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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.

  • Thailand brings out its elephants to add Christmas cheer | Thaiger

    Thailand brings out its elephants to add Christmas cheer

    Thailand’s holiday celebrations are giving Lapland a run for its money with elephants donning Santa suits, flower-studded gardens, and dazzling star parades lighting up the nation. At Nong Nooch Tropical Garden in Pattaya, Christmas cheer came with a floral twist as tens of thousands of blossoms transformed the space into a vibrant winter wonderland. Sacred figures like Ganesha and Guan…

  • Knives out in Pattaya: Aussie tourist threatened by moto-taxi rider | Thaiger

    Knives out in Pattaya: Aussie tourist threatened by moto-taxi rider

    A Christmas Eve motorcycle mishap turned menacing in Pattaya, leaving a 60 year old Australian tourist terrified after a motorbike taxi driver allegedly threatened him with a knife. Ivica, an Australian holidaymaker, filed a formal complaint with Pattaya police yesterday, December 24 at 11.46pm, claiming he had been menaced by a knife-wielding motorbike taxi driver following a minor collision. The…

  • Thai restaurant sales to soar 15% over new year period | Thaiger

    Thai restaurant sales to soar 15% over new year period

    Central Restaurants Group (CRG) anticipates a significant increase in sales within the Thai restaurant industry during the new year festive season, driven by a boost in dining out and a rise in foreign tourist numbers. This optimism comes as Thailand records approximately 33.5 million foreign visitors from January to mid-December. Leading the arrivals are Chinese tourists, numbering 6.4 million, followed…

  • Elderly woman flees as son sets house on fire in Bangkok (video) | Thaiger

    Elderly woman flees as son sets house on fire in Bangkok (video)

    An elderly woman was forced to flee her home after her son, in a state of frenzy, set their house on fire. The incident was captured and shared on TikTok by user @hippopo2875, who expressed sympathy for the woman, revealing he had known her for over 20 years, describing her as kind-hearted. The video depicted firefighters and residents battling the…

  • 2 Thai women survive rape due to suspect’s erectile dysfunction | Thaiger

    2 Thai women survive rape due to suspect’s erectile dysfunction

    Two Thai women survived a rape attempt at a cassava plantation in the Isaan province of Ubon Ratchathani due to the suspect’s alleged erectile dysfunction. Officers from Trakan Phuet Phon Police Station were alerted to the attempted rape by locals in the Trakan Phuet Phon district of Ubon Ratchathani yesterday, December 24 and rushed to the scene. The two injured…

  • Royal Turf Club unveils AI data centre in Thailand | Thaiger

    Royal Turf Club unveils AI data centre in Thailand

    The Royal Turf Club of Thailand (RTC), under royal patronage, has launched an ambitious project to establish the RTC AI Data Centre, marking a significant step towards global project management. This announcement was made at the Army Club in Vibhavadi, where Jamlong Boonkaphue, RTC chairperson, provided updates on the Sports and Entertainment Complex project and the establishment of the RTC…

  • Successful coral restoration boosts tourism at Koh Larn | Thaiger

    Successful coral restoration boosts tourism at Koh Larn

    A team of marine specialists conducted a diving inspection at Koh Larn to ensure the safety of tourists and coral reefs in the Sea Walker area. The inspection revealed the successful restoration of staghorn coral reefs. Dr Pinsak Suraswadi, Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), led a group, including Ukkrit Sataphumin, director of the Marine Resources…

  • Elderly couple’s tragic motorcycle accident in Udon Thani | Thaiger

    Elderly couple’s tragic motorcycle accident in Udon Thani

    A tragic accident unfolded in Udon Thani, where an elderly couple riding a motorcycle with a sidecar from Nakhon Phanom to Nong Bua Lam Phu was struck by a six-wheeled truck, resulting in one fatality and another person seriously injured. Police are actively searching for the truck driver who fled the scene following the incident. The accident was reported yesterday,…

  • Belgian man brutally attacked and robbed in Pattaya on Christmas Day | Thaiger

    Belgian man brutally attacked and robbed in Pattaya on Christmas Day

    In stark contrast to the festive spirits, a Belgian man suffered serious injuries after a group of six thieves brutally attacked him with a knife and robbed him in Pattaya earlier today, December 25, just as he was returning from a Christmas party. A 38 year old Thai woman named Phonthip alerted officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station to the…

  • Young elephant shot dead at Chanthaburi rubber plantation | Thaiger

    Young elephant shot dead at Chanthaburi rubber plantation

    A tragic discovery was made when the carcass of a young wild elephant, weighing 1.5 tonnes, was found shot dead in a rubber plantation in Chanthaburi province. Veterinarians are urgently conducting an autopsy to gather evidence and identify the perpetrator. The local police in Kaeng Hang Maeo were alerted by residents who stumbled upon the elephant carcass in a rubber…

  • Thailand expands global e-visa system for 2025 to boost tourism | Thaiger

    Thailand expands global e-visa system for 2025 to boost tourism

    Thailand is set to simplify travel for international visitors starting 1 January 2025 by expanding its e-Visa system globally. This significant development allows travellers worldwide to apply for a Thai e-visa via the official website, streamlining the process that was previously available only in select locations. Now, the electronic visa system will be operational across all 94 Royal Thai Embassies…

  • Chiang Mai magic mushroom vendor arrested after death of British man | Thaiger

    Chiang Mai magic mushroom vendor arrested after death of British man

    Police arrested a Thai vendor selling magic mushrooms in Chiang Mai following the death of a British man who purchased and consumed the drugs from her shop. Officers from the Investigation Division of Provincial Police Region 5, in cooperation with the Provincial Public Health Office, raided a cannabis shop on Tha Pae Road in Chiang Mai’s Mueang District on December…

  • RTP launch new year safety campaign with crime crackdown | Thaiger

    RTP launch new year safety campaign with crime crackdown

    The Royal Thai Police (RTP) has initiated a comprehensive new year safety campaign, aiming to boost public confidence in personal and property safety. The campaign follows a crackdown on crimes during the Christmas and new year period, reported in a meeting led by Prachuab Wongsuk, Deputy Commissioner-General of the RTP. This meeting was attended by representatives from various police departments,…

  • Woman allegedly shot dead by husband on Christmas Day in Ayutthaya | Thaiger

    Woman allegedly shot dead by husband on Christmas Day in Ayutthaya

    Tragedy struck on Christmas Day when a woman was found dead in her bedroom, allegedly shot by her husband. The unsettling incident occurred at approximately 12.30am today in Bang Sai, Ayutthaya, Thailand. The local police, led by Sakarin Rattanaphan, were alerted to the shooting involving a firearm. Upon arrival at the residence located in Moo 4, Khok Chang, Bang Sai,…

  • MRT extends New Year’s Eve services with free parking across Bangkok | Thaiger

    MRT extends New Year’s Eve services with free parking across Bangkok

    The Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT) announced its new year’s gift for passengers, extending services on four routes across Bangkok from midnight to 2am on New Year’s Eve, December 31. Free parking will also be provided at each station. The Deputy Minister of Transport, Surapong Piyachote, stated that the ministry, in collaboration with the MRT and other transport concessionaires, planned measures…

  • Smoky bust: E-cigarettes worth 10 million baht seized in Si Racha | Thaiger

    Smoky bust: E-cigarettes worth 10 million baht seized in Si Racha

    Si Racha police have intensified their efforts against illegal imports, seizing more than 47,000 e-cigarettes valued at 10 million baht. The significant seizure took place yesterday, December 24, at Laem Chabang Port, located in the Si Racha district of Chon Buri province. This decisive action is part of a broader campaign initiated by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra aimed at curbing…

  • Ratchaburi tightens controls on new year celebratory gunfire | Thaiger

    Ratchaburi tightens controls on new year celebratory gunfire

    Ratchaburi police have intensified measures to prevent celebratory gunfire during the new year countdown, focusing on safeguarding lives and property. The public is warned against carrying weapons in public areas, and strict permissions are required for fireworks. Police Chief Wachiraphong Amornpitak announced that Ratchaburi’s police force, in cooperation with the provincial governor, is mobilising efforts to maintain order during the…

  • Motorcyclist dies in high-speed crash on Phuket’s Thepkrasattri Road | Thaiger

    Motorcyclist dies in high-speed crash on Phuket’s Thepkrasattri Road

    A tragic accident occurred yesterday on Thepkrasattri Road in Thalang, Phuket, when a 26 year old motorcyclist lost control of his high-speed big bike, crashing into a palm tree on the central reservation. The collision resulted in the rider’s immediate death. Police were alerted to the incident at 3.05pm yesterday, December 24, prompting Napadol Somnuek, an officer from Thalang Police…

  • Phayao father kills son in tragic family dispute | Thaiger

    Phayao father kills son in tragic family dispute

    A 58 year old father from Phayao province, Thailand, took drastic action after years of abuse, shooting his son dead. The incident took place yesterday, December 24, and the father, referred to as Wisut, has stated he does not intend to seek bail, preferring to serve his sentence according to the law. The incident unfolded at their home, where Wisut…

  • Tsunami tributes confirmed in Phuket after public outcry | Thaiger

    Tsunami tributes confirmed in Phuket after public outcry

    Phuket’s long-awaited tsunami remembrance services are finally confirmed—though not without a wave of public criticism. Patong Municipality and Mai Khao Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (OrBorTor) will host memorials to mark 20 years since the devastating Indian Ocean Tsunami that claimed thousands of lives, following earlier silence from local officials. The Phuket News highlighted the conspicuous lack of announcements about events to…

  • Fatal crash on Mahanakhon Expressway in Bangkok claims driver’s life | Thaiger

    Fatal crash on Mahanakhon Expressway in Bangkok claims driver’s life

    A tragic accident occurred on an expressway involving a car that collided with the rear of a six-wheel truck equipped with a crane for repairing streetlights. The incident resulted in the car overturning and the driver being killed at the scene. The accident took place today, December 25, on the Mahanakhon Expressway, opposite the Lumpini toll booth, near the Tobacco…

  • Royal Orchid Sheraton brings extravagant New Year’s Eve celebration to Bangkok | Thaiger

    Royal Orchid Sheraton brings extravagant New Year’s Eve celebration to Bangkok

    2025 is right around the corner, which, of course, calls for grand celebrations. If you’re spending your New Year in Bangkok, there’s one spot that guarantees The Best Time Ever: Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers Bangkok. Located directly across from ICONSIAM, the global countdown destination sponsored by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the riverside hotel boasts the best seats…

  • NHSO delays cancer care reimbursement changes to April | Thaiger

    NHSO delays cancer care reimbursement changes to April

    The National Health Security Office (NHSO) has decided to delay the implementation of new budget reimbursement criteria for hospitals involved in the Cancer Treatment Anywhere (CA) programme. This postponement aims to address existing reimbursement issues through upcoming discussions. Dr Athaporn Limpanylers, deputy secretary-general of the NHSO, announced yesterday, December 24, that revisions will be made to the criteria for reimbursing…

  • Severe cold hits Thailand’s north as south braces for storms | Thaiger

    Severe cold hits Thailand’s north as south braces for storms

    The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning of severe cold weather in the north and northeast, with frost expected on mountaintops. Meanwhile, eight provinces in the south are bracing for thunderstorms, as the country experiences varying weather patterns. The high-pressure system or cold air mass, persists over the upper part of Thailand and the northern part of the…

  • Teeing off diplomacy: Thailand celebrates 50 years with China | Thaiger

    Teeing off diplomacy: Thailand celebrates 50 years with China

    Thailand rolled out the green carpet in Pattaya for over 300 Chinese golf enthusiasts, blending sport and diplomacy in a high-profile event. The Amazing Thailand Golf Paradise 2024, held on December 19 at Siam Country Club Waterside and Rolling Hills, marked the 50th anniversary of Thai-China diplomatic relations with a swing and a celebration. Under Thailand’s specialised golf package tours,…

  • Thai woman brtually assaulted by neighbour over wandering ducks | Thaiger

    Thai woman brtually assaulted by neighbour over wandering ducks

    A Thai woman in the central province of Chantaburi sought justice for her mother, who was physically assaulted by a female neighbour after two ducks wandered into the neighbour‘s residence. The daughter shared the details of the assault, which occurred at around 7am on December 19, with a Facebook news page, along with black-and-white photos of her mother, 52 year…

  • Phuket’s Nai Harn Lake revamp set for February completion | Thaiger

    Phuket’s Nai Harn Lake revamp set for February completion

    A significant 66-million-baht development project is currently transforming Nai Harn Lake in Phuket, with a completion target set for early February, according to local officials. The project, overseen by the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), aims to enhance the lake’s surroundings with a new bike path and landscaping improvements. The initiative covers a stretch of 1,973 metres and includes the…

  • ‘Sober up or pay’: Thai govt cracks down on festive driving chaos | Thaiger

    ‘Sober up or pay’: Thai govt cracks down on festive driving chaos

    The Thai government is on a mission to curb the deadly spike in road accidents during new year celebrations with its Don’t Drink and Drive, Get Home Safely campaign. But will it be enough to tackle a cocktail of cultural habits, weak enforcement, and limited transport options? The initiative aims to save lives during the holiday season, notorious for a…

  • Festive crackdown: Car decked with lights halted in Bangkok | Thaiger

    Festive crackdown: Car decked with lights halted in Bangkok

    A festive spectacle on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road through Bangkok captured the attention of many, including that of law enforcement, as a car adorned with reindeer antlers, a red nose, and twinkling Christmas lights drove along the busy street. The driver, 29 year old Supattha, admitted to officers that he decorated his vehicle in collaboration with friends to attract more passengers…

  • Hong Kong man restrained by taxi drivers after rampage near Phuket airport | Thaiger

    Hong Kong man restrained by taxi drivers after rampage near Phuket airport

    A group of Thai taxi drivers restrained a foreign man from Hong Kong after he went on a rampage outside Phuket International Airport yesterday, December 23. The Facebook news page Phuket Times shared pictures of the man with a caption that read, “What’s happening near Phuket Airport this afternoon? It appears to be an altercation!” The photos showed the man…