual pricing beneficial | Thaiger

    Court rules for Health Ministry, calls dual pricing beneficial

    In a closely-followed court case, the Administrative Court in Phetchaburi ruled that multi-tiered “dual pricing” in Thai hospitals are not discriminatory as they benefit Thailand, according to the media outlet Coconuts Bangkok. Ewrin Buse, who sued the Ministry of Public Health after discovering he was being charged more for his cancer treatment as a foreigner, vowed to appeal the decision.…

  • Education Ministry apologises for fake flood photo | Thaiger

    Education Ministry apologises for fake flood photo

    After publishing an edited photo of the Deputy Education Minister wading in floodwaters, the Education Ministry has released a formal apology. Posting yesterday on their Facebook page, the ministry acknowledged the false information. The photo was posted yesterday showing the deputy education minister knee-deep in floodwaters, with a caption stating that she visited the areas that have been flooded as…

  • Thai Airways to resume flights to countries with high vaccination rates | Thaiger

    Thai Airways to resume flights to countries with high vaccination rates

    Thai Airways says it will start selling seats on flights to highly-vaccinated destinations from October 1. The struggling national carrier expects to resume flights to the UK, France, and Germany, as well as Japan and Australia. The Bangkok Post reports that airline bosses made the decision after several destinations reported vaccination rates of around 70%. Airline spokesman, Chai Eamsiri, says…

  • Bangkok braces for flooding, 70,000 homes damaged in Thailand | Thaiger

    Bangkok braces for flooding, 70,000 homes damaged in Thailand

    With nearly 70,000 homes now reported flooded across 30 provinces in Thailand, authorities are bracing and preparing Bangkok for flooding. Tropical Storm Dianmu has pounded Thailand with heavy rains and 6 people have been reported to have lost their lives in the widespread flooding across the Northern and Central provinces. The Thai Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department reports that the…

  • Nearly 200 police have been found guilty of misconduct this year | Thaiger

    Nearly 200 police have been found guilty of misconduct this year

    PM Prayut Chan-o-cha is demanding immediate and severe action be taken against police officers who are found guilty of misconduct. Since January, 176 Royal Thai Police officers have been found guilty of misconduct. The prime minister met with the Royal Thai Police Bureau yesterday to discuss the most recent cases of police misconduct. The Royal Thai Police says that since…

  • Government urged to clarify tourism marketing plan ahead of high season | Thaiger

    Government urged to clarify tourism marketing plan ahead of high season

    Following the government’s decision to re-open a further 10 provinces to international visitors from November, tourism operators are calling for a clear plan ahead of high season. Yesterday, the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration agreed a number of measures, including reducing curfew hours in the dark red provinces, allowing a number of businesses to re-open, and extending the emergency decree…

  • Police say new approach is needed to fight crime using a combination of technology and community participation | Thaiger

    Police say new approach is needed to fight crime using a combination of technology and community participation

    15 police stations across the country are participating in an innovative project that joins technology with an interpersonal approach to tackle crime. National police chief Suwat Jangyodsuk says police must reevaluate how they fight crime. He insists police must be knowledgeable and study modern policing. Suwat says educated police work more efficiently in what can be a fluid social environment.…

  • CCSA to review curfew hours and allowing more businesses and venues to reopen | Thaiger

    CCSA to review curfew hours and allowing more businesses and venues to reopen

    The nighttime curfew might be reduced by an hour and 11 types of business and venues might be able to resume service as the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration will review a proposal for such requests, today. If all goes well with the CCSA, the curfew would shrink back 1 hour to 10pm to 4am, compared to the now 9pm…

  • Group of 39 teenagers arrested in Rayong for allegedly partying in celebration of getting out of quarantine | Thaiger

    Group of 39 teenagers arrested in Rayong for allegedly partying in celebration of getting out of quarantine

    A group of nearly 40 teenagers was arrested at a pool villa in Rayong, a province on the Gulf of Thailand, yesterday. They were allegedly gathering in a group, taking illicit drugs, and possibly drinking alcohol to celebrate getting out of quarantine. Police from the Klaeng Police Station went to the villa, which was situated in the middle of a…