Hot News

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.

  • Power play: Pattaya races to finish underground cable overhaul

    Power play: Pattaya races to finish underground cable overhaul

    Pattaya’s ambitious plan to drag its tangled web of overhead wires underground is charging ahead—though not without a few bumps in the road. Deputy Mayor Manot Nongyai chaired the sixth progress meeting of the Big City Electrical System Development Project – Phase 1 (Pattaya), where officials shared the latest updates on the enormous infrastructure upgrade transforming the resort city’s power…

  • Cambodia accused of mislabelling rice as Thai jasmine in China

    Cambodia accused of mislabelling rice as Thai jasmine in China

    Cambodia has been accused of falsely labelling its rice as Thai jasmine rice and selling it in China, prompting the Thai Ministry of Commerce to act swiftly. Yesterday, June 27, Sunanta Kangvalkulkij, director-general of the Department of International Trade Promotion, revealed that reports from Thai nationals in China indicated Cambodian rice was being sold in Chinese supermarkets with packaging displaying…

  • Thailand plans AI legislation to boost adoption and governance

    Thailand plans AI legislation to boost adoption and governance

    Thailand is drafting legislation to establish an artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem and broaden AI adoption. The Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) concluded an online public hearing on the draft, intending to present it to the Cabinet by the end of July. The development of Thailand’s AI regulatory framework has been grounded in soft laws and guidelines. Sak Segkhoonthod, senior advisor…

  • Vape bust shock: Pattaya police nab man with 40 illegal e-cigs

    Vape bust shock: Pattaya police nab man with 40 illegal e-cigs

    A Pattaya man’s side hustle went up in smoke after police swooped in and seized a stash of illegal vapes in a sting that sent a clear warning to would-be e-cigarette dealers. Pattaya City Police, led by Police Colonel Anek Sarathongyoo, Superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, launched a targeted crackdown aimed at shutting down the black market sale of…

  • Rush hour inferno: Car fire sparks Vibhavadi traffic chaos (video)

    Rush hour inferno: Car fire sparks Vibhavadi traffic chaos (video)

    Commuters endured a nightmare journey last night after a car burst into flames on one of Bangkok’s busiest roads, turning rush hour into a gridlocked inferno. At 8.44pm yesteryday, June 27, the Phra Ram Radio Centre received frantic reports that a vehicle was ablaze near Vibhavadi Rangsit Soi 22 in the Chom Phon subdistrict of Chatuchak district. Within minutes, fire…

  • Drug den blitz: Bang Lamung cops bust bamboo hideout

    Drug den blitz: Bang Lamung cops bust bamboo hideout

    Bang Lamung officials stormed a notorious bamboo hideout, rounding up suspected drug users in a sweeping crackdown. Yesterday, June 27 at 5pm, Bang Lamung District Chief Patcharapat Sritanyanon led a coordinated operation targeting a known drug hotspot in Village 1, Khao Mai Kaew subdistrict. The mission, aimed at choking off local drug networks, was carried out under the supervision of…

  • Russian drug kingpin hunted down in Phuket paradise bust

    Russian drug kingpin hunted down in Phuket paradise bust

    A Russian fugitive who thought he could hide in Phuket’s tropical playground has been dragged back into the spotlight after Thai police swooped in to end his run from justice. Phuket Immigration officers arrested 46 year old Igor, a Russian national, after uncovering he was wanted on an international Red Notice for drug trafficking and membership of a serious criminal…

  • Thai PM promotes peace amid Hun Sen’s provocative claims

    Thai PM promotes peace amid Hun Sen’s provocative claims

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has responded with a forgiving message following provocative remarks made by Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen during a recent livestream, amid escalating tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. Neither the 38 year old Thai PM nor her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, have issued a formal response to Hun Sen’s comments. Instead, Paetongtarn shared a reflective…

  • Weekend sees more heavy rain across Thailand in seasonal deluge

    Weekend sees more heavy rain across Thailand in seasonal deluge

    Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning for 57 provinces to prepare for heavy rainfall over the weekend. The northeastern and northern regions, as well as Bangkok and surrounding areas, are expected to experience significant rainfall, covering 60-80% of these areas. In Bangkok and its vicinity, thunderstorms are anticipated across 60% of the area with some places experiencing heavy…

  • Pattaya cracks down on illegal ramps to tackle drainage issues

    Pattaya cracks down on illegal ramps to tackle drainage issues

    Pattaya is cracking down hard on illegal ramps obstructing public footpaths, with officials warning that unauthorised structures will be removed and could result in legal action. The renewed effort aims to tackle recurring drainage issues caused by the concrete ramps, which have long been a source of frustration for residents. This week, municipal teams from the Office of Public Works,…

  • Injured Thai man lies to protect drunk girlfriend after car crash

    Injured Thai man lies to protect drunk girlfriend after car crash

    A Thai man took the blame for a car crash in the central province of Chachoengsao to protect his drunk girlfriend, asking her to leave him at the scene despite suffering a head injury himself. Officers from Bang Pakong Police Station were alerted to the incident at around 3am today, June 27, after a sedan crashed into an electricity pole…

  • People’s Alliance rallies to protect Koh Kut, oust Thai PM

    People’s Alliance rallies to protect Koh Kut, oust Thai PM

    The People’s Alliance for Democracy has kicked off a movement to protect Thailand’s sovereignty over Koh Kut, rallying against neighbouring Cambodia’s claims on the island. The movement, led by Kanyut Boonloy, a former civil servant and local leader, gathered around 200 people in Trat yesterday, June 26. Residents, civil servants, former civil servants, students, and merchants donned yellow shirts, waving…

  • Thai abbot accuses bank of embezzling over 1.3 billion baht

    Thai abbot accuses bank of embezzling over 1.3 billion baht

    A Thai abbot in the Isaan province of Ubon Ratchathani is taking legal action against a bank for allegedly embezzling over 1.3 billion baht from a non-profit organisation under his care. Phra Panya Wachiramolee, the abbot of Wat Pa Si Saeng Tham in Khong Chiam district, Ubon Ratchathani, shared on social media that over 1.3 billion baht had disappeared from…

  • Thai govt urged to scrap casino bill over constitutional concerns

    Thai govt urged to scrap casino bill over constitutional concerns

    A Senate committee reviewing the controversial casino bill has called on the government to withdraw its draft legislation, warning that it could violate multiple sections of Thailand’s 2017 Constitution. Yesterday, June 26, Senator Veerapun Suvannamai, the chair of the panel, highlighted that the bill may breach Sections 3, 58, 63, and 65 of the Constitution. He explained that the legislation,…

  • PAO official escapes rape attempt by colleague at Pathum Thani love hotel

    PAO official escapes rape attempt by colleague at Pathum Thani love hotel

    A female official from a Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) narrowly escaped a rape attempt by a colleague at a love hotel in the central province of Pathum Thani on June 19. The victim complained to Kukot Police Station, accusing a member of the Khlong Luang PAO, Noppanan “Tee” Noocharoen, of attempted rape. The victim is reportedly a PAO official from a…

  • Black beauty: Rare leopard spotted at Phetchaburi national park

    Black beauty: Rare leopard spotted at Phetchaburi national park

    Another rare black leopard has been spotted in Kaeng Krachan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Thailand. The sighting, which took place on Wednesday, June 25 at 5.20pm, sparked excitement among nature enthusiasts and wildlife experts. This breathtaking encounter was captured at the 18-kilometre mark of the park, a popular spot for butterfly-watching, highlighting the park’s rich biodiversity. Park Chief Mongkol Chaiphakdi…

  • Phuket airport tightens security, passengers urged to arrive early

    Phuket airport tightens security, passengers urged to arrive early

    Phuket airport is on high alert following the discovery of an explosive device hidden in an abandoned motorcycle on its premises. Passengers are urged to arrive at least two hours early from today, as security measures have been tightened in the aftermath of the threat. The warning comes after bomb experts successfully neutralised the device found on Wednesday night, June…

  • Thailand’s 36% US tariff at risk: Will minister secure a deal?

    Thailand’s 36% US tariff at risk: Will minister secure a deal?

    Thailand is on the edge of a crucial trade deadline with the US, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira announced today that he will be heading to the US next week for urgent trade negotiations. With Thailand facing a 36% tariff on its exports unless a deal is struck, time is running out for the kingdom to…

  • Pattaya sports complex plagued by delays and corruption concerns

    Pattaya sports complex plagued by delays and corruption concerns

    A staggering 774 million baht sports complex in Pattaya, Chon Buri, designed to serve as a national hub for sports events, has been left in a state of neglect and disrepair since its construction began in 2008. Yesterday, June 26, Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), led by Secretary-General Saroj Phueng-ramphan, conducted an on-site inspection of the Eastern Region National Sports…

  • Gunmen at large after fatal shooting of Thai businessman in Kanchanaburi

    Gunmen at large after fatal shooting of Thai businessman in Kanchanaburi

    Two suspects remain at large following the fatal shooting of a Thai businessman in the car park of a construction materials store in the central province of Kanchanaburi. The 51 year old victim, Sittikorn, also known as Sia Piak, was gunned down outside the store in the Pak Phraek sub-district of Mueang district on Wednesday, June 25. Sittikorn and his…

  • Thai student attacked in New York, transport staff criticised

    Thai student attacked in New York, transport staff criticised

    A 26 year old Thai student and aspiring model was attacked and robbed in New York, prompting concerns about the lack of assistance from Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) staff. She was forced to flag down a vehicle to seek help from police. A Facebook user shared details of the incident today, June 27, highlighting a warning for Thai nationals to…

  • Fugitive Irishman caught in Thailand after 415-day visa overstay

    Fugitive Irishman caught in Thailand after 415-day visa overstay

    Immigration officers in Krabi apprehended an Irish national who overstayed his visa by 415 days. Yesterday, June 26, Police Lieutenant General Panumas Boonyalak, along with senior immigration officials, coordinated with the Irish police to locate the suspect, who has a history of criminal activities in Ireland. The Irishman is reportedly involved in numerous crimes, including 12 offences related to drug…

  • Police drives against traffic flow and fatally crashes woman in Ratchaburi

    Police drives against traffic flow and fatally crashes woman in Ratchaburi

    A police officer, who was reportedly drunk, drove against the flow of traffic and crashed into several motorcycles, resulting in the death of a 64 year old woman in the central province of Ratchaburi yesterday, June 26. The fatal accident occurred at 7.55am on Song Phon Road, in front of an Isuzu car showroom. A motorist stuck in traffic on…

  • Phuket soldier honoured in royal ceremony after fatal sniper attack

    Phuket soldier honoured in royal ceremony after fatal sniper attack

    His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua has granted a final tribute to Private First Class (PFC) Pakom Suden, a young Phuket soldier killed during a patrol in Thailand’s Deep South. The special ceremony took place yesterday, June 26 at 1.30pm, at the Muslim cemetery in Baan Bang Malao, Sakhu, where officials, soldiers, police officers, Islamic religious leaders, and family…

  • Pattaya kidnap: Russian journalist extorted for over 2.5 million baht

    Pattaya kidnap: Russian journalist extorted for over 2.5 million baht

    A Russian journalist was left traumatised and nearly 2.5 million baht poorer after being kidnapped, assaulted, and extorted by a gang of fellow Russians. The harrowing ordeal took place in Pattaya, with the victim, identified as David, a special correspondent for a Russian news agency, left with bruises and marks of assault. Yesterday, June 26, at 9pm, Pattaya City Police…

  • Bomb plot in Phuket: 6 suspects arrested, officials continue search

    Bomb plot in Phuket: 6 suspects arrested, officials continue search

    Officials are searching for two more bombs, which the suspects claimed to have hidden on Surin Beach in Phuket. All six criminals involved in the bomb plot were arrested. Officers from Mueang Phang Nga Police Station apprehended two suspects, 29 year old Muhama Wadeng and 27 year old Sulaiman Gaza, in the southern province of Phang Nga at 3.30am on…

  • Alcohol sales hours to change in Thailand starting today

    Alcohol sales hours to change in Thailand starting today

    In a major shake-up to alcohol sales in Thailand, the Royal Gazette has announced that new regulations will take effect starting today. Under the new rules, the sale of alcoholic beverages will be restricted to specific hours, but there are three major exceptions. Here’s what you need to know about the changes that will affect bars, restaurants, and travellers. Yesterday,…

  • 20-baht flat fare for Bangkok trains starts September 30

    20-baht flat fare for Bangkok trains starts September 30

    Bangkok’s electric train network will soon have a flat fare of just 20 baht. Starting from September 30, passengers will be able to travel on all eight electric train lines in the capital and surrounding areas for the same low price. But there’s a catch—if you want to take advantage of the new system, you’ll need to register via the…

  • What to do in Bangkok this weekend (June 27 to 29)

    What to do in Bangkok this weekend (June 27 to 29)

    Bangkok is warm, wet, and heavy with that mid-year feeling. Skies flip between clear and grey, and the air smells like rain before it arrives. But the city is alive, as always. There are shows to see, artists to support, and new places to duck into when the clouds break open. Here the best things to do in Bangkok this…

  • NACC probes justice minister, DSI chief over senate collusion

    NACC probes justice minister, DSI chief over senate collusion

    Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has launched an investigation into the actions of Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong and the director general of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), Police Major Yutthana Praedam, following allegations of misconduct during the investigation into alleged collusion in the Senate elections. The NACC’s decision to establish a committee to investigate the two officials follows a formal complaint lodged by…